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![]() As there are no more questions (speak now or hold your piece), the others (the NPCs that is) disperse to their assigned tasks, that is all the others but Zarta, who seems to linger. "About that earlier point you brought up my lovely little damp dumpling." she says to Deluge. "Follow me." Deluge - Follow her up the darkened stair?: “The Dark Archive thrives by the good graces of the Decemvirate and Ambrus Valsin, yet I can tell that some still doubt our ability to handle truly dangerous relics and the rare disaster like this. As a result, there remain many storerooms barred to our comprehensive study, including the Overflow Archives—until today, that is. It is critical that you minimize the damage to these archives and do so in as professional a manner as possible. If I can demonstrate that my agents are capable and trustworthy, we may win permission to study the truly mysterious treasures beneath the Grand Lodge.”
She shrugs and smiles before continuing. “That said, I know that there is more than junk beyond those doors. I’ve heard that someone squirreled away a copy of The Darklands Precepts somewhere in there, and it’s far too dangerous a tome to leave lying about. Get it out of there and return it to me, no matter what excuse Shaine might make to toss it back in the pile.” ![]()
![]() "Come my little duckling. I would share a private moment alone with you." Zarta says to Kolris. Kolris - Go with her into the shadows of the stairwell?: “The Dark Archive thrives by the good graces of the Decemvirate and Ambrus Valsin, yet I can tell that some still doubt our ability to handle truly dangerous relics and the rare disaster like this. As a result, there remain many storerooms barred to our comprehensive study, including the Overflow Archives—until today, that is. It is critical that you minimize the damage to these archives and do so in as professional a manner as possible. If I can demonstrate that my agents are capable and trustworthy, we may win permission to study the truly mysterious treasures beneath the Grand Lodge.”
She shrugs and smiles before continuing. “That said, I know that there is more than junk beyond those doors. I’ve heard that someone squirreled away a copy of The Darklands Precepts somewhere in there, and it’s far too dangerous a tome to leave lying about. Get it out of there and return it to me, no matter what excuse Shaine might make to toss it back in the pile.” ![]()
![]() "Now now, let's not go overboard." Xusius wrote:
"I don't think I have had the pleasure yet, Monsieur...?" ![]()
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![]() Jair Whisper wrote:
One vote to stay. Lasaraleen wrote:
One write-in vote for "You should attend mass more often." Chandu wrote:
"Wait. By 'be with family' do you mean blood family and that I shouldn't skulk around here?" Two votes for stay. Shrec the Powerful wrote: You're funny Zarta, it is Shrec, and I'm assuming someone picked up my gold. And Shrec steps through the portal after Zarta confirms and holds it off for him. And one vote for "Did someone bring me my money?" ![]()
![]() Later, in a one of the archives small study chambers, Zarta gathers the group together for perhaps the last time. She twirls the point of a blade on Gellius’ infernal contract penned in Leventi's hand. “I admit I’ve yearned for this: a chance to slide the knife in, slow and deep, and see those who betrayed me twist on it. Not only did Thrune betray me, but I’ve known for only a few years that they were also responsible for the deaths and erasure of my ancestors, House Davian. However, as I look at you, my treasures," she says looking up at the rest of the party "the choice is less clear. I have made a home here, with those who risked their souls to rescue me. Undermining Thrune and restoring Davian would mean leaving this behind, resigning my position, so that Thrune’s reprisals would not target the Society.” She smiles. “So please, tell me how you can’t bear to be without me or how my absence would only stoke your ardor.” Sense Motive DC 32: Are those tears Zarta is fighting back? ![]()
![]() Assuming the party can figure out how to transport the gold (though the wizard with the STR 7 seems to be the only one present interested in doing so--just be glad it's gold, had Shrec not specified 'gold' coins in the contract, well...), and has enough Handle Animal to calm the half-crazed first-time flying summoned horse, and Atum actually has a way to cast mass fly. It should be no problem to get out the hell out of Hell with time to spare. They probably miss Shrec on his way back up. When they get back Ambrus Valsin asks where Shrec is.... And moments later proceeds to tear his own mustache out in frustration before Zarta stops him. Eventually, Shrec returns with half of Hell chasing after him. Ophelia, the late Thrune agent, and Zarta's former kidnapper is a condemned soul, and really can't come back with Atum. Zarta would suggest tearing up her contract and setting her free, if Atum doesn't suggest it first. "I tire of tyranny." Zarta says. Tholvinus the imp is still tied to his master (in the glass jar), but bound to his awkward cage as well. The party could release him (unless Shrec has the key) and he has wings of his own to fly with. Otherwise he can be left behind to Vetrivides "care". ![]()
![]() "Dear, I was ready to leave this place the moment I collected Gellius's soul and contract. I've been waiting on you all." Lasaraleen wrote: Lady Zarta? Are we done here? Can we exit and make it back to the portal within the alotted time? Do you know any shortcuts? I am not sure where Shrec is but we cannot stay here. "The place is really built for beings who can teleport or fly dear. If we leave now we just might make it if we hurry. After that, it is as the fox hunters say: open season." No heads, Atum, just a pile of empty Jedi robes. When outsiders die on their home plane the home plane assumes ownership of the remains. There are no windows on this floor of the Fastness. Windows are a distraction from Hell's important work. The center of the tower is an open space though, only occupied by the endless scroll of sins and thousands of devils, wizards, spirits and the wobbly scaffold that some of them need see the thing up close to reference or update. Oh then there is that Thrune assassin whose soul Atum owns, and Tholvinus and his awkward cage, and most important of all Shrec's money! I actually do need to know how you plan on carrying that (assuming you are). But first.... ![]()
![]() Atum Shane wrote:
"Oh, of course my dear." Zarta says distractedly. She pinches the elf's cheek and her hand comes away soot-stained. She prestidigitates them clean. "When there's time. My deal with Vetrivides has nearly run its course." ![]()
![]() Chandu wrote: Well, that was unpleasant. Let's hope Shrec is alright wherever he is.... Meanwhile, in a particularly unpleasant corner of the Abyss. Leventi was preparing plane shift for Chandu. And there was a 20% chance that Shrec ended up on a random plane via dismissal. Chandu wrote: She looks over the soul of Gellius and then at Zarta. So, can we just take it or is it likely to be horribly trapped? Also, do we have to leave Leventi alive? I am in a devil killing mood. dice:
1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14 Zarta's eyes burn with magic for a few moments before she says "It seems safe, but we'll need the contract as well." Zarta retrieves the soul jar and the contract for Gellius's soul and holds them up in the firelight for inspection. The face in the jar looks hopeful and then appreciative. It mouths something unheard through the glass. The party was given permission from Vetrivides to arrest or destroy Leventi as they like. ![]()
![]() Lasaraleen wrote: Did the prior round bleeding stop with the second channel? Yes. I just failed to update the tracker (mostly because I was at work at the time). The next one should be correct. "GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME, MAN! THIS IS THE WHAT THE CHILDREN CALL THE BOSS BATTLE!" Zarta shouts at Atum. She slaps him hard on the face. "NOW ARE YOU A MAN, OR A WIZARD?!" She casts heroism on Atum. ![]()
![]() Chandu wrote:
Zarta in this adventure doesn't come with a character sheet. She just has she can do this, and aid the following skill checks like that, and does this exact amount worth of damage when she hits someone with her dagger and so on--because I guess, a character sheet is so much more confusing? Anyhow her action is as as follows: Zarta shouts "Be careful of Gellius' soul!" "And you!" She points at Leventi. "You trickster! I know what turning over all the evidence we've collected means to those souls you would have to disappear! I've been disappeared once myself and that's not happening anyone--even the stupid imp--while I'm around!" Inspire Courage An affected ally receives a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. (Move action) Then she draws her light crossbow and moves away from the rest of the party so as to not present such an easy grouped target--however, the scrolls along the wall seem to block the way! The seemingly fire-proof parchment whip and crack like flags in a gale! The areas marked in red are considered Difficult Terrain because of the long scrolls. ![]()
![]() Chandu wrote:
"That's not terrifically inspiring my dear. You should try for a more competent commanding tone. Like this: She turns to address the desperate spirit armies of House Davian. "Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;Or close the wall up with our Chelish dead. In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspect; Let pry through the portage of the head Like the brass cannon; let the brow o'erwhelm it As fearfully as doth a galled rock O'erhang and jutty his confounded base, Swill'd with the wild and wasteful ocean. Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit To his full height. On, on, you noblest Chelish. Whose blood is fet from mothers of war-proof! Mothers that, like so many Iomedaes, Have in these parts from morn till even fought And sheathed their swords for lack of argument: Dishonour not your mothers; now attest That those whom you call'd fathers did beget you. Be copy now to men of grosser blood, And teach them how to war. And you, good yeoman, Whose limbs were made in Avistan, show us here The mettle of your pasture; let us swear That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not; For there is none of you so mean and base, That hath not noble lustre in your eyes. I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'ARODEN FOR DAVIAN, CHELIAX AND IOMEDAE!' In response the ghostly armies of Davian's coalition roar forward against Thrune, and slowly begin to press the diabolic hosts back. Zarta turns to Chandu like a proctor and says "And that is how a bard should say it." She draws the dagger from her garter sheath. Inspire courage An affected ally receives a +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. ![]()
![]() Zarta starts down the stair to inspect the collection. She reads off the description of the battlement display as the slow-motion battle plays itself out between the two ghostly armies. "The Battle of One-Hundred Kings. My ancestor. My real ancestor, Lannavia Davian, fought at this battle. This was the last major offensive before the end of the Civil War against House Thrune and its allies." she says half-lost in reverie. ![]()
![]() Meanwhile outside, chitchat. Atum Shane wrote: Zarta, do you know how can I dispel or erase these tattoos? If you have any opportunity to make it happen, please... I feel uncomfortable "Possibly an erase spell? Though you probably would be wise to hold off using it until we are sure there are aren't too many more scrolls ahead of us." ![]()
![]() Lasaraleen wrote:
"Yes, it seems to loose its luster. Hell: a nice place to visit but you wouldn't want your soul to be stuck there for eternity." She nods appreciatively at Atum's summation of tower they had just visited. "It does make me curious to see what architectural marvel awaits us behind this scroll." ![]()
![]() It is hard to tell if Atum's words reach Zarta as she looks upon the statues of Cheliax's Thrune rulers, so lost in her thoughts is she. Lasaraleen wrote:
Shaken from her reverie Zarta says "Oh, I'm certainly coming." She draws a bejeweled dagger. ![]()
![]() Atum Shane wrote: Doru, pleased by situation and disapointed by not more bloodsheding awaits, patiently levitating just near Atums head. Menwile, elf speaks to hellknights. Just so you know, there is only one (apparent) hellknight here. Atum Shane wrote: It is reasonable to presume, that Leventi is corrupted or just too selfish to continue his Dis duty. Anyway, he ignores order for his own favor. So it is your duty to stop him from continue, am I right? Yesterday I was in the Library and found some document which could not understand but those definitely about you people, and Leventi. We are going to continue investigation properly. I suggest that you help us, at least being patient and not agressive towards Diviner who hear your steps before you even learn how to walk. "Actually we already have proof that you have been brought here under false pretenses. Your commander, Staebius Kalmp, traded you and your companion's souls for his own. Basically as his Hellknight subordinates he and Leventi treated you and your fellows as property which Kalmp could trade." ![]()
![]() In those two hours Zarta heads off to touch base with a contract or two in the building. She returns with an official scroll encircled with a halo of mystic runes that orbit is like the rings of Liavara. "This was delivered by an imp. It is from on of Erecura, the Queen of Dis's handmaidens, Rowane. She wishes to meet one or more of us at her palace Eleusys at our earliest convenience."
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