Kadisa Al’udaak's page

The priest on the other hand has proven to be a boon.

I can just see the church. Some weeks later than I expected..

I just wished they hadn't killed my acolytes. Asad, Sirash. They were good lads. They would have been good priests...

But they are with Sarenrae now. And we are not. It will be a pleasure to continue your fine work here Linah.

It just that you didn't know what the bargain was.

... shimmer

Kadisa nods at Khalid's request. Of course inquisitor, immediately.

I put myself at your disposal if you would like to ask anything further. I'm sure you will be busy with preparations but I'd welcome the chance to talk before you leave. I've heard tales of your sword, a relic of some kind? I'd be most interested in hearing how it came into your possession.

As the group breaks up and Linah asks her question, the priest looks bemused.

Sunset Ship? Rough seed? I recall some tale about the former fom my time in Katapesh. A vessel thats been visiting the city for centuries. Odd traders who pay in rubies. Some of the same old wives tales they tell about genies, bargains that don't turn out the way one expects.

As for this seed. He pauses for a long moment, apparently thinking. I'm sorry, I don't know what that could be. If there is a connection with the Rough Beast though, a temple to that God might not be a bad place to look.

Linah shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Even from his prision, the rough beast continues to claw upon the world. "Then we must not fail", she says before adressing Kadisa. "Master Kadisa, Who is this ranger you speak of? Will he have a way to infiltrate the house of the beast?" Just mentioning the name sends a uneasy chill down her spine.

He goes by the name of Rasoul Mehdi and comes and goes between Solku and the northlands. He is difficult for most to contact but fortunately I have means of reaching him quickly. If you wish it, I will try and arrange for him to meet you at Pale Mountain. I doubt he will wish to join with you in your assault but he may well know of an entry or at least be able to find one in the time it takes you to arrive. That could save you a great deal of time. He may wish payment but I can take care of that.

And Kadisa to Gralls.

I know the folklore. The House was built many centuries ago by a cult dedicated to Rovagug. Its adherents were said to have been bequeathed strange powers and abilities in return for their worship. The cult was finally defeated in a war that ranged across this region. I understand some scholars believe that battles were fought here where the town now stands.

It is said that the Carrion King reclaimed the House and made it his own. Certainly Pale Mountain has become the focus of gnoll activity in the region with several tribes located on or around it.

Knowledge history or geography to see if you personally know anything more about the House of the Beast. See also the book from the monastery which is on the first page.

Well if you all decide this is your course I will not seek to dissuade you, rather you'll have my blessing.

Assuming he is not already in the field, locating him should be the easiest part. It is well known that he makes his seat in the House of the Beast on the very slopes of Pale Mountain itself. Of course in recent times thats a trek very few other than gnolls have made even in better travelling conditions. The mountains are crawling with monsters.

Perhaps there is assistance that I could offer? There is a ranger, often seen in Solku and its neighboring settlements. I doubt any human living has greater knowledge of the area near the mountain. I could contact him, perhaps arrange for a meeting when you arrive at your destination?

The priest makes no attempt to conceal his surprise at Grall's revelation.

"You seem to have gathered quite a great deal of information about the gnoll activities. Would you suggest that we take the battle to the Carrion King before he can move on Kelmarane?"

The priest takes his time to respond, regarding Khalid closely and seemingly thinking carefully about his answer.

As you've seen yourselves, gnolls are strong and fierce warriors. He turns his attention to Grall for a moment. If they have a weakness its their propensity to fight amongst themselves. Perhaps only the Gods know how many innocent lives have been saved over the centuries because they spent their strength fighting each other.

Unified, they present a much more significant threat and that unification seems to depend on the Carrion King or more correctly the gnolls' fear of him. You'd need an army to defeat the entire Carrion tribe but removing the King himself might be an option. It may not neutralise the threat entirely but I'd say we could certainly expect the resulting power struggle to significantly diminish it at the very least.

But of course such a venture would be dangerous, extremely dangerous. And he is said to be a mighty warrior.

A pleasure, a pleasure! I do apologise for the rudeness of the summons but I managed to convince Lady Almah that the need was urgent.

You might say that I have a special interest in affairs here in the north, the activities of the various gnoll tribes in particular. Over the years I have built a network of contacts and correspondents which provide me with information.

You have distinguished yourselves by defeating the Kulldis. Word of the liberation of Kelmarane has reached all the way to the coast by now, and you are enjoying the fruits of that success even as we speak in the form of trade and tax. He nods at Almah. Yet word spreads not only to your friends, but also to your enemies.

No doubt the Carrion King knows of what you’ve done to the Kulldis, and though he did not reply in kind at once, I have heard dire rumors. Rumors of vassal tribes gathering on the far slopes of Pale Mountain. The gnolls are ever a bickering lot. If it is true that they are gathering under the Carrion banner then it bodes ill for the entire region.

My path is not one of war. Sarenrae teaches redemption and forgiveness, but I know well that many do not seek these ends, and that battle is often inevitable. If war does come, well Kelmarane is the closest human settlement and it seems logical that it will come here first.

By all accounts the Carrion tribe includes hundreds of warriors, the strongest and most disciplined the gnolls have to offer. No man knows accurate numbers of the vassal tribes but alltogether they might exceed a thousand. Kelmarane would be ... hard pressed ... if the Carrion King sent them here.

You can see why I thought we should speak urgently.

The man seems pleased to see you although his eyes flick momentarily to the heavily armed Grall, speaking before Almah can make an introduction.

Hello, hello. It is a pleasure to meet the heroes of Kelmarane. I am known as Kadisa Al'udaak, although call me Kadisa please.

He turns to regard Linah. The blessings of the Dawnflower be upon you sister! Your work here must surely please the Goddess herself!