Bobby DuhNail, Practician's page

"Please excuse the interruption. My time with you will be but brief. My master has it on sources that the Sand Stalkers are in Katapesh and that it is rumored you carry the legendary Scroll of Kakishon. Whether true or not, my patron, Rayhan Xobhadi, always inquires into matters of such importance, rumors or not. If you are not familiar with his name, you may ask around town. He is a powerful wizard, a great diviner of rare magical treasures, quite a welcome profession here in Katapesh, city of antiquities. His intellectual curiosity has been piqued and he wishes an audience with you...should you carry the Scroll. Perhaps, he can help you decipher its secrets, as I do not see a mage among you. If you do not carry it, then forgive my intrusion and let me slip from your mind." He hands you a business card, with Rayhan's name and address, bows and leaves...unless you wish to discuss something with him.

Info on the scroll from the thread:
Quzman reaches Eli, but the bard rises in a confident manner, his grip on Tempest stronger than ever. And in a powerful but worried voice, he says "Mortals, can you not sense it? The magic of Kakishon....in such a place of evil! We must recover it at once!" Without looking back, he marches off toward the gap in the wall.

For everyone except Jameena:
The powerful James Earl Jones voice is very familiar and though you have not heard it in over a year, you immediately remember the last time you heard it: in battle with Kardswann!

****

With Quzman and Jameena in the lead, the party explores the rest of the room. Jameena does not sense any more evil, so that puts the party a little more at ease. To the north, there rests a single massive block of deep black stone upon a dais. Carvings on the sarcophagus and the surrounding wall depict the terrifying image of a nine-legged spider with a gaping maw.

Eli suddenly whispers in the now recognizable possessed voice, "The Scroll of Kakishon!" and rushes to open the sarcophagus but try as he might, he cannot lift it. He looks down at his body and says "What a weak form!" Eli regains his senses, as the spirit within him subsides.

****

Zayifid smiles, "Smart move, whore. But I've never wanted your deaths, just the Scroll of Kakishon. So run and hide, you are no threat to me, with your scimitar in my hand. But you, shell of Vardishal, will give it to me now or you will die!"

Vardishal deftly lashes out with his scimitar and on his second attempt, Tempest falls harmlessly out of Eli's hands to the floor!

DM scroll info:
Quzman jumps forward to interpose himself between Eli/? and the opening, "Hold on a minute Eli. We'll go find this Kakishon, but first we need to get the rest of us together. And if we're to go hunt for this, we should know what exactly IT is...so, Eli, what is it?"

"Eli", in his new voice, laughs. "Mortal, Kakishon is not a person, it is a place, a divine realm said to be filled with powerful magics. And I sense its magic is close, beneath us. Such power cannot be left in these vermin hands.

Eli opens the tube and carefully pulls out the scroll. On the tattered parchment, he finds an immense rune inscribed on it and nothing more. He studies it and though he has never studied ancient history, it comes to him that the rune is not a character of any alphabet but rather a rune of power associated with the wizard-king Nex, during the early parts of his kingdom. Such runes were commonly used to conceal the true nature of the page, such as government secrets, maps, treasures, etc. It was said only one gifted in lore could pierce the obscuring rune.

Despite Dumah's Knowledge (arcana) roll of 32 with a detect magic spell in effect, he was unable to discover any more information. Perhaps, other more powerful spells are required, like arcane sight or legend lore?

RAYHAN--You learn he is a well-respected human diviner in Katapesh in all the merchant circles and famous for authenticating numerous treasures and finds. Whenever there is a business dispute as to a magical treasure, he is the leading authority. He is fair but intimidating, as he stands 6'5". He is well-off financially and has a private villa.

OTHERS LOOKING FOR IT--Because it leads to riches. Word on the streets is many of the city's richest merchants are interested in purchasing the Scroll if the document can be authenticated by Rayhan.
Also, one of the most powerful underworld crime lords in the city is rumored to be interested in the Scroll as well: Father Jackal!

"Quzman, Ty...we have dealt with this crime lord before, well at least his agents. The Bandit, who kidnapped April, the one who was plotting to kill Princess Almah. He was an agent of this Father Jackal and is one the Pactmasters see as a foe. I believe as well that Dumah and Bahyii were trying to help Heleen pay back debts to this criminal."

WHAT RAYHAN TELLS US--
Rayhan turns to the party, gathers a journal from one of the bookcases, and says, "It is time for me to tell you what you wish to know. Sit back and relax. The legends say that Kakishon was created by the wizard-king Nex to serve him as a portable paradise and an impenetrable bolt-hole. Much as the more commonplace bag of holding opens into its own reality, the Scroll of Kakishon was said to contain this entire world inside of it—the scroll was not Kakishon, but the doorway by which Nex could enter and exit the realm. Kakishon was said to have been a paradise, a laboratory, a menagerie, a hunting ground, and even a tomb—most likely, it was all these things and more, with each island serving a different role. The legend of Kakishon falls into increasing obscurity after Nex’s war with Geb began. All signs point to the strong possibility that Nex had grown dissatisfied with Kakishon and had lost interest. When he vanished from the face of Garund in 576 ar, he left the Scroll of Kakishon behind. Eventually, it was stolen from his castle and the scroll passed through many hands. Some used it as a prison for their enemies, others as a place to impress allies or as a vault for their treasures, the stories say. The closer to the present day we get, the more obscure the rumors grow—no sign of the Scroll of Kakishon seems to have surfaced over the past several hundred years. The last person to own the scroll, I believe, was a Keleshite wizard named Andrathi. The accounts of his life are vague and fragmentary, but it would appear that he was the lover of a genie named Nefeshti, the leader of a group known as the Templars of the Five Winds, a name I believe you are familiar with, right? Legend holds that the Templars fought somewhere in the mountains against a cruel efreeti warlord named Jhavhul, and that while the Templars of the Five Winds managed to defeat Jhavhul, the defeat was shadowed in loss. No sign of Andrathi or the Scroll of Kakishon remained after the battle. No sign… until today."

Rayhan closes the journal and looks at the five of you. "This is an important find. If you will let me, I would very much like to look into this matter, to research this scroll and decipher some of the writings upon it. And if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, as I believe, there are protections placed upon it to prevent undesirables from being able to open it and travel to the world within. Yet in time, I feel that I will be able to decipher these writings. You see, before he vanished, the wizard Andrathi went through the same process—yet he obviously managed to discover the way to open the scroll, even if it meant his doom. Some of his writings have survived to this day, and as it happens, I own copies of these writings. By building upon the foundation he lays in his writings, I am sure that I will be able to duplicate his research and refine it. It may take days, even weeks, but if this is indeed the Scroll of Kakishon, I will find the key to open it. But once it is open, I will need your aid, should you be willing to provide it. The legends speak of great treasures kept safe in Kakishon, the greatest of which was Jhavhul’s own weapon, the legendary Firebleeder, said by some to be a falchion and others a living flame. Sadly, my adventuring days are behind me, but if I find the way, I would be honored to accompany you into Kakishon to find the truth!"

ANOTHER INTERESTED PARTY
Marzuk smiles, as he takes a sip of the tea, "Ok, straight and to the point, I like it. It has come to our attention that you and your merry band may have acquired the legendary Scroll of Kakishon, at least that is what the rumors say. And now that you are here, in the legendary diviner, Rayhan Xobhadi's home, is only further corroboration of that rumor. My family is in the business of collecting rare and valuable magic and we would like to add the Scroll to our collection, once Rayhan legitimates its authenticity, of course. I have been authorized by my family to offer you 35,000 gp for it, in gems or coin, whatever you decide. Would you be tempted in parting with the Scroll for my most generous offer?" Marzuk smiles and sits back, waiting for a response.

MORE INTERESTED PARTIES
Around noon of the same day, a human woman by the name of Badra, comes to visit those in the villa and she does not detect as evil. Pic of Badra She says she represents a cadre of wizards who are interested in purchasing the Scroll of Kakishon. She offers 40,000 gp for the Scroll, once Rayhan authenticates it of course. She gets tired of the party stating it's a rumor, it's a fake, they don't have it, or whatever excuse you use, and advises the party she can be found at the Wizard's Emporium if they change their mind.

The group passes the day in the market or on watch at home and around noon, another visitor makes his way to the Rayhan villa. It is a male bald halfling dressed in robes. Pic of Tamir He has an odd small humanoid creature with thin, leathery wings, small horns, and a mischievous smile on his shoulder. The creature is brown in color and its hide appears rocky. He introduces himself to the group as he enters the home, "I am Tamir, mage of some arcane power in this city, and I am interested in discussing the purchase of a certain Scroll for some interested parties." He spots Jameena and smiles at her beauty.

---- "I can 100% guarantee the item you have is the legitimate Scroll of Kakishom."-----

"From my studies, the wards placed on the scroll allow you to take it with you when you enter its realm. After all, it was the home of Nex, one of the most powerful wizard kings in the world, and he would not have entrusted it to anyone but himself. So it will not fall into the wrong hands while you are inside."

"This is so exciting. It will take me a couple of more days to unravel the mysteries of how precisely to access the realm. There were complex magical wards placed on the Scroll to restrict its use, but I believe I can crack the code, so to speak. Therefore, if you do not wish to sell it, I would recommend that you should alert your potential buyers to this fact."

You're a hard man to talk to regarding the Scroll of Kakishon, Eli, voice of the Sand Stalkers. If you will not leave the house, I must make you come to me. Meet me at the One-Eared Gnoll in Dogtown today at the tolling of the seven night bells. If you do not come, a dear friend of yours will suffer and I will send her to you in pieces. I believe you know her as Haleen. I will be waiting. Cheers.
T

The gnolls are looking at the party with disgust and fear at the same time. 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 passes and you realize you have been stood up. You make your way back to the Villa, wary of any ambush points, and upon arriving find it odd that the crowd of gatherers in front has dispersed. You proceed with care and find a package left at the front doorstep. When you unwrap it, a finger pops out containing a signet ring, which Mahath immediately recognizes as belonging to Haleen. The note reads:

Eli, I said I wanted to speak with you, not your troupe of fools. Smart to take the Scroll but now I have Rayhan. Next time, follow instructions or I will keep sending you their body parts. We'll be in touch.
-T

The party enters the villa and finds the guard lying unconscious on the floor. A small bolt protrudes from his back. You check the rest of the main house and find remnants of a magical battle, including scorch and electricity marks on the floor and walls. About 10-12 bolts lie on the floor or stuck in walls/furniture. The place looks like it has been tossed, floor boards pulled up, and shelves ripped off the walls. If you check for the cook, you find she and her husband in a similar state as the guard: alive but unconscious.

Mahath's grasp of magic is masterful and he quickly comprehends the crystal ball's intricacies, noting that scrying performed through it grants the wielder to also see invisible creatures. Concentrating and pushing all noise aside, Mahath mentally pictures his old friend, as the magic in the crystal ball begins to surge, forming images in its surface.

Suddenly, the image of the stoic diviner appears. He is battered and beaten lying on the ground, his mouth covered by a gag, and his hands are bound to his feet. It is clear he is in some sort of jail cell. Through the bars and within 10' of him, lying in an adjacent cell, the image of Haleen appears still breathing, unarmored and beaten as well, a cloth of dried blood covering her left hand. You hear both of their breaths, short but steady.

You can see and hear the subject and its surroundings (approximately 10 feet in all directions of the subject). You can clearly tell the area where they're being held appears windowless and is bigger than the 10' radius of sight provided by the spell.

Actions have consequences. The Gnoll King is not pleased. Send your heroes to the 1-mile marker outside of Kelmarane tonight at midnight. Failure to comply will result the death of 2 villagers by tomorrow morning.

Guard Karims report: "Hadir reported for duty last night as usual. We broke up some fights, nothing serious. Every hour, two of us do a quick recon of the village to make sure all is right. At around 4 am, I did a recon of the western side and Hadir of the east. Abdul and Jabaar stayed at the post. Half hour later, I appeared at the post but no Hadir. We know he has some, how do would you say it, lady friends in town, so we thought nothing of it. He was prone to showing up late sometimes. However, when he did not appear by 5:30, we worried and Abdul and I searched the town and found his body in the alley behind the merchant guild. He was laying in a pool of blood, a deep wound in his back. It was obvious he was caught unawares and by surprise. I will never forget the look on his face."

Contract for the Sand Stalkers' assassination, signed by "Gashnul, Emissary to the Gnoll King"

Quest in repayment of Quzmans raising from the dead:Have you heard of Haidar Yunan? He's a well-respected explorer and historian and quite the chess player. Anyway, about 2 months ago, during one of our monthly chess games, he mentioned that he had found the Refuge of the All-Seeing Eye, an ancient shrine of Nethys said to contain "En-Nebi", some ancient dagger or relic, I can't remember, I was too concentrated on the game. I never paid too much attention to Haidar's ramblings. He always thought fame would be found on his next venture. Ah, such naivete! Anyway, I digress. I have not heard from my friend in 2 months and he has never missed a chess game, so I worry for his safety. This shrine of Nethys is said to be 3 days west of Kelmarane. Please go look for my friend and if alive, please bring him back safely.

Hundreds of years ago reclusive priests of Nethys, the god of magic, built a temple in the nearby hills near Kelmarane, where they could study forgotten and dangerous magics, especially the dualistic nature of magic (to create vs. destroy). The Refuge of the All-Seeing Eye, as it was known, was built in a place where the breath of Nethys was said to seep from the ground, inspiring all who drew near with visions from the god of magic. The first floor was dedicated to the creative power of magic and the hidden lower floor was dedicated to its destructive nature.

The En-Nebi, or Blade of the Leopard, as it is known, is said to be a magical katar, some 15 inches in length, with an embossed image of a ferocious Katapeshi leopard.

Concerning the Carrion Kings forces: "Four gnoll tribes plus his own, my dear sir, from our last intelligence report thanks to our fine warrior Quzman. There's the Al'Chorhaiv, the The Circle, Three Jaws, and Wormhollow, sir. We have scant information on them, sir, at present, other than they are supposed to be quite numerous."

Qadir's vision (prophet of Sarenrae):The way to the Carrion King is not through the path of murderous gnoll tribes that protect his temple but another way. I saw in my vision that the mountain had teeth and was surrounded by green smoke and the way through followed a path of fire.

Going through the Fire Salamaders tunnels :
Lasserak listens with great interest to Jameena's speech. His eyes open wide when he sees the rest of the party make an appearance. "Yes, the Sand Stalkers, I have heard of you. You've caused that disgusting Gnoll King much trouble, what you say is true." He pauses to look at one of his aides, who nods. You and your friends are also not evil so perhaps we can help each other, and I do this out of a common interest not out of any sense of fear. Who knows if my 12 flamebrothers and I could take you all out, but why ponder such situations. I hate our clan's affiliation with that foul gnoll and his disgusting kin. However, I do not command the post of leadership, Ataraxia does. She can be found to the east of here, near the lava pool. That evil bi*ch knows of my opposition to her plans so she banishes me to the colder parts of the cavern. Now, if you and your band were to take her out and her enforcer, Onyx, leadership would fall to me and you have my word that I would not go along with the gnoll king's plans of invasion. What say ye?"

"Ataraxia is a salamander like myself, unusually skilled in the arts of the arcane. Onyx is a towering malicious creature of rock, who enjoys crushing life, especially those of my flamebrothers. Through his might, Ataraxia slew our previous leader, Grallak. I believe he was a gift from a robed gnoll who counsels the Carrion King."

Lazrul & the escaped slaves:
The freakish humanoid leads you into a cavern, as the globes of light follow. You see makeshift bedrolls strewn about the floor and you count about 15 humans, dirty and ragged looking, wielding all types of crude gnoll weapons. Many of them have scars and wounds, especially on their back. They all look down in deference at Lazrul as he passes by them. You see and smell some meat roasting on a small fire in the corner. The humans all stare at you, as Lazrul leans against a rock.

"And I guess I owe you Sand Stalkers thanks also for helping me escape. When you killed that nasty fella, Kardswann, that drove the Carrion King wild with anger. He slew many gnolls that day, provided me with the perfect distraction to break my bonds and go into hiding. Been helping the human prisoners escape too, forming my little rebellion, you could call it."

"Ok, let me tell you about your enemy, Ghartok, the Carrion King. He claims to have been a normal gnoll who came to this House and was reborn as a chosen of Rovagug. He is the biggest gnoll I have ever seen, standing over 12' tall and incredibly strong. He wields Goreshred, a magical greataxe said to have been constructed specifically for the destruction of humanity. With this weapon in hand, he united the 5 gnoll tribes, who await an invasion of the human lands. Luckily for us, the 5 tribes are not allowed in the House of the Beast and they await his instructions in the canyon. I suspect he kicked them out also due to your exploits in ruining his plans at every turn. You have become quite a thorn in his side, I must say. If we were to topple his reign, we would end the unity among the tribes and their normal jealousy and distrust would surface, destroying their invasion plans. Now, he stays in the Maggot throne room, one level below us, with his 5 wives. However, he always has 2 Unchosen with him. Ah, that's right, you don't know what an Unchosen is." Lazrul looks over at his men, who uncomfortably smile, finding it difficult to hide their fear. "Unchosen are the King's personal guard, 10' tall mindless gnoll savages, created for battle and to keep the rest of the gnoll population in check. I managed to kill one in battle, but not before the bastard chewed my ear off."

The Gnoll King's confidence and arrogance was at an all-time high, as he struck his mighty blows that nearly killed the archer and disemboweled the mage. He felt blessed by Rovagug himself....that is until the Servants of Sarenrae attacked. First, Jameena, the proud holy warrior, called upon her goddess' might, and rained pain upon pain upon the servant of her deity's enemy! Then, Quzman's scimitar and blade followed suit, struck again and again into the beast's ribs and neck, fueled by rage and passion, as he remembered his training, the death of his parents, the screams of his extended family, and all the ills his tribe has suffered at the hands of the gnolls, led by this King. The Gnoll King was devastated by the attacks, bleeding from multiple wounds. Shock was a mild way to describe his demeanor, but he still believed he could kill them in the name of his god. But, Tyronel, unwilling to run, who decided that his life was forfeit so long as he could attack one more time, unleashed a volley of arrows with precise training, over Dumah's shoulder, three of which found their mark into the Gnoll King's chest. The Carrion King stood there for a second, his eyes glazed over, before toppling to the ground, his suddenly greased greataxe clanging off the ground, reverberating in the suddenly silent room!

As the three of you all bask in the aftermath of victory and thank your gods for how you managed to survive, you are suddenly drawn to the sound of clapping. When you look standing about 40' to the south of you, near the entrance to the room, you see the 7' tall tattooed gnoll from earlier, dressed in elegant blue robes. "Thank you, Sand Stalkers, you have done my superiors a great service. That Rovagug piece of sh*t with his insect pet was not a worthy leader. Any true gnoll leader must pay respects to the true queen, Lamashtu! Do not worry yourselves, I will not be taking any leadership any time soon. But let me warn you, Champions of Justice, from what the Carrion King told me, while I was his advisor, there is a greater evil than either Rovagug or my mistress in the bowels of this House of the Beast. I leave you with that."

"Eli", in his new voice, laughs. "Mortal, Kakishon is not a person, it is a place, a divine realm said to be filled with powerful magics. And I sense its magic is close, beneath us. Such power cannot be left in these vermin hands. And I am no Eli, I am Vardishal. Address me properly. This host is but a vessel. Now, please move, we cannot dally here, we have work to do."

You hear a voice in your mind say Mortal, you have not let me down in the past. Seek the source of the Kalishon magic; do not let it fall into the hands of evil! With that, the voice of the Templar fades, leaving Eli in control of his body once more, the mold regressing back into the blade.

Eli suddenly whispers in the now recognizable possessed voice, "The Scroll of Kakishon!"

As the party continues its journey with Eli in the lead, suddenly Jameena screams in pain, dropping Tyronel's legs in the process, as a scimitar blade punctures her rib, causing her much pain! From the air suddenly appears none other than Qadir! Remember him, the guy who first told you about the Path of Fire. As he pulls his blade out of Jameena's wound, he smiles, "Oh, you, Sandstalkers, so easy to manipulate! Hahaha...Now, give me the Scroll of Kakishon and perhaps, my servant and I will spare your miserable lives!"

Eli, in his possessed voice, speaks: "I know that voice anywhere...Zayifid! Another Templar of the Four Winds...turned evil! Sand Stalkers, kill him, do not let him escape!" Qadir=Zayfiled

DM RECAP
A year after your liberation of Kelmarane, a prophet of Sarenrae appeared in the village by the name of Qadir, warning you of an imminent invasion by the Carrion King and his forces from his throne in the House of the Beast. You were advised of a secret entrance through a Path of Fire. You traveled for a week to the cave, wherein you activated an ancient portal that teleported you to a scorching underground lair of fire salamanders. There, you allied yourself with one of the salamanders, Lasserak, who advised you to take out the head of the Salamander tribe, a female named Ataraxia and her elemental bodyguard Onyx, due to their ties with the Carrion King. You did so successfully and were allowed to use another runic teleportation device to transport yourselves into the House of the Beast. There, you fought a fiend and numerous gnolls, before encountering the half-ogre Lazrul, a former slave of the Carrion King, and his band of survivors. After surviving an ambush, you fought your way to the Carrion King's throne room, where you finally dispatched the gnoll leader with ease, causing a withdrawal of the rest of the gnolls in the fortress. Lazrul and his men bid adieu and left. However, there was still danger, as a demonic centipede that the Carrion King worshiped attacked but ultimately, succumbed to your blows. A tattooed 7' gnoll worshiper of Lamashtu then came in and thanked you for your efforts in dispatching the false servant of Rovagug. A possessed Eli led the party further into the bowels of the House of the Beast, bypassing traps, moaning spirits, and finally, encountering a winged horse demon. Though a difficult fight, the party survived, though Tyronel died before the might of the demon's death magic. The party found a powerful item, known as the Scroll of Kakishon in a sarcophagus. On their way out of the House of the Beast, the party was set upon by "Qadir", who revealed himself to be Zayifid, a former Templar of the Four Winds, and his troglodyte priest ally. They wanted the Scroll but the party refused and combat ensued, finally ending with the troglodyte's death but Zayifid's escape. The appearance of more gnolls from other tribes entering the House of the Beast finally forced the party to retreat to the runic teleporter, where they escaped and returned to Lasserak's lair. Phew! You guys have accomplished a lot!

• Eli plans to return the short swords and coin purse of the missing spice merchant to his next of kin, Raza in Solku.
• Eli found a piece of dyed cloth with a star embroidered on it under the body of the murdered alchemist.
• Menbers of Almah's camp:
  Almah and 4 body guards (one of whom is named Flynn)
  Trevis, Ute, Dullen, Derek (4 mercenaries you helped pull wagon)
  Zastoran - gnome healer/potion vendor
  Wrangler couple in charge of animals - in their mid-40s (don't know names)
  Zyra and Trix - Cook and serving girl (both healed by Brebork)
  Zedric - camel driver (healed by Brebork)
  Dashki - gnoll expert
  Kyle - another camel driver
  April - appears to be camel driver's 10 yr old daughter
• Took 550gp worth of potions from the healer Zastoran (Almahs camp) promising to return unused vials and pay 1/2 list price for used ones. Left 60gp worth of spices, 42 gp worth of coins, and Jarvas donation of 120gp as a start to the payment. Returned and traded 3 giant vulture eggs and a Chime of Opening to cover the rest of that cost plus got more potions. We have 838 gp credit with the potion maker; after buying more potions credit with the potion maker is now 538 gp
• Zedric was working for a fellow calling himself the Bandit of Katapesh who was ploting to kidnap Princess Almah for a ransom.
• A man calling himself the Bandit of Katapesh, who can remain invisible until he strikes and is a master of the bow, is plotting to kidnap Princess Almah, for ransom. He is in league with someone he calls Father. Zedric was supposed to lead her to the monastery where his band could ambush the caravan. It seems Eloais discovered what Zedric was up to, so the camel driver panicked and killed him. Fearing that we would discover him also he fled with poor April. Samir and Amir are men the Bandit pressed into service via fear and threats. When the rescue of April turned violent it is true they were on the Bandit's side, but they never directly attacked us and have sworn on their own lives to be loyal to us. Zedric has paid the ultimate price for his crimes but the Bandit, a formidable foe, escaped. I doubt he is going to let up on his plan to capture and ransom the Princess.
• Monastery Wall Carvings:
  In the first, a heoric looking bearded figure takes leave of 4 similarly attired companions, who rise off into the heavens, leaving him standing vigil over the large mountain in the background; in the second, the bearded figure is in battle with a flaming half man half snake creature wielding a spear, who apparently fatally stabs the figure in the back; in the third scene, the heroic figure appears twice, once on the floor with a wound on his back and once standing over himself, looking upon it sadly.

  In the first scene, he's preaching to some pilgrims of Sarenrae, in the second to a man in religious garb, while the monastery is being constructed in the background, and in the next scenes, he's in a similar pose, speaking with the leader of each era of the temple. The scenes are dated every 30-40 years covering a period of over 200 years, but Vardishal remains present in each scene. The most recent carving is from 30 years ago and you can tell there was ample room along the wall for additional carvings after that, but they remain blank.

  Since Brebork is so interested in the reliefs, he notices another one on the east wall. This one depicts five bearded tall muscular humans riding the wind with triumph carved upon their faces. One of the five warriors holds a large axe, while another holds the fragment of what was once a regal staff. In the distance, an ominous mountain looms over the quintet. Brebork's Knowledge of religion and scripture identifies the five figures as legendary genies known as the Templars of the Five Winds. Under the sculpture are listed the names of the genies, from left to right: Kardswann (he wields large rune-covered axe), Pazhvann, Vardishal, Zayfid, and Davashuum (he wields Staff). No other weapons can be seen on any of the other statues.

  Finally, the south wall has a bas-relief that depicts the 5 genies in battle against numerous evil creatures. Several of the creatures are partially made of fire, while the others' origins are harder to identify, since some of them are unusual warriors with weapons bonded into their flesh like organic tools. In the background, Pale Mountain looms large and over it, in the sky battle two titanic figures, grappling each other. One is a male with the demonic visage of a muscular giant with horns and garbed in noble regalia, while the other is gorgeous woman whose torso appears to be composed of mist.

• folktales from the lands of Osirion say that the Templars of the Five Winds were a group of five powerful genies from antiquity, and although they disappeared centuries ago, locals in that area still atrribute miracles or odd occurrences to them. It was rumored that the 5 genies and their mistress fought a great evil hundreds of years ago against an evil genie near Pale Mountain(as depicted on the south wall), a peak not too far from the village of Kelmarane. Each of the five was associated with a specific aspect of the wind and wielded a special weapon
• Bahiyy's report on the gnolls at Kelermane:I know that these gnolls belong to the Kuldis tribe. And their leader is really feared amongst them - it is a non-gnoll. In the guard house right outside the battle market in Kelmarane are 2 gnolls and 4 hyenas stationed. I have noticed that every few hours a patrol of 4 gnolls leaves the battle market to patrol the ruins for outsiders. Sometimes they are accompanied by a 7 feet tall goat headed humanoid who wields a halberd. His name is Kezurkian. At the foot of the hill is a large structure. In it is seems to be a large beast called Bonegrinder, don't know what it is. But it gets fed three times a day - with meat." Bahiyy shudders at the thought what might be hiding in there - and happen if it is let loose. Then he continues: "Every other day at noon, I have noticed, a group of 4 gnolls takesa fat goat to the mill. Don't know what happens to it, they always return without it. So there at least 14 gnolls in the battle market and at least another two in the guardhouse
• Harpy's Info on the Gnolls:

  "Ok, let me give you the basics and we'll take it from there. Probably want to know how many gnolls, right? Well, the Kuldiss tribe numbered 30 when they came here. But a couple died at my hands (what can I say? I was hungry!) and a couple died at the fangs of the mamba. They learned to give it a wide berth after that. So, it will be days before they realize it's dead. That left 26. Seeing as how the priest is alive and the 4 gnolls who went with him haven't come back, most likely due to your actions, that leaves 22, including the 4 gnolls stationed at the gatehouse. Let me see....what else? In the battle market, you have Kezurkian, damn thing doesn't sleep or rest or anything. You have Jank, the goblin." Undrella stops to smile. "He's like a court jester, keeps us entertained. You've got Kurellak, the one-eyed gnoll bartender, doesn't seem like a fighter. There are 3 bugbear mercenaries who now work for the tribe. I could possibly arrange for them to stay out of the fight, once you have a plan for the Battle Market, but that's later. What else? Oh, can't forget Hurvank the Strangler, the resident ogre and Market champion. Some human prisoners, forced to fight the ogre. They won't survive much longer. There's Ugruk, the gnoll sub-chieftain, he fights with weird looking chained bars. And finally, the gnoll chieftain. Came in here a few weeks ago, killed the old chief in seconds, and took over the tribe. He's not human either, doesn't sleep either, 7' tall, muscular, bald, wields a devastating looking greataxe covered with runes. Great in bed, but he mistreats me, as you can tell by the bruises on my face. Ok, so what else do you need to know?"

  "No, their leader is definitely not human, if not he would not have resisted my lures or my song." Undrella smiles at this last part. "I'm sure you know what I am by now, so let's stop with the pretenses. However, if I wanted you dead, I would have started humming a long time ago. We could really help each other here. You have a right to be afraid. Kezurkian is one scary creature. He's strong, resistant to magic, moves incredibly fast. He's demonic all right." Looking at Bahiyy, Undrella says, "Your companion, the human who escaped into the village, I believe Kezurkian found him hiding in the Mirage. I heard screams and then nothing. Don't think it ended well for him. Don't know how you deal with that one. He was a present, they say, from the Carrion King. One day a week ago, some gnolls arrived with a scroll. Next instant, Kezurkian was here swearing loyalty to the death to the new gnoll leader. His name is Kardswann, by the way, if that helps at all. He seemed normal when he first arrived and killed the chief. But since the day, he passed by the magic gate in the church, he came out changed, more vicious, more evil. Don't ask me about what is behind that gate. The day I asked about it is the day I got these bruises. Whatever it is, Kardswann is very protective about it. And that's the day, he signed his death warrant, if you can take him out."

• The book, named The Courts of Stone and Flame, is very interesting as it is a treatise on genies and the Elemental Planes. You find particularly interesting that it mentions all five of Templars of the Five Winds (said to be immortal genies) and gives the following information:

  1. Davashuum - represents the fury of the wind from all directions and wields a powerful quarterstaff

  2. Kardswann - represents the south wind, the most well-traveled and worldly of the winds and wields an elaborate greataxe

  3. Pazhvann - represents the east wind, upon which the whispers the gods and advice from the elders is carried and wields a burning flail

  4. Vardishal - represents the north wind, a wind said to carry the battle cries of all armies and he wields any and every weapon

  5. Zayfid - represent the west wind, upon which secrets thought hidden were carried and wields a razor-sharp scimitar
  

Sheraza & Ettin w/gnoll riders attack
MW shortspear -- sold
Cloak of resistance +1 -- sold
Ring of protection +1 -- sold
Necklace of Adaptation, a heavy chain with a platinum medallion inscribed with "Fresh Air" in elvish on the back. -- sold
8 Potions of cure light wounds -- divided up 3 each to Quzman/Jameena and 2 for Eli
6 Composite Longbows (+4 Str)-- sold
8 Chain shirts -- sold
8 MW scimitars -- sold
250 gp -- split 6 ways

gnoll in oasis
wand -- lesser restoration (10 charges) given to Jameena

Grudmoch, troglodyte preist
wand -- spiritual weapon CL 3 (20 charges) -- sold
+1 breast plate -- sold
+1 great axe-- sold

Gnoll Sarcophagus
Headband of Wisdom +4 given to Quzman
+3 Mithril Chainmail given to Eli
+2 Greataxe of Defending -- sold

Carrion King
Breastplate +1 (large)-- sold
+1 Greataxe of Human Bane -- sold
Amulet depicting a ram's head Amulet of Health -- Dumah
Gold Ring of Protection +1 -- Given to TY

Blobog, the goblin cleric:
Chain shirt +1 (small) -- sold
Wand of cure light wounds 32 charges -- Given to Eli
Cloak of Resistance +1 -- Given to Jameena
2 Kukris are masterwork quality but not magical -- sold

Ataraxia
Black Diamonds (1000gp value each) (5) -- sold
+ 1 Shocking Long spear -- sold
Ring of Resistance:Cold (minor) -- given to Jameena

Hadir
En-Nebi (magic dagger that is cursed w/ lycanthropy) --given to Dumah

Lynxian
+1 Human Bane Falchion -- Traded to have Quzman raised
+2 Periapt of Wisdom -- Given to Bahiyy
+1 Adamantine Breastplate (DR 2)-- For Quzman, Ty will use for now
Contract for the Sand Stalkers' assassination, signed by "Gashnul, Emissary to the Gnoll King"
200 pp (mixed coinage from Katapesh, Osirion, Korvosa, and Magnimar)--split amongst the party when Bahiyy left

Renfro's Necklace{Brooch of Shielding} -- Given to Brebork
Cinnamon, Dukkah, Cumin, Nutmeg, Saffron, and other spices (50-60gp value) -- traded to Zastoran in Almahs camp for potions
Gold and Silver coins (42gp value) -- given to Zastoran for potions
+1 Mace -- Given to Kyra, transferred to Quzman at her passing; then given to Bahiyy
Renfro's breastplate -- Given to Bahiyy
Merchent Crates (Contents: 8 short swords, 5 morning stars, 4 kukri, 8 water skins, 3 shovels, 2 pickaxes, 3 bags of grain, 2 bags of wheat)-- at camp
Persian Rugs (25 gp value each) (4)--at camp
Zedric's +1 Dagger -- given to Dumah
Giant Vulture Eggs (3) valued at 50-60gp -- traded to Zastoran
Cloak (some kind of protection) -- given to Samir/Amir
Ring w/elven word for feather -- given to Eli
Chime of Opening from Crypt -- traded to Zastoran
Bag of Tricks(rust color) from upper room -- given to Jarva, passed to Dumah
Vial w/ mold sample -- given to Zastoran
+1 Rapier "Tempest" (magical script reads For the downfall of Rovagug and all his followers) -- Currently gifted to Eli
12 Gold Coins
Magical Scimitar -- given to Quzman
Ring of Swimming -- held by Dumah
4 longbows
4 battle axes
4 suits of leather armor (with scorch marks)
4 light shields
60 arrows
20 gp
Demon's halberd
7 chain shirts
8 battle axes
8 longbows
76 arrows
Masterwork breastplate (Udruk) -- Quzman
Masterwork flindbar (Ugruk)
*Potion of expiditious retreatred liquid (Ugruk) -- Dumah
*Potion of cure moderate wounds (Ugruk) -- Bahyii
Key (1 foot-long) (Ugruk) -- Eli
180 gp
Silver masterwork flute (worth 130 gp) -- given to Eli
4 large garnets worth 400 gp each -- given to Amir and Samir
3459 gp
Ring of protection +1 -- given to Quzman
Cloak of resistance +1 -- given to Dumah
Masterwork chainmail -- Given to Garavel
+1 dagger -- given to Quzman
Wand of bull’s strength (8 charges) -- Given to Dumah
4 applications of silversheen -- Given to Quzman (2), Eli, Tyronel
Amulet of natural armor +1 -- Given to Quzman
Cloak of Charisma +2 -- Given to Bahiyy
Ring of Feather Falling -- Given to Tyronel
Slippers of spider climbing -- Given to Eli
+1 splint mail -- given to Tyronel
Cold iron heavy mace. -- Given to Bahiyy
2 potions of cure moderate wounds (on Kardswann)-- Given to Quzman & Eli
Masterwork breastplate (on Kardswann) -- Given to Bahiyy
+1 lawful outsider bane Greataxe (on Kardswann) -- given to Tyronel
Potions: Mage armor, -- Dumah
Magic fang, -- Quzman
blur, --Eli
cat’s grace, -- Eli
invisibility, -- Bahiyy
spider climb, -- Tyronel
and haste -- Tyronel
Harrpys gift:Ring of the Ram (9 charges) -- Given to Dumah
Amulet of Fists -- sold
Ring or Protection +2 -- Given to Eli