And just like that, it's over. An excellent demonstration of the power of information and planning ahead. Rest in peace, Zenaida. You and your friends have been avenged. Your killer will not harm anyone else. Elisani offers a brief, silent prayer of thanks to Zohls for the knowledge that led them to victory.
”What snake-lady say? Why she do things she do?”
The detective moves away from their unconscious enemy until she can hear the sound of her own footsteps. "I am cautiously in favor of questioning her, but keep in mind that she is a formidable spellcaster. It may be safer to simply kill her."
Sherman dismisses his spell of silence, letting the sounds flow free again. He levitates down, and lands near the fallen lamia.
”Vengeance,” he says, looking down at the enemy. Maybe saving the city from a dark fate as well. But strongest feeling is finally avenging his dead friends.
”While it might be interesting to know, why she did all this. And whether there are other masterminds working towards the same goal. But could be we truly trust anything she says?“ he turns to the others.
”Not to speak of the danger involved letting her live.“
@Tarphrex: The spear never resized. It was always a medium sized weapon. Like a centaur, a lamia matriarch has the upper torso of a "normal" sized human, and thus their weapons and armor are medium.
Speaking of, lets try to pull everyone back into the conversation with some loot. This is what is on Xanesha herself and will need a variety of spellcraft checks.
Aura moderate enchantment CL 7th
Slot none; Price 9,000 gp; Weight 9 lbs.
Description
The impaler of thorns is an ancient weapon dating back to Thassilonian times, when it was often used by city guards to aid in breaking up civil unrest. An impaler’s shaft is made of darkwood, and its head is a thornlike, wide-bladed barb. When an impaler of thorns is used in combat, its successful critical hits are accompanied by an unsettling screech, as of some wild beast in anger.
An impaler of thorns is a +1 longspear. Once per day as it strikes a foe, the wielder can cause it (as a free action) to unleash a 30-foot radius burst of despair that affects all creatures not wielding an impaler of thorns. Creatures affected must succeed at DC 16 Will saves or become overwhelmed with sadness and despair, taking –2 penalties on attack rolls, saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 6 minutes. The target struck when this effect is triggered must also succeed at a second DC 16 Will save to resist becoming nauseated with despair for 1 round.
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot head; Price 10,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This intricate mask is made of gold-plated iron. Writhing snake tails radiate from a gemstone upon the brow, almost as if they were medusa-like hair. The mask grants a +4 bonus on all saving throws against visual effects, including gaze attacks and sight-based illusions. Once per day as a standard action, the wearer can cause the central gemstone to glow with pale green light, at which point she may target any one creature within 30 feet. The targeted creature must succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or be petrified for 1 minute, as if by flesh to stone.
Aura moderate abjuration and transmutation; CL 8th
Slot chest; Price 8,000 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
A snakeskin tunic is a tight, form-fitting shirt crafted from the scales of a giant snake. When worn, it grants a +1 armor bonus to AC, a +2 enhancement bonus to Dexterity, and a +2 resistance bonus on saving throws against poison.
And a ring of keys. Reminder, there are chests under the statue here on the rooftop. I recommend anyone who can to try and identify these items, they're all really good.
Tarphrex casts detect magic and studies the auras for each of the items that detect as enchanted. Unfortunately, he's not smart, so this is not his strongest skill.
"Tarphrex not know this magic."
"Tarphrex not know this magic."
"Tarphrex know this magic! Magic of giant snake, protect wearer-person and make them dodge better. Poison not hurt so bad."
Before anyone approaches the chests, he stops them. "Tarphrex know about traps. Tarphrex look for sneaky traps first."
Estella takes a deep, satisfied breath. A job well done. A town saved and heroes avenged.
As she listens to the others and thinks, she idly performs a little post-victory ritual. She doesn't even think about it anymore; it's entirely routine. She finds a small gap within the stones and pushes her spear into it. It's not ideal, the spear leans a little, but it doesn't topple over. That's the important part.
Slowly, the flag attached to it gets caught up in the wind, until it proudly billows as a sign of triumph. The flag itself little more than a crudely drawn snake woman with a very mean expression and a big red X painted over it. An Estella Vale original.
"I wouldn't even know what to ask of her, really." Estella says after Sherman mulls over questioning her. "You and your friends were on a trail, and it lead to her, right? Then I think the most important question is, does the trail end with her? Is the threat over now? Or does she still have allies, or, and let's hope not, someone that she reports to?"
She turns her head towards Tarphrex and smiles. "Oh, you picked up the spear! Good thinking, I was gonna try and get it myself later. After all, would be a shame if something gorgeous like this went unused."
Estella puts in her best effort and inspects especially the spear with great care, but her lack of education in (or rather, lack of paying attention during) the arcane arts is failing her.
Ain peeks over and takes a look at the items as well, The mask is beyond my knowledge, however the spear is called the impaler of thorns, its an ancient Thassilonian weapon, cruel in its use in that Guards back then would use it to put down uprisings. Crafted of darkwood. It is enchanted by a particular ability to cause despair to those not wielding it.
Tarphrex sits back from a chest he is examining.
”Snake-lady spear make people sad? All people? Or only people snake-lady fighting? Maybe not good for friends…”
Perhaps the chests will have some information that will make it unnecessary to question the lamia. Elisani approaches cautiously, looking for the subtle signs of traps leading up to or on the chests.
Like the others, Sherman fails to figure out what kind of magic is involved with the lamia's mask. But knowing their enemy, it would be good to know.
"I think be should be able to find a scroll of identify somewhere in the city. I'd really like to know what this mask will do."
But that is for later, and there is still things to be investigated.
"Elisani, did you find anything in those chests?"
Elisani puts her powerful observation to use, alongside Tarphrex's knowledge of trap making, and they conclude that the seven chests are not trapped, but are securly locked. Elisani also notices the book that the creature was reading left on the ground where she must have dropped it upon being attacked.
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_________
Sister Dunmorrow says, "As much as I wish to see her dead, I cannot condone killing her know that she is unconcious. We should restrain her and turn her over to the guards." She looks unhappy to say such a thing, her eyes and jaw tight in displeasure.
__________
@Sherman: A wand of Identify is a common purchase for all my spellcasters.
Tarphrex is studying the next chest when he innocently and off-handedly offers, ”You go down to ground and wait. We will push her off for you to catch and restrain.”
He slyly looks back, obviously joking.
"Apparently she saw no need to trap her chests." Elisani reaches around into her handy haversack and pulls out a soft leather roll of thieves' tools. "Do you truly think the city guard will care enough to see to it that a powerful spellcaster is imprisoned somewhere she cannot escape, Sister Dunmorrow?" She selects a lockpick and gets to work on the closest chest. "This is Underbridge. The people who live here mean less than nothing to them. The lamia's most recent victims were a Varisian mystery cultist, a foreigner, and two halflings." Her voice and expression are bitterly resigned. Elisani has been dealing with the harsh realities of life in the poorer parts of Magnimar for years, and it never gets any easier. "They were precious to us, but not to the wealthy and powerful of this city, and the guard only cares about those who have money. We have no means to confine her ourselves, which leaves only execution."
Tarphrex tries some of the keys on the lamia's keyring while Elisani is practicing her skills.
Estella grimaces a bit. Upon hearing Sister Dunmorrow, she's inclined to agree. Violent and evil though she might be, there's no dignity to be found in killing an unconscious foe. It simply isn't ladylike!
If we're to kill her, I prefer to let her face her end consciously.
"I feel taking her to the city guard is going a bit far, but I think we should restrain her and give herself a chance to explain herself before we dole out judgment."
What she's leaving unsaid is that she's not expecting there to be any explanation good enough to redeem the lamia.
"You weren't there when she butchered my friends..." Sherman says coldly. "If you plan to let her live, be very, very sure she cannot do her magic."
perhaps its my heritage talking but such a creature would be killed by my people. Creatures like this do not think in the same way we do, we should kill her. I do not believe the city us equipped to hold such a beast anyway
Sister Dunmorrow looks peeved at herself as she stows her sword and shield and sits down, "I'm afraid you've misunderstood my stance. I cannot kill her in this state. Iomedea demands the creature meet justice, not vengence. Let us not fool ourselves into thinking that it will be spared death, it will die for its crimes. But it will do so legally. You mentioned you have a journal from Justice Ironbriar, that alone would be enough to convict it. My sworn testimony will only add to it. The Temple of Iomedea will hold the creature and will inform the public of the goings on. The masses will pressure the courts to a speedy trial. The creature will die." She removes her boots and starts stripping her socks off.
She looks at Sherman as she continues, her eyes tight, "You are correct that I was not here before. And I will have to live the rest of my life wondering if I could have saved Zenidai if I had been. You lost your friends, I lost one who was like a sister to me."
As she finishes, she puts her boots back on and moves over towards the creature. She shoves one sock into the creature's mouth, then ties it in place with the other, forming what is likely the most sweaty gag possible.
____________
___________
@Elisani: You pop open a trunk (barely) and find it full of bulging leather sacks. You've seen enough shady deals go down that you recognize sacks stuffed with coins at a glance.
___________
@Tarphrex: There are 8 total keys.
You open the trunk next to the one Elisani is working on and see the same sacks of coins.
The little winged kobold observes, ”Much money. Heavy. Moving to safe place will be difficult. Maybe use some, buy magic way to move?”
Paladins. No idea about how the other half of the world lives. And it turns out the lamia had keys, so Elisani doesn't even have lockpicking to distract herself from the bodies strewn about. Zenaida's broken body at the base of the tower, shattered into- no, don't think about that now. She sighs, standing up. "On your head be it if she escapes and kills more people. We will require a horse and wagon to transport such a large prisoner. There are also the bodies of the fallen to account for. I suggest we take them to the Temple of Pharasma for proper burial." The book the lamia was reading catches her eye. Elisani walks over to pick it up and take a look.
Not being the bookish sort, Tarphrex locks the first two chests and opens the next one. He checks each chest for magical auras before closing them again.
As Sister Dunmorrow pulls a length of rope from her pack, she answers, "Not on my head Elisani. It will be on my very soul." She starts tying the creature's wrists and arms together behind its back.
_________________
@Elisani: The book is easily recognizable, though you may not know the specifics. The author is Dani Adamantine, well known for her torrid romance novels and bodic rippers. In intellectual circles, its consider base smut, garbage. But she sells out of copies each year.
_________________
The next (3rd chest) contains more coin, as do the next two. A total of:
33,000 copper pieces
8,100 silver pieces
900 gold pieces
100 platinum pieces
the 6th chests is stocked with jewelry and gemstones; 4,200 gp worth.
The 7th chest is where you really get your worth; potions and magic items...
This beetle-shaped pin enables its wearer to detect any golem within 60 feet, although he must concentrate (a standard action) in order for the detection to take place. A scarab enables its bearer to combat golems with weapons, unarmed attacks, or natural weapons as if those golems had no damage reduction.
It also has 3 envelopes, think manilla envelopes.
1st envelope: A list of names titled Greedy Souls for Sacrifices
2nd envelope: A previously crumpled parchment that has since been flattened out, though the crinkles remain, as do several small tears.
The specifics are rather mundane, though the write is clearly extremely condenscending and refers to the reader as sister. She writes that her attempts at harvesting souls are progressing much better than Xanesha's and Karzoug will undoubtedly reward her much more so than her lazy sister and her pitiful work in Magnimar. The Riverboat casino is a vastly superior idea and Turtleback Ferry is a prime location to harvest from. It repeats these sentiments in various ways for the entire letter. At the end, it is signed Lucrecia.
3rd envelope: A single sheet of paper that simply reads:
Tarphrex sniffs at each of the potions, replacing stoppers, then swirling them in the light, "Tarphrex think this one is good healing drink. Not sure about others."
"Pretty bauble with magic Tarphrex not know."
He says sadly, "Friend Loth would like very much. Strong weapon magic."
Ain stares at the sheer amount of coin and wealth in the area for a brief moment before turning to Taphrex and peeking over his shoulder, That, is called a golembane scarab. it allows the wearer to detect golems as well as fight them more effectively...And there is a fair amount of coin here...
As everyone begins gathering evidence, loot, and the bodies of the slain, Sister Dunmorrow uses rope and ties up a harness to begin lowering things to the ground. She, of course, keeps the lamia matriarch with her until the last. At one point, when it looks like the creature is stirring, Sister Dunmorrow knocks her in the head to keep her out. She lowers herself down last, and hefts the lamia onto her shoulders. Estella found a busted cart, Elisani got it functional enough, and Sherman and Ain loaded the bodies and chests.
With a final look around at the square and Zenaida, the group begins the walk home. It is a victorious day. But a grim reminder sours the celebration.
Tarphrex avoids descending until as late as possible. He doesn’t want to see Zenaida until he absolutely must. ”Tarphrex watch her while you lower things, yes?” He crouches next to the lamia matriarch and stares at her.
"Rest in peace, friends." Sherman lowers his head. Now that the stress from the fight is gone, he feels conflicted. Happy for the victory over the enemy, but also the sorrow over the lost friends starts to kick in once again. But as Sister Dunmorrow hefts the lamia onto her shoulders, he feels some closure to the matter.
And the city is safe.
Right?
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The next few days pass in leaps and bounds for everyone. In some moments, hours seem to pass as you sit with your thoughts. Other drag on interminably. More funerals, more grieving, more sorrow. These times take the longest and leave you feeling wrung out.
As Sister Dunmorrow assured you, the trial for Xanesha (the lamia matriarch) is both quick and decisive. Her judgement carried out the same day. You are all invited to witness the proceedings, and a crowd gathers to witness the hanging. Which is followed by a beheading. The head is then burned, as is tradition for particularly dangerous criminals and/or those who have founded a cult.
Whether you attend or not, you are all also contacted by a person named Sabriyya Kalmeralm, known locally as the Princess of the Market. There is no explanation of how she knows what she knows, or why she cares, but each letter contains a promise of protection and discounts in the Bazaar of Sails (Magnimar's largest marketplace).
The week passes, and life seems to be returning to normal. You all meet one evening, feeling the need to share in the expierence you had with each other. In the final hours of sunlight, the group gathers at Sherman Blake's chapel.
________________
Not the new team members would know, but this time around Sherman's chapel looks much cleaner. Less of a mancave and more a proper place of worship. Gone are the endless empty wine bottles, and sunlight makes it through the newly washed windows. All in all, a happier place.
"Welcome to my humble abode." Sherman says, and manages a smile "I hope you've all had a peaceful week."
Tarphrex attempts to meet with members of Zenaida's family, but he is noticeably shaking if they accept. "Zenaida say her people share stories to remember. Tarphrex would tell stories of Zenaida so family knows. Does Zenaida family speak language of dragons?"
--------------------------------
Tarphrex stands in the doorway, leaning in to peer around, obviously impressed at the condition of the chapel compared to previously.
"Nest of Sherman look more... better. Yes?" He moves in, maneuvers into a sunny patch, and visibly basks in the light. He sighs, eyes closed, and says, "Tarphrex is better, too."
In the week that follows, Estella spends a lot of her downtime in the library. Fighting the snake lady, she noticed that her blasé attitude towards her studies had left her at a bit of a disadvantage. She intends to correct that flaw. And her hard work eventually pays off! After an intense week of skimming books, she now has approximate knowledge of many things indeed!
A few nights, she tries to arrange for dinner with Elisani to catch up, now that the direct threat on Magnimar has passed. She's eager to hear if Elisani managed to get in touch with the... extraordinary client that put them on the trail of the snake lady to begin with.
Though she's keeping quiet about it for the most part, if any of the party members prod her about her next plans, she'll let slip that the letter to Xanesha's piqued her interest. She's not immediately chasing the lead, but she's asked around about the Riverboat Casino a bit.
---
Estella finds herself enamored by the charming little chapel. "A fine, humble place of faith, Father Blake." She looks around at the others. She sees a bit of a weight lifted from Sherman and Tarphrex in particular. "You look good. I'm glad to see that."
@Tarphrex: One person speaks Draconic. They are happy to hear the stories however you choose to tell them.
Tarphrex alternates between his broken Common and his much more fluent Draconic (especially when Common words escape him) and tells many tales of Zenaida's exploits. He focuses on her, but shares stories of the other companions, as well.
Once the group has delivered the lamia matriarch to the Temple of Iomedae, Elisani (and anyone who wants to come with her) coaxes their rickety cart back to the clocktower to retrieve the bodies of the fallen and take them to the Temple of Pharasma. It's a grim task, but they deserve a proper burial.
The next morning, the detective reports back to Aella at the Unblinking Eye with what they've learned, including the letters found in Xanesha's belongings. "In my opinion, this case isn't finished yet. I would like to investigate the casino at Turtleback Ferry. Have you heard anything of note about that?"
Once she's finished talking to Aella, she tracks down her other coworkers to ask them if they've heard anything about the Turtleback Ferry casino, and then moves on to her network of informants.
Elisani offers to come along with Tarphrex and translate for him. She, too, would like to hear his stories of Zenaida and offer her condolences to her aunt, uncle, and cousins.
This is the first time she's been to this particular house of worship. Peaceful places generally don't attract the attention of the Unblinking Eye, and Elisani makes her offerings to Zohls at the little altar in the agency's back room. "Good morning, Sherman, Estella."
"Peaceful... hmm, I suppose so. I have been asking my contacts about the casino mentioned in the letter we found."
Tarphrex looks up at the investigator, eyebrows raised.
He pauses and looks at the ground for a moment, then speaks again, quietly.
"Casino? Is this related to the lamia and the cult?" Sherman asks, puzzled. He was setting the table when this mention interrupted him. But after a pause, he continues and lays down a bowl of cookies.
"Please help yourself some cookies. They're from Mrs. Balmer next door, quite delicious. I'll go make some tea."
And after a while, he return with a pot, and pours to anyone who'd like some.
"Speaking of letters... I received one, and I suppose Tarprhex got one also. Sounds like there is some trouble brewing outside of Magnimar, in Sandpoint."
Estella helps herself to a cookie, patiently waiting for someone else to take one first so she doesn't come across as too much of a sweet tooth.
While taking a sip, she nods. "Judging from the letter, our lamia friend had a rival. And someone they answered to." She turns towards Elisani. "You too, huh? Hope you don't mind me tagging along once you've got a lead."
Upon mentioning Sandpoint, her eyes turn back to Sherman. "Trouble? Do they need help?"
Estella helps herself to a cookie, patiently waiting for someone else to take one first so she doesn't come across as too much of a sweet tooth.
While taking a sip, she nods. "Judging from the letter, our lamia friend had a rival. And someone they answered to." She turns towards Elisani. "You too, huh? Hope you don't mind me tagging along once you've got a lead."
Upon mentioning Sandpoint, her eyes turn back to Sherman. "Trouble? Do they need help?"
While Estella waits, Tarphrex walks up and takes a cookie in each hand. He alternates taking bites from each as he makes room for someone else to indulge.
”Yes, Tarphrex get letter. Friend Ameiko want friends come help, yes?”
That is enough to decipher the mask's enchantments. Posted here so you don't have to search for it:
Medusa's Mask
Aura moderate transmutation; CL 11th
Slot head; Price 10,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Description
This intricate mask is made of gold-plated iron. Writhing snake tails radiate from a gemstone upon the brow, almost as if they were medusa-like hair. The mask grants a +4 bonus on all saving throws against visual effects, including gaze attacks and sight-based illusions. Once per day as a standard action, the wearer can cause the central gemstone to glow with pale green light, at which point she may target any one creature within 30 feet. The targeted creature must succeed at a DC 15 Fortitude save or be petrified for 1 minute, as if by flesh to stone.
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@Elisani: The casino opened a few years back and has been rather popular considering the town of Turtleback wouldn't normally be able to support a casino.
Ain enter later than usual, an odd magic starry glow to his eyes fading as he does. A calm grin on his face, I would be glad to help Shining one. My lady has not yet released me from service here so i would be glad to accompany thee to whatever trouble is next.
"You may count on me as well. Lending my spear to those who need it is exactly why I left my home, and I certainly don't intend to stop here."
The journey from Magnimar to Sandpoint takes 2 to 3 days on foot, depending on how hard you push yourself. And the group only moves as fast as its slowest member.
And you (Tarphrex mostly) could reasonably expect some assistance in Sandpoint from some former friends there. Dol Stormmaul stayed there to work on repairing the town.
"Sandpoint good town. Ameiko good person. Nice. Strong. Tarphrex not know what trouble is, happy new friends can help."
To distract himself, Tarphrex shares what he knows of Sandpoint from his earlier visit and from what the original heroes shared with him of their time there. He will resort to Draconic with Elisani translating when he's trying to be particularly detailed.
"Well, the letter wasn't very specific. But it sounded like they needed help, yes." Sherman opens the letter and reads it once more to see if he missed anything.
Then he waits patiently until Tarphrex has finished his story, and then turns towars the new allies.
"I am sure Ameiko and the others would gladly welcome you all."