Round 1
Henrika throws the monk to her right off-guard then she sends out a burst of confusion. Two of the monks fall under the effect. Sister Dismaal admonishes Henrika. ”This is a duel, Milon. Focus on your opponents.”
The monks dueling Henrika step after her and both and unleash a flurry and punches and kicks. For the most part, Henrika manages to keep up and defend against the attacks but a few punches get through.
[ooc]Devotee (Red) and (Blue) both 5-ft. step and perform a flurry of blows against Henrika. Henrika gets hit twice for a total of 25 nonlethal damage (10+15). (Blue)’s attack included a stunning fist but Henrika saves and is unaffected.
Round 1
Initiative
27 – Henrika (68/93 hp)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red) (Confused 9 rd)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Blue) (Feinted [-3 AC] 1 rd)
22 – Icabhod (66/75 hp)
20 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
19 – Trevor (97/79 hp)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow) (Confused 10 rd)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Orange)
07 – Xallis (88/83 hp)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Glibness (60 min), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Message (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+4, 70 min), ▲Heroism (60 min)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days), ▲Dignity’s Barb Crit. (3, 19-20), ▲Fearsome Guise
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (5 hp, 5 days), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red): ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)
Roll on the following table at the beginning of each confused subject’s turn each round to see what the subject does in that round.
d%........Behavior
01–25…Act normally.
26–50…Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–75…Deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.
76–100..Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self).
A confused creature who can’t carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused creature. Any confused creature who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused creature will not make attacks of opportunity against anything that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked).
Icabhod, Tychus, and Trevor go next
Icabhod stays out of the fight, wanting to see how Henrika doesn.
Round 1
Toni maneuvers himself behind Henrika, touching something under his shirt, then casts cure serious wounds on Milon.
Shaking off his surprise about the sudden confrontation, Tychus loosens his arms with a few mock jabs as he steps in front of Xallis, sizing up his opponent from head to toe.
Round 1
Since Tychus can move before Trevor, I’ll move Trevor so he isn’t adjacent to the enemy so he won’t threaten to provoke with his spell.
”Need help already, Milon?” Sister Dismaal questions suspiciously. ”Those hits shouldn’t have even hurt you.”
Icabhod may want to stay out of the fight, but the monk in front of him has no reservations. He steps up and Icabhod takes a fist to the jaw that knocks him silly.
The other monk engages Tychus but can’t get through his defenses.
Round 1
Initiative
07 – Xallis (88/83 hp)
Round 2
Initiative
27 – Henrika (91/93 hp)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red) (Confused 9 rd)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Blue) (Feinted [-3 AC] 1 rd)
22 – Icabhod (56/75 hp) (Stunned 1 rd)
20 – Tychus (97/79 hp) (Total Defense +4 AC, 1 rd)
19 – Trevor (97/79 hp)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow) (Confused 9 rd)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Orange)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Glibness (60 min), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Message (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+4, 70 min), ▲Heroism (60 min)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days), ▲Dignity’s Barb Crit. (3, 19-20), ▲Fearsome Guise
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (5 hp, 5 days), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red): ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will)
Roll on the following table at the beginning of each confused subject’s turn each round to see what the subject does in that round.
d%........Behavior
01–25…Act normally.
26–50…Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–75…Deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.
76–100..Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self).
A confused creature who can’t carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused creature. Any confused creature who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused creature will not make attacks of opportunity against anything that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked).
Xallis and Henrika go.
Xallis' aura of confidence is thrown off a bit once the fight spreads to his whole team. But thankfully, he's well out of range to embarrass himself.
He considers using his spells, but he isn't sure just how far he can push it. Instead, he looks one of the monks in the eyes. "Don't embarrass yourself."
Henrika groans inwardly. Sister Dismaal already seems suspicious, she thinks, and it is about to get much more obvious that I do not have a rakshasa's tough hide. It may be that my only hope is to try and Bluff my way out of this duel, so let us get it over with as quickly as may be.
Henrika steps back and switches her hypnotic stare to the other monk . She attempts another feint against them, trying to look like she is obviously favoring one side and leaving an opening, as if she is covering for a massive wound.
She winces and defensively strikes out at the monk, knowing that to an experienced brawler she is obviously telegraphing her moves.
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Round 1
Xallis draws on the monk’s attention. His taunt causes the man to waver.
Round 2
Henrika feints the monk to her right and lands a blow enhanced by her painful stare. Then the monk retaliates with a strike of his own.
"There's your claws!" hisses Sister Dismaal. "Hit him again!"
The confused monk stands still and uppercuts himself right in the face, knocking his head violently backwards.
The other monk performs another flurry of blows. Henrika gets pummeled two more times then the monk hops back a step.
Round 2
Initiative
27 – Henrika (61/93 hp)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red) (11 damage) (Confused 8 rd)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Blue) (23 damage) (Feinted [-3 AC] 1 rd)
22 – Icabhod (56/75 hp) (Stunned 1 rd)
20 – Tychus (97/79 hp) (Total Defense +4 AC, 1 rd)
19 – Trevor (97/79 hp)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow) (Confused 9 rd, Shaken 1 rd)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Orange)
07 – Xallis (88/83 hp)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Glibness (60 min), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Message (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+4, 70 min), ▲Heroism (60 min)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days), ▲Dignity’s Barb Crit. (3, 19-20), ▲Fearsome Guise
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (5 hp, 5 days), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red): ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will), ▼Confusion (8 rd)
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow): ▼Confusion (9 rd)
Roll on the following table at the beginning of each confused subject’s turn each round to see what the subject does in that round.
d%........Behavior
01–25…Act normally.
26–50…Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–75…Deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.
76–100..Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self).
A confused creature who can’t carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused creature. Any confused creature who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused creature will not make attacks of opportunity against anything that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked).
Tychus and Trevor go. Icabhod is stunned this round.
Round 2
Toni reaches under his shirt once1 more and touches Milon, this time casting the Touch of Good (Sp) Domain Granted Power on Henrika.
Round 2
"I really wish I could use my crossbow right now..." he thinks to himself, missing the reassuring heavy weight of his weapon in his hands.
Hopping from one foot to the other, Tychus begins to circle around the monk and does his best to deliver a punch.
Icabhod makes blathering noises
Round 2
Despite, martial arts not being Tychus’ forte, he manages to land two hits while blocking the enemy’s counter.
The second confused monk spins around looking at the enemies on all sides of him and somehow backhands himself in the process.
The other monk makes four more attacks against Tychus but Tychus moves too fast and dodges them all.
Round 2
Initiative
07 – Xallis (88/83 hp)
Round 3
Initiative
27 – Henrika (61/93 hp)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red) (11 damage) (Confused 8 rd)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Blue) (23 damage) (Feinted [-3 AC] 1 rd)
22 – Icabhod (56/75 hp)
20 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
19 – Trevor (97/79 hp)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow) (9 damage) (Confused 8 rd)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Orange) (9 damage)
07 – Xallis (88/83 hp)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Glibness (60 min), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Message (60 min), ▲Touch of Good (1 rd), ▲Fearsome Guise
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+4, 70 min), ▲Heroism (60 min)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days), ▲Dignity’s Barb Crit. (3, 19-20), ▲Fearsome Guise
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (5 hp, 5 days), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red): ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will), ▼Confusion (8 rd)
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow): ▼Confusion (8 rd)
Roll on the following table at the beginning of each confused subject’s turn each round to see what the subject does in that round.
d%........Behavior
01–25…Act normally.
26–50…Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–75…Deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.
76–100..Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self).
A confused creature who can’t carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused creature. Any confused creature who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused creature will not make attacks of opportunity against anything that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked).
Xallis and Henrika go.
Round 2
The prospect of a fistfight appeals to Xallis about as much as eating a cactus sandwich, but the man's got a show to put on. He steps forward, fists raised as he leans towards his opponent, only to shift back at the last second to bait a high block.
Round 3
Henrika moves to the other side of the retreating monk and again attempts to strike them. As she turns away from Sister Dismaal, she winces as if in pain and pretends to have a slight limp in her right leg.
Round 2
Xallis feints a punch and his opponent flinches.
Round 3
Henrika and her opponent both trade hits. However, afterwards, the monk falls to the ground while Henrika still stands. The monk groans on the floor, not unconscious, but not getting back up. From the corner of Henrika’s eye she sees Sister Dismaal nod approvingly.
Henrika’s remaining opponent temporarily regains his senses and charges Henrika with a flying kick, putting all his power behind the attack but the inexperienced monk can’t pull off the complicated move and nearly trips himself.
Round 3
Initiative
27 – Henrika (46/93 hp)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red) (11 damage) (Confused 7 rd, Charged -2 AC, 1 rd)
23 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Blue) (46 damage) (Prone, Out of combat)
22 – Icabhod (56/75 hp)
20 – Tychus (97/79 hp)
19 – Trevor (97/79 hp)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow) (9 damage) (Confused 8 rd)
14 – Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Orange) (9 damage) (Feinted -3 AC vs. Xallis, 1 rd)
07 – Xallis (88/83 hp)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Glibness (60 min), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Message (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+4, 70 min), ▲Heroism (60 min)
Trevor: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days)
Tychus: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (18 hp, 5 days), ▲Dignity’s Barb Crit. (3, 19-20), ▲Fearsome Guise
Xallis: ▲Blessing of Cayden Cailean (5 hp, 5 days), ▲Heroism (60 min), ▲Fearsome Guise
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Red): ▼Hypnotic Stare (-3 Will), ▼Confusion (8 rd)
Seven Forms of Sin Devotee (Yellow): ▼Confusion (8 rd)
Roll on the following table at the beginning of each confused subject’s turn each round to see what the subject does in that round.
d%........Behavior
01–25…Act normally.
26–50…Do nothing but babble incoherently.
51–75…Deal 1d8 points of damage + Str modifier to self with item in hand.
76–100..Attack nearest creature (for this purpose, a familiar counts as part of the subject’s self).
A confused creature who can’t carry out the indicated action does nothing but babble incoherently. Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused creature. Any confused creature who is attacked automatically attacks its attackers on its next turn, as long as it is still confused when its turn comes. Note that a confused creature will not make attacks of opportunity against anything that it is not already devoted to attacking (either because of its most recent action or because it has just been attacked).
Icabhod, Trevor, and Tychus go.
Round 3
As Milon leaves his arm reach, the Galt circus performer curses under his breath. "Well damn."
Toni puts his hand under his shirt, while taking a step back. Then Toni casts divine power on himself.
"Time for my Drunken Fist Style!"
Round 3.
Icabhod shakes off his stun and has enough of this nonsense of patty caking with evil beings and picks up his rapier.
Combat over…for now.
”Enough!” Sister Dismaal shouts and raises her hand. All of her monks immediately stop fighting and drop their arms to their sides.
”Milon, explain yourself!” Sister Dismaal demands. ”Your men are undisciplined and disrespect the sanctity of this dojo. You were to demonstrate your martial prowess on your own, not receive aid from this performer.” She points accusatorily at Trevor. ”And this pirate dares draw steel!” She stares at Icabhod. ”I would be in my right to break his arm right here. But they are your minions. You punish them. All of them. Right here, before us. Show my men what happens when someone disobeys.”
The monks help their fallen comrade off the ground then form a line in front on Sister Dismaal. They wait for Henrika to speak.
Henrika shakes her head as if furious and disoriented. Trembling with apparent rage, she slowly walks over to Trevor, Icabhod, Xallis, and Tychus. She stares at each of them for several seconds, cutting off any protests with an angry finger in the air. "This was a test," she finally says, ending her walk by standing in front of Trevor. "This is why I prefer not to work with such... unorthodox agents." Suddenly, she lashes out with the back of her hand and slaps Trevor across the face, attempting to knock him down.
"You embarrass me! I told you to do whatever you are asked here and this is how you behave!" She angrily kicks wildly at Trevor, missing him. She wheels and calls out to Icabhod. "Snabjorn! Step forward. Now you will demonstrate to me your obedience, which you vowed to uphold. Draw that weapon you were forbidden to wield here, and use it upon yourself. Show me what you intended to do to your opponent!"
She crosses back to Trevor once Icabhod has finished harming himself. "And you, Toni, as I suspect you are drunk, I will speak slowly so you can follow: I intend to see that you have the worst hangover you have ever endured. I will beat you senseless tomorrow, when you are sober. And that... friend of yours, whom I hold captive, will pay a terrible price for your indolence, you may be sure." She quivers with fury. "But, in deference to our host, I will not waste my efforts raining blows on you here, as I think you will not feel them and I do not wish to drag your unconscious body out through the muck."
She turns back to Sister Dismaal, and approaches her. Quietly, she murmurs, "Forgive-- me-- lady." She takes a deep breath, looking over at the monks and her allies as if wary to say too much in front of them. "I... I recently suffered a stinging betrayal. In-- my-- own-- home. I was forced to slay my familiar and one of my most trusted allies-- Joneius-- whom I discovered was working with the enemy. These new allies were instrumental in revealing the plot, and so I gave them more free rein than I might otherwise. The fight was quite taxing and I have not fully recovered from it. I am... distracted, perhaps." She glares at everyone in the room, and then softens slightly. "Forgive me. I was wrong. What else can I do to make amends?"
Toni looks down at the floor, looking shamed and afraid.
Tychus lines up with the rest, back stiff and hands clenched, pretending to relish the pain being inflicted on his comrades. He allows himself a grin of satisfaction that his behavior had been satisfactory enough to not draw any anger from his master. He hangs on to Milon's every word, taking them in like a fine glass of wine.
Icabhod bleeds all over the place.
Xallis stands straight up and keeps his arms to his side, recalling the stance his brother took when facing discipline from their parents. The fear of their discovery stands as a perfectly suitable substitute for the fear of a hypothetical punishment.
When 'Milon' looks at him, he makes deliberate eye contact, and then glances down at his dagger. He contemplates saying something to get the message across, but with this much of a spotlight on him, the summoner decides the risk isn't worth it.
Sister Dismaal is satisfied with Henrika’s response. ”Very well. We’ve known each other long enough that you need not apologize to me. I always thought you juggled too many balls. It was only a matter of time that someone attempted to betray you. It surprises me that these crude agents were capable of uncovering a plot though. Are you sure you aren’t being played? Why don’t you come with me to my private quarters to discuss why you’ve come today. Your agents can mend themselves in the monastic cells. My wards would prevent them from entering my room anyway. My men will show them the way.”
The monks guide Icabhod, Trevor, Tychus, and Xallis to the connected room to the west.
6. Monastic Cells
Five small cells—each with a feather bed and silk sheets— are accessible from this wide, stone hallway.
Two more monks linger on the beds here. The monks from the training hall offer a bed to sit on and simple cloth bandages to wrap your wounds in. Then they stand silently on the other side of the room. They show no interest in conversing with you.
While the others are guided away, two more monks enter the training hall from the south and accompany Sister Dismaal and Henrika along the way to Sister Dismaal’s quarters. As the group walks, they pass by two other rooms.
8. Dining Hall
Though this dining hall is far from clean or well appointed, the rich scent of spices fills the air. An adjoining room to the northeast serves as a kitchen.
9. Library
A small library of scrolls of books includes volumes on history, medicine, and philosophy, but also recipes for preparing intelligent creatures and reams of erotica, which one would not expect in a monastic collection.
A door to the north of the library leads to Sister Dismaal’s quarters.
The two monks walking with Henrika and Dismaal stop and wait in the library. Sister Dismaal enters her room and waits for Henrika to enter as well.
10. Sister Dismaal’s Quarters
Sister Dismaal’s room contains a luxurious bed and desk, as well as an expansive wardrobe.
What do you do?
Henrika frowns when Sister Dismaal refers to wards on her private chambers that would "prevent them from entering"-- she suspects that they would also prevent her from entering as well as her friends. She wonders if Sister Dismaal is still suspicious of her disguise.
To buy time, she stops when she sees a particularly lascivious work on the table in the library. "Ah, is that Al-Buni's saga of the Fall of Ardad Lili, The Queen of Night? Why, it has been ages since I've seen a copy. So inspiring! Especially the diagrams." She opens the book, and as she skims the pages, she mutters, "Your monks can listen; what I have come to ask you is not for your ears only." She waves magnanimously at the guards. "I only wished to inform you that I have decided to allow you to proceed with our plans for dealing with Iovinius. If, of course, my coin is still good here? I wish for you to ensure that the enumerator's days are numbered."
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
Henrika senses that Dismaal was indeed still testing her.
Sister Dismaal re-enters the library. "Very well. Yes, you had mentioned hiring my assassins to eliminate Chief Enumerator Iovinus. I'll charge the standard rate payable upon completion. Come back next week and the task will be done."
She gives Henrika a wink. "Maybe next time I can enjoy your company in my quarters. It's been too long since the last time you've stayed over."
Icabhod still wants to kill all of these nasty beings, especially since they will still be hanging around afterwards.
Henrika gives Sister Dismaal an appraising, suggestive smile. "Ah yes, that sounds delightful, positively sinful. Once I have cleared my head and dealt with Pythareus's wretched advisors, perhaps we can try out some of these activities from the Whore Queen's unholy text. If you let me borrow it I will note some of the passages that I find especially compelling." She sighs. "But business interferes with pleasure, as always. I'll go and collect my agents before they can interfere any more with your house's discipline."
Henrika rejoins the others and you all depart the same way you came. You exit back up through the Waterhill Manor and then back to your inn to rest.
You spend the evening healing your wounds. Xallis can also take 10 and identify the magical scimitar you found in the chest in the Waterhill Manor basement. It is a Flame Tongue but in scimitar form (rather than a longsword).
Kuthona 29, 4718 (Starday) (Zimar, Taldor)
The next day, you head out to find the Lord of Filth. The directions given are accurate and finding the Court of Filth is not difficult.
Stairs descend into shallow, stagnated water in this massive underground reservoir, some eighty feet across, whose arched brick ceiling is supported by rows of wide but badly eroded columns. The air is thick with the smell of sewage and the sounds of running, dripping, and splashing water.
Standing in the middle of the room is a creature that must be the Lord of Filth. This creature has a large, bulbous body that is mostly mouth and is supported by three thick legs. Two barbed tentacles grow out of its sides and a third tentacle covered in eyes grows out of the top of its body. The Lord of Filth has grown to massive proportions, far exceeding others of his kind in size.
Lord of Filth Lore
•The Lord of Filth is an otyugh.
•An otyugh’s type is aberration.
•A typical otyugh is size Large but the Lord of Filth is size Gargantuan.
•Otyughs are particularly vile and horrid creatures that lurk in places most sane creatures avoid. Their lairs are middens, cesspools, offal pits, toxic swamps, and sewers—the greater a lair’s filth, the greater the draw to the refuse-eating otyugh. They glory in the role of scavenger, wandering through vast underground caverns in search of the choicest cuts of garbage and waste. Upon finding such refuse, they gorge upon it, gathering what cannot be consumed in one debauch to bring back to their foul-smelling lairs. Otyughs spend most of their time in these filthy dens, which they keep constantly filled with carrion, dung, and worse sorts of stinking effluvia.
•Otyughs are immune to disease.
•An otyugh’s bite inflicts a disease called filth fever.
•Otyughs speak Common.
As you near the bottom of the stairs, the Lord of Filth repeatedly announces in a groaning, deep voice. ”Come closer!”
Centuries of neglect has turned the water in the room filthy and nearly opaque. You are unable to tell how deep the water in the chamber goes. Once you step off the stairs, you find that there is a 10‑foot‑by‑10‑foot ledge that sits just a foot below the water by the entry. Once on this ledge, the Lord of Filth places one of his massive tentacles right in front of the closest person’s face and shouts, ”Stop!”
Before you can ask any questions, the Lord of Filth demands, “Do you know who I am?”
Any one of you can make a Bluff or Diplomacy check to ingratiate yourself with the Lord of Filth. (Only one person needs to succeed.)
Icabhod has drunk his Barkskin,Freedom of Movement and Heroism extracts.
Henrika refreshes her glibness spell before going anywhere that she might be called upon to pretend to be Milon. She also casts heightened awareness, freedom of movement, and message.
"Hello again, your lordship. What a privilege and honor it is for the Otyugh King to grant me an audience." Henrika tries to pretend she is Milon when speaking to the creature, but she does her best to sound sincere rather than mocking or ironic. "These are my trusted friends and allies, who wish to ask a boon of you."
When the party leaves Sister Dismaal’s domain, Xallis sighs and shrugs his shoulders. "I must admit, I expected the accommodations to be a little more... eccentric. I could probably found a more indulgent organization with a handful of gold and a spare summon."
On their way to the Lord of Filth, Xallis suggests caution. "This one is supposed to be an information broker. It is possible, through his trade, that he knows about our little operation. In case he does, let's not come off as too bossy. But let's still try to keep up the charade, in case he isn't."
Before the encounter, Xallis will enhance himself with overland flight, extended barkskin, and extended heroism.
I forget do we have someone who has ranks in Knowledge: Dungeoneering?
The Lord of Filth seems pleased by Henrika’s response. “Then prostrate yourselves before Gulreesh!” He demands.
When in Anodoria. Icabhod submerges.
Henrika tries to speak up before her companions dirty themselves in the muck. "O grand lord Gulreesh, among the surface people, a much greater way to honor a preeminent being such as yourself is to hold up two fists and knock them together twice while bowing one's head. Like so!" She makes the gesture. "You see my bearing places you on the same level as an emperor when I salute you like this."
”You think I don’t know the customs of surface people? I am an information broker, you fool. But very well.” Gulreesh extends a tentacle towards Icabhod. ”You may stand.” Then he looks back towards Henrika. ”Why have you come to disturb mighty Gulreesh?”
Miraculously Icabhod endures the filth with no ill side effects besides probably a smell that’ll take more than one bath to fully remove.
Henrika tries to remember what they know about Gulreesh from Jeroth's letter. Jeroth believed he had the means to "topple" Pythareus once his path to the crown is secure, she thinks. Part of his plan involved something "the Sarenites" keep under guard-- perhaps that refers to the spirits we saw beneath the manor house-- and the "killing blow" held by the King of Filth. My task, then, is to convince Gulreesh to give to Jeroth whatever this weapon might be. As Jeroth, I must pretend I know what it is and that I am aware of whatever arrangements Gulreesh and Jeroth had made in the past.
"My plans for Maxillar Pythareus have reached the point where I find myself in need of your services, O Lord of Filth. I believe you know what it is I seek." She pauses to see if the Otyugh King acknowledges this, then continues. "How can I see that our business is concluded beneficially for both of us? I am afraid that time is pressing and I can delay no longer."
Tychus is unimpressed, but ultimately not put off, at the idea of once more stepping into another den of filth and stench.
As the Lord of Filth demands prostration, Tychus catches himself mid-kneel as Henrika intervenes on their behalf.
Icabhod's life is one of suffering.
Inhaling deeply, then exhaling heavily, the giant otyugh says, “Many kinds of things end up in my Undercity, and it is true Gulreesh has found something that would harm General Pythareus. But Gulreesh is king here! Gulreesh does not care what happens to the little general from the wasteland above!” After a pause, he continues. “Many souls seem interested in my little trinket, offering glory and gold, especially the real Milon Jeroth. I care not about your identities but what do you offer Gulreesh for his favor?”
"Filth Lord. You have been very fair to outsiders such as us. Your legends never spoke of your generosity. We thank you."
Toni bows while twisting his envoy ring (Third Triumph) to secretly cast charm monster on the otyugh.
Tychus shifts the weight of his gear as he ponders the things at their disposal that could possibly be of use to the Otyugh. He reaches out to the rest of the party via their Message spell.
"I'm not sure we can entice him with gold or more "garbage". It probably has enough of those. But he seems to relish information. Do we have any interesting bits he'd be want to hear?"
Icabhod message the other
Around ten thousand to seventeen thousand gold as an offering. I sense that he also would like other material luxuries such as food wine and drugs. I do in fact still have the Opium, Flayleaf and Shiver I acquired earlier.
Xallis glances down at the stagnant pool, trying to hide his elation at the prospect of not having to kneel in it.
He nods to Icabhod's suggestion. "I'm willing to contribute to the pot, of course."
Around ten thousand to seventeen thousand gold as an offering. I sense that he also would like other material luxuries such as food wine and drugs. I do in fact still have the Opium, Flayleaf and Shiver I acquired earlier.
The Lord of Filth snatches up the offered drugs eagerly. ”Ho ho ho. This will do nicely. I am pleased.”
Gulreesh fishes through the filth and pulls up a broken dagger with a horsehead‑shaped pommel, a symbol commonly associated with House Pythareus. He hands the dagger to you.
”This dagger, by itself, is a +1 human-bane dagger. But it’s value to you is that it was used by Maxillar’s father Julian Pythareus to kill the family tutor, Tae Amalon, in a fit of pique. The dagger’s broken-off tip which is likely still lodged in Tae Amalon’s body would by damning evidence of the Pythareus family’s crimes if united with the rest of the dagger. While it doesn’t condemn Maxillar personally—since he only helped his father cover up the crime—it’s useful evidence against him and a reminder of what he has compromised. Gulreesh is confident that you will be resourceful enough to locate it. Your business with Gulreesh has now concluded. Return to the surface where you belong and consider yourselves lucky that Gulreesh did not need to eat you.”
Afterwards you leave the sewers and have to make one last stop of the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop.
When you arrive at the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop, two other women dressed in fancy courtier’s outfits are present. Estella introduces them. ”Master Jeroth, my two older sisters Illumia and Magilla are here today. They’ve been diligently recording the locations of the soldiers in Abadar’s Pillar as part of our preparations to eliminate the diviner Dame Avenna. In anticipation to your visit, I’ve prepared a copy of our map to provide to you.” She gives you an updated map.
Assuming you don’t have anything in particular to say to the hags at the moment, I’m going to give you all a Persona Phase now.
Afterwards, the Seven Forms of Sin monks will have completed their assassination of Chief Enumerator Iovinus. You if you want, you can return and fight them if you want to. If you want to plan your Persona Phase in anticipation of that, you can. Or feel free it increase a facet or whatever else you want to do.
Lastly, everyone can level up to level 11!
Persona Phase
Toni (Trevor) asks his agents to work on taking the focus on our coterie.
Henrika is embarrassed when Gulreesh rumbles her disguise, and she is still obsessing about it when the party leaves. "He must have smelt me," she mutters. "Truthfully, I would have been glad to throw off that loathsome identity for a short period of time, though I was so blindsided by his casual dismissal that I quite lost my wits. Fortunately none of you were off-balance, my friends. I did not want to say anything in front of Gulreesh, but based on Jeroth's letter I suspect that the tip of the incriminating dagger is 'guarded by the Sarenites' beneath Waterhill Manor-- those undead paladin spirits we saw as we passed through to the sewers. Likely we will have to fight them to retrieve their treasure, unless I can convince them to relinquish it to Jeroth. They did seem to defer to me, but I do not know how strong their obedience to the rakshasa truly is. We should prepare for the worst case."
She frowns into the middle distance, thinking carefully about how to proceed. "I must try to learn more about these servants of Pythareus that we intend to see removed by Jeroth's agents. While I do not like arranging for the murders of our fellow men, if they are creatures in the service of evil-- like Joneius, for example-- I will not lose much sleep over it. Pythareus is our political enemy, but I am not sure if what he is doing here in Zimar is actually evil. The fact that he was supported by Jareth is a black mark against him, and that may count against his servants, but it is not too late to stop the plans we have set in motion if we should discover that one of them is an innocent pawn."
Pursuant to this, she sets 10 of her agents to finding out everything they can about Baron Astor, Dame Avenna, and Chief Enumerator Iovinus.
She also sends another team to try and rescue the agents that never reported back after investigating the Sweet Dreams Tea Shop.
Xallis shrugs in response to Henrika's misgivings. "I was hedging my bets, so I won't say 'I told you so,' but I did warn you that the notorious information broker might know about us. If he wasn't that good at his job, he wouldn't expect people to kneel in the filth for his amusement."
Persona Phase
Bartelby Lotheed makes another public appearance, this time asking around mercenary and self-entitled detective agencies. He speaks of finding "that Chelaxian rat" and asks about sightings in areas that orbit the opposite side of town from where Xallis and the others have been operating. When necessary, he calls upon Xallis' other followers to act as witnesses and fellow aggrieved parties to support his stories.
Persona Phase
Henrika
Henrika’s agents return with information on the three targets.
Baron Astor Roderus
Astor Roderus is the castellan of the fortress, Abadar’s Pillar. Though a respected military commander and warrior, as the second son of the Roderus family he had tutored in arcane studies before his elder brother’s death saw his family’s military legacy fall to him. Now an eldritch knight, he uses his spellcasting ability—particularly abjurations—to shut down enemy defenses before charging into battle. He is often found conducting drills of his soldiers on the battlements or brooding while watching over the courtyard activity.
Roderus is an Eldritch Knight/Fighter/Abjurer.
Diviner Dame Avenna
Dame Avenna serves the high strategos as a diviner and seer, scrying on enemies and making educated guesses about their next moves. She spends hours studying the stars in her observatory each night, then poring over the results after waking up around noon. It is rumored that Dame Avenna isn’t wholly loyal to Maxillar Pythareus or his politics; she considers herself an academic and wants a luxurious enough life to pursue her research.
Avenna is a Wizard (Diviner).
Chief Enumerator Iovinus
A handsome and charming man, Palo Iovinus founded the Vault and Chain as a reflection of his family’s philosophy coupled with an insatiable inferiority complex that demanded constant reassurance of his own superiority. He spends hours in the chapel, advising his templars and following business and political developments from across the nation as he decides what information warrants passing along to Pythareus.
Iovinus is an Antipaladin.
With her second team, Henrika recovers five of the ten lost agents. The agents report a horrifying experience of succumbing to a trap in the hag’s apartment behind the tea house. Several large, ordinary house cats occupy the apartment which normally would not be any danger to people. However, the agents triggered a trap that transformed them all into rats which the cats then ferociously pounced upon. The other five agents were devoured and the remaining five survived by hiding under furniture where the cat’s paws couldn’t reach.
Trevor/Malphene
Trevor’s agents have limited success deflecting suspicion.
Xallis/Bartelby
Bartelby has a silver tongue and his words resonate with the conservative citizens that he speaks with.
Tychus and Icabhod can still take actions.