Iggwilv

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"Look! It's Elvish!" cries Zarta pointing at pile of books. As Shaine turns to look, she jerks her head toward the door. Aid other. She really can't fail, but....

bluff (aid): 1d20 ⇒ 7


"What's what?"


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.”


"Ah. Excellent. Our second unexpected Deluge of the night. And this one not unwelcome." says Zarta at the arrival of the out of breath druid. "Where you dreaming about me again, sweet Deluge?"


"Good luck." Zarta says exiting as well after tossing a kiss and a wink to Kolris.


"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.”


“Nothing until now, perhaps?” quips Zarta Dralneen.

See handouts page 5.


"Now now, let's not go overboard."

Xusius wrote:

Xusius notices that the "nightclothes" Zarta is wearing are some of the finest silk lingerie and slides over to her, offering her a goblet of Sangria.

"Eet ees indeed a tragedy for ze artifacts in ze vault. Never fear, my dear paracountess! We shall find ze root of zis problem and put a stopper een eet. I will tell you all about what we find at our dinner tomorrow night. I look forward to eet, but first duty calls!"

He clasps her pale white right hand in his, raises it, and bending down slightly kisses it while murmuring, "L'enchante."

"I don't think I have had the pleasure yet, Monsieur...?"


“Nothing until now, perhaps?” quips Zarta Dralneen.

See handouts page 5.

"Ah, I see that my awkward little duckling has arrived." Zarta coos at Kolris.


“I’m branching out.” Zarta smirks and shrugs. “And unlike you, Shaine, I love a good pun.”


“Let us prioritize,” Dralneen suggests. “Are the artifacts within the vaults in danger?”


“I’m branching out.” Zarta smirks and shrugs. “And unlike you, Shaine, I love a good pun.”


“Let us prioritize,” Dralneen suggests. “Are the artifacts within the vaults in danger?”


Jair Whisper wrote:

What good is living in the past? The Davian are dead and you found a true family here. Not one who loves you because you are born into, but one that loves you for who you are and what's you've done. Let the Thrunes burn in Hell where they belong and stay here, with us, with your family to help the new generation of Pathfinder rise and understand the danger of artifacts and dark magic.

Your place is here, to guide us not go back to try to right the past.
The past is where it belong, in the past. What you've learn could be used by other to try to undermine Thrune's legacy but it is not your fight, not anymore.

One vote to stay.

Lasaraleen wrote:

”Lady Zarta, we very much appreciated all your help down there.

I honestly can’t say I was able to follow all of those twists and underhanded dealings of those native to Dis or even the Thrunes.
I can say I hope you can make peace and remember redemption is always available by Sarenrae. “

One write-in vote for "You should attend mass more often."

Chandu wrote:

You have made a home here in the society, better to be with family than skulking in the shadows, watching for a knife between your shoulder blades every night.

And at least if she is still with us we can keep an eye on her and what she is up to

"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?"


Shrec the Powerful wrote:

Yeah, it looks like Zarta closed the Portal before I stepped through it.

Zarta, hold on, I'm coming!

"Oh? Sherman was it? How could I ever forget you?"


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?


"Well, that was certainly unpleasant." Zarta says adjusting her hair.


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".


Chandu wrote:
Chandu looks over to Zarta, Are we done here?

"Most assuredly." Zarta says from the doorway leading out.


"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:

Atum is fatigue. Probably huge part of his clothes is missing. Anyway he looks hungry for knowledge.

Moreover he feels sort of upcoming cathrsis. NOt his own, but Zartas. So he takes her to chat.

Madam Zarta. I am thankful for your involving in my still-alive condition. But I feel we haven't done here. Thrune legacy here around, and it is connected not just with this family, but their rivals. So you came here for clues. I am not good in Cheliaxes history, but times are very interesting now. I just want you to know, that even being Scarab Sage I will support you. Especially if you make me a favor. Like a lunch in Wounded Wisp? But please, say nothing to Kreighton.

Atum waits for her answer for a while and then coming closer to dismatled Leventi to carefully grab a jar with Gelius soul.

"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.


Seeing Atum again nearly off his feet and his face scarf smoldering Zarta instills him with more magical vigor.

cure moderate wounds v Atum: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 1) + 10 = 15


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:

Chandu manages to hold herself together in the face of the symbol and shields herself from much of the flames.

Before I decide on my actions is Zarta acting in this combat? If so I delay until after she acts to see what benefits she is providing. Theres no point me starting to perform if she is going to.

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.


"We still can be 'carried away' if we don't decide, and leave soon."


"Jair? What's he talking about?"


"Ahem. Actually dear, He sent some of his contracted souls to kill us in an ambush remember?" Zarta says (again) as quietly and nonchalantly as possible.


"Ahem. Actually dear, Vetrivides said we could take Gellius in exchange as payment for our help." Zarta says a quietly and nonchalantly as possible.


Leventi wrote:
"I don't know what the Liberty's Edge is (some nihilistic anarchy cult I imagine)...."

"Well, he's got a point. Whatever we decide on we need to recover Thrune. What's your offer, Leventi?"


"It's Gellius Thrune." Zarta says in a breathy whisper upon seeing the face in the jar.


Chandu wrote:

Chandu moves up to Zarta and shouts, Get out of here you fool! as a piece of inspirational advice to the group. The tip of her spear bursts into golden light.

Move action to move, standard for inspire courage +2|2, attack damage, charm and fear saves, swift to activate arcane strike

"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.


"W-what?!" stammers Zarta taking a step back.


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.


"Sounds good to me. What about the others?"


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:

”Oh I have seen enough of the local sites for this trip. Not a fan. “ Lasaraleen replies to Zarta with a look of exhaustion.

”I wonder what is taking so long. “ she sighs waiting to enter.

"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."


"So, have either of you had time to see the sites?" Zarta asks Atum and Lasaraleen while they wait their turn at the 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:

Looking back over her shoulder.

Are the rest of you coming? Zarta, will you be joining or staying here with these two devils?

Shaken from her reverie Zarta says "Oh, I'm certainly coming."

She draws a bejeweled dagger.


Zarta circles the room looking up at each of the statues of the Thrune rulers. None left the infernal throne because of old age.

"I wonder," Zarta says to herself looking last upon the statue of Abrogail II, "who will be next after you my queen?"


Obviously mustering the last of her patience, Zarta looks over to the petitioner outside, and back to the erinyes librarian. "Do tell."


"Yes. As mortals ourselves we know that." says Zarta impatiently.


....


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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."


Zarta takes in context around her "No. No, it's alright." She straightens up and moves past Leona "There's nothing to fear from a helpless slave."

Zarta looks straight into the laconic assassin's eyes and says "That's what you said to me six years ago, wasn't it?"


Zarta Dralneen comes running up to the scene no mean feat in her elegant clothes.

"Officer! I am sorry for whatever my colleagues might have done--BY ALL THE DAMNED SOULS IN HELL! YOU!" she points a Peran her face mask of fear and loathing.


Lasaraleen receives a sending back from Zarta.

Zarta wrote:
Lawyers say that you can't barter with others' souls. The Hellknights' contract dubious at best. We should meet to discuss. Time is short. ~ Love Zarta.


"Zzzz... zzzz... zzzz...."

She's sleeping in the hot, vacated, metal vault with the rest of the group.


"It's not the Ivy District, but it will do." Zarta's bedroll is already unpacked and laid out beside one of the warm metal walls.


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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