Eldon jumps back next to Tykent bringing his hands up infront of him and splaying his fingers. After a few moments of chanting and an arc of electricity bursts forth toward the undead creature.
Penny's spell sends the wight that had been marching on Eldon down to the ground, falling prone into the stagnant waters.
Cwm slashes at the wight between him and Yngvilda and she bashes it once to finish it off. Turning to her south, she slams her shield into that one as well, though it still remains standing. It slashes at Cwm, but misses.
Eldon zaps the wight nearest him with electricity just as Tykent's hex catches it. The undead creature struggles back to his feet and advances on Eldon once more.
Cwm sees the other wight approaching Eldon and curses. He dives through the space next to the creature that took a swipe at him and comes up flanking with Eldon.
His dagger catches the light as it arcs toward the wight's back.
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"Blasted foul creature. You smell of filth. Tykent, Eldon. Do not let it touch you!"
Penny curses as she reaches out casting a spell towards the undead. As soon as the ray leaves her finger, she steps into a magical portal, appearing on the other side of the room.
Seeing Cwm make a break to help the party's spellcasters, Yngvilda attempts to distract the wight she's engaged with from striking at him.
"Over here you monstrous mound of mouldy meat!"
She smacks it with her shield...
Knocking it off balance to allow her to follow up with the axe, aiming right for its rotten head.
Hope trills, glowing brighter and brighter until the light bursts off her golden feathers in a harsh flare of energy. Tykent continues his chanting, holding his walking stick in front of him defensively.
Unable to move away, Eldon draws his dagger and takes up a defensive posture.
Eldon takes a defensive posture and Tykent sends a wave of positive energy flashing through the watery crypt.
Cwm moves south just as the wight tries to swing at him, but he's gone before the punch can land. As he closes in on the other one however, he is able to bury his blade into it and rip open the rotten flesh.
Yngvilda brings down the wight to the north just as Tykent's positive energy washes over the last remaining wight. It nearly falls to the blast, only barely remaining upright. In a desperate attack, it finally connects with its strike and slams into Cwm's face with a left hook that nearly breaks his neck! The hook is so well struck that it nearly critically injures the rogue. In fact it definitely should have had the shaman not interceded with his spell.
The wight which was about to drop suddenly appears to be recharged from the strike against Cwm, almost as if it had drained his energy and used it for its own!
"Cwm you fool! What are you doing? Stop healing it with your face!" Penny shouts out, as she once again tries to blast the undead creature.
Cwm shrieks as the wight seemingly sucks out part of his soul. He starts stabbing the creature in anger.
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Yngvilda splashes her way through the water, knocking the floating corpses out of the way as she tries to keep her legs up.
"Hold on!"
Eldon concentrates on defending himself from the undead creature and so is unable to focus on any magic. He does his best to menace the creature as best he can with his small dagger.
Tykent likewise takes up a defensive position, continuing to chant as he does so. "Your time is past, your life come to an end. Return to the grave and trouble the living no more!"
Cwm lands a strike and Penny blasts it with a spell and the remainder the party goes defensive. It swipes at the rogue, missing, but surely would have hit had it not been taken by Tykent's misfortune.
When Yngvilda closes the distance she bashes it in the face once with her shield and sends it crashing back to the ground with a splash, ending the battle with the wights.
As soon as the last wight falls, the whispers and moans that had been echoing throughout the crypt suddenly cease. Silence overtakes the room, and only the sounds of Cwm's labored breathing and water sloshing about can be heard.
Searching the sarcophagi, you find one contains a body clad in a mnemonic vestment. Its bony hands still clutch a maximize metamagic rod. On the left hand is a platinum wedding band set with a ruby worth 1,250 gp, and on the right a ring of force shield. The body wears a pair of slippers of spider climbing on its feet.
With nowhere else to explore on this floor, you head back up the stairs, continuing past the guardians you encountered earlier and return to the five statue room. Heading east to the secret door you discover, you descend down the spiral stairs on the opposite side of the crypt until you come to a room with a large white slab of stone with a keyhole in it has been fitted into an archway, blocking passage entirely.
Inserting the key that Bassy gave you, the slab grinds down into the ground and provides you access to a tomb beyond. Perhaps at last you have arrived for what you seek?
This huge, elegant domed chamber houses a single marble sarcophagus at its western end. A mosaic of a black dragon decorates the floor. The ceiling is covered by a vibrant fresco of a rmored soldiers fighting a host of d rago ns, with a blonde woman of noble mien at the center, rallying the troops with her sword. In circular alcoves to the north and south stand life-sized statues of this woman, standing in a pose of triumph over the head of a defeated dragon.
As soon as you enter this room, the omnipresent whispering and moaning fades and is swiftly replaced by the ghostly voice of a woman. "And who might this be? A new generation of dragonslayers sent to gather my treasures? I sense this among your thoughts. It is you then that I have to thank for putting my husbands shade to rest? I feel now that he as it piece. May I have his wedding band? In exchange for it, I shall grant you my blessing to take up arms from this crypt."
"Hey, did you guys hear that?" Eldon looks around the room, speaking a quick incantation as he does.
Magic abounds.
Lady Tula's remains still wear her +3 breastplate of luck (as banded mail of luck). Her +1 keen composite longbow (+2 Str) lies at the body's left side. Her famed weapon Wyrmsmite (a +2 dragonbane transformative longsword) lies atop the body under the crossed arms. The right hand holds 10 +1 dragonbane arrows, and the left just a single shaft-an arrow of dragon slaying.
”Lady Tula, I presume?” Tykent asks with a humble bow. ”We are indeed sent by your descendants in Belhaim, on a quest to retrieve your blessing and slay the dragon that threatens the town.” He turns to the rogue. ”Cwm, the ring please.”
After the battle Yngvilda loaded another acid into her breakaway shield boss, but in this room she forgets all about it. She looks on slack-jawed at the incredible riches arrayed before her and the inspiring sight of the fierce warrior statue.
Eventually she collects herself and looks at Cwm to give her the ring
Cwm raises an eyebrow at Tykent and pats his pocket, unsure how the Shaman was able to put the rings there. He retrieves and holds out the wedding band for Tykent or Yngvilda to take then steps back, wary of Lady Tula.
"Thank you. Please help yourself to whatever you feel will aid you in your quest. Good luck and blessings be upon you!"
Once you are finished taking the necessary items you need, you exit the crypt and find a pale-skinned Chelaxian woman waiting outside for you.
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Icilias had responded to her friend's letter about the recent troubles in Belhaim, saying that she was willing to help out if needed. But when she didn't receive a response back, she became worried and rode with all haste. Unfortunately, it still took some time for her to make it to the small hamlet, and there were no shortage of creatures to get in her way. Thankfully, she managed to make it and saw that her friend, the Baroness Origena Devy, was still well. It seems that her message had been intercepted and never received.
After hearing all the details of what has been going on, and the travelers who have been intervening on behalf of the town, Icilias Vieth decided to get involved. She was told where to find the group, but also that they had the only key, which proved troublesome indeed.
Unable to find a way to break into the well-built crypt, the young noblewoman resolved to wait out the group, knowing that they would have had to come out this way again, short of anything foul happening.
Her patience was rewarded when the crypt door opened up to a group of well-stocked adventurers.
Icilias stands up, her weapon of choice-a well-made scythe with iconography of Pharasma etched along the blade- planted into the soft ground in front of her, ready for use but held in a relaxed grip. While her clothing is made for traveling, it is also designed to be as fashionable as such clothing can be. Practical, yet stylish. Her raven-dark hair is cut in such a way to be allowed to hang freely without easily getting in her way. Everything about the woman speaks of experience in both the noble courts and the fields of battle.
"You must be the adventurer's that Lady Devy spoke of," she greets them with a polite smile and slight bow of her head. "I am Icilias Vieth, and I've come to help you rid the land of this dragon threat."
"Hold it right there dragon-thrawl!"
Yngvilda holds her shield up and her axe readied.
"If you're truly from the town you'll know the colour of the stuffed werebadger in Lady Devy's office, what is it?"
Not accustomed to deception, even for a good cause, Yngvilda pauses between stuffed and werebadger while she tries to make something up.
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The contrast between Icilias' dark eyebrow against pale skin make the raising of it very obvious. "Werebadger? You mean her old pet cat that she had stuffed? Whiskers...?" The comment is shortly followed by a small smile.
"I think we both know that she is not that kind of woman. You look like you might be, though."
Penny looks over the newcomer to the party. She thinks to herself
What is this? It was me... I was brought on to help these no gooders get the job done, and the Baroness sends yet another? She must think of me as some sort of failure! No... No! I am no failure! This must be some sort of test. Yes but of course. Am I competent enough to rally another to our cause? Can she even be trusted? The baroness is testing my leadership skills for sure."
Penny does not say a word yet. She spends her time eyeing over this 'threat', with Taylor circling around her [penny].
She finally decides to speak up sternly. "Who sent you here? What do you know of this 'dragon threat', and what makes you think you can be of any assistance to me, ahem, to us?"
"Easy there," Tykent says with a chuckle as he puts a hand on Yngvilda's shoulder. "If she meant us harm, she wouldn't be announcing herself like that - she'd be lying hidden ready to pick us off one by one with that blade of hers." He turns to the stranger. "I'll admit the timing is a bit suspect, but that seems to be the case with the baroness. I myself joined this crew while they were knee-deep in a cave of kobolds." He grins at the memory.
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She finally decides to speak up sternly. "Who sent you here? What do you know of this 'dragon threat', and what makes you think you can be of any assistance to me, ahem, to us?"
Having spent many evenings among the other noble women of the Chelaxian courts, Icilias is very familiar with the tone that being directed at her. While she is not here to make enemies, she is unwilling to back down from the challenge. "I sent myself, with the blessings of the baroness, if you must know. I offered my help to a friend, so my help she shall receive. If this is some kind of test, I've already had my 'chops tested'," she nearly spits out the two words, but manages to keep her temper in check, "when I worked for the Pathfinder Society. I don't feel the need to do so again. All you need to know, at least for now, is that this, and this," she taps both her weapon and what looks like a book satchel hanging at her side, "are not merely for show."
"Easy there," Tykent says with a chuckle as he puts a hand on Yngvilda's shoulder. "If she meant us harm, she wouldn't be announcing herself like that - she'd be lying hidden ready to pick us off one by one with that blade of hers." He turns to the stranger. "I'll admit the timing is a bit suspect, but that seems to be the case with the baroness. I myself joined this crew while they were knee-deep in a cave of kobolds." He grins at the memory.
Icilias' expression soften at the man's jovial nature. "I apologize for my tardiness, sir. I would have been here sooner, but I had a long way to travel and a few obstacles got in my way. It certainly doesn't hurt that our communication was cut off somewhere along the way."
Yngvilda seems convinced by Icilias' response, and Tykents words. She puts her handaxe away and offers he hand out for a greeting.
"Well then, welcome to the team! Another hero to stand against the tide of evil!"
She's all smiles, relieved that the threat of deception is over. Mistrust is a learned behaviour for Yngvilda, and she's never been any good at it.
"That is a fine weapon, I fear it will be sorely needed before our task is complete. Did the Baroness tell you of our foe?"
Cwm stands in the shadow of the door, eyeing the woman, great, another noble playing adventurer. Is it too much to ask that she and Penny will take each other out? Maybe they're in cahoots. Unable to determine the truth of the matter, he remains in the back, letting his more earnest companions take the lead.
Eventually the party relents and decides that this woman much be here on behalf of the Baroness who at this point has hired adventures and friends alike in the past. Low dark clouds threaten rain all morning as the would-be dragon slayers traverse the swamp on the way to the Monastery of St. Kyerixus.
A half a day's hike to the east, the party arrives at the abandoned structure as a light drizzle starts just when you reach the processional. Approaching the front, you see eight weather-worn statues in various martial poses flank a tiled patio leading up to the monastery’s gate. The weathered, iron gate is ajar. A guardhouse lies to the north, and three narrow arrow slits face ominously southward from its facade.
[oocA 12-foot-high fence of black iron surrounds the property (Climb DC 12).[/ooc]
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Icilias lifts the hood of her cloak to try keeping the rain off of her as she looks around at the monastery grounds.
The trip from the crypt was relatively quiet, with the weather drawing away much of the desire for camaraderie. She was fairly certain that her status with the others was suspect, as well, but she didn't let that deter her. She was here for her friend, and she's learned how to get along with people that she was just tossed into a group with.
"A little gauche, don't you think?" she asks, breaking the silence. "Looks like this place is in need of a decorator. Do you suppose anyone is home?"
Hearing that Icilias is friends with the baroness, Penny's tone completely changes from 'stuck up', to stuck right up Icilias's bum.
"Ahh a personal friend of the baroness you say. Well then welcome aboard. We certainly could use another hand here as our foe is not to be underestimated. If there is anything you need, please let me know. I am sure I can get Cwm to get it for you."
Her attention shifts slightly "Cwm. You OK over there? That wight got you, so if I know my wights, and of course I do, I am guessing you are feeling a bit weak right about not. Unfortunately nothing that I can do to help. We need to find a competent healer to address your specific problem." Her eyes roll over Tykent as she makes that remark, before moving on with the rest of the party to the abandoned structure.
Penny attempts her best fake laugh at Icilias's comment before chiming in. "I suppose there is only one way to find out. Taylor! We are in need of your services yet again. You know what to do!"
Taylor flies out over the gate, towards the guardhouse, giving it a once over before returning to Penny.
The path ahead splits three ways. To the west, the door to the guardhouse is closed and nothing out of the ordinary stands out about it. To the east lay monastery grounds with a courtyard in the distance. To the north is the entrance to the monastery proper.
Cwm plods along, ignoring Penny's chatter. He eyes the statues suspiciously before moving closer to examine one.
”You know, I’ve noticed over the years that the folks who make a habit of belittling others are the ones who are the most insecure about themselves.” Tykent’s eyes hold no malice as he meets Penny’s gaze. ”You’ve proven yourself already - you have nothing to fear from another brave soul joining us. Peace, young one.” He puts a gentle finger up to Hope’s snout, shushing her aggravated chatter.
Cwm finds no traps or surprises awaiting him in the statues and surmises the group should move on further into the complex.
Yngvilda looks tired. She looks at the others and see much of the same.
"Wait Cwm. The dragon will likely kill us and write our names into legend, but we should still give ourselves the best chance. Why don't we retreat to a safe distance and rest for the night? Have one final night of life and joy before our glorious deaths tomorrow, then face the beast with our heads held high?"
Cwm looks around and nods his head, "that's probably a wise decision. I could use some rest anyway, not feeling quite myself."
Belittle? Insecurities? Nonsense. Nothing I have not heard before. Onward we go...
Penny's eyes snap back to focus, as if lost in a train of thought.
"Taylor reported nothing crazy when he did a flyby, and I trust him more than.... " She pauses for a brief moment. "I trust what he says. So yes, I agree with Yngvilda and Icilias, and give 'my' approval that we should venture to the guardhouse to setup camp for the evening."
Cwm rolls his eyes and briefly looks for a place to sleep outside. Instead, he settles down near the shaman, "think you could help me Tykent? I could use a little luck kicking whatever that wight did to me."
”Of course, my boy.” Tykent’s cheerful laughter and jovial voice fill the repurposed guardhouse as he talks about prior trips through Belhaim and the nearby villages, about how he and Hope met each other, where to find the best food and the softest beds in each town. As the night wears on, the topic shifts to stories of heroes and fools of the past, brave wizards and cowardly fighters, glorious cities and fallen ruins.
Anything to keep the poor lad’s mind off that wight...
Eventually the shaman’s voice falls silent as he too drifts off to sleep.
Cwm and Tykent find a nice secluded area on the guardhouse where they can camp for the night. As they are preparing their sleeping area, Ynggvilda approaches the guardhouse door. Before she can attempt to open it, a tiny voice calls out from an arrow slit. "You there! You here with the money? Where is it? Show us! Lord Aeteperax is impatient!!!"
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Icilias puts on her most stern expression on her face, the one reserved for those who caused the most grievous insult. Weapon in hand, she steps up to the door, making sure to mot being the any shooters view, but that her voice would carry to the arrow slit. "And who do you think you are to make demands of us?!" she asks, anger dripping from her voice. "We don't know you from ogre's step-child! You will open this door right now, or we will tear it down and and we'll see who's truly impatient!"
From within the barricade guardhouse, a tiny voice laughs and squeaks "Yeah, yeah, yeah! You're stuck out there, no? Pinch off then and come back when you have the ransom!"
Yngvilda froze when the voice spoke, unsure of what to do. When Icilias spoke up she remained frozen so as not to draw attention to herself. It's only when it doesn't look like they or the population are to be summarily executed that she moves again, to slowly slink away.
When they've put a little distance between themselves and the guardhouse she says.
"Maybe we could find a spot to rest that's a little safer?"
Following behind Yng a bit offsite, Penny yelps back "If we want in, I can get in. I just need to know you will be behind me when I do. To do so all I need it to be able to see inside. If you can get me close enough to peak through those arrow slits, I can likely get in. That is of course if you want to attempt to force our way in. I'd be open to other suggestions, as this puts me at an obvious risk."
The arcanist can expend 1 point from her arcane reservoir to create a dimensional crack that she can step through to reach another location. This ability is used as part of a move action or withdraw action, allowing her to move up to 10 feet per arcanist level to any location she can see.
Cwm moves over to stand next to the door, ready for Penny's grand plan.