Azhar smiles as pieces click into place, "Ah. Then [I]if it's real, I hope this group finds what they are looking for. It does sound like fun."[/b]
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"And just how much might this "golden monkey" likely be worth, do you think? Don't suppose there's any rumor of it being an exceedingly rare item or exceedingly valuable to anyone in particular for any reason?" he says with a half smile. It sounds like he is still tossing the idea of looking into it around in his head, whether just for the challenge factor, because he wants to raise cash for one reason or another or both.
Azhar is tempted, if only for the fun of it. He might even mention as much if the subject came up in conversation.
Yeah. You old softy you. *cough, hack, why is there a pointy metal thing sticking out of my kidney? aack* ;)
There's a local commercial airing where the parents say their daughter isn't going to date until she's 40. I'm imagining that for Cassian's future daughter right about now.
Cassian and Gravlax: Azhar rises and bows gracefully, "Thank you, your Majesty." he says doing a fairly good job of appearing sincere, "We will rest easy knowing you and yours have their keen eyes, ears and whiskers looking out for our best interest."
he turns to Cassian, "I don't know, he certainly enjoys it." he says with a smile.
Ooh. Living dangerously (at least for her date!)
Cassian and Gravlax: "By Chelaxians, I meant the governing or ruling, Asmodeus worshiping, control minded people in power Chelaxians, not all the people who happened to grow up in Cheliax, of course." he adds a little sheepishly after a couple moments contemplation.
Tarvi may be single for a long, long time. Unless she decides to leave the area then. ;)
Yes. I have no idea why she considers him the coolest thing since strawberries and cream. But she does. Women. Go figure. xp (this is, of course, said very much sarcastically and tongue in cheek)
The Lyre of Building was a group claim, although it was used primarily by Zsz. As such, since I don't think it was specifically mentioned where it was, I would assume it could have been with Tarvi or Amaya and would be accessible by any of the party members.
Cassian and Gravlax: "Now what is it? Rova, right? We must be coming up on First Brewing or Silverglazer Sunday." Azhar says licking his lips. Then a cloud briefly passes across his face and his eyes go off into the distance, "Cheliax." he says, drumming his fingers in contemplation. They stop and he snaps his fingers, "Signing Day. The second Oathday of Rova, if I remember correctly. That should be one the Chelaxian's don't object too." he smiles, "of course with General whatzis face away, I don't think anyone would object to some added late night debauchery...as long as we make sure property damage is kept to a minimum." a wide smile is growing on his face. Azhar seems to have relaxed a bit. Perhaps more than he should all things considered.
Cassian and Gravlax: Azhar considers the change of events. Finally, he says, "Well, on the off chance we end up needing it. The Delvehaven does have a summoning circle inlaid with silver and cold iron. I'm sure those who know the process better could use it to help bind a fiendish creature within. Almost every single ceiling is at least 25' in height, with none being under 20'. If we want to use the summoning chamber, or any other room in the Delvehaven, we will have to make some modifications. Any suggestions on what could or should be done?"
Cassian and Gravlax: Azhar nods, "Sounds good. If we can't remember, I will take a look and report back (regarding roof height)."
Cassian and Gravlax: "No reason we can't do both. Summon the succubus out into a trap, possibly getting our primary quarry as well. Then we head back through and clean that place out top to bottom." Azhar nods in agreement. Those were his thoughts as well. "Let's talk about the basic plan. Is everyone on board with summoning the succubus? If so, we need to move on to delegating research responsibilities, first how to summon her, then how to keep her. And we should choose a proper venue. I was initially thinking that basement where we fought those" he shudders "Vampires." Azhar glances at Amaya to check her reaction, but nods again in agreement. "Sounds like a good spot to me."
Cassian and Gravlax:
Azhar nods, "Those would likely be better items for this particular situation than the ones I chose to improve." he touches his headband and cloak briefly, "But what's done is done. I will have to find a way to discover another stash of loot before adding that cap to my current gear." He shrugs, "I need an abundantly larger amount to improve my belt as it is." he pauses, "I to have improved, though apparently not nearly as much as you, my friend." he fixes Cassian with a friendly gaze, "But I figure I am even more likely to take her out given the right opportunity with a full round and hinder her with a chance strike." "Honestly, one reason I would like to return is to clean out the rest of what has gathered there, including that maralith should she have returned. I do admit that drawing her out here would seem to be the better plan. Assuming we are able to accomplish it."
Cassian and Gravlax: Having not had the opportunity or any reason to review his own words, Azhar has no idea why Cassian is smirking. However, he does have reason to both agree and disagree.
"You are good at what you do. That is indisputable, and your plan has merit. But don't you think we would have a better chance going in now, before she has all the time in the world to get all of her defenses in place and perfected?"
Cassian and Gravlax: "If we did not provoke her, I'm not at all certain that Zsz would not honor her word and not hunt in Westcrown. At least not during our lifetimes. Her...um, consort? on the other hand, I think would eventually enjoy hunting those we care about." he looks aside, off in the distance, "On the other hand, once we provoke her...and I'm sure something would have come up, intended or not, even without the whisper campaign or the going directly after her approach, we have to succeed. I guaranty she will go after every single person, creature or thing, no matter how remotely connected to us, that we hold dear. Once this is started, we have to finish it."
Cassian and Gravlax: "So it looks like we're agreed then. Do we need to make any more preparations?"
Azhar does not look exactly happy at the prospect of hunting a former comrade, and yet it was something he had been expecting to happen sooner or later.
Cassian and Gravlax: "Actually, I don't think destroying the gate here would very much inhibit her from coming to Westcrown if she really wanted too. I do think that it would help to minimize what she could probably send here though." Azhar ponders the situation for a few moments, "I do think Zsz is dangerous. And I do worry about what she can do to those we care about. I also do not like that creature she consorts with, but as far as I know she isn't doing anything overtly evil is she? ...or is she in order to keep that thing satisfied and I've just been to blind to notice?" he pauses again, eyes going up to the heavens almost as if looking for divine inspiration. He has never received any in the past, as far as he knows, but there's always a first time...just not yet. "Well, she hasn't acted against any of us yet. At least, I don't think so. As long as she doesn't and none of her predations come to our attention, I can't immediately rush to call her guilty, but if we are going to leave her to possibly build a new evil empire on lunar base moon, I would say we should make sure to keep ourselves in shape, and probably keep in touch on a regular basis so if something happens unexpectedly, it won't be too long before the others are aware and can join forces again." he looks from one man to the other, "Your thoughts?"
Chava: "Well, if one of you would be kind enough to escort me to the theater district there are a number of directors I can throw myself upon for lodgings. Maybe that funny, loud man, Robin... no..." Her forehead wrinkles just the slightest with thought, "Robahl. Robahl Nonon. He has been trying to get me to do one of his awful blood plays for years." As they head to Robahl's, and after Azhar has made sure Osprey has something to cover himself, if he doesn't already, Azhar turns to Enlina Charthagnion, "Just to be sure, this is something you want to do, right? From my experience, those 'blood plays' can actually be dangerous." there is a twinkle in his eye as he glances at Amaya, "I don't want you feeling like this is something you have to be doing."
"Can do," Gravlax says. "It really is probably the safest option. Although Westcrown is officially a lot safer now, nobody knows it." "True 'nuff." Azhar responds with a grin and a wave in parting for his friends.
"Well, if one of you would be kind enough to escort me to the theater district there are a number of directors I can throw myself upon for lodgings. Maybe that funny, loud man, Robin... no..." Her forehead wrinkles just the slightest with thought, "Robahl. Robahl Nonon. He has been trying to get me to do one of his awful blood plays for years." Azhar grins, "I would be happy to reintroduce you." "If you've got someplace for me to lay low. This country isn't exactly fond of my type." "I think something can be arranged." he catches Amaya's eye, almost as if he's asking permission. "After we pay Herr Direktor a visit, of course. Would you like to come along?"
"Mathalen, Gravlax, Fiosa..." he looks at Zsz as well, if she is still there, but does not say her name, "the rest of you. Do you think you can get the rest over to Cassian's? Unless you can think of a better place, of course."
"More demons?" Kalistocrat Sirara looking unhappy about the prospect.[/b] Azhar thinks for a few moments, glances at Amaya, "...and yet it is probably the safest spot in Westcrown on short notice for this many people." he glances at Tarvi for confirmation, then continues, "Tarvi, I think you'd probably be the best one to assist Mz. Sirara, would you mind?" he looks around at the others, "I assume... he pauses and breaks off, "perhaps I should not. Can I get all of you who are going to need assistance getting back to friends and family to walk with us, please. The rest of you, lets just make sure you're at least up to the city proper." Enlina Charthagnion, "Westcrown?!?" A broad smile that brings life and beauty to the chubby diva's cheeks. "I like Westcrown, you have a number of lovely theaters." She looks around, "However, I must confess I've never been here before." "There was a bit more, shall we say private production that was run here. Before we found it had to be shut down, that is." He turns to the pale Kellid, "Osprey. If I could have a word with you later, after we've got those in need of assistance on their way. I would appreciate it."
Azhar looks back over at Gravlax, Zsz and the others. His hands encircling the haft of his hammer. He raises an eyebrow. "Are we in agreement then?" ...and after a number of moments, if no one says or moves to the contrary, he turns the statues to powder.
Chava:
And when the pair gets a moment alone, Amaya leans up and brushes a kiss on Azhar's lips. "As bad as that was... I think we did the best we could." Azhar looks down, a slight smile restored by her presence. A strong arm surrounds her and scoots her closer, one might say even into him. "Perhaps. But I just can't shake this feeling that leaving intact statues that appear to be made to represent people that came from an evil b*%~@ that literally liked to control people cannot be a good idea." Cassian, Gravlax: Azhar mentally nods
The hammer rocks back and forth in Azhar's fingers as he considers what has been said. He takes a breath, lets it out, "That's three to one against destroying the statues." He hoists it to his right shoulder, shrugging it to a more comfortable position. "Very well then." he says, and retreats to make sure the angel's remains have been securely stored for transport upon the carpet. Once he's done, he sits next to the large cat (and Amaya, presuming she is there), "So do we want to dust up the pieces of the mirror as well then? If we're just looking at it as money, that seems to be the probable best course of action."
The hammer rocks back and forth in Azhar's fingers as he considers what has been said. He takes a breath, lets it out, "That's three to one against destroying the statues." He hoists it to his right shoulder, shrugging it to a more comfortable position. "Very well then." he says, and retreats to make sure the angel's remains have been securely stored for transport upon the carpet.
Azhar shrugs, "You might be right. I think the wording is causing it to become more than it is. Are the rest of you in agreement then?"
"OK. So why don't we find out what these are, then? If they're inherently evil, I promise I'll make no objections to their being destroyed." Azhar smiles a not altogether happy smile. "How long do you think it will take to find out what something like this can do? I'm not altogether concerned that they are evil, but the evil that can be done with them." Which leads to little sister squealing, twisting, and an attempt at a retaliatory tickling. Azhar's expression changes decidedly for the better as he is momentarily distracted by the antics of the siblings.
"Yes, which is why I am even still having conflicting thoughts on the mirror, which I have been told is quite valuable, and so am very glad that it has already been destroyed. But the degree of evil that an item can perform and the likelihood of it being used again in carrying out that amount of evil, should I think also be contributing factors. I wish for the world I live in to be a better place for my being in it, not a worse one."
primary claim - ring of freedom of movement secondary claim - belt of physical perfection +4
Azhar shrugs, "No, we don't. I am willing to leave them, but I think it's much more likely for them to be far more dangerous left intact and possibly used for their intended purpose, which I assume to be evil based on who has been using them through the ages." he looks to the others, "Any other thoughts? Should we make this a group decision?"
Azhar pauses, appearing slightly disappointed at the lack of dust and fragments in the air, his brow furrows as he leans on his hammer, "I find it improbable that releasing whatever magical energy is encased within now, or in other words at some random point in time, is likely to be more dangerous than at whatever point that Izmiara had planned on having it released." He is apparently willing to hear Zsz's or anyone else's case out, however.
The pale Kellid first, "Osprey." His pale eyes take in the group, settling on the wayfinders a few of the people in the group have. "I'm an agent out of Absalom." "Investigating anything in particular?" The older man, walks forward, shaking each person's hand, "Garrin Levoye, Andoran's People's Council. And thank you." "You are welcome, Councilman ." With Azhar's cloak pulled tightly around herself, although she seems suspect of the material. "Kalistocrat Obenna Sirara."She inclines her head, "I am in your debt and it will be repaid." Azhar smiles, "Glad we were able to help." Then a few moments later, more as an afterthought, he glances up at the Andoran and the Kalistocrat, "Though, come to think of it, I know this great glass making place." He grins widely at Amaya, making it clear this is something of an inside joke.
The intact figurines around the bed are incredible representations of a Vudrani maharajah, a sinister-looking Chelish man in the raiment of an Asmodean cleric, an elegant drow female, a Mwangi chieftain, and a male dwarf whose skin is etched with runes. Azhar looks around at the others and taps his hammer. For some reason, he has a vision of watermelons. "Any reason not too?" ...and if no one says anything he turns the rest of the statuary to dust.
Azhar nods in acknowledgement as each person identifies themselves. "Well, knowing the demoness even as little as we do, I'd hazard a guess it's a way of controlling people. Anyone want to bother figuring out the who and the why or shall I just get to the breaking." he pauses, "And that mirror was fixed in the wall, right? Should I even bother asking how you all managed to be here to get trapped in it?"
Azhar smiles in approval at Cassian's remark, removes his cloak and offers it to the discomfited lady. "I am Azhar, late of Westcrown. And who might you be?" he asks of all the newcomers, though he is especially keeping an eye on the one who's orbs are currently glowing. And separately,
Azhar has turned to investigate the rest of the room. In particular, the two foot tall statues around the bed and then double checking the condition of their fallen opponents.
"And that's a mirror of life-trapping," Cassian says, looking away. "Suppose we could break it, see who's inside. Chances are whoever would be held in a place like this is at least not actively horrible. Right?" "Agreed. Stand clear." Azhar says, specifically not thinking about how much something like this must be worth and not looking into it while allowing his mace to turn it to shards. And immediately after doing so, "Wait, you said breaking it would release them right? He says with more than a little apprehension in his voice at having acted so hastily on something he really does not understand.
After Azhar has gotten the angel's body down, Fiosa - after a long consideration that Azhar REALLY is no longer mind-controlled - she calls the injured together and spends the rest of her channels to heal their wounds. "Thanks, Fiosa."
Azhar looks up to where a reflection would have been and nods, "Yup." He finishes taking care of the angel's remains before checking out the balcony. "Thanks Fiosa."
"I've been considering that it might be wise for me to set up shop here to make sure Izmiara's particular brand of religious practice doesn't take hold again. At the very least, with a portal from here to Westcrown, I could watch this end of it to ensure that nothing unsavory comes through and no one from here again interferes with the city." "Might be for the best." Azhar responds from across the room. "Fiosa?" he calls out to the small halfling, "What kinds of last rights should be administered for her? Is there somewhere I need to take her or can she be laid to rest ? And what about Vintari?" he continues to extricate the remains of the angel from her chains, with the aid of Amaya's flying carpet if necessary.
"By the way, the old guy." he motions down below, "Does anybody recognize him? Was he likely under the succubus control, or something else?"
"So..are we done? Did we free everyone in the other room? Are there others that can still be saved?" He looks at the broken angel. His face gets harder and a little sad. "I'm going to take her down at the very least." and moves to do so.
Azhar turns to look at the marilith. He doesn't say anything, but his eyes do not waver. ("'maya? Fiosa? Do you think I could get some healing. There are altogether too many demons here for my tastes.") The other succubus does not leave the periphery of his vision.
pre-round 4 action: triggered action VS:
Round 4: Azhar smiles, "A little out numbered aren't you? At least you're not likely to suffer for long...at least not on this plane." Azhar slides into position to gain flanking with Gravlax and more heavy blows open gaping rents in Ismiara's armor. AC 27(current AC:28), touch 15, flat-footed 23. . (+9 armor, +4
hp 195 (15d10+45) Current: 133 -47 more non-lethal
+24 to hit
Reminders:
"You made me hurt my friends! You Azhar is able to shake of the succubus queen's domination, slides forward and lays into her with a rage which may surprise some in the party. His first strike is particularly vicious, slashing through Ismiara's face and spattering blood in her eyes as well.
rolls:
+24 to hit +2 FE +3 bardic +1 Prayer +1 haste
"As you wish, Queen." Azhar moves slightly and attacks Gravlax and Cassian, the flat of his blade purposely passing over every single other member of the party, the tip passing dangerously close to Cassian's eyes before flicking away. "Back away please." he says calmly.
rolls:
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