"That is certainly an interesting tale, and one I have not heard before. Are you saying that Urgothoa wants the Tyrant to fail as some kind of punishment?"
"I admit that I struggle with this.... An evil who walks the land is a greater threat to life than an abstract deity. Go on, but with more than a story. What are we really talking about for the immediate future?"
Aishe, quite muddled in his own personal philosophy, is torn on what to do. He very nearly shrugs and walks through the portal, but he instead looks to Vinas, and decides he'll side with his ally and do as he does.
It feels wrong to flatly kill those who have aided them. Still... the thread upon this alliance is a thin one, and Urgothoa could change her mind. In that event, these would be behind the group, and would likely attack as they depart. Frustrating. You can't trust evil.
Vanyan does not trust the words, but he could be wrong.
Sense Motive
Atium has listened to all the items unfold. He walks in and sits at the table.
So, Um, if I eat any of this food, and I going to be influenced by Urgathoa? I don't want that. I have a hard school boy crush on Arazni.
I'm not looking to make her angry by eating at another princesses's table.... but I am a bit hungry and I like the food on the table.
If given even a sense that it's safe to eat the food, he grabs a leg from the spit roasted hog and pulls it off and takes a bit.
So, If I get this right, The Whispering Tyrant came here and blasted this castle because underneath it has three portals that takes people to different places?
He wants to go to the capital of everything -because the Starstone is close bye and he'll be a God equal to Ugathoa-- and so The Pallid Princess feels offended she isn't getting props for how legendary Big T has gotten?
She also doesn't want Big T joining her in The Big Leagues of Religion?
Atium is just trying to understand, he doesn't feel like the bozo's he was walking with (sorry, the Curse is speaking) understand how petty people and God's can be. The Daughter's Story makes a ton of sense.
Clearly torn, and likely of one mind to Aishe... Vinas clenches his jaw, and stay silent. He'll share his thoughts once safe, but he opts for the bigger evil... for now. and goes to see what other threads make up this tapestry.
"It sounds to me that you would like us to go to begin destroying the work of the Tyrant as that is Urgothoa's will, since he has turned his back on her. You are hoping that in doing so, he will crawl back to Urogothoa, which I find unlikely. What will happen then? Urgothoa strips him of power? Do I have the right of this situation?"
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"That is what I hope. I can hold his army off from mustering for a little while but not for long." She explains as she offers Atium some of the food. Atium doesn't get the feeling that the food is poisoned at all.
The food on the table tastes delicious, but it’s deceptively rancid. Within minutes after being removed from the serving platters, the food visibly begins to wither and rot, though it still tastes delightful.
Atium smiles as he hears Tessenarin give a quick summary of what he was thinking happened. That smile includes some rancid pork tendons dangling from his teeth. One discolored tendon is wedged between a set of his crooked teeth, and his tongue is currently trying to dislodge the annoyance before he takes more bites of his ham flank.
These bozo's , can't trust 'em. But they at least know the situation enough.
Part of him wants to check out the other areas of this keep. He knows there's a 'dead-un' named Zain down here and he promised a ghost corpse he'd bring that body up top to bury. With that said, he could just walk into one of the other two side circles with carvings and go somewhere totally different than Absalom, the Whispering Tyrant, and Lastwall.
Hey hostess, once you answer Tessenarin's questions (and his), where do the *other* two circles lead?
He continues to sit, eat, and get the diseased and stringy meat out unstuck from his teeth.
Once Tessenarin and Atium are answered, Aishe stands, shrugs his shoulders, and says, "Let's go."
He'll start walking through the portal.
Vinas, with a taciturn frown, follows Aishe.
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"Currently the north circle leads to the Gallowgarden, just outside the ruins of Gallowspire, whereas the central and south circles each travel to different points about 30 miles northeast of Absalom, in the blasted and war-torn region known as the Cairnlands. They can be reattuned, though that takes some time and who knows when he will decide to return."
Aishe and Vinas shoulder their bags, knowing the immense weight of the situation that stands before them. Giving a look of no turning back now the pair step through the portal on the way to the Whispering Tyrant.
The portal closes in behind the group as you arrive in a rocky depression about 20 miles northeast of Absalom in the Cairnlands. Several hundred feet away, a cohort of the city’s First Guard is destroying the last of a ghoul horde and moving to take cover behind some of the Cairnlands’ many fortifications from millennia of failed sieges.
Vinas checks the straps on his armor and shield, nods, and then moves to meet with them.
Though Vanyan would explore the rest of the area first, he follows the team in.
Atium is disappointed that the circles don't lead anywhere he wants to go.
Screw going to Gallowspire. If the other circles go to the Cairnlands... well that tells me double that's where I need to go.
I'd have preferred to check out more of this place - but I don't know how many times this portal works. I don't want to be stuck here.
Atium convinces himself that he'll join these people - even though he doesn't trust them or want to work with them anymore. He just doesn't have too many choices and this is the path of least resistance.
*********
When he walks through and sees the City's First Guard he calls out!
Hey! can I join you? Smash some ghouls and stuff. I'm done hanging with these yahoos.
His hand curls into a thumb's up position directed to the First Guardsmen.
Aishe feels a little out of place, and is a bit confused by the guard presence. He watches as Atium leaves the party, and wonders what can be done about it if anything.
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Although the soldiers of the city’s First Guard at first assume Atium is a looter or a reckless adventurer one seems to recognize him after a few moments. "Stand down!" The Soldiers lower their weapons as Captain of the First Guard Rothos of House Vastille steps forth. Your presence quickly garners the attention of several high-ranking field commanders. You hear several hushed whispers of your strange arrival. "You come at a good time. We are hard pressed and could use the reinforcements. Tar‑Baphon’s main force is to the north, many are hiding in the deep Immenwood, which borders the Cairnlands to the north, preventing easy scouting. Any news from Lastwall?"
Unable to lie, and unwilling to sugar coat the truth, Vinas's posture stays rigid as he speaks, "Remember, Lastwall is merely a place.... though that place has fallen. Mind you, we have watched the souls who defended it stay strong and regroup. Iomedae willing, I and my friends will visit righteous vengeance upon the Tyrant."
Worried that the truth might be overwhelming, he stops talking, but continues to walk in order to keep delays to a minimum.
Vanyan’s jaw drops as Atium blithely dismisses the party. He’s hurt.
* * *
Vanyan keeps his mouth shut about Lastwall, letting Vinas handle things.
”Don’t you think we should go back and handle the things that we were supposed to handle? This part of the fight isn’t our part of the fight, right?” Vanyan seems confused.
"Do you have any healers? We've a curse to overcome." he glances side-eyed at the departing Atium.
Talking with one of the high ranking people.
I am ready to bash some undead. Where's something large and undead and allergic to hammers?
Atium is ready to go it alone. He looks around to prep some hard tack to chew on and a couple wineskins and waterskins to prep on his person.
I made a promise to this hammer to use it only in war and I have a promise to start keeping.
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"Yeah, healing. Mental healing. He's almost lost to us," Vanyan echoes the need, wondering if there is a solution.
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"Of, course we have several healers that can take care of you." Rothos calls for the healers who begin their work on Atium and Tessenarin.
The Soldiers seem a bit crestfallen at work of Lastwall, though they halfway expected it with the appearance of the Whispering Tyrant. "Absalom has received some reinforcements, famous heroes, and seasoned commanders from all across the Inner Sea region, but I'm not sure whether even this additional aid is sufficient to counter the Whispering Tyrant’s horde. Walk with me, we are about to begin a meeting with the commander of reinforcements from the Five Kings Mountains, Erga Sweirhall and the leader of the reinforcements from Osirion, Yesel of Sothis"
He begins to walk down the trail. "You can catch us up on where you have been. I sure hope you found something that can help us during this time of need."
You enter a large command tent and find it full of battle commanders from all around. Most are surprised to see your presence and that you are still alive after the blast as whispers of excitement begin to drown out the silence in eager anticipation.
Vinas knows that at times like this, symbols can be as important as anything else. He holds his head high, and returns the gaze of anyone who looks at him.
His expression is of determination, but not the grim face of a haggard soldier, but of a man who knows that he has the winning hand and needs only the chance to play it.
On the way into the tent, he recounted their tale, and asked to be interrupted when a question or opportunity entered the guide's mind.
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Vanyan is pleasantly surprised when there are resources to deal with afflictions like Atium, and whatever was going on inside him as a result of the curse.
”You okay, Atium? You were…uh…different,” Vanyan asks, looking at the shakra-goof.
* * *
”Ah! Absalom! I’ve missed this place. I mean, it looks different with the hordes of undead around. Yeah, I remember when that almost happened long ago, I think it was the Silent Tide, almost came in and destroyed the city, all of the world probably, but no, me and my fellow Pathfinders stopped that invasion cold. Back then, I almost died of course, but now…now it seems I’m back to save the day again.” Vanyan notes, looking at all the armies and preparations.
”What do you need us to do? Infiltrate the Puddles? Deal with the Ghost Fleet? What?”
”You okay, Atium? You were…uh…different,”
To which Atium has a confused look on his face.
I..uhh.. I feel like something wierd happened to me Twink. But, I bet you'd wondering if I have my animal mojo. That I still have. I also have my desire to follow you all into the jaws of the beast. With my shieldmate next to me and my Ulfen brothers, I think we are close to putting a whooping on Th Tyrant. Right?he looks like he's still taking stock on himself and what happened to him/his feelings.
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Still looking quizzically, Atium moves towards a one on one conversation with Tessenarin.
Was I really being a jerk a while ago? Also, did I really just drop my small, portable Anvil to the ground and leave it like women leave Twinkletoes after their first date? Did I really do that?
You sure were right to tell me to treat you guys better or leave the party.
I'm sorry. I apologize for acting badly.
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"You were a bit sick there. You got better. Don't worry about it. At least you didn't attack any of us."
Aishe tries to take in any maps. Something with troop concentrations on it and the like. Not that he's ever been particularly good with maps. He's better with terrain. But any help will be appreciated if they're going into the thick of an army fight.
He peers at the map upside down and tries to wipe the look of confusion off his face.
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The commanders all listen to Vinas' report on the current situation and grow quite hopeful. "There are no Ghost Fleets at the moment, and it sounds like with this newfound power you have in you that we need to try and get you as close to Bar-Taphon as possible. But to do that we will need to eliminate key lieutenants and siege weapons in the lich’s army."
"Normally this would fall to elite agents such as the Pathfinder Society, but most of the Pathfinder Society departed for Gallowgarden to eliminate another of the Whispering Tyrant’s tools. Few are expected to make it out alive I am afraid."
"However, the potential to invert the Radiant Fire back upon the lich is intriguing." The commanders all begin speaking over each other as their comments overlap.
"I doubt the Whispering Tyrant would ever employ the weapon here; where as he devastated other cities, he has not used the weapon on Absalom yet. He wants something here."
"Yea, the Starstone likely."
Yesel counters this, "With years of hunting the undead even the most coldly calculating ones can be taunted. The Whispering Tyrant might be goaded into using the Radiant Fire."
Erga objects, "The Radiant Fire’s blast could wipe out untold numbers of Absalom’s defenders—and civilians in the city itself, if the Whispering Tyrant were to advance. Any ploy to spur the Whispering Tyrant into using the Radiant Fire must be made soon."
"It is probably best if this happens as far away from crowded areas as possible. Just in case. Who and where are these lieutenants?"
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Rothos explains. "The lieutenants are scattered between here and near the edges of Absalom. So long as the Whispering Tyrant survives, Absalom is in danger. If you can anger him enough to use that Radiant Fire once more then it could wipe him and a large portion of his army out all at once."
Erga and Yesel quickly volunteer as they begin to line the map. "We can put pressure on the eastern forces here and here." The other commanders stand and join the sand table. "The First Guard will sally against the center and the west flank to keep the lich from committing himself to any one front." Rothos looks up. "This should allow you to take out some of the key defenders, making it very clear to Tar-Baphon that you are a threat to him. Given time and enough losses that should hopefully taunt him out."
Aishe nods. He knows their purpose here, and it's not to make it out alive either. Good for the Pathfinders to make the same sacrifice.
He studies the map and where they're supposed to go. He asks a few questions of some of the symbols on the map so he fully understands.
He looks to the others to determine their readiness. "Camp here before we depart? Or go now?"
Vanyan listens and looks over the map as the generals explain what they need and where the foes are. He shrugs, happy to agree with the plan.
"When do we head out?" Vanyan asks, happy to go now or rest a day wherein he would load up on area of effect spells, designed to take out masses or not.
Vinas doesn't bat an eye. A death such as this is more than he could hope for. Still, he won't throw it away. "Let us take 1 day. Is there an opportunity to supply ourselves before we go?"
"Aye, there is much we could trade."
Vinas looks over the party's gear. He pulls aside a few things that he thinks would be useful:
Vanyan prepares for his triumphant return to Absalom, hopefully to do a better job of not almost dying than the last times.
With Atium back to 'normal', Vanyan rests much easier. Though he is one to mock (in brotherly fun) the frozen skulled barbarian, it is behind Atium might that Vanyan find solace and safety. He is glad to have it back.
In the morning, he will offer his usual protections and be ready to fight.
Though he is one to mock (in brotherly fun) the frozen skulled barbarian
Atium asks the various "worldbreakers" to help fill one of his three Warhammers with a potent spell. He also refrains from drinking that evening or partying much. This might raise an eyebrow amongst his friends.
I am fine and not partying because I take tomorrow very serious. I am normal if not a bit uncomfortable because we are now very far south and the weather is much hotter here.
I am looking and I see sand people (Osirians) and King Mountain people. They are probably decent folk, but I'm not as interested in drinking with them for a one night stand. Now, if there were a few Ulfen here, I could be convinced to down a beverage or two. Right now, I want to get a good meal, and rest. Tomorrow will be really tough.
Vinas spends what he can on what he can think of. What he really looks for a either a new headband, or someone willing and able to improve the one he has.
Aishe first pays back Vanyan the 5,000gp he borrowed earlier. ”Thank you for the loan.”
He’ll then pick up a few scrolls.
Find Quarry (12) x2 (2,000gp)
Inspiring Recovery (12) x2 (2,000gp)
Finally, if he can do so without too much difficulty, he’ll improve his Cloak of Resistance (to +5 (+9,000gp)). If he can’t let me know.
Inbound: 22,315gp, Outbound: 18,000gp, Remainder: 4,315gp
Happy to loan out 4kgp if anyone wants/needs it or spend it toward haste. Better to spend it now as it may be our last time.
Vanyan buys a few trinkets and is ready to move out.
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You spend the remainder of the day preparing yourselves and gathering some much needed equipment. Some of it is for sale by the armory and some is purchased off of Soldiers willing to offer their own wares for the greater good.
The next more is met with grim silence as the troops mentally prepare and mobilize out. They know that many will fall this day, but know this to be a necessary task that will likely save the entire world.
Your group patiently awaits for Erga and Yesel's armies to clash with the undead. Upon hearing the sounds of bones shattering and the sound of battle you head south into the forest to begin seeking out your targets to try and get the Lich's attention. Nearly an hour in Rothos emerges from the trees, his armor stained with blood and quite battered. "The First Guard has identified a towering enemy lurking just behind that hill topped with a partially-buried siege castle." He points off towards the hill.
In the distance you notice signs of a towering presence of a colossal creature composed of hundreds of corpses pulled from the shallow graves in the Cairnlands.
With fiery seeds in hand, Vanyan is ready to fly to face the colossus.
”C’mon you guys. Let’s earn our fame.”
Aishe checks the action on his crossbow, weathered by time and use. He'll then look for a good line of sight, following behind Vinas and Atium no doubt.
Seeing the grim resignation on the faces of many, most his own age, Vinas takes a moment to address them.
"Fear not your fate for you cannot lose this day! The sun will either set upon you to rise the next, or you shall find yourself before Pharasma recounting how you died protecting the world from her most hated enemy, the undead! It's time to be immortal, because heroes never die!"
Believing in his own words completely, he gives Vanyan a genuine smile, "Indeed. Let's."
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Vinas seems to lift the spirits of the younger Soldiers and they leave for battle a little less nervous than they were to begin with.
Upon seeing the Colossus your group knows tat they have a fight on their hands and proceed into the fray. This enormous monstrosity looks like a pile of fresh humanoid bodies shoved into a shambling humanoid shape. as it drags itself across the field towards the structure.
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BOLD: GO!:
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➤ Aishe
➤ Vinas
➤ Vanyan
The Cairn King
Tessenarin │
Atium │