While Oxvard is attending Linah's impromptu service, Felliped examines the items taken from the Emissary.
Later she takes them to Khalid.
I've had a look at these. As we thought the morningstar must have been enchanted with a spell, its not magical although of fine make. The shield has a minor protective enchantment. The cloak is interesting, it enhances the wearers powers of persuasion both peaceful and not. Of course anyone seeing the vestments of the Rough Beast might just run screaming before you get the chance to open your mouth. The potion provides healing. Good think he never got a chance to use it, hey?
The substances in these spearheads I can't identify. Maybe this Father Zantus can if he can pull himself together.
Grall smiles at Sajan as he leaves, he is used to this type of treatment and thinks little of it. A least he didn't have to put up with a beating for stepping beyond his station.
No matter what the big man says or does tomorrow he will do what needs to be done to get back the one he seeks...
Greetings, friends. My name is Zeladiel and I have news for Almah from our master Rayhan. She wishes to see me at once.
Zeladiel approaches slowly and stops close enough to the guards that they can see him and shoot him at their leisure, and far enough away that he cannot engage them in melee. Guards feel safest when they're in control, and Zeladiel makes himself feel very unsafe but realises the irony and smiles gently.
|
While Oxvard is attending Linah's impromptu service, Felliped examines the items taken from the Emissary.
Later she takes them to Khalid.
I've had a look at these. As we thought the morningstar must have been enchanted with a spell, its not magical although of fine make. The shield has a minor protective enchantment. The cloak is interesting, it enhances the wearers powers of persuasion both peaceful and not. Of course anyone seeing the vestments of the Rough Beast might just run screaming before you get the chance to open your mouth. The potion provides healing. Good think he never got a chance to use it, hey?
The substances in these spearheads I can't identify. Maybe this Father Zantus can if he can pull himself together.
"Thank you, Felliped. It appears a few of these items may be of use to us in the morning, the potion and the scroll in particular. Linah may be able to make use of the shield."
While conversing with the gnome, Khalid studies her soul...
"I suspect the substance in the spearheads is a poison of some sort, unless Zantus has a use for it, I would just as soon be rid of it."
"Felliped, do you intend to return to Kelmarane with us, or will you be following Almah to Sultan's Claw?"
Oxards first words makes Linah mind reel with horrific images of Arjun in gnoll captivity. It is with great effort she manages not to break. The ceremony had strenghtened her. It had done good for those attending but she felt it had done twice as much for her.
Linah took Oxward by the hand and looked the chelaxian cleric in the eye. "My soul is forever entrusted to the dawnflower, so i dare not speak for your diety but i will tell you this. The gods are, even in all their might, not able to prevent every harm or right any wrong. That, my friend falls to us. We did find you in your most dire time of need. You do not have to see your diety in everything, but be sure that he sees you. I think you should resume your prayers. Within my faith to lays hope. Hope is a terrible thing to loose. Abadar is a just god and a just god welcomes back those who no more wish to stray.", she replies in her most compassionate voice.
Both guards gawp at you for a good two seconds and then their crossbows swing up. You can't quite help but note that a heavy bolt is loaded in each.
Black beard speaks first, What? How do we know this isn't some trick?
The slim Garundi woman answers him, We don't idiot. Just go get Garavel. Now!
Black beard hesitates for a second, seemingly not happy about taking orders, but then does as commanded vanishing through the hole in the wall into the monastery.
The woman holds her crossbow up, not quite pointed at you. Nice and easy. We will get Garavel out here and he can work out whether you are telling the truth. She seems to notice your ears for the first time and starts.
While Linah tends to the faithful and recently converted in the chapel the rest of you make your preparations for tomorrow.
The black bearded Brotis, who is still meant to be on guard with Elia, comes jogging down the hallway seperating the living quarters. Garavel! Theres some man outside. Real funny looking. Says he's here to see Almah from some guy Rewhyn or something.
Garavel quickly emerges from Almah's quarters. What? Come with me! The last said to anyone handy.
Those who head outside see Elia not quite holding her crossbow at a tall elf standing calmly about sixty feet away.
The typically unflappable Garavel does a double take at the sign of the stranger. Master Araxyll! What in the seven hells are you doing here?
Oxards first words makes Linah mind reel with horrific images of Arjun in gnoll captivity. It is with great effort she manages not to break. The ceremony had strenghtened her. It had done good for those attending but she felt it had done twice as much for her.
Linah took Oxward by the hand and looked the chelaxian cleric in the eye. "My soul is forever entrusted to the dawnflower, so i dare not speak for your diety but i will tell you this. The gods are, even in all their might, not able to prevent every harm or right any wrong. That, my friend falls to us. We did find you in your most dire time of need. You do not have to see your diety in everything, but be sure that he sees you. I think you should resume your prayers. Within my faith to lays hope. Hope is a terrible thing to loose. Abadar is a just god and a just god welcomes back those who no more wish to stray.", she replies in her most compassionate voice.
Diplomacy (adhoc)
Oxvard pauses to consider your words. You are wise beyond your years Linah. I will try. And I will help the others tomorrow.
There are nine hells, Garavel. Master Rayhan would disown me for such a mistake. It pleases me to see you.
Before you stands a tall and lean creature, almost human but obviously not. An elf. His eyes are a faint blue, so washed out they look almost white. Under a turban fronted with a single red stone his hair appears bleached like bones in the sun. His pale skin looks slightly pinkish and his long pointed ears complete a distinctly alien look. In spite of this, his face has an amazingly cosmopolitan look and seems neither young nor old, neither happy nor sad, neither friendly nor suspicious, and yet all of these at the same time. His words are precise and balanced and quick and smooth. His pants and cloak are of drab, functional colours which blend in with the night but closer inspection reveals them to be clean, fresh and almost crisp with no sign of travel and sweat. Slung across his back is a fine bow made of a deep, rich wood. He does not move until the guards lower their weapons. Then he goes to Garavel and warmly grasps his hand.
Rayhan has sent me to deliver the item that Almah requires. We must see her at once.
Nuveril at her camp is one of the first to know about the stranger's arrival. She grabs up her hammer and madu and goes to help defend the monastery when the guards call out. Whatever it is standing in the darkness does not look like a servant of the gnolls, although Nuveril has learned not to put all her trust in her eyes. She sidles up next to Elia, partly to let her know she will have to fight alone should the creature prove hostile. "What is it?" she asks the mercenary. "Look at those ears. Was its father a jackrabbit?"
Zeladiel turns slowly towards the halfling.
Is it custom where you come from to compare the linage of those you meet to animals? What would it mean if I said as much to you?
Perception:
Sajan looked on curiously as the exchange. His father had told him a story or two about Elves but he had never seen one in the flesh.
Grall pokes his head out to see an Elf standing there. He watches from a disance and when the Elf grasps Garavels hand he relaxes his guard. He contunes to watch and listen from a distance, but never really gets close enough to interact with the group.
Garavel would summon him if he needs him.
"You give me to much credit", Linah says softly with a smile. "Whatever wisdom i posess is bestowed on my by the Dawnflower. Now you need to rest. Tomorrow we will try to restore some of what has been lost to you."
Perception: 1d20+2
"Thank you, Felliped. It appears a few of these items may be of use to us in the morning, the potion and the scroll in particular. Linah may be able to make use of the shield."
While conversing with the gnome, Khalid studies her soul...
"I suspect the substance in the spearheads is a poison of some sort, unless Zantus has a use for it, I would just as soon be rid of it."
"Felliped, do you intend to return to Kelmarane with us, or will you be following Almah to Sultan's Claw?"
You scan the gnome, concentrating your divine power. As you half suspected you don't detect anything significant from your brief look at her soul. Shes either not powerful enough to generate a significant enough aura for you to read or shes neutral.
Poison? Maybe I guess. Although it seems to me that one of the gnolls injected the big scary thing with one of them. He was throwing away the spear pole.
I'll fight. Those bastards killed my friends. I'd like to stay with Oxvard though if he decides to go along. Make sure he stays out of trouble. Also frankly I don't trust the halfling. Savage woman. She'd as soon as stave the back of my head in than look at me. Don't try and deny it.
There are nine hells, Garavel. Master Rayhan would disown me for such a mistake. It pleases me to see you.
Before you stands a tall and lean creature, almost human but obviously not. An elf. His eyes are a faint blue, so washed out they look almost white. Under a turban fronted with a single red stone his hair appears bleached like bones in the sun. His pale skin looks slightly pinkish and his long pointed ears complete a distinctly alien look. In spite of this, his face has an amazingly cosmopolitan look and seems neither young nor old, neither happy nor sad, neither friendly nor suspicious, and yet all of these at the same time. His words are precise and balanced and quick and smooth. His pants and cloak are of drab, functional colours which blend in with the night but closer inspection reveals them to be clean, fresh and almost crisp with no sign of travel and sweat. Slung across his back is a fine bow made of a deep, rich wood. He does not move until the guards lower their weapons. Then he goes to Garavel and warmly grasps his hand.
Rayhan has sent me to deliver the item that Almah requires. We must see her at once.
Rayhan? What in the world....? Very well. Elia please put up that crossbow.
Everyone. Master Araxyll is an ally. We will get to introductions later after he has spoken to Mistress Almah.
He ushers everyone inside.
The group moves inside to the nave, Elia and Brotis returning to their watch.
You meet Almah hurrying the other way from her quarters.
Zeladiel! Rayhan must have sent you. By teleport? Do you have the .... She pauses for several seconds and then you see the blood draining from her face as if a very unpleasant light bulb has gone off in her head.
Oh Gods! I've been such a fool.
She gathers herself. Well nothing can be done now but proceed as planned. Zeladiel come with me. Garavel continue the preparations. We must be ready tomorrow!
She vanishes with Zeladiel into her quarters.
Garavel turns to the rest of you. I'm sorry I have no idea what this is about. The idea that Almah may have been holding something back from him does not seem to sit well.
This is good news though. The elf is a combat mage, practised in using his art in battle. Assuming he is willing to fight, and rumour has it that he has his own grudge against gnolls, he would make a useful addition to your assault.
Nuveril snorts dismissively. "Another spell-thrower! This country drips of them."
Almah leads you into her quarters. A former library by the look. Rugs and cushions have been placed around to provide some comfort although the place is full of servants in a whirlwind of activity, apparently packing everything for departure.
Everyone out! Now
Obviously not used to being commanded in such a fashion, the servants hop to obey.
When they are gone she turns to you. Please forgive me. My courtesies are severely lacking. You have the item?
You nod, producing the box.
She takes it carefully as if holding a dangerous snake.
Thank you. Now I have to work out what best to do with it.
Zeladiel. We have known each other for some time. I must ask for your help. Tomorrow we face the Kulldis and its leaders in battle. My mercenaries have achieved great success but Arjun has been taken. The bastards cut off his hand! At the last her cool facade seems to crack.
Will you help? I will offer you the same deal as the others, 200gp to clear the town. I don't mean that as an insult. I simply offer it to you as a professional.
Rayhan has the right of it and you do as well. I can only hope the pactmasters keep their long noses out of it. We are far from their seat of power if not their reach. And while their true motives are unfathomable their principal care as always is trade. If we falter I have no doubt some may pull me down. The plan was not to falter.
The key is something to be used if Kelmarane is to be truly free. Nevertheless I've underestimated the danger. Badly. But the immediate objective remains, defeat the Kulldis and their leader this Kardswann.
Thank you for your help. I will not forget it I promise.
Linah offers a short prayer to Sarenrae after she finishes putting things in order after the cermony. As she exits the chapel the cleric looks renewed. Her tired eyes has reverted into their original gleam and her steps seem reinvigorated. She sees the rest of the group and notices from Nuveril's look that something is different.
"Has something happened?" she asks in a worried tone.
"Another new 'friend,'" she growls back to Linah, "with ears like a jackrabbit. He was sent straight in to Almah so he must bear important news."
Linah regrets asking Nuveril almost immediatly after the question left her lips. She had great respect for the halfling warrior and Nuveril was noble in her own way but it had become apperent a some time ago that the two did not see the world in the same way. Linah turns to Khalid for clarification. "A new arrival? Did he say his name or why he has travelled here?"
|
|
Linah regrets asking Nuveril and turns to Khalid for clarification. "A new arrival? Did he say his name or why he has travelled here?"
"I didn't hear everything that was going on, but I believe Garavel called the elf Master Araxyll, and said he was an ally. Araxyll supposedly was sent here to bring something of some importance to Lady Almah. Other than that I know nothing about him."
Linah spirit bolts with excitement. An elf was a rare thing indeed. She had only heard them mentioned in stories but she was yet to see one herself. "I hope that fortune favors us and that he is not a bringer of bad news", she says with softly with all worry washed clean from her voice.
The elven newcomer meets with Almah for about an hour but by then most of those who will be fighting tomorrow have found their beds. The servants and herders on the other hand continue to toil through the night in order to have the wagons ready to move by dawn.
At midnight the gnolls of the Kulldis tribe cry out their nightly call. It is lounder than ever before. As if every remaining gnoll is shouting out its anger and lust for your blood. One way or another you will not have to hear it again. Gods willing the victory will be yours.
You sleep and for most a well deserved dream free rest.
You descend again into waking dream and find yourself before the mountain.
Although the grass is as green and the air as crisp, the mountain does not seem so high this time. Your eyes can pick out the snow covered top from within swirling white clouds.
Tiger stretches lazily at your feet as you commence the first of a complex kata that he has taught you. Your body moves easily and surely, leaving your mind free to focus. You can feel your ki flowing through every part of your body like quicksilver.
Tiger says nothing of your visitation with Monkey but you can sense he is pleased with you.
Now strike the mountain, Sajan. Your hand moves without conscious thought, your right fist streaking forward like a vipers strike into the base of the mountain. The moment before impact you focus every erg of ki into your hand.
The blow is titanic. In your mind you feel as if continents are colliding. The entire mountain shakes under the power of the blow, enormous cracks ripping through its side, great pieces falling from its heights.
You turn to Tiger and he is smiling.
I am very proud student. You have taken your first steps on the long road that is your destiny. You have assumed a heavy burden. The lives of your comrades flicker like fireflies in a strong wind. But without you they will die. And without all of you this world will suffer a catastrophe that it has not seen in millenia. The Legacy of Fire.
Others will come. To challenge you. Use that to strengthen yourself for the trials ahead. If you survive.
Know that in what will seem to be your darkest moment, there will be hope. Know that you will face an enemy twice and must fight him once and flee from him once. To choose wrong either time is to die.
I will come to you again. Before the end.
Morning dawns and you wake afreshed. The camp is a whirlwind of activity, servants finishing the last of the preparations, soldiers sharpening their swords and preparing their armour. The herders rush here and there making sure everyone has something to eat.
Linah has barely cleared her pallet before a joyous Oxvard rushes into your quarters, nearly bowling over Khalid. I am saved Linah! Abadar has answered my prayers. I will journey with the soldiers today and try and keep them save from harm but first let me finish healing your friends. You will need all of your own power today.
Oxvard is just finishing healing Nuveril, telling the halfling to Walk the Lawgivers Joyous Path when Garavel enters your quarters with the elf.
Proper introductions are in order. This is Zeladiel Araxyll a mage formerly in the service of Rayhan Xobhadi, master mage of Katapesh and a friend and sponsor of Almahs.
Garavel then introduces the group in turn with the exception of Grall.
At Almah's request, Master Araxyll has agreed to assist us with the attack. Further to our discussions Khallid I suggest that he accompany your group. His magic should help cut through the gnoll's defenses while the gnome assists my distraction with her illusions.
Are there any objec...
Garavel's question is cut off by the sight of Almah coming out of her quarters trailed by four very glum looking pactmaster guards.
She has exchanged her silks for studded leather armour and a finely crafted scimitar is thrust through her belt.
Garavel looks at her in shock. Mistress! You cannot mean to fight! The danger! I thought you were going with the wagons!
She replies cooly although with some sympathy. I never said that Garavel. I said the non-combatants would go with the wagons. I never said I would. I would be Mayoress of this town. How can I run away while others who take my gold do the fighting and the dying? How could I leave Arjun? I won't.
Besides, she says with a smile, Fixx and his men are sworn to defend me. And If I go into battle against the gnolls the only way to defend me is to fight as well. Four more men Garavel. That may prove the difference.
Fixx looks resigned to his fate. As you say Lady.
Garavel appears lost for words.
Nuveril is eyeing Oxvard suspiciously at his talk about joyous lawgivers but breaks into an appreciative guffaw at Almah's ready appearance and Garavel's concern. "Well done, Lady," she tells her with a grin, going briefly down on one knee and touching her head and chest with two fingers. "I wondered if you did anything but sit around and look pretty."
Almah chuckles at Nuveril's compliment.
She draws her scimitar with a sweeping move and takes up a credible fighting stance.
Ah Nuveril I can fight and still look pretty!
Well. Close those gaping mouths gentlemen. We have a battle to win!
|
|
At Almah's request, Master Araxyll has agreed to assist us with the attack. Further to our discussions Khallid I suggest that he accompany your group. His magic should help cut through the gnoll's defenses while the gnome assists my distraction with her illusions.
Are there any objec...
After Almah makes her grand entrance, Khalid responds...
"Given some of the hostilities between Felliped and another member of our group," he says, casting a glance in Nuveril's direction, "I think your proposed plan is reasonable."
Turning to Zeladiel...
"Welcome, but know that by traveling with us, you go into harm's way. Our objective is not a simple one."
"Of course it's a simple one," Nuveril contradicts. "We go to kill gnolls, Elf, as many as possible, or be killed ourselves. Are you in?"
Zeladiel smiles grimly at Almah, then turns to Khalid and the others and bows.
"Greetings. Nothing is simple when the pactmasters are involved, but I am at your service. I am an effective marksman but can also deal with groups. Beyond killing our enemies my versatility is lessened but I have other spells you may find useful. I can list these if you wish. If you inform me of your strengths and needs I will meet them where I can."
"What I need is for you to keep your magics away from me and on the gnolls where they belong," Nuveril answers sharply. "Some spell-throwers around here have difficulty deciding who their enemy is," she goes on in a grumble.
Anything you can do to make make me stronger would be helpful master Zeladiel. The creature we fight can fly so anything you can do to counter that may also be helpful.
Zeladiel turns to the halfling.
"I would no sooner turn my magic on you than you would turn your weapon on me. I regret that previous casters have trouble picking their enemies and if I find myself uncertain I shall elicit your advice. I trust you will not judge me based on them, just as I shall not judge you based on others of your kind or..."
His voice fades away as Grall approaches.
In response to Grall's question, however, Zeladiel's professional manner returns.
"I have the ability to enlarge an ally. With some study I could aid more of you. My arrows and spells can reach flyers, but I can only rarely levitate."
Anything you can do to make make me stronger would be helpful master Zeladiel. The creature we fight can fly so anything you can do to counter that may also be helpful.
Welcome, Zeladiel. Sajan says, sticking out a huge hand to shake.
Zeladiel looks up at the towering human and down at the hand presented to him. He pauses only a second, then raises his slim slender hand and firmly clasps that of the giant.
"Thank you, Sajan. I shall earn that welcome."
Zeladiel looks from up at Sajan to down at Nuveril and then warily across at Grall. "What a strange group," he thinks to himself. "A giant, a halfling and a gnoll. And..., " Zeladiel smiles to himself, "... and now an elf. Maybe I will fit in after all. If I live."
Zeladiel turns to the halfling.
"I would no sooner turn my magic on you than you would turn your weapon on me."
"Hmph," Nuveril comments. Her narrowed eyes and appraising glance before she turns away to continue her preparations are a little discomfiting.
Grall will proceed to the chapel and find a place away from anyone else to whisper some prayers to Saranrae just before we leave...