You fall into a rhythm, working steadily away beside Linah and later Grall. The back of your hand still itches though and no amount of scratching provides more than immediate relief.
You are working away scrubbing the film of rusted rainwater and dirt from the orange and red starburst of Sarenrae along the north wall when the air directly in front of your eyes appears to shimmer. When it fades you blink in surprise. The starburst looks brand new, not a single mark mars its pristine surface. As you glance around you see that the entire chapel seems brand new, as if raised only yesterday. All of the dirt and soot is gone as if it never existed. In your nostrils you can smell the scent of jasmine from the courtyard. In your ears you can hear the monks singing evensong, their voices combining in perfect harmony, praising the glories of your Goddess and her infinite love for all mankind.
Another shimmer and all is as it was. Neither Linah nor Grall seems aware that anything has happened at all.
1d20+5
You have no idea other than a really large bird of some kind.
Dashki is silent for a few moments although you can see flashes of anger in his eyes.
You'll regret this Halfling, when your stewing in a gnoll cookpot. Mark my words.
He stalks off.
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While working away at restoring the chapel with Linah and eventually Grall, Khalid continues to scratch at his hand, unable to shake the itching sensation that bothers him. Khalid continues to toil away at the restoration project when he suddenly stops and looks around with an expression of amazement on his face, breathing in deeply as if a pleasant smell was in the air around him, then just as suddenly, the inquisitor shakes his head, rubs his eyes, and returns to work.
"That was certainly odd, though not unpleasant.
Turning to Linah and Grall, "Did you see that too?"
Grall seems to be happy doing some honest labor helping to restore the monastery. As Linah and Khalid run into heavy objects to lift and move he insists on lifting it for them. You notice that the many sores and gashes from the ooze still drip a bit of blood and puss as they never had a chance to heal. You never here any compaints though as he works hard late into the night. You notice that Grall often seeks your approval for moving something here or pushing something there. By midnight he is thoroughly exhausted and passes out in a corner of the main chapel in between two benches curled into a ball.
When Khalid mentions seeing something, Grall reaches for his weapon and looks around, What is it Masterrr Khalid, what did you see?
Grall will be out early the next morning to see the rising sun and stretch out the wounds from the day before.
Assuming he continues to walk away, she will rise from her "audience" position and continue setting up her camp area, although her hand strays often to her weapon as if to test its readiness.
Knowledge (arcana)
Spellcraft
Arjun emerges from the basement stairs, clutching a sheaf of paper in his hands. "I found sheathes of parchment containing well preserved records about the monastery itself, some dating back to its founding over two centuries ago. I consider though that it will take some time to study these in order to determine whether they contain anything useful" The Vudrani alchemist looks around for a volunteer. "Who is proficient in the history of this area and can make sense of this?"
While working away at restoring the chapel with Linah and eventually Grall, Khalid continues to scratch at his hand, unable to shake the itching sensation that bothers him. Khalid continues to toil away at the restoration project when he suddenly stops and looks around with an expression of amazement on his face, breathing in deeply as if a pleasant smell was in the air around him, then just as suddenly, the inquisitor shakes his head, rubs his eyes, and returns to work.
"That was certainly odd, though not unpleasant.
Turning to Linah and Grall, "Did you see that too?"
Linah looks up from behind the altar. "No, i did not see anything. What was it that you saw?"
** spoiler omitted **
He stops and turns to look at you but simply sneers and then keeps walking. Step-thump. Step-thump.
Grall seems to be happy doing some honest labor helping to restore the monastery. As Linah and Khalid run into heavy objects to lift and move he insists on lifting it for them. You notice that the many sores and gashes from the ooze still drip a bit of blood and puss as they never had a chance to heal. You never here any compaints though as he works hard late into the night. You notice that Grall often seeks your approval for moving something here or pushing something there. By midnight he is thoroughly exhausted and passes out in a corner of the main chapel in between two benches curled into a ball.
When Khalid mentions seeing something, Grall reaches for his weapon and looks around, What is it Masterrr Khalid, what did you see?
Grall will be out early the next morning to see the rising sun and stretch out the wounds from the day before.
Grall seems to be happy doing some honest labor helping to restore the monastery. As Linah and Khalid run into heavy objects to lift and move he insists on lifting it for them. You notice that the many sores and gashes from the ooze still drip a bit of blood and puss as they never had a chance to heal. You never here any compaints though as he works hard late into the night. You notice that Grall often seeks your approval for moving something here or pushing something there. By midnight he is thoroughly exhausted and passes out in a corner of the main chapel in between two benches curled into a ball.
When Khalid mentions seeing something, Grall reaches for his weapon and looks around, What is it Masterrr Khalid, what did you see?
Grall will be out early the next morning to see the rising sun and stretch out the wounds from the day before.
Knowledge (arcana) 1d20+8
Spellcraft 1d20+8
Arjun emerges from the basement stairs, clutching a sheaf of paper in his hands. "I found sheathes of parchment containing well preserved records about the monastery itself, some dating back to its founding over two centuries ago. I consider though that it will take some time to study these in order to determine whether they contain anything useful" The Vudrani alchemist looks around for a volunteer. "Who is proficient in the history of this area and can make sense of this?"
The meeting is held in the library and Almah's servants have obviously worked feverishly to make it comfortable. The ruined books have been removed and the place adorned with carpets and other furnishings from the wagons. Silk partitions have been set up to create private spaces. Present are Almah, Garavel, Father Zantus, Dashki and Fixx in addition to yourselves.
As you know our mission is the liberation and resettlement of Kelmarane in the name of the Pactmasters. Our immediate goal is the destruction or neutralization of the gnoll presence and any other hostile forces.
The purpose of this meeting is for us to share what we know that is relevant to this goal and make what plans we can. Our most pressing need seems to be information gathering but let us discuss planning at the end.
Garavel. If you would please.
Thank you Mistress.
Kelmarane is one of several in the Uwaga Highlands and along the northern trade routes situated around a battle market, a huge arcade that once attracted merchants, gladiators, actors and musicians, from throughout Katapesh and Osirion. Given the town's proximity to Pale Mountain and the gnoll tribes there, defence was key and the town was essentially build in and around a fortified hill, with the battle market at the very top.
Then, about 20 years ago the town fell and the Pactmasters abandoned it to ruin. Rumors of plagues and evil curses abound, but in truth no one really seems to know what happened.
What we do know is about 3 years ago, the Kuldis gnoll tribe claimed Kelmarane as its own.
Available estimates put their numbers at between 50 and 60 fighting males although we can expect a great deal of their strength to be elsewhere, hunting or raiding. I think it is reasonable to expect that the bulk of their force will be quartered at the battle market. There are no reported sightings of their females or young. We don't know if they reside in the town or elsewhere.
I fear time may be our greatest enemy. With their likely strength, a direct assault on the battle market seems suicidal. However, once the Kuldis realise they are under attack they will no doubt seek reinforcements while we are limited to what we have. We can work in the coming days on the defences here but if we end up besieged by a superior force.. well... . The room falls silent at the sobering thought.
Almah turns to Father Zantus.
Yes thank you… Ahem. He shuffles up papers and adjusts his glasses. I carried out an extensive search of the Pactmaster's libraries but the available information on Kelmarane is quite limited I'm afraid. I did manage to find a map though. This is about twenty five years old but should still provide the basic typography around the town.
I found more out about the Kuldis tribe. They came from the north originally and culturally they're really quite distinct from the other Brazen Peaks tribes. For one, they worship Lamashtu rather than Rovagug. Local tribes consider them heretics which is ironic if you think about it…. um where was I? Oh Yes. Lamashtu. We can expect shaman I suppose, they can be both male and female. Any yes, hyenas of course. And that's it really until we learn more.
Of course my healing talents are at everyone's disposal. I can make healing extracts for expeditions into the town although I suppose I should keep some for trouble here as well. I have also potions but my supply is limited I'm afraid. We really must try and limit those to emergencies. In terms of mundane medical supplies and herbs we are well stocked.
Then it is Dashki's turn to speak.
The greasy haired hunter seems quite nervous speaking before Almah and there is little sign of his previous bravado. You can't help but notice him glaring at Grall throughout the meeting and it is clear he is very resentful of the gnoll's presence.
..Um yeah.. You basically have it right. The Kuldis are a strong tribe. Nothing like the Carrion Kings own tribe or those around Pale Mountain but still strong. They must have a strong leader to keep them together, maybe a flind or something.
Um. They never fight alone and they prefer to fight when they outnumber their opponent. Yeah. They'll fight one on one when they think they can get away with it targeting the weak foes. If things go badly they'll often gang up against the strong ones and take 'em out to try and make the other side run.
Gnolls are lazy. If we're lucky it will take em a while to check this place out. If they take anyone alive they'll either eat them straight away or maybe keep them as a slave. Sometimes the first is better I think.
Yeah well that's all I've got for now. I should keep a watch up top of the chapel, should see the town pretty good from there. Can't fight at all with me leg you know. He says the last defensively and looks apologetically at Almah.
Last, Almah looks to the group.
Do any of you have anything to add? Grall your own knowledge of your people would be welcome.
What are your recommendations in terms of how we should proceed?
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When Khalid mentions seeing something, Grall reaches for his weapon and looks around, What is it Masterrr Khalid, what did you see?
Linah looks up from behind the altar. "No, i did not see anything. What was it that you saw?"
Seeing the gnoll reach for his weapon... "No Grall, it was nothing like that, no need for weapons."
"It was quite fascinating. I had a vision, well really more than a vision it had sounds and smells too, but a vision of what this temple was like in all of its past glory, including the monks that once lived here. The vision struck me as I was working on the orange and red starburst over there." he says, gesturing toward the icon in question.
Grall looks to Garavel and he nods his head before speaking, you get the feeling they may have already had this conversation as easily as it comes out for Grall...
Dashki is corrrect in many of his obserrrvations of my kind. Most likely though if they have established theirrr tribe in this rrruined city they will want morrre slaves than food so we can expect to find as many slaves as they can capturrre.
There will be a leaderrr, a strrrong one to hold them herrre. We must find out who this is. How we do this is not forrr me to decide but the most obvious way I see is to capturrre one of their patrrrols orrr scouts and get whateverrr inforrrmation we can out of them. We could then use the scouts clothes and weapons to drrress me as one of them to scout out the town and what forrrces arrre in the town.
No one thought to ask Sajan about fighting Gnolls... the Vudrani thought to himself sadly. He decided to speak up anyway-
Sajan has fought Gnolls before. We must harry them, sting like a relentless bee where they are soft. We cannot match them in open battle, with their numbers. We must make them fear the night, fear leaving their town.
Sajan pauses to take in what he heard.
Scouting the town is wise. Sajan volunteers.
In terms of mundane medical supplies and herbs we are well stocked.[/b]
Arjun stays quiet during the discussion, having little tactical or military expertise. He half-listens, mostly absorbed in examining the arcane construction documents he found in the basement. He perks up at the mention of Grall scouting Kelmarane. "I don't doubt your superior knowledge in this area, honorable beastman, but is there not a chance that you will be pressed into service? Although you may be able to successfully infiltrate the town, would leaving again be as easily accomplished? Please educate my ignorance."
Linah listens to the conversation with great interest. "I agree that we should scout the town to learn more about what we face.", the young cleric starts. After a moment of thought she continues. "I am however not a skilled scout. My armor both hinders and loudens my movement, i am afraid. Perhaps you have some lighter armor and maybe a shield i could borrow, lady Almah?"[/b]
"I am also concerned of Grall's safety if we are to try and infiltrate him with the Kuldis pack." She turns to Grall. "If we where to capture a scout patrol, will they not be missed by the rest of the tribe? And how close knit are a gnoll band? Will you be able to blend in or will they recognize you as an outsider?"
Finally she turns back to Almah. "When we finally make an assault on Kelmarane, how many soldiers would we get to participate in the attack?"
In terms of mundane medical supplies and herbs we are well stocked.[/b]
Arjun stays quiet during the discussion, having little tactical or military expertise. He half-listens, mostly absorbed in examining the arcane construction documents he found in the basement. He perks up at the mention of Grall scouting Kelmarane. "I don't doubt your superior knowledge in this area, honorable beastman, but is there not a chance that you will be pressed into service? Although you may be able to successfully infiltrate the town, would leaving again be as easily accomplished? Please educate my ignorance."
I am surrre you arrre rrright Masterrr Arrrjun I apologize for my prrresumption. he bows his head deeply and retreats behind garavel not wanting to appear to be arguing with one of his betters.
Linah listens to the conversation with great interest. "I agree that we should scout the town to learn more about what we face.", the young cleric starts. After a moment of thought she continues. "I am however not a skilled scout. My armor both hinders and loudens my movement, i am afraid. Perhaps you have some lighter armor and maybe a shield i could borrow, lady Almah?"[/b]
"I am also concerned of Grall's safety if we are to try and infiltrate him with the Kuldis pack." She turns to Grall. "If we where to capture a scout patrol, will they not be missed by the rest of the tribe? And how close knit are a gnoll band? Will you be able to blend in or will they recognize you as an outsider?"
Finally she turns back to Almah. "When we finally make an assault on Kelmarane, how many soldiers would we get to participate in the attack?"
In response to your question Almah looks at Fixx who looks back blithely. Master Fixx has confirmed that his orders are to defend me and me only and that he and his warriors may take no part in other offensive actions. She seems frustrated at this. In relation to the deployment of the other mercanaries, Garavel and I will listen carefully to your suggestions.
Garavel himself interjects smoothly. As the lady says, but I would add that our friends, excluding one or two, are untested in battle against gnolls and I am hesitant to test them so unless the need is great. During initial scouting operations I would prefer to keep them here and working on the monastery's defenses. Later we may see how matters proceed.
"A scouting mission seems to be the decision. How soon shall we leave? First thing in the morning?"
"I think that sounds like a good idea."
Garavel himself interjects smoothly. As the lady says, but I would add that our friends, excluding one or two, are untested in battle against gnolls and I am hesitant to test them so unless the need is great. During initial scouting operations I would prefer to keep them here and working on the monastery's defenses. Later we may see how matters proceed.
"Of course, master Garavel. I was merely interested in what force we could count on in an eventual attack."
Nuveril is visibly impatient as everyone speaks their piece. "They are gnolls," she sums up irritably. "We came here to fight them, so let us do so. Their leader will be the one who is hardest to kill, and I hope it is my hammer that finds him."
Almah seems a bit taken aback at Nuveril's outburst but nods in agreement at the scouting plan.
Very well. The seven of you will scout the town while Dashki observes from atop the chapel. Garavel can you ensure the other mercenaries take shifts with Dashki I want to make sure we don't miss anything.
It has been a very tiring day and it will be that way for the forseeable future. I want you to know I appreciate very much all of your efforts. Now before we all get some sleep, I'd ask Linah if she would be so kind as to say us a prayer. We shelter here in the Goddess' fallen home, but with Her blessing we will raise it up again just as grand as before.
"I would be honored to", Linah says and begins the prayer.
Almost everyone retires early, although Grall continues to work in the chapel late into the night. Sabeen is still working her way almost feverishly through the book.
You gain a sense of great peace as you do although whether it is from the simple joy of the work or the approval of your Goddess is difficult to say.
The monastery at night is an eerie place full of shadows. Outside, the moon is nearly full, a great silver sphere in the sky. Nuveril, lying stretched on her bedroll, can hear the sounds of the local residents beginning their nightly activities, the call of the night birds, even from a distance what she fancies to be baboons issuing frustrated screams.
It is near midnight when it happens although most of you are asleep when it starts. A noise from down the hill, from Kelmarane, a series of yips as a single gnoll raises head to the moon and cries out. But then a second joins the first, a third the second and in moments the call is repeated in dozens, perhaps scores, of gnollish throats. It is loud enough to awake even the soundest of sleepers, a near continuous yelping howl. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP.
It continues for nearly a minute then subsides.
You sleep although some find it more difficult than others.
Your sleep is fitful and feverish. As you often do, you dream of Haleen.
She stands at the bottom of a dark pit, only a narrow shaft of light penetrating feebly from a hole far above. She is hooded, her head and part of her face hidden and the rest shrouded in shadow. The darkness seems to swirl and roil around her. You can feel something in it, down there with her, something cold and alien and terribly cruel. From her knees, she reaches up to the light with a hand.
Grall! Grall, please help me! I try to fight but it is too strong! Help meeee!
At the last, the opening above closes over leaving her in darkness.
Your sleep is difficult, your body doing its best to fight off the invasion of the slime disease, and when the dreams come they are fitful and feverish.
You find yourself floating in the air above an immense marble pagoda perched atop a white sandy beach. The sky is very blue and the sun shines so brightly it hurts even to glimpse. Seated around the outside of the pagoda are dozens of creatures. Some are part human, part animal: you see an elephant with human legs, a human with the lower body of a great turtle and other even stranger combinations. Others are purely animal but of immense size and noble bearing.
They appear to be having some discussion or argument speaking in Vudrani.
Standing in the middle of the pagoda a great white tiger addresses the rest. Do any here deny me the right to teach him?
The turtle-man answers, You have no right to teach, only the right to ask. As you well know in this a mortal's will is inviolate. The other creatures nod vigorously in agreement. And if you ask then the other may do so as well. That also is the law. More agreement.
The tiger considers for a moment and then growls but finally nods in assent. So be it. He can choose.
You feel yourself being plucked away as if by a great force and the dream fades into another.
You sleep but it is difficult sleep, full of fitful dreams of alien people and places. The most beautiful woman you have ever seen with perfect, dusky skin and a whirlwind for legs. Dread creatures of fire and shadow. A palace made of golden light and air. Thoughts and memories that you know are not your own swirl through your mind. But somehow they meld and blend with your own and it becomes difficult to tell the difference. At some fundamental level you are changing but you feel no fear. You fall deeper into dream and you remember...
As your warriors ready themselves for battle you cannot help but check your own weapon. As always Tempest feels good at your side. Ready, eager. Below you the valley stretches for a mile or so but here at the place you have chosen it is narrow. Narrow enough to give you a chance, the Gods willing, if only a slim one. They call you the Great General. Well any general knows there is a time for planning and a time where the planning is done and you just have to roll the dice and see how they fall.
Maric approaches. Lean and tall with glowing eyes he goes to one knee. My General. We stand ready to carry out your will.
Below the first of the enemy are just coming into sight, crimson skinned giants, smoke rising in curls from their black armour. They are flying low as you hoped, wary of your mistress’s storms. Fewer in number than your own force but then you would still be uneasy with two to their one. Their leader comes into view. Near fourteen feet tall, he is huge and terrible. But you are long past fear, even without your brothers to stand at your side. Let him feel the cold of Tempest's bite.
It is time. Your warriors already know what to do and one by one and in groups they activate their invisibility and fade from sight. You can still feel them though. You can sense that their heads are still turned to you and you give them the words they need to hear.
My fellows, my friends. Many times we have fought side by side and you have never failed me. I will not lie. We face our greatest test. But although our enemies may be strong, so is our mutual purpose. We are foresworn by our lives to preserve all that is good in this universe. That is the source of our courage and our strength. Our enemies live simply to burn and kill and despoil. They are hollow and empty and that is their weakness. By our will and the blessing of our Gods I say to you that WE WILL PREVAIL. FOR HONOUR. FOR NEFESHTI! Oh Gods you would give everything just to see her one last time.
TO BATTLE! You trigger your own invisibility and fly toward your destiny.
The dream fades.
Its dawn, 2nd day of Gozren, 4708.
Day 2 of the Invasion of Kelmarane
Fort Save
What a wondrous dream... Sajan thought to himself.
Perhaps the tiger was an aspect of Gruhastha?
Almost everyone retires early, although Grall continues to work in the chapel late into the night. Sabeen is still working her way almost feverishly through the book.
It is near midnight when it happens although most of you are asleep when it starts. A noise from down the hill, from Kelmarane, a series of yips as a single gnoll raises head to the moon and cries out. But then a second joins the first, a third the second and in moments the call is repeated in dozens, perhaps scores, of gnollish throats. It is loud enough to awake even the soundest of sleepers, a near continuous yelping howl. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. YIP. It continues for nearly a minute then subsides.
Grall is almost asleep when the howling starts. He briefly feels the call of his people to howl back to them before his resolve kicks in. He knows these are the creatures of Lamashtu. He has trained with and fought his kind many times and knows their nature. Tomorrow he will kill his kind if necessary. This is the path to redemption and what he seeks above all else...
You feel it is a fairly close thing but your body manages to fight of the slime disease and you feel no further ill effects.
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Khalid awakens early, just before dawn, equal parts fascinated and disturbed by his dream and the driving desire to see why he is compelled to dig in the middle of the courtyard.
Giving into his compulsion, Khalid makes his way to the courtyard and begins to dig in hopes of finding some sort of a clue as to why he has been having these dreams and visions since arriving at the temple.
"I've had the strangest dream last night, first was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen with perfect, dusky skin and a whirlwind for legs. Followed by dread creatures of fire and shadow. A palace made of golden light and air. Thoughts and memories that I know are not my own have swirled through your mind. But somehow they have melded and blended with my own. I must confess, it is becoming quite difficult to tell the difference between the two anymore."
As your warriors ready themselves for battle you cannot help but check your own weapon. As always Tempest feels good at your side. Ready, eager. Below you the valley stretches for a mile or so but here at the place you have chosen it is narrow. Narrow enough to give you a chance, the Gods willing, if only a slim one. They call you the Great General. Well any general knows there is a time for planning and a time where the planning is done and you just have to roll the dice and see how they fall.
Maric approaches. Lean and tall with glowing eyes he goes to one knee. My General. We stand ready to carry out your will.
Below the first of the enemy are just coming into sight, crimson skinned giants, smoke rising in curls from their black armour. They are flying low as you hoped, wary of your mistress’s storms. Fewer in number than your own force but then you would still be uneasy with two to their one. Their leader comes into view. Near fourteen feet tall, he is huge and terrible. But you are long past fear, even without your brothers to stand at your side. Let him feel the cold of Tempest's bite.
It is time. Your warriors already know what to do and one by one and in groups they activate their invisibility and fade from sight. You can still feel them though. You can sense that their heads are still turned to you and you give them the words they need to hear.
My fellows, my friends. Many times we have fought side by side and you have never failed me. I will not lie. We face our greatest test. But although our enemies may be strong, so is our mutual purpose. We are foresworn by our lives to preserve all that is good in this universe. That is the source of our courage and our strength. Our enemies live simply to burn and kill and despoil. They are hollow and empty and that is their weakness. By our will and the blessing of our Gods I say to you that WE WILL PREVAIL. FOR HONOUR. FOR NEFESHTI! Oh Gods you would give everything just to see her one last time.
TO BATTLE! You trigger your own invisibility and fly toward your destiny.
The dream fades.
The gods often talk to us through our dreams, Kha-lid. Gruhastha sent me a dream last night as well, although I have yet to discern its meaning. Do not fear the dream- embrace it.
Everyone sees Khalid make his way to the courtyard, stopping only to retrieve a shovel from the supplies. He digs in the very centre of the courtyard not too far from where Sajan found the eggs.
After about 20 minutes of hard toil, and about 2 feet down, the shovel hits something with a metallic clang. A bit more clearing away reveals a long and thin metal coffer. As impossible as it seems the coffer is covered in a thin layer of frost
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Khalid clears the remaining dirt around the coffer and lifts the frosty coffer from its resting place. The inquistor remembers a comment from his dream as he does so..."Let him feel the cold of Tempest's bite."
"Perhaps there are some answers to be found" he says to himself, as he attempts to open the coffer.