Flapping from room to room Talyn explores what he is able to. A room in the center of the first floor is inaccessible due to closed doors, most likely it is just a short hallway between rooms.
A small building out back of the main estates still stands, though overgrown with weeds.
Soaring up the stairs Talyn can see a narrow 5' walkway running across the north and east ends of the room then turning into a hallway. A small window lets in light from the east. There is a closed door on both the north and south walls of the hallway. As Talyn wings down the hall a sudden gale of wind stirs up with unexpected ferocity. The dust in the hall and main entry room billows up creating a choking cloud and Talyn is hurtled backwards against the far western wall.
Talyn needs to make a DC 15 reflex save or take1d6 ⇒ 6 damage.
Talyn flaps in through the westernmost window. Smashed furniture covers the floor, most of the cloth that once covered them long since rotted away. Faded sections on the wall show where pictures must have once hung. A layer of dust covers everything.
At the east end of the large room another door stands ajar.
With a closer look at the staircase it can be seen that the railings on the eastern side have rotted away. The stairs lead up to a balcony that circles around the north and east sides of the room. A hallway at the south end Q48 leaders further into the mansions second floor.
Another hour of travel puts you at the old Sorrin estates. A small overgrown path leads from the main road past a few trees to a large three story structure. All the windows of the mansion have been broken out and the south side of the building has collapsed, broken timbers and old furniture piled in a heap.
Tattered remnants of curtains hang in the windows. Any paint on the building has long since been removed by weather and time. A large set of double doors Q43/Q44 are closed. A stair case can be seen through one window, the railings of the staircase have been broken off.
Just a little ways north of the estate rocky hills jut from the landscape.
Deld looks a little disbelieving at Irina's words. He opens his mouth, then closes it, before blurting out, "Well... ask your friend here" he gestures to Alma then addresses the paladin directly. "Could you not sense the evil in girl? You are a holy warrior of the Mithral Rose are you not?"
"Down near her home." Deld points to the west and south a little. There are a few humble huts that direction, spaced 20-30 yards a part. A hundred feet beyond the huts is the sea. Several small fishing boats are tied up on the beach. The girl and the older man, Marius, are pushing one of the boats out into the water.
Much of the crowd disperses, some shaking their heads, others whispering in small groups. As the party begins to move further head up the road, heading out of the village, Deld follows to the side for a moment then steps in closer after a hundred feet. "I've seen her dancing with will-o-the-wisps down yonder on the sea shore at night. And another time I saw her call upon the dark powers of hell to bring fire into her hands. It just isn't right you know."
"Or what? You'll run me through for lack of piety? I've no interest in putting up with the likes of you. You can go cool your head in the sea if that is what you seek, and perhaps your god will favor us all and let you drown there." Marius turns to move away, exclaiming, "Half the world is filled with fools, and the other half are flaming fools." Despite his anger he reaches out a gentle hand to take Ellen by the arm. Those who have sided with him part to make a way for the two to retreat and they begin to walk away.
Warren:
Watching the girl Ellen, you believe she must be deaf as she does not respond to any of the noises around her.
The small man standing in front of Ellen pulls a fishing knife from his belt planting himself 5' away from Irina, blocking her, "Stay where you are woman. I've had enough of paladins to last me a life time, or any who travel with them." He spits on the ground.
A murmur ripples through the crowd at this action from the man. An elderly woman reaches out a tentative hand to touch him, "Marius, this isn't necessary."
Behind Marius is a young woman, sixteen or seventeen at most. She looks frightened, her eyes darting from person to person rapidly.
Deld is taken aback by Irina's fury and Marius drawing a blade and says nothing.
The large man Deld calls out, "Village business really." But then ignoring the fact that he just implied it was none of your business he goes on, "Well things just haven't been right after the big storm. We didn't think much of anything when the raptors attacked the village. But then we learned Ellen", Deld gives a smug look over his shoulder at the thin man, he returns the look with one of hatred. "has been practicing dark magic, and it's been problem after problem ever since."
"Caldon disappeared a month and a half ago. We never found any trace of him, don't know if he is alive or dead. Now two weeks ago Jake, thats Narn's boy, was chased in the woods by a wolf. None of the hunters have been able to track it down though, so it's still out there somewhere."
"Then this week my daughter Emma saw a small figure watching the village from the edge of the forest. Some kind of evil forest sprite I figure."
"Ellen's brought a curse down upon us, and we mean to be rid of it."
Moving in closer you can see that the settlement is split between two groups of people, not quite split evenly.
Some of the words drift your direction, "...you put our children at risk by your stubbornness." This from a man in the larger group, tall and a little overweight. A common farmer by the looks of his clothing though.
"That's nonsense Deld and you know it." A thinner man with worn clothing. Despite his small frame he doesn't shrink from the bigger man but looks back with an even stare.
Several members of the crowd spot the group and a murmur ripples the group and everyone goes silent as many turn to look at you. The thin man does not turn for a moment though, continuing to stare at Deld with an angry look.
From the current position 50' away you can see that the smaller group looks to be deliberately surrounding someone in their midst.
Heading up the coast it is late afternoon as you enter a settlement still several miles from the Sorrin estates. Still a couple hundred yards away you can see that forty or fifty people are gathered at the center of the scattered buildings. Even from this distance you can tell that many of those in attendance have angry looks on their faces.
The woman looks over Alma in his shining armor, "It's also been rumored that it is a home to bandits, yet no one has been robbed on the road passing it in my lifetime. The place has been falling apart for years. Bandits taking up residence would like as get themselves killed by poking around in the place as anything else. And you'll do the same if you go poking around there, bring the whole place down on your head."
The woman huffs, "You'll probably ignore my advice, but don't say I didn't warn you when someone has to dig you out of the rubble."
The woman looks a little stunned at the proffered coin. "Oh. Hmm. Your from the mainland aren't you? Yes, yes, I can see it in your eyes now, should have realized right away, another fo..." she tries to catch herself, cutting off the word fool half way through. She stutters a moment trying to regain her composure. "Come to break the curse on the old estate eh?" She shakes her head, "You aren't the first to hear that old rumor."
The woman who Markov has approached scratches her head, "Mariann? I don't know any Mariann Sorrin." In a moment though some inner comprehension comes to her eyes, followed by confusion. "Oh. You mean the old estate? Its about 12 miles up the coast north, but its been in ruins for decades. No one left of the Sorrin family."
Any purchases you decide to make can be assumed to have been completed before you board a ship.
It doesn't take long to book passage aboard a merchant ship heading to the Ioso islands in a couple of days. The journey is smooth with fair weather for the duration of the seven day journey.
The islands number in the dozens, with two of the larger ones sporting large volcanic mountains rising high above the sea. Numerous small fishing boats dot the coastline as your ship pulls into the harbor for one of the larger islands.
The people in the small town of several hundred are notably different from those of Coran. Only a very very few are richly dressed, but by the same token you see no beggars among them. The islanders are of a darker skin, and fewer among them are obese - many looking much more physical fit than the main landers. And their expressions are more open than many of those in the capital.
I'm here too. Although I will admit that I have somewhat forgotten what we are doing.
You went to the library to research the names while Markov went to talk to Logan about them directly. Its pretty much up in the air what course you want to take now.
"Mariann Sorrin and Lorinel Nuneirath were friends of mine from many years ago. Both have passed from this life. The curse of a elven kind." Logan stands, giving a half smile and hefting his cane slightly for emphasis. "Mariann is long since buried at her home on the islands. Lorinel...." he trails off and turns away from Markov to look out the window.
He is silent for a bit before speaking again. "I don't know who Adian intended the message for. He always had some purpose in his comings and goings though and looked far beyond the political intrigues that mired tower politics." Logan turns to look at Markov again, "He used to say the only thing more dangerous than the life of an adventurer was that of a politician."
Logan gives a weak smile. "It is the curse of elven kind. We outlive our friends and associates."
"As to Adian's message, I could not say. He disappeared during the ascension, no one knew what had happened to him. It was believed he must have been killed during the riot. Yet... seeing this. He must have left the city, but I cannot guess as to his purpose in doing so."
Logan opens the first book, and his fingers trace along the pages as he thumbs through it. "These belonged to a friend of mine from long ago." he says quietly. "They are yours now though if you want them. I have no use for them." he sighs, leaning back into his chair and folding his hands up under his chin. His eyes show a tiredness to them that was not there previously.
And reading back on the posts I just realized I never mentioned to Markov what was in the spellbooks.
Markov:
The first contains a complete collection of first level wizard spells.
The second contains various higher level spells, many currently beyond your ability to understand.
Logan listens as Markov reads the few words on the parchment. A far away look comes into his eyes as he reads the three names, and his voice has a touch of sadness to it. He turns to stare at the painting of the ship in the sitting room and his voice has a touch of sadness to it when he responds. "May I see that parchment again?" He is quiet for a couple of minutes as he scrutinizes the paper. "I have not heard those names spoken in a long time. Nor had I ever expected this?" he gestures to the paper as though it contains more than it says.
"Was there anything else you found? Or just this parchment?"
Logan looks puzzled as Markov relates the information. "In an old dwarven mine...?" He looks over the note studying it for a minute. "This is celestial if I am not mistaken, but that is not a language I know well - just a few words is all."
He hands the parchment back with a shrug, "What does it say?"
A servant lets Markov into the front room of Logan Drais' home. "Master Drais will join you in a moment."
True to the servants word the old elf limps into the room a minute later, leaning heavily on his cane. "Markov", he calls out as though greeting a long time friend. "You've come alone? Your companions seemed rather reserved last time we spoke. Perhaps they do not like me?" he gives a faint smile, then lets out a soft sigh of breath. "They would not be the first to take a dislike. How can I help you though?"
Spending a few hours in the library looking over books provided by the librarians, Warren uncovers the following:
Osir and Bel Sorrin, one holders of the first seat of the Merchant's Guild were killed during the War of Ascension in 4476, two months prior to the ousting of the mages of the sealing of the tower.
Their business empire covered goods and services of all kinds.
The Sorrin estates were located on the Ioso islands, though they had residences in Coran, Akleta, Gumlat, and probably any number of neighboring kingdoms.
The couple had one daughter, Mariann Sorrin, a skilled warrior. Mariann Sorrin did not spend much time at home once she was of age, it is believed a division stood between her and her parents, though exact nature of the division is unknown.
Stories from the north, would occasionally reach Coran of heroics done by Mariann Sorrin and two traveling companions of hers. Logan Drais, an elf of renowned skill with a rapier and sometimes questionable reputation. And Adella Nuneirath, an elven priestess of Serenrae.
Two months after her parents death Mariann Sorrin returned home and claimed a place among the new nobility of Coran by virtue of her parents wealth and standing, which she was granted. She was not popular among the other nobles or her servants though, considered a harsh and spiteful woman, and a shrewd and manipulative politician.
Late in the year 4477 she disappeared for two months time, leaving many to speculate what had become of her. Upon her return she once again begin to ply her style of politics. Five weeks later she was found dead in her home, slain by an unknown hand.
Investigations were made, but because of her reputation and numerous political rivals she had made in her short political career nothing substantial was ever discovered.
Logan Drais moved to Coran several years after the War of Ascension, a wealthy man from days spent adventuring he turned his interest to trading caravans and shipments.
Adella Nuneirath has not been heard of since those days. Whether she returned to her elven homelands or headed for others parts is unknown.
Kydus looks pained at this new information, as though he is in some part responsible for it.
"If you hadn't gone to Calid he would have fallen to the ogre. You could not have known another group of goblins was close by. Sav and his men slew near three dozen defending as they could. Your presence there may have simply left us more dead to find and bury - and no rescue for this dwarf and paladin." says the soldier.
If no one has further comments then we will return to Coran. What are the plans once reaching Coran? XP for clearing out the goblin den 1600 each. 185gp for the bounty of ears if I kept count correctly.
As Irina holds up the string of goblin ears the man laughs out loudly, "Ho ho. Far be it from me to make recommendations to where you should or should not travel then. You must be the ones who bested the ogre then? Calid feared you all must have fallen to the vermin, he shall be glad to hear you are well."
His voice loses his joviality, "Sav was overrun, as was the settlement he was protecting. All were slaughtered. But as you can see" he makes a gesture taking in the near two dozen men and women with him, "the nobles have sent us forth to drive the goblins back. We've slaughtered several packs we've run into and no doubt the vermin have high tailed it back into the mountains. The patrols will continue though for the foreseeable future. You would be welcome to join us in the hunt if you wish, though I don't anticipate much more happening out here. Otherwise you may return to your business in Coran and collect your bounty."
At the news of Sav's death Kydus bows his head, uttering a quiet prayer to Serenrae. "Sav was a good man."
It is only a moment before the company of men and horses veer in your direction. Their commander pulls them up just short of running over the top of the group and looks over each of you. Each of the soldiers is wearing a blue and gold uniform, an emblem of a stag on their breastplates, marking them as belonging to one of the noble houses.
Kn Nobility DC 20:
While new to the area, you recall overhearing talk in the inn you stayed at marking these as belonging to House Jumai, one of the more powerful nobles in Coran.
"This area isn't safe for travel at this time. The whole place has been crawling with goblin packs. What is your business in this area?"
From Talyn's perspective all the mounted men look alike, wearing the same colors, blue and gold, all bearing shields, bows and blades. They are moving at a trot.
Both the ring and necklace are magical. Assuming Trom, Irina, and/or Markov will continue to try and figure out what they are over however many days it takes.
The pack gives off a moderate aura of conjuration. A closer study reveals the item as a handy haversack.
A couple of random encounter rolls later...
The journey back down out of the mountains is uneventful. While tracks and signs of goblins abound, you are fortunate to avoid encountering any of the vermin. Several columns of smoke rise from different locations to the south though over the next two days.
Kydus is thoughtful during the journey, and makes no effort to hide his gaze frequently being on Irina - trying to puzzle her out.
Still a day from the settlement left behind nearly a week ago you spot the glint of sun on metal breastplates in the distance. A small cloud of dust rising behind a patrol of men on horseback.
So far either they have not seen the group or have no interest in you as their present course will cut across your front field of vision.
The pack contains:
A pouch filled with gold coins 1000gp
Two arcane spell books.
A dozen sheets of paper and two quill pens.
A dozen days worth of trail rations.
Far more than the packs weight would have suggested.
Save for the skeleton the room is bare, but a closer look at the skeleton uncovers a small pack wedged behind the decayed cloth and bones of the remains.
Pulling it free it only ways a few pounds, but looks to be in very good condition, if a bit dusty.
I should get new init rolls and 5 new perception rolls from everyone as well.
Kydus gives Irina a stern look, though his voice is soft when he speaks "What game do you play at Irina?" He listens to her translate the writing, his expression showing a hint of surprise as she reads the three names at the end. He gives Irina a glare, as if perhaps this is a continuation of her joke.
Alma pulls the ring and necklace from the deceased. The necklace is of quality craftsman with lines of silver worked into the gold. The ring is a simple band of silver, a once inch diameter emerald outshining the plain smoothness of the simple ring. No signifying markings adorn either piece of jewelry.
Small puffs of dust kick up from the floor as Alma walks to the back of the room, leaving everyone with a slight urge to sneeze. Picking up the parchment he carefully shakes it, causing more dust to float through the air. The writing is in a language Alma does not know. The writing looks hastily scrawled.
Markov examines the door as Warren looks for a stone of appropriate size to try and get the door open with.
Markov:
There are two auras on the other side of the door. One of them, the weaker one, is an aura of evocation, some kind of modified shocking grasp spell. The second is a permanency effect upon it.
Warren soon returns with a rock about 8 inches in diameter, as he begins repeatedly trying to get the door open electrical sparks flash around the rock each time it strikes. After a number of tries the door opens, swinging slowly inward.
A musty smell emanates from the room and a thick layer of dust covers the floor. A humanoid skeleton rests propped against the back wall, the tattered remains of aged robes adorning it. A single ring with a small emerald adorns one of its hands, and a golden necklace encircles its neck.
Sitting next to the long dead corpse is an inkwell and a piece of parchment, the corners sticking up through the dust on the floor.
As Alma grasps the handle to the door lightning arcs from it and up Alma's arm and shoulder. The smell of ozone and singed flesh filling the air. His muscles involuntarily spasm as he attempts to get his hand clear of the electrical discharge.
Damage: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 3) = 11 Reflex save DC 15 for half The door is still closed
Kydus looks confused and shocked at Irina's words. "I would never..." he reaches out and touches her and healing life flows into Irina. LoH Irina: 1d6 ⇒ 4 His eyes take on an inner glow and he looks heavenward for a moment, uttering a silent prayer to Sarenrae.
"Alma, you are also hurt I see." Again he reaches out his hand, this time asking no permission. LoH Alma: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Alma:
As the healing flows into you you also feel a great weight of darkness lifting from your shoulders. The -1 to die roll penalty has been removed.
Kydus then turns to Warren and Markov in turn, proving them a bit of healing as well.
LoH Warren: 1d6 ⇒ 3 LoH Markov: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Kydus stares at Irina and Alma intently in turn, seeming to look past the outward appearance of each and into the core of their being. He relaxes somewhat after doing so.
"I am certainly in no condition to make it back on my own, and will gladly accept your offer for aid in this." He looks at Irina, "You are wounded though and I can offer aid in this." He stretches forth his hand but stops before touching her. "May I?"
"I was scouting the goblins attacking the settlements near Coran. I made an error in judgement and was caught by a pack of them led by an ogre." He looks away, "Two of my companions were slain, four others were captured. I do not know what has become of them. They dragged me here and chained me to the altar. The Lord of Hell has tormented and racked my mind while I slept, and they" he indicates the two dead devils, "have tortured my body while I'm awake."
At Irina's words his expression becomes concerned. "Shadows and secrets? And who is your patron if I may ask?"
The man breathes easier as Irina's healing hex takes hold, though he still has many scratches and bruises. "Thank you." His eyes still have a haunted look to them, "I feared I would never be freed from this torture."
"I am Kydus Ta'neld, and by my honor as a paladin I am forever in your debt."
Talyn flaps up around the top of the cavern, peering into the various nooks and pulling pieces of equipment where they have been lodged up above. In addition to Trom's gear Talyn also pulls down a small metal vial with a cord through the lid.
Alma and Warren each grab a large stone and begin slamming the top of the altar with them. The echoes reverberate throughout the entire chamber and into the passages beyond.
Bone splinters and shatters under the assault. Dark sickly fluids seem to ooze from the very rock of the altar once the majority of the bones have been cleared away. The chain holding the man captive comes loose and the man stumbles topples backwards, taking in large gasps of air as if he'd been holding his breath and just burst forth from a pool of water.
With the altar smashed the two warriors cease their assault. The passages beyond are now deathly quiet, only the faint howling of the wind from the entrance reaching your ears from time to time.
Trom:
When you were captured and tied to the altar, you watched the gaav's carry your gear up into a nook in the wall some 30' up.
FYI, I will not be available to post Monday night - long weekend. So I will post again tomorrow night, then a three day weekend, then post Tuesday night.
The man drinks from Alma's flask greedily. His voice is hoarse when he speaks, "The altar... you must destroy it." he coughs weakly. "Asmodeus..." His muscles convulse making him strain against the bonds for a moment, then he slumps over panting heavily.
The altar itself has a foundation of stone and a collection of bones fitted together in a complex pattern at the the top. Images that portray a sense of vileness are painted onto the stone of the altar.
Warren:
A careful search of the room reveals nothing of value at ground level. There are a dozen or more nooks and crannies in the upper sides and ceiling of the natural cavern.
Prone increases the imps ac against ranged attacks. Reflex save reduces the bomb splash damage to half.
Alma also cannot coupe de grace. That requires a full round action so you would need to start adjacent to it (or close enough to take a 5' step).
Irina fumbles her bomb and is caught in the explosion, taking minor burns. The imp does not appear to be affected by the flames. Its existence is short lived anyway though as Markov and Alma destroy the devil. It disappears in a flash of smoke.
