Cleo looks at the dead body, wondering aloud what kind of evil would do that to another living thing... she referring to the "twisted and insane mockery part", not the "decimated by arrow and blade" bit.
This is exactly what would occur if someone drank the black water at the altar of Lamashtu.
Well we have gotten rid of another goblin, at least I think it is a goblin. I reckon we should bring this along as well, not proper to have it all twisted up even more.
Why are we bring the dead goblin with us? Cleo asks the big man.
This doesn't look like any normal goblin. Maybe we can find out if there is some major nasty magic goin on down here.
Everyone is able to head back out of the Catacombs without issue. Up above, the guards asks "Oh you're back! Was wonderin' if you'd come back atall. So, did you kill whatever was down there?"
We killed some deformed goblin and other nasties along with a flying thing that took a heckoa a lot to put down. There might be more down there, we haven't checked out the whole place. Furnok shows the goblin. This was supposed to be a goblin but somethin has twisted it, we need to check with anyone who might be able to help us figure stuff out.
OH! realization hit the wee Halfling like a rampaging imaginary bear. The pool! It must be filled with black water from the altar of Lamashtu!! she positively beams spreading the knowledge like she was. It would account the goblin's twisted appearance
So who is this Llamashoo?
She's not the good kind of mother either. No warm hugs from her.
Ugh..well okay, we got an evil temple down there that we need to get rid off. Maybe any ideas how to get rid of those nasty pools?
We should talk to the priest whose name Cleo remembers perfectly but her handler is still without coffee.
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As the approached to surface, Vandra wearily gave to strange weapon a good look, trying to determin its properties and informed the others. "There is also what I believe to be some kind of summoning alter down there," he told the guard. "The best thing to do would he to get the head priest and the academy's headmaster down there to see if they can destroy it."
When Vandra fails to identify the sword, Ali focuses his own mind and magics to the task.
Shrugging, the Summoner moves on. There was bigger fish to fry this day than a mystery weapon.
Vandra identifies the sword to have a special use.
This spiky, smoking red longsword functions as a +1 Longsword.
As long as the sword is being wielded (not worn), the user gains 5 resistance to fire damage.
Once per day, the longsword can be commanded to erupt into flame and upon a successful melee attack, deliver a Touch of Combustion spell in addition to the regular damage delivered (although, the user could use a touch attack to deliver only the spell). The command word is ghâsh. After the attack has been delivered, the longsword loses it's smokey red coloration and turns to a dark ash color until the next day.
The word ghâsh is the orcish word for "fire".
The guard looks to be quaking in his boots. He makes a few religious gestures and prays "Inheritor, protect us from this demonry, please!"
"Those pools, they must be destroyed! I'm sure you know where the Cathedral is, go there and speak to Zantus, quickly. He'll know what to do."
Furnok nods. Calm yerself down, we'll be right off to deal with them. Furnok then helps take the corpse to the church.
I'm all set with my falchion and hammer.
Ali frowns but holds out his hand for the sword. "Till we decide to sell it, I may as well get in some practice with a long blade."
Cleo has no need for a sword taller than she is.
The lone guard keeps a desperate watch on the tunnel as the group goes topside to speak with Father Zantus in the Cathedral.
"Goodevening, friends. Is there anything that I can provide for you?"
Cleo will give the Father as many details as she can remember.
Pushing past the others once they reach topside, Ali strolls along, glad to be out in to the light of day again. He moves through the streets with a faint smile on his face, making his way to the Chapel.
When the Priest speaks, Ali points over his shoulder at Furnok. "The big one has an ugly Goblin that has been messed up by the waters of Lamashtu." He then points over his other shoulder at Vandra, "And the useful one has a tale about pools that summon demons from somewhere to here. Fascinating stuff. What are we doing about it?"
Father Zantus' brow furrows as he takes in the information from Maria, Cleo, and Ali. He strokes his beard in thought for nearly a full minute.
"Hmmm well let's start with the altar that creates the foul water. Your first job will be to destroy the physical altar itself, which will require something heavy... ah, your hammer will work Furnok. Then, you need to consecrate the area in the name of a good deity. That should do the trick. Oh! You should also protect yourselves against evil forces, should they try to curse you when you destroy the altar. Let me see here..."
Father Zantus goes around searching the drawers and cabinets around each shrine, bringing a wand and scroll.
"Okay, this should do it. Cleo, in here I have a wand of protection from evil that I can give to you. Also, this here is a scroll of consecration. I know that this spell is a little more difficult to cast, but trust me when I say I think you can do it. Think of the tenets of Deadeye when you cast it, and you will succeed."
"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Father Zantus gives a smile to Maria, but it has a sad, lamenting look to it. "We live in dark times, Maria. Plenty of things have happened to our village over the years. Evil, terribly evil things. I have long suspected something foul to be brewing. This Cathedral is more than a place to worship, it is our only defence against supernatural threats. The people depend on us to protect them should evil threaten them. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, but am humbled and honored to uphold."
Looking up to the rest of you, he says "I advise you to speak with Sabyl Sorn, who lives within the House of Blue Stones. I am unsure if she will grant you access, but if you do there is a library filled with knowledge on the history of Thassilon and it's relationship with the Outer Planes. I believe it will serve you well in relation to this mysterious well you have identified."
We should head there next and check up on whatever that weird pool was.
Yes sir Cleo feeling self conscious, I will do my best she smiled up to Furnok, agreeing with him on their next course of action.
What is the House of Blue Stones? Cleo asks Furnok and Ali (as the only natives)
The House of Blue Stones is a small monastery within Sandpoint. It is dedicated to Irori, the Master of Masters. A few decades ago, it was a common place for pilgrims to stay on their way to the Windsong Abbey to the north. Now, the monastery rarely has visitors and is looked after by only one person.
Monestary for travelers going north, just one caretaker there right now.
"Sounds like a solid plan" - Helgarr nods at Vandra - "I have never encountered such creatures. We should do our best to gather as much information as we can before proceeding"
She turns to Zantus and bows - "Thank you father. Perhaps henceforth we can aid you in the defense of Sandpoint, as best as we can"
"Are we going to bury or burn the wretched creature's body?" - the barbarian woman inquires of Furnok.
Burning sounds better.
"Deal" - Helgarr nods.
"Blessings be with you. My caretaker and I can cremate the goblin's remains. While it is never easy to tell if a creature will arise from it's grave, I would make an educated guess this one has a good chance. Best of luck to you." Father Zantus says before they depart, taking the goblin corpse with him.
Maria and the others head over to the House of Blue Stones. It is a single story building made entirely of stone. When the bell is rung, a Chelaxian woman roughly in her late twenties steps out. She wears a blue silk robe with navy breeches underneath, all adorned with various beads and flecks of silver. Although she is human, her movements immediately look like the grace of an elf.
"Goodevening, goblin slayers. What brings you to the temple?"