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The kobolds become even angrier and their blind leader shouts, "Lies! There was no group of people! It was one man, wearing the same symbol that many of you have on your clothing and around your neck! We will not be deceived with made up stories of this so called Aspis Society!"
One of the other kobolds then shouts out, "How did they get past our pet, Stinkeye? I bet they murdered him too! Just like they killed my sister in that cave in!"
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Guy lets his ears droop, allowing some sadness to show as he answers the most recent question.
"I am sorry to say that yes, we did have to kill the basilisk. I didn't even know its name, but it very nearly killed us. Not being scaly-kind, we had no one skilled enough to be able to handle the beast."
"I am sorry about that, if it had still been in its pen we could have avoided that bit of violence."
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When they hear that Stinkeye has been slain, a wave of sorrow and anger washes over the kobolds. One of the kobolds sobs angrily and their blind leader leans over and pats their shoulders as he comforts them.
The blind leader than looks up at the group and pointing says, "Are you the same group of people that attacked us several weeks ago? We lost many good warriors that day!"
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The agitated pitch and volume of the kobolds' words snaps Laafdahni's focus to the verbal confrontation before her. Okay, this is getting out of hand.
One of the other kobolds then shouts out, "How did they get past our pet, Stinkeye? I bet they murdered him too! Just like they killed my sister in that cave in!"
"One of your sisters died in a cave in? Oh, I'm so sorry! We saw that there were some cave ins. I'm really sorry for your loss." Laafdahni pauses to take a slow breath. "I will try to answer some of your earlier questions and explain some of our responses. We were hired to find a dwarven man named Sharrowsmith, who's been missing for some time. We've never met him, so none of us can personally attest to his character. As we got into our search, it became clear that he did something to upset your people, though we found no evidence to tell us what, exactly, he did. Perhaps you could fill that in for us, actually. Now as to the reason we mentioned the Apsis: that group has been dogging our steps on this mission, and we just recently un-petrified one of their members in the hallway out there. She said there were quite a lot of them here. That is why we're so confused as to why you say you haven't seen them. Now, I'm happy to answer your other questions, but perhaps first you'd like to respond to what I've said so far."
As she speaks, Laafdahni can tell her words aren't coming out as honeyed as she'd like, which is frustrating. That frustration makes it harder to be diplomatic, which spins her into a negative feedback loop that only ends when she finally manages to stop speaking.
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The kobolds calm a little bit when Laafdahni explains the Pathfinders relationship to Sharrowsmith. "Yes, the old human male caused us much sorrow and harm! It sounds like you are claiming that you were unaware of his actions. We do not understand how one member of a tribe could act without the rest of the tribe knowing, but from what I know of the surface dwellers, they do not have the same family values of closeness and honesty that kobolds share."
One of the warriors speaks up, "Does that mean that you admit to being the ones who raided our settlement several weeks ago?"
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Toral is very insecure but he tries his best to answer.
"I was not personally involved but I believe that there was a meeting of our two communities. We all are sorry for any trespassing and sincerely hope that you can see beyond our differences and look to a potential cooperative future of trade and understanding. Again, I personally apologize." he says and hopes for the best.
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The blind kobold stands up stiffly. "I will accept your apology for unlawfully entering our territory and interfering with the justice that we were about to administer on the other interlopers; as long as you promise not to ever trespass on our territory again" the elder says curtly.
The other kobolds grumble and one of them says, "We are letting them off too easy. I bet they are just like any other surface dwellers; here to stuff their bags with our hand earned treasures."
The kobold leader taps his staff on the ground as says, "What say you to that accusation? Are you here to steal from us? What property of ours have you taken?"
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Guy thinks a bit, and checks his bag.
"Three jars of the basilisk extract, two of which were used to remove petrification. One for our own party member, and another on an Aspis agent we found petrified in the rooms over there." He points in the approximate direction where the woman had been found.
"We can leave the unused jar here if you wish."
"I should mention that the woman said her group had heard talk of a golden statue and was planning to come in here and melt it down. That is one of the reasons we expected there to be Aspis here."
"We also have the toy you used to train Stink-Eye. I doubt you would consider that a treasure, but we have no use for it."
"We found and retrieved several items from the human we came in search of. I presume you are not objecting to that."
"I think that is it." He looks to the others for confirmation.
"One more thing, you will want to send one of your healers to the portcullis area. We were able to prevent one of the warriors we battled there from dying. We left them unconscious there."
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The blind kobold stands up stiffly. "I will accept your apology for unlawfully entering our territory and interfering with the justice that we were about to administer on the other interlopers; as long as you promise not to ever trespass on our territory again" the elder says curtly.
"I can answer for those of us standing here that your offer sounds fair. We will pass it on to those at the fort. The captain there is a reasonable man, so I don't see any reason he'd refuse. It might be a good idea to tell us what your borders are, so we can make sure they have the correct information. --Oh, by the way. Where is Sharrowsmith?"
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The kobolds listen to Guy's accounting of the items that the party has taken from the keep. They seem to have been unaware of the satchel filled with magic items (which was hidden under that pile of rocks), but recognize the sword. Several of them wince painfully when they see Guy present the toy that once belonged to their deceased pet basilisk and the jars of blood that are no more useful to them than they are to the Pathfinders. After letting the bard speak, the group of kobolds huddle together to talk among themselves, with a few occasionally turning towards the party to give them an evil glare. It is unclear what their final verdict will be.
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The kobolds turn from their circle and the frail, blind leader of the kobolds says, "We have decided to accept your explanations...for now." The blind kobold introduces himself as Naktok, and explains that he is their leader and also the one who had trained Stinkeye the basilisk.
The kobolds explain that a human intruder had begun to tresspass in their home a few weeks ago. They had told the old man that he was not welcome but he sneaked back into their fortress later that day. When they cornered him into a room, he collapsed the ceiling to prevent them from surrounding him and escaped.
"He sneaked back into our home two more times; each time employing the same trick. On his third intrusion the collapse was great. Many of our number were crushed under the fallen rock and worse yet, the rubble prevents us from going to our burial chamber. The bodies that we have been able to recover have not even be afforded the dignity of a proper burial and lie rotting in our alchemy room!"
They admit that they do not know for sure what fate befell Sharrowsmith, but that they suspect that he may have been crushed under the final avalanche as they have not seen him sense that event. They have remained wary, though, as the adventurer has surprised them before.
Once the party has finished bartering for potions or asking questions of the kobolds, Naktok and the kobolds will go to check on their injured companions and attend to the body of Stinkeye, leaving the party with the Golden Guardian.
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"Well, headstrong Pathfinders are not a rarity. Even I feel remorse for his persistence and the cave in. Perhaps we can send assistance to help clear the way when we are done here? I'm not the strong, moving rubble type myself. My name is Sinaryn Azuim." Sinaryn gestures, actually sounding sincere in her effort.
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Consternation floods Laafdahni's expression. She muses to herself: "Why would Sharrowsmith keep coming back after they told him to stay out of their home? And why would he keep destroying it? That's...it goes against every bit of behavior guidance training I've had in the Pathfinder society. We defend ourselves when attacked, yes, but... This goes too far." She shakes her head in confusion and sadness, wondering if his methods were leaning too close to those of the Apsis for her comfort. No wonder the kobolds were angry at the settlers of the fort and the miners.
"Which cave-in was the last one? Perhaps we could help search for bodies. We may not all be strong, but with teamwork we could make some progress. I'm sure you'd rather not have Sharrowsmith's remains buried under the same pile of rubble as your missing people." Her suggestions has a two-fold purpose: better relations with the kobolds and verifying Sharrowsmith's death.
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The Golden Guardian has remained completely still during this dialogue with the kobolds not moving an inch from the spot where it began to kneel. From all outward appearances, the creature does not even show any signs that it is breathing. Of course, this ability to remain completely still for extended periods of time is the most well known trait that gargoyles have.
The kobolds decline any assistance from the party as they leave and the blind leader Naktok says, "Perhaps we will accept your aid later, but for now we need to assess the damage caused by YOUR intrusion and attend to our wounded and dead."
Once the kobolds leave, the Golden Guardian stands up and unfolds its massive wings. "I may have had another name at one point, but it is lost to time. You do not look like the former inhabitants of Ashkurhall. If you are the true guardians of the talisman, then you will know the history of your people. Meet me on the head of the hammer." The gargoyle flaps his wings, lifting off the ground and flying to the top of the platform.
At the top of the platform is a series of murals. The Golden Guardian points to the first one and commands, "Tell me what this means."
The first mural depicts a dwarf in a cave gazing up and shielding her eyes with a hand.
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Toral walks to the top with slow steps but great anticipation.
He bows to the Golden Guardian.
"Oh guardian, thank you for the opportunity to show you my worth to explain the heritage of my people! The mural depicts the ancient dwarven migration to the surface known as the Quest for Sky. According to legend, Torag gave the dwarves a prophecy that prompted them to leave their original homes in the Darklands realm of Nar-Voth."
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"Yes, the story begins with the Quest for Sky. Now tell me the rest," the Golden Guardian says ponderously as he points to the next mural. The murals have stylized characters sculpted in gold.
The next mural depicts a fireball with long, trailing streaks descending from the sky.
The following mural depicts two dwarves locked in battle. One of them has long, braided hair while the other is bald.
After this is another mural that depicts four complex symbols arranged on the four points of a compass rose slanted slightly to the right.
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Toral nods and smiles at his team. “Today, I understand why the spirits chose me to be a speaker for the past! Dear guardian, The next mural depicts a fireball with long, trailing streaks descending from the sky. The mural depicts a historical event called the Rain of Stars. Before recorded history, a fireball fell from the heavens and crashed into the land now called Numeria. Modern scholars believe the fireball was a vessel of some sort!“
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Toral can’t remember what the mural that depicts two dwarves locked in battle means.
But suddenly a flash hits his mind and memories of the past are visible in front of his eyes!
“Guardian, the tale continues with tragedy! The bald dwarf in the mural is a duergar. According to legend, an outcast god turned their heads bald and their skin ashen gray. They are infamous slavers who believe that the surface dwarves are traitors of their race and that other creatures are fit only for service and torment!“
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When he sees the mural that depicts four complex symbols arranged on the four points of a compass, he sees that Guy and Laafdahni got it too and smiles with appreciation for giving Toral the honor to retell his ancestors history!
“And then here is the legitimacy you seek guardian! The symbol set on the south point of the compass rose is a stylized version of the symbol engraved on the piece of metal that we are holding here!“
He shows the dwarven talisman and bows to the Golden Guardian again.
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"Yes, yes. Continue with the rest of the story," the Golden Guardian says, waving his hand at the rest of the murals on the wall. So far Toral has interpreted a little over a third of the story on the wall.
The next mural depicts rolling hills with dark gray, rocky soil, punctuated with veins of gold. A vine covered in lavender flowers crushes a giant lizard like a constricting serpent.
After this, the mural depicts a map with many rooms, some crude, others skillfully carved and rich in detail.
The next mural depicts a dwarf with his eyes cast to the ground and his hand held against his chest.
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Toral points at the next mural that depicts rolling hills with dark gray, rocky soil, punctuated with veins of gold. A vine covered in lavender flowers crushes a giant lizard like a constricting serpent.
”Dear Guardian, This mural depicts the westernmost part of the Bandu Hills!“
He then points at the mural that depicts a map with many rooms, some crude, others skillfully carved and rich in detail.
”And here we can see my ancestors hard work!
This mural depicts a stylized version of Ashkurhall, the dwarven settlement whose ruins we are in. The map quite accurately shows how the parts that were built later are architecturally more impressive.“
Then he walks to the next mural that depicts a dwarf with his eyes cast to the ground and his hand held against his chest.
”It hurts to see this today. How they suffered!! The dwarf looks worried and has lost much weight. It is likely that the dwarf depicted has a terminal disease!!“ Toral assumes.
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"Yes, the plague killed many of them." The Golden Guardian says, nodding sadly.
The next mural depicts a demonlike creature with horns and wings.
This mural depicts a humanoid with bulbous eyes and bowed legs.
The final mural depicts a dwarf whose weapons and armor are made of wood and stone rather than metal. His skin bears numerous simple tattoos, and several bright feathers adorn his beard.
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When they get to the mural with the Grippli, Guy says “The grippli helped twice, both when the dwarves were coming here and when they had to leave. They told us a little of that history and were the ones who gave us the device after we helped them by finding a protector for their tribe.”
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Toral feels the pain of his ancestors and needs a moment to regain his composure.
He looks at Guy and nods!!
He shows the next mural that depicts a demonlike creature with horns and wings.
”After the disease, the next challenge awaited them!
The creature is a monstrous humanoid called a gargoyle. Gargoyles are best known for their ability to freeze in place to look like a statue. They are also ageless beings, and over time, their appearance changes to match the surrounding architecture.“
He then walks to the final mural depicts a dwarf whose weapons and armor are made of wood and stone rather than metal. His skin bears numerous simple tattoos, and several bright feathers adorn his beard.
”And here is a dwarf of special note! The dwarf in the mural is a Taralu. These jungle dwarves practice a version of ancestor worship alongside the worship of totems based on local creatures, particularly dragons and wyverns. These dwarves have a small but notable presence within the city of Kibwe!“
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After Toral gives his interpretation of the last mural, the Golden Guardian nods approvingly.
“You truly are the worthy bearers of the talisman, so I shall tell you a story that Sigrin of Ashkurhall, the founder of this place, once told me.
“Long ago, when Sigrin’s father ruled as king, the dwarves rose from the depths and built a citadel so mighty that even a titan would gaze upon it in awe. Centuries later, a shower of stars rained upon a land not far from the dwarven hold. The dwarves marched to investigate. They found many wonderful things, the greatest of which was the mysterious artifact they named the Sky Key.
“But dark times soon followed, for their cousins from the underworld fell upon the dwarven citadel. Caught unprepared, the dwarves knew they could not hold off against the siege. The king ordered all but his most trusted guards to leave, and stayed behind to buy his people timed to escape. Before Sigrin and her three siblings left to lead the dwarves to safety, the king gave each of them a piece of the Sky Key, and kept one for himself. The dwarves traveled far and wide, but the dangerous journey across the unknown land caused rifts in their clan. One by one, the king’s children went their separate ways, each taking a piece of the key and a part of the clan. Sigrin’s dwarves made their way to this continent, and though they found it quite inhospitable, they pressed on. After much searching, they found gold and started building this place. Their prosperity grew with each passing decade.”
Grinning, the Guardian continues, “That’s when I entered the picture. We didn’t get along at first, but I came to realize they were decent eople, who appreciated stone and gold as much as I did.
“Their luck did not last, however. A sickness came over the dwarves, and the survivors were too few in number to continue their lineage. Rather than slowly die out here, they chose to leave. However, they wanted someone to watch over this place. They chose me. Sigrin went to her grippli allies and gave them her piece of the key. Where the dwarves were going, they couldn’t hold onto their memories and traditions. I think Sigrin made up a monstrous story about me—I probably deserved it,” the Guardian says with a grin, “but the story was to protect this place and the piece of the key.”
The Guardian stares at the last mural for a long time. “The dwarves left to join their cousins who lived in the jungle to the east. They never came back.”
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"Having Toral join us for this leg of the mystery has proven crucial. You knowledge of the past is incredible...and you recite it like you were reading straight from a chronicle." Sinaryn says rather impressed at the history lesson.
She thinks about Bocke's question and the implications.
"That is something to think about...and something tells me we will discover what that is in the future, if not by our hand then by another. Imagine the power...people will clamor and fight over it."
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Toral looks at her companions with a thankful gaze.
”Thank you all for allowing me to join you on this final quest! And thank you guardian for your dedication and the stories you shared with us! I feel proud to be among you all at this very moment!“
He looks worried after the discussion about the sky key.
”Guardian, would you entrust us with the part of the sky key if it would be your choice?“
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The Guardian says, "All I know is that the Sky Key is of great importance to the dwarven people. I do not know its purpose and I have no right to take possesion of it. As the rightful inheritors of the key, it is up to you to use it as you will."
At this point, several of the kobolds burst into the hall. They are carrying their leader Naktok, who has an arrow in his chest. "More intruders! There are too many for us to hold them off! They will be here soon!"
The kobolds drag their wounded leader towards the northeastern corner of the hall. The sounds of shouting can be heard from outside the massive metal doors.
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Did she--but she--? Laafdahni was so sure that the woman they saved earlier wouldn't have given them away to the Apsis. Were they waiting for the Pathfinders to clear the way so they could come in and steal everything after the Pathfinders were weakened? Did she go tell them? Did they hurt her? Did she slip away? All these thoughts zip through her mind as she picks her way across the walkway.