Old man Brodert conjures a large floating disk to help transport the bodies, who are then covered in blood-soaked cloaks. Everyone leaves in silence, contemplating what transpired within the cathedral of Lamashtu. Was it all worth it? What might they had done better?
But at least one thing was for certain: The ancient pool will no longer spawn sinspawn, and it's caretaker, the crazed quasit, is dead.
As they walked through the town of Sandpoint, people watched in shock. Murmuring and rumours spread like wildfire among the gossipy town. By the time the group arrived at the Cathedral, Father Zantus was already waiting for them.
Father Zantus says that he'll take care of everything. He'll meet with the families and discuss rites (as different religions ask for different things. Such as Sarenites prefer cremation, Pharasmans prefer burial, and Gozrans prefer funeral at sea.)
- Speak with various NPCs (such as the families, Titus, the Mayor, etc)
- Earn money from Profession, Perform, Unskilled labor, other skills, etc.
- Begin crafting an item
- Do some research
- Rest and recover
- Do some shopping
- Listen to the gossip and rumors
Cleo will find herself drawn to the jail, and sit staring at the captive goblin.
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As they walked towards the cathedral and Father Zantus, Vandra thought long and hard about his life and what he wanted out of it. While he still wanted to find out why the cult attacked his home, he realized that he didn't have any other goals. Nothing to really strive for, other than to make sure he made his mother proud. But he put those thoughts out of his head for the moment as they reached their destination. After Father Zantus dismissed the others to go about his duties, he made his way up to the man and said, "Father, if it is acceptable, I would like to go with you to talk to the men's families. It was because of me that they died, and they deserve to know the truth."
We should make sure the families are provided for. Perhaps through Father Zantus so it doesn't look so callous.
"Agreed Furnok" - Helgarr nods - "Father, we want to make sure the families are not wanting because of what has happened, but also that they do not feel we are doing charity for them, lest their pride be as hurt as well as their heart for the loss"
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Turning to Ali once they are away from the church - "My friend, we need to talk about the fiery gem collected underground - you may be the one most knowledgeable in such matters" - she points out - "I need a drink, so perhaps you will join me and take a look at it?"
Ali stares dully at Helgarr for a moment before his eyes seem to focus. He nods, looking around at the gathered party before sighing. "Sure, I could do with a drink. Let's go take a look at the stone and sate a thirst."
With that being said, he turned on his heels, not towards the Rusty Dragon, but towards the Hagfish. "Forgive me for taking the lead but I require a thorough saucing and I would rather not do it in front of Ami. She wouldn't approve."
"Deal" - Helgarr adds with a smile.
As they arrive at the Hagfish, she immediately goes for a secluded table, asking for two ales, and putting the wrapped stone on the table - "I'm not saying it is magical, just that it is out of the ordinary" - she points out - "And why are you in need of a saucing my friend?"
Perhaps talk to the scholar fellow who came with us into the ruins.
"Because two good people died and we are nowhere near we to dealing with the Goblins than we were before. I know we did good today and we protected the town bit while we were doing that, and while we are waiting now, there are Goblins up to no good. So I get drunk to forget. And to help with the guilty. And to remember the fallen." he smiled sadly before drawing some runes and casting them over the wrapped gem with one hand, using the other to take a drink of ale.
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"I see" - Helgarr nods, and takes another long drink from her ale - "In my tribe, a death in combat is the best one you can have" - she seems to ponder for a moment - "Much better than a sickbed, or old age" - the barbarian adds.
"The idea of dying while fighting to defend your own is the only way most of my Quah can even cope with the notion of death itself - there is sadness for the departure of those we miss, and for the things that may still lay ahead of him or her in their life. But there is also comfort in knowing they had a good death" - she again pauses, this time looking at her companion - "I'm not sure I am explaining myself in the best way but... It is more a feeling, a faith, than it is a doctrine... Is there anything you would be willing to die for?"
she does love you... Cleo whispers to the insane smile... knees to her chest she tries to shake this horrible... pull.
"Yes. I'd die for this village. I'd die for Ami and I'd die for my friends. But I don't have children. And no child should grow up without his or her parent..." The young man looks up at the Barbarian, a cold anger in his eyes. "Those guards died clean, that is true but their families deserved better." He sighed, the emotion draining away as soon as it had come.
"I just don't like watching kids suffer."
Father Zantus calmly places his hand on Vandra's shoulders and says to him "My dear son. Are you certain you wish to meet the families? Folk handle grief in different ways, and none of them are pleasant. Even the purest of heart may not qualm emotions as violent as Gozreh's storms. Love is a powerful, and terrible thing."
Father Zantus replies "I'm sure the families could use the financial aid, though I believe that there is no need to rush. This is a very new development, and sometimes it is best to wait out the storm."
Ali recognizes the crystal as a fire enchantment. Imbuing the crystal into a weapon or suit of armor will enhance it's capabilities.
Weapon: +1d6 fire damage on a hit
Armor: 5 fire resistance
The goblin doesn't understand what Cleo says, but she sits at the edge of her cell and listens curiously.
I felt it... I... Cleo shuffles to the bars trying to understand. At the altar it washed though her. The love the goddess of monsters felt toward her children, pure LOVE, like nothing Cleo had every felt. I... tears rolling freely down her cheeks, I want...
She stops, suddenly afraid and guilt ridden, familiar feelings No, I'm confused, ignore me. she gives a weak laugh Well I guess you are doing that, aren't you, little one?
I'll take your advice and let them grieve. Just give us word when you think we can offer aid.
"This is an enchantment. I do not have the skills necessary to enchant items yet but using this you could enchant your weapon to burn your enemies when you strike, or your armour to soak up some of the heat from flames. Very useful thing..." Ali slid the crystal over the table to the woman.
"I'd ask that wizard fellow Vandra is chummy with. His ability is probably good enough to see it through!"
The goblin cocks her head to the side, then holds her bound hands out in front of her. Much like that of a young child, asking for alms for the local church.
I don't understand she explains to nothing... reaching in her pouch she offers any food she ferreted away from breakfast, for later.
I'll take your advice and let them grieve. Just give us word when you think we can offer aid.
"Agreed - just make sure to let us know if we can be of assistance to any of them"
"Yes. I'd die for this village. I'd die for Ami and I'd die for my friends. But I don't have children. And no child should grow up without his or her parent..." The young man looks up at the Barbarian, a cold anger in his eyes. "Those guards died clean, that is true but their families deserved better." He sighed, the emotion draining away as soon as it had come.
"I just don't like watching kids suffer."
"No one does Alandrian, yet their parents died exactly for them to have the best they can" - Helgarr takes another drink - "And not having to live with that horror below, and perhaps fall unto another unspeakable fate we can only guess at..." - she adds - "But please, do not misunderstand me - I mourn their loss too. Please remember nothing prevents you from becoming a 'tutor' for one of the children" -the young woman continues - "As long as the family agrees - it is not uncommon in my tribe"
"This is an enchantment. I do not have the skills necessary to enchant items yet but using this you could enchant your weapon to burn your enemies when you strike, or your armour to soak up some of the heat from flames. Very useful thing..." Ali slid the crystal over the table to the woman.
"I'd ask that wizard fellow Vandra is chummy with. His ability is probably good enough to see it through!"
"Very well, that matter is settled, and we shall address it later" - the barbarian puts the stone away in her backpack again - "Another round?" - she smiles at Ali.
Cleo doesn't hesitate. She cradles the goblin's hand and lays the food, some wrapped up sausages, into her palms, giving her a smile. Then, if she isn't devoured, she'll sit back down against the wall, until sleep overtakes her.
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Ali smiled and shook his head softly before taking a long drink from his mug. "Me? Tutor? Nah, all of this," he gestured to himself and his crossbow, "all of the magic, all of the bluster? Dumb luck. I was born with an innate ability to rip sentient beings from their homes and force them in to battle to protect me. Not really all that inspiring..."
"Vandra though, that kid is the real deal. To do what he did, trap a soul and transfer it in to a living creature, while keeping the soul intact enough to remain sentient, to keep their memories... Dude has serious magical ability. And Maria? All of the force of will of a dragon and the subtlety of a whisper on the wind. And to keep herself going through all of it at such a young age? She is pretty amazing..." He frowned in to his drink before downing it.
"That of course isn't to even speak about Furnok or yourself, weapons like silvery gleams of death, cutting down evil with all of the strength of Gorum and the finesse of Cayden Cailean himself. Truly without you our little group would have fallen long ago." He nodded.
"Which of course brings us to the linchpin of the group, our heart, our soul, the only pure being among us, Cleo. She is our saviour, that is for sure. She keeps us healthy, keeps us sane, or well at least she does me..." he trailed off, staring in to the empty mug.
"I'm just a two bit slave master forcing bigger, more powerful beings to fight for me. Not something any kid should look up to."
He looked up with a smile when another drink was suggested, and nodded. "Aye. It's on me. Same again or something stronger?"
Glad to be of help.
"Very well, then we best be on our way." says Father Zantus as he puts on a black cloak and steps outside. "Dearest Lady Desna, please be the lantern that guides their caravans to the spiralling spire."
As they set out, the Father says "Our first destination is known as Risa's place. A small tavern run by the Magravi family. The guard's name is Vodger Magravi. Risa is his mother, and he has a brother named Besk, and a sister named Lanalee."
Maria pours all her mental and physical energy into carpentry, which makes guildmaster Aestrick quite pleased. He doesn't seem to mind Maria's lack of conversation, but it would be foolish to assume that the wise Dwarf did not notice. At the end of the evening, he thanks Maria politely, and hands her a gold piece and five silver. "Ye do good hard work there young lass. If'n ye ever need anythin, ye let me know ye'hear?"
The goblin, who has already chewed through her fourth gag today, eagerly reaches out and snatches the food from Cleo. She downs it in mere seconds and thanks Cleo with a belch. She pauses for a moment in surprise, and looks at Cleo quizzically. As Cleo sits with her back against the prison, the Goblin settles down, and does the same.
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Maria moves slowly towards the inn still thinking over what happened in the temple and yawning. She waves tiredly at Ameiko before heading upstairs, her belly ignored in favor of sweet oblivion. Despite her hopes her rest is anything but peaceful and upon getting up in the morning her lack of sleep it obvious. She tries to disguise this the best she can.
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"How long have the Magravi's lived in Sandpoint?" Vandra asked, holding his arms close to his chest. Unfortunately, it wasn't the cool evening air that was causing him to shiver. "I'm assuming that, since they own a tavern, they've been here for a while. Probably have good friends throughout the town." Flashbacks of his old home swam behind his eyes, the burned-down shells that formerly held his neighbors replacing the well-built buildings they passed by. "What are they like, personally?"
"Since it was formally settled in '67." Father Zantus replies "Miz Risa handed it over to her three children back... oh about a dozen years ago. Wonderful woman, she is. She followed the wind when she was younger, and now tells the locals about her travels, myths, and old legends. Yes, she and her children are well known. Most locals spend their evenings here, while the Dragon caters more to adventuring types. Lanalee takes after her mother in a number of ways, but Besk is a bit more... well, let's just say that he makes sure the tavern is well managed. Are there any other questions you have before we begin?"
Furnok silently follows.
"Very well. And you're welcome to join too, Furnok." The good Father says. He takes you into the homely tavern, which is decorated with various local paintings featuring Sandpoint. There are also a number of book shelves with books written by the locals, all about the history of Sandpoint, local legends, and fantastical tales. At the head of the bar stands Besk, a Varisian man in his mid 30's with balding grey-brown hair, and blue eyes. "Ah, evening Father, usual for you?"
"No thanks, Besk. We're walking a holy path tonight. May we please speak with you, your sister, and your mother?"
The man's demeanor darkens.
"Is this to do with Vod?" he asks.
"It would be best if we could speak in private." Father Zantus replies.
The man nodded, his head spinning. He brings you upstairs to a large bed room. Inside, the place is covered with silks of all colors. An old woman lays on a comfy lounger, wearing a bright red robe with black flowers. She smokes a long pipe and gases blankly into seemingly nothing. On the floor next to her is a woman a few years Ameiko's elder. She has long brown hair, blue eyes, and wears a mischievous smile. However, when the group enters the room, all signs of happiness die out.
Father Zantus kneels on the ground before them. "Miz Risa, Lanalee, and Besk. I and my companions Vandra, and Furnok come to you on Pharasma's wish, to tell you that your son and brother, Vodger..."
"... has died." Finishes Miz Risa, the old woman, with a puff of smoke.
Lanalee gasps and covers her mouth, while Risa and Besk hold firm. Father Zantus continues. "Yes, well, with me is young master Vandra, who was present when Vodger died. He has asked to say a few words."
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"It was my fault he died today," Vandra said, fighting to keep his eyes on the three and not looking down at his feet. "My companions and I found an evil summoning shrine deep below town, and upon requesting help to defeat the monsters summoned forth were granted a few of the city guards, Vodger one of them. During the course of the battle, one of the creatures, a giant undead, would have killed my mother and I if Vodger and another had not jumped in front of the blade. They bought us time to finally put an end to the menace and died as true heroes. I believed that you deserved to know the truth of how he died, and I take full responsibility of his demise."
Aye ma'am. They fell defending Vandra and his mother, I can't claim to understand how any of you feel and you have my most sincere condolences.
Lanalee has tears dripping from her eyes, but she doesn't make a sound. Besk nods solemnly. With another puff of smoke, the old woman Risa says "give me his hand." When Vandra gives his hand, he notices that Risa is blind. She traces the lines of his hand silently, and the room is completely still save for the lingering waft of smoke.
"It has been written in the lines." She says after a time. "The weave of fate has plans for him. He has been assigned a task of great importance, perhaps he does not know it yet. Many will die from his magic, so that many others shall live. The Weavers guide him, and protect him from a mortal's death. Speaking of which, he shall awake tomorrow in terrible woe. The Weaver's reminder for him to take care of himself."
After that, she releases his hand. "They may leave, now. There is another who has died."
Furnok nods and silently leaves.
Father Zantus seems only a bit less stunned than Vandra. "Perhaps. I've never heard anyone call her The Weaver before. Though Pharasma does not have a large following in these parts. Risa is very mysterious, always has been."
"Our next visit is a small house belonging to the Marsks. Dorn has worked as a guard for a long time in order to support his wife Tess and his two children Katerin, and Lander. I've known Katerin since she was born. She's perhaps the most imaginative child I have ever met. Lander is a few years older, and he seems to take after his father. Reserved, hard working, stubborn." He ponders for a bit.
"That's a good young man. This way." Says Father Zantus. He leads Vandra to a small house made of wood. After he knocks on the door, Tess answers. She is a bit of a larger woman, with long blond hair and brown eyes. She wears a brown dress that uses small sea shells as buttons. Upon seeing Father Zantus, she immediately breaks down into tears. Peeking out the door is a little girl, perhaps 5 years old, who asks "Why is mummy crying?"
Furnok lets Vandra and Zantus do the talking.
"Bad news? What bad news?" Katerin asks. Her mother ushers her inside, and with a lot of insisting, manages to get Katerin to bed. She collapses in a a wooden chair, her head spinning wildly. "What happened?" she mutters, staring blankly into nothing.
Father Zantus motions for Vandra to take the lead.
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With a briefly bowed head, he looked at the broken woman and said, "My companions and I had found a large threat to Sandpoint deep under the Glassworks building. When we requested help from the city guard, your husband was one of those who bravely volunteered to help protect his city." Here his voice slightly broke. "The-the battle was going we for us, but at the end, an enemy managed to catch my mother and I by surprise. Dorn and one other gave their life to save us. They died heroes, and their sacrifices allowed us to bring down the final remnant of evil down there. We were fortunately able to bring their bodies back up to the city they loved, and they are currently resting at the chapel. I believed you deserved to know the truth of what happened and not some contrived platitude."
Tess begins to sob, and Father Zantus kneels down and tries to comfort her. As Vandra finishes, a moment of silence (apart from the sobbing) ensues. Then she says quietly "But why is a kid fighting?" The tears stop flowing for a moment. "Why is there a kid? If he hadn't been there, D-D-Dorn w-would have lived!"
Father Zantus tries to intervene "Now Tess, that's not really fair..."
"No it's not!" She cries. "My husband died to protect a kid who shouldn't have even been there!"
lowest
by homebrew, results in +3
So total is 8+3=11. DC was 20 (yes, I know that's very high, but I think it's appropriate)
Tess raises her hand and motions to slap Vandra, but her anger falters just before. She stands limp, and tears fall down her silent face. "Get out." she says.
"Patience, my son." said Father Zantus as he put a comforting arm around the boy. "All good things come to those who wait."
The night was dark and stormy with rushing winds and lighting off the Varisian coast. As the storm settled and the sun rose up, dew shone along the still green grass and blooming wildflowers.
While a few clouds remain overhead, today is sunny and warm with a seaborne cool breeze. Song birds are heard from the trees and the tops of houses.
You awake within the garrison, with your back still to the prison wall of the goblin. The goblin has left you be, and has slept next to you for the night. When you awake, you notice a dark hand on your shoulder. You look up to see the curious face of a weary Sheriff Hemlock, wearing water-soaked travelling clothes.
"Mornin' Cleo. Are you alright?"
You wake up multiple times during the night to vomit. You are very dizzy, and have a hard time finding your balance. When you look in the mirror, you see that your face is covered in giant pus-filled pimples. You feel like you have a hard time concentrating to anything going on around you.
Mechanically, you are fully disabled. Anytime you make a standard action, your hitpoints drop by 1 or to -1, whichever is worse. Additionally, the DC of all your spells are reduced by 2, and you lose your highest level spells.
A successful DC 15 Heal check will inform anyone what the sickness is, and beating the DC by 5 will reveal the stages and which stage you are currently on.