The Free City of Muluk takes it name from the long, unbroken line ofrulers whose history predates the Enlightened Throne in Huzuz It isknown for its exquisite regal purple dyes produced from local indigo plants.Muluk lies along the shore of the Great Sea at the mouth of the River Al-Zalim. Like most of the Free Cities, Muluk is a fiercely independent martialstate, engaged in unrelenting, low-grade conflict with the savage hill tribes ofthe nearby Furrowed Mountains, the ravaging pirates from the Corsair Isles,and the hostile armies of Umara and Qadib, both neighboring Free Cities
Yeah, I think the whole lich thing is probably how he gained immortality, right?
Zairiah waits to see if Fadilah identifies anything else on the way out that they should examine, but if not, she gathers the things they were saving to take later including the carpet she had rolled up and gets ready to head back.
The Sheikh of the Janni is expecting gifts for hosting your party and caravan for the past few days. One or two magical items plus the set of silver from the dining hall would suffice.
Shall we move on and out unless there is something else you wanted to look at
Female Human Wizard (Sha'ir) 5 | 13/13 HP | AC 9 | Saving ThrowsParalyzation, Poison, or Death Magic 14 Rod, Staff, or Wand 11 Petrification or Polymorph 13 Breath Weapon 15 Spell 12
You made a comparison between two swords here, so I was just wondering if this was like the Sword of Shannara where there were some fancy fakes and the real sword was much more subdued in appearance.
I was referring to the picture the Sheikh referenced. I was a bit confused. He asked me if Zephyr looked like that picture. I thought maybe there was the sword the imam had been impaled on earlier. No problem
Female Human Wizard (Sha'ir) 5 | 13/13 HP | AC 9 | Saving ThrowsParalyzation, Poison, or Death Magic 14 Rod, Staff, or Wand 11 Petrification or Polymorph 13 Breath Weapon 15 Spell 12
"My friends, this has been quite a surprising venture, and it is only fitting that we repay our hosts outside for their generous hospitality. They have sheltered and fed us, after all. A few of these magical items and perhaps some of the silver and gold would be quite appropriate," says Fadilah.
As the team makes their way out of the tomb, she turns to look at it once more, taking it in with the golden daylight. "Azaltin, you learned many lessons in your lifetime. You left behind warnings and lessons for those coming after you, and in that way, you have achieved your immortality: Your name is still remembered, your lessons have passed down to others. Your time in the sun is passed, but the mark you left upon this world is indelible."
Male, Sheet, Log Humanoid (Human) Paladin 5, HP 36/36, AC 5 (10), Station 10, +8(6) Reaction, PPDM 9, RSW 11, PP 10, Breath 11, Spell 12, THAC0 16
In the Study
Ibn Taaib takes in the view of the office, which must have been the sultan’s personal study. He shakes his head at Frackit’s concerns, saying as he closed the open drawers and reordered the shelves after looting the place, “The trials are over, dear Frackit. There would be no wisdom gained in cursing the sultanate’s sword, or making a facsimile at the place where the overthrown sultan reflected at his current state.
Frackit wrote:
"On a different note, do you have some sort of book detailing the basics of your religious beliefs?
“Ye, the temples of Zann or Kor are repositories of knowledge, and may have such books. In Zakhara, we also value reading, so we might find such generalist tomes in marketplaces. If it is thy desire, I may teach ye the oral traditions of our people until then, for I have learned at the madrassas of Kor.”
@DM: I’m not sure if this is legal, but can Ibn Taaib give Frackit in the Religion proficiency by tutoring him during their travels? At least enough to not offend the major enlightened religions and avoid faux pas.
@Frackit: Would that work for you?
He carries the suit of armor and the slippers that were not yet identified, as well as the broach.
He joins the others in leaving the palace after every room is explored, and stops to observe the status of the undead soldiers.
Are they still animate? Has the curse been lifted after banishing the demoness and finding the scroll? Leaving the Palace
The sheikh nods at Fadilah’s proposal to gift to the Jann in return for their hospitality.
“It would be a gracious thing to thank our hosts beyond simply alleviating the threats that faced the tribe.”
The sheikh is curiously distracted, however. He asks about the traveler they found in the ruins, and says, “He said strange things, and he is not leaving my thoughts.”
As you re-enter the area where the skeletons are, the commander comes up to Zairiah because she is holding the rod and says, "It seems as though the spell in the palace has been broken and we will finally get some rest. Once the your Rod, oh Sultan, may you reign for 1000 and one years, leaves the palace, we will become dust."
If Zairiah is able to understand the commander's language, she answers
May you rest well, with honor for your service.
____
Zairiah answers Ibn,
We found over 50 bodies around that statue. If you know a way to destroy it without that happening to all of us, I would say that destroying it would be a boon to the world. I do not know how they all died however, and my advice is to not risk all of our lives by approaching it.
Gnome Male Glitterbtight 5th |HP 24/24|AC:4 (6)|THAC0:18|1st-2/4 2nd-0/2 1st-0/1|Station 5
"Would your books be in my native tongue? Cause I can speak your tongue, but can't read it." Frackit says as he then strokes his mustache.
"I might get me some pen and ink and paper to begin my own work. Should I ever return home, I can give a detailed account of my exploits, the people here, your religion, and many other things!" Frackit says excitedly.
" As for the sword and other gear, to air on the side of caution is what I have learned. Sweet rewards are treats to trick, entrap and ensnare, to subdue or die the unaware. I know, because my god Garl Glittergold, understood that we gnomes, his people were cunning but weak. To protect us he taught us illusions and engineering and a love of humor. In doing so we know that traps are deadly and lures are deadly. I have even felt the sting of a deception."Frackit turned serious as he looked forward but eyes distant as he recounts the horrors of the many conflicts with the Zhents, friends, and allies lost.
"As for our hosts," He says with a smile and a shift in tone."We should definitely thank them! I mean who wouldn't want to have hosts like them!!" The gnome says far more used to guerilla life and living among tents and relying on sacred hosts.
Male, Sheet, Log Humanoid (Human) Paladin 5, HP 36/36, AC 5 (10), Station 10, +8(6) Reaction, PPDM 9, RSW 11, PP 10, Breath 11, Spell 12, THAC0 16
With Skeletons
Ibn Taaib translates for Zairiah, and says in Chun, “The sultana thanks thee for thy honorable service and noble sacrifice.
He turns to her and nods appreciatively, saying, “That was a beautiful gesture, my lady.”
With the Statue
Ibn Taaib considers the threat. A living idol is no weak foe, and the fight might cost one of their lives.
”There is wisdom in counsel. What say ye all? Should it be a foe beyond us, we may enscribe a warning in all languages at the entrance.”
@DM: What does Ibn Taaib know of these idols? Is this a fair fight or nothing close?
Honestly, as a paladin and an idol to an evil god that is responsible for the death of 50 people, would probably set you off. Sure, while the group's purpose was focused on the other goals you would let it slide. You could give me a religion check if you wish.
Living idols are moving stone statues, each with one particular
power and defense. The remnants of ancient, forgotten empires
and religions, they often inspire strange cults which are opposed
by even the most pragmatic of modern faiths.
Living idols appear to be very large stone statues. They can be
of any shape, either monster, animal, human, or demihuman.
One feature common to all of them is their incredible age. All
show signs of heavy weathering and erosion, their once smooth
surface riddled with small cracks, pock marks, and holes. Some
living idols are no longer completely intact, missing an arm, leg,
or other appendage. A few are so ancient as to be little more
than weathered standing stones.
The magic of these idols is so strong that it is not dispelled
until the entire statue is reduced to small fragments. Until that
time, the largest surviving chunk retains the enchantment.
Living idols exist for one purpose and that is to be worshipped as
a deity in their own right. They draw power from the number of
sacrifices made in their honor and can perform a potentially beneficial side effect in return for a weekly sacrifice. The nature of the
beneficial power and sacrifice varies, however; the idols with the
most beneficial powers require the most costly sacrifices.
All living idols can communicate using empathy. They make
it immediately clear to worshippers whether or not they find a
particular sacrifice pleasing and appropriate.
The side effect of joining the cult is that all members cease
aging for as long as the idol is satisfied. The major power of
these idols is to endow the cult priest with the ability to cast a
powerful necromantic spell once per week (either resurrection,
regeneration, or restoration, or their reverse). Typically, a death
cults priest will be the highest-ranking cult member and is not
necessarily a cleric.
The death cults are universally hated and feared by civilized
Zakharans. Organized religions and local rulers seek to stamp
them out whenever they surface. As a result, these cults are now restricted to the wilderness of Zakhara, where the cults can operate with impunity, gathering victims through planned raids on
caravans, isolated villages, and wandering tribes. Large, established death cults (200-500 + members) tend to attract sentient
undead, especially vampires. These quickly rise to the priest
position within the cult and use cult members to feed their own,
and the idol's, appetites.
Male, Sheet, Log Humanoid (Human) Paladin 5, HP 36/36, AC 5 (10), Station 10, +8(6) Reaction, PPDM 9, RSW 11, PP 10, Breath 11, Spell 12, THAC0 16
”We may be able to destroy it, but we must act with wisdom,” he says, observing the cold stone statue. “We must strike from a distance, keep it far, unless we have no other choice. If necessary, I shall hold the line. It is wicked, and it is my duty to undo all wickedness.”
Dark eyes zero in on the glittering gem-eyes of the heretical ghul idol. He grips the bronze sword, and says, “This thing had no place in this kingdom during its history. This sword might not have a sultan to wield it, but it can still serve the realm.”
Zairiah looks skeptical, but she moves all the stuff they are taking outside, then stands at the entrance with her new bow ready to shoot the thing if Ibn begins.
Gnome Male Glitterbtight 5th |HP 24/24|AC:4 (6)|THAC0:18|1st-2/4 2nd-0/2 1st-0/1|Station 5
"So fight a demonic death statue, I mean, aside from a painful agonizing death what do we have to lose?" Frackit says as he looks at Ibn and then the others.
"I can't in good conscience leave a man who saved me in the desert here to fight alone. So my friend I will fight with you. Not sure how well we will do, but at least you'll have a friend beside you" THe tiny gnome says resigned to his own code, if he died helping a friend it wouldn't be the worst way to go.
Male High Elf Desert Rider 5 (AC: 3| HP: 46/47 | THAC0: 17 | Infravision 60')
"I am not sure what to think of this. On the one hand, you saved my life Sheikh. For this, I owe you a debt of salt and water, to be sure. On the other hand, I must question your motives, as you assaulted the beautiful sultana for no cause. Convince me that your path is righteous, and I will aid you."
Gnome Male Glitterbtight 5th |HP 24/24|AC:4 (6)|THAC0:18|1st-2/4 2nd-0/2 1st-0/1|Station 5
"Paritosh, I know it is hard but the statue is evil. Whether you believe Ibn's motive, The key is to make sure evil doesn't destroy the land and its people. We know it killed all those people. We can't let it continue"Frackit looks up not at anyone but at the sky itself.
"However, I will not think less of you, any of you should you refuse to aid Ibn. I just know a gnome like me couldn't live with myself if I failed to aid a man who saved me when he didn't have to " A smile crossed his lips as he silently prayed to Garl Glittergold for protection and guidance.
Female Human Wizard (Sha'ir) 5 | 13/13 HP | AC 9 | Saving ThrowsParalyzation, Poison, or Death Magic 14 Rod, Staff, or Wand 11 Petrification or Polymorph 13 Breath Weapon 15 Spell 12
"I don't know what kind of magic might work on a statue like this. I am not terribly familiar with them."
Is anyone using a +2 weapon? If I get lucky and can fetch a spell of enchant weapon, I can temporarily make it +3.
"Our best option is probably if I try to summon magic that will help you all to fight better, like spells to enchant your weapons or give you incredible strength."
Male, Sheet, Log Humanoid (Human) Paladin 5, HP 36/36, AC 5 (10), Station 10, +8(6) Reaction, PPDM 9, RSW 11, PP 10, Breath 11, Spell 12, THAC0 16
Ibn Taaib takes the Rod of Smiting and keeps the bronze sword as backup (since it apparently is a +3 and he otherwise has normal weapons and one unidentified sword).
He also calls for his war camel mount, and will try to attack using mounted combat. I don’t know the rules exactly, but I believe this might increase his accuracy and survivability.
He says to Paritosh as he mounts his camel, “This is a question of faith, brother Paritosh. Fate has brought us together to stand as one, and I yield to the wisdom of the ladies who knew this dungeon better. When it comes to smiting evil, put faith in me to know what is evil and what is not.”
Male, Sheet, Log Humanoid (Human) Paladin 5, HP 36/36, AC 5 (10), Station 10, +8(6) Reaction, PPDM 9, RSW 11, PP 10, Breath 11, Spell 12, THAC0 16
”As a consolation prize, those gemstones would be great bounty,” He adds with a small smile.
He then kicks his mount up to a gallop, wielding the rod of smiting in his right hand and his shield in his left, and charges against the stone idol, shouting a war cry.
Male High Elf Desert Rider 5 (AC: 3| HP: 46/47 | THAC0: 17 | Infravision 60')
"The sandstorm may kill many over time, yet it is not evil, still..." as Paritosh was considering his course of action, Sheikh hauled off and attacked the thing. "A man of action he is," observed Paritosh as his mind was made up for him and he rushed towards the statue.
The Sheikh cannot use the rod of smiting because he is not a cleric or a wizard. The real benefits of using the rod can only be unleashed by one of them. You can still swing it but I will allow a retcon. Now you are riding your camel in the palace? Also the statue is in the doorway.
Whose weapon is being enchanted? Was it the sheikh's sword or someone else's? Before I resolve the sheikh's attack I need to know that piece of information.
Fadilah's gen reappears and has the enchantment spell.
Female Human Wizard (Sha'ir) 5 | 13/13 HP | AC 9 | Saving ThrowsParalyzation, Poison, or Death Magic 14 Rod, Staff, or Wand 11 Petrification or Polymorph 13 Breath Weapon 15 Spell 12
We need to know who's weapon does what. Enchant weapon increases a weapon's bonus by +1, up to a maximum of +3. If the sultan's sword is already a +3 (or higher) weapon, the spell will do nothing. Conversely, a nonmagical weapon just becomes +1, which may not be enough.
Male, Sheet, Log Humanoid (Human) Paladin 5, HP 36/36, AC 5 (10), Station 10, +8(6) Reaction, PPDM 9, RSW 11, PP 10, Breath 11, Spell 12, THAC0 16
”It belongs in the hands of holy people,” Ibn Taaib says as he hands Frackit the Rod of Smiting. “According to the ladies’ words, it destroyed the other constructs here. It, between Zairiah’s bow and Fadilah’s staff, are our best hope. I will hold it here.”
Since I can’t have the mount or use the rod, I will retro my last three posts to make more sense.
Ibn Taaib explains their approach: The party will start combat from the outside, at the end of bow-range with arrows and ranged attacks like Fadilah’s ice storm staff. Once the idol begins its slow lumbering to them, Ibn Taaib will hold the line with his sword alongside Paritosh. Their role is to only serve as the anvil while the ranged assault keeps up. Once the idol focuses on the two, Frackit jumps out and smacks the idol with the rod of smiting from behind.
He awaits their response, hand gripping the mysterious sword at his side.
Male High Elf Desert Rider 5 (AC: 3| HP: 46/47 | THAC0: 17 | Infravision 60')
Wait! With the retcon, Paritosh is less convinced! When you were heroically charging in like a 5 year old after a piñata, Paritosh was all in, but a measured plan where only two of us, one being the wizard, have a chance of harming the thing seems less Paritosh’s style!
As long as Ibn is facing the statue and she doesn't have to approach it herself and get killed, Zairiah will shoot at it from bow distance to help out.
If the statue starts towards her without someone in between, at any point, Zairiah will move away or run away, depending on how fast it moves or how much danger she thinks she is in... under no circumstances is she going to end up like those 50+ people.
