Liet Kynes.'s page

One of the last to awaken, Liet looks around with interest at the others.

"Well, we seem to have made it through the night okay," he remarks, "Let's see what the day has in store for us."

The priest goes to relieve himself behind one of the jungle trees and then returns to speak with Bedu over a bit of breakfast.

"What do you have planned for talking with our captive guest over there?" he asks, "Their purpose in opening the tomb? To whom and where he intended to ride? The names and resources of those directing the slaves? Or, perhaps more information about the strange spontaneous burnings of our fellow-citizens back in town?"

"We shouldn't tarry too long questioning him," Liet finally advises, "We still have to find our own way into the tomb without attracting attention to ourselves. The longer we wait, the more active the other camp will become. And someone might spot us."

"I'll take the early watch," Liet suggests, "I don't expect the other camp will prove very active until the morning anyway. And it would be better to have our sharp-eyed gnomish friend watching out for them then."

"Is this man a mute?" Liet asks. He leans in closer, grabbing the man's jaw to examine his mouth and determine if someone has cut out his tongue.

Once he's ascertained the rider's ability to speak, the priest sits back and considers their options.

"We don't kill him...even if he asks us, too," he muses aloud, "But he can communicate, regardless. So he should either tell us now what he knows of this tomb and those who tasked him with violating it, before we go inside. Or, we take him with us and he can face his fears of it directly."

"What would be your preference?" he asks the prisoner, "If you cannot...or won't...speak aloud of it, then perhaps you can write or draw pictures?"

"Our friend appears to be a little more willing to talk...as best he can," Liet notes, "Perhaps you'd like to conduct your interrogation now instead?"

"...while we have the threat of the tomb to use as leverage," he adds with a whisper, while turning his back to the captive.

"None of you think that this one should live? That he is a danger to us all?"

"He's certainly a danger," Liet nods, "But killing him now would be wrong, I think. Your decision was made earlier when you chose to save him. There's no going back on that now."

"...let us vote I will abide by the majority."

"If that is your wish, so be it. You saved him. So I'm willing to allow you to decide the path his fate takes next."

"Lotus is right we cannot leave those slaves in this predicament."

"I'm inclined to agree," the priest notes, "However, we have no knowledge of who these people are...and whether the slaves would greet us as liberators or not. I think it's probably wiser to finish our expedition into the tomb first. Then, when we emerge...and hopefully with the full blessings of the god-kings...we'll be in a better position to free them than now."

"I was intending to take him back in the jungle a mile or so and make him talk tomorrow. But that will take a day at least and I'd need help, probably from Skittle."

"I don't think we have time for that," Liet advises, "This rider intended to tell someone of their success in breaching the tomb. Presumably, even if he fails to deliver his report, they will eventually come looking for him. Also, he is but one rider. There are others like him commanding the slaves below. I would imagine they'll enter the tomb on their own while we're away and interrogating him. That's too much time lost when we could be investigating the tomb ourselves...ahead of them."

"The rest of you can start the games that Liet suggests, which is a good idea."

"Very well. Who has magic that can frighten or confuse those gathered below? I'm afraid the god-kings do not favor me with such deceptions. But many of you are skilled in that area, I believe?"

"This is a distasteful situation. I should have let him die, in that you are right Liet. But I am a weak-hearted soul and my natural reaction is to heal first and think second....But here we are now and I know not the right of it, and do not wish to see our journey damaged..."

"Don't worry yourself over it," Liet encourages, "It is part of what makes you the good friend you are to everyone, including us. The god-kings teach us that actions have consequences, however. You have acted. Now we must deal with the consequences. But that doesn't mean an undoing of the action...or the decision...you made."

"...I ask openly for everyone to vote on this man's life....One, I kill him cleanly here and now. Two, I set him free perhaps far deeper in the jungle to let fate take its course. Or Three, I take him deeper into the jungle to further heal him and interrogate the man once he can talk...." He turns back to the rest, "I vote for three, what do you all vote?"

"I vote for something completely different," Liet replies.

"I say we take him with us. Into the tomb." He looks around at everyone else. "And we let the god-kings decide his fate. How better to do that than to take him into the very tomb he and his men violated? And, while there, we can interrogate him if we want. Or have him lead the way. Either way, we don't lose time backtracking through the jungle. We go inside the tomb now, before any more of his friends arrive."

Sometime later that evening, Liet approaches Bedu and gestures towards their prisoner. "So, have you decided what we'll do with this one?" he asks, "If we let him go, he probably goes off and warns the camp or whoever sent them here. If we leave him tied up, there's a chance they'll find him anyway...or if he gets free...or some wild animal comes along. And, if we take him with us, he could easily give us away as we try and enter the tomb."

"I've been thinking," the priest suggests, "If we can somehow frighten away the workers, maybe it'll help simplify things for us. I'm hoping Hammurabi or Indo or maybe even you, might have some kind of magic to scare these people into thinking they've unleashed a bunch of ghosts by opening the tomb. Then, if we can get them to pull back, maybe that'll make it easier for us to slip inside...whether we take that one with us or not..."

"What do you think?"

I refer to my previous question to Liet :-)

Yeah, I'm going to take a mulligan on that one and defer to Rob. I have no idea about the backstory or actual philosophy of the god-kings. I've just been totally winging it so far based on their cleric domains and what I gleaned from the Iskandria writeup. But I also don't want to go against "canon" by making up something radical that contradicts what Rob's got in mind. So let me get some guidance from him and then I'll answer in-character for Liet.

It will be exciting to compare notes with your holy tomes, Liet. I wonder if my people have always observed different gods or if we can identify your god kings as the same heroes our tales remember.

"I suppose that's entirely possible," the scholar replies, "The legends and myths of those indigenous to Iskandria have often crossed cultural boundaries. And the exploits of the god-kings are long and storied, indeed. It wouldn't surprise me at all to learn your people revered them one and the same."

"So, then we kill him," he says with a shrug. "If he helps us, maybe we let him go, with some water and without his horse. Even if he makes it through the jungle, it's not like he's going to be talking very much." Peering in to his mouth, the gnome continues, in a mumble, "'course, we could always cut out the rest of his tongue."

"No," Liet shakes his head, "If Bedu has seen fit to save him, we'll not kill him in cold blood. Or mutilate him before sending him on his way. It's one thing for such circumstances to play out in the heat of battle...as unfortunate as they may be. And it's also different to allow someone to pass on rather than take steps to save them...in my mind, at least. But once the decision is made to save such a one as this...it is for the god-kings to decide when his life becomes forfeit again."

"Bah! Gods & kings & rani! What use do I have for such things? I grew up and lived in the jungles, and have no need for the cities or those that would try to rule them!"

"In my experience," Liet shares, "I've found the use that we have for such things isn't nearly as important as the use such things have for us. And, if we want to make certain we aren't used or mis-used in ways we disapprove, we should make it our business to prepare for...and influence...such things before they impact us."

"The only spirits I honor are those of my family, priest, and I'll bow down before no god, king or otherwise. I don't care for him or her or their treasure. I'm simply here for the barber's cooking, and because there is nowhere else for me to go. How long I'll be with you, I don't know, but if your god-kings decide to send me to the next world because I've offended them, then so be it."

"I pray for the opportunity to intercede on your behalf before something like that happens," the priest smiles.

He considers Liet's words then smiles at the priest, "True, true and true. All good points. I do hope he can talk. I do not expect much from him. His actions are poor so far but anything he may give us in information would help. Even without speaking."

"I doubt it will be anything we couldn't discern for ourselves...or by questioning one of the others in the valley," Liet quietly replies, "But as you wish, friend Bedu. I don't want to interrupt our camaraderie with an argument over the captive. My thoughts instead turn to what we will do with him after we obtain whatever information we can from him. He'll be a liability after that. I'd like to minimize it as much as possible."

Later on round the campfire Bedu tells the bazaar coffee shop story of the Rani and her faith in religion, and how she started as a humble and just woman. Now look at her each time, each step taking her away from goodness and slowly deciding that faith and power rule together.

"The combination of faith and power is a natural and good thing, when applied appropriately," Liet responds, "What are the god-kings if not our divinely-appointed rulers? By their very title, they are both faith and power with noble dominion over us all. I've dedicated my life to them. And I've never regretted doing so. But I do it because they've always watched over us...protected us...and provided for us."

"The Rani has done none of those things," the priest asserts, "She abuses power...and with it, her people, as well. Thus, any faith she wished others to place in her is misplaced. It only allows her to bring further ruin and cruelty. That's because her power comes from deep-rooted malice and jealousy. It should be opposed. She should be opposed. And as a servant of the goodly god-kings, I will apply myself and their teachings in doing so."

"Consider we all rely on each other, we are about to enter a place of your faith, would you shoot us down like a dog, for your faith if we make some unknown mistake? I trust that I would be given a second chance. I know much but I did not know that we needed one of you to enter."

"I believe that's why I'm here," Liet explains, "The god-kings saw fit for me to accompany you, because your cause is just. And because I can guide you in making the appropriate choices before you make any such mistake. It is the will of the god-kings that we succeed. Together we'll assess this tomb and find what we need to oppose the Rani and save Iskandria, returning it to their rule. And all will be better for it."

"But we must enter this tomb with an appropriate mind," Liet advises, "It is holy ground. Would you walk into a god-king's final resting place and avail yourself of his treasures without properly honoring his divine spirit and thanking him for that which he provides? I think not. For to do so would be folly. It would bring the god-king's anger and punishment with certainty. The guardians of his tomb will rise up and smite you. That is the fate of these grave-robbers making camp within sight of a temple and a tomb they neither understand nor respect."

"So say I...Liet Kynes. Favored son, learned scholar, and devoted follower of the god-kings. May I sing their praises long and loud. And bring their benevolent spirit back into this world."

Bedu contiues with his healing...then looks to make sure the man is stable and pats him gently on the cheek...."Tomorrow I should have you back on your feet."

Liet shakes his head, but neither helps nor hinders the dwarf's continued actions.

"When you have him on his feet again, do you expect him to thank you for the loss of his voice?" the priest asks aloud, "And have you given thought to where you'll put him? Do you intend to hold him prisoner and leave behind some of our own to ensure he doesn't escape? Or do you intend to bring him with us and thereby split our attention between keeping an eye on him and the dangers of the ziggurat itself?"

"Nay, good Bedu," Liet answers his own questions, "Your kind heart will only bring greater risk to us all...both in the hatred this man will have for us...and the possibility the god-kings may frown upon our meddling in their just punishment...and withdraw their favor from our continued efforts."

OOC: Just to temper Liet's words a bit, please understand I don't mean for him to come across as argumentative or arrogant. He's just trying to be pragmatic and isn't quite as kind-hearted as Bedu. Plus, because they've just observed a bunch of slaves driven by this man to break into a god-king's tomb, it doesn't incent Liet to aid him.

He starts casting cure light wounds, muttering to himself. "You know we are outcasts and our good name is not helped by shooting first and asking questions later. Please try to be a little more careful, oh someone may want to check him over for messages and the like."

Liet puts out his hand to stop Bedu from healing the rider. "Save it," he tells the dwarf, "This one will surely never speak again. There is nothing to be gained by saving him."

"Besides," he says, nodding back towards the recently-opened tomb, "As I said before, violating the sanctity of a god-king's resting place without one of their priests by your side makes your life forfeit. This one has surely paid that price. The god-kings themselves must have guided Lotus' shot so he couldn't warn the others, and so that...even in death...he can never boast of his deed."

The priest finally squats down next to the body and begins searching it for any clues. "This one obviously intended to go somewhere," he says, "Presumably to tell someone of their success in breaking through. Perhaps he carried a message with him. Or maybe some sign of who he served."

OOC: This would be one of those moments where a Lawful Neutral alignment and a Neutral Good alignment clash over what to do with a dying adversary. Oh, what fun! :-]

At Lotus' words, Liet quickly follows behind the rogue, hurrying to the fallen rider's side and careful to dodge the still-excited horse. "Try and calm that thing down" he magically whispers.

As he comes upon the rider's body, the priest looks upon his garish wound with trepidation. "Ummm...wow...," he says, "Even if I do save his life, I'm not sure he'll be able to speak all that well. Your last shot took him straight through the throat."

If it's possible to stabilize the rider and burn a channeled healing to mend his body and enable us to interrogate him, let me know. Can Liet determine if that's possible with a Heal check? Because, otherwise, I think we let him slip away even if we can stabilize him.

Heal check... 1d20+7 = 15

OOC: Does Hammurabi get an action? Or are we moving on without him as well? He cast expeditious retreat earlier, so I was kind of hoping he'd have the speed to ensure the rider doesn't get away.

Liet loads another sling stone and whirls off another shot. Unfortunately, he rushes things and it sails far off the mark.

Ranged attack with sling... 1d20+3 = 6 to hit

"By the god-kings," he mutters, "I need a lot more practice with this thing!"

Following the lead of his obviously more experienced companion in the ways of conducting a proper ambush, Liet rises from the undergrowth and whirls his sling. He lets fly an almost perfectly-aimed stone straight for the rider's head.

Ranged attack with sling... 1d20+3 = 22 to hit
Damage... 1d4-1 = 3 hp

"Agreed," Liet responds as he marvels at the rogue's ability to get a clear look at the rider.

Well...crap! Stealth isn't exactly a class skill for priests of the god-kings, you know? ;-P

Untrained Stealth check... 1d20+2 = 19

Clearly, part of Liet's problem in getting a good look at the rider stems from the fact that he's hidden himself a little too well. All those fronds, thickets, and low-hanging branches impede vision both ways, apparently.

For the rider's equipment, make a DC 15 Perception check...

Perception check... 1d20+3 = 5

...State any other actions you want to take, and go ahead and roll initiative.

I think I'm good for now. I've stated three actions already. It's hard to think there'd be time for much more than that.

Initiative check... 1d20+2 = 17

Also, I'm wondering if we get a surprise round action before regular initiative? That could make a big difference if we have to bring this guy down quickly before he can alert the camp.

Liet crawls forward to Lotus as Bedu prepares his ruse. "I have a feeling you're a better marksmen than the rest of us," he confides, "May the god-kings bless your aim, child." He presses his palm against the girl's forearm, hoping his faith can match his words.

Liet will bestow his noble's blessing on Lotus. It should grant a +2 bonus on her next attack roll, skill check, saving throw, etc. He'll apply the blessing only when he hears the rider's approach, as it won't last very long. Hopefully, this will increase Lotus' chances to get in a sneak attack and make short(er) work of the rider.

Any preparations you'd like to make before the rider reaches you?

Liet would like to cast message and target Lotus and Bedu so he can maintain contact with them. It's kind of cool having that on my spell list now as a cloistered cleric. It couldn't have come up at a more opportune time. :-)

Other than that...

Liet arms himself with his sling and readies a stone as he comes up behind Lotus, Bedu, and Hammurabi.

"Skittle stayed behind," he magically whispers to Lotus and Bedu, "And I'm not sure if Indo is with us. I didn't see him in the forest as we ran along. Do we still have the numbers necessary to take this rider?"

I can read our epitaphs now. "A Wizard, a Cleric, a Rogue, and a Bard got in over their heads..."

Liet hesitates only a moment and then races after Lotus and Bedu, worried they might need his help if things go badly. Along the way, he keeps an eye out for dangerous snakes. He's surprised by how quickly he overtakes the dwarf. ;-D

"C'mon!" he urges his friend, while trying to keep sight of the fleet-footed Lotus.

There! the for once sharp-eyed rogue hisses. She points at the tribesman beginning to saddle a horse, apparently in preparation for a ride or journey. Can we intercept?

Perception check... 1d20+3 = 10

"What? Where?" Liet replies, finally taking his eyes off of the statues, "I don't see anything. Oh. Yes. A rider? Hmmmm...it would seem these tribesmen plan on informing someone of their breakthrough..."

He looks around at the others.

"If we plan on going in there...and I know I do..." he tells them, "We should do our best to prevent that rider from bringing more attention to this place. And then...well, perhaps we should try and frighten the rest of these slaves and tribesmen away with a bit of trickery."

"What say you, Hammurabi? Idno? Bedu?" the priest asks, "Can any of you summon more frightful sights and sounds to further dampen their spirits? Maybe the rest of us can add a bit of bite to make it seem all the more real?"

"But first..." he says with narrowed eyes, "We have to deal with that rider..."

Liet can make a DC 15 Knowledge (history) check with a +2 bonus.

Knowledge (history) check... 1d20+9+2 = 18

"Fascinating..." Liet murmurs as they make their way along the river, "So many snakes. I believe we are certainly on the right track! I do believe this expedition couldn't possibly have proceeded any better for us! Not only are we following Samir's map...but we're also following in the footsteps of the god-kings themselves!"

...Once, a troop of noisy monkeys passes by in the branches overhead, shattering the stillness of the jungle, and dropping pieces of fruit and feces as they pass...

"Oh. Perhaps I spoke too soon. This expedition could have done without...that," Liet mutters, brushing aside the 'debris' that landed on him.

...you see an excavation site in a hidden valley below you. Under the watchful eye of several armed jungle tribesmen, two dozen slaves are busy removing rubble from what seems to be the entrance to an ancient tomb, long sealed by a cave-in....A cheer rises up from the slaves as the final large stone is removed, but the cheer is quickly silenced as the tomb emits a low, bone-chilling moan.

Liet's breath catches as the site is revealed before them. He stands in silence as he observes the slaves' efforts to unseal the tomb. And, when the low moan sighs from the open entrance, he nods slightly in satisfaction.

"They should know better," he says, "Entering a god-king's tomb without a devout priest by their sides will be seen as nothing more than a violation...the penalty for which...is death."

He glances around at his companions. "But fear not, my friends!" he tries to encourage everyone, "For I am with you. The god-kings should hold no such punishment for us!" He pauses for an extra second, and then adds, "Just make sure I'm kept healthy and alive and all should go well..."

Two large statues flank the entrance, one depicting an elephant-headed human, the other with a tiger’s head. These imposing 10-foot-tall figures eternally stand guard, daring anyone to try and enter the tomb.

"Exquisite!" Liet remarks as he visually assesses the statues from a distance, "Such craftsmanship to have withstood so many centuries."

Liet, what do you make of that, my learned friend? Hammurabi gestures towards the opening flanked by the statues.

"Let me consult the treatise we obtained from Samir's belongings for a moment," the priest replies.

Knowledge (history) check using Samir's book... 1d20+9+2 = 23

"It does seem to fit with the deformed animals and people that are cropping up. As to the statues themselves and who they represent, I have heard several stories, but none mention both the tiger and the elephant. Usually the elephant and the mouse..."

"Oh, I think these statues have a much greater story to tell us," Liet adds as he continues to scan the book.

"Whatever the Sisterhood and the Burning Queen wanted here, I think we need it more if we are to clear our good names."

"We do indeed," Liet nods, closing the book and putting it away in his pack again, "This tomb should hold the answers to a great many questions. All of which will have great bearing on our futures...as well as the future of Iskandria!"

Let me know if the Knowledge (history) check turns up anything useful. If Bedu's Aid Another action can assist, then that should add an extra +2 to the result of 23...so maybe that hits a DC 25 for us...I hope?

"...Thank you Indo for saving my life, if not my pride, ahem, I think we should forget about any shrieks we hear in this jungle. Who knows their source?" the dwarf finishes.

"Surely it was but a wildcat among the trees?" Liet suggests with a smile. He then gestures towards the river. "Skittle? Indo? Would you two outdoorsmen care to lead the way? And the rest of us will try our best to keep up..."

SNAKES!!! Lotus shrieks when she spots the slithering slimes sliding in the shady shelter of the cliff.

Perception check DC 10... 1d20+3 = 7

"Really? Where?!" Liet looks around, but can't seem to find any of the reptiles nearby, "They must blend in quite well with the jungle foliage, my dear. I can't spot a one..."

Immediately she pulls her sword and gets bodies between her and the snakes. Quietly she whispers Snakes are almost as bad as dragons...

"Though quite a bit smaller, I imagine," Liet offers, "And hopefully less inclined toward violence as long as we leave them be."

Liet continues to look around, even searching the tree limbs overhead in case a snake is about to drop upon them.

Perception check DC 20... 1d20+3 = 20

"Hah!" he gives a small laugh, "Well, would you look at that!" He points out the small track descending from the clifftop. "Looks like we could have gone a much easier way. It's a pity Samir's map didn't see fit to mark such a trail for us. We'll have to remember that on our way back."

The priest then starts towards the river leading further into the valley. He claps Hammurabi on the shoulder as he passes. "Sorry about that fall, old friend. Perhaps the god-kings merely meant to test our mettle and determination to reach them rather than pointing out the easiest way down? Regardless, we all came through mostly healthy."

"I uhhhh, I...made it down?" Hammurabi states in obvious pain fading in and out of conciousness...

"You did indeed..." Liet responds, "Now lie still..."

The dwarf comes to a place where the rock face curves inwards and unfortunately the rock below his feet starts crumbling. He shrieks as things start to get worse...

Note to self: We suck at climbing.

Looking more serious, he approaches the form of Hammurabi as the group ministers to him. With friends such as we have here, we might all live forever! How is he?

Liet looks startled by how quickly Indo appears at their side and he wonders if the big warrior used arcane magic to somehow descend faster than normal. At his question, the priest tends once again to Hammurabi.

Heal check for treating deadly wounds to Hammurabi... 1d20+7+2 = 22

By using his healing kit for the first time, Liet should succeed on a DC 20 and restore 1 hp per level to Hammurabi. So, a total of 2 hp?

"He's taken quite a spill, I'm afraid," Liet replies, "Looks like he's got some broken bones...a terrible gash there...and he's lost a bit of blood. But it's nothing the power of the god-kings can't mend."

Liet's assurance seems genuine. As a healer and caretaker, he feels completely at ease. "The god-kings have always looked after those who look after them," he adds, "And, seeing as how our entire expedition is leading us ever closer to one of their tombs, it's only fitting they turn their eyes upon us and use their power to aid us."

"Stand back," he urges the others, "And someone see to Bedu before he follows the same abrupt path taken by Hammurabi here..."

With that, Liet rises and lifts his arms to the heavens, intoning words inspired by the ascension of his divine masters. "Mend your servants so they might find their way once more to the path you've laid before them," he says aloud.

Channel positive energy twice... 1d6 = 6 hp, 1d6 = 1 hp

He then waits to see the results of the healing power centered upon their fallen companion.

Assuming stabilize got Hammurabi back to 0 hp and the Heal check raised him to 2 hp, the two channelings should now see him back to consciousness with an extra 7 hp, bringing him to a total of 9 hp for now. Also, Liet started the day with 5 channelings available. This should now leave him with 3 for the rest of their trip. Given the amount of healing he's been doing, I'm seriously considering taking the Extra Turning feat (or maybe the Selective Channeling feat) once Liet reaches 3rd level.

Umm...Liet, Lotus, and Skittle are already down. Well, plus Hammurabi now. That just leaves Bedu and Indo up top.

"Hurry!" Liet yells to his friends as he goes crashing through the underbrush to reach Hammurabi. Once he comes upon the mage, he hurriedly assesses his injuries. "He's unconscious!" he calls out, "And badly hurt!"

With a sense of urgency, Liet then prays to the god-kings. "Let your will be done," he asks, "Favor your servant with the means to save our comrade."

Casting stabilize on Hammurabi. It looks like the mage had 13 hp to start. The 18 damage from his fall should put him at -5 hp. Hopefully, Liet can still save him if it doesn't take more than a few rounds to reach him.

"Why I think that's a wise idea!" Liet exclaims, "Are you sure you aren't an expert on climbing among your people?"

You know...maybe this climbing down thing wasn't such a good idea after all?

After Skittle leads the way, Liet calls upon the blessings of the god-kings to safely see him down...as well as the guidance of their gnomish friends and the stout rope provided by Lotus.

Liet will invoke his noble's blessing to give him a +2 bonus on his Climb check.

Climb check... 1d20-1+2 = 9

Uh-oh. I'm hoping the rope grants a bonus...and/or someone manages to Aid Another?

"Well said," Liet responds to Bedu. He nods toward Skittle's preparations to descend the canyon wall. "Let's see how our gnomish friend fares. And, as long as he's successful...and can guide the rest of us down...I'll be happy to go next as a demonstration of my faith in this expedition."

Inwardly, Liet tries to squelch any fear of following up on his words. He feels a certain need to put on a brave face for the dwarven barber, if for no other reason than to encourage the fellow to make the descent as confidently as he possibly can. After all, if a scholarly monk of the god-kings could do it, surely a dwarven barber could summon up the courage and mountain-affinity of his people to make it down, too.

"I thought you dwarves were 'one-with-the-land' and all that...particularly when it comes to rock-climbing?" Liet amusingly chides Bedu, "Shouldn't you be the one instructing and leading us in this climb?"

The priest gives a short laugh.

"Fear not, stout barber," he says, "I'm certain the god-kings will favor us with good fortune in reaching their tomb. Despite any obstacle standing in our way, I'm convinced they want us to succeed in this task. It is the only way to facilitate their glorious return and undo the tyranny of the Rani. Not to mention, it will also put an end to the mysterious murders of their people in Muiu Thral."

Liet nods. Then he magnanimously sweeps his arm toward the cliffside in open invitation for one of the others to lead the way.

"I've read of some rivers merely springing from canyon walls or the mountainside itself," Liet suggests as he uncoils his rope and assists Lotus with tying them tightly together, "So the source may not be passable. As for the other end, who knows how many cascades or waterfalls it might go through? Those too may be impossible to climb any more easily than this canyon wall using these ropes. And, it's entirely possible the river merely goes back underground again or forms a lake in the valley below."

He squints off into the distance and shades his eyes against the sun. "And besides, we'd have the circle the entire canyon to eventually find a passable section of the river to follow. Who knows what further dangers we might encounter in doing so. If there is an easier way in, we can also expect that anyone else who's visited this tomb...and claimed it for their home...will be using it, too. In which case, it might be best to avoid such a well-traveled path. The wisdom of the god-kings imparts that the quieter and simpler route is often the best used. This way saves us time and keeps our track and disturbance of the jungle as minimal as possible."

"So, I say all of that to say I think this is probably the best way to go," Liet finishes, "Not that I'm all that eager to face such a descent either. But hopefully, some of our more rugged companions here can give the rest of us a few pointers on how to keep from falling and breaking all our limbs."

...you come to the edge of a canyon that slices through the jungle like a jagged knife wound. It looks to be more than 100 feet across, and at least 50 feet deep, with a small river just visible at the bottom among thick undergrowth.

"Well, now..." Liet dryly comments as he peers down into the canyon, "That's certainly going to be a long climb." He looks around at the others. "I'm not a very good climber, I'm afraid."

He brightens suddenly and then searches through his pack. "But I did bring...this!" he announces with a bit more confidence, pulling out a new silk rope, "I picked this up in town when we were preparing to leave. It cost a fair bit of coin, but a good rope is listed among the many things highly recommended by Remu Ahstum, renowned explorer, as recorded in the scrolls of Bazaabetru. I can't say I'm very proficient with it, but perhaps one of you can make better use of it?"

It's a 50-foot silk rope. Hopefully that should reach the bottom?

Ahhh, yes, the cute man will have to die. Can I play with him before we send him to the gods?

"You're assuming the god-kings would want one such as him, my dear..." ;-)

Any more healing before bedtime?

Is anyone still injured? Liet has 5 channelings still available. I guess he could burn a few to ease everyone's sleep throughout the night...

Channel positive energy x2... 1d6 = 3 hp, 1d6 = 4 hp

"I hope we managed to permanently drive away that other one," Liet states as he scans the tree limbs, "And that there isn't anything...bigger...out there."

The priest of the god-kings then spends some time examining the bits and pieces of the spider's corpse, picking and prodding over it. He returns to his pack to retrieve his journal and inkpen so he can record his thoughts about it.

Liet spends the rest of the evening in quiet contemplation, a little more withdrawn given the number of hazards they've faced since embarking on their little expedition. He takes confidence that the god-kings have seen them through each challenge. Still, he realizes they have a long way to go. And he worries about the stamina of Lotus and the others for what lies ahead.

When sleep finally claims him, the journal and inkpen still lie upon his chest...but the conjured light he used to illuminate his writing fades away.

Desperate to save their friend, Skittle, in the trees...and counting on the others to help Hammurabi while he's still on the ground...Liet winds up and launches a slingstone into the overhead canopy.

Ranged attack with sling and Bedu's inspire courage bonus... 1d20+3+1 = 12 to hit
Damage, if applicable... 1d4+1 = 2 hp

What would it take to acid splash the web the spider is hanging by. If the spell ignores hardness, can that do enough damage to drop Skittle and the spider?

If you use the hit points of a web sheet, even the web strands of small spiders have 4 hp...and that's assuming you can bypass the DR 5/-...which I'd assume acid splash could. Still, maybe a single web line has fewer hit points. A rope generally has 2 hp, I think...

FYI - Looks like Invisible Castle is down tonight. Liet's turn hasn't come up yet anyway. So I'll hold off posting until tomorrow and see if the website's up in the morning.

Liet realizes the spiders could very well draw Skittle into the trees before anyone can stop them. So, he switches tactics to try and fight them from range, hoping he can somehow launch a slingstone into the canopy with enough force to wound them. It takes him a moment to ready his sling and begin whirling it as he move within optimal range.

Standard action to switch to a ranged weapon and ready a slingstone. Move action to find the best spot to make a ranged attack for next round.

Initiative check... 1d20+2 = 22

Liet suddenly stops in his conversation with Skittle as something catches his eye among the treetops. At first, a part of him imagines that maybe the mythical monkey-goblins have finally appeared. But then he makes out the spindly legs and bloated bodies.

"Arachnids!" he cries out in warning.

The priest then immediately steps back from the gnome and calls to the god-kings to protect him against the aggressive predators.

Surprise round standard action...casting shield of faith...which should grant AC 19.

"In my experience," Liet replies, "It's never so much about how much 'use' someone has for religion...as it's about how much 'use' the god-kings have for us. Once I came to that understanding, I knew my purpose in this world. I'm here to act as a vessel through which the god-kings can make their will known."

The priest smiles and squeezes Skittle's shoulder the same way he would offer encouragement to a small child while discussing the philosophy of things they aren't quite ready to fully comprehend.

"The fact that the god-kings continue to bless our swift recovery from this arduous journey, means they also approve of you and me and everyone else's efforts to investigate this tomb Samir found, he finishes, "And I, for one, look forward to what we find there. For I believe it will reveal the plans the god-kings have for opposing the Rani and returning Iskandria to its former glory."

Perception check... 1d20+3 = 21

"We seem to have made good progress," Liet comments, despite the wearied looks on everyone's faces, "Hopefully we'll be there soon."

It's curious that Liet's calming touch doesn't indicate it can only be used on an individual once per day like a lot of other domain abilities in Pathfinder. So I assume that means Liet can still alleviate Skittle's fatigue and nonlethal damage with another one. If so, he'll help the monkey-goblin-hating gnome by doing it again.

Calming touch heals... 1d6+2 = 6 hp of nonlethal damage.

Skittle spits at the dirt in response and mumbles something unintelligible.

"Hmmm...that's a curious dialect," Liet obliviously notes, "It doesn't sound very goblin-esque. Perhaps their tongue is based more on monkey calls?"

"What exactly is a monkey goblin anyway?" Liet wonders aloud, "I've certainly heard you speak of them...with much rage, I might add...but I can't say as I've had cause to study very much about them."

Liet claps Bedu on the shoulder as he passes him along the trail. "It's all in what you make of it, my friend..."

"And perhaps you're right...maybe we should just focus on getting ourselves to the tomb of the god-kings first. Then, we'll figure out our plan from there."

At their next break, the priest once again prays over his companions to help strengthen their fortitude for the journey ahead.

Using calming touch to lift any fatigued conditions.

"Make sure you drink lots of water," he advises, "The humidity is stifling out here, but you can still get dehydrated pretty quickly if you overexert yourselves."

After casting endure elements once more to see him through the day...

"I believe I am..." Liet announces. He swings his arms to get the blood flowing and breathes deeply of the sultry jungle air, "I trust everyone slept well...umm, despite the late-night visitor, of course."

He begins packing his things for the next leg of their journey.

"You know," he adds, "At some point, we should really formulate a strategy for how we'll approach this tomb our good friend Samir discovered. I've been reading the book we found among his things and it mentions two different god-kings. One dealing with serpents. And another with claims of being Cinderborn, whatever that means."

"It does seem plausible, however, that some power or lore from the Cinderborn could explain those spontaneous immolations occuring back in the city. We should be prepared for that, lest we suffer a similar fate."

Lotus & Skittle had the first watch.

Bedu & Indo had the middle watch, when the tatzlwyrm attacked.
Leaving Hammurabi & Liet to take the final watch.
So there's only one watch left, but you should bee able to heal everyone up and people can still renew their spells in the morning.

Ah. My bad. Thanks for setting me straight.

The book will take you more than one night to read through, but you can glean the following information from a quick scan tonight.

"Most interesting," Liet notes as he closes the book for the night, "I wonder what exactly our friend Samir stumbled upon while robbing that tomb? I would imagine this Haatim the Cinderborn would've had some mastery of fire to command. Has someone now unleashed the god-king's power to burn those from the city? And if so, to what end?"