Shonne's first arrow gets deflected by armor and the last arrows goes wild, actually coming closer to hitting the Empress than her target.
But the middle arrow...the unharmed Aspis agent gasps in pain as he becomes the also very injured Aspis agent.
He doesn't look quite ready to stop the fight, though.
The Empress sends out one more lightning bolt, this time striking Shonne and Kioshi.
Then, the sticky, frosty residue from Diazepane's bombs kill her.
That frees both Aspis agents from her mental control and the one remaining also surrenders.
"She made us do it! We didn't want to fight you!" he declares.
"Have no fear on that account, friends," Krella answers Diazepane's question. "As you no doubt already know, while some of my people are...were truly loyal to Durriya, most of us simply did not know how to oppose her. You have freed us from a terrible tyrant this day."
"And if any of the people here doubt the justice of what was done here, the truth about our 'Undying Empress' will change their minds.
"That being said...you shouldn't linger here too long. It may take some time for everyone to understand what has happened and you've killed several of our people. There may be those who seek revenge."
The Aspis agents offer no resistance even as the Pathfinders "confiscate" their valuables.
Each agent has a potion of bull’s strength, a potion of cure moderate wounds, a potion of heroism, a potion of invisibility, +1 chainmail, a +1 battleaxe, a +1 kukri, 4 masterwork javelins, and a cloak of resistance +2.
Durriya has a wand of scorching ray (CL 7th, 28 charges), and a +1 defending kukri.
"We were just here to negotiate a treaty with the ratfolk. Surely you were here to do the same. But this...this...creature ensorcelled us! She made us fight you. In fact, thank you for freeing us. Keep those items as gifts of gratitude," one of the aspis says.
There is one final room to explore.
A heap of silk pillows sits in the corner of this sleeping chamber. Two braziers blazing with green flame provide heat and light. A scattering of trinkets sit atop a desk against the wall.
Shonne spots one final secret door behind the pillows. It opens to a tunnel that leads deep into the mountain.
|
"Have no fear on that account, friends," Krella answers Diazepane's question. "As you no doubt already know, while some of my people are...were truly loyal to Durriya, most of us simply did not know how to oppose her. You have freed us from a terrible tyrant this day."
Shonne nods once.
"That being said...you shouldn't linger here too long. It may take some time for everyone to understand what has happened and you've killed several of our people. There may be those who seek revenge."
Shonne looks critically at the group she and Bullet were sent to aid, sighs and shake her head.
The Aspis agents offer no resistance even as the Pathfinders "confiscate" their valuables.
Each agent has a potion of bull’s strength, a potion of cure moderate wounds, a potion of heroism, a potion of invisibility, +1 chainmail, a +1 battleaxe, a +1 kukri, 4 masterwork javelins, and a cloak of resistance +2.
Durriya has a wand of scorching ray (CL 7th, 28 charges), and a +1 defending kukri.
"We were just here to negotiate a treaty with the ratfolk. Surely you were here to do the same. But this...this...creature ensorcelled us! She made us fight you. In fact, thank you for freeing us. Keep those items as gifts of gratitude," one of the aspis says.
Shonne nods once more.
There is one final room to explore.
A heap of silk pillows sits in the corner of this sleeping chamber. Two braziers blazing with green flame provide heat and light. A scattering of trinkets sit atop a desk against the wall.
Shonne spots one final secret door behind the pillows. It opens to a tunnel that leads deep into the mountain.
Shonne kicks aside the pillows, and cocks one eyebrow in an indication of her thoughts on the tunnel.
After investigating Durriya's sleeping chamber (and confiscating a couple non-magical trinkets) the group climb back up the ladder to the Pagoda itself. From there it is down the stairs. Krella takes her leave of them at the highest level that the ratfolk live, thanking you once again for freeing her people.
You are on the next level when you hear her call out. "We will remember this glorious day forever, ratfolk of Round Mountain, for it is the day when the yoke of the false Empress was broken..."
The speech continues as you do, growing indistinct amidst the chatter of the citizens around you. Most continue to watch you warily though a few are clearly cautiously optimistic and one or two bears a glare of hatred for you.
None approach and the guards downstairs just nod as you pass out of the doors and into the massive cavern where the pagoda stands. From there you begin your long, long trek home.
|
The Ganzi sighs, and slumps against a wall to steady him. The let down from the timelines- the convergence of all the alternate realities- always unsteadies him. Catching his breathe, he produces the small wand he keeps in his belt and taps it gently on his side. The queazy feeling overcomes him, before finally.
----------
In return to the Aspis, he smiles. "Why should you be allowed to leave *our* tapestry. I think you should stay close. I am sure there are some at the lodge who would want a word or three with you"
He lowers his blade in-front of the Aspis before they can leave, drawing particular attention to his dark, long, nails.
------
As Shonne eyes the stairs, Kal steps up beside her- nods once- and walks forward.