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Abayone clears her throat. "No need to check in with Baats’ulan. I sent over some of the guards last night and it led to a dead end. Quite the unique preacher. Apparently one of his acolytes was brother to the porter Matala, and she spread the slithering to him and to others."
Torra and Utek both are aware what an Eland is. A cow-like eland is the world's largest antelope.
Renthiel raises a hand, "I, for one, would not mind a rest. Today was...not my favorite day."
Scratch's face lights up as Abayone saves them the trouble of more oozes. "Guess we should put our feet up a bit and recharge in a real bed huh?" He looks to the group expectantly.
"We'll track down that antelope statue in the morning!"
"Agreed." Urdda's hands are still heavily bandaged, even after Torra's ministrations. "And in the meantime, please isolate yourself. Whoever these people were, you were one of their targets."
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"Abayone Munme - I am very confused - if these rocks aren't magical - then what else could be an explanation for a Curse? Maybe it's not a Curse and instead someone is trying to make it look as though? Also, what ever became of Baats’ulan - you say it was a dead end but what happened? Is it possible you missed something?"
Bangy Piper - to no surprise to his party - is not ready to sleep - feels like he is missing a piece of the puzzle - but can't quite put his finger on it!
He looks over to his PI...
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Abayone agrees. "I will stay here and only speak with you for now." She thinks for a moment. "Afraid that there wasn't much to miss. Baats’ulan locked those affected in a storehouse. When the guards went in there it was full of oozes. The slimy molds resembled sheets of fungus now rather than humans." She explains that underneath a mattress are handwritten notes from someone named “M,” a porter in an unnamed caravan house. The latest communication is “M” mentioning that a confidential shipment was due at the caravan house and that she was curious about it.
She looks over the case of stone. "Perhaps the magic from the stones has diminished after coming into contact with those in the Caravan House where you found these."
Utek looks at Bangy. "I'm not sure. Let me consult with Mita. Maybe he can enlighten us."
The witch looks at his familiar who is sitting on his shoulder. "Hey buddy. You awake? I have a question for you... sure, okay. We can find you some dinner afterwards. No, no, we're not getting you that for dinner! Ugh, okay, sure, I guess we can."
Looking back at his companions, Utek will whisper, "He wants some ice cream." Then Utek will wink.
"Mita, do you know of any other ooze that can drain magic from stones?"
"Maybe the stones used up their power on those in the office when the box spilled?" Torra shrugs. "But I'd like to get a good night's rest before setting out for the Archive of the Sun and Cursebreaker."
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Mita does not recall any oozes that may drain though stones but rather believes Torra's assumption to be a bit more correct.
The remainder of the evening goes without incident. Come morning you head to the south eastern corner of the city where the Archive of the Sun rests.
The Archive of the Sun is an impressive building made of ancient stone abutting the city wall. Its entry is a square tunnel in the structure’s south side. A single door to the west and a double door to the east are set deep in the shadows of this entry.
There is a hole in the door to the west set at eye level for a human, but peering in reveals very little. It seems like a room filled with junk. The double door leading east is carved with the image of a sunburst.
Urdda sighs. "Let's get to it then." Marching over to the double doors, she gives them a quick push/pull to determine which way they are supposed to move before using her full strength.
While Urdda checks out the double doors on the right, Torra looks at the single door to the left.
Scratch flips his crossbow up and off his shoulder, gives it a crank and checks on the bolt to make sure its straight and sharp "I spent a long time prayin' to Torag last night mates, n he dun told me we ain't gonna find any oozes in here.. so lets enjoy it while it lasts!" He lets out a grade A belch, digs some wax from his right ear and follows behind Bangy, eyes open.
You all recall the night before Scratch did do a fair bit of praying... but mostly it sounded like drunk whimpering when he and the rest of the bar's regulars kicked that keg he stole acquired as legal salvage from the warehouse. It didn't take long for the bartender to take offense to him stealing all their business by giving away free beer. He more than made up for it though with the towering food order that soon followed, along with some more ale to wash it down with.
"Uh, you okay there bud?" Utek asks Scratch with a half smile.
"Let's see what we can find. We meaning Mita and me." Utek laughs. "Mita, sense anything?"
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Torra takes a peek into the room to the west. This large room has only a single entrance. It is bare except for two old bedrolls—indicating that squatters have slept here—and a realistic statue of a woman with a disgusted look on her face. The statue is on its side near the door as though it had been simply shoved out of sight.
Before you are able to investigate the room further Urdda puts her shoulder into the set of double doors and bashes them open wide. This large chamber has double doors leading north and west. The southeast corner is filled with rubble, indicating that part of the building has collapsed.
Three large metal troughs have been dragged into this room and pushed against the south wall. They are filled with slick mud and smell foul.
Six frog-like creatures lounging in the room suddenly jump to attention as you enter. Three of them were soaking in the mud-filled troughs, and two of them were trying to make two rats tied with strings fight each other.
"Hey, you not Tomil!"
Torra
Urdda** (85/85)
Scratch (70/70)
Utek
Renthiel (46/46)
Bangy Piper** (81/81; Leather armor 16/16)
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Frog-men
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"You're right Bangy. Nasty frogmen making rats fight like pigs in a pen.". Utek nods, understanding Bangy's anger.
◆ Cast Nudge Fate on Bangy[/url]
◆ Cast Guidance on Bangy
◆ Stride to be right behind Bangy
"Bangy. I got you. Channel your anger. Let it flow through your veins."
”We’re not.” Urdda marches forward and settles into her familiar defensive stance before punching at the frog-man in the closest trough.
Renthiel quickly unsheathes his sword cane, rushes to the corner, and strikes at the creature.
"Tomil.. Nope, I'm Scratch." He gets caught up in the moment and inspiration of Bangy and quickly takes aim on the yellow spotted frog, sending a bolt headed his way.
Hearing the commotion, Torra turns around, moving forward, and sends sparks of electricity to two of the frog creatures.
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Torra sends a shock through the mud baths as the frog-like creatures convulse.
one of the creatures slumps over as the electrocution stops its heart instantly. Urdda moves in and finishes off the stunned frogman as she breaks its neck. Scratch levels his crossbow as the bolt slams into the creature's shoulder with enough force to throw it back a little bit.
Utek guides Bangu as Renthiel moves into the room. Bangy takes shot and sticks an arrow into the wounded frog's leg.
Torra
Urdda** (85/85)
Scratch (70/70)
Utek
Renthiel (46/46) 1 action
Bangy Piper** (81/81; Leather armor 16/16)
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Frog-men (Yellow -19)
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Renthiel recognizes these frog-like creatures as Boggards. Often tasked with patrolling the borders of their lands, boggard scouts learn to speak another language (typically Common) to make it easier to issue threats and insults toward trespassers. They can issue terrifying croaks from deep within their bodies that will frighten even the most hearty adventurer. Boggards can also grabs victims with their tongues from a great distance.
Not wanting to get too close Renthiel hangs tight behind Urdda and the metal trough of mud.
Two of the boggards grab their morningstars and rush you. One makes it to Urdda, swinging at her knees.
Urdda avoids the blow as the third boggard moves to the center of the room. Leaning back it lets loos a terrifying croak.
The fourth boggard moves to the center metal trough and begins to rock it over onto its side.
The trough rocks and rocks but seems to be too heavy for the boggard to completely tip it over.
Torra
Urdda** (85/85)
Scratch (70/70)
Utek
Renthiel (46/46)
Bangy Piper** (81/81; Leather armor 16/16)
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Frog-men (Yellow -19)
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Bangy Piper "waits for it" knowing Urdda will probably attack the poor fool as he rushes her!
...Then seeing the creature attempt to roll the trough, focuses fire on him!
◆◆◆) Strike x3 (w/ Nudge Fate; 3rd shot w/ Guidance!)
Baring his fangs at the Boggard next to him - as if daring him to attack!
Edit: Will Save vs DC 17
Urdda grumbles as she punches her attacker in the snout. "Rude."
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Urdda slams her fist into the wounded boggards chest, breaking it's ribs. This cause the boggards tongue to fall loose from it's mouth as it collapses to the floor. Moving slowly into the room Urdda comes face to face with the next boggard and punches it in the face.
Before Urdda can finish it off Bangy ends two arrows into its chet. The boggard falls face firt into the trough of mud . Spinning his aim Bangy lets loose one more arrow into the pink boggards abdomen.
Torra
Urdda** (85/85)
Scratch (70/70)
Utek
Renthiel (46/46)
Bangy Piper** (81/81; Leather armor 16/16)
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Frog-men (Pink -12)
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Scratch wrinkles his nose and rubs his ears "Say what frog man? I'm hard o hearin' they tell me." He then proceeds to launch a bolt at the remaining frog before reloading.
Utek stands behind Bangy and looks over his shoulder at the frog-men. "Surrender now, frog man. Your days are numbered."
Not really caring if the boggard surrenders, Utek tosses a rock at it... with his mind.
◆ Sustain Nudge Fate on Bangy
◆◆ Cast Telekinetic Projectile
Renthiel comes up behind the close boggard and strikes out with his sword cane.
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Scrtach lodges a bolt into the boggard's brain making that obnoxious croaking cease for all around.
Utek sends a stone into the remaining boggards stomach causing it to double over where Renthiel is able to stab it through the back with ease.
With all of the boggards defeated you have a moment to search through the pair of rooms. The boggards carry:
A wand of noisome acid (2nd level spell) is concealed in the pile of gristle on the floor. The statue in the room to the west contains a very revolting expression.
Torra
Urdda** (85/85)
Scratch (70/70)
Utek
Renthiel (46/46)
Bangy Piper** (81/81; Leather armor 16/16)
Torra moves to examine the statue. "Does this seem to be a real statue to you guys, or is it perhaps a person who has been turned to stone? If the latter, then we've maybe got a medusa-like creature to face somewhere in here. Or a magic-user who can cast that spell." She frowns in thought, wondering if there is somewhere in this city to bring this possible person to be cured if it turns out to be so.
Scratch watches the satchels upon satchels of sling bullets hit the floor and responds with a fist pump and a half serious, half sarcastic remark "We've hit the jackpot baby! Makes me think these things tangled with oozes fer days!" He scoops up 20 bullets to replenish his stock, sifting through the slings in hopes one is magical.
Renthiel strolls casually over to the statue and examines it thoroughly, "Curious..," he mumbles as he scours the art.
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A few of you look over the statue in the western room. It is difficult to tell if this was carved from stone or why it would of been considering the horrifying visage.
Bangy cuts the rats free as one runs around his feet. He feels a small tug as the rat tugs at his cloak, quickly climbing up it to rest on his shoulder.
"That's cute, Bangy. What's its name? You should definitely name it.". Utek walks over, pulls out some cheese and feeds the rat on Bangy's shoulder.
"Well, these statues are giving me the willies. We should leave." Utek hangs by the door. "Wonder what those frogmen were up to though."
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"Freerat"
Bangy is unfortunately not a creative namer. And quite frankly, isn't looking to adopt. Then again, he isn't looking to evict either. Maybe Freerat sticks around - maybe he does not. That said, the ysoki has more than enough pockets for the newly-liberated rat to inhabit - not to mention random snacks sneakily pilfered from the last four places the party has been...
Speaking of accumulating new supplies, our light-fingered hero folds the leather armor and stuffs it into his knapsack - he hands the morningstar to Scratch "Might come in handy" and the wand of noisome acid to Renthiel "Can you fake it?" - Finally, he pockets sling bullets - leaving the rest for the others.
"Anyone know what the sludge is?" and "Who's Tomli?"
Seeming satisfied, he examines the statue.
Crafting (**) +10 @ Quick Repair + Tinkering Fingers
Lore: Sailing (*) +8
Society (*) +8
Renthiel shakes his head at Bangy's offer, "I cannot."
"We have not yet met Tomil, though clues point strongly to Tomil being the ringleader of this slithering operation," he continues matter-of-factly.
”The burning ooze maybe?” Urdda suggests. ”That looked like an office, and didn’t he run that warehouse?”
"While possible, it is not definite."
"That's... disturbing. Do you think this could be another variation of the Slithering? Instead of turning someone to an ooze, it turns someone to a statue."
”Or someone who was brought here in hopes of breaking a curse,” Urdda suggests. ”But yes - we should be ready.”
"Agreed. We should press on."
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"I'm sorry I got angry - all the froggers are dead - and who is Tomli?"
Freerat nibbles on some bits while Bangy Piper looks around at his allies.
"Put the statue in the sludge?" a wild idea.
"Next room?" a better one.
"Ongoing"
8) Ancient "Archive of the Sun" (in the southern end of the Mozimba Camp neighborhood) tended to by Pillar-Watchers contain Cursebreaker which we might be able activate using Golden Token
Let me know if I missed anything!
9) Boggards had sludge in troughs and a statue that looks petrified and were waiting for Tomli
"Solved"
0) Central Market around Adayenki Pavilion, Kendi Laughs-Long spontaneously transforms into Black Pudding - Abayone Munme who lives in the "rhino house" hires party to investigate on behalf of Kibwe
1) Mafzat A’Haddin - an Expert on Nex, distrustful of Kibwe government - mentions an unknown shipment from Nex, but became angry at our snooping
2) A brute in the Bekyar Block named Grisshuk - friend of Matala (see below) - keeps turning people who cross him into oozes, and is seeking redemption from Grandmother Grace
3) Elven healer named Numu in the Bwamandu Camp has been treating people suffering from a strange slime sickness - including a woman named Matala
4) Matala - Numu's patient zero! - works for someone in the city named Khalibi. Her dying words were "Crimson Asp" the name of a street in Brass Block
5) A mystic named Baats’ulan preaches in the Adayenki Pavilion every sundown. Several have apparently been afflicted with this transformation.
6) In the warehouse on Brass Block, there is evidence of a crime - stolen valuables of Chelaxian Nobles "Altiers" (who dies of plage ~2 months ago) locked in garage
7) A box shipped from Oenopion in Nex to Tomil Jabrin at the Khalibi Caravan House in Kibwe has 10 "steeped" gemstones and a note describing Curse getting worse
"Ya, let's hope the statues were brought here n not made here! If we fig'ure out how ta break the curse then mebe we can help 'em.. good deed n all." Scratch smiles, patting the statue on the shoulder and rearming himself with his favorite weapon.
"Lessee if these muddy froggers went any where's else." He proceeds to look for tracks, hoping to get an idea of just where things are traveling, and if there are any other types of foot traffic.