Anselm quietly nods in appreciation of the artwork that went into the church and its waiting room. He smiles politely as Lady Paril enters.
"Archbanker, it is kind of you to make time for us on such short notice. We've come on behalf of the Baron Telus. It seems a rather powerful curse has settled over the poor fellow's estate. We hoped you might have access to prayers that might break the enchantment in question."
Kamari surveys the bank church as they walk through.
This would not be an easy nut to crack if we ever had to.
"Archbanker, it is kind of you to make time for us on such short notice. We've come on behalf of the Baron Telus. It seems a rather powerful curse has settled over the poor fellow's estate. We hoped you might have access to prayers that might break the enchantment in question."
”Ahh, yes. Baron Telus. I have heard he was cursed, and powerfully so. However, I’m afraid that is out of my range as a priest to cure. I believe a Break Enchantment is necessary, but the poor dear hasn’t decided to have it done I’m afraid. Nor could I cast that spell, you’d need to acquire a scroll - and depending on the power of the curse, I’d get two to be sure of having it work.”
”Even then there’s no guarantee you see, but it improves your odds.” She smiles at the elegance of the solution. ”You might see Randolphus in town, tell him I sent you for a pair of Break Enchantment scrolls. He deals in scrolls you see. Quite the favorite of the Count, but I think he can acquire a pair of these for you. Please, let them be my gift for the saving of my acolyte.”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kort walks into the Bank stiffly, and using his cane. He greets Archbanker Paril with a stiff bow, uncertain for the exact necessary formality.
"Archbanker, it is kind of you to make time for us on such short notice. We've come on behalf of the Baron Telus. It seems a rather powerful curse has settled over the poor fellow's estate. We hoped you might have access to prayers that might break the enchantment in question."
”Though we are unable to lay our own eyes upon the man, we are hopeful your magics might help break the spell,” Kort agrees with Anselm.
”You might see Randolphus in town, tell him I sent you for a pair of Break Enchantment scrolls. He deals in scrolls you see. Quite the favorite of the Count, but I think he can acquire a pair of these for you. Please, let them be my gift for the saving of my acolyte.”
”That is most generous of you Archbanker. We will consider the deed paid for,” Kort nods in agreement. ”I can only hope the man is able to work off his debt in the matter. And, sorry to have such a short visit, but we must make haste to see Randolphus. I’ve heard that time is money, and so you won’t mind this curt visit. We need to be off.”
Kort is ready to go find Randolphus.
Kamari approves of the efficient transaction with the Archbanker.
"Thank you for your time, sir. Until next time, be well."
"That is most gracious. I have no doubt that this good deed will lead to greater dividends, once Telus regains its footing." Anselm bows, also ready to move on.
The church is, as you might expect, an impressive edifice. As with many churches of Abadar, it is also very secure, operating as a local bank in all the ways you might expect - even providing loans.
Elen opens her mouth to speak ”Thank you Archbanker Lady Paril for seeing us so quickly! You see..” but the Lady Paril beats her to it.
”My my, the nobles of Betony visiting me at last! … I must thank you for saving Acolyte Mise. … We’re ever so grateful… How may I assist you today? … Please, let [the scrolls] be my gift for the saving of my acolyte.”
Rendered silent by the unexpected barrage of gratitude Elen nods and smiles, and takes her leave with the rest.
Once out of earshot of the church and on their way to Randolphus she asks, ”Is it me, or did she seem very eager to be friends? We should extend to her an invitation to our gala Festival Affair in Stachys.”
As an after thought she adds, "I wonder what their interest rates are. It might take a great deal to rebuild that bridge."
The party takes their leave of the Archbanker, a short but productive interview. They head into town, where most of the shops are in the process of closing up for the day and people are slowly filling the streets heading home, or to the pub!
You find Randolphus doing the same, turning the lock in his front door as you arrive. He tries to beg off, but for a bit of diplomacy, and a small bribe (10gp someone?), you’re able to convince him to remain open a short while longer. You join him in his cramped basement shop. It’s actually a fairly large space, but it’s so full of shelves, work tables, paper of all sorts, etc. that it’s hard to move around without bumping into something. Randolphus is a small man and has no trouble navigating. The shop is clearly built for him foremost.
You explain what you’re here for, and who’s paying for it, and he graciously snags two scrolls from a locked cabinet. He spreads them out for you to examine, ensuring you’re getting what you, er, the Archbanker, paid for. Satisfied you have what you need for poor Baron Telus, Randolphus pushes you out on the streets again, so he can have his evening drink - already delayed. A methodical man.
You’re in Lotheedar. It’s supper time. Do you dine and spend the night locally?
Mama D is more than happy to slip Randolphus the 10gp. Afterward, she smiles cautiously to the others, "that was actually easier than I expected. Shall we have supper, or begin back right away?"
Anselm reads the prayers and gestures encoded on the scrolls. While beyond his powers by quite a span, he says, “I feel I might be able to activate the magic stored in these, if no one else is able. After a warm meal and night’s sleep, that is.”
"Food. Wine. A bed. Sounds good to me."
Kamari is up for a decent night's rest.
“I feel I might be able to activate the magic stored in these, if no one else is able. ”
Mama D nods in agreement, "I *might* be able to, but it would not be a certainty."
The thought of a good meal and a night of rest sounds lovely, and she is more than willing to wait until tomorrow for a final decision.
“I feel I might be able to activate the magic stored in these, if no one else is able. After a warm meal and night’s sleep, that is.”
"Well, maybe I could give one a try, might be that I have the touch. I don't know. Let's sleep on it," Kort seems agreeable to some food and rest, before returning to do what must be done.
Kort is not picky about food or accommodations, having lived in the field for so long.
Elen nods. "They did say one or two more days wouldn't make much difference for the Baron. Best to be at full strength when the time comes to tackle him."
As an after thought she adds, "I wonder what their interest rates are. It might take a great deal to rebuild that bridge."
Rebuilding the bridge will cost 5,000gp, or 4,500gp after your current discounts. The church of Abadar has good rates on loaned money, though they usually deal in very small amounts (under 50gp) only occasionally going into the hundreds. They’re not really substantial enough to lend the sorts of monies you’re looking for. You’re in a whole other league.
You manage rooms at a local inn, the finest of the three in town - befitting your rank and status. You also enjoy an excellent repast in the restaurant across the street. They import fish from Baron Okerra’s Barony at Lake Pensaris and do a wonderful fish-fry, searing in the flavor with a bit of lemon and pepper.
Early the next day (Gozran 18th) you ride west once again, supported by Mama D’s magical steeds. You camp that night by the road, and arrive back at Baron Tellus’ estate in time for lunch (Gozran 19th), though food is the last thing on your mind.
Master Mosle greets you at the entry, noting that they’ve disabled the pit trap for now. He looks… hopeful. But he still doesn’t quite believe it. ”Were you able to get the healing scrolls?”
“Yes, the Church of Abadar was kind enough to donate them, in thanks for our earlier help.” Anselm smiles, pointing towards Mama D. “Lady Lotheed has great expertise in this area. Tell me, what have you known our cursed Baron to do to his… dinner.”
Before joining the others back to the Telus Barony, Elen stops at the Weapon shop and picks out a masterwork gardening tool, complete with a ball and chain attachment.
Pleased with the red carpet treatment of Mosle, she asks ”Yes, Master Mostle please consult us a bit upon his current state and condition so that we might plan a strategy that involves the least potential of harm to all.”
Before joining the others back to the Telus Barony, Elen stops at the Weapon shop and picks out a masterwork gardening tool, complete with a ball and chain attachment.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Kort bows and hopes for the best.
"Yes, tell us more about feeding. We...we...can try to sedate him prior to our ministrations, which might allow us to be more successful. It would be good to plan on a triple dinner, which is way more than second breakfast, before we enter. The Baron might feel sated and we might avoid a fight," Kort adds, totally not thinking of spiking the food with interesting things at all.
Lunch? Dinner? All I can think about is that delectable lemon pepper fish fry.
"Sounds like a plan to me.
Not sure if it's a good plan, but I don't really have one either so...
Kamari keeps her rapier sheathed, but holds onto her sap just in case.
Anselm joins Elen in her trip to the armory. He comes away with a very elegant looking sap.
“Yes, the Church of Abadar was kind enough to donate them, in thanks for our earlier help.” Anselm smiles, pointing towards Mama D. “Lady Lotheed has great expertise in this area. Tell me, what have you known our cursed Baron to do to his… dinner.”
”He tears into it, why?”
Pleased with the red carpet treatment of Mosle, she asks ”Yes, Master Mostle please consult us a bit upon his current state and condition so that we might plan a strategy that involves the least potential of harm to all.”
He looks uneasy, ”His current state? Hungry. We gave him the last of the horse yesterday, but it was late, and not much.”
"Yes, tell us more about feeding. We...we...can try to sedate him prior to our ministrations, which might allow us to be more successful. It would be good to plan on a triple dinner, which is way more than second breakfast, before we enter. The Baron might feel sated and we might avoid a fight," Kort adds, totally not thinking of spiking the food with interesting things at all.
”You would use poison?” he and his men are clearly not pleased with the idea of poison being used, and are surprised that it’s being suggested by nobles.
He goes on to explain their feeding protocol. They wait for silence, then quietly open the locks on the door. They throw the meat into the hall and quickly close the door. Sometime later, usually within a few minutes but sometimes hours later, they hear their Baron tear apart the flesh - though sometimes he withdraws with the meat and eats it further in the chamber. They can’t always hear what’s going on behind the door.
Master Mosle adds, ”I can’t believe it’s almost over. Please, try not to hurt him overmuch. He was a good man once.” He seems sincere in his plea as he hands you the keys to the three locks on the main door before you. He withdraws with his mates back to the western wing and leaves you to your business.
Any prep before you open the door? Also, who has the break enchantment scrolls? You have two.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Not poison, no. I believe Lord Kort refers to the soporific effect of a full stomach." Anselm smiles and clarifies his question. "Given your fear of the Baron's attacking us, I thought you might have seen his... methods for incapacitating his prey, before you started feeding him regularly. Was I mistaken?"
As the party gets ready to enter, Anselm calls upon Shelyn, who responds with a bobbing light, a spectral glaive, and her blessing .
HP 36/36
AC 18 / 16 ff / 13 touch
Active effects: Bless, hedging weapon
Variable teamwork feat: Precise Strike
1st level spells: 3/5
2nd level spells: 3/3
Summon monster: 6/7
CLW wand: 36
Lesser Restore wand: 47
HP 17/17; DR 10/evil; immune electricity, petrification
AC 15
Duration 5 min
”Indeed, Anselm. No one said a thing about poison,” Kort agrees stiffly. ”It might work to have him sated and sedate, if we can. Have you tried offering alcohol?”
Kort examines one of the scrolls fo Break Enchantment with Read Magic, to prepare himself to cast it.
Kamari peaks at the scrolls with her burgeoning knowledge of the arcane ways, but definitely lets someone else carry them in.
"Ready when the rest of you are."
Madella casts read magic, then tuts about the scroll in hand. She looks to The Good Major and to Fair Anselm, ” in a perfect world, we would have three and we would each try our luck, so to speak. but as our world is far from perfect, we shall have to hope.”
caster level check: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
Madella casts read magic, then tuts about the scroll in hand. She looks to The Good Major and to Fair Anselm, “in a perfect world, we would have three and we would each try our luck, so to speak. but as our world is far from perfect, we shall have to hope.”
caster level check: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9
”What?!” Elen shoots Anselm and Kort a look of shock.
”No! No! We never deal in poison! I mean, the occasional drink maybe inflicted upon the self -- but I don’t think that’s appropriate here. I just meant -- how big is the Baron now? How hairy has he become? Are there many teeth and claws?
Just how is the Baron transformed?”
"Not poison, no. I believe Lord Kort refers to the soporific effect of a full stomach." Anselm smiles and clarifies his question. "Given your fear of the Baron's attacking us, I thought you might have seen his... methods for incapacitating his prey, before you started feeding him regularly. Was I mistaken?"
”He is always hungry, there is no sating him. It’s part of the curse. I have not seen him in a year so I do not know what he is capable of. He was once a sorcerer, but I don’t know if there’s enough of his mind left for that. Mostly I’ve seen him fight with claws and teeth of late, though he has set magical alarms on the door before. I think mostly to frighten us.”
”Oh, more than once, his features have been blurred, but I cannot say if that is a spell or further transformation.”
”Indeed, Anselm. No one said a thing about poison,” Kort agrees stiffly. ”It might work to have him sated and sedate, if we can. Have you tried offering alcohol?”
A look of fear passes his face, ”You really have no idea? This is a curse, not something a simple remedy of food or alcohol will resolve. I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
He frowns, thinking, ”I think maybe you shouldn’t go in there. I don’t want you to be slaughtered. It doesn’t sound like you can handle it.” He seems to be wondering if he should take back the keys.
”No! No! We never deal in poison! I mean, the occasional drink maybe inflicted upon the self -- but I don’t think that’s appropriate here. I just meant -- how big is the Baron now? How hairy has he become? Are there many teeth and claws?
Just how is the Baron transformed?”
”He did grow a little to be sure, maybe a foot, and his face… changed. He grew a claw on his right arm, and his left leg is… altered. Not any more hairy though. Lots of teeth.”
Though he hesitated, he decides to let you try your scheme. He and his men again leave for the western wing leaving you to the doors with three locks.
Mama D, I’ll keep the rolls for the scroll, so when the time comes to use it, you’ve successfully cast it, but will need a hero point re-roll to attempt another Break Enchantment roll at 1d20+10 (in your case) vs DC 20.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
”You really have no idea? This is a curse, not something a simple remedy of food or alcohol will resolve. I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
Kort begins to lose patience with the man.
”Do you not understand anything? Are you really so daft?” Kort summons his military voice, annoyed. ”We have tried with every step to understand more about the beast therein, requested repeatedly for more information, and attempts to look for ourselves with our TRAINED eyes to know what we face…and YOU QUESTION ME?” Kort doesn’t let up.
”Listen, we just rode our asses dry to get valuable magics for your Lord, turning in favors to get the magics, and you dare tell me that we are misunderstanding what it might take to work? Let me tell you something, and it’s something I will explain to your lord, that the magic in these scrolls takes a full minute to cast. A FULL MINUTE. Which is about a full minute more than it takes you to say something utterly stupid.”
”So when I ask if there is some way to sedate or slow down the beast, it’s because I fully understand what might be done so that we might survive. Because it will give us our best chance at success.” Kort pauses. ”We may have to subdue the beast because you refuse to help us find a way to sedate or satiate the beast.”
Intimidate
"Foot long fangs and claws on his arms?!"
Kort beats Kamari to loosing his temper upon the fools.
"Be helpful or get out of the way." She stares at the meek men.
Mama D gives support she can to encourage the men to step aside.
“err, yes, perhaps, maybe?”
”He did grow a little to be sure, maybe a foot … “
A foot? Doable, … possibly…
~~~"Foot long fangs and claws on his arms?!"
Like an ACTUAL BOAR? Not like Lord Titus Lotheed-Casava… … Titus was mocking this situation? What an extra special jerk!
”What?! Elen’s eyes open wide.
”Ho, calm down, everyone!” She cautions her teammates. ”Maybe there isn’t a name for the Thing Baron Telus has become! Look -- I’m going to go in there, and try to grapple him with my new gardening tool . Anything any of you can think of to do to help facilitate that would be most welcome! Then maybe someone can read the scroll ...scrolls -- if necessary. Now, please -- who will unlock and open the door?”
“I will, once I’ve said my prayers.” Anselm takes the key, says his prayers, and opens the door.
Kort prepares to follow others through the door, making is his own magic preparations now that the stupid man has stopped saying stupid things.
”One second, Kamari…let me…” Kort offers a quick prayer to Kamari.
And he offers his owns spells too.
”Remember, try not to do too much lethal damage if you can avoid it…too much…”
"Well then..." the man smiles at the abuse, "I think maybe you do have what it takes. Be careful, and may Desna bless your endeavor.“
He withdraws both happy and uneasy at what will come of the next few minutes - but overall hopeful.
You open the door to the Great Hall. This massive feasting hall was once an elegant entertaining space, but now the silk banners are frayed and the plaster crumbles from the walls. All the doors leading into this room, save for the southern double door, have been sealed in one way or another to prevent Baron Telus from escaping and perhaps devouring his guardians.
Several couches and chairs have been dragged onto the dais at the north end of the hall and stitched together with webbing, bones, and dried viscera - forming a moist warm nest. Thick heavy webbing fills the room, and you can hear something skittering near the ceiling above you. The ceilings are some 30’ overhead in the darkness, and covered with webs, blocking easy sight.
Shield of Faith (+2) & Protection from Evil
Total Defense - Dodge +4
Defense
--------------------
AC 22, touch 15, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +2 natural armor, +1 deflection, +2 Dex, +2 dodge)
hp 37 (5 HD; 1d8+4d10+5)
Fort +1, Ref +8, Will +5 (+1 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +1, nimble +1; Immune sleep
Armor & Weapons
+1 MIthral chain shirt
+1 Ring of Protection
+2 Amulet of Natural Armor
Rapier +9, 1d6+4+4 (BAB, Dex for Str from feat, WF & Precision), 17-20x2 (anatomist)(Quick draw, Weapon Finesse, & Weapon Focus for rapier only)
Masterwork Dagger +4, 1d4, 18-20x2 (anatomist) - Always hidden. Take 10 Hidden Blade is DC 23 to spot.
Sap +4, 1d6 nonlethal, x2
Cautiously, Kamari tiptoes in with sap in hand.
A minute for the spell. That's not that long. Just half a sparring round. And just like sparring, we're not actually trying to kill anyone. Simple. No problem. Sure...
She looks about, above, below, and in every corner where something might be lurking.
Round 1
Invisible, Kort slides in with loaded crossbow at the ready. He will ready to make an active knowledge check if and when he sees the beast/baron.
Stealth
Perception
Know (dungeoneering) -
hp: 34/34
AC: 15/13/12
Saves: F2/R6/W7 +3 vs. enchantment, +1 vs. illusions +2 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/5 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/1 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/4 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 3/9 used (CLW*0,Shield*1,PfE*1,DF*1)
2: 1/5 used (Inv*1,RE*0,*CE*0)
[ dice]1d20+2[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+6+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
Round 1
Visible, Anselm speaks sweetly to the light of Shelyn in Terran.
"Kérem, barátom, erősítsen meg minket a jövő ellen. "
"Please, my friend, fortify us against what comes."
The lantern archon responds by saying its own prayer over the diplomat.
He walks into the room, sap in hand and ready to scream at any aberration he might see.
Active effects Aid, Bless, Hedging Weapons
HP 36/36
AC 18 / 16 ff / 13 touch
Active effects: Perceive cues
Variable teamwork feat: Precise Strike
1st level spells: 2/5
2nd level spells: 3/3
Summon monster: 6/7
CLW wand: 36
Lesser Restore wand: 47
HP 17/17
DR 10/evil; immune electricity, petrification
AC 15
Duration 5 min
Round 1, Init 25
Elen readies her gardening tool and enters the room, steering clear of the red carpet and avoiding most of the clutter of furniture.
"Oh Baron Telus? We've come to help you? Are you here?"
Hits: 32/32
AC: 22
for
Elen moves into the room as well, and readies a grapple which doesn't trigger. Kamari tentatively enters the room, careful not to be the first to fall to the Baron. Anselm also enters the room, and summons an ally. Major Kort, invisible, moves up as well but he sees nothing.
As you enter the room, the smell overwhelms you a moment. The reek of fear, death, rot and decay is ripe throughout the chamber.
You hear a voice from the nest, or perhaps just behind it, ”Come in, come in and I shall attend you. Enter my domain my pretty little things.”
- - -
- - -
Round 2 (same as round 1, AC 28)
Kamari holds her position and tries to identify the source of the voice. She points to the ceiling as she talks.
"We're here to help, Baron. Please let us help you."
Kort remains silent and invisible, trying to find the source of the voice.
Perception
Mama D peers into the room through the web and tsk’s a bit. ooh, nasty bit of infestation going on, from the looks of it. Someone surely needs to clean out the cobwebs but one can’t blame the staff when the Master is so… unapproachable. unable to make out just where her target is, she delays, I’m afraid.
Elen looks up a the ceiling where Kamari points, then back to Kamari and silently shrugs. She creeps slightly further into the room.
"Oh, do now tell us, how many legs have you now?" She frowns, looking at all of the spider webs. I guess tripping might be an issue...
"Oh come on out. We have some tasty, really oversized super rats for you. Their name is Lotheed." She shoots an apologetic look at MaDella.
I wonder how many eyes he has now...
Hits: 32/32
AC: 22
for
Mama D looks around but, spying nothing of particular interest, she waits to see what happens. Elen looks around before readying a grapple for anything that comes within reach. Kamari attempts to reason with the Baron, trying to talk him down . Anselm continues to hold his ready, a scream forming in the back of his throat. Major Kort waits to see what happens with the others before acting.
"We're here to help, Baron. Please let us help you."
Maniacal laughter greets your initial attempts at diplomacy, but the voice from the nest softens, ”Oh, that would be so fine… so fine… but I’m afraid I’m past that now. Now is the time of hunger and pain. Hunger and pain!”
Spiders begin to rain down from the sky, flying on silken threads. The largest clump falls largely on Anselm and his ally. An awful scuttling mass of legs and mandibles crowds in around and covers them!
- - -
The spiders do and Fort DC 13 distraction and Fort DC 13 poison
Round 2
Know (dungeoneering) - the swarm
Perception
Stealth
Before he moves, he will call out what he thinks might harm the swarms.
Kort tries to find the source of the swarm. He slips away from the swarm, keeping his invisibility.
Disgusted, Anselm moves away from the spiders.
Meanwhile, the divine mote of light flies to Kamari, filling her with an abundance of life.
Active effects Aid, Bless, Hedging Weapons
HP 36/36
AC 18 / 16 ff / 13 touch
Active effects: Perceive cues
Variable teamwork feat: Precise Strike
1st level spells: 3/5
2nd level spells: 3/3
Summon monster: 6/7
CLW wand: 36
Lesser Restore wand: 47
HP 17/17
DR 10/evil; immune electricity, petrification
AC 15
Duration 5 min
Spiders begin to rain down from the sky, flying on silken threads.
"Well, I guess that partially answers my question." Elen mutters.