The witch is unable to withstand the combined might of the remaining members of the party-her corpse drops to the ground.
***end of combat***
Alamin...speak to me Ghost Rider.
You are not allowed to join Saranrae.
Check on Alamin...
Whatever life was left inside of Alamin's mortal coil has been fully and eternally extinguished.
Beyond pissed off....
Alamin...
What are the rules of true Warriors of Saranrae
Whatever life was left inside of Alamin's mortal coil has been fully and eternally extinguished.
But Alamin was cool whereas Benedict is just a tool.
You cannot understand how Randtam feels.
He will make sure her body is protected...and bring her home.
Alamin is my friend . My love for you is unimaginable. My friend,
It should have been me..
Balator hides his tears by kneeling down to search the remains of the witch, speaking to it as he does so.
"May you burn in hell forever witch."
The party finds the following:
+1 dagger
+3 amulet of natural armor
+4 belt of incredible dexterity
+4 headband of vast intelligence (history/planes)
+3 ring of protection
+1 full plate
+2 bastard sword
+1 bastard sword
+2 cloak of resistance
+1 ring of protection
+4 headband of vast intelligence (history/religion)
lesser extend metamagic rod
+4 ring of protection
5,750 GP worth of gold, gems, and jewels.
In addition there are journals that clearly demonstrate the witches were working with Radvir to create an elixir for vampires that would eliminate the bonds of master vampires over vampires they had created. The elixir was created by using the humors of captured vampires, mixing it with the bloodknight's secretions, and then adding spellcraft to the mix.
Radvir was clearly intent on freeing enough servitor vampires to be able to overwhelm the remaining masters and install himself as the new vampire lord. He planned to lead a host of vampires to kill and turn mortals in aid of the freeing of Tar-Baphon.
There is nothing else of note/value in the Abbey.
It looks like Balator will be tanking, so he will put his hat in the ring for:
+3 amulet of natural armor
+3 or +4 ring of protection.
It looks like Balator will be tanking, so he will put his hat in the ring for:
+3 amulet of natural armor
+3 or +4 ring of protection.
Cause AC 36 is such an easy hit magnet....
Uuranx kneels and lays his hand on Alamin's brow. "You were an invaluable companion. The world is a darker place with you not in it."
He stops and collects his breath, you hear a small sob faintly escaping as he continues,
"Your charge at the end was magnificent. While I want to rant and curse Sarenrae for the injustice of it, how can I blame her for wanting you by her side."
He stands, "Farethee well, sweet Alamin. Give our regards to the Professor. Now you can guard him in the spirit world."
Uuranx bangs his falchion against his chest twice and nods silently.
Cause AC 36 is such an easy hit magnet....It looks like Balator will be tanking, so he will put his hat in the ring for:
+3 amulet of natural armor
+3 or +4 ring of protection.
On second thought, maybe Uuranx should take the +3 Nat Armor and +4 Ring since his AC sucks. Balator could take the +3 ring.
Alamin leaves earthly items behind.
Randtam teleports her corporeal body to the necessary destination to set her soul free. She will not have her body decay in an evil place.
Also, welcome to level 12!
Also, welcome to level 12!
About damn time!
Higher levels take longer...
Taking 9th level of fighter
I'll take the lesser extend metamagic rod, unless Randtam wants it.
Randtam looks Uuranx
I lost my friend....please. You are the one who began with me and the belief of the Professor.
Alamin physical body no with us anymore, but her spirit is with us, SARANRAE!!!
Randtam watched both Balator and Uuranx say their goodbyes.
Randtam strides forward to address his deceased friend.
He caresses her brow and closes her open eyes. Then touches her heart.
Randtam is struck by the severity of the situation. Alamin is not going to resurrect and return to us. After touching her heart he now has the power to teleport her to the true home ...Church of Saranrae.
He stands in front of a mighty religious pillared and closed door Church. There are six mighty stairs that impede the way. Randtam picks up his friend and attempts to move forward. He realizes he does not have the strength. Alamin in her body form with all her belongings are beyond his strength. He is angry, he cannot give Alamin her true rites. Soul and body.
I bring my friend of Saranrae here. Why do you deny a true warrior?
Strength is found through Randtams heart and the heat from the Amulet Alamin gave him. The crafted Amulet allows him to ascend. He carries her up all six steps.
My friend, Alamin, I will always miss you. The Dawnflower holds you in her hands now.
The doors open...
The party returns to Caliphas and delivers the fallen form of Alamin to the temple of Sarenrae located within the city walls. It is an emotional time for everyone as now there are only two original party members remaining out of the four that started at the Professor's home. Randtam seems especially verklempt and overwrought but as the time passes his tempest of emotion transforms into something else-solid determination to thwart the designs of The Way.
You receive a not of congratulations from Luvick and he tells you that The Way has relocated to the infamous ruins of Renchurch and is targeting a highly placed member of Ustalav's nobility for some nefarious purpose. This is confirmed by members of the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye, who inform you that Count Galdana has disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
Lastly you also receive a note from a young street child
It is my understanding that you are responsible for my release from Siervage’s custody, and for that you have my undying thanks. I now make haste to return to my home, but there is one final piece of business I must attend to. As promised, I will tell you what I know of the Whispering Way and their plans. I leave it up to you to decide your next step. Upon further study of the sample of the elixir the Whispering Way gave me, it appears my theory that Prince Ordranti is the cult’s target was ill-founded. Instead, I’ve determined that the concoction is meant for someone else—Count Lucinean Galdana of Amaans. Judging by the components used in the elixir’s creation, the cult doesn’t just plan on transforming Galdana into a lich, however. Rather, it seems they intend to remake him into the most powerful lich this world has ever known—some sort of vessel for the Whispering Tyrant himself. I desire no part in such ill-conceived goals, and urge you to find Count Galdana before they do. At this point, I am convinced that the Whispering Way has fled to their greatest stronghold, the fortress-monastery of Renchurch, in the haunted highlands of Virlych’s Hungry Mountains, ready to enact the final phase of their plans. Should you decide to venture there in search of them, I wish you good fortune.
Sincerely yours,
Ramoska Arkminos
While the party prepares itself for what seems to be their final effort against The Way a plain looking man with an ill-fitting breastplate introduces himself. The old man looks much more a clerk scribe, or more likely an officious bureaucrat than an adventurer.
A few inches under 6' and clearly with a few more pounds than should fit his frame, a plumpish man forces an introduction upon the party while you plan for your journey to Renchurch.
Somewhat haughtily-
Ahem...
Greetings in the name of The Lady of Graves. I have received word from my superiors that I am to, ummm, accompany you on your future travels wherever they may take you. This includes into areas of harm and mishap or encounter with any evils grave or otherwise perilous.
My superiors send their thanks once more for the safe return of the Raven's Head.
My name is Benedict Powd and I am most humbly at your service.
The man clearly looks frustrated and angry to be where he is and his tone is anything but humble. His hands twitch at the clasps of his breastplate, apparently trying to find a way to make it more comfortably set on his quite prosperous torso.
Randtam has spent part of his money to buy real estate in Caliphas, maybe he now has a socalled Magic shop and a nice house on a defensible mountain,
VerklemptnMountain..until I name differently.
"Hail Benedict and well received." Uuranx greets him. "Are you sure you are up for this? It doesn't look like you've left the temple in a while."
Benedict seems taken aback just a little as he stares at the toothsome maw of Uuranx and realizes the exact composition of the party. Clearly he had previously been addressing Randtam and Balator.
Ummm, yes...well...we all have our duties and my superiors insist that the Queen of the Boneyard has determined this is mine. Your are quite right, of course, that my true talents will be wasted on this venture and I would much rather speak from the pulpit and discuss the virtues of my Lady. However, the Mother of Souls is not to be denied by any of her servants no matter how highly thought of they might be.
He looks perplexedly at Uuranx for a moment-Despite the fact that you look more like the things we should be hunting and slaying, I get a sense that you also serve the will of the divine. I see the sigil of The Inheritor on you so if Iomedae will vouch for you, I will certainly not question.
I hear that you lot have recently been involved in remediating the slayings of some Caliphas' less desirable citizens. While I can't say that I approve of you aiding the Court of Night, I suppose things may have worked out for the better in the end; even if you helped to strengthen Luvick's hold on his minions. Although I must say the unfortunate result is my being forced to accompany you from the heart of civilization to some unknown depths of darkness. It's as if Desna was writing a joke and me as the but of it.
He sighs-Those of us called to duty know better to complain. Stiff upper lip and all that. What now my newfound companions?
Balator tries to determine if he is legitimate or in the alternative an agent of the Way.
To Randtam and Uuranx.
"He certainly talks a lot, maybe he can distract the Way with his tongue while we end them."
Balator determines that Benedict appears quite legitimate. He can't imagine an agent being this difficult during an introduction.
Well now, hrmmm, indeed...Balator isn't it? Certainly I'm right here if nothing else. Apparently you didn't inherit the courtesy of your elven sires. I may not be much to look at now, but in my day never was The Way more afraid of a foe than me. The mere mention of my name would return skeletons to a peaceful repose and ghouls back to the grave. My superiors tell me that you are in need of divine assistance, Iomedae's champion not withstanding, and looking at your small group I would have to guess the same.
Would I rather spend my days tending to my flock and teaching them the ways of my Lady? Of course! How could I not? But if that same Lady insists that my wit and power must be added to whatever skills it is that you possess then I must obey.
I am ready to journey with you, although I'm not sure of your intent or destination.
"hunted and slayed..." ponders Uuranx.
"Hey Balator, maybe if I bonk him on the head a couple of times his armor will fit better. I think they taught me that in Paladin school."
chuckles Uuranx.
"Maybe it doesn't work on followers of Pharasma."
"Ooh, please say I can try."
"Maybe just one bonk."
"a little one."
"Good idea Uuranx it might help with his incessant talking as well."
Benedict opens his mouth as if to retort, but then looks at Uuranx and quickly contemplates the results of what a bonk from the mighty half-orc might be, before beginning to quietly humm something as he shifts his weight from side-to-side.
Randtam returns to his fellow advetureres and attempts to be totally strong. Randtam has steeled himself to finish this mission. He feels trepidation and a lonliness he has never endured before. Bu Alamin and the Professor would expect this to be finished. One way or another.
Uuranx, our friend Alamin has moved to a new level. Balator I know you thought she was strong in battle but she was more than that. It is time to move forward and finish what she started. Who is this gentleman amongst us? My name is Randtam.
Randtam nods his head and waits for a response. Reading the body language of the other two he looks deeply into the eyes of this mans soul and heart.
Who are you? Will you stand or run?
Benedict eyes Randtam-You are named Randtam, are you not? My superiors indicate that you are a wizard of no small powers. As I have said, I am Benedict Powd priest of Pharasma and bound to your cause until the end; whether that be the Boneyard or future days on Golarion. I prefer the latter even if I do not fear the former.
You words are wise-it is indeed time to mover forward. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your companion. Sarenrae, although not a close friend to my goddess, is a noble power to worship and I have no doubt that you all have tales to tell. However, we have not time. My ears hear that while you have been provisioning in the city, The Way has been ensconcing themselves at Renchurch and preparing for whatever the final act of their plan is.
Have you considered how you will get to Renchurch? It is near the heart of Virlych, the former demesne of Tar Baphon, and although that evil one has been imprisoned for quite some time, for all time hopefully, the heart of his strength was here and the land still suffers from his long touch.
Interesting Benedict...
I think you have knowledge of everything ahead.
I share all my knowledge about RenChurch.
I most likely know more
once again, please add to our team. Or we wil perish. The Whishpering Way will win.
I am not ready to die are you Benedict?
I am ready to die and feel quite confident of the judgement to come, although I much prefer to live. Being a servant in Pharasma's court is no small matter and I suppose it will be quite an honor, but there is a sweetness to mortal affairs that I will regret losing. Speaking of which, would any of you happen to have some wine and something to eat? It's been at least a few hours since my last repast and I could do with a small bite if we are to be planning next steps.
@BP. Here is a piece of smoked boar. We will share this together. Hopefully you and I can work together well. We have some of the same interests. Uuranx and Balator may not. But what I have learned is to not piss them off. They will keep us alive!!!
Randtam shares all knowlege
~DM handwave~
After further discussion and preparation Benedict prays for the power of windwalk and about half a day later the party arrives in the low hills of the valley that harbors Renchurch.
The ruined remains of old monastery walls break from the dust of the Virlych landscape like jagged glass on a dirty barroom floor. Several guard towers reach feebly upward, their upper levels crumbling away. Only the sharp, bloodstained blades of Renchurch Cathedral give any hint that the area is more than just a forgotten fragment of an earlier time.
Notable buildings amongst the crumbling ruins-
Rusted tower
Large house
Pond
Smaller house
Stable
Cemetery
Cathederal
Assume any other purchases/preparations you wanted to make are made and the party has rested undetected after their travel and is at full strength.
Before we set off to explore, allow me to prepare us somewhat.
Casts on all members-
Hide from undead 2 hours
Shield other on ? I'm thinking Randtam, but you guys tell me-12 hours
I have many other magics given to me by Pharasma, but they will not last as long as these two. Some I will have to cast during combat; some I can cast right before if we have time to prepare.
Which building is closest? Move forward to check it out when everyone is done casting spells and getting ready.
You approached from SE of the area so the smaller house and the stables are between you and the cathedral with the cemetery just north of the stables.
Everyone make a DC 20 WILL check as the party passes through the outer walls.
As you pass through a crumbling section of the curtain wall the smell of rotted earth and vegetation mingle with the stench of corrupted flesh. It's not quite enough to make you gag in reflex but it's close. Even though you approach during the bright light of morning, as you pass through the curtain wall the light of the sun seems somewhat fainter and the pleasant warmth it was providing turns to dank chill.
A trio of flaming arrows fly from the general direction of the Cathedral at Uuranx.
Party action.
Seen already? A bad omen I fear!
"SE bell tower, arrow slit."
Advance on the tower.
retcon, casting Heroism and Stoneskin on Balator and myself (1hr 40min)
Cast Message on everyone.
Also advance on tower...
Of course mate armor on myself. Do not want to forget that. Right Uuranx.
That was an important spell when I used it, that's for sure.
** spoiler omitted **
Just a simple question. With what I know and shared with you, why are four of us doing this and not a horde of lawful good? Just wondering the preposteronous of this endeavor.
. Care to opine. VI...or are they still looking for you?