Clara's first bomb only splashes the demon horde, but the second is a direct hit, setting several fiends ablaze.
Pen hits the construct with a disintegration beam, but it resists its effects. Still, large swaths of the flesh covering its form crumbles to ash, revealing more of the metallic skeleton beneath and a strange red light burning in its depths.
Briar fails to hit the colossus with her sword, but she grabs its leg and, with a mighty heave, sends it toppling to the ground, which shakes with the force of its impact!
Visna pummels the Shadow Prince again and again, leaving his illusory form badly damaged. The Prince attacks Visna, this time scoring a hit!
The demonic colossus rights itself and swings its hammers at Briar again, battering the barbarian.
The horde of demons swarms all around Briar. The alchemist's fire sputters out.
Pen's worry tightens as her most powerful spell does not stop the towering construct from bashing her friend with her hammer. A quick look around shows her Visna getting sliced into, and Clara being swarmed by demons.
Everyone could die.
No time for that right now, she tells herself and casts a spell that will hopefully help everyone, sending lances of fire at each of the enemy groups.
Pen's scorching ray misses the demon horde, but it hits her other two foes. The Shadow Prince growls as he burns, then he rapidly decomposes in Visna's grasp, melting into black ichor that leaves an ominous stain on the ground. The other burning beam scorches away more of the Abyss-forged flesh coating the colossus, and now you can see its interior. The red light comes from a glowing demonic portal in the construct's "belly," and at its core floats a Harrow Card--The Survivor!
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Briar growing bloody and weary from the constant crushing hammer doesn't have the energy to keep wrestling the titanic construct down. But she punishes it for attempting to stand by tearing more of the demonic flesh from it's structure. Then the demonic horde and the construct join forces to suffer her a thousand cuts and two damning hammer blows.
The giant gnoll buckles for a moment as something internal breaks, but she howls through the pain and locks her muscles in another set of pouncing snaps. Tearing into metal and flesh alike, and making it as difficult as possible for the construct of the damned to attack properly. With luck her bulging muscles would keep whatever bone had broken to stay more or less in place. But the battleground being awash with more blood than machinery bits tells of a slowly losing battle of attrition. She just hopes that she can hold it back long enough for her allies to deal with things.
Visna casually ignores the lick of the Prince's false blade, smashing through its remains into the dissolving juggernaut before her. A quickly traced rune evokes the end of walls, of steel, of all things, and she slashes home with her anointed blade.
Clara continues to focus on the rabble. With Pen's spell hastening her actions, she tries battering them down with another two explosive fizzypops, before ducking back a bit to protect herself from harm.
Clara’s bombs begin to clear out the rabble, reducing the size of the demonic troop. Visna fails to hit the colossus, but her flanking maneuver gives Briar the advantage. The barbarian tears the colossus’s metallic body apart with her teeth, weakening the integrity of its central portal. With the final blow, the colossus falls, and the portal implodes in on itself, causing a backlash of energy to wash through the demons!
The surviving fiends continue to attack, but it is clearly a losing battle for them. It doesn’t take much effort for you to mop up the rabble and put an end to the battle!
In the aftermath, you can claim the Harrow card that had been powering the colossus’s portal—The Survivor.
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Briar bruised and bloodied, stomps, and swipes at the droves of demonic foes until they've been defeated. Thanks to the broken nose which caused her to sound like she was half-drowning when she breathed in or out an unpleasant sound at anytime, but an especially awful one for someone of her current size.
"Hol-snerk-uh godda 'lickser -suck- vis." She hacked and reached into her abnormally large pack while touching her face with her bloodless hands, causing it to mend slightly. Pulling out a titanic vial she drank the small river it contained and gagged as it immediately set to work. She dropped the vial which thankfully shrank to normal size, shattering when it hit the ground and took her muzzle in both hands. A series of quick sharp breaths to trigger a short burst of adrenaline and psyche herself up and . A spurt of more blood and a toe curling yell through closed teeth and her face was set back into the correct position.
Whining the entire way Briar grabbed a second vial and downed it as well holding her side with a pained expression. No further bone snapping sounds issued forth, but the wincing tower of flesh and muscle's face told a story words would sadly never quite encompass.
Back into 'better' condition Briar looked around the battlefield for her tiny by comparison sword. Grabbing it with careful precision.
"I'll be this big for a while longer.."
She sits for a while to tend to her wounds, shrinking down in the middle of wrapping her torso with the street spanning amount of bandages. Briar gives a pained cringe as she shrinks back down, sucking in a hard breath.
"Bones... don't like changing size I guess." Looking at the gathered group she smiles weak and bloody. "Good fight everyone."
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Clara stifles a 'Wait!' as she watches Briar drink the gag-inducing potion. She looks reluctantly at the marvelous fizzy drinks on her bandoleer and then shrugs. I guess there's no accounting for taste...
Now that the breakneck pace of attacks has paused–or perhaps been ended?–Clara cheerfully offers to help tend everyone's remaining wounds, with a mix of good old fashioned medicine, plus a healthy dose of fizzypops.
As the time goes on, she says, "I swear, the three of you keep impressing me. I can't remember when I last encountered such bold and mighty adventurers...though I have to ask: We've gotten into rather a lot of battles since I arrived here. Is that...usual for you?
"Don't take me wrong. I get that you're working to collect some very cool cards, and that clearly you have some fierce competition." The colorful fizzician glances at the carnage around them. "I'm all for enthusiastic collecting, and I'm sure keeping them out of the wrong hands is terribly important for someone to be so focused on all this mayhem-attracting business...but I confess I fear it might be more of an interruption of my Great Quest to rediscover the missing formula for the Ultimate Fizzy Drink (which may have been best enjoyed as a zesty beverage and/or thrown at ones enemies).
"How about this? What if I cook you all dinner tonight, to thank you for your help and hospitality–with a separate fizzy drink pairing for every course, of course–and then in the morning...maybe I'd best be back on my way. Though I'd be delighted to meet you again. Something makes me think it's not out of the question."
Reaching into one of her many pockets, she pulls out the cards she's been holding. "In the meantime, though, I suspect these should stay with the rest of the collection."
Visna nods solemnly. "We are grateful for the time our paths were shared, Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz. You are clear-sighted in more than carbonation to recognize that not all such paths must be walked to their end entire, and greatly will I relish the gifts of your company and of your farewell."
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Pen frets at Briar's pain but knows the gnoll can handle almost anything, as well as reknitting herself. Still, she watches and waits, occasionally directing a paladin or worker in clean up or patrol. "[smaller]move the construct to the north field please, I will study it later.[/samller]"
When her attention returns, she sees Clara deciding to return to her quest. Pen understands completely, though for her this is her life now. She cannot imagine leaving her companions. A strange shift in the outlook she has had for the last decades.
"Thank you, Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz." the elf says, simply, but warmly.
With the defeat of the invaders, the presence of the Abyss recedes, filling you with a sense of relief. Any demonic remains still present in Harrow Court quickly fade away, as does what’s left of the Demongate Colossus. Surviving simulacra, while not technically alive, crowd around you and heap adulations upon you, thanking you for defeating the intruders.
The Harrow Court is safe for the time being. With the rise of the next sun, the demiplane “resets” as normal, and all death and damage suffered by the demiplane and its inhabitants vanishes—with the strange exception of the stain left by the Shadow Prince’s death.
Once all is said and done, All-Seeing Hajeck congratulates you on your defense of the realm. "I noticed something strangely familiar about the magic the demons used to invade," she says. "With my unique new relationship with this realm, if I can spend more time here, focusing and communing with the magic of the demiplane, I'm confident I can unravel exactly how those fiends managed to invade."
"Was it not through the influence of their machine that their mastery of portals was found?"
"It would take more than just that construct for them to access this sheltered place," Hajeck says. "There must be some other connection that we are not seeing yet."
***
Once you have time to attune to the new Harrow cards, they epitomize within the Harrow Court:
Critical Success: You catch up to the will-o’-wisps. The wisps are startled and vanish in a panic, leaving behind a treasure for you to claim. Choose from among the following: antimagic armor rune, greater shock weapon rune, a wand of continuation (blink, heightened to 6th level), or a wand of regenerate. At the GM’s discretion, other 15th-level permanent magic items could be included in this list. The wisps now know that you can catch them and avoid you—you can never attempt this activity again.
Success: You come close enough to a wisp to hear its delighted giggles at being chased but fail to catch up to it. The next time you perform this activity, you gain a +4 circumstance check on your Acrobatics check.
Failure: You fail to catch up to the wisps.
Critical Failure: You become entangled. The wisps descend upon you and drain away some of your health before they flit away, giggling cruelly as they go. You become clumsy 3 for 1 week or until the condition is removed via an effect like restoration.
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"It has been a good journey with you Clara, though short. I wish you good luck in rediscovering your elders formulation. Should our paths cross again, do not hesitate to ask for help should you need it."
Briar would give the gnome a gentle, yet firm hug. "Who knows what it shall be like when next we meet again. But I pray that the Sisters protect you in your travels."
"Hmm a strange occurance. Perhaps they have another of the cards which is acting as a tether?"
Briar grumbles a bit wondering something. "Does it feel strange to anyone else that Hajeck did not return to her previous state when the day passed?"
As you are discussing the oddities of the situation in Harrowheart's great hall, you notice that the Arch of Stars has begun to fill with mist! Peering closer, the mist parts to reveal an elegant balcony framed with colorful silks, between which a sprawling cityscape can be seen. The city is quite recognizable as Katapesh, one of the largest cities in the Inner Sea region. Standing before the archway, beckoning you to step through and visit, is a strange figure—a four-armed humanoid wearing a conical mask and colorful robes. No sound can travel between the sides of the portal, but the being seems friendly enough...
With the confidence born of having escaped every trap she's walked into so far, Visna waves a broad hello and heads through the portal, drinking horn extended.
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With the fear born of having experienced or at least studied nearly every trap made, Pentella Cole makes a stunned gasp of panic when Visna disappears through the portal, and then rushes after.
Pen recognizes the creature as an enigmatic being known as a witchwyrd. Though their origins are shrouded in mystery, most believe witchwyrds originated on a distant planet. Their inscrutability is a boon to one of their most significant interests—mercantilism— and many haughty witchwyrds openly revel in the befuddlement inspired by their mysterious guises and mannerisms. Witchwyrds have a keen eye for new opportunities and markets, and a witchwyrd almost always knows when someone is trying to pull one over on them. They possess innate magic related to force effects.
As you step through the portal, you find yourselves on the balcony with the witchwyrd. The air is hot and dry, and the sounds of the bustling city below reach your ears. The four-armed being bows to you and speaks in a buzzing voice.
"Greetings, mighty ones. We are Usilket, a delegate of the Pactmasters of Katapesh. We seek a mutually beneficial compact with you, for it would appear that our futures are entwined. We have an enemy in common in the Prince of Wolves, and our fates have each been manipulated by the appearance of magical harrow cards. You have turned aside the Prince of Wolves for now, and you have taken these cards to build a world. We know now that these cards are of your destiny, that we have only held them for you, and so we offer this as a show of good faith. Please take this card. All we ask is that we speak honestly together. If you agree, we shall take you to meet our leaders."
Uskilet holds forth a Harrow card--The Owl.
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Briar steps through the portal, not one to leave her companions on their own in this quest. She looks a bit uneasy at the strange creature before her, drawing comparisons to the things they saw in some of their first portals explored.
She looks out from the balcony over the city trying to get a feel for this new land.
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The Usilket before her is a statistical anomaly, which makes Pen the station want to record every other variable in her notebook. But most would consider that behavior rude unless you are purposely employing someone to record notes on your behavior. Which they are not.
Since Visna and Briar seem to be taking in the details, Pen responds "Thank you" The elf reaches out and takes the Owl. "We will speak honestly."
Usilket bows again. "Thank you. The Pactmasters have in their possession two more Harrow cards, and we are optimistic they will grant these cards to you in return for an alliance. They were intrigued by the appearance of the card among my possessions, which sparked their research into what is known as the Deck of Destiny and whatever event caused the cards to scatter throughout the world. They learned of the existence of your demiplane, the Harrow Court, but it is likely this research that attracted the attention of the Prince of Wolves, an agent of the Abyss who seeks the cards for his own purposes.
"We apologize for that attack. The Prince of Wolves only discovered the existence of Harrow Court after infiltrating a Pactmaster stronghold. He was forced to retreat, and the Pactmasters hoped he had been convinced to cease his investigations entirely, but obviously he discovered enough to invade Harrow Court. The method by which he did so is unknown to the Pactmasters. It’s certain that, in time, the Prince will attempt further invasions or to secure more cards. Some of the Prince of Wolves’ agents were captured and interrogated, and the Pactmasters know he claims to 'live beyond death' and that his desire to gather up the full [Deck of Destiny borders on obsession. Interrogated agents claim that their master intends to use the Deck of Destiny to 'ascend beyond the mortal world,' but beyond these vague details, the demons and cultists were not particularly useful sources of detailed information.
"If you are ready to meet the Pactmasters, we are certain they can tell you more."
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Briar looks to her companions, "It seems we've little choice in the matter especially if these Pactmasters hold two more of the cards. Though It's odd that an abyssal agent seeks to transcend mortality, aren't they already beyond mortality?"
She ponders this for a bit, but seems to lock-in on the fact that this is their parhway forward.
"An agent of the Abyss may not himself be of the Abyss. Still, even demons are not beyond mortality, but of it. Were it not for the baser impulses of mortal souls they would have naught from which to sculpt for themselves an essence or a form."
Pen was unsure what the terms of an alliance would be, but meeting with the Pactmasters was the only way to find out. And in addition, meeting them would be very interesting. After the companions debate the mortality of demons, Pen tells Usilket "We are ready."
Usilket bows and leads you out of their apartment. You find yourselves in a sprawling walled compound and lavish gardens—Usilket’s apartment is one of many smaller buildings within a vast palace occupied by the Pactmasters. As you cross the palace grounds, guards stylishly bedecked in jeweled turbans, silvery breastplates, and fine, colorful robes greet you curiously; these are Zephyr Guards, the elite protectors of the city. Usilket remains with you once you enter the meeting room, which consists of an airy open hall with lavish furniture and all manner of refreshments, as well as a small pool. Two guardian constructs, 14-feet-tall and constructed of metal and stone, with blue light glowing within their bodies, stand watch over the double-door exit.
"Ah, I see the Pactmasters' other ally in this matter is already here," Usilket says, indicating an older Tien woman in the chamber. "May I introduce you to Tahi Taufa of the islands of Minata..."
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A Tian-Sing woman with weathered brown skin and salt-and-pepper hair tied into a loose braid turns toward the group. The moment she sees the mighty Ulfen warrior, she lights up. ”Little Visna? Well this is a treat! I didn’t know you were caught up in this. Come give Auntie Tahi a hug.” She scoops the (much larger) warrior into her arms and squeezes. Tahi’s wearing a braided maile leaf and white ginger blossom lei over a loose yellow patterned tunic, tied with a red sash. As she moves, there’s a crack of electricity, and a breeze that seems to follow her.
”How many years has it been, now? Let’s see...you came home to Vapa’u to visit after we defeated those insufferable Pazuzu cultists...I think Alisi and I only had two kids so far, and little Papahi was barely walking. You won’t believe it, but Papahi’s actually a mother herself now. Twins, no less! What have you been up to? Do you have a calf or two yourself now?
"And forgive my manners, who are your friends? Are you the ones who’ve been working to thwart these foolish ‘Unmatched’, whose plots to meddle with Fate have so annoyed Alii Faititili that he’s sent me away from my grandchildren?”
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Briar gazes quizzically towards Visna at the elder woman's approach.
The tall warrior bows deeply in respect to the aged Tian woman. "Kala Briarthorn, honored greatmother. I charge the frontlines alongside the Tale hewer, and though far be it from my presumption, but I do not believe she has brought any um... young into the world herself."
She casts a glance to her companion with a lilted pause before returning to Tahi, "Though I have been surprised by things in the past." Through the entire time she doesn't break her bow until given pause from Tahi.
Pen lets out a slight gasp. Not at Visna being lifted like a toddler. That made her want to laugh, which would be a startling thing indeed. No the gasp was seeing Tahi Taufa.
"Pentella Cole, mam. Your deeds and daring are legendary." the elf says simply as she bows deeply.
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Visna is uncharacteristically quiet, so completely wrong-footed by Tahi's appearance that all epithets and deeds tumble from her mind into the void.
"Tahi? Apologies my... Ma'am I- Calves? No I have not yet sought to- Papahi a mother herself? Well the waves and winds have been my-" It seems to suddenly strike her that Pen is witnessing all of this and her stammering embarrassment finally stains her cheeks a deep uneven red.
"Why- How did you come to be here?"
Visna's reaction makes Pen's eyes widen and her jaw open in more surprise then seeing a legend. "I've... you've..." what she would say is that she has never seen the glory of a warrior queen ever stammer, ever dip lower than perfect confidence, and never ever seen the lovely shade of red of her cheeks before.
But Pen is not good with words, and leaves it at 'I've' and 'you've'
While Tahi does seem to register that Visna is embarrassed (at least in a slight upward curve of her lip) it doesn't seem to change her behavior in any way.
Tahi gives Visna a loving pat on the head. "Don't worries about calves, Tamai Tafola. You're still young...and I don't have to tell you, there are many good currents to travel through the seas. Children are a blessing...but there are other blessings out there as well. Take your time to decide. Just know that if you want the pleasure of grandchildren, maybe don't wait too too long."
Finally she turns her attention to Visna's friends. "Oh get up, you two! Don't be stuffy with Tahi! I've heard a bit about what you've been up to from these Pactmasters and you're no slouches, neither of you. Besides, if I've got to be so far from home again–for who knows how long–it might as well involve meeting friends of Tamai Tafola."
She leans to press her right cheek against the kholo's furry cheek. After a long, unhurried breath and exhale, she steps back and says, "Talofa, Kala Briarthorn. May your canoe stay steady in the storm."
Tahi turns to the elf and repeats the same gesture, touching cheeks long enough for an unhurried breath. "Talofa, Pentella Cole. May your canoe stay steady in the storm."
"I am the Hand of Alii Faititili–or Hei Feng, since he's better known here by his Tien name. The Chief of Thunder sends me out when powers threaten to meddle with fate and freedom...or for that matter, when they offend him or his estranged Lady Jingxi...or just his whims, sometimes. That's Alii Faititili for you," Tahi chuckles. "And it seems these Unmatched were foolish enough to attract his attention...so Papahi is going to have to juggle the twins without my help for a bit.
"Now hold on a second..." She then reaches into her bag and offers a treat to each: taro cooked with coconut and mango, wrapped in a banana leaf. "Here. Eat, and may you never know hunger."
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Touch, in Pen's mind, is to be reserved for those you have a deep connection to. But she has also studied cultures around the world, so understands her own personal feelings are not the norm.
So she doesn't flinch at the touch of cheek-to-cheek. In truth, Tahi makes the gesture seem so natural, that she barely cringes inside.
"Have you encountered the Pactmasters in the past?" she asks as she nibbles her cookie. Her interest in the witchwyrd is as plain as day.
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Briar who had been bowing the entire time enjoys the comforting touch of Tahi shown by her short tail wagging as she stands back up to her full height with a renewed vigor. She accepts the food from her as well, "Thank you honored elder mother Tahi. The sisters smile upon us this day it seems."
She does find it curious that both of the people she's met recently have tried to placate the group with edible substances. But dxotic fruit, some of which grew in her homeland eas a welcome sight. Never one to pass up fresh fruit which was a recovering food stuff even years after the rot was dealt with. The Kholo bows her head and then nibbles on the treat.
"Our guide here, made it seem like you were to join us in dealing with the Pactmasters. By proxy would that mean that we are to be joined by you in our search to complete the deck of destiny?"
Shaking her head at Briar, she says, "Oh now, 'Tahi' is just fine. 'Auntie Tahi,' if you must.
"As for our the Pactmasters, this is the first time I've had the pleasure, but Usilket has been a kind host.
"I had thought that maybe I was done being sent afar by Alii Faititili, but he hates those who try to meddle with others' fates and control their destinies. I woke back home in Minata a few week ago, with a splitting headache. That's usually the first sign that the Chief of Thunder is impatient for me to go do something for him. He led me to a merchant vessel heading to Katapesh. After weeks at sea we landed this morning, just before dawn, and I was greeted by Usilket." She gestures to their host.
"Usilket let me know that I was sent here to help you defeat these 'Unmatched'...who I believe you have tussled with already?"
Turning to their host, Tahi says, "You certainly have my agreement to ally with you in this...if for no other reason than to prevent Alii Faititili from splitting my skull open with his thunderous headaches. And what a bonus that while we teach these fools a lesson, I'll do it beside Visna and her friends."
After a few more minutes, the Pactmasters arrive. Usilket introduces the five Pactmasters: Angruul, Jivnar, Morvithis, Tzandarkon, and Krimiltuk (whom Usilket introduces as “our father”). Each Pactmaster bows slightly when introduced.
Usilket does most of the talking during the meeting. First, they ask you what you know of the ruined city of Kho. As the conversation progresses, the Pactmasters fill in any gaps you might have in your knowledge of the legendary ruins.
In -632 AR, Kho was attacked by the Spawn of Rovagug known as Tarrasque, who caused the city to come crashing down into the Barrier Wall Mountains before finally coming to rest on its side in a narrow canyon. Thousands died in the attack, and the few survivors quickly fled into the jungle and perished, taking the mysteries of their mystical homeland to their graves.
Today, Kho is a strange and disturbing place that howls with the dying sputters of unknown magics. Those Mwangi spellcasters who possess the ability to tap into the latent spiritual energies of Mwangi ruins say that the ruins of Kho are the most potent of all the Expanse's many ruins. Most who seek to plunder the ruins do not survive the attempt, and those who do are plagued by bad luck, with most dying within a couple of years.
The Pactmasters see this situation as a mutually beneficial opportunity. Considering past evidence, they believe several cards from the Deck of Destiny are now in the clutches of Kho’s mightiest residents, and they fear that agents of the Prince of Wolves will soon descend upon Kho in an attempt to claim them. This situation is beneficial to the Pactmasters because they seek to expand their presence in Kho, making allies of or eliminating overlords from the city’s factions, but these plots are not goals they seek to personally pursue. The Pactmasters hope that you agree to serve as their agents here, in return for support in your quest to recover cards.
The Pactmasters offer the following in return for agreeing to become their agents and secure diplomatic relations with Kho's residents:
• Cards: As a gift for coming to Katapesh to hear the deal, the Pactmasters give you The Desert (Krimiltuk produces it from a sleeve and gives to an unseen servant, which hands the card to one of you). They also offer The Marriage, to be given when the pact is sealed.
• Magical Reward: In order to seal the deal, the Pactmasters offer each of you a choice between one of the following four items: a bag of holding type IV, a keen weapon rune, a greater sturdy shield, or a wand of any common 6th-level spell. In addition, they gift each of you with a silk pouch containing three greater elixirs of life and a panacea.
• Transport: The Pactmasters offer the use of a witchwyrd beacon to aid travel as you see fit.
After these initial offers, Usilket opens the floor to further discussion.
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Briar takes a deep bow at the introduction of the pactmasters having a hint of their supreme power here. She speaks quietly to her allies.
"They are likely the most powerful beings in the region. It seems the best kind of deal we can make right now, though it seems we could refuse still. We need to collect all of the deck regardless. And to explore the lost city of Kho." Her eyes twinkle a bit remembering stories of the ancient flying cities above M'wangi.
"It's an opportunity we can't pass up, though I believe we should ask more about the inhabitants of the city as well."
"I have never been to Kho." Pen says simply, but in a way that says she is agreeing with Briar.
The pat on Visna's head does nothing to restore her composure, so she does her best to find it while Tahi introduces herself.
"And to what purpose these relations should be secured. Else our efforts must surely crumble to naught at the slightest misapprehension of the vagaries to which we should be driven."
Pentella's simple statement however, is all the reason Visna needs to travel thither.
"For the purposes of trade, of course," Usilket says on the Pactmasters' behalf. "Trade is the lifeblood of Katapesh. The more alliances you are able to broker with the denizens of Kho, the greater the profit will be. And you will share in those profits as well, of course."
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"What do we know of the denezins of fabled Kho? We would know more about those we are seeking to delegate with before we all agree to such a task?"
She wonders about what exactly the Katapesh would trade with them specifically considering Katapesh is known for several luxury exports. "I have only heard of Kho in storys from my childhood. And I fear those were more runor than fact, so I know little of the now inhabitants myself."
Tahi listens attentively to the descriptions of Kho, and nods as the others state their intention to accept the challenge.
"Doesn't seem there's a better option, does there? Maybe we'll get lucky and be able to persuade these Kho-folk that they're better off not attracting the attention of this Prince of Wolves. And if not...I'm sure together we can teach them to see reason," Tahi chuckles.
Pen considers Briar's question about the people of Kho. While she has never been, her sharp ears are always listening for stories and rumors, and her eyes spending their free time pouring over books.
She relates all that she knows to her companions, both old and new (adjectives flipped depending on whether she is considering relationship age or actual age)
Between Pen's knowledge and the Pactmasters' intelligence, you get a sense of some of the denizens of Kho you might encounter:
Domes of the Polymatum: The Domes were Kho’s arcane schools; the most prolific inhabitants of the area today are sinister ratfolk known as hadis. A lich named Trexima Butoi is known to be active in this area.
Fields of Glass: The remains of crystal structures are scattered across the Fields of Glass. A group of crystalline xorns inhabits this region, under the rule of the crystal dragon Vehanezhad.
Lower City: The Lower City’s ruins are the most overgrown with jungle flora today. Near the region’s center opens the Pit of Endless Night—a vast sinkhole. The Pit of Endless Night is inhabited by a group of morlocks.
Upper City: Towers still stand over a lake that recently flooded the Upper City, so folk have taken to calling this area the Sunken City. Winged apes called derhiis live in the ruined towers and serve a clan of marid genies who dwelled in the lake. The marids have disappeared recently.
Well of Axuma: A self-sustaining reservoir of magical energy called the Well of Axuma flows through and around Kho. In Kho’s valley, creatures feel comfortable no matter the temperature, they grow and heal faster, and sapient creatures can develop minor magical talents. Gravity has less hold on things here, and wands and staves function better.
You seal the deal with the Pactmasters, who hand over the promised rewards. The five beings bow and depart, leaving you with Usilket. "We shall be your guide to the city. Take time to prepare yourselves. When you are ready, we shall head to Kho."
Chapter 2: Cards of Kho
As you prepare for the journey to Kho, you notice that back in Harrowheart, the arches in the grand hall have all refocused to lead to the interior of the enclave in central Kho. Usilket is equal parts startled and delighted by the convenience, and asks to accompany you on the journey. Concentrating on the arches, you can sense which cards lie within Kho (although not their exact locations): The Bear, The Beating, The Lost, The Sickness, and The Tangled Briar.
When you step through the arches, you arrive in the Pactmasters' enclave. Usilket gives you a quick tour of the facility. Usilket explains that the enclave is a repurposed basement under what was once a small library, although the library’s contents, sadly, were all destroyed or ransacked long ago. Underground, with its only entrance well hidden from above, the enclave is well protected and can serve you as a safe base of operations for your exploratory and diplomatic missions above in Kho.
The entrance to the enclave is a secret door that opens into a short hall, which in turn leads to a broad chamber featuring a natural spring and a communal meeting area, along with work areas for crafting and cooking. Nearby storerooms contain food and other necessities, and numerous private chambers surround the central one.
Apart from Usilket and you, two other guests reside in the enclave at this time, and when you arrive, they quickly gather in the central meeting area. Here, Usilket introduces you to each of the other guests.
Usilket invited Shanaca Anisoara, a leader among Kho’s derhiis, to stay here not long ago, promising her a chance to meet with heroes who’ll help her and her people with their concerns in Kho. She’s eager to have someone confront whatever now dwells in the Sunken City, destroy undead that have appeared in the lake, and stop the slow flooding of the Upper City, and Shanaca has promised to bring her people to aid Usilket in the future in response.
Another invitee of Usilket’s, Yezom has come at the behest of his master Trexima Butoi, a Mauxi lich and ruler of Kho’s hadis. Yezom explained to Usilket, and eagerly does to you as well, that “Master Trexima knows what you seek—he has one of these cards himself and wishes to discuss exchanging it to you in return for a favor.” Yezom doesn’t know what Trexima wants, but you are willing to visit within a day, he can guide them there.
In addition to these two, three guardian aluums keep watch in the central chamber as well, although they rarely move or make a sound.
"I would sooner vanquish undead than serve them," Visna rumbles, giving Shanaca a warm nod, and Yezom a cool stare. "Why does your master think our allegiance would be so cheaply bought?"
Tahi smiles at the boldness in Visna's words and bearing. Look at her, so sure of herself! Not so little anymore, is she?
The older woman nods. "Well said.
"Yezom, why don't you go back to your master and ask him to relay just what this favor is. Or have him come meet us here himself. I share Visna's mistrust for aiding a lich, so if he wants our help he better put some effort into building his case." As she talks, there is a roll of thunder behind her, and a crackle of electricity across her skin.
When talking to Shanaca, Tahi holds her cheek beside the derhii's to share a breath, and says, "May the winds of Heng Fei never cross you. I am I'm Tahi Taufa and I serve the Chief of Thunder, and would keep both the seas and the skies free of soulless filth, if I'm able. Tell us more of what you know of these undead, and their whereabouts.
"And please, as you've heard we are in search of these five cards. Whatever you can tell us to aid in that quest would be a great boon, and a way to show good faith in your request for aid."
Yezom scratches at his arm nervously and winces when Tahi's thunder booms. "I do not know exactly what my master wants from you. I am not privy to his thoughts. But... I do have a counteroffer from my mother and uncle. They govern the hadis of Kho on behalf of Trexima. Our people serve the lich, yes, but only out of fear. They have asked... if it is in your power, they want the lich destroyed. Our own people cannot risk doing so, as his vengeance upon us would be swift, lethal, and indiscriminate. However, in exchange for our freedom, I am certain my mother and uncle will agree to help you against those who oppose you!"
***
Shanaca thumps her chest respectfully as Tahi greets her, spreading her feathered wings behind her. "I thank you for your aid. There is a rocky platform in the Upper City, an isle in the lake we call the ritual stone. My people have long shunned the site, despite the frequent flashing lights seen pulsing from the stone after dark, since the few who dared to investigate only ever returned as horrific undead. Beyond the flashing lights, derhii scouts recently spotted bizarre, tentacled monsters in the nearby waters.
"I suspect that the source of the troubles comes from a small villa in the old marid settlement below the ritual stone. I once served the genies before they returned to the Plane of Water. Perhaps it is something they left behind that is causing these problems. Whatever it is, it might eventually jeopardize areas beyond Kho if not dealt with."
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Briar snorts disgusted at the idea of working with a lich and softens after she hears of the Ysoki's plight. "I have not tangled with a lich myself. But it would likely do all of Kho better to get rid of it, despite the terrible power vacuum it may create in it's wake."
She looks to Pen for more information on the specifics of taking out such an undead. "The worst I've had to deal with are risen animals never something like that."
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Offering her own solid chest thump Briar listens silently to the derhii feeling a connection with the issues going on in her region of Kho. "You have the right of it I believe. My people once thought they could simply ignore an issue that plagued them, and by the time they realized it could not simply be lived with and contained it had whittled them to almost nothing. I would like to stop whatever the source of this is before it afflicts your people too badly."