As Zakon beheads the creature he finds a few interesting things.
Blood tattered Note:
Hosilla,
You will remain, for the time being, in Kenabres, but know this: the city’s days are numbered.
Seek a place of safety—the underground den of your mongrel lackeys should suffice to keep you safe from the devastation to come. I shall assume command of Drezen shortly, and once Vorlesh has finished with the wardstone and Kenabres is no longer of interest to us, you are to return to my side.
Excellent news regarding the salvage of Yaniel’s sword from the museum as well—bring it with you, for I believe this weapon could be quite useful once we corrupt it. Before you leave for Drezen, stop by the three safe houses (Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod—the passphrase remains “I’ve new material for the archives,” for now) to ensure no evidence remains behind.
May Lord Deskari and Lord Baphomet watch over you!
Nestled within the creature's arms or melted into it is....
An intricate box:
A small leather pouch containing an assortment of semiprecious gemstones (three chips of lapis lazuli worth 10 gp each, two bloodstones worth 50 gp each, a citrine worth 50 gp, and a white pearl worth 100 gp) as well as a scroll of bear’s endurance and a scroll of remove disease.
There is also a long, thin darkwood sword case worth 200 gp. Carved with sigils of Sarenae, teh box doesn't seem latched or seems as the the box melds into itself as one unending piece of work
Assuming You make the Appraise checks of DC 10, Knowledge (religion) DC 10.
Zakon shares what he finds with his companions. "I believe the man's name was Hosilla and that he was an accomplice for the destruction of Kenebres. I wonder if there is a command word to open the sword case?"
He detects and reads magic on the case.
Spellcraft:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
"It is beyond my comprehension. Katia, is there religious context to Yaniel's sword?"
Zakon attempts to recall any information regarding the names in the bloodied note.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
"She was their leader. I got the names from the guards. It's also good to know where those traitors are laired in Kenabres if we can ever go back there. Let's keep that scroll."
"One other thing, now that we're almost out, let's go and get our three companions. It will be safer on that side of the room than still in the lair." adds Katia as she crosses back the bloodied room to go and get Anevia, Horgus and Aravashnial.
One the way back, she tells them of what they found and asks them what they know about the three locations mentioned by the note: Nyserian Manor, Topaz Solutions, and the Tower of Estrod.
"Yaniel? Why Yes. Of course!" Aravashnial responds with some surprise.
"Yaniel, one of the Worldwound’s most famous heroines and a well told tale in Kenabres. It is said she wielded a fine sword devoted to the cause of Righteous but it was lost in the depths and never found."
"Come!" he says.
"The tale itself is splendid but if you have somehow come across reference to it then, it maybe fated to do so..." as he sits down and begins to tell the tale as swiftly as he can, his voice dry.
"This is recorded in the ancient tomes detailing back to the times of the early crusades.
In 4692 ar, soon after the start of the Fourth Crusade, a paladin of Iomedae and renowned demon slayer named Yaniel spoke out against the Mendevian crusaders, accusing them of negligence and sloth, and claiming these faults were what allowed Khorramzadeh to invade Kenabres and damage the wardstone.
Her accusations cut too close to the truth, and in a moment of weakness her superiors threatened to excommunicate her. Instead, she said she would enter the Worldwound and fight the Fourth Crusade on her own, with only her magic sword Radiance for company. The church was happy to see Yaniel go, and in the 2 years that followed, she was thought to have been slain. Yet when she returned to Kenabres in 4694 ar, leading a small army of crusaders she’d rescued, both Yaniel and her superiors had changed.
For her part, Yaniel had shed her pride and insubordination, and had gained a new appreciation for the difficult decisions leaders are forced to make. And the church leaders had learned that sometimes the truth is exactly what you need to hear. Alas, Yaniel was assassinated before the year was out, slain by the lilitu demon Minagho only a week into her second personal crusade. Her followers managed to return to Kenabres with Radiance, but Yaniel’s body had been taken. The sword had gone dark after Yaniel’s death, its magical powers apparently lost, and so the crusaders elected to place it in the Gray Garrison on display. Yet several months ago it was stolen by the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, who plan to soon send the sword north to Drezen for corruption into a weapon of evil.
Of course the last part being mere folktale and the blade was lost but the recorded as stolen so as to preserve her legacy." Aravashnial mentions the last part as though as an afterthought.
Anevia looks startled.
"Irabeth and the Eagle Watch must know about this and the Sword of Yaniel was thought lost but does it seem that somehow it has being retrieved and kept hidden here? The note does seem to indicate so. Furthermore the sword was retrieved from a museum? How can that be and no one in Kenabreas knows about it." She pauses.
"If the sword is somehow in these caverns but hidden, then it is our duty to retrieve it and take it away from these evil ones. They seek to destroy a priceless artifact! If....If...I could perhaps get it to my wife....perhaps it may be of more use to her!!!"
"Indeed. I for one am particularly intrigued by the mention of the Tower of Estrod being a safe house and would like to either investigate it or learn more about it second hand." Aravashnial comments, a tinge of envy in his voice.
Horgus stays very silent and does nothing else beyond staying close to his perceived protector.
Sense Motive DC 10::
He's Nervous about something and though he hides it well, he seems shaken about finding out something previously unknown to him.
Katia however discovers that the carved sigils on the box seem to represent one of Saranae's greatest truimphs in imprisioning a great hero but they are not in sequence.........
The sigils do nothing but depress slightly as Katia runs her hands around it until finally with a click, the lid pops open—inside lies a breathtaking longsword—a weapon of obviously superior craftsmanship with a razor-sharp blade that appears to be made of shining gold. The blade is in fact made of cold iron that has been magically infused to make it appear as if it were made of gold.
Touching it, Katia instantly knows that the weapon is different. Very much so.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
nightdeath wrote:
The sigils do nothing but depress slightly as Katia runs her hands around it until finally with a click, the lid pops open—inside lies a breathtaking longsword—a weapon of obviously superior craftsmanship with a razor-sharp blade that appears to be made of shining gold. The blade is in fact made of cold iron that has been magically infused to make it appear as if it were made of gold.
Touching it, Katia instantly knows that the weapon is different. Very much so.
"Blessed be Desna. This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.", says Katia presenting the contents of the box to everyone. "I think the question of the localization of Yaniel's sword is solved. Garrett, you may want to take it and bring it back to the surface."
M Human (Ulfen) Brd 1/Cav 2 | AC 16 / 11 tch / 15 fl | HP 23/24 | Init +5
Also assuming the detect evil comes back clean...
Unable to resist the draw of the amazing sword, Selby asks for the chance to hold it. Touching the formidable blade with the tip of his finger, he smiles appreciatively. He lifts it, tosses it from one hand to the other and back, and then gives two quick swipes and a lunge. Satisfied, he hands it back to Garrett.
Selby finds the blade seems to resonate in his hands and it seems far lighter than is suggested by its make. Its balance is exellent and its edge keen and clean from nicks.
There doesn't seem to be any form of Evil radiating from it.
Assuming the party moves on. H 15
This large chamber must have once been a cistern for the sewer system. Walls made of identical stone blocks hold up a lofty ceiling reinforced with elegant stone arches, while the center of the room contains a more recent-looking structure made of brick walls that reach from floor to ceiling.
What's more notable is the rather large burnt hole in the middle leading straight and more blood and identifiable corpses before you find what seems to be some form of fiery explosion that scorched the walls with grime and soot, with the epicentre unmarked and unblemished.
There is nothing else but a long tunnel from which the scent of fresh air unmistakeable.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
"Zakon, Can you take the point. I'll keep an eye at the rear to avoid any surprise.", asks Katia as she let every one passing in front of her.
When Horgus does, she stops him with a silent sign and lets every one take a little advance.
nightdeath:
When everyone but Horgus is far away, Katia turns towards him and whispers: "I've seen you earlier. And I know you're hiding something. Now would be a good time to tell me what's going on."
"Certainly." He nods to Katia and walks in front leading the party quietly through the long tunnel. His sword tingles in his hands as if something inside it awoken from a deep slumber.
(Sword) "What is your name, devil?"
"Who said that?" Zakon whispers out-loud.
(Sword) "I did. Now quiet down. We can speak without speaking. My name is Fallenstar. Who are you?"
Zakon looks incrediously at his hand and nearby for an illusionist or other foul magics. Sensing nothing, he concentrates his thoughts in his interpersonal dialogue.
(Zakon) "I do not know my true birthname, but my foster family named me Zakon and I have taken the surname Hellborn. Zakon Hellborn. Where did you come from?"
(Sword) "Where do you think? I'll give you a hint. My name is no coincidence
(Zakon) "Oh...That makes sense. What do you want from me?"
(Sword) "I could use a thorough cleaning followed by a good sharpening. There are a few blood stains that you missed earlier when you took that creature's last breath..."
He spits upon a handkerchief and rubs out any visible spots remaining on his blade. His eyebrow raises and ponders if his new acquaintance will be accompanying him for the next day, season or year.
(Zakon) "Well, I could always use another friend. I have not had many until recently and we have been through much since."
He looks back again at his companions and a slight smile forms breathing in the fresh air.
"I will protect them." He whispers again to himself.
@Nightdeath: I am assuming a sense motive check could reveal that Zakon is talking to an invisible friend.
Horgus looks up strangely at Zakon as he moves to the front and moves as if to say something, no doubt more senseless sharp words from the merchant but holds himself back when he notices Katia's signal.
Replying to Katia, he shrugs as if making an everyday comment.
"All us merchants have trade secrets to hide afterall that's what makes our business works. We can't have rivals knowing about it now can we?"
Sense Motive DC 10:
He's still hiding something and your question has made him uneasy.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
nightdeath wrote:
Replying to Katia, he shrugs as if making an everyday comment.
"All us merchants have trade secrets to hide afterall that's what makes our business works. We can't have rivals knowing about it now can we?"
The blade is with Garrett.
sense motive:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Yes, like I'm going to set out to build a merchant empire.
"It pains me you don't trust me enough to tell me what's bothering you. Especially because I think it's related to this blade we recovered. and in that time of dire need, we may need every small piece of information to survive. But I won't press you more on this. Just know that I will listen to you when you feel the need.", replies Katia, still keeping an eye behind her as they move towards the fresh air.
Actually I think Zakon is carrying it, at least they seem to be having a conversation. As long as they're getting along I have no problem with that :-) Garrett is more of an archer than swordsman.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
Garrett Carr wrote:
Actually I think Zakon is carrying it, at least they seem to be having a conversation. As long as they're getting along I have no problem with that :-) Garrett is more of an archer than swordsman.
[dice=sense motive]d20+5
No, the sword Zakon is talking to is his own. It's a blackblade newly awoken as per the archetype.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
Garrett Carr wrote:
Actually I think Zakon is carrying it, at least they seem to be having a conversation. As long as they're getting along I have no problem with that :-) Garrett is more of an archer than swordsman.
[dice=sense motive]d20+5
No, the sword Zakon is talking to is his own. It's a blackblade newly awoken as per the archetype. If you prefer to fight with a bow, maybe we can eventually have Selby carry it, if he wants. But for now, Katia trust Garrett far more than Selby and would prefer Garrett to have it, even if it's not to fight with it yet.
"I want your word that What I'm about to tell you stays with you to your dying day. It matters not what others think about me or perceive about me but should I fall, may my last message be given to those needing to hear it." His eyes blaze with sudden intensity as his statue seems to grow and standing before you is not a frumpy, weak merchant but one whose noble mein marks a great sacrifice. He stands straight and proud for that moment and then a blink of your eyes takes away that image and all you see is a weak merchant whose tongue has plagued your hearing and cut deep wounds unseen.
| HP 24 / 24 | AC 18 | T 13 | FF 15 | CMD 16 | Fort +6 | Ref +5 | Will +6 | Init +6 | Perc +9 | Sense Motive +8
nightdeath wrote:
lol It's enough.
"I want your word that What I'm about to tell you stays with you to your dying day. It matters not what others think about me or perceive about me but should I fall, may my last message be given to those needing to hear it." His eyes blaze with sudden intensity as his statue seems to grow and standing before you is not a frumpy, weak merchant but one whose noble mein marks a great sacrifice. He stands straight and proud for that moment and then a blink of your eyes takes away that image and all you see is a weak merchant whose tongue has plagued your hearing and cut deep wounds unseen.
He looks at you expectantly.
Looking very solemn despite her young age, Katia checks the others are too far ahead to hear and takes out her holy symbol. Whispering, she swears:
"On the song of my Lady that guides me, so I swear. I will keep your words for me until I die or until you do and your message needs to be passed on."
"Hear me now. I am no Cultist by Torag's Sweet Forge that is not so. I am a faithful servant of the Holy Forge even as I present a false front to others. Should I fall, take my signet ring and use it to open a safe hidden behind the Holy Symbol of Torag. Inside bears my will for all my wealth to be given to the right people. Inside is a sword that belongs to a certain paladin, wife to a certain companion of ours. I have had it purchased to preserve it in the hopes of giving it back anoymously. Those two lovebirds had no gold to make it in life and the sword was sold at a high price indeed to purchase a home for themselves. I have made clandestine arrangements to have the finest craftsman at the lowest price arranged for them but they should not know unless the situation is dire indeed. I spy for the Radiant Order or what passes for them in Kenabres and though I pretend that I'm sympathetic towards the cultist, inside my safe contains information that should be given to the commander. These contains vital information I have gathered duringall my years as an agent. Guard those well." Horgus moves and grabs you as though he has had stumbled and begins to speak the above words, swiftly and clearly yet in a voice low enough that he wouldn't be overheard.
Pushing himself upright and turning towards you.
"My thanks, for catching an old man like myself. Get me to my house and I'll see you all greatly rewarded." in a rather pompous voice carrying over to everyone in front.
