"We have a whole town that has been leveled for one," Heshan started, tilting his head towards Kelmarane. "As well as a crater to boot. But perhaps you are right to be wary of gaining support from the Pactmasters. Perhaps, we should focus on a deal with the marids instead."
A short inquiry about support from the Pactmasters to fight Jhavhul at or in the Pale Mountain is denied. The official you talk to conveys teh message that after the Pactmasters managed to turn Jhavhul's attention away from Katapesh, they are not getting involved into a personal vendetta that could bring Jhavhul back to the city if they'd become a part of that.
"Damned short-sighted fools" grumps Omari, after pactmasters have made their position clear. He continues "Well, they say you can find anything you want in the markets here, let's see if we can find something useful. Then we can be on our way."
"The Marids, well, I can contact Shazathared with the power of Erastil. I can send her a message of 25 words or less, and she can send one back. Heshan, Ohrmizd, put those silver tongues of yours to work for something more important than charming barmaids, what should we say to convince her to come?"
Omari will help with composing the message to send to Shazathared, but he knows both Ohrmizd and Heshan are the charmers of the party...
vs DC 10
2 rank +3 trained
Ohrmizd's expression softens into thoughtfulness as he ponders the message "If we're asking for her help, we need to appeal to something beyond just revenge. She's a marid, not some hotheaded efreeti, emotions won't sway her that easily. She'll need to know why this fight matters to her. Perhaps the fate of her realm? Or some grander scheme?"
He leans forward, considering his words carefully "How about this: 'Jhavhul threatens realms beyond Golarion. Your power could turn the tide. Join us at the Sarenrae temple in Katapesh. The fate of many hangs in balance'"
Ohrmizd's lips curl into a wry smile "And if that doesn't pique her interest, well, at least we'll have tried"
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"Nice to see the Pactmasters have not changed at all in my absence," Hazreem grumbles. "As for the marids they do not strike me as being warriors but if they have supplies or other aid to sell or provide us then that may also turn the tide in our favor."
"Nice to see the Pactmasters have not changed at all in my absence," Hazreem grumbles. "As for the marids they do not strike me as being warriors but if they have supplies or other aid to sell or provide us then that may also turn the tide in our favor."
"The Marids are water in all it's forms. You're a desert dweller; you have never seen an ocean storm, with the waves like mountains that move... The Marids can do war if they need."
Omari prays, and Erastil answers...
< 96 is good
Ohrmizd leans back with a smirk, watching Omari begin his prayers. He chuckles, tapping his chin thoughtfully "Let's just hope Shazathared's in a talkative mood. I'd hate for all this effort to end up as a very expensive ghost message"
See you there. Should manage tomorrow about noon.
Ohrmizd leans back with a smirk, watching Omari begin his prayers. He chuckles, tapping his chin thoughtfully "Let's just hope Shazathared's in a talkative mood. I'd hate for all this effort to end up as a very expensive ghost message"
Post prayer, Omari wryly replies "I guess it's my native charm, but she's coming. Noon, tomorrow. Let's go shopping..."
Ohrmizd smiles "Good. I think I have seen some nice green shoes I would appreciate among other trinkets"
"I knew you had some charm behind that wisdom of yours," Heshan grinned at Omari before turning towards Ohrmizd. "Yes, shopping should be a nice change of pace."
"I assume you know your way around the market?" Rayhan inquires.
"To be fair, the last time we were here, we spent all our stay at your dependencies. Anything new around we should have into account?" Ohrmizd inquiries.
"No, the same as always. Make sure no one tries to rob you blind. Otherwise you should be fine. You don't look like an easy target."
Ohrmizd chuckles, adjusting his belt as he gives Rayhan a playful wink "Well, I'd like to think the divine shinning shield and large frosty sword discourage most pickpockets" he gestures to his armor with a smirk "But you know how it is, Rayhan, there's always one fool who thinks he can outrun Sarenrae's sunbeam. I almost admire the optimism"
With a light-hearted shrug, he adds, "Guess we'll take a stroll, maybe see if the market has anything shiny worth overpaying for. Just let me know if you see something truly overpriced. That's when the real fun begins"
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After an extensive shopping tour through the market and several shops the group is geared up. It is always fascinating to see what is available for buying in this city. And it is disgusting. The greatest works of the different arts and the supplements for the darkest practices. All found within a stone's throw.
With not much to do until the next day at noon you spend a night with Rayhan. He is worried when he hears of the fate of Kelmarane and that Princess Almah is not found yet.
After sleeping in comfortable beds again for a change and enjoying an opulent breakfast you leave for the temple of Sarenrae.
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The temple is a large building around an open coutyard in the center. The altar stands at the western end to catch the morning sun. The floor is a large mosaic in white, sky blue and gold that together with the raised scimitar of angelic statue form a sundial. The service would be held in this open area, but in Katapesh at noon, the place is abandoned. Noone without magical protection would voluntarily stand in the sun.
A cloister surrounds the yard and now and then an acolyte comes out a door and walks there, to disappear into another door. Sky blue sheets of silk keep the hot sun out of the cloister and decorate the center place. This douses the walkway with a milder light without hard shadows.
As the shadow of the statues' scimitar tip reaches the marking for noon, Sharzathared enters the premise throung the main entrance. She is accompanied by two more marids - seemingly nobles of high rank too.
Still in the shadows, she looks around if the heroes are seen.
Ohrmizd steps forward from the shade, a respectful but welcoming smile on his face. He raises a hand in greeting, his posture relaxed but his gaze keen "Sharzathared," he says, inclining his head slightly, "and honored companions, welcome to Sarenrae's sanctuary"
With a glance toward the mosaic at his feet, he adds, "We are humbled by your arrival and stand ready to discuss how we might unite against the threat Jhavul poses"
The Kheleshite fills then the marids about everything they have uncovered.
Then, he nods to Sharzathared respecftully "Our path leads us to the Pale Mountain. We believe that is where Jhavul intends to complete his dark ritual. The stakes are dire, and we cannot allow him to succeed"
Ohrmizd pauses, letting the gravity of his words sink in before continuing "We don't know well the dangers that lie ahead, and any insight or aid you could offer would be a blessing. Information about Jhavul or his people, any magical wards, he had you trapped for long, sure you know him and how he works well more than us"
"Princess Shazathared, a very great pleasure to meet you again. As Ohrmizd has outlined, unfortunately, the circumstances may be even more dire than our first meeting. We are grateful for your courage and wisdom to stand against the threat Javhul poses."
vs DC 10
2 rank +3 trained
"I'm too pleased to meet you again." Shazathared replies.
"I'm forever indepted to you for saving me from that prision that the key was lost to. I gave you in return what I was able to offer at the time, and I'll gladly double down on that - in a year's time."
"But the situation at hand is indeed dire, which allows me to offer you help in the name of my family." She pulls out a pouch "I brought two emissaries from my family that each will provide you a wish. And here are some funds, so you don't have to waste wishes on things that can be bought."
She hands the pouch to Ohrmizd, as he is the closest. It feels light, almost empty.
"I am no fighter and will not face Jhavhul myself. And even though the situation at hand is dire as you and I know - it isn't obvious to those not involved with Jhavhul and thus my house is not willing to start a war on the material plane by sending troops."
The princess looks around.
"I assume you need time to think what to wish for. I would prefer to move to a less hot and less dry place in the meanwhile."
Ohrmizd takes the pouch with a solemn nod, losing all gasp as he uncovers what is within "Princess Shazathared, your generosity humbles us. To carry not only these resources but also the power of two wishes from your emissaries is more than we could have hoped. We are indebted to you"
With a respectful incline of his head, he gestures toward a shaded area of the temple "Please, follow us to a colder spot. We'd be honored to discuss our plans further and ensure we make the most of this aid you’ve given"
He glances around at his friends, catching Omari's eye with a look of acknowledgment, then turns back to Shazathared "We need to consider these wishes with care. Something that can give us an edge. Maybe even transport us to the core of Jhavul's location at the Pale Mountain without the need to fight his hosts"
"Perhaps we should repair to the shoreline Ohrmizd, where Shazathared and her retainers could be in their preferred element."
"Hopefully we will not need the gold to revive anyone," Heshan joked, but he bowed afterwards. "But in all seriousness, thank you for all the help you have done for us. We will take care of Jhavhul for you."
After some consultation - Sharzathared is no fan of public beaches - the group retreats to Rayhan's home. He is honored to have such eminent visitors and willingly surrenders his bath to the marids.
Then he busies himself and his steward with producing an opulent meal to impress the guests.
Ohrmizd ponders the possibilities "Could we wish for Jhavul to be teleported here and dimensionally locked? Bringing him to fight in our terms could give us an advantage and disrupt his chance of running the ritual"
After some discussion within the party, Ohrmizd raises his gaze and states with resolve "I wish for Princess Alma to be immediately and safely released from all bonds, physical or magical, that restrain her, and for her to be instantly teleported, unharmed and in good health, to our exact location here, free from Jhavul's influence or any lingering threat connected to him"
The Kheleshite breathes deeply, his gaze steady as he looks toward his companions "It is done my friends. May this wish bring her to safety and one step closer to undoing Jhavul's evil"