Almah AKA Dan E's page

Its apparent to everyone in the room that Grall responds to Khalid and Linah's urgings rather than Almah's.

Garavel stares at the gnoll as if at least half way keen to take up his offer of punishment but the mayoress is more difficult to read as she stares absently at the door Nuveril just stalked through.

There will be no talk of punishment. I am no longer your Mistress Grall.

And I must also apologise to you Masater Arasmes. For the questioning of your honor under my roof. She nods her head. Just the correct amount given your respective stations.

I do not know what Nuveril will do and I do not know how to convince her I am on your side. Her side. Of you all she has the least personal connection with this town and its people. There will always be more gnolls to battle and I fear she will end her life fighting them alone.

My first priority is and must be the safety and prosperity of Kelmarane. Something that you seem to have ensured and for that you have my warmest gratitude. My focus now shifts to what can be done to help you meet this apparent threat to yourselves. So what can I do?

I must confess I do not know although again I fear that seperating can only play into your enemies hands. In any event, I think we have had enough discussion for today.

Master Arasmes has been given quarters befitting his station nearby. One of the new adjacent houses for visiting guests. I have had servants maintain your own dwelling. Perhaps Nuveril will return there of her own volition?

Grall I am sure Haleen is eager to see you. I am surprised she is not here already although for most of your time away she seemed impervious to worry. I will tell Undrella and the others of Sajan's passing and the manner of it.

I will turn out as many guards as I can and have them report anything suspicious. I fear even Elia is ill-equipped to locate a shapechanger though.

With her back to Arasmes she gives Khalid a "we will talk later" look.

Garavel remains in his ready stance, one hand resting on the hilt of his scimitar but he now has one eye on Grall and one eye on Arasmes.

Almah seems to go a half shade redder in response to Nuveril's taunt and she scrambles to her feet out from behind Garavel.

Planting a fist in each side she speaks with authority. That is enough! Enough!

There will be no weapons drawn in this chamber! Grall!

I am mindful of the trials you have faced but this is my sitting room not the arena! Be wary certainly but not imprudent! How would this jann have known to impersonate Master Arasmes? From your tale he expected you to fall against the gnolls did he not?

Before we go too far down this track again, recall genie=jinn, jann not a djinn. Fine for the uneducated characters not to know or care about the difference but educated NPCs will.

It doesn't take too long for you to detail your adventures and run in with Zayifid. Almah seems content at least for now to allow Khalid to dance around the camel in the room. Father Zantus seems on the verge of speaking a few times but restrains himself with seeming effort.

When the topic works back around to the jinn's relationship with the gnolls, Nuveril can seemingly take no more.

Alma keeps her face tight and voice controlled.

You know full well that my boudoir is over yonder Nuveril. The mayoress waves an arm toward the nearby bedroom, once Kardswann's.

As to how I was unaware that the man posing as Master Kadisa was in reality a centuries old face-stealing jann formerly a companion to the master of the Kuldis. The answer is simple. I did not know.

The High Faith in Solku wrote to me of Master Kadisa's coming. The genie that came in his stead spoke of matters that were torn from the original's lips with the advantages of time and absence of compassion.

I had no reason to doubt either him or the words that he spoke. Words that, having regard to the facts you have just told me, seemed carefully chosen to be entirely true.

None of us doubted or we would have tried to use any of the methods at our disposal to establish his veracity. We would have asked more questions. How exactly did the man come by the information he did? Why come alone if his information was so vital?

Zayifid planned well it seems. He presented an urgent threat and we reacted as he no doubt wanted. As soon as you departed beyond a messangers reach he vanished. No doubt he would have had ready answers for anything else we asked and perhaps answers to our divinations. It is only through your bravery and resourefulness that his plan.. whatever it may be ... was foiled.

Does that satisfy?

Almah keeps her face perfectly smooth during Arasmes's talk of courting. Garavel maintains his slight scowl.

A djinn? What would an air jinn be doing with the gnolls?

I was hoping to give you time to rest but I think I need to hear your tale now. Yours as well Master Kadisa although I suspect they are intertwined.

She asks a waiting servant to bring cool drinks and food while you sit and talk.

I'd also like to know the answer to Master Arasmes's question. What was the gnolls' state when you left? Did you find this Rough Seed somewhere in the Temple?

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Don't want to lose the threads from Arasmes and Zeladiel's posts above and the interaction with Arasmes but I think we can handwave the you update Almah part. The key thing of course is what you say about the scroll and/or Zayifid in front of her and/or Arasmes. I would like to be clear on that bearing in mind that the rest of you don't exactly have time to confer. For Zeladiel's "situation" I'm assuming that wasn't kept from Almah and co last time?

Outside

"What has started?" Linah asks Elia. "You sound as if you have anticipated this."

Elia explains in a low voice as you walk.

As the days passed I.. we began to worry. But about three days ago a rumour started that you were fine. You had triumphed over the gnolls and discovered some priceless artifact. I assigned some men to try and track its source and they just got nowhere. It spread like wild fire.

The only thing that changes is exactly what you found. Everyone seems to have their own theory.

We weren't sure what to think or do besides set a watch for you.

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Almah is visibly distressed at Khalid and Linah's revelation while Father Zantus sinks back into his cushion with a sigh. Even the stoic Garavel shows some dismay.

I am sorry. So sorry.... Though I am sure he died as he lived, protecting those around him. Does he have any family that need to be cared for ... no I recall not. He was alone.

She seems to fall back on etiquette.

But my maners are faulty.

She gestures to the nobleman.

This is Arasmes Ik-Abhald. Recently of Katapesh. He has spent the last fortnight trying to convince me to lend him soldiers to search for you. She introduces the group.

Behind Almah Garavel is frowning slightly.

Elia takes you straight to Almah's reception room, the location of your final battle with Kardswann. Silk screens have been set up on the balcony to block any view from the lower levels.

Almah herself looks resplendent in green silk, the mayoress lounging admidst a pile of cushions. Garavel stands a few steps behind her, looking protective if anything.

Across from her, Father Zantus beams as you enter while between them sits another man you do not know. A nobleman by bearing and dress although a martial looking one.

Almah climbs to her feet. My friends. By the Dawnflower it is good to see your faces! How goes your mission? Where is Sajan?

Almah responds to Zeladiel's question.

I cannot say unnecessary. You are right, we are largely on our own here. Even the pactmasters that supported this venture made that clear. A small increase in the militia to guard the trade route is about all we can realistically expect and even that will take time.

I simply fear that the task is too great even for you. I'd not have you spending your lives needlessly.

Almah has stayed quiet during the discussions to this point. Outwardly she looks calm enough but by now you've known her long enough to realise she is a bit tense.

I'm not sure what I think of this course of action.

Brave, most certainly. But the six of you travelling alone through gnoll-infested territory to slay the Carrion King. Are we that desperate? I could always beg the pactmasters for more men?

She doesn't sound particularly confident about the last.

You return to the battlemarket and Almah orders the commencement of preparations for a great feast to be held at the battle market. Several goats are slaughtered for roasting. The lady also puts the last of her wine reserves for the purpose and Undrella suprises everyone by supplemeting them with several barrels of a fiercly strong dark liquor of her own making.

Sunset has just fallen and the festivities are just about to begin in earnest when Garavel shouts for quiet and Almah, resplendent in blue silk, addresses the entire group.

My friends! We have achieved much in these few days. By the dint of your hard efforts, Kelmarane is free once more! As the months pass its streets will fill with people again. The fields will be replanted. Boats will once more tie up at the dock. And everyone will know that it started here, because of you.

But noone had done more than one of you. Noone has fought harder or more bravely.

And that is Grall. A gnoll, a slave.

Well gnoll he may always be, but a slave, I say no longer!

Garavel hands her a rolled parchment and she holds this out to Grall.

By the authority given to me in the name of the Pactmasters I declare this slave freed! Come collect your letters of manumission!

Not everyone cheers. Dashki looks like he wants to spit on the ground but doesn't dare to. But most do. Soldiers, servants, herders. They cheer and the sound rings out from the market as the cry of the Kuldis used too.

You awake the next day, well-rested if plenty sore from the battle. Everyone can assume they are healed back to full hp.

After breakfast, black bread, roast goat and coffee, Almah calls a meeting up in Kardswann's chambers which she has taken as her own.

You are all present as well as Garavel and Zantus, the later in a much better mental and emotional state now that Arjun has been recovered. Almah seems happy enough to keep the bargain made with Undrella but reluctant to make the harpy part of your counsels. She also seems not quite sure what to do with the former flame witch Haleen.

Almah has two chests, the first a medium sized coffer and the second an elborately carved box.

Almah has her servants pour everyone (bar Grall)a glass of fine wine before dismissing all of her servants.

First, my friends a toast! To the impossible, the liberation of Kelmarane! I am well aware that without your bravery and prowess we would not be sitting here.

She opens the coffer and retrieves a parchment and a small bag. Reaching into the later she pulls out a handful of glittering gemstones.

The first part of your reward. Two hundred gold pieces as agreed. Plus to those of you who were with me from the first, a bonus and a token of my gratitude: a further five hundred gold pieces.

She unfolds the partchment.

The second part. This is a deed to the manor next to the inn in the lower town, the cargomaster's mance. Yours in perpetuity. I hope you will all consider Kelmarane as a home. You will always be welcome here.

Now I want to be clear I'm giving this to you now. You've done everything I've asked and your free to take this and go with all of my thanks.

But the reclamation of Kelmarane is not yet complete. When I outlined our mission at the beginning of all of this I said our first task was the elimination of the Kuldis. But there is another I did not mention. I have come to regret that decision. It was foolish and wrong.

You notice that Garavel seems surprised at all of this. Zantus on the other hand just nods.

Almah opens the small box retrieving what looks like a square shard of glass with runes carved up and down the flat side.

This is an interdict key. Zeladiel brought it to me although he didn't know what it was. Few do.

The truth is that the pactmasters know more about the doom that befell this town than is publicly known and part of what they know they passed on to me.

And what they told me is that over two decades ago the inhabitants of this town were driven mad by some evil force. Noone alive knows exactly how it started but brother turned against brother and mother against daughter. All of those who did not join the insanity were .. purged. We saw the signs of that ourselves in the chambers below the monastery.

It happened quickly, a town of nearly two thousand, turned to evil. It was when it seemed that the darkness would spread to the town's neighbours, the pactmasters acted, sending the Zephyr guard as well as local levies. As I understand it the final battle was in the church of Saranrae, only a few hundred feet from where we sit.

The guard encountered something else there, some nightmarish creature from another plane of existence, the hells themselves for all I know. The guard was able to drive this creature underground but their losses were heavy and they did not have the strength to pursue and finish it. Instead, one of their leaders, a priest of Abadar, sealed the creature there behind a web of magical wards.

Wards that this key unlocks.

From everything I was led to believe, this creature was locked behind the wards, impotent. From what you've said about Kardswann's final words that assumption seems mistaken. Somehow it knows about the key, perhaps it can sense it.

Moreoever it seems to have at least some ability to affect the world outside its prison. I had hoped we would have time to assess the situation after the Kuldis were dealt with. Time to work out what to do. Now I fear the consequences of us settling here.

As I said you have each done your part and may walk away with heads held high. Nevertheless I ask whether you would be willing to face this creature and destroy it. I think that Kelmarane and the people here will never be safe while it lives.

In response to Khalid's words, Garavel looks blank but Almah just gives a small nod.

That is something we will need to discuss. Later though.

Undrella flies off to scout for the approaching Kuldis reinforcements.

Late that afternoon, just as the sun is fading from the sky, your combined forces ambush 15 gnolls from the very point that their archers fired on you the day before. Surprise is total. Zeladiel takes the leader through the eye with a shot from his longbow and only a handful of survivors live long enough to run north, the bulk bleeding their lives out on to the dirt from arrow, javelin and bolt.

Thus ends the Kudlis’ control of Kelmarane.

Almah chuckles at Nuveril's compliment.

She draws her scimitar with a sweeping move and takes up a credible fighting stance.

Ah Nuveril I can fight and still look pretty!

Well. Close those gaping mouths gentlemen. We have a battle to win!

Garavel's question is cut off by the sight of Almah coming out of her quarters trailed by four very glum looking pactmaster guards.

She has exchanged her silks for studded leather armour and a finely crafted scimitar is thrust through her belt.

Garavel looks at her in shock. Mistress! You cannot mean to fight! The danger! I thought you were going with the wagons!

She replies cooly although with some sympathy. I never said that Garavel. I said the non-combatants would go with the wagons. I never said I would. I would be Mayoress of this town. How can I run away while others who take my gold do the fighting and the dying? How could I leave Arjun? I won't.

Besides, she says with a smile, Fixx and his men are sworn to defend me. And If I go into battle against the gnolls the only way to defend me is to fight as well. Four more men Garavel. That may prove the difference.

Fixx looks resigned to his fate. As you say Lady.

Garavel appears lost for words.

The group moves inside to the nave, Elia and Brotis returning to their watch.

You meet Almah hurrying the other way from her quarters.

Zeladiel! Rayhan must have sent you. By teleport? Do you have the .... She pauses for several seconds and then you see the blood draining from her face as if a very unpleasant light bulb has gone off in her head.

Oh Gods! I've been such a fool.

She gathers herself. Well nothing can be done now but proceed as planned. Zeladiel come with me. Garavel continue the preparations. We must be ready tomorrow!

She vanishes with Zeladiel into her quarters.

Garavel turns to the rest of you. I'm sorry I have no idea what this is about. The idea that Almah may have been holding something back from him does not seem to sit well.

This is good news though. The elf is a combat mage, practised in using his art in battle. Assuming he is willing to fight, and rumour has it that he has his own grudge against gnolls, he would make a useful addition to your assault.

Very well. Please gather everyone Garavel I would speak to them.

Garavel does so and the entire expedition gathers, mercenaries, pact guards, herders and servants. All stand in the courtyard beneath the brightly shining stars.

Almah stands before you all and speaks.

We will be attacking the gnolls tomorrow, as early as we can. With our full strength. By this time tomorrow we will have succeeded or failed. There are many who said we would never succeed. That we had no chance. That attacking the gnolls with so few was foolishness. But thanks to the sacrifices of Khalid and his friends, thanks to Arjun's sacrifice, we are here, at this moment.

I expect our success but I want us prepared for the worst. I want every wagon packed before dawn. Before we launch our assault I want those wagons moving south with our non-combatants for Sultan's Claw. Gods willing we will join again after the battle.

I know this means a long night for some of you. Those that will fight tomorrow need to rest.

I want to thank all of you. May the Dawnflower's blessing be upon us. She is both shield and avenging arm and we will all need both tomorrow.

Everyone disburses. Many look fearful but noone questions Almah's orders. Almost immediately Linah finds herself surrounded by a cluster of soldiers and servants asking for blessing.

It takes a long moment but Almah nods. Yes. You are right as usual Garavel. We need more information before we act. If I rush in I likely doom everyone. It seems to hang in the air, unspoken, that a rescue mission would be futile if the alchemist is already dead.

We will wait for the harpy.

Father Zantus hands his last healing extract to Grall (1d8 + 3) and helps Linah in ensuring everyone’s wounds are cleaned, treated and bandaged. The alchemist does his work efficiently but is clearly almost overwhelmed with worry about his former apprentice.

Felliped reunites with Oxvard. At the sight of the little gnome much of the mental malaise the man has exhibited since his rescue appears to fall away. The two hug, the sorceress laughing at finding another of her group still alive.

Slight retcon...

Grall moves up on the other side of Brotis and helps to get the unconscious man up. THey are all helping him when the rest of the camp arrives.

Almah AKA Dan E wrote:

What in the name of all that is holy is going on here?!

We arrre sorry mistrrress.

he gives Brotis a curious look and then proceeds before anyone else can get a word in,
Brrrotis and I werrre sparrring, he almost had the best of me and I yelled out. I know it is late, but when have we had time to trrrain with the men? We got carrried away, it will not happen again...I am to blame...please forgive me mistrrress!

Almah looks to Brotis and Dullen but neither contradict Grall's version, indeed they seem more interested in their feet.

Almah is silent for a moment, she doesn't seem wholly convinced.

Very well. Then let us all find our beds.

Brotis and Dullen return Utarchus to the mercenaries barracks and everyone else disperses.

Those who posted other actions are free to proceed with them now. Nothing further before morning.

What in the name of all that is holy is going on here?!

Very well. Our foes seem to be multiplying. It seems worthwhile trusting that we can make a friend. But I'd like you to watch Undrella carefully. Even if she has been completely genuine to this point, that may change, particularly if she thinks she may have backed a losing camel. She might well run to this Kardswann if she thinks its the only way she can keep her head.

Undrella is brought back to the room and Almah tells her that the bargain is struck, on the agreed upon terms: Undrella's assistance except for in combat in exchange for legal title to the tannery and its surrounds, in perpetuity, as well as recognition of Undrella's status as a citizen of the reclaimed Kelmarane.

The merchant princess and harpy are obviously still wary of each other but each spit in their palms and shake hands and Almah sets one of her servants to fetch parchment, writing materials and seal. A few minutes later and a pleased harpy carefully folds her sealed title deed and places it in her belt pouch.

Almah does a good job this time of keeping her composure.

Yes I daresay it would.

Would you excuse us for a moment. I need to talk to my advisors.

Undrella rises smoothly and steps out to let you speak.

Almah turns to you. This either sounds like an answer to my prayers or an offer too good to be true. What do you all think? Can we trust this harpy? You are the ones most in danger if she proves false and betrays us to the gnolls. What if her drawings and key just lead you into a trap?

Linah are you still with us?

Sajan speaks first and Almah seems a bit shocked at the usually quiet monks vehemence.

As each of the rest of you stress the need for co-operation against your mutual enemies, you sense the tension between the women receding. By the end and Nuverils reference to rudeness in relation to a guest, Almah has gone a little redder, although this time seemingly from embarassment and is nodding along.

You are correct. I apologise Undrella for my poor manners. You have the right of it with the Pactmasters. Their support is more vocal than material. However I do not intend to fail here and what I said about my people stands.

Your request is not onerous and I have the power to grant it. Please tell me what assistance you can provide.

For all her restraint, Almah’s cheeks go a bit red. Undrella clearly scored a point with the Pactmaster comment.

My retainers, she inclines her head to the group, have handled everything the Kulldis could throw at them with ease. They’ve defeated their patrols, their demon and tonight their fliers and mobile forces. With or without your assistance, I have every confidence that they can defeat this Kardswann and any other of his ... monstrous allies and clear this town of their .... foulness.

Almah grimaces. Very well. Bring it inside. To her guards, If it attempts any form of enchantment, I want you to kill it. Don’t look to me just do it immediately.

She turns to you. While you were away Dashki brought us some important news. Apparently a new group of gnolls entered the town during the afternoon. Dashki thought their dress was .. significant... and there was something with them he could not explain. I will have him brief you after this business is concluded.

Garavel and Undrella enter the room and Almah greets the harpy with cool courtesy, showing no visible sign of her concerns.

A few minutes later and you are comfortably ensconced in one of Nuveril’s nightmares, tea time.

Almah calmly takes a sip from her porcelain cup, the impression of serenity a little ruined by the pactmaster guards surrounding her, clearly nervous and fingering their weapons.

Undrella on the other hand looks amused, gently tapping a taloned nail against her own cup.

Refreshments over, Almah leans back against a cushion, addressing Undrella in a confident tone. I am the duly appointed legal representative of the Pactmasters for this region and the lady mayoress of Kelmarane. My people tell me you wish to swear your service to me and therefore to the Pactmasters. They also tell me you have aligned yourself for years with the Kulldis, a tribe of slavers and killers. Given that your allegiances clearly shift with the sands, I have to ask myself why I should consider such a request.

Garavel leads you to Almah’s chambers. The lady’s face seems strained although her hair and clothing are immaculate as usual.

You provide the two with a quick update, summarising your battles with the perytons and hyenas, your discussions with the harpy and her offer of assistance.

Almah listens intently until you are finished. Well. I can’t say I’m pleased you brought this creature here but I suppose we should hear what it has to say. Is it dangerous?

Almah is polite but curt asking you to elaborate on your findings yesterday.

Her eyes widen at the mention of the flying creature and the other unexplained occurences.

Garavel. When Father Zanthus is finished please ask him whether he has any information that may be of assistance. In particular, ask him whether he knows anything about this flying creature and whether this burrowing monster is likely to be one of several.

The gnolls will be hard enough to fight on their own. If they have monstrous allies then it would seem we will need to deal with them as well.

Dashki sighted several things from his watch over the town yesterday. Some you seem to have seen yourself but I'll let you hear from him and make up your own mind.

Almah is furious at Sabeen's disapperance.

Desertion! Garvel I want you to find her! What if the gnolls catch her and she speaks of us!

Garavel's reply is as always smooth and without emotion.

Mistress. From the note she had a purpose and I doubt it was to be caught by gnolls. Besides in these hills we have little chance of tracking her. We are as likely to alert the gnolls ourselves than find her. Even if she were caught they may find her no more lucid than we did.

She stops and thinks.

Fine Garavel. You speak wisdom.

To the rest of you.

Please proceed as planned. But if you see any sign of Sabeen I want her returned. Tied, gagged and slung over Sajan's shoulder if that becomes necessary.

Almah seems a bit taken aback at Nuveril's outburst but nods in agreement at the scouting plan.

Very well. The seven of you will scout the town while Dashki observes from atop the chapel. Garavel can you ensure the other mercenaries take shifts with Dashki I want to make sure we don't miss anything.

It has been a very tiring day and it will be that way for the forseeable future. I want you to know I appreciate very much all of your efforts. Now before we all get some sleep, I'd ask Linah if she would be so kind as to say us a prayer. We shelter here in the Goddess' fallen home, but with Her blessing we will raise it up again just as grand as before.

I'm skipping to night but please feel free to retcon.

Last, Almah looks to the group.

Do any of you have anything to add? Grall your own knowledge of your people would be welcome.

What are your recommendations in terms of how we should proceed?

Phew. Over to you. Character wise I understand that the group will be looking to Linah and Khalid to speak up but you may want to discuss OOC. At the end of the day you may think that you simply need to have a scout of the town before you can conclude anything. Thats fine. Almah isn't looking at you to provide firm plans without the necessary information but it seems she wants you to have a think about how you will proceed getting that information.

The meeting is held in the library and Almah's servants have obviously worked feverishly to make it comfortable. The ruined books have been removed and the place adorned with carpets and other furnishings from the wagons. Silk partitions have been set up to create private spaces. Present are Almah, Garavel, Father Zantus, Dashki and Fixx in addition to yourselves.

As you know our mission is the liberation and resettlement of Kelmarane in the name of the Pactmasters. Our immediate goal is the destruction or neutralization of the gnoll presence and any other hostile forces.

The purpose of this meeting is for us to share what we know that is relevant to this goal and make what plans we can. Our most pressing need seems to be information gathering but let us discuss planning at the end.

Garavel. If you would please.