There are some rather pointed queries at the gate regarding the unconscious warrior you are carrying but they seem to be satisfied with your explanations. They even lend you a stretcher to take him to the Temple of the Sun, where high priest Thaban offers to remove the bracers in exchange for a small donation of 270 gp. Since the temple to the moon shut down more people than usual need his services.
Other than that, you are free to do whatever you want.
[ooc]I assume we are all in agreement about donating the money to remove the bracers.
If anyone bothers to ask Ka'kara she indicates that we should have the bracers removed and she'll chip in a share to get it done or more if needed (someone else doesn't want to chip in).
If anyone bothers to ask Ka'kara she indicates that we should have the bracers removed and she'll chip in a share to get it done or more if needed (someone else doesn't want to chip in).
I think we should pay for the removal of the bracers out of the money we get for the items. Then we can split up the funds.
As the group sifts through the goods they have collected, Proteus hands Royl a pouch. "Here, Royl, perhaps this will come in useful to you should you decide to continue practicing the healing arts."
The high priest looks at Proteus' holy symbol and sneers. Apparently the answer is 'no'.
You chip in to finance the removal of the bracers and Vladoff is laid out (still unconscious for convenience) on a bier, while the high priest chants some words of power, and Vladoff is lit up by a soft yellow glow. As the glow reaches his arms one of the acolyte quickly removes the bracers. But before she does so, the glow reveals a hidden symbol on them, a stylized grinning face. The high priest frowns but says nothing.
Knowledge (local) 15:
After securing the bracers, the high priest channels energy and a warm feeling washes over you all, enough to restore Vladoff to full vigor and heal any remaining wounds you might have. Vladoff rises, looks around and exclaims: "Kiri? Luna? Lomion?" Then the truth dawns on him, and he covers his face in his hands and weeps like a little child. The high priest is embarrassed and shoos you all out of the room.
Later you have an opportunity to speak to Vladoff, after he's had a bath and some new clothes. He does clean up nicely - actually he's quite a good-looking fellow, of an imposing stature. He turns to you and bows a little stiffly.
"I owe you much, my friends", he says in a slight Skandik accent. "You finally managed to end this nightmare." Turning to Ka'kara, he adds: "It seems I owe you a special apology, milady. I trust you all understand that I acted under the influence and that I bear you no ill will."
"I take full responsibility for my actions and I will try to make amends in any way I can. I would gladly kill myself, if it wouldn't just add another sin to my burden. Right now it looks as if I shall stay on as a menial worker at this temple. The high priest has kindly offered me atonement, but I am unable to pay for it, since I must consider my possessions forfeit."
"Again, I can't thank you enough. The only thing I would ask of you is to take care of the remains of my companions. And please try not to remember me as a murderer."
"We have decided that you should be given your weapons and armor, Vladoff, should you be returned to your normal mental state," Proteus states as he gives the fallen paladin his gear.
As the group certainly celebrates their success and return to Warwik, even if it is short lived, Proteus speaks, "I should like to spend a day or two in Warwik ministering to the poor, if you are all agreeable. Especially as it seems there is an overwhelming amount of good that could be done with the fall of the Temple of the Moon."
You chip in to finance the removal of the bracers and Vladoff is laid out (still unconscious for convenience) on a bier, while the high priest chants some words of power, and Vladoff is lit up by a soft yellow glow. As the glow reaches his arms one of the acolyte quickly removes the bracers. But before she does so, the glow reveals a hidden symbol on them, a stylized grinning face. The high priest frowns but says nothing.Knowledge (local) 15:** spoiler omitted **
A look of astonishment crosses Ka'kara's face, "Did you see that?! What kind of evil spirit sign was that?! It looked like a evil little face." She quickly gets out her ink and scrawls the symbol onto a piece of cloth she tears from the wrap around her swords scabbard.
"I owe you much, my friends", he says in a slight Skandik accent. "You finally managed to end this nightmare." Turning to Ka'kara, he adds: "It seems I owe you a special apology, milady. I trust you all understand that I acted under the influence and that I bear you no ill will."
At his apology, she gives him a wide grin in return, "You hit pretty hard but I like it a little rough (with a wink). Care to go drinkin tonight with me to make up for it? I'll buy."
"I take full responsibility for my actions and I will try to make amends in any way I can. I would gladly kill myself, if it wouldn't just add another sin to my burden. Right now it looks as if I shall stay on as a menial worker at this temple. The high priest has kindly offered me atonement, but I am unable to pay for it, since I must consider my possessions forfeit."
She tosses him his greatsword, "I have a feeling you'll be able to pay for that atonement a lot quicker doing righteous deeds and all that sort of thing with your blade in your hand." She gives him a stern look, "Remember you can have it back with the understanding that it doesn't end up in the temple coffers but stays in your hand where it'll do the most good." She doesn't let up until he agrees.
"Again, I can't thank you enough. The only thing I would ask of you is to take care of the remains of my companions. And please try not to remember me as a murderer."
"A MURDERER! HA! Hardly. The evil spirit or the maker of those bracers is the murderer, not you. That's like saying my sword is guilty of all the things I've done with it. Makes no sense. Banish the evil spirit or kill the maker and you 've avenged your former companions." She looks thoughtful for a moment and then seems happy with her logic and her smile comes back.
TIME WARP:
Roylenna makes a point of sitting with "the boys" at the Roadside Inn, also. She grins and winks whenever Rana slips and almost calls her a witch. "Rana, I'm glad to see you are back. And apparently well. If Ka'kara wanted you dead, she could have done it without needing any explanation back there on the road. She intentionally turned her blade to wallop you with it sideways -- believe me, she's perfectly capable of cleaving you in twain, if she had wanted to. I don't think she has any idea who you are - or were - and that someone is hunting you." She looks thoughtful for a moment, "But that's easy for me to say, since I'm not the hunted one. Can you tell us who we might need to be watching for? If I need to be watching for a Tharbrian assassin, I'd like to know what to watch for."
Back in Warwick:
Listening to the others speak to Vlad, Roylenna pipes up, too. "Sir Vlad, where did you get those bracers? What would you have us do with your companions remains and their possessions? I'm glad to see that the cleric was able to rescue you from that cursed magic and hope you realize that if we thought you a simple murderer, we would not have taken the trouble to bring you back here. It would have been much easier to simply kill you when we had the chance. Oh, I'm Roylenna." And she offers a tiny hand for him to shake.
"Hella, would you mind taking a look at something for me?" And whenever they get some privacy, Roylenna will present Hella with the items that need to be appraised so that we don't get taken in the market. "What do you think they are worth? Do you think you could get a fair price for them?"
Proteus will spend what's left of the rest of the day in the slums doing what he can for the residents. He invites Royl (and anyone else who wishes) to aid him should she choose.
"I am assuming we will be meeting up at the Highpoint residence this evening. Perhaps someone should find out what we can about the sacking of the Temple of the Moon. It seems it has been a great disservice to the disenfranchised in Warwik."
Proteus will spend what's left of the rest of the day in the slums doing what he can for the residents. He invites Royl (and anyone else who wishes) to aid him should she choose.
"I am assuming we will be meeting up at the Highpoint residence this evening. Perhaps someone should find out what we can about the sacking of the Temple of the Moon. It seems it has been a great disservice to the disenfranchised in Warwik."
"Right! and if they are hiring for people like us to hunt down these cretins who attack and slay priests right in the middle of their city. I don't mind hunting them down anyway but getting paid fills the belly."
"I would be happy to accompany you." She will try to lighten the load of the downtrodden with a friendly smile, a helpful hand, and a song. (+8 modifier, if it matters)
Sandros adds his voice to the chorus reassuring Vladoff that there are no hard feelings.
When Proteus suggests remaining in town to help the poor, Sandros agrees. "I need to speak to my brother and possibly others in town as well," he says, "but then I would be pleased to lend a hand if there is something I could help with."
I'm also going to get out some of my old tomes and do some research on the problem myself. What evil magic did, magic of a different sort might be able to undo...
Sandros:
"The city is in turmoil, as you may have heard. Some crazy vigilantes broke in and killed the high priestess of the moon. It turned out that there was some illegal operation going on, but that is strictly sub rosa. You're welcome to stay, of course. We need all the protection we can get, with those murderers on the loose."
"As for your condition, dear brother, I am afraid that you are afflicted with taint. That comes from meddling with evil and can manifest in diverse symptoms. There is really no cure for it, but it is said that prayer and good deeds can absolve you. You need to speak to Thaban about it."
BT:
Sandros ponders the rest of Neras' words in silence. "Prater and good deeds?" he says slowly. "Not really my forte, so far. Who might this Thaban be, then?"
Sandros will return to the group and tell them he has arranged housing at his family estate, before excusing himself once more.
BT:
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **BT:
** spoiler omitted **
While he's there, I think he should ask about the crazy adventurers who wrecked the Temple of the Moon, in case it's something that needs dealing with.
** spoiler omitted **
"However, atonement is never free, and I think it would be apt to require of you to cleanse the place that tainted you in the first place. I did send a party of adventurers to take care of it, but they didn't return. So be careful out there. Also you might want to bring Vladoff, too. He needs a quest badly. His moping is bringing the entire temple down."
"And if you plan on going into a tainted place like that, you would do well to stock up on scrolls of Remove Disease, so that you can remove the taint before it sticks to you."
If Vladoff is willing, Sandros will invite him to join us in returning to the caverns.
BT:
If Ka'kara was able to convince Vladoff to go carousing with her she will head to the local tavern with him if not than she will head there alone. She will show him and others the symbol she inked from his bracers to see if anyone recognizes it (especially him). She will as about what happened at the temple and what the locals are doing about it. And lastly, she will drink alot.
BT:
** spoiler omitted **
Vladoff turns out to be a glum drinking buddy at first, but Ka'kara succeeds in cheering him up considerably, and generally you have a good time of it.
Regarding the strange symbol, nobody that you speak to seems to recognize it. The villains that stormed the temple appear to have been banished and nothing much is being done about it.
Ka'kara greets the rest of the group looking very rough around the edges the next morning. "Looks like the villains who ransacked the temple have been dealt with or chased off. We should head back as soon as possible to find the missing husband." She looks packed (which isn't saying much since she always carries her possessions with her) and ready to go despite her hangover.
While Proteus makes his rounds aiding the poor and homeless, he is also looking to see which priesthood in town is doing the most to aid the crestfallen. Diplomacy (1d20+7=24) to find the information.
"I must make a donation to an appropriate temple once we have sold our goods and also need an opportunity to resupply and purchase some healing potions. I would like at least another day to help out with the poor of Warwik before we return to the caverns. If Fenton is still alive, I am sure that another day will not change his fate and there is much good to be done here."
Ka'kara stares in disbelief, "Y-you want to help the homeless here rather than save a man who's life IS IN DANGER?! Argh!" She spins on her heel and stalks off.
BT:
Major TIME WARP:
Hella sits down next to Royl at the Inn, listens to Royl's retelling of their adventures up to that point, and quietly observes Rana. Finishing off half a bottle of wine, which is an enormous amount for one her size, she sleeps well and wakes slowly the next morning for travel.
Minor TIME WARP:
Hella seems almost excited when Royl asks her to look over the items to be sold, "It has been too long since I have practiced my trained profession. I would be delighted."
BT: Would you roll the appraise check for me? (Appraise= +7)
Later, after you've sold your loot and bought anything that you think you'll need (some minor magic items are available) you're summing up what you have on your plate:
* You're still looking for Fenton.
* Vladoff needs some help to clear out a certain undead-infested crypt as a part of his atonement.
...and in case you are bored...
* Beamus of the temple of Asclepius needs all the help he can get to tend to the poor.
* Hella's former employer is missing.
* There is a reward for the Green Tree bandits.
After enumerating our list of possible tasks, Hella wonders whether the last two items might be related. Figno dealt in items of antiquity, some of which were of high value.
Before we leave town, Hella investigates the disappearance of her mentor. She attempts to enlist the aid of anyone in our group with some skill in gathering information and/or local knowledge.
Hella:
Proteus:
Proteus:** spoiler omitted **
After enumerating our list of possible tasks, Hella wonders whether the last two items might be related. Figno dealt in items of antiquity, some of which were of high value.
Before we leave town, Hella investigates the disappearance of her mentor. She attempts to enlist the aid of anyone in our group with some skill in gathering information and/or local knowledge.
Ka'kara offers to accompany you and says confidently, "Just point out who you want to get information from and I'll get it."
also...
Ka'kara takes Lenna's bandage off revealing for the first time her new tattoo. Ka'kara steps back and seems pleased with the results.
BACK AT THE INN:
Roylenna:
Roylenna makes a point of sitting with "the boys" at the Roadside Inn, also. She grins and winks whenever Rana slips and almost calls her a witch. "Rana, I'm glad to see you are back. And apparently well. If Ka'kara wanted you dead, she could have done it without needing any explanation back there on the road. She intentionally turned her blade to wallop you with it sideways -- believe me, she's perfectly capable of cleaving you in twain, if she had wanted to. I don't think she has any idea who you are - or were - and that someone is hunting you." She looks thoughtful for a moment, "But that's easy for me to say, since I'm not the hunted one. Can you tell us who we might need to be watching for? If I need to be watching for a Tharbrian assassin, I'd like to know what to watch for."
Rana listens for awhile,"You may be right little one, but the fact that she has not killed me yet doesn't mean that she won't try in the future. She could be waiting for the right time or merely to get me alone. We will have to wait and see." Rana fills his mug with more dark brew before continuing,"As far as what to look for in a Tharbrian assassin I couldn't really say. They could be anyone. That is why I ran before. I thought I had been found and it took me by surprise. Now I owe you all for my cowardice. I left you in harms way and I will atone for my actions"
IN WARWICK:
BT:
Having agreed to stay at Sandros' estate Rana bids the rest farewell while he leaves to go carousing around the town.
Ka'kara takes Lenna's bandage off revealing for the first time her new tattoo. Ka'kara steps back and seems pleased with the results.
Roylenna can barely contain her excitement when Ka'kara tells her it's finally time to remove the bandage. She's quiet (unusual, that) for quite a while, admiring it. Then she starts quizzing Ka'kara about it. "What's this part mean? Do the colors have significance? Is it the same meaning if it's on a leg or your back?" Etc.
Back at the Roadside Inn:
Rana:
"And she's not the type to wait. If she was going to kill you, I'm sure she would have.
"Regardless, I'm glad you're back with us and I want you to know that I think I can speak for the entire group when I say that we will stand by you if and when an assassin shows themselves. They will find you a very difficult target, indeed."
"I'd be happy to help you find your employer, Hella," Sandros offers, "but I've got an obligation I must meet first, and hopefully one that Vladoff will help us with. And even before that, we need to find Fenton - or find his remains, if we must - so we can settle that charge. If you need to go on your own, I'd understand, but I freely admit I'd prefer to have you along with us."
Ka'kara takes Lenna's bandage off revealing for the first time her new tattoo. Ka'kara steps back and seems pleased with the results.
Roylenna can barely contain her excitement when Ka'kara tells her it's finally time to remove the bandage. She's quiet (unusual, that) for quite a while, admiring it. Then she starts quizzing Ka'kara about it. "What's this part mean? Do the colors have significance? Is it the same meaning if it's on a leg or your back?" Etc.
Ka'kara laughs, "It represents the courage of a lion. See here, those represent it's fangs of which you have proven yourself equiped with also. The colors are my tribal colors. You put certain spirit marks in certain places. Strength and courage often are placed on the arms, stamina on the body, speed on the legs or feet, while those representing wisdom, quick thinking, or beauty are placed on the face. There are many others."
Sense motive DC (9) for Lenna:
Roylenna can barely contain her excitement when Ka'kara tells her it's finally time to remove the bandage. She's quiet (unusual, that) for quite a while, admiring it. Then she starts quizzing Ka'kara about it. "What's this part mean? Do the colors have significance? Is it the same meaning if it's on a leg or your back?" Etc.Ka'kara laughs, "It represents the courage of a lion. See here, those represent it's fangs of which you have proven yourself equiped with also. The colors are my tribal colors. You put certain spirit marks in certain places. Strength and courage often are placed on the arms, stamina on the body, speed on the legs or feet, while those representing wisdom, quick thinking, or beauty are placed on the face. There are many others."
Sense motive DC (9) for Lenna
Ka'kara:
Sense Motive 1d20=14
All wide eyes and questions, Roylenna looks at each tattoo in turn, finally asking Ka'kara what "that one" is since Ka'kara is obviously not going to volunteer the information. Roylenna knows this is a sensitive area, but tries to act ignorant (and innocent) of the fact hoping that makes it easier for Ka'kara to open up.
IN WARWICK:
** spoiler omitted **
After your preparations, shopping and charity work are all done you set out again. Your journey to Roadside Inn is uneventful. You meet a caravan and are slightly surprised to find Kytor the Red working as a caravan guard. "That woman is impossible, I tell you. Impossible." is his only comment.
As you approach the dungeon proper you suddenly see a hulking figure running at you brandishing a big club. But after a tense moment you recognize your ogre acquaintance. He looks happy to see you, too.
Lenna:
All wide eyes and questions, Roylenna looks at each tattoo in turn, finally asking Ka'kara what "that one" is since Ka'kara is obviously not going to volunteer the information. Roylenna knows this is a sensitive area, but tries to act ignorant (and innocent) of the fact hoping that makes it easier for Ka'kara to open up.
"That?" a pained look crosses her face as she touches the mark lightly tracing it's pattern. She hesitates for a few moments before slowly answering, "It wa......is a friendship knot. Two friends share them to show their spirits are close." She suddenly stands, "I'm sorry, I have to go. Hella needed some help looking for information around town." She turns and leaves but you could swear her cheek was wet as she left.
BT
An excited Proteus finds himself standing outside the temple of Brother Beamus, almost barely able to contain his excitement at seeing another faithful of Asclepius. It has been a long time. He places his tithes in the appropriate depository and proceeds to search for the man in charge.
BT
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
He greets him in fashion typical for two clergy members, shaking the Father Beamus' hand. "Good health to you, Brother. I hear you have been doing Asclepius' work most devoutly within this fair town. I will be in town for today, leaving tomorrow. I would like to aid you in your services today, as much as my ability allows.
"I would also be interested in any small curative potions you may be able to spare. Of course, I ask nothing of which you have need in your work to aid the needy. Is there a chance you have any you could supply me with to aid me and my companions in our search for a lost soul?"
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Father Beamus is excited to meet a brother of the faith. He says that he's be happy to oblige, but that he is short of resources (the temple is swarming with refugees at the moment, so he can't give you a discount. He's got one CLW potion (caster level 3) and one CMW at the moment, but he can make some more for you if you help him out a little.
And you get a piety point for your efforts.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Proteus helps Beamus run the temple while the latter spends some time in the kitchen, praying and distilling. While you're at the temple, one old woman named Haskela who's in charge of tending the wounded tells you a rumor about a healing spring located somewhere in the Penprie forest. She says that she thinks that was the original reason for Beamus to come to Warwik, before he got caught up in trying to alleviate the human suffering around him.
Royl and Black Tom
Proteus talks to the poor and downtrodden early in the morning with Royl at his side. He comes back to her as she sings an uplifting tune to a group of residents that have gathered. Once she is done he has a smile on his face. "That was a beautiful song, Royl, and it would seem that I have come across some most fortunate news. It would seem that a brother of my faith has a small temple here in town. Would you like to pay a visit with me? I am sure that is much good work we can do there.
Once they arrive, Proteus passes through the masses of poor, sick, and injured. His face showing great compassion for those he passes. "It would appear my brother has his hands full." He says in a compassionate tone. He then asks Royl to wait in the common areas and moves through the small temple. Soon, he returns with a tall, gangly man, nearly a foot taller than Proteus, himself. "Father Beamus, this is Royl, one of my allies." Father Beamus seems distracted by the people gathered at the temple. One of them begins to cough terribly. Beamus quickly moves over to him, pulling an elixer from a pouch on his belt and gives it to him to drink, and the coughing ends as abruptly as it began.
Beamus returns to the two waiting. "It is nice to meet you, Royl. I do not wish to be rude, but there is much to which I must attend." He then turns to Proteus, "We will speak again, later. If you need anything, Heskela, there," he motions to a woman tending to a small boy who has apparently broken an arm, "should be able to help you." With that, he retreats into the temple.
Proteus and Royl spend the rest of the day easing the suffering of the residents of the ramshackle suburb.
At the end of their only full day in Warwik, Proteus and Royl returns to the group. "It would seem most fortunate that I have an unexpected ally in Warwik. Another of my faith, named Father Beamus, runs a small temple in the poor district. He is willing to sell us some curative potions, one minor and one moderate, which would cost approximately 450 gp. I am to return first thing in the morning and he may have had an opportunity to create more, although we should be aware that we will be required to purchase them. I should think it a wise investment considering where we are headed."
If an opportunity presents itself, I would like to ask Brother Beamus about this spring in the Penprie.
Proteus:
Proteus and Black Tom
She will use her Prestidigitation and Mending to entertain, clean, and repair as long as her energy holds out. She's hesitant about using her Heavenly Fire as she does not know if it will harm someone.
If she can find an opportunity to speak to the resident holy man with no one but maybe Proteus around, Roylenna inquires, "Father Beamus, we have heard tales about a band of insane men attacking a church here in Warwick. Is this true? Are you not concerned?"
As you approach the dungeon proper you suddenly see a hulking figure running at you brandishing a big club. But after a tense moment you recognize your ogre acquaintance. He looks happy to see you, too.** spoiler omitted **
The whole trip back Ka'kara seems distant, lost in her own thoughts, and is missing her usual smile. Even the sight of her former arm wrestling companion doesn't seem to bring her out of it.
Proteus and Black Tom
** spoiler omitted **
Royl
As the pair reaches a lull in their work throughout the day, Proteus comes and sits beside Royl offering her some water. "Thank you for help Royl, it is a much easier task with you along. By the way, as I was talking to some of those we were helping this morning, it would seem that the the 'villians' who invaded the temple were actually liberating some of the very folk we serve from an imposter who would say they were aiding these poor people, when they were actually enslaving them."
Time Warp to Warwick:
Proteus:
It's a rare day, indeed. As Proteus' words sink in to the little one's mind, she is literally speechless, mouth hanging agape.
Black Tom (and Hella, if she's interested):
Back to the trip back to the dungeon:
Roylenna works pretty hard to raise Ka'kara's spirits, feeling a bit guilty, but makes no attempt to explain to anyone what might have depressed the lady warrior.
Upon seeing the ogre (and recognizing him), Roylenna will run forward to say hi. "We might have trouble with the ratmen, but we found a bunch of goblins and I think we will going there first. Do you like bashing goblins? Maybe you could come with us!"