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Your heads throb with thunderous headaches. Your ears ring. The air feels thick in your throats.
Echoes of clattering rocks, coughing, and moans of pain reach your ears. The scent of dust is thick in the air. The area is completely dark.
Altruis Heavensward ignites a fiery halo above his head. Vendric will light a torch.
As our heroes get their bearings, their recent memories return:
Armasse officially began at noon, with the blessing of the festival by Lord Hulrun himself, ruler of Kenabres. The crowd gathered in Clydwell Plaza quieted as the aged inquisitor took the stage, clad in shining, resplendent armor. He cleared his throat, but just as he was about to speak, a bright light shone from the west, as if the sun were rising from the wrong direction. Hulrun’s shadow fell huge and distorted across the cathedral’s facade. A moment later, the sound of a thunderous explosion ripped through the air and earth, along with a violent tremor.
To the west, the fortress known as the Kite—the location of Kenabres’s wardstone—had vanished. In its place, a brilliant plume of red fire, lightning, and smoke erupted into the heavens.
A moment later, a powerful roar accompanied a welcome sight rising from the crowd—Kenabres’s greatest guardian, the ancient silver dragon Terendelev, who had until that moment been attending the opening ceremony disguised as a human. Above, another form appeared, as nightmarish as the dragon was breathtaking. A humanoid shape three times the size of any man, with skin coated in fire and lightning, gripped a flaming sword and whip. The creature’s identity was immediately obvious: Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of the Worldwound, had come to Kenabres!
As the ground continued to shake and disgorge demons into the streets, the dragon and the balor lord clashed above. The fight was over in a few harrowing moments, as the balor cut deep into Terendelev’s body, swooping down to strike the dragon and arresting her charge. A few more blows, and the titanic duo spiraled downward toward the crowd.
The sight of the dragon smashing into the facade of the Cathedral of St. Clydwell is one no witness would ever forget. At that moment, a titanic demon erupted at the far end of the plaza, reducing several buildings to ruins as it smashed into this world. The rift it created shot across the plaza, and this time there was no escape—it opened below your feet, angling away into darkness.
Even as you fell, the dragon noticed your plight. Though she saw death standing over her, she seized this final chance to save a few more souls. After she uttered a few arcane words and stretched out a bleeding talon, you felt her magic take hold of you, slowing your plummet into the darkness as if you were feathers falling into a pit. Yet the fall remained as inexorable, and as you drifted downward into the depths, the last thing you saw was the Storm King standing before the ancient silver dragon, his sword lashing out and cleaving full through her neck. As her severed head fell, the rift above you slammed shut, and the light of the world above was gone.
Altruis Heavensward: "Is everyone alright?"
Nightwolf: "Thank you to whomever is responsible for that light."
Vendric rubs his head. "I suppose it is a bit much to hope all of that was just a horrible dream?"
Zullion groans as he slowly gets up from where he fell. His head still spinning. He groans out a muffled, "I think so"
Nightwolf: Yes, I am uninjured.
Tomas Castonello: "Agh! The wardstone! We're not safe here!"
Aravashnial: "My eyes hurt.... and my light spell doesn't appear to be working. if something's suppressing magic in this area we may be in serious trouble."
Tomas Castonello: "No... no, I must have light! My spellbook may be damaged!"
Zullion takes account of any and all his current belongings
Altruis Heavensward: "Umm, the light is working just fine. My halo has manifested properly."
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Tomas Castonello fumbles around for his spell component pouch and attempts to create a Dancing Light.
Horgus Gwerm: "What's this? I didn't ask to be woken this morning..."
Vendric: "The light seems to work fine for me." He looks at the elf.
Aravashnial: "What are you talking about?... it's completely dark." An edge of panic starts to creep into the eyeless elf's face
Tomas Castonello: "Oh... you're right. But that's the least of our troubles."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I might be able to help... I can heal, some."
Tomas Castonello: "Another? Wait, how many are here now?"
Sarathel Tirabade gets slowly up, half-dragging a leg that will not bend as she limps over.
Nightwolf: I count 8 of us including you
Tomas Castonello: "Wait, you're hurt! Don't move too much!"
Zullion: "We can't stay here" he looks up, shock in his eyes still as if the happenings have not yet fully sunk in
Sarathel Tirabade shakes her head. "Been that way for years. My sister and I tumbled down a well.... we were both hurt... I prayed
for some way to help... I could heal her, but not myself."
Vendric: "Your light does indeed work. But i'm afraid that isn't your problem. I'm not sure how to tell you this gently but your eyes have been damaged quite severely."
Zullion: "I shall scout ahead" he starts to move to one of the passage ways
Aravashnial deliberately closes his eyelids over the empty sockets. "No.... no.... this can't be happening."
Nightwolf nocks an arrow.
Zullion's shield and weapon are out in case they were not alone with just allies
Nightwolf "Let us find a way out of this place"
Tomas Castonello regards Horgus Gwerm. "And what about you, sir? Are you able to walk?"
Horgus Gwerm stretches and slowly stands. "I am in perfect health, good sir. And I will pay a thousand gold for a safe escort back to my home."
Nightwolf "You sir, with the damaged eyes. What is your name?"
Zullion: "Barter later, move now" he barks out in frustration
Aravashnial: "Did anything useful land down here with us? We should make a thorough search of the immediate area before groping... blindly... in the deep... dark... caves..."
Altruis Heavensward: "Material compensation is not needed, sir. I would just happily see you home safely, all of you."
Something glitters faintly to the Southwest. Vendric moves to investigate. A few silver scales reflect the light from the rubble. Vendric approaches them.
Tomas Castonello: "Don't you worry, then. My name is Tomas, and I specialize in aids for the impaired and disenfranchised. You can rest assured neither cliff nor pitfall nor dead of night will stop you from your intended destination!"
Aravashnial reaches up. "Would you lend me an arm, young man? I am not accustomed to.... this."
Tomas Castonello walks over to the elf. "If your sight is impaired, I'll need you to stay close by. Perhaps we'll be best suited staying in formation as we find the quickest way topside."
Tomas Castonello puts a hand on the elf's shoulder
Sarathel Tirabade touches the elf's forehead. "Here... I can at least tend those burns."
As Zullion approaches 2 giant maggots pop out of the spider.
Zullion: "Gah! Watch out!" he shouts out in warning.
Aravashnial: "Thank you, miss." The elf hauls himself up on Tomas's arm.
Nightwolf shoots at the farther maggot. His arrow hits its center mass.
Aravashnial: "What's happening?"
Zullion: "Large maggots!" he calls back
Nightwolf "Stay where you are sir. We shall deal with the danger!"
Tomas Castonello: "Alright, so from what I can see, this gentleman with the shiny armor is picking a fight with a corpse... and there's this other fellow with a bright wreathe on his head. And we're off in the corner here, but I should probably assist with the investigation."
Tomas Castonello grabs Aravashnial's hand and bids the others follow him, moving slowly toward the maggot-infested corpse south. Aravashnial lets himself be towed along by the kindly young caster. Once he closes to within 30 ft, Tomas throws a Telekinetic Fist at the nearer maggot. It misses.
Aravashnial: "Corpse? There's someone down here who... didn't make it?"
Tomas Castonello: "Um, it looks like a... a dead spider thing."
Altruis Heavensward charges forward, drawing his longsword and swinging at the injured giant maggot, and slicing it into quite still halves.
Tomas Castonello sends a small rush of air toward the maggot, which swipes over it and whizzes toward the ceiling.
Zullion: Seeing that Altruis has taken care of the one of the wriggling masses, he takes a swing with his scimitar at the other. His aim is true, and the vermin falls dead.
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For strangers who wander here, our cast:
Altruis Heavensward (m aasimar paladin [Chosen One])
Nightwolf (m Shoanti slayer of Desna)
Tomas Castonello (m human transmuter)
Vendric (m half-elf alchemist)
Zullion (m Keleshite cavalier of the lion [beast rider, gallant, gendarme])
Vendric examines the scales. As Vendric touches them, knowledge flows into his mind.
Altruis Heavensward studies the maggots but does not succeed in determining their edibility.
Zullion: "Anything else that popped up? Everyone still okay I assume?"
Tomas Castonello: "I think we're fine. I also see a tunnel leading down from where we are!"
Altruis Heavensward: "Depending on how long we're down here, we'll have to possibly eat things we don't want to."
Horgus Gwerm: "Shall we not borrow such trouble please, sir knight?"
Vendric holds up the scales as he rejoins the others. "It seems these are from Terendelev. And they contain some of her power that i think some of us could use."
Altruis Heavensward: "Knight? Oh, thank you, but i'm just a squire."
Nightwolf "Let us find our way out of here then."
Zullion: "Vendric? Scales from the great dragon?"
Horgus Gwerm: "And i am Lord Gwerm."
Vendric: "Indeed. They each contain some form of power in them. though they only seem to work when apart."
"Altruis Heavensward, Squire to Knight Velora of the Order of the Sunrise Sword."
Tomas Castonello: "Lord Gwerm, you say? It's a pleasure to be in the company of distinguished souls."
Zullion: "May I see them?"
Tomas Castonello squeezes the elf's hand. "And what should we call you, sir?"
Aravashnial: "I am Aravashnial. A wizard of some note. I have some spells memorized, but I fear they are a .... limited commodity."
Vendric hands over three of the scales as he continues examining one.
Sarathel Tirabade: "And I am Sarathel Tirabade. Normally, I'm helping the healers, but I happened to be helping set up the evening's firework display when.... the unexpected happened."
Tomas Castonello: "Aravashni... a wizard, you say? What a small world! This is perfect! We'll be outside in no time!"
Nightwolf: "Best save them."
Zullion simply stares at the scales for some time, he closes his eyes and brings them to his chest. His lips seem to move as he silently say something
Tomas Castonello waves to Vendric in earnest to pass over a scale
Aravashnial nods. "And the ones which require a line of sight will be less than helpful, I'm afraid."
Nightwolf "I am Nightwolf my bow is at your service."
Vendric attention returns to the group. "I am Vendric, Traveling alchemist and follower of Desna."
A dove lands on Altruis' shoulder and chirps "Have faith and push on." in Celestial.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey, can I see one of those? They look like they dropped off of the dragon from above."
Zullion: He opens his eyes, and looks at Thomas. He glances at the scales, then hands over two of them to him
Nightwolf "Dragons have powerful magic, obviously. We should bring the scales along. They may be of some use, to someone on the surface if nothing else."
Sarathel Tirabade limps slowly behind the party.
Vendric: "Well that is interesting. A dove that talks. In celestial even."
Horgus Gwerm hangs back near the edge of the light.
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, I met her up above some time ago, seems to think I have the makings of a paladin, imagine that."
Tomas Castonello: "A familiar, is it? That's odd. Usually one has to undergo a serious amount of arcane studies before you can bond yourself with a familiar."
Vendric stops a moment and examines the worms.
Zullion: "People, we seriously need to move. This is hardly the place or time."
Tomas Castonello: "You're right. Survivalist text says we should be looking for an updraft. That means there is a hole that escapes to the surface Usually if a holy knight happens upon a celestial creature, it's a horse or other creature suitable to bear them in battle. That they would send a bird, it's... unlikely."
Vendric: "Or perhaps the bird is more than it appears."
Altruis Heavensward climbs the waist-high ledge just past the narrows.
Nightwolf "Is there something in that alcove?"
There is a backpack resting on a ledge 14 feet above the tunnel floor. Altruis Heavensward then goes about assisting everyone else up as he makes a request of the dove in celestial. The dove flies up to investigate. The wall leading up to the ledge on which the backpack sits is quite smooth. The dove alights on the backpack and flaps in a futile attempt to drag the pack to drop into the squire's waiting arms.
Tomas Castonello casts Mage Armor as he nears the ledge.
Nightwolf "Come sir, I shall assist your leg with this ledge if you desire."
Zullion: "I shall take point" he says as he moves farther down the tunnel.
Nightwolf "I have a rope if we need it to scale that ledge"
Tomas Castonello: "You go ahead and do that. I'll stay below and spot you."
Vendric: "Well the pack is what we want right? If we can get that down there is no need to climb up."
Altruis Heavensward: "Just pass the rope over to the dove and she'll help us get it down."
However, the pack does give off a glass-like tinkling when the bird pushes on it.
The dove attempts to peck open the backpack and get out the lighter materials. Vendric tries to climb up to the pack and bird but fails to find any handholds. His feet stay firmly on the ground.
Tomas Castonello: "I'm starting to feel like my mage hand could do a better job."
The bird manages to open the flap, but hasn't gotten anything out of it. The dove reaches a taloned foot into the bag to grab a potion and brings the contents down one by one.
Vendric: "I'm not good with things that require brute strength."
Tomas Castonello makes a small gesture with his free hand, and produces a translucent hand that floats up to assist the dove in removing items
The alchemist and mage (Vendric and Tomas) identify the potions
Tomas Castonello: "Hey, a healing potion! Our luck is changing quick!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "We're still alive... I'd say our luck's been fairly good already today."
Altruis Heavensward lets the dove land on his finger and gently pats her head. The dove coos.
Zullion: "Are we done? Let us continue, I would prefer to be out of this hole and back to more hospitable grounds"
Altruis Heavensward: "We have no idea how long we'll be down here, so we need to stock up on supplies."
Aravashnial: "The squire is quite right."
Zullion: "I did not say the bag was a waste of time, I am simply saying we need to move along as quickly as possible"
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Thomas helps the blind elf and lame half-orc up the short rise.
Tomas Castonello: "Alright. Is everybody up?"
Horgus Gwerm grumbles about squeezing through the narrow passage.
Altruis Heavensward moves northward to investigate what appears to be an old campsite "What's that?" A pair of giant cockroaches burst out of the pile! "Cockroaches!" Altruis exclaims.
Altruis Heavensward swings his blade at roach on the left, missing. The roach attempts to retaliate, mandibles catching harmlessly on his hide armor.
Vendric throws a bomb barely hitting the right roach's foot, but scorching both roaches, and the squire. Nightwolf takes a moment to study his target before letting loose an arrow, which strikes true. One of the roaches falls dead. Tomas Castonello sends another blast of wind at the grazing it, then zips behind the others and huddles for cover. Zullion moves forward, his weapon ready to strike at the creature, but it dodges out of the way. Altruis Heavensward impales the head of the cockroach with his blade.
Tomas Castonello: "Oh, be sure to save that carapace! It can be used in a variety of spells."
Zullion: "Secure the area before we move on."
They thoroughly search the camp. Tomas is taken with the amethyst-eyed bat-brooch as Altruis climbs a 5 ft. tall farther to the east.
Tomas Castonello: "Aha, a bargain piece! Doubtful we'll be able to make use of it. I can save those gems for a spell later though."
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Altruis Heavensward: "Let me help you all up, this one is a smidge taller than the last."
Tomas Castonello: Nah, I'll just put it in my component pouch for later." Tomas proceeds to climb carefully and help the others climb up as well.
The snake at the far side of the chamber rears and hisses as its lair is entered. Nightwolf takes a step and studies the snake. vefore shooting its midsection. The cave viper slithers rapidly at its attacker, but the archer dodges its strike a hair's breadth before Zullion beheads the snake. Vendric picks up the head and milks it for venom.
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Altruis Heavensward: "Let me help you all up, this one is a smidge taller than the last."
Tomas Castonello: Nah, I'll just put it in my component pouch for later." Tomas proceeds to climb carefully and help the others climb up as well.
The snake at the far side of the chamber rears and hisses as its lair is entered. Nightwolf takes a step and studies the snake. before shooting its midsection. The cave viper slithers rapidly at its attacker, but the archer dodges its strike a hair's breadth before Zullion beheads the snake. Vendric picks up the head and milks it for venom.
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Tomas Castonello lets the stragglers climb up the ledge, then engages with Aravashnial while helping him through the tunnel. They have about 25 minutes of winding narrow tunnels before reaching the next point of interest.
Tomas Castonello: "So, what sorts of magic do you study? I put a great deal of focus into Transmutation, myself."
Aravashnial: "Conjuration has always been my specialty."
Tomas Castonello: "Really? I hear that is a really powerful school. Perhaps later we could exchange notes? I could help you review my materials... given the situation."
Aravashnial: "I left my spellbook back in my quarters when I left for the celebration... but a technical discussion would be quite diverting."
Vendric: "I'd be interested in looking at them as well. Most of my extracts are based on the same arcane principles as your spells."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh, sure! I learned a lot about conjuring while I was studying under the dia... under a fellow arcane enthusiast. I have a number of hypotheses regarding the finer points of dimensional travel..."
Altruis's eyes narrow as he considers what Tomas almost said.
omas Castonello: "As for those chemical reagents of yours, the field of herbology has long interested me. Do you have a journal too?"
Aravashnial: "Dimensional travel is something to be approached delicately. When misused it can break down the barriers between the planes.... which is how Sorkoris' downfall began."
Vendric: "I do but some of my things may be a bit different than what you are used to."
Altruis Heavensward: "My understanding of magic is quite limited. I've always found myself drawn to the sword."
Tomas Castonello: "I see your point. While my understanding of planar boundaries has led me to believe it is an intuitive medium, moving around on the plane you are in becomes quickly complicated. Perhaps the two are less related than I first thought..."
Aravashnial: "It's that sort of undisciplined approach that could result in a second foothold for all our foes... or are you some of the hidden demonic agents?' he pulls away sharply.
Horgus Gwerm: "By the First Key! Those infiltrators only exist in your rattled head!"
Aravashnial: "Just because you were shown not to be one doesn't mean they don't exist."
Tomas Castonello: "Demons? I'd really rather not get involved in any more radical idealisms. That's a wormhole I would just as soon ignore."
Vendric: "You say "in any more". Does that mean you have in the past?"
Aravashnial rubs his head where he did bang against a wall in pulling sharply away.
Altruis Heavensward pings Tomas with detect evil. Tomas Castonello does not detect as evil.
Tomas Castonello: "It's been a long journey. Let's just say, some people are far too interested in being a cog in some grand mechanism. I am far above being a footnote in somebody else's story. Nobody will drive my course anymore."
Altruis Heavensward: "Well, he's not evil, as far as I can tell."
Tomas Castonello: "What's that supposed to mean?"
Vendric: "Those are interesting words. It sounds like you have quite a past."
Zullion: "I urge you once again, banter can be done when we know we are safe"
Altruis Heavensward: "The tunnel winds and i'd rather not spend it in silence."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Are you trying to get them more on edge? The man's trapped in darkness and you'd have him trapped in silence as well?"
Vendric: "Well its not like there is much else to do while we are walking. Besides this is one of the good things about traveling with others. Being able to talk to others as we go."
Tomas Castonello: "I personally think that all magic is rooted in some formative... hey, I think there's something ahead!"
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To the north they are drawn by a green glow, which washes over a single sizable 20-foot-tall building remains in the center of this 30-foot-high cave, a bunker-like structure with no windows and walls of worked stone blocks. A 10-foot-long carving of a hammer decorates the building’s facade. The ruins of collapsed outbuildings stand to either side.
Altruis and Vendric hear the steps of a man-sized insect from the building's east side. Altruis sneaks to the corner, and strikes as a man-sized fly steps into view. walking along the wall. Zellion, a step behind, follows with his own scimitar, ichor oozes from the fly's wounds, to be seared shut with the fly's death, as one of Vendric's bombs lands just behind it. It falls off the wall.
Our heroes circle the structure to find a stone door. The door does not open easily. There is no lock on it. It's just stuck.
Tomas Castonello: "This must be the realm of some dwarven miners. Of course their doors are all stone..."
The door pops open as Altruis's shoulder hits it. Within, is a small foyer. A stone bench lines the southern wall. At the far end of the room, a basin of water sits atop a stone pedestal. A stone door engraved with an image of a hammer stands to the north.
Tomas Castonello: "Finally, we have water!"
Vendric examines the water, noticing some silvery gleams from it. Altruis Heavensward checks on the next door. Tomas Castonello beckons the others forward and brings them toward the building.
Vendric: "This could come in useful later"
Zullion fills his waterskin with the water just found. The door opens easily.
Tomas Castonello: "These guys found us a place to rest. Now even if we don't find some food, we can survive for a night."
Zullion: "A place to rest. Perhaps yes, this is a good time"
Broken stone benches line this room. The air is cold and stale, and thick layers of dust cover the floor, benches, and a large altar at the far end of the room. A warhammer sits at the feet of the dust-covered dwarf.
Aravashnial: "What sort of shelter? Caves are often shelters on their own."
Nightwolf "I do not need to rest yet but if the injured do I'm happy to hold watch."
As the paladin steps close...
Zullion: "Ï shall inspect it"
Tomas Castonello: "Please, let's just stay here for a while and drink up-"
the figure rises with shriek! The paladin's blade hits the wall beside the undead.
Tomas Castonello: "The creature is sensitive to things that are magic... or silver... does anyone have silver?"
The undead takes one of Nightwolf's arrows through the neck...but it doesn't seem too inconvenienced by this. More serious is its reaction when Vendric douses it with holy water. Tomas steps in, a brilliant beam of energy leaping from his hand to strike the undead. It withers and falls.
((Thus ends the first session.))
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Nightwolf searches the remains of the fallen huecuva, which he still thinks is a zombie.
Zullion: "This may be just the safest place to rest in"
Vendric: "I know all about consecration"
Tomas: "I hope so. I was not at all prepared to be cast into a forgotten chasm. Maybe I can reevaluate after some quiet reflection."
Zullion: "We need to set up a watch while we rest, we do not wish to be caught off-guard"
Vendric: "We should make this a holy place again first. It would be better to make this once again a place to receive Torag's blessing."
Tomas: "What do you expect us to do? We're not exactly dwarven apostles. I don't know what their customs are."
Vendric: "I know the rituals we need but it will take awhile."
Zullion: "Those who need their saleep, will have to help when they wake or beefore they go to rest."
Nightwolf "How long is a while? Perhaps it would be best to get the injured back to the surface first"
Tomas Castonello: "You mean, if there's a surface to get to..."
Horgus Gwerm: "We may well be safer down here than up there at the moment, but I'm not about to spend the next 60 years eating fungus and vermin."
Vendric: "It will take around eight hours of effort. It is a time consuming task but with what is going on it may not be a bad idea to get on a god's good side. But if more help we can get it done quicker."
Zullion: "I will help with the restoration of this place, during my watch hours, if that sounds acceptable," he offers.
Nightwolf "Very well, I would prefer to keep moving but I think it best we stick together. Perhaps having a safe place to retreat too may prove useful."
Tomas Castonello: "No offense to you, old man, but I don't see a god getting us out of here. We'd have so be some kind of lucky just to find a way out."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Having the favor of the divine is never to be scoffed at, young man."
Vendric: "Old man? I don't think I'm that much older than you. Besides the more helping the less time it will take. With the four of us it should only take a couple hours."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh? By the way you carried yourself and the stick, I assumed you were an old geezer using Transmutation aids."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I would be happy to help, as I can."
Tomas Castonello: "I'm afraid I don't have access to my best cleaning spell. Best I can do is move light trinkets about."
Vendric: "You have your hands don't you? They are one of the best tools for almost any task. Cleaning happens to be one."
Tomas Castonello: "My hands are for casting, not cleaning. I can conjure you some water, if you have a bucket."
Aravashnial: "There is the basin which Zullion emptied of holy water..."
Tomas Castonello: "It's empty already? Gonna need it then. Sealed or not, I'm not going thirsty down here." Tomas Castonello stretches his arms, cracks his knuckles, and flows with the graceful motions of conjuration. In no time, the empty basin dampens, and water trickles in from all directions to fill it.
Vendric: "Well shall we start?"
Vendric begins cleaning the shrine. Altruis Heavensward gets to work on the cleaning, with the dove offering sprightly birdsong. Nightwolf does his best to aid in the ritual as instructed. Tomas Castonello assists by providing expert supervision, offering insight into better cleanliness techniques, and stepping politely out of the way. Zullion does what is needed of him. Moving objects and debris out of the way making it easier for the rest to clean up. Sarathel Tirabade true to her word, scrubs sections of the floor... slow movement not hindering that notably. The cleansing and ritual take only 2 hours, with so many hands hard at work. As they finish, a gentle golden light fills the chapel for a minute, and the occupants are filled with a sense of confidence.
Vendric: "See that wasn't so bad and seems our efforts were rewarded."
Nightwolf "I believe Torag would be pleased"
Sarathel Tirabade nods. "I feel that He is."
Vendric: "He may not be the deity I follow but I would want someone to do the same for a shrine to Desna if they had the chance."
Gwerm: "That's a rather idealistic perspective, for such times as these."
"Indeed. Do onto others... and all that" Zullion wipes the sweat from his brow as he starts to get ready to get a bit of sleep before they push on.
Nightwolf: "In any case the task is complete. Shall we move on?"
Altruis: "We must always seek to be better than the demons we face, and cleansing a shrine is another victory in their face."
Horgus smirks. "Maybe if they were here to see it."
"Don't go and invite trouble" Zullion frowns.
Horgus: "I've never found it to wait for an invitation."
Vendric: "So what is the plan. Do we press on or stay here for a quick rest?
"After all that work, I think we need to take a rest. If we face trouble I prefer to be refreshed. Not have sore joints"
Nightwolf: "Very well I shall take one of the watch shifts. So long as I am relieved long enough not to be fatigued in the morning."
"Yeah, I elect to go last. There's not much I can do except light the hall."
Vendric, Nightwolf, and Zullion's watches seem uneventful.
Altruis, in his guarding, hears skittering from the passage south. When he goes out to investigate, he sees a giant centipede reach the edge of the fungal light, then stop as though it's hit a wall, turn around, and stomp away.
Altruis: "Huh, It seems Torag is ensuring we have a place to rest peacefully."
Tomas Castonello stares across the cavern with his humanoid light stalking up and down the floor. The light shimmers on the walls, casting haunting images in the glow. Once, he could even swear that a long, rubbery figure with claws slithered its way across the wall.
Eight hours later, everyone should be awake...and most likely hungry. Nightwolf recalls the masterwork pack they found was packed with rations. Vendric pulls out some trail rations and his alchemy kit. brewing a bit of coffee he keeps in there.
Zullion: "I believe I have a few extra rations too"
Altruis elects himself to eat only half a days rations to help conserve food. Tomas spends his time in silence putting his affairs in order, then begins the day with an incantation that removes the dust and sweat from his person. Zullion and Vendric spend an hour in rituals, Zullion walking back and forth, whilst Vendric dances to the names of the stars he whispers.
Altruis wipes his mouth at what was probably a meager snack at best to him and gets up, "Shall we?"
Tomas: "A night was fine, but I'd really like to get going now. Does anyone need help packing up?"
"I agree. Best be on our way." Zullion looks about the place and gives a nod "Torah, if you are listening. We thank you for the safe harbor you provided"
Vendric: "I'm all set to go. Having traveled almost all my life packing up is one of the first things you end up mastering."
"As soon as possible, please." Tomas looks around anxiously
Aravashnial: "Did anyone see where I put my spell components?" He gropes blindly near his resting place. "I can't seem to find the pouch...."
Altruis and Vendric help him search for his component pouch. Altruis retrieves the pouch from under a bench and places it in Aravashnial's hands.
The elf smiles. "Thank you, young squire."
Horgus: "Can we get moving now? I'd like to see sunlight before my hair falls out."
"Or your eyes turn white and you become blind?" Zullion chuckles.
Aravashnial flinches at Zullion's remark.
Horgus: "I'd quite like to avoid that, yes."
Tomas: "Yes please. Allow me to light the path ahead."
Altruis: "Aravashnial, do you speak Celestial?"
Aravashnial (Celestial): "Of course, young man."
Altruis nods and instructs his companion, the dove, to stay on Aravashnial's shoulder and describe his surroundings, "I hope this will be of at least minor comfort."
Zullion: "If we make it. I promise to help our friend here with his sight. Right now. In the dark. We are all very much clueless on what lies ahead."
Tomas conjures another man of light and bids it walk down the path, stepping ahead just far enough to light the road before them. The tunnel winds generally southward and slightly upward for the next 3,000 feet (and 40 minutes). Altruis's halo of fire remains above his head. Zullion readies his shield and sword as he takes point where it's permitted.
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The tunnel opens onto a wider cavern. Stone figures are carved into the walls of this cavern. Each depicts a different crusader clad in armor and wielding weapons, but their carved stone features contain expressions of sadness. The dove chirps the room's description to Aravashnial.
Zullion: "This may be a place of sorrow and loss. And with demons about. It could manifest. Be on your guard."
Vendric looks around, lighting a torch. Two creatures emerge from behind statues as the party enters the cavern.
Tomas: "There can't be demons, surely not! We would have noticed..."
As these creatures fall from the cavern roof, they open like a hideous octopus, their thin, hook-lined tentacles connected by a fleshy web.
Tomas: "Agh!"
"Protect the civilians!" Zullion calls out in warning.
Nightwolf: "What manner of beast..."
"Darkmantles... that's even worse! Don't let it touch me!"
hadows extend from the darkmantle as it flies towards the intruders. Altruis swings his blade and a soft thud can be heard.
Altruis: "They're like wet paper."
The second darkmantle cloaks itself in shadows and flies out, its shadowed area overlaps with its kin's, both overriding the party's dancing light and halo.
Nightwolf curses and nocks another arrow, loosing into the darkness. A clatter echoes from its depths. Hoping for the Best, Zullion moves to where he thinks the beast may be, and tries to hack at it with his weapon. Zullion stumbles past the darkmantle as he swings in the dark. The darkmantle has better aim, slamming into Zullion, but he fends it off as it tries to wrap around his head. Tomas steps around the corner and into the cave aiming for the sound of Zullion's grunt, and warms up a small iota of energy in the palm of his open hand.
Tomas: "Keep talking, warrior! I almost got it!" He hurls the blob of acid into the darkness. A wet splat can be heard from the general vicinity.
Vendric pulls out some of his supplies as he begins to mix some things quickily. "I hope this works." He mutters as he pours the concoction on his torch and towards the darkness. The illumination takes effect. The area around Vendric is bright, and around the darkmantle is dim to normal.
Altruis steps in to attack. Once more the squire's blade strikes true. The wounded creature turns to retaliate, bouncing harmlessly from the aasimar's armor. Nightwolf takes a shot at the now-illuminated darkmantle. There's another soft thud just after an arrow finds its mark and the beast falls from the air.
Altruis: "Well struck!"
Nightwolf searches for his lost arrow to no avail. They wait for the magical darkness to subside.
"Well fought" Zullion praises his companions. He looks back at their wards. "Did any of you receive any injuries?"
Vendric examines the statues.
Altruis: "Aravashnial, you've got to hear this. There's crusader statues."
Tomas clinches his teeth, shivering as he shakes off the darkness. "I... let me take a l-look too..."
Sarathel: "I can heal that bruise, if you wish, Zullion."
Zullion: "I appreciate the offer. But I would rather you save your blessings for more dire injuries. Maybe one of the others or yourself."
Aravashnial: "Crusader, you say? There's an old legend that after the First Crusade a group of crusaders who had become infected with Abyssal energies fled into these caverns to raise their deformed children in peace, and that their descendants live on today in the tunnels below the city. These statues must have been carved by those deformed children!"
The dove goes about describing each of the statues to Aravashnial.
"Better safe than sorry friend Vendric" Zullion smiles.
Aravashnial listens to the dove intently "Yes... yes, the armor sounds right for the period."
Nightwolf: "Does the legend mention if they are friendly to outsiders? ...or if they know a way to the surface?"
Vendric: "That is interesting. Perhaps we could meet these descendants and they may be able to help lead us out of here."
Aravashnial: "They can be presumed ready to defend themselves from abuse, and these statues show they revere their progenitors, and likely have inherited the hatred for the fiends which corrupted their forms."
Tomas: "But if they were corrupted by the Abyssal nature... then what if they inherited their temper?"
Altruis: "Who knows, but if they live down here, that must mean there is at least a steady supply of food." Altruis's stomach gurgles loudly.
Vendric: "We wont know for sure until we meet them. I wish I could have done more in the fight. But in that darkness I would have only risked hitting one of you with my bombs more than hitting the darkmantles."
Nightwolf: "My arrow likely would not have hit its target without the aid of your light."
Altruis: "Nor my blade."
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As Altruis reaches the crack leading to the next cavern, he sees a dwarf casting a spell and beginning to blur.
Altruis: "Sir, we mean you no harm, we're just trying to find a way out of here."
The dwarf shrieks: "Glaaaarbegust!"
Zullion tilts his head a bit "uh. Bless you?"
"Hey, holy man, what did you say to him? He looks positively livid!"
The dwarf continues shrieking. "You crusaders won't fool me! You got tired of sending your misbegotten minions at me, and now you've come for me yourselves!"
Altruis: "Sir, please. We don't want to fight. we just want to pass through peacefully, I promise."
Vendric (Dwarven): "Sir we are not crusaders. And we do not know what you are talking about. Perhaps if you calm down and talk we can sort this out."
Dwarven Caster: "You just want to get close enough to catch me! You'll never take me alive!"
Altruis attempts to detect evil on the dwarf, to no effect.
Vendric: "Well we don't want you dead, I think."
Seeing the paladin cast a spell, the dwarf sends two magic missiles into the aasimar's chest.
Tomas: "Wait! Tell him I am also a man of arcane arts! We can share notes!"
Vendric: "Seems time for talk has passed."
"No!" Zullion tries to step between his companions and the dwarf. Doing this has him effectively, and deliberately, blocking the passage.
Altruis: "Let us through, if he's wanted by the crusades, then there must be a good reason for it."
Zullion: "We are in the wrong here. And what if he is one of the offspring we seek? Harming him will not help us get out."
Altruis: "He's clearly not in his right mind and presents a danger to the innocents we have here."
Tomas: "If you have a plan, you better execute it. I know better than to trifle with an evoker on the brink."
Dwarven Caster: "What's this? A brother of the Ivory Labyrinth come to my aid? Come, let us slay these interlopers together for Baphomet's glory!"
Tomas: "He's a demon worshiper! Don't let him cast again!"
Vendric: ""That is the name of a demon lord. It seems our friend here is one of his followers."
Nightwolf rounds out the chorus of recognition: "He speaks of an evil god. Get out of the way and let me have a clear shot!"
"In that case... fall by the power of the Great Dragon!" Zullion challenges the dwarf, drawing his scimitar as he starts towards the dwarf.
Tomas rushes over and huddles behind his companion, using his body for cover. "If you see him move his arms, ready an attack. He can't concentrate if we pelt him with fire!"
The dwarf takes one of Nightwolf's arrows in the shoulder. Vendric throws a bomb, which lands a few feet from the dwarf who manages to dodge most of the splashing fire. He then moves in, and casts a spell at the clustered heroes. A vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from his hand to no effect on the willful trio. Blade at the ready, Zullion steps in to meet his foe, and nearly takes an arm off. Tomas deftly darts behind an archer, warms up another energy shot, and prepares for the exact moment the dwarf tries to pull another spell off. Nightwolf fires again, and the dwarf falls, an arrow through his throat. Tomas and Vendric rifle through the dwarf's possessions.
((Thus ends session 2))
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Altruis Heavensward: "I wouldn't happen to be able to request some healing from the lovely lady, would I?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "You certainly could.... I'm afraid it just takes me a moment to catch up." When she does, her spell closes the squire's wounds.
Altruis Heavensward stretches, "Thank you, that feels much better."
Sarathel Tirabade: "You're quite welcome. We don't need anyone getting knocked out again while we're down here."
Vendric: "That would be bad."
Zullion: "Indeed, it was quite a good rest. I just hope all is still intact on the surface."
Horgus Gwerm: "Other than the great chasms that were opened up, you mean?"
Zullion: "If what we saw is in fact that is happening, a chasm is the least of our worries."
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, yes, but the faithful shall not falter, we will rise up to defend our world."
A steeply inclined tunnel leads upward to the north, its walls lined with numerous nooks, handholds, and dozens of iron pitons that have been driven into the walls long ago. This shaft leads upward at a steep angle for 60 feet. Zullion, being one of the more martial inclined, takes point to guard the top against assailants. Altruis Heavensward makes his way up slowly, keeping a keen eye out for anything. The handholds are so arranged as to effectively provide a ladder. Nightwolf hangs back to help the injured up the incline. After those 60 feet, the shaft levels out and winds roughly northwest for about the next half hour.
Vendric plays a bit on his lute as they walk.
Altruis Heavensward: "At least this is good for my exercises, my knight won't be disappointed when I return."
Zullion wanted to comment, but decided against it. Now was not the time to make gloomy remarks.
Aravashnial: "And we have a talented minstrel along... at least I can still hear beauty."
Zullion: "And if all goes well, i will help you be able to see beauty again" he places a reassuring hand on Aravashnial's shoulder.
Aravashnial twitches a smile. "Thank you, young man."
Vendric: "Well i find music helps keep the spirits on and is always a pleasant thing to have on a journey."
Zullion: "It certainly shortens the road, yes."
Altruis Heavensward: "Makes it feel like another hike through the hills."
Vendric: "And lady Desna has blessed me with a bit of a talent for it."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Though it's still a bit darker than the hills..." she hunches her shoulders. "And more confined."
Tomas Castonello: "I'm actually a fan of the piano myself. Do you know The Lament of Falcon's Hollow?"
Altruis: "We have the blessing of Iomedae at our backs, we shall not falter in saving you all."
Horgus Gwerm grumbles. "Better not."
Vendric: "As well as Desna's for keeping us safe on our journey back to the surface."
Tomas Castonello: "Feel free. I'm just counting on us being lucky enough to find an exit."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm sure Sarenrae will aid us in seeking a return to the sunlight."
Zullion holds the silver scale to his chest "And the child of Apsu who saved us."
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, we cannot forget her noble sacrifice."
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As the tunnel opens onto a wider cavern, a raspy voice speaks from the darkness. The accent is odd, but the words are clear: “If your intentions are ill, we ask you to move on and leave us in peace. If they are good, then perhaps you can help. As you can see, misfortune has befallen us."
The tunnel opens into a large cavern, about 70 feet across. Cylindrical rock formations along the walls arch up to make a dome-like chamber, but the walls and floor are riddled with cracks. At the center of the cave, a stone tower that may once have reached the 50-foot-high ceiling has collapsed onto its side.
Altruis Heavensward: "I would never leave a needy soul in anguish. Who are you, Sir?"
Zullion: "We are willing to aid if it is in our power."
I am Lann of Neatholm. This is my comrade, Dyra. Our other comrade, Crell, is trapped beneath this rock... I fear if we move it wrong, he will be crushed." The woman, Dyra, has tumors blockng most of her mouth and preventing her from speaking.
Vendric: "If we can assist we will."
Zullion: "What do you need us to do?"
Tomas Castonello: "Trapped... hmm. I actually might have something of use for this. Which among us is the strongest?"
Nightwolf "I shall not harm those who return the favor."
Altruis Heavensward: "I am certainly quite strong, though I wish not to boast."
Lann: "If you are skilled engineers or miners, you might be able to dig him out... or our combined strength might be enough to roll the rock aside without letting it rock back down..."
Zullion: "The desert sun and the dunes have given me some strength."
Tomas Castonello: "Okay then, one of you. Stand before me and I will give you my power."
Altruis Heavensward stands before Tomas.
Zullion: "Then let us roll this off of your friend."
Horgus Gwerm: "Look at those... those things! You can't trust them! They're obviously demon-tainted! They'll kill you soon as your back's turned!"
Zullion: "Quiet! We are not like those. We will help where we can."
Tomas Castonello readies his hands and chants the spell from his studies. WIth a couple sharp taps, he strikes Altruis with magical light, which forces his body to grow and expand
Altruis Heavensward: "I sense no evil intent in them, they are as any child of the world, gifted of a myriad of shapes."
Aravashnial listens to the dove's description and grins like a schoolboy. "Mongrelfolk! Then my surmise about the sculptures were right! These must be the heirs of the First Crusade! How do you live down here? Have you developed your own culture, or is it still derived from your surface-ancestors?"
Nightwolf: "Then we should not turn our backs until they have proven their intent, but neither will I condemn them for their appearance."
Vendric: "They do not seem hostile and we did read that the descendants of the crusaders could be living here."
Sarathel Tirabade puts a hand to her face, where the mongrel-woman's tumors are, and flinches.
Altruis, the two free mongrels, Nightwolf, and Zullion push against the rock. It starts to move... then is lodged once more. Tomas Castonello rushes over and examines the stonework, trying to provide perspective. Sarathel Tirabade makes her slower way across.
Altruis Heavensward: "For my fellow man!"
Vendric tries to assist.
Tomas Castonello: "Move aside old man, let me try."
On the second try, the rock rolls easily aside, and Crell swiftly crawls out of the depression. Tomas Castonello looks down at his hands, surprised by his amazing strength.
Zullion: "Good team effort," he smiles as he stretches his arms a bit.
Crell bows. "My thanks, kind strangers."
Tomas Castonello: "Hrm... eh... just make sure to return the favor, okay?"
Zullion: "It was our pleasure" he gives a slight bow.
Lann: "You have all our thanks, travelers from the surface-world. We were in the guard-tower when the great quakes began. Dyra and I were fortunate enough to make our way clear, but Crel was a little slower. And we were unsure if we could safely leave him long enough to return to Neatholm for our kin's aid."
Zullion: "Neatholm, i take it that is where you reside?"
Tomas hears an Ominous Voice: The voice cackles. "With our strength combined, our strength would be boundless. You can feel the power, can't you?"
Lann: "It is our clan's village, yes."
Vendric: "Do you think they may know of a way back to the surface?"
Tomas: "I don't know what you're talking about. I can do it myself."
Lann: "There were several.... but with this shifting, some may have closed. Chief Sul will have sent scouts to check our paths."
Altruis Heavensward: "I would be happy to see your village and accept whatever aid you can provide."
Zullion: "Fair trade, our help and you show us a way back to the surface then," he chuckles.
Tomas Castonello: "Huh? Oh, I like the sound of that."
Lann: "In Neatholm you will find safe shelter, and I am sure Chief Sul will reward you for your aid. As to whether any path to the surface remains open... he will know better than I."
Vendric: "So seems our best bet is to meet with this chief."
Nightwolf: "Very well, lead the way."
Zullion: "The fact that you are willing, means a lot already, we cannot ask you to tell us something you do not know yourself."
Altruis Heavensward: "And if we may offer further aid to your people, you must merely let me know."
Lann: "You are most generous and courteous, for what the histories say of the surface folk...dare we hope the hatreds of our distant kin have faded?"
Zullion: "I can not speak for those on the surface, but I am sure, with time, you will be able to face them again."
Nightwolf: "I cannot promise that others will be as accepting. In fact there would almost certainly be those who would react as Horgus here."
Vendric: "Yes but there are some like us who would be willing to accept you."
The mongrels confidently lead the way. This tunnel loops around to the southwest.
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(Tomas hears an Ominous Voice): The voice whispers constantly to the boy, seeming to echo through the dark. "Huuuman... huuuuman..." Tomas Castonello begins to look more haggered as the group move through the tunnel. He jumps at the slightest noise, and follows close behind Altruis, even after he shrinks back to normal size.
Lann: "This world is all we know. I do not know that we would wish to remain on the surface, but it could be interesting to visit, if we need not fear angry mobs." The mongrels continue to ignore the blind elf's peppering of questions.
Zullion: "I for one would be honored to help mediate your slow return to the surface."
Vendric: "When we get back we will see what we can do though last we left it wasn't a very pretty scene. It looked like a demon attack was happening. I do hope things are all right up there."
Nightwolf: "We must first make sure there are not angry mobs of another sort waiting to face us when we return."
Zullion: "For now, perhaps stay down here, much safer after all. All thing considered. We will, if we survive, come back to you with news."
Lann stops in his tracks momentarily, turning to Vendric. Lann: "Did you say that the ancient enemy once more wars on the Inheritor's faithful?"
Altruis Heavensward pats his longsword, "And her faithful war back."
Nightwolf "The wars never really ended, though it was safe behind the city's defenses for a time. I fear that may no longer be the case."
Vendric: "That is what i remember seeing as we fell down here. A great demon emerged and brought what looked like a army. The demon managed to slay Terendelev, who used the last of her strength and time to save us from the fall."
Lann: "Chief Sul.... all the clans will wish to know of this! Come, let us hurry...." He pauses. "We can carry your wounded, if they are willing."
Zullion nods. Altruis Heavensward appreciates the picked up pace.
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm not exactly wounded, but I appreciate your desire for haste."
Aravashnial is delighted by the prospect of a captive audience for his questions.
(Tomas hears an Ominous Voice): "That creature won't protect you. The next time you befall peril, you will perish without me."
Tomas Castonello: "Please stop! Please... stop!"
Lann: "Stop? Is something the matter?"
Zullion: "Want me to carry you?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Are you alright, Tomas?"
Vendric: "What is going on tomas?
Tomas Castonello: "I... I'm sorry. I'm a little under the weather."
Horgus Gwerm: "Don't tell me the kid's got a screw loose."
Lann: "Weather is... a thing of the surface, is it not? Something about the... great vault encompassing all?"
Altruis Heavensward: "It's a figure of speech for feeling ill."
Lann: "Ah. I am afraid some of your figures mean little to us, much as I would expect surface folk to have trouble with my speaking of hope's caress."
Tomas Castonello: "I guess it's gonna look crazy if I don't say anything. I'm afraid I haven't been honest with you folks. The truth is... I'm being followed."
Altruis looks back down the tunnel.
Zullion: "by...?"
Nightwolf retorts sarcastically, "Nooo, that doesn't sound crazy at all."
Altruis Heavensward: "I don't see anything besides us."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, not followed. I mean, it's somewhere, but it knows where I am. I have been travelling for a long time, but it's always there. Crawling in the night, whispering from the shadow... like it's my shadow."
Aravashnial: "Do you know what it is? Can you describe it?"
Zullion: "That sounds ominous."
Tomas Castonello: "I don't know what it is, but I know what it wants. It wants me to bring it... here. Like it needs me to do it. That's the only way."
Vendric: "This does sound troubling."
Nightwolf "Okay that sounds crazy"
Vendric: "How? How does it want you to bring it here?"
Lann: "Not all things that dwell in darkness are evil." He bows to
Vendric, "Such as your Lady, yes? And my people."
Vendric: "That is true. What does it want here?"
Tomas Castonello: "I think it's been showing me. the space between the walls... and it said that I will die without it."
Aravashnial: "How long has this been going on?"
Vendric: "Hmm the space between the walls? Could that be a metaphor? Perhaps its a being from in between the planes."
Zullion: "Either way, what is needed from us? Do you think this calling creature is a threat?"
Vendric: "But what does it want here is the main question and concern."
Altruis Heavensward: "If it is a threat, we can deal with it, but I would have it stop troubling poor Tomas."
Tomas Castonello: "It's been several months. I think it began following me when I was in Isger. I was apprenticed there to a... a powerful sorcerer. He was asking a lot of things that I didn't want to do. So I fled."
Aravashnial: "I can draw a containment circle if it is evil."
Zullion: "I ask again, what do you need from us Thomas?"
Tomas Castonello: "I'm just... I'm just scared, okay? I don't know what it wants and I don't wanna know. I just want to be free for once."
Zullion: "Then let if free, here with us, and if it wishes you, or us harm, we will deal with it"
Vendric: "That seems the best option."
Tomas Castonello: "...what? You're saying I should let the thing come here? What if it..."
Zullion: "Then we will deal with it, best now where we are in more control than if we are caught unawares"
(Tomas hears an Ominous Voice): "Listen to your allies, human. They know better than you... just open the door..."
Tomas Castonello sucks in a deep breath, his face going pale. After a couple moments of silence, he lets it out. "O... okay. I'll do it."
The mongrels stand will back, with their passengers.
(Tomas hears an Ominous Voice): "Gooood... now, just close your eyes and concentrate on the sound of my voice..."
Tomas Castonello closes his eyes, bows his head, and concentrates on the shadows in the cavern. Slowly, he imagines pulling the space apart, reaching deep into the darkness...
Zullion: Zullion will ready his shield and scimitar, ready to attack if the entity proved hostile
Tomas Castonello: "It's there... something's in there! Oh goodness, it's coming!"
Skinnareth puts a taloned hand on the edge of the rift, pushing its serpentine body through the opening into the material world "FINALLY! The realm of mortals... the freedom I was promised is at hand!" A rune identical to that on the beast's forehead has appeared in the same place on Tomas's face.
Nightwolf skeptical to this point nocks an arrow and aims at the emerging beast.
Tomas Castonello: "What... what are you?"
Zullion: "What do you want with Tomas, creature?"
Vendric: "And what do you want here?"
Skinnareth: "I am an entity crafted from the purest souls and the deepest blackness. I am beyond you, human! Now, command me and I shall take this land for you!"
Tomas Castonello: "What? No! Shut up!"
Nightwolf "Make a wrong move and you'll not remain in the mortal realm long."
Skinnareth suddenly chokes, the voice dying away as it clutches at its throat.
Tomas Castonello: "What is it? You can't talk?"
Skinnareth points at Tomas, looking furious.
Tomas: "You can't talk because I said so?"
Zullion: "I believe you told it to 'shut up' Tomas"
Aravashnial: "From this dove's account... it sounds as though you are a summoner. Did you really not know?"
Tomas Castonello: "Huh? I don't know any summoning spells. I'm a transmuter by profession."
Vendric: "That's what that rune must mean. Marking you as its master."
Aravashnial: "Oh, it's rare.... but by the glyph you share, you are one. But how did you form a bond with the extraplanar entity?"
Tomas Castonello: "Hmm... speak, creature!"
Skinnareth opens its jaws and snarls, its voice returning "Your companions speak the truth, you impertinent child."
Tomas: "And you are bound to do what I say?"
Skinnareth: "That is.. correct."
Tomas Castonello: "Then... lead us to where the mongrel's city is."
Vendric: "This is certainly not the freedom it was hoping for. I'm not sure of this even counts as any form of freedom."
"You... you will have guide, human." Skinnareth crouches low, slithering past the legs of the group to the head of the pack. It hisses at the others as it goes, but crawls upon the wall and awaits the group. Vendric has a troubled look on his face as he looks at the creature and Tomas. Tomas Castonello just shrugs at the alchemist, bemused.
Zullion: "The Great Dunes hide many mysteries, such a creature would fit well there"
Tomas Castonello: "Aravashnial, you're a conjurer. Do you know what that thing might be?"
Aravashnial: "Perhaps if I could see it for myself.... but it sounds rather Protean, with a delight in sounding sinister."
Tomas Castonello: "Huh. I have studied a fair amount on the planes of good and evil. I must admit I know little to nothing about Proteans."
Aravashnial: "That would be because they are the creatures of the Maelstrom. The plane of primal Chaos, neither good nor malign."
Zullion: "A chaotic creature? Would it be able to be influenced by demons?"
Aravashnial: "No more than any other outsider, I should think. It is at least immune to the spells they typically use to control people."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, it's certainly an ugly thing. I hope it's as useful as it said it was."
Zullion: "now that that is cleared up, let us make haste"
Vendric: "Proteans are indeed strange creatures but they aren't inherently evil. Just beings of pure chaos."
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After 15 minutes, then, they arrive at an obstacle. A wide chasm splits the tunnel floor. The floating rock dust in the air and the groans as the tunnel walls settle indicate that the tunnel split recently.
Nightwolf turning to their guides, "Is there another way?"
Lann: "This... is not good. There is no other connecting passage... but with this sort of damage.... we can only pray that the home-vault remains intact."
Altruis Heavensward: "Well, then we must merely cross the chasm."
Zullion: "Let us first inspect how deep this fissure is"
Nightwolf "We will have to cross it then"
Lann: "My people can normally climb across such things easily enough, but with passengers.... it will be more difficult."
Nightwolf removes rope from his backpack, and begins to knot it. As he does so, Altruis looks over the edge. The rock did not break smoothly. The 30 ft. depth retains many shallow ledges suitable for handholds, or toe-tip-holds.
Tomas Castonello: "If it helps, I can be on hand if anyone slips."
Vendric: "I'm not so good at climbing."
Zullion: "Perhaps we should knot the rope, climb down, and have the more profficient climbers tie it at the top again."
Altruis Heavensward: "I could take a rope to the other side and secure it, Nightwolf." Altruis begins looking for a route to the bottom.
Nightwolf "Might be safer to scale the wall all the way down, then back up again."
Altruis Heavensward: "My thoughts exactly."
Skinnareth: "With that strategy, you humans will be here for ages. Can't you just use your talons?"
Nightwolf: "I left my talons at home."
Zullion: "Have you seen Talons on us, at any point since you got here?"
As the squire starts into the cleft, his toe-hold gives way beneath him. Tomas Castonello races to the edge as Altruis loses his grip, reaching out his hand with a fluffy feather in his grasp. "NO!"
Altruis Heavensward drifts down and lands softly on the bottom of the chasm, "I appear to be safe thanks to you."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, yeah. I wouldn't be much of a magician if I wasn't capable of a simple weightless spell."
Altruis Heavensward stretches his arms, "Now to ascend." This climb goes smoothly. Altruis Heavensward starts knotting his own rope and lowers it to the bottom of the chasm, "Now you can climb up this side."
Horgus Gwerm: "Do.... do you have another of those spells? Should we all just jump down?"
Tomas Castonello: "Um... I'm afraid that enlargement spell from earlier cost me much of my resources. I'd have to spend a lot of down time to replace them."
Nightwolf finishes knotting his rope as Altruis gets halfway through knotting his. They take turns going down one rope and up the next, Sarathel and Aravashnial clinging to the mongrels carrying them. Lann hangs back and retrieves the rope after the last of them has reached the bottom, then scurries along the wall and around to the far ledge that he might return it.
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The tunnel continues onward. With the slow being carried, it takes only 9 minutes to reach the next cavern. Lann holds up a cautioning hand as they near the cave mouth.
Lann: "We rarely use this path. The cave ahead has been infested by a spore-cougher. Its spore-clouds make people see what isn't there. But it does sometimes leave to hunt... this may be one such time."
Altruis Heavensward: "I do hope we'll be lucky not to encounter it."
Skinnareth: "If it returns, it'll be the last hunt for it..."
Vendric: "We will keep an eye out then."
Lann approaches the cavern with caution, then stares, and chuckles softly. "It would seem it already has."
Thick sheets of fungus grow in the cave, and several tunnels branch off. Thick sheets of fungus grow in the cave, and several tunnels branch off. What appear to be 2 dead bodies lie on the ground in the middle of the cave, next to a strange heap of ropy green fungus. Any spore cloud has dispersed and settled.
Skinnareth slithers over to the creatures, sniffing the air. "Blood has definitely been spilt here. But what's more..."
Both men are dressed as crusaders of Iomedae, and each still wears a masterwork chain shirt. The crusaders are not armed with the longswords typically wielded by Iomedae’s followers, but instead carry glaives and a spiked gauntlet. One corpse clutches something tightly in his fist.
Tomas starts detecting magic, noticing 2 auras. He takes his time to concentrate on finding them... one in each corpse's belt pouch. Skinnareth moves to one body and turns it, to obtain the source of the aura. One aura is attached to a potion vial, and another to a scroll. The belt pouches also contain a fair bit of coin. Vendric tries and fails to identify the potion. There's 129 gp between the corpses.
Nightwolf: "What is that one clutching?"
Altruis Heavensward seeks to see what the poor soul was clutching in death, "Perhaps Iomedae's holy symbol?"
Once the hand is pried open, it proves to hold a small symbol of a brass bull’s head with tiny red gemstone eyes. Tomas Castonello 's face drains of color.
Tomas Castonello: "That's the symbol of the Minotaur King. Baphomet the demon lord."
Altruis Heavensward: "False knights."
Vendric: "I do not like the implications of this. What did they do while disguised as such?"
Aravashnial: "Then I was right! They called me mad, -you- called me mad, Gwerm! But I was right! The Templars -have- been infiltrating the crusaders! We need to bring these to the surface for identificaton."
Tomas Castonello: "Does that mean... do mongrels also worship demons?"
Nightwolf "Sabotage in preparation for the attack."
Lann spits on the corpses. "Only a few traitors. The rest of the clans hold true to the faiths of our ancestors."
Tomas Castonello goes to look at the scroll in his hands, identifying the spell as cause fear
Tomas Castonello: "This is a common spell for evil outsiders and their allies. So they are also adepts."
Altruis Heavensward: "Then we'd best hurry to your people with the news of infiltrators."
Skinnareth: "Human, I desire that jeweled emblem. The gems will please me."
Tomas Castonello: "I dunno. Is there any harm in it having that?"
Altruis Heavensward: "I'd rather let it have the gems and have the symbol destroyed."
Nightwolf "Surely there is a better use for it. The gems can be sold at least."
Vendric: "True if it just wants the gems i don't see why not."
Skinnareth: "Let's have them, then." Tomas passes Skinnareth the unholy symbol, and the protean-seeming creature tucks it into his mouth.
Altruis Heavensward: "Though, if needs come up, we may have need to sell the gems for coin for gear."
Lann: "Come, we should press on to Neatholm. Along the upward passage."
Nightwolf: "Agreed"
((Thus ends Session 3))
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From the dead cultists, the tunnel winds north for about 1,100 feet (about 15 minutes of travel at a speed of 15 feet) before reaching a circular, 20-foot-diameter cavern. Four mongrelmen stand guard here before a large stone door.
Mongrelguard: "Lann! And Dyra and Crell! We worried for you at the guardpost with the quakes. But who are these strangers?"
Lann: "You were not so wrong to worry, we might have lost Crell if these strangers had not offered their aid. The chief will wish to hear their words."
Mongrelguard: "Very well, if you have Lann's trust, you may enter."
Tomas Castonello: "Is this... finally civilization? This is better than I was hoping! Thank you so much!"
Zullion: "This looks quite intimidating. To keep something out or in?" he asks with a puzzled look.
The door is opened, revealing a small, dark lake rippling in the center of a two-hundred-foot-wide cavern, the walls and ceiling aglow with thick sheets of luminescent fungi. In the center of the lake, over two dozen low stone buildings cluster on a rocky one-hundred-foot-wide island. Lights glow in the windows of the buildings, giving the settlement an almost welcoming look. Rafts made of mismatched planks of timber bob along the length of a crooked pier at the lake’s closest shore.
Skinnareth: "Civilized? ...hardly."
Altruis Heavensward: "What a lovely looking village."
Lann: "To keep out dangerous wildlife, or the more hostile denizens... both of the Daklands, and the uplands who venture down."
Vendric: "It does have a certain charm."
Tomas Castonello: "The... Darklands? You don't have any connection with the Deep Vaults, do you?"
Lann: "There were some. Whether they are closed by the quakes or new routes opened...." He shrugs. "We are too near the surface for most of the deep dwellers' liking."
Zullion: "Yes, i can see its defensive importance. I also see you have thrived down here. even with all that is against you. Quite the feat i may add"
Lann: "Thank you. Some of the clans have larger holds, but we are glad of this one."
The mongrels would board the rafts, and give their new friends a chance to board and be ferried over. Vendric follows along.
Altruis Heavensward: "Thank you for your hospitality."
Lann: "It is a small repayment for a life saved."
Altruis: "The Inheritor knows strength is worthless if it can't be used to help others."
As the rafts near the island hamlet, the passengers may note the wide variety of shapes amongst the denizens.
Tomas Castonello: "Your people are all very unique. Do you also research the arcane arts?"
Lann: "You should speak to Seer Opoli of that, Tomas. I have seen him use some arts which seem similar to your own."
Lann leads them up the main street, towards the small home at the islet's apex. This is the largest building in the settlement.
Altruis smiles and brushes some dust off his hide armor, "Let us make a good first impression with the Chief, everyone."
Zullion nods "They deserve nothing less."
"If you don't mind me asking are your peoples mutations random? From what I see it seems there are quite a bit of variations among you all."
Lann:"Whether they are random... it has not been so many generations to be sure. We think there is some connection to which demons our particular ancestors most often slew... but we are unsure."
Altruis: "You seem to have dealt with the worst that could come of such myriad forms and formed such functional families."
Lann: "And why would we let a little thing like shape taint our souls, or stop us from caring for our kin?"
Altruis: "It's a far too common problem of the surface."
Vendric: "Hmm, perhaps if there is time later I could examine a few you and speak to your seer about this later."
Lann: "And so our ancestors had the wisdom to bring us away from the uplanders, and that we might learn and live a better way." He nods to Vendric. "I am sure the Seer would be interested in meeting a goodly uplander."
All this talk about mutations was a little over Zullion's head. He simply kept up with them and tried to follow.
Lann: "As to being examined... we are people, and like to be addressed as such. Not studied as odd fish or fungus."
"I think examined is a better term than studied. I do not think my friend meant any offence"
Lann frowns. "They mean much the same thing, do they not? Fussing about what we are rather than who we are?"
Zullion: "I think it's more to understand of what makes you, you. I am no scholar. Please excuse my ignorance."
Whispers follow them as they pass through the hamlet.
Vendric: "Ahh, I didn't mean it to sound like that. I am simply curious about your the planar energies have mutated you physically. Studying the effect of the planar energies is a interest of mine. I did not mean any offense."
Tomas: "I can see where you are coming from, though. The realms are intimately woven into the fabric of this plane, and it has such odd effects on how people and magic are affected. Not to mention the nature of magic being as fluid as it is."
Lann shrugs. "Perhaps we may continue the discussion after we speak with the chief. He must hear my report, and I am sure he will be interested in your story as well." They have, by now, reached the chief's door. Lann announces them with a rhythmic knock, and is invited in in reply.
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Within, the chief is seated behind a simple desk. Zullion keeps his eyes on Lann so that he can follow customs.
Tomas: "I mean, if not for those monuments we saw before, I would have assumed there was a heavy transmutation influence in the ecology down below. And the tales I read about underground civilizations consistently imply that such arts are common among the native cultures."
Tomas falls silent as they make their way through the roomy living room to the chief's study. Zullion finds it hard not to stare at the chief, but he tries to curb his mind and body to show too much of the shock. Lann bows to his chief, who gravely nods in reply. Lann gives his report succinctly, mentioning a few sightings of wildlife before the quakes, the strangers aid, the disruption of the path, and the spore-cougher's end, along with the perfidious nature of those who died presumably battling it. At the mention of their aid, Zullion mimics the bow Lann gave. But keeps his silence.
Chief Sull: "Well done, Lann. You have acted wisely and graciously in trying circumstances." His good eye turns on the helpful strangers. "And as for you... what are these upland matters Lann says are of interest to my people? You know the cause of the quakes?"
Altruis offers a bow as well and explains the dangers occuring on the surface that we're attempting to return to.
Vendric gives a slight bow. "So you must be the chief. I am Vendric, a traveling alchemist. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. And I think we do know the cause of the quakes. A demon attack on the surface."
Chief Sull chuckles. "Somehow I doubt that in better circumstances you would have found reason to venture so near Neathholm. As to matters of the surface..." His mousy voice deepens with gravity as he sits straightly. "The uplanders drove off our ancestors as unwanted freaks, but their parents also helped to drive back the demons in the Grand Crusade. They founded our people to honor their ways, their sacrifice, and their cause. We maintain that honor, and would see these demons slain with as much zeal as any uplander feels. Will you tell the other uplanders that our tribes will come to stand with them?"
Tomas: "So does that mean that you and the villagers are gonna come to the surface with us?"
Chief Sull: "There are many clans in the deeps. My warriors will first be sent to the home-caverns to spread the word, then, in united muster, we will brave the surface."
Zullion: "We will inform our people of the aid you offer. I believe any and all help will be welcome in the defense of our world."
Vendric: "From what we saw before falling down here. Any aid will be welcome."
Chief Sull: "This will give you time to warn the other uplanders that we come as allies rather than foes, and assuage their alarm at our appearance. Unfortunately, the nearest surface exist is guarded by a small band of traitors."
Tomas: "Traitors? Guarding the surface? But then, what are we supposed to do?"
Altruis: "Convince them to change their ways and join us."
"By your leave, I believe we could clear their blockade?" Zullion offers.
Vendric: "What can you tell us about this group?"
Chief Sull opens a drawer and withdraws 9 potions, which he sets before the party. "These should help you past the traitors, if help you need. These six" he indicates a group of vials "end bleeding and close small wounds, while the other three mend damage to mind or more serious injuries."
"We are thankful for your aid, Chief," Zullion bows nicely again "We are in your debt"
Vendric: "How did they betray you all?"
Chief Sull: "They are few, about a half-score. They listened to uplanders who bore the demons' emblems, and have turned to cannibalism."
Vendric: "Can you recall what emblem?"
"The head of some strange beast, with horns, a long muzzle, wide nostrils, and fangs." Chief Sull traces a bull's head on the desk.
Skinnareth growls at any that move toward him and the unholy symbol.
Altruis: "I shall seek to renew their faith in the Inheritor."
Chief Sull: "A worthy thought, squire, but I do not expect them to be willing to abandon the hate and ambition that led to their fall."
"Are we sure this is the best way to get to the surface? A less violent way maybe?" Asks Tomas.
Vendric "Sounds like some of the same cultist we found on our way here."
Chief Sull: "It is the swiftest way. and farthest from the strongest quakes, making it most likely to remain whole. Another route could add several days to your journey, perhaps a week."
Altruis: "If force must be answered with force, I shall be there to mete it out."
Tomas: "Oh... a week's not so bad, right?"
Vendric: "Hmm... We don't have the luxury of time. And if there are indeed cultist here it would be best to stop what plans they have here before they can accomplish them."
Zullion: "They deserve more than what we will give them if they decide violence is the answer."
Chief Sull: "Before you go... have you seen any sign of another of our kin in your travels? My son, Hralsk... we argued, and he stormed out...."
Altruis: "We found signs of a camp, but not any persons."
Zullion: "May we get a description of your son? If he ended up in the traitors camp we would like to not engage in combat with him."
Chief Sull: "Short, with chitinous, clawed feet. scales over his arms, but skin over his hands..... He has sharp fangs in a muzzle, but shaves the fur. "
Tomas: "Well I'm wondering what happens if we do find him. Ask nicely? What if he doesn't feel like cooperating? Throw a net on him like a boar?"
"I do not think you will find him among the traitors. He left in another direction, and our argument was a silly thing, not one that would have me fearing for his soul."
Altruis produces the backpack they had found previously, "Was this his?
Chief Sull shakes his head. "No.... I've never seen that pack before."
Altruis: "Did he carry anything important on his person?"
Chief Sull: "There was a brooch, made by his mother. A bat with amethyst eyes.... perched on a mushroom."
Altruis: "We did previously find that brooch, and I believe Tomas is carrying it."
"Oh... that's right. That was from the tunnel we dropped into." Tomas rummages about in his spell component pouch and produces the pendant. Skinnareth perks his head up and eyes the amethyst gems. The chief's good eye mists over as he catches sight of it, one hand reaching out.
Tomas: "Uh... here you go."
Skinnarenth snorts as the brooch goes out of his reach.
Zullion: "Do not give up hope. There was no body with the item."
Altruis: "We can give directions to where it was found, if you'd like to continue the search."
The chief steps over to a door, and momentarily returns with a morningstar. "The seer bespelled this when I was a younger man. It should strike more easily and hit more heavily than normal. I would be honored if one of you could use it to split an unrepentant traitor's skull on your way home."
Altruis: "I believe that would see the most use from the hands of our friend, Zullion."
Zullion will hold out his hands to take the weapon. Bowing his head "It will be an honour to do this deed for you"
The chief acknowledges Zullion by bowing his head. "Thank you. You are welcome to rest here before you journey on if you are weary, and to trade with my people, of course."
Zullion: "There is very little we can trade. We came here with very little. But if the offer stands, we will gladly trade in the future."
Chief Sull: "We welcome those who have proved themselves allies."
Vendric: "Maybe some day we can visit without a crisis going on."
Chief Sull: "We all look forward to that day."
Tomas: "Just having a proper bed would satisfy me at this point. A bed of straw, even."
Lann: "That can easily be provided."
Vendric: "I miss being able to see the stars. But hopefully our task goes okay and we can see them soon again."
Chief Sull nods. "I hope it goes well also... whatever these 'stars' are."
Xullion: "I hope you will be able to see them soon. It is quite a magnificent sight to behold. I enjoy it by simply laying on the cooled sand and just watch them light the sky with their silent and watchful eyes."
Vendric: "They are lights in the sky that fill the blackness of night. A creation of Lady Desna."
Lann: "Then... like the fungus that glows on the stalactites?"
Tomas: "Maybe we can trade some aid for a future investment. The promise of a starmap or an astrolabe."
The mongrels just look confused at the terms "starmap" and "astrolabe."
Vendric: "A bit. But much more beautiful. Should we have time after all this I will personally teach you all about the stars."
Tomas: "It would help you a great deal once you reach the surface world. Astronomers have spent centuries meticulously calculating the stars' path and using them for travel."
Zullion: "But before all that. I would suggest just to lay back and take in the beauty. The scholarly things can come later. Enjoy before you learn"
Tomass: "What? Isn't that the enjoyable part?"
Chief Sull: "I would prefer to focus on the current crisis before being concerned by the strange things of the surface world."
Vendric: "There are many things to enjoy about the stars Tomas. but the chief is right we have other tasks we must focus on right now."
Skinnareth pipes up. "Indeed, human. Such as the material wealth that I shall gain in service of these deformed mortals!"
Tomas grimaces. "You haven't even done anything yet."
Chief Sull gives the serpentine creature a curious look.
"Don't make us regret letting you come here" Zullion warns
Tomas: "Oh, this is a shadow creature from somewhere. He likes shiny stuff."
Chief Sull chuckles. "Like many youths, then... and some who are older as well."
Altruis: "Yes, rest would be wonderful.
Lann: "We can set up a camp for you by the shore, if that is your preference, or you may take beds vacated by our warriors as they set out."
Skinnareth rears up on his tail, rubbing his talons together. "Then for letting you mortals rest and squashing the puny upstarts, I shall claim their treasures as my reward!"
Altruis Heavensward rubs his temples, "We never hired you, so rewards for services rendered aren't applicable. If you'd like to be rewarded, perform adequately and it'll come to you."
Vendric: "Your 'companion' is quite a greedy one isn't it."
Skinnareth: "Hmph! And did I not say that I would perform the services required? I even offered to wait while you weaklings lay idle and waste my patience."
Vendric: ((depends on how greedy it is
Tal (GM): ((Point, by work I meant "get the diplomatic person's point across and keep the target listening."))
Skinnareth: "Surely you won't object to me claiming my payment when I save your wretched lives."
Altruis Heavensward: "Pull your weight and you'll be compensated, though that's not how this crusade is to work at all."
Tomas Castonello just shifts about uncomfortably and looks rather earnestly toward the exit.
Skinnareth: "Your errant quest is none of my affair. I am beholden to no mortal and no cause. I desire only the wealth that I so richly deserve. To that end I will do as I see fit. And if you deign to accompany me, then I will tolerate you, and perhaps even bequeath you my leftovers."
Altruis Heavensward: "Now, let us rest and be on our way to the traitor's nest."
Tomas Castonello: "Yes, please. I'm just gonna slip by... excuse me..."
Vendric: "Yes, some food and rest will be good."
Lann sees them all settled to their liking, and they head out the next morning after their usual rituals.
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From the hamlet of Neathholm, the tunnel winds mostly in a southeast direction for about 2,000 feet (26 minutes of travel at a speed of 15 feet). The tunnel narrows down at this point to a 5-foot-wide passageway, the walls carved with picks and chisels.
Two mongrel traitors start howling in alarm as the squire (in the lead) comes into view.
Vendric drinks his mutagen then steps foward. He addresses the guards. "I suggest you lay down your arms and surrender. We'd like to avoid fighting if possible."
The mongrelman traitors keep howling the alarm, one raising a club in threatening fashion. Those speaking Undercommon understand that he is reporting their numbers and armaments.
Skinnareth: "The monster chooses its fate! Come, human, bear upon me your arcane power! We shall run the blockade!"
Tomas Castonello: "Fine, but you better not get me in the middle of this!" Tomas Castonello runs ahead up to his companion's backside and grants Skinnareth a Mage Armor
Skinnareth slithers acorss the wall into the cavern and hisses a challenge to the mongrelmen, its talons extended. Altruis whirls his sling, sending the stone flying into one of the mongrel's shoulders. The mongrels duck down behind the barricades.
Vendric throws a bomb at the one behind the northern barricade. The wooden barricade catches the bomb, and in so doing, catches fire. The traitor recoils from the sudden blaze... but not quite quickly enough to dodge it out. Skinnareth crawls along the wall, moving above the barricade and snapping at the "unsuspecting" mongrel, who turns out to be suspecting enough to dodge out of the way. Altruis swings at the scorched mongrel who is also able to dodge. The mongrels attempt to retaliate against their respective foes, but their blows are harmlessly absorbed by the armor and scales.
((Thus ends session 4))
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Skinnareth creeps 5 feet along the wall and attacks his mongrel foe with fangs and claws from above. The mongrel hisses as the claws connect. Tomas moves up and peeks from around Vendric, who holds a bomb aloft awaiting a clear target...hopefully coming through the door at the end of the hall. The surviving mongrel at the barricade tries to attack the shadowy eidolon, but can't reach the serpentine outsider. Skinnareth snaps at the traitorous mongrel and shows his long rows of teeth that ebb into a black void at the back of its maw. A third mongrelman traitor appears silhouetted in the doorway as he opens the door. A fourth shoots at Vendric with a crossbow from behind his tribesman in the other room, which is furnished with bedrolls around a campfire, but hits the doorframe instead. Skinnareth creeps along the wall to the corner just past his foe, strikes, and a traitorous mongrel falls to fangs and claws. Vendric throws a bomb at the mongrel standing in the doorway.
Skinnareth tells Tomas something in his head.
"Baphomet take you!" the front mongrel curses as he's engulfed in fire. His ally manages to sidestep and avoid the worst of the blast.
Tomas Castonello: "The snake guy says we should funnel them into this room so you can better shoot them and he can cover us from above."
Altruis steps up to the door, the mongrel dodging to use the portal's edge for cover. Zullion steps next to the paladin, and slays the burnt mongrel with his scimitar. The remaining mongrel steps in as he slams the door shut. Skinnareth vlimbs to just above the door's lintel, and waits. The ranged warriors hold their fire, with the portal closed, as the flames on the barricade spread. Altruis attempts to kick the door in, but the mongrel holds it fast.
Zullion: "Should i perhaps help with this endeavour?" He puts his shoulder into it, and the door pops open to show the mongrel on the other side, and that another door has opened across the room and to the right.
Vendric: "If you surrender we wont kill you." He speaks as the door opens. At the same time, Skinnareth crawls under the lintel and up the wall on the far side, being surprised to find the mongrel and two humans attacking it. The humans are flanking the door, one with a scythe and the other with a glaive. The glaive opens a gash in the serpent's flank. While the eidolon moves, Nightwolf fires two arrows, and one makes its way past Zullion, the doorframe, the creeping eidolon, and the waving weapons to find the mongrel's arm. The scythe-wielding woman manages to slice open her own leg with it. Skinnareth snarls as the woman grazes him with a polearm, and bites her. Zullion seeing the mongrel still standing after the attacks from his companions, he slashes at the barring mongrel with his scimitar, opening a line down his chest, but the creature only clenches its jaws and stands fast.
The wounded mongrel swings his club up at the scaley intruder, and manages to bruise one of Skinnareth's ribs before stepping back. Altruis ducks under the womens' swings, as he steps in past the mongrel, lays a glowing hand on his own chest to heal himself, and stabs the glaive wielder. In the next room, Wenduag, a mongrel archer with useless arachnid legs, slips off the edge of the table, and shoots at Skinnareth, her arrow bouncing off his scales.
"The Lord of Locusts will see you in chiton!" The scythe-wielder recovers and swings at the eidolon over the door, scratching his tail.
Skinnareth: "Agh! These creatures dare tempt me? Do something, human! Make them pay!"
"Your bones shall be used to build the Ivory Labyrinth!" The glaive-wielder steps back and swings at Altruis before succumbing to her wounds.
Zullion moves in, weapon and shield ready and then lashes out at the cultist! His scimitar is blocked by the woman's scythe and the mongrel's club. Skinnareth's fangs and claws lash out at the scythe-wielder, one of his fangs scratching her shoulder, then he retreats to the other side of the door.
Tomas approaches the door. "Anyone want to be a bit bigger, or have a bit of force armor?"
Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession, and the mongrelman is taken out by the second arrow, through his throat. Altruis heals himself again, crosses to the eastern room, and strikes Wenduag. The mongrel archer steps back and shoots her attacker.
Nightwolf asks, "Sarathel can your magics conjure water to douse these flames?"
Sarathel Tirabade nods as she continues to make her way up to the barricade. "Slow as I am, this I can do."
Tomas Castonello: "I dunno, it makes a great deterrent from them coming in here."
Vendric: "I am sorry about that. My craft tends to be a very flammable one."
Sarathel Tirabade: "A little water will hurt the flames more than us."
The scythe wielder turns to swing at Zullion, then steps aside. Zullion continues past the scythe-wielder to help with the archer, taking a parting blow on the way. Wenduag manages to dodge the scimitar. Nightwolf manages to squeeze past the burning barricade without so much as a scorch, and shoots the scythe-wielder. Altruis darts back to the larger room and swings clumsily at the scythe-wielder. Vendric helps Tomas and Sarathel put out the flames. Sarathel Tirabade conjures a good 8 gallons of water. Tomas Castonello pretends not to be impressed by Sarathel's conjuring skills.
Wenduag: "You uplanders will find your fate in the Abyss!" She shoots at Zullion, who grunts as the the projectile claws at his flesh.
The cultist returns Altruis's blow... with equal effectiveness. Zullion steps up to the archer, ready to pay in full the kindness she has shown... but she jumps over his swing.
In the hallway, Tomas continues to help extinguishing the barricades while Skinnareth waits for the coast to be clear... er... guards the door for the puny mortals.
Holding his bow in his offhand, Nightwolf takes a moment to study his target while drawing his flail with his main hand, swinging it down at the cultist's head. "May a thousand insects consume your living flesh!" She cries as she sees the flail coming, only to fall a moment later with her skull caved in.
Altruis returns to the archer, in what appears to be a dining cave, stabbing her in the gut and healing himself. Wenduag dives to the far side of the table, and comes up turning to shoot. Her arrow ricochets off the bowl holding the light by the ceiling, and hits the top of the chair next to Zullion.
Zullion: "It seems your deity has abandoned you, i hope it explains why when you meet it!" he grins as he steps up to attack, his scimitar carving into her shoulder.
Wenduag: "Strike me down and I will return as a powerful demon!"
Nightwol stalks into the dining cave, standing at Zullion's side.
Back in the hallway, Tomas extinguishes the last of the fire.
Sarathel Tirabade reaches up to Skinnareth with a gently glowing hand. "Looks like you could use some healing, strange one."
Skinnareth: "Leave me be, mortal. I am beyond your..." She taps his snout. "... that does feel better."
Vendric rushes across to the dining cave.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey, say thank you, snake guy."
Skinnareth: "Thank you, snake guy. Also, don't insult me, you wretch. If you must call me something, make it... Skinnareth the Beyonder. What, it's descriptive!"
Sarathel Tirabade chuckles. "You're welcome." She nods to Tomas. "And what are you beyond, Skinnareth?"
Altruis steps up, healing Zullion. Zullion nods in thanks as his wounds clot up Wenduag 's eyes dart around like a cornered animal. She tries to make a break for the rope ladder dangling through hole in the floor's corner, but Nightwolf's flail strikes her down well short of the safety it promises.
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"Are there any stragglers left that you know of?" Zullion asks the group.
Vendric: "From what i saw no. But who knows whats behind the other doors."
Nightwolf tries to recover his arrows, but finds them broken against the stones, then begins scavenging from their fallen foes.
Skinnareth looks back from this interesting activity to answer Sarathel. "Many things, mortal. Beyond this world, for one. I have existed since before the wheels of time began turning, and I shall exist long after this bond is broken. That is, if this child learns any useful spells. Surely you learned more in your studies than this, boy."
Altruis Heavensward: "We should disarm the corpses so no others can recover the gear."
Skinnareth will also help liberate riches from the cultists. Discarding all of the useless weapons and armor for Tomas to pick up. "Whelp, make yourself useful and carry the weapons. Even a stick would make you twice as competent as your current self."
Tomas Castonello moves around and sweeps Detect Magic across the piles of loot.
Zullion: "I believe our allies could benefit from some of this equipment, yes?"
Sarathel makes her way into the camp-like cave. "Are others in need of healing in here? If you'll gather round, I think I can heal you all at once." And the wounded do come near enough to let a burst of positive energy wash over them.
Zullion: "Thank you Sarathel, it is appreciated" he gives a quick bow
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, many thanks."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I'm glad to be able to help. You're all quite good at dealing with these cultists."
Nightwolf nspects Wenduag's bow, "fine make, I assume there are no objections if I claim this."
Tomas looks at the scythe-wielder's locust-wing token. "Well, this bug one is odd. You'd think that a cult wouldn't be interested in conflicting beliefs.
Vendric: "It seems we are dealing with 2 sets of cultist. One is clearly baphomet but i cant recall the other."
Sarathel Tirabade: "May I look at that? Hmmm... you say she was talking about bugs too? That reminds me of Deskari... but he's not known for playing well with others."
Vendric: "That makes this more troubling."
Zullion: "Perhaps the demons are doing what we are doing? banding together to accomplish a greater goal?"
Horgus Gwerm calls from well up the tunnel, "Is... is it safe to go in there?"
Nightwolf "Yes, enter."
Sarathel Tirabade frowns. "I really hope not. Their divisiveness has always been their greatest weakness... if that's changed..."
Nightwolf "A troubling thought."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, if demons are anything like the di... like my mentor said they are, any union between them is fragile. If we talk them down perhaps we can play both sides against the middle."
Zullion: "Good luck with talking to them."
Vendric: "I don't think demons are the talking type. They are more of the torture you and kill kind."
Skinnareth: "Why bother? Whatever contract they have will matter little when they are laid low like their brethren here."
Altruis Heavensward: "We'll handle any trouble that comes our way, friends."
Horgus Gwerm: "Yes, yes... no doubt.... now, have you any idea which way leads out?"
Nightwolf opens the door to the northeast of the dining cave, finds a garbage chute with a giant amoeba, and promptly closes it again. "There is a slight danger, and a great stench beyond this door."
Zullion replies"If both can be avoided, then let it be"
Altruis checks the camp cave's northern door, and finds worked stone walls of a large room hold a number of shelves, each of which display the preserved bodies of dire rats, bats, rock vipers, cave lizards, and other creatures that pose in eerie stillness.
Skinnareth crawls to the middle door in the camp cave "As long as you are exploring carelessly, how about this portal here?"... the others proceed to ignore him.
Altruis Heavensward: "Looks like there's a ladder here." He steps into the northern room. "There's a side door over here."
Nightwolf nears the dining cave's hole with its rope ladder cautiously, keeping an arrow aimed down the hole as he approaches.
Vendric: "Where does that go?"
Nightwolf "Can we get that light over here?"
Tomas Castonello conjures a Dancing Lights man in response to Nightwolf's request. The lighting gives the impression that it opens onto the middle of a lower cavern, but it's hard to tell, beyond that.
Nightwolf "What of this last door?" He indicates that by which Skinnareth is perched.
((Thus ends session 5))
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Altruis calls from the trophy room. "There's a side door over here."
Nightwolf: "We should check all the doors before proceeding."
Sarathel: "And as an archer, you'd rather not be standing next to it? If you'll give me a minute, I can get it if no one else is going to."
Nightwolf chuckles "Yes quite right."
Sarathel Tirabade looks to make sure the archer's bow is at the ready before she opens the door. Nightwolf nocks an arrow. Sarathel opens the door. Within, a rack of hooks hangs from the ceiling of the lizard's room, cured slabs of meat dangling from them and filling the room with a smoky aroma. A group of barrels appears to hold other preserved foodstuffs. Amongst them, a cave lizard opens wide its fangs and hisses as it steps towards the open door. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession. Both his arrows hit, points burying themselves deep in the lizard's chest. Vendric watches in calm interest. Sarathel steps back and well out of the way as Zullion rushes up to the doorway, lashing out with his scimitar, drawing another hiss from the lizard as he lays open its shoulder. The angered lizard bites the scimitar's wielder, inducing Zullion to cry out! Altruis runs in from the next room, and past Zullion. The lizard strikes while it can. Its jaws lock on the paladin, but his blade manages to find its heart as he struggles to break free.
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Zullion scratches the spot where the lizard had bit him. "This burns a lot..."
Vendric recognizes Altruis's more serious poisoning. "Looks like that lizard's bite has a nasty side effect."
Altruis: "Then it's good that it's taken care of."
Sarathel "Looks like you two could use some healing." She channels positive energy for her allies.
Zullion: "Thank you, but the itching and burning wont go away though..."
Altruis Heavensward: "We'll just have to deal with it till it passes."
Sarathel "I can help with those symptoms... but I can only cast the spell that does so a few times a day."
Vendric: "If we had more time I could whip up something that could help."
Altruis: "Then i'd recommend we save our resources for something possibly more dire."
Zullion: "Do not worry, we will wait the poison out, it seems minor enough."
Altruis returns to the northern chamber and opens the side door onto a tunnel, ending in a rope dangling through a hole in the floor. "And I think I hear water."
Nightwolf: "Well is there at least anything in that room worth the fight?"
On searching the pantry, Nightwolf and Zullion recognize mongrelfolk meat. Vendric recognizes dire rat meat. Vendric and Zullion both botch their attempts to harvest useful parts from the lizard.
Zullion: "This is disturbing to say the least."
Nightwolf: "Well, I don't think we want to eat any of this."
Vendric: "Depends, if the food isn't poisonous it should still be edible if cooked properly. I've had many strange dishes in my travels."
Zullion: "Have you ever eaten the flesh of those you call allies?"
Nightwolf "Yeah, what's mongrel folk taste like?"
Sarathel: "Not only is that repulsive and horrific, but it's a good way to wind up a ghoul."
Vendric: "Can't say I have. I thought you all were talking about the dire rat meat. Though these mongrel men eating each other isn't news. the others told us as such."
Horgus Gwerm looks rather green.
Zullion: "That has been sorted out, let us move back, shall we?"
Altruis: "Let us continue on our way, friends. We have two paths ahead of us, one up and one down."
Nightwolf "If the way to the surface is up, perhaps we should clear the way below first to ensure we are not ambushed from behind."
Aravashnial: "That makes good tactical sense, young man."
Horgus: "...especially to those of us taking up the rear."
Nightwolf "To the hole downward then." Nightwolf and Zullion go to the rope ladder in the dining cave... while Altruis and Vendric go to the tunnel off the northern room.
Altruis gestures over to the rope down the side tunnel.
Zullion: "I shall proceed down first, I suggest Altruis stay at the back and come down last"
Horgus laughs. "Let me guess.... there are two ways down and you lot aren't talking to each other."
Nightwolf "I was not aware of another hole, but that seems to be the case"
Zullion: "I only knew of the one that the one tried to take herself before she was slain"
Nightwolf "North or South then, we should pick one."
Nightwolf "They may or may not lead to the same place eventually."
Altruis Heavensward: "We should try the escape route first. The way I found just sound like water."
Vendric: "South may be the best to start."
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Zullion: "I shall proceed, then," he stows away his sword and shield then takes the rope ladder 10 ft. down to the lower cavern, where 4 mongrels wait behind barricades with crossbows. A barrage of crossbow bolts whizzes ...mostly... into Zullion as he descends. "AAAAMBUSH!!!!!" he cries out in pain.
Two of the mongrels reload their weapons, and fire again, missing as the rope ladder twists under the impacts of their previous shots.
Sarathel steps up to the edge of the hole. "Zullion, here!" She channels positive energy, from the ladder's top, then flattens herself against the wall so the others can pass.
Altruis slips past Sara and jumps down to heal Zullion. One of the mongrel traitors thinks it best to shoot the healer who's ventured down into the guard post. Nightwolf climbs down the ladder, and takes a shot at one of the mongrels. His arrow vibrates in the barricade. A second mongrel shoots Altruis. Vendric climbs down, stepping off to the south, and throwing a bomb. The two mongrels jump back as the bomb slams into the barricade, setting it aflame. Zullion straps on his shield, and draws his scimitar as he closes on the barricades. The paladin takes his third crossbow bolt from a mongrel.
Nightwolf "He's a brave little pin cushion. Not smart maybe, but brave."
The mongrel facing Zullion drops his crossbow, steps over to the gap between barricades, and swings his club at Zullion, who expertly catches the blow with his shield. Sarathel climbs down and heals the paladin. Crossbow bolts pop out and fall to the ground as his wounds close. Altruis steps in to slash over the barricade. The mongrel cries out, gravely stricken. The mongrel on the other side of the gap drops his crossbow and swings his club at Zullion. Nightwolf takes a moment to study his target who has just dropped his club, and fires. His target collapses with a gurgle... and an arrow in his throat. The southernmost mongrel drops his crossbow and swings his club across the barricade at Zullion. Vendric steps into a puddle and throws another bomb at the mongrel in the middle. Vendric feels the stony points beneath the water, but they do not cut through the soles of his shoes. One of the mongrels is badly burned, but the other's able to jump away from the worst of the blast. The fire spreads along the southern barricade.
The northernmost mongrel swings his club at Altruis, hitting the barricade instead. The burnt mongrel swings at Zullion, who once again catches the blow on his shield. Sarathel steps in to heal Zullion.
Zullion: "Thank you Sarathel" he nods in thanks.
Sarathel Tirabade: "Glad I could help."
Altruis swings wildly at his northern target, who laughs a raspy laugh, reminiscent of insect wings. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession at red, hoping the flames will have reduced the barricade's effectiveness. His arrows arc gracefully through the flames and into the southern mongrel's chest. Nightwolf's target retrieves his crossbow and takes a step back from the burning barricade. Vendric moves off the pointy rocks and then waits as things are rather crowded and he doesn't want to set more stuff on fire. Zullion, now healed, steps into the fray, brandishing his scimitar and beheads the burnt one, which falls with a pair of thumps. The northern mongrel swings his club at Zullion, who's now lethally on his side of the barricade. The club slams against Zullion's shield. He feels his wrist bend a bit too far from the blow, but he still stands firm. Sarathel steps to one side until her services are needed once more.
Nightwolf addresses the southern mongrel "Shall we go again?" He steps into the water hiding the pointy rocks, and thus as he fires twice in rapid succession he is distracted enough to miss...both times.
Nightwolf's mongrel foe sneers and returns fire. "The Ivory Labyrinth will enclose all!" he cries as the bolt actually grazes the Shoanti.
Nightwolf. "Yeah, yeah we've heard it before."
Zullion steps to confront the crossbow-wielding mongrel...leaving himself flanked by the surviving pair. His throbbing wrist makes his swing go wide. The northern mongrel turns to swing his club into the back of the man who's stepped between him and his clansman.
"Uhg..." Zullion grunts as the club connects with him.
The northern mongrel is cut down across the barricade by Altruis a moment later. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession. While the first shot misses, the second takes the last mongrel through the eye.
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Altruis: "Let me take point on this next door."
Zullion: He wipes blood from his face "Very well, i shall guard the rear"
Sarathel: "Would you like some more healing before we press on? Those blows looked like they might have sprained something."
Zullion: "Normally I would decline, but that ambush did hurt a lot" he smiles at her.
Sarathel the slow lets Zullion come to her for healing. "You did take the brunt of it. I'm glad we didn't lose you." She returns the smile.
Zullion: "Once again lady Sarathel, i am very grateful for your help"
Sarathel: "And it's a pleasure to be tending to such a polite patient... it's a pleasant change from some I've had."
Zullion: he chuckles "Then maybe when all this is done, I could help with the unruly patients in the future."
Sarathel Tirabade's smile widens. "If you did, it would be my turn to be grateful to you."
Zullion: "It would be but a pleasure. Stay close my lady, we are not out of the...cavern yet, I will try to keep you safe for as long as I have breath."
Sarathel Tirabade has a red tinge blossom in her cheeks. "And I'll do my best to keep you hale."
Altruis Heavensward listens at the door. He hears the flames crackling and his companions chatting.
Nightwolf "Shall we extinguish these flames first?"
Vendric: "You may be right quenching these flames should be done."
Sarathel once again helps the firefighting by supplying water. It takes half a minute to put out the fire. Altruis tries the door as soon as the fire is out.
Vendric mutters to himself as he heads towards the paladin. "I've heard of worse places for love to blossom."
Altruis: "It appears empty, but there are several doors about." Along with a large, bloodstained table, several chairs, and odd lanterns.
Vendric's sure that at least one person was slain on the table, with that much blood.
Nightwolf: "Once again it appears our choices are North or South. I'll let those doing the opening decide but let me know so I can get into position first."
Vendric: "Could this have been a sacrificial chamber?"
Altruis points at the north door, "Let's go south." He winks.
Nightwolf "Or a dinning room."
Vendric: "Could be both in all honesty."
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While the other three line up by the north door, Zullion hangs well back with Sarathel. The door opens on a small cave with a tone pedestal holds a copper brazier aloft in the center of this room. Against the western wall, an enormous pile of animal furs and thick quilts serves as a bed. Sheathed weapons and stone carvings adorn the walls. The eastern half of the room holds a wooden desk, beneath which stands a long, thin iron lockbox. And a tiefling man and a human woman are standing in heated discussion which breaks off abruptly.
Nightwolf "We're lost, can you help?"
Altruis swings his blade into the doorframe, getting it embedded. Vendric and Nightwolf both loose their weapons on the tiefling in the doorway. The tiefling screams as the holy water splashes across him... and the broken glass scratches him, to add insult to injury. The tiefling's scream breaks off as Nightwolf's arrow finishes him off.
Nightwolf "Well I hope he wasn't one of the good guys."
Vendric: "Seems that discussion was cut short. I wonder what it was about."
Hosilla eyes narrow. "You slew my bodyguard."
Nightwolf "Wasn't very good at his job then was he?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Now now, we can end this without further bloodshed."
Vendric: "And you shall share his fate unless you decide to surrender now. Worshiper of baphomet."
Hosilla: "Clearly not." The woman stands with her glaive raised, holding forth a painted bull's head in her left hand.
Altruis Heavensward: "Do you think your lord will offer you forgiveness if you fail?"
Vendric: "You already lost most of your allies and now your bodyguard. You are clearly outnumbered. And if somehow you can make it past us there are more waiting beyond this place so your best bet is to surrender and talk with us."
Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession. Hosilla takes an arrow in each shoulder. Nightwolf "Shoot first, talk later."
Hosilla swings her glaive down into the Shoanti.
Nightwolf "Ouch damn you"
Hosilla: "What you call damnation has long been my goal." She laughs darkly.
Zullion: "On my way!" he calls, and to Sarathel "Stay close"
Sarathel Tirabade nods to him with a smile as he passes . "As I can."
Nightwolf "No hurry, just fighting minions of evil."
Hosilla swings her glaive through the doorway as Zullion passes through her range.
"Then today you shall achieve that dream!" Zullion's fury overshadows the pain of her attack as he swings his scimitar into Hosilla's side.
Hosilla grits her teeth against pain, eyes flashing.
Altruis Heavensward: "Pain only begets more pain, do you not wish to feel the sun on your face in a world where the only harm comes from the fight for a better tomorrow?"
Hosilla: "Why yes... of course..."
Altruis Heavensward: "Well, I tried. Fire away, Vendric."
Vendric: "Then lay down your weapons and holy symbol so we can talk. Otherwise my arrow happy companion here may let a few more of his arrow loose."
Hosilla: "When you have invaded my home? Why would I believe you would not simply slay such an undefended target?"
Altruis Heavensward: "This isn't your home, but a staging ground."
Hosilla: "It is my refuge."
As they talk, her wounds begin to close.
Vendric: "You have my word as a Desnan that should you lay down arms and surrender you will not be harmed any further," He looks at his other companions as he says this. He realizes that her healing comes from an inquisitor's healing judgment.
Zullion growls. "She is playing you for fools, but not I! You will feel the sting of my blade, witch!"
Hosilla screams as she sees her death approaching.
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Vendric realizes Hosilla's still bleeding out before she dies. He stablizes her and then looks at the others. "Anyone care to help me strip her of her gear and bind her?"
Altruis Heavensward: "I've run out of healing for the day."
Zullion: "I will, I am not in the business of killing defenceless people"
In addition to Hosilla's and her bodyguard's gear, there is a lockbox under the desk.
Nightwolf: "I'll help you strip her gear and bind her, but saving her life is a waste if you ask me."
Sarathel: "She is a traitorous demon-cultist. If it's bad up above, do you really think we can afford to drag her along?"
Nightwolf inspects the box for traps, and finds none.
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, a lockbox, did she have a key?"
Zullion: "We do not have to drag her along, we deliver her to our allies down here. She and her ilk have done more wrong to them, than to us"
Vendric: "Its why it may be good to keep her alive. She probably knows whats going on here and above and perhaps what the demon's plans are."
Nightwolf "So we let them put her to death then."
Zullion: "They will be her judge"
Sarathel Tirabade: "A wise solution."
Nightwolf takes the key from Hosilla's body and tries it in the lockbox, which opens. The lockbox holds a small but plump leather pouch, 2 scrolls, and a long, thin, sword case made of some dark wood. A note sits on the sword case.
Vendric: "If it is that they decide and she can not be saved. It would be nice to get her to turn away from Baphomet but i doubt that is likely."
Altruis looks up from the note as it's passed around. "Yaniel's sword?"
Sarathel: "Why would they steal that from the museum? It's stayed dull since Yaniel's death."
Altruis opens the unlocked case and picks up the sword. "Maybe as an insult to our history?" As the paladin takes up the golden blade, it flares with golden light.
Vendric: "Or maybe they know something we don't as they mentioned corrupting it."
Sarathel stares. "It.... but.... others have tried taking it up. Some great heroes.... it hasn't glowed like that since Yaniel fell in the Worldwound, on her second expedition." Sarathel looks around at her companions. "I'm sure you've heard the songs of her first... how she set out with only her blade, and returned with the 500 crusaders she'd freed."
Vendric: "It seems something has changed."
Altruis Heavensward stares at the sword, "But....i'm no great warrior, i'm just a squire. Why would it react to me?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Maybe... it knows something we don't?"
Zullion: "I am ignorant of these things, but I will take your word that this has some very important significance."
Sarathel smiles at Zullion. "It's a great sign of hope, at the least."
Zullion: "That s good enough for me, now of all times we need hope
Vendric: "It is quite a boon to have such a holy blade with us now."
Sarathel: "In Yaniel's hands it was one of the mightiest blades seen in all the Crusades."
Nightwolf: "So no pressure man."
"No pressure....no pressure?" Altruis sighs.
Sarathel: "Radiance is its name... and now it shines once more."
Vendric: "It certainly lives up to its name."
The fledgling heroes agree to return to Neathholm to recover their strength before pressing on. ((Thus ends session 6.))
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Tomas Castonello, as they return to the complex's entry on the way out: "Welcome back everyone... it's good to see you all made it. It looks like a bigger scrap than I imagined. What did you find down there?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "More mongrels... including some who actually knew how to shoot, and the ringleader cultist... who may have been the one to corrupt them." She smiles. "And our young squire's found a blade that's taken a liking to him. Radiance shines once more!"
Nightwolf "Yeah, what she said."
Tomas Castonello frowns at the familiar name. It takes him a moment to recall the tales. "Is that the sword that knight carried in the Fourth Crusade? The one who took on the Worldwound single-handedly? She must have had some powerful steel to do that."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Yaniel, yes. And not steel, but treated cold iron. When she wielded it, it was said to be one of the mightier blades ever seen... but since her death it lay dull and quiescent... until now."
Vendric: "We also managed to capture what assume may be the leader of the cultists that were with the mongrels."
When Hosilla is brought before the Chief, she is swiftly convicted of attempted murder and colluding with demons, by the evidence of our heroes' testimony, the letter they found, and out of her own mouth. Her execution is brief, without any fanfare. Lann lets our heroes know that by now the nearer mongrel settlements have heard of the uplands' woes, and they are now starting to mobilize. There's likely only a day or two before the mongrels reach the surface to aid in the battle.
Nightwolf "Told you we should have killed her ourselves. Would have saved these people the trouble."
Sarathel Tirabade: "At least it's done with now."
Tomas Castonello: "Yeah... I saw the trial. It didn't end well at all. I'm glad I never got involved with that fiendish business."
Sarathel Tirabade sighs softly. "It never does end well... for anyone."
Altruis is delayed and distracted as Aravashnial is in heated conversation with Altruis's dove, trying to study the reactivated blade.
Tomas Castonello: "Well, it did some good. Now that they've seen how far the demonic influence has gone, everybody's fixing to march on the surface and help the crusade. It's crazy!"
Nightwolf "I believe we still had an unopened door in the lower chamber to the south to explore, and then the one to the north."
Sarathel Tirabade: "As good a plan as any."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, let me help you. I feel bad I wasn't there. The lizard didn't want to move on after getting stabbed, and I was kind of on his side about it."
Nightwolf "Thats the door to the south. Any volunteers, lizard man?"
Skinnareth: "What, you're so scared of blades that you need me to shield you from a doorway?"
Tomas Castonello: "Just open the door, lizard."
Nightwolf "It's not the doorway that concerns me, but what might lie beyond."
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Skinnareth hisses with annoyance, but moves forth and grasps the door and attempts to open it. As the doors open, a pair of mongrels dive behind the rear stone slabs.
Skinnareth: "Mortals! I have no desire to flay your skulls. Show me no discourse and I will spare your wretched lives."
Nightwolf "Bah, more of 'them'. Your leader is dead surrender now or share her fate."
A crossbow bolt thunks into the doorframe by way of reply.
"Hard way it is then." Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession. The second arrow finds its mark, giving a mongrel a nasty scalp wound.
Skinnareth: "Curse these creatures... are you satisfied, human?"
Vendric moves up to the door, drinking a mutagen.
The mongrels return fire to the archer and reload, muttering curses in Undercommon. "Tred on your bones....lost forever..." Are the bits Vendric can make out.
Nightwolf "Irritating creatures, you'll pay for that."
Skinnareth: "Enough! Aid me, wizard! Give me your magic armor!"
Tomas Castonello walks over and imparts Skinnareth with a Mage Armor spell. Skinnareth grins as he crawls his way forward and snaps at the injured mongrel, who is still able to easily pull his own scaled leg out of the lizard's reach.
Skinnareth: "Pay for your impudence, mortal!"
Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession opening a gash among the feathers of his left shoulder with the second arrow.
Vendric speaks in Undercommon "I don't suppose you would like to surrender? We took out your leader and the head cultist who was in that other room. Chances are your not gonna win this fight."
Mongrelman traitor: "What'd happen if we did? A quick execution?" The mongrel growls, then drops his crossbow and swings his club at the reptilian menace which has him cornered. The other mongrel steps back and shoots at Skinnareth.
Skinnareth deflects the club harmlessly and flicks its tongue at the offender. "You cannot fight me! I am beyond your kind!" Skinnareth slashes at the clubbed mongrel and snaps at the one retreating against the far wall.
The rearmost mongrel falls as Skinnareth bites a chunk out of him. The other staggers against the wall as the protean's claws hamstring it. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession and the mongrelman traitor falls, with two arrows in its chest. The archer then looks for his arrows which missed.
Skinnareth growls. "I had this managed, human." Skinnareth roots through the fallen mongrels' possessions and searches for valuable objects, but finds only the crossbows and clubs.
Nightwolf "You're welcome." He notices one of the slabs hosts a dead dire rat, pinned to it by a fine dagger.
Tomas Castonello: "Oh man, I thought we were done with this. I can't wait to get back to town and have a cold drink."
Sarathel Tirabade: "It looks like we've reached the end of this wing, at least."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Nightwolf, would you like some help with that crossbow bolt?"
Nightwolf "Tis but a scratch. Best save your energies for something greater."
Sarathel Tirabade: "All, right... but let me know if it starts to get inflamed... last thing we need down here is an infection."
Tomas Castonello: "Is there anything else you passed over? If there's more followers they could just start their cult again."
Nightwolf: "that should be it for this level, we should return to the door on the previous level."
Skinnareth: "With this armor, I can overcome all. Show me your foes and I will plow them aside, their riches mine for the taking."
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They return to the middle level, and the hallway which Altruis had been interested in, with a muted roar echoing down the walls. Near the eastern end, the worked stone give way to natural cave walls, just before the hall ends at an open shaft. Hanging over the edge of the shaft is a knotted rope—the other end tied to an iron spike driven into the ground.
Nightwolf "In that case creature feel free to take the lead on this room to the east."
Skinnareth: "Very well. They had best ready their gems for my eager claws." Skinnareth pulls his serpentine body up to the hole and peeks down below. The shaft drops 40 feet down to a watery surface. "A mere sinkhole? At least be a wishing well full of gold."
Tomas Castonello creates a set of tiny globes to dance over Nightwolf's head as the light from the other room grows dim. Skinnareth claws its way into the hole, searching for signs of cavern crystals or dropped coins. Skinnareth climbs down to the bottom of the shaft, but isn't finding sufficient footholds on the overhang where it turns to ceiling. At first glance, he can just make out that the water is flowing.
Skinnareth: "I find nothing, humans! The overcropping is very steep." Annoyed at the slickness of the ceiling he climbs halfway down the rope and swings his way to the wall.
Nightwolf "What's the matter creature, afraid of a bath? What's the depth?"
Sknnareth is distracted as he swings his nose into the wall. "Agh! Like I'd soil my scales for your sake, mortal." He tries to see if any creatures or treasures lurk under the water, and notices dark shadows moving under the surface... and the edge of a disguised door. "Wait... I sense movement. And perhaps more..."
Nightwolf looks out over the edge. From 40 feet he can see very dark water, its nature betrayed by glistening ripples across the surface...and the rushing sound, of course.
Tomas Castonello: "Should we just let him stay down there? What if that lake taps into somebody's ground well?"
Nightwolf "I suspect the mongrelfolk here used it as a source of fresh water. As for other's I doubt your creature is dirty enough to soil the water."
Nightwolf "My greater concern is if there is some guardian down there ready to drown unwary spelunkers looking for its treasure."
Skinnareth crawls toward the door, and pokes around to see if it is locked. There is no locking mechanism... the door swings open under his weight. The bottom of the open door is a foot above the waterline. "Well... what have we here?"
Nightwolf climbs down the rope to the surface of the water.
Skinnareth: "Ha! Those fools thought they could hide their wealth from my senses? Pitiful!"
A thick layer of dust coats the hidden cavern. Near the far wall sits an old wooden chest covered with dust and cobwebs.
Tomas Castonello: "It feels like he found something he likes. Here, let me get another light up." Tomas Castonello conjures more light above his head and peeks down to where Nightwolf went. Nightwolf's light winks out as Tomas conjures another.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey Nightwolf! Is it safe down there?"
Vendric lights a torch. Tomas Castonello sends the lights to occupy the rope in 10-foot increments starting at the top of the hole
Nightwolf "I'm still not sure of the water's depth or if there are creatures in it."
Skinnareth: "What's the matter, creature? Afraid of a little bath?"
Nightwolf "I've simply no desire to go fishing with myself as bait. I do feel a bit like a worm on a line."
Skinnareth chuckles to itself as it goes to inspect the chest for locks or traps, setting foot on the floor to get a better look at its front... only to have the ground fall out from under him. "Human! Th-ARGH!" Fortunately, the pit is only 10 feet deep. Unfortunately, its bottom is coated in spikes, 2 of which pierce his side.
Nightwolf "Are you okay creature?"
Skinnareth: "Rot! Scum! Putrid lilliputian entrails! Where lies that healer? Those foul mongrels have entrenched me in spears!" He easily climbs his way out of the pit and returns to the safety of the walls.
Sarathel Tirabade evidently doesn't hear him over the rushing sound the water's making.
Tomas Castonello: "Wow... I dunno what he found, but he sure is mad."
Skinnareth: "Disgusting mortals... for this, I better receive a boon of rubies! Rubies for my suffering!" Skinnareth pries the chest open while hanging upon the wall.
Vendric, up above, with Tomas and Sarathel: "Well he always seemed to be in a foul mood. Might not take much to set him off."
The chest contains a shield, a ring, 2 scrolls, 2 potions... and a thick scattering of gold coins.
Skinnareth: "Finally! Lessee... some of it is promising, but the rest is trash. Bound paper and human trinkets."
Skinnareth lifts the ring out and plants it upon his finger. "It's mainly garbage. Do you desire these worthless keepsakes, human?"
Nightwolf "Perhaps you should bring it all creature and let us decide what is valuable. Some humans will pay nicely for jewelry, perhaps enough even to buy you a small gem."
Nightwolf "I have a sack if you need to carry it out"
Skinnareth: "Very well. The box is egregious and heavy. Relinquish to me your sack and I shall fill it."
Nightwolf reaches into his backpack with one hand and offers a waterproof bag. Skinnareth returns to the hole with the sack and fills it with the items. With the contents secure, he slithers over to the rope with the sack in hand and gestures to Nightwolf. As they leave, a man-sized fish leaps out of the water below them ...and returns to it with a fine splash.
Nightwolf "I caught one that big once."
Skinnareth returns with the sack of the chests' contents and places it upon the ground. "It's not much, but this trinket will do for payment for now. You take the rest."
Tomas Castonello looks at the ring and begins casting Detect Magic.
When counted, there is a total of 250 gp.
Nightwolf "Do you wish the others to inspect your trinket? It may be magical... or cursed"
"Cursed? Is there no end to these creatures' treachery?" Skinnareth removes the ring and deposits it upon the sack in disgust
Nightwolf: "what of these potions and scrolls, Vendric, Tomas, can you identify them?"
Tomas Castonello: "Hang on. I'm checking for signs of magic."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Skinnareth... you're looking a bit banged up, if you come over, I can close up some of those pinpricks."
Tomas Castonello begins a second round of Detect Magic. Vendric looks at the potions inconclusively.
Skinnareth: hiss ". . . Very well. Those spears offered some difficulty to my talons."
Sarathel Tirabade offers a couple prayers for Skinnareth, resting a hand on the top of his head, and his wounds close.
Skinnareth: "You do your work well, human. If only I was bound to such a competent mortal." His eyes narrow at the arcane caster
Nightwolf chuckles
Sarathel Tirabade: "Thank you, Skinnareth... but I'm sure Tomas has plenty of talents off the battlefield. And I'm a half-orc... most people can tell."
Vendric: "Do you view us all as humans?"
Tomas Castonello: "I was smart enough not to go into the hole, so there's that."
Nightwolf "Discretion is the better part of valor."
Tomas Castonello: "That ring does have something after all. And so does this... and these! Marvelous!"
Nightwolf "If we only knew what."
Vendric takes his identification extract and identifies a light wooden shield +1, ring of climbing, scroll of identify, scroll of magic fang, and 2 potions of darkvision.
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The party then turns towards the ladder upward. Skinnareth graciously goes before the scared humans to venture up the hole. Skinnareth and Vendric hear echoey squeaks from above as they approach the ladder.
"Hmm, i have an idea." Vendric lobs a bomb up over the lip, and the squeaks start sounding more frantic and pained, and drifting away.
Skinnareth investigates the landing. On reaching the top of the ladder, he spots 3 scorched dire rats fleeing down a narrow hall.
Vendric: "What do you see up there?"
Skinnareth: "Simply carrion feeders. You can proceed safely, mortals."
Vendric climbs up.
Nightwolf "Excellent use of your bombs Vendric"
Skinnareth: "It does look like another portal lies ahead. And light... perhaps a hovel for more mongrels."
Skinnareth crawls onto the wall as he ventures around the hallway and into the next room. The cornered rats fight...like cornered rats, but they really don't present an obstacle, an arrow, a bite, and a claw finish them off.
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The large chamber past the portal looks like it must have once been a cistern for the sewer system. Walls made of identical stone blocks hold up a lofty ceiling reinforced with elegant stone arches, while the center of the room contains a more recent-looking structure made of brick walls that reach from floor to ceiling. Nothing attacks from therein.
Skinnareth crawls in, sticking to the wall and listening for hiding humanoids. The chamber remains eerily silent save for the echoes of their own footsteps as they cautiously explore.
Skinnareth: "Do you mortals keep your fine jewels and coins within a different dimension? This hovel is stark and empty!"
"Some kind of maze?" Nightwolf asks as they round one corner to find several more.
Vendric: "It appears so."
They make their way carefully through the maze, Skinnareth in the lead, followed by Nightwolf, Sarathel, Tomas, and Vendric taking up the rear, until a dretch attacks Nightwolf from around a corner.
Nightwolf: "I could use that light up here!"
Skinnareth: "Move aside, human! This creature reeks of an outer plane!" He patiently waits for the archer to move aside so as to do battle with the creature himself. While he waits, a second creature attacks him from behind, only to bruises its jaws on Skinnareth's scales.
Nightwolf takes a moment to study his target, and backs up.
Skinnareth backs up and snaps at the secondary dretch, his jaws closing only on air. Where his claw connects, it doesn't appear to hurt the creature.
Skinnareth: "Human, my talons are useless against it. I'll draw their ire, and you fire."
Nightwolf "Backup and use cold iron if you have it."
Vendric hurls his bomb at the wall just past the combatants... and the fiery blast has no effect.
Skinnareth: "Cold iron? One of you mentioned a weapon that was wrought in such metal. Fat lot of good that does here!"
Nightwolf switches his attention to the new foe, and draws his warhammer, still holding his bow with his off hand. He delivers a mighty blow does much less damage than one would think... but the demon does appear to be developing a bruise.
Vendric: "What are we fighting? I cant get a good look."
Nightwolf "I have cold Iron arrows but need room to maneuver. See if we can draw them down this hallway."
Sarathel Tirabade gets well out of the way. Skinnareth: "Sounds good to me. I need the boy. You there, wizard?"
Tomas Castonello: "I don't know what they look like. Describe them to me!"
Skinnareth describes the creatures while waiting for Nightwolf to retreat.
Tomas Castonello: "I know those things! They're lowly things like Imps, but they are useful familiars. And they repel fire and most magical energy... sorry, old man."
Skinnareth: "Forget that! I need more magic! My claws hunger for vengeance!"
Tomas Castonello: "I don't have anything that can hurt them. All I have are abjuration and some transmutations!"
Vendric: "if they are demons then I have something that should hurt them pretty well. If you can lead them to where I can see i can help."
The dretch attacks again, in futility. Nightwolf swings again, and steps farther back into the hallway. Again the blow does some minor harm to the demon. Perhaps it sprained something.
Skinnareth snaps and slices at the dretch who had dared to strike at him from behind, then retreats into the hallway. Skinnareth's teeth catch the tip of his own tongue. "Human, the one with the cane ((Vendric)) mentioned it earlier. Magic Fang. Magic FANG. Make my fangs magic!"
Vendric hurls a flask of water into a demon, and the dretches cry out as their flesh bubbles, smoke rising off them. Nonetheless, the dretches try to attack, though the wall gets in ones' way. The first dretch is dropped by one of Nightwolf's cold iron arrows through its eye.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey Old... Vendric, can I have that thing that the lizard said?"
Vendric: "The scroll? take it."
The half-scorched survivor steps up the hall in pursuit of Skinnareth, and scores a hit on the inside of his nostril.
Skinnareth: "GAH! Stupid impish worm!" He growls at the dretch, then addresses Tomas "Don't bother now, just hold it. You with the cane, do that thing again!" It snaps at the surviving dretch, and can taste the revolting thing, feel it in his jaws... but fails to harm it.
Vendric: "You mean splash some water on it?" He suits action to words, hurling a second vial. The dretch howls as it scorches and bubbles apart.
Skinnareth: "Finally... you, wizard, need some tutelage. I am not going to sit around having my eyes gouged out whilst you fumble about."
Vendric: "Amazing what a little water and some divine blessing can do to creatures of evil planes.:
Tomas Castonello: "I'm not built for this, okay? I'm not a crusader, and I'm not a diabolist. What do you want from me?"
Skinnareth: "Silence, fool! That's why I want you to look at that spell. Study it. You're going to read it, learn it, and apply it. Let me help you to help me. Understand, worm?"
Tomas Castonello: "Okay, fine! But if we encounter any more demons, you're going first."
Vendric: "It's hard to tell who is the master sometimes in your relationship, Tomas"
Skinnareth: "Clearly it is I who must apprentice all of you, snake oil peddler. If only this one's skills were half yours, I'd be sitting on a mountain of riches right now."
Vendric: "Heh, I assure my wares are more then mere snake oil. And is riches all you really desire?"
Tomas Castonello: "... You're the worm... dretch breath..."
Skinnareth ignores the caster's words. "After spending an eternity lying on the edge of mortal existence with only echoes of the wonders that lay beyond? I intend to enjoy myself to the fullest. I shall surround myself with all that makes my fancy, and all the world shall be my entertainment. Is there any more fitting a desire for a being such as myself?"
Vendric: "Probably. But wanting to be surrounded by riches seems so much more petty and human than what I would expect from your kind."
Skinnareth makes a disgruntled sound of unrest. "And what, pray-tell, would you do after endless ages of imprisonment? Perhaps drinking your swill is enough for you?"
Vendric: "Probably do what I have been doing. Exploring the world and experiencing new things. As well as helping those I come across. Living life as Desna teaches us."
Skinnareth: "That sounds... positively drab. Surely you covet things as well. What wealth has driven you to the bottom of this hole?"
Vendric: "Well it's not like I came down here by choice. We all fell down here after a demon invasion opened the earth."
Skinnareth: "So the fiends broke your world and threw you into a chasm. No wonder you delight in their suffering. Do you intend to kill and destroy them for vengence? Or simply for pleasure?"
Vendric: "So they may not harm any others." ((Thus ends session 7))
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Skinnareth: "So you will save the humanoids from the demons, and then claim their riches as payment? That seems practical, if slow and arduous."
Nightwolf "Onward and upward then."
Tomas Castonello: "Aah... I can smell fresh air already. I can't wait to revisit the library with a nice goblet of wine."
Rubble-strewn streets are interrupted by deep chasms, the Kite and Cathedral of St. Clydwell are missing from the city's skyline. Plumes of dark smoke still rise from the smoldering remains of burned-down buildings. Fat buzzards wheel above in skies scarred by red smoke and black clouds.
Altruis Heavensward: "I...uh...don't know if that'll be an option."
Nightwolf "I.. I never imagined such destruction"
Horgus Gwerm whispers "Not again..."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Is... is this real?"
Nightwolf "I know the city was under siege when we fell but I was confident they would be able to repel the invasion."
Skinnareth: ""Hmm. I imagined human society would be more... clean. Your city does not impress."
Aravashnial: "What? What's happening?"
Tomas Castonello: "You... don't wanna know, sir."
Altruis Heavensward: "War..."
Nightwolf "Aravashnial, the city is destroyed, the Kite and Cathedral are gone."
Aravashnial: "Do you see the Blackwing Librarium? Did it survive? I should really return to my people there...they rely on me... "
omas Castonello: "Don't worry, I'm sure it has survived. The demons would care nothing for good literature."
Horgus Gwerm: "Forget the library, you are to escort me to the safety of my manor. I'm sure my guardsmen are holding a line."
Sarathel Tirabade: "If I may... my sister's an officer in the city guard. She may have left word for me at our house. Message of where they're rallying, that sort of thing."
Nightwolf "I wouldn't be so confident, but I will do my best to get you all to safety."
Altruis Heavensward: "I understand each of you wishes to return to your favored sanctuary, but we must go to the safest area for all of us."
Nightwolf "It seems we have three suggestions, which is the closest?"
Aravashnial: "That depends on where we came up..."
Tomas Castonello: "Meeting a guardsman would be the safest option. A couple dretches are one thing, but if a horde swells, I'd rather be with allies."
The three are able to describe the locations they wish to reach.
Nightwolf "It seems the library is closest and on the way, more or less, to the the other destinations, we should go there first I think."
Altruis Heavensward does his best to ensure the escortees that they'll be taken as swiftly as can be allowed. Two of the three stare at the ruins, desperately trying to disbelieve it, make it reveal itself to be mere illusion... the third can only listen intently.
Tomas Castonello: "I'm sorry, guys... we aren't prepared for anything like this. Aravashnial, if we go to the library, would your colleagues be able to aid us and help you with your affliction?"
Aravashnial 's ears droop. "I'm sure they will... if... if any who can survived."
Altruis Heavensward: "Keep your chin up, you know what they say about the bottom of the barrel."
Nightwolf "Yeah? What's that?"
Altruis Heavensward: "There's only up from there."
Tomas Castonello: "Of course they did. Knowledge is power, and they are in the greatest well of power in the city. In the library we can research and possibly get information on what happened while we were underground."
Nightwolf "Most direct route sound right to the rest of you?"
Altruis Heavensward: "We do have Radiance, so we're certainly in good hands."
Rubble litters the streets, eerily silent save for sporadic distant cries.
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Here, the rubble has been cleared away from the street here, and an improvised stage made of several partially destroyed wagons and carts has been erected in the middle of the street. On this stage stand 4 frightened-looking men and women, each armed with jagged broken weapons and clad in bits and pieces of dented, bloody armor. 4 more dead men and women lie scattered about the cleared area—victims who attempted to run away only to be killed by one of the quasits.
Tomas Castonello: "Watch out! If there are a few here, there are probably more just out of sight!"
Nightwolf: "They are vulnerable to cold iron."
Vendric lobs a vial of holy water into a tiny target. The quasit on the right screams as its flesh starts to boil. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession. The right-hand quasit is hit by the first cold iron arrow.
Nightwolf "I know not what foul game you play here demon, but it ends now."
The quasit flutters feebly, pale where it isn't burnt. "To...the... Abyss..." it gasps.
Altruis charges the quasit on the left, Radiance held aloft. He brings it down in a clean arc, and the quasit is cleft in twain, falling to the cobbles with a pair of thumps.
Skinnareth: "Human! Will these things resist me like the others?"
Tomas: "Um, yeah. They're demons, but small ones. You need cold iron to really hurt them."
Vendric: "Holy water seems to do the trick as well."
Skinnareth: "Then give me some, now!"
Vendric: "I'd doubt you'd be able to use them as effectively as I can."
Tomas fires his crossbow, but the quasit dodges below the bolt. Skinnareth moves up for a closer look.
"Destroy them, slaves!" the gravely wounded quasit cries... and vanishes.
Skinnareth: "You see the ramifications of your selfish nature, worm? The suffering of others will be your punishment for all of time."
Tomas Castonello: "I wonder if I can get cold iron bolts. Would that interfere with my spellcasting?"
For their part, the haggard townsfolk on the stage are staring at their rescuers. "Radiance..." One whispers, then the others take up the cry, hope filling their eyes.
Nightwolf "Such things are common in the crusade. I've never heard of them affecting spell casters."
Vendric: "Indeed, most weapons don't interfere much with casting unless its a special kind of weapon or one that impedes your hands. Its the armor that will get in your way." Vendric moves forward and looks around, not spotting the invisible fiend.
The others also search in vain.
"You know the price of disobediance!" the quasit hisses as it reappears. One of it claws flashes across a costumed captive woman, and she falls.
Altruis Heavensward: "Sir Vendric, finish this so I may right this wrong."
The haggard townsfolk jump down from the wagon, and flee towards our heroes.
Nightwolf "NO! FIGHT ME creature! Or do you fear returning to hell?"
"If I'd wanted to stay in the Abyss, I'd still be there," the quasit retorts.
Vendric runs forward bringing out a vial he lets sail at the tiny demon. The glass cracks, dousing the quasit, which drops to the wagonbed, sizzled to a crisp.
Vendric: "May the Holy power cleanse your foul evil from this world."
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Nightwolf "The creature is dead. There is no need to fight. Go, try to find safety, and may Desna guide you."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh no... I'm sorry... I'm sorry!"
Vendric moves onto the stage and checks the woman over. The townsfolk hesitate. Vendric is close enough to see her chest slowly rise and fall...but she's bleeding from the claw-gash. Vendric feeds her a potion.
Tomas Castonello: "Is she dead? Is she...?"
The woman groans as her eyes open. "My... hero. Is it over?"
Vendric: "No she is alive. Thankfully the demons claws weren't able to get too deep and I was able to get to her in time." He looks down to the woman, "For now it is."
The woman smiles weakly.
Tomas Castonello: "Oh, oh yes... thank goodnes."
Altruis Heavensward: "Good work, Vendric."
Nightwolf "Are you alright? Are there any safe places you can go?"
Tomas Castonello slumps against the cart, breathing heavily. He looks haggered, but starts laughing in relief.
The townsfolk look to each other, shaking their heads. "Not that we know of... we ... were neighbors. Hiding in a basement when those two found us. We... we couldn't hurt them. Any who fled were killed. We..." He breaks down in tears.
Skinnareth: 'What is wrong with you, human? It was just a whelp. It's dead now."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I can at least close up their wounds." She channels positive energy to do so.
Altruis Heavensward reassures the townsfolk. "We can take you to safety, stay with us."
The rescued townsfolk look quite relieved to fall in with Horgus and Aravashnial.
Nightwolf: "Is there anything you can tell us about what has happened since the dragon fell? We've been... away since the fighting started."
Vendric: "We should continue before more demons show up."
One of the rescued goodmen answers. "There were demons... tall as the sky... those chasms are where they walked through... and then those just left, but plenty of the small ones stuck around, wrecking, looting, killing, terrorizing.." They are quite quick to keep up with our heroes.
Nightwolf "Well I'm glad the large ones are gone at least. We'd best find shelter, hopefully the library will be safe."
Skinnareth: "Listen, ma'am... I feel like I was responsible for that. If I'd had that creature stay back, you might not have been hurt. Please don't hate me."
The formerly stricken woman looks puzzled. "Your... creature? But... the demon tried to kill me because I -didn't-- attack you..."
Nightwolf "Rest easy Tomas, none of us could have prevented that, and no one was permanently injured."
Vendric: "We need to find out where the crusaders are. We must tell them of our findings from below as well as the forces the mongrelmen are sending."
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As they approach, a gap in the skyline becomes aparrent, in the midst of untouched buildings, as though a great hand had squashed the Librarium's towers. Only the central hall remains, cracks running through its thick stone walls.
Nightwolf "Uh, Aravashnial, you may want to prepare yourself. It doesn't look good."
Aravashnial: "What doesn't look good?"
Vendric: "Seems only the main hall is somewhat intact. The rest is in ruins."
Aravashnial falls to his knees, weeping, as he absorbs the state of the building.
Tomas Castonello: "I wish I had a spell powerful enough to just cast those thins away. Then I could be of real use here."
Skinnareth: "Nobody cares, human. Just put some armor on me and be quiet."
Vendric whispers. "I hear something. And it doesn't sound friendly. We should prepare before we go in."
Nightwolf nocks an arrow "My bow is always ready."
Tomas Castonello: "Please, let me help. I could make some of you larger and we can just crush anything in there."
Nightwolf "I appreciate the offer but I do not wish to sacrifice agility for size."
Nightwolf "Besides if this does not end up being the sanctuary we seek we may need your magics more later."
Skinnareth: "I still want that armor, though."
Tomas Castonello just smacks the lizard and places a mage armor rune on it.
The door hangs ajar. Altruis Heavensward pushes the door open, slowly. He sees men in robes tied up on the floor, while a weeping woman slowly stacks books around them. From the right, a voice can now be clearly heard.
Chaleb Sazomel: “Stack the Abyss-blasted books better!”
Altruis Heavensward: "Halt, fiend. Release these poor souls."
The speaker is a man in battered and stained Crusaders' armor. Two teflings stand with him. "Ah, would-be heroes... the demons will reward me greatly for destroying you... yes..."
Nightwolf "That's one possibility... OR we could kill you for betraying the humans who live here."
Tomas Castonello: "And stop burning books!"
Vendric steps in next to the pally. and quickly looks around. then focuses his attention on the teifling closer to the tied up people. He lobs a vial of holy water and the tiefling screams as his flesh starts to boil.
Vendric: "You may find that a bit harder to do than you think." He looks at the man. "Traitor."
The burnt tiefling staggers back a step.
Chaleb Sazomel charges the paladin, swinging down his mace. "I should have found a few more competent minions... but that won't save you!" The paladin nonchalantly sidesteps him.
The formerly weeping woman, Fenna, pulls a knife from her belt and kneels, sawing at the ropes binding the closest man. Altruis swings Radiance at the traitor, but Chaleb catches the blow on his shield.
Altruis Heavensward: "Surely you do not expect the demons to win, do you?"
Chaleb Sazomel: "Expect!? They've already won, you fool!"
Altruis raises his arm for another blow at -just- the wrong moment... Nightwolf's arrow hits it.
Chaleb Sazomel: "You see?! The fates have turned against you!"
Altruis Heavensward: "Ach....They've not won till the light is extinguished from my eyes, traitor."
The healthy tiefling swings at Altruis, his blade scrapes along the floor instead.
Librarian turns, scooping up a staff and throwing it at the boiling tiefling. Luckily enough, it hits him in the head, knocking him out.
Skinnareth: "Now human, use the spell I taught you!"
Tomas Castonello: "Okay! Just don't hurt the librarians!"
Skinnareth: "Don't know what those are. FEEL MY CLAWS AND DESPAIR!"
Skinnareth rushes in and snaps at the shield-clad warrior, his teeth meeting a few inches short.
Vendric moves as he mixes a few vials and lobs the concoction at the man.Their foes grit their teeth as the flames wash over them. Chaleb Sazomel swings wildly, so wildly that he clocks the tiefling, taking him down. Fenna cuts another librarian free.
Altruis Heavensward: "So, what was that about the fates?"
Nightwolf "Fate it seems is angry at you as well."
Chaleb Sazomel: "It doesn't matter! Whatever you think, you can't win!"
Altruis Heavensward: "It is the nature of good to triumph over evil."
Vendric looks at the two dead or dying tieflings. "I like our odds."
Chaleb Sazomel: "That's just what good wants you to think! But look around, man!"
Nightwolf's arrow ricochets harmlessly off CHalb's shield.
Vendric: "Evil may have struck us hard but we are still here and good will strike back harder."
The first freed librarian, turns to untie his fellow.
Altruis Heavensward: "I see good triumphing over evil, innocents being saved and lessons being taught, now, let the final nail of this coffin be struck."
Skinnareth rears tall. "Are there any that challenge my might?"
Altruis Heavensward: "There's the traitor, and he's challenging all of us."
Skinnareth's neck grows impossibly long, and lunges down to close around Chaleb but fails to pierce the traitor's armor with his fangs. Vendric throws another bomb, and Chaleb Sazomel screams in the fire.
Chaleb Sazomel: "All right! I'll surrender if you don't kill me!"
Altruis Heavensward: "Will you turn to the ways of good?"
Chaleb Sazomel: "Yes.... yes, anything!" Chaleb Sazomel sounds desparate... but less than sincere.
Skinnareth: "The human speaks only out of self-interest. Strike it down and take what is yours!"
Nightwolf "It isn't often I agree with your pet Tomas but in this case I'll make an exception."
Vendric: "He may not be sincere but he is surrendering."
Chaleb Sazomel steps back, pulling out a potion and drinkng it.
Altruis Heavensward: "I will not bear a traitor in our ranks whilst we have innocents to protect. He is more a detriment to our cause than a boon."
Fenna: "You thought to burn me and my friends? Let's see how you like it." A cone of flame bursts from her fingers to engulf the traitor.
Nightwolf misses again. "I think I need to fix the nock point on my bow"
The librarians pull themselves to their feet.
Tomas Castonello walks in and sees a regular-looking human, wondering what all the trouble is. "Maybe I could just..." He fires his crossbow, which finds a chink in Chaleb's armor, at the shoulder.
Skinnareth: "About time, caster!"
Nightwolf "Your aim is truer than mine this fight."
Skinnareth surges in and falls upon the infidel with a flurry of sharp blades. Chaleb Sazomel is torn down by reptilian claws.
Skinnareth: "I told you... hah... not to challenge me."
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Nightwolf to the librarians "Are there any other dangers about this place?"
Tomas Castonello: "Wow... I didn't think that would work!"
Fenna: "Thank you... thank you all. We thought he was a refugee, being chased by tieflings, so we opened the door for him... the bar held off so many of the smaller demons."
Vendric: "Looks like Luck was on your side there tomas."
Nightwolf "A little confidence is all you needed good man."
Altruis Heavensward begins stripping the man of his armor, "Waste not want not."
Skinnareth: sigh "That was... competent work, human. I will give you this."
Vendric: "Can you tell us what is going on here?"
Aravashnial: "Wait.... Fenna? Is that Fenna I hear?"
Nightwolf motions to the others outside "In here quickly before more demons come."
Fenna: "A-Aravashnial? You.. you're alive? And you remember my name?
The door is quickly slammed shut and barred.
Aravashnial: "I remember, yes... and... the others?"
Nightwolf "Altruis, I am truely sorry for the harm my stay arrow caused. If you like I think I can repair the damage. I've been praying to Desna daily and I feel she has finally answered my pleas."
Altruis Heavensward: "Tis fine, it's merely a scratch. Luckily, you didn't pull back too hard on the bow."
Fenna: "Quednys was up by the Cathedral when the Abyss poured out on us... he might still live. The other Riftwardens... I'm afraid... There was a horror. Not another demon. A man made of worms that demons obeyed in fear... they, and his own magic... they destroyed the rest of the building, killed the wardens.
"We few were lucky enough to be in here... not important enough to be targeted. Then... that man looked like he was running from the tieflings, and we thought he was another refugee, that his strong arm might give our feeble magics a chance... we never should have opened the door for him."
Skinnareth: "We came through miles of tunnels to make it back here. Aravashnial's lost his sight. Can you do something about it?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Have fear no longer, we shall keep you all safe."
Fenna: "That sort of magic's beyond me... but there may be a surviving scroll..."
Vendric: "Good thing we came when we did then."
Fenna: "If we can, I'm sure he can protect us... what's left here."
Nightwolf "What of the crusaders? Surely not all the defenders are dead."
Aravashnial has a slowly growing smile.
Vendric: "That's right surely there must be crusaders around somewhere."
Fenna: "The crusaders... I think most of them were at the festival, when.... they might have pulled back in a different direction. We haven't dared leave the library."
Vendric: "So you have no idea as well."
Tomas Castonello: "That's okay. That's what I would have done. The city will need more educated people to rebuild infrastructure after all this."
Altruis Heavensward: "It just means we'll have to continue on our path to the guards and the manor."
Nightwolf "Very well, if you think this place is safe. We've rescued some other townsfolk as well. Would you be willing to shelter them here?"
Vendric: "How is everyone though? Perhaps it may be good to take a rest here before we continue."
Fenna: "You're... sure they aren't just pretending? Yes, of course you're sure. My apologies. Yes, they can stay here."
Nightwolf "I understand your caution. If you prefer we can take them with us. I think they will cause you no trouble though. We rescued them from a pair of demons. This one nearly died herself rather than obey an order to attack us."
Aravashnial: "And you can rest here as long as you need. The Library is not as I had hoped... but it remains a bastion against the Abyss."
The librarians look more hopeful at the elf's authoritative tone.
Nightwolf "I would rather push on. Perhaps we can find more aid to send back here, but I understand if others need a rest."
Tomas Castonello: "Of course we'll accept that offer. I have been looking forward to looking at your spells and magic devices."
They rummage through the rubble and surviving books.
Fenna: "I am afraid that much was lost in the attack... "
Skinnareth: "Forget that. Do you have jewels?"
Aravashnial: "But whatever remains is yet dedicated to battling the Abyss."
Fenna: "Jewelry? No. We keep books and scrolls.. not jewelery."
Tomas Castonello: "Of course your sight should be the top priority. You'll need your senses ready to defend your people."
Nightwolf "We will accept whatever aid you can offer but I would not deprive you of any resources that would be put to better use defending this place."
At length, one of the librarians emerges with a scroll. "Here, a scroll of regeneration! If one of you can be sure of making it work?"
Sarathel Tirabade smiles. "I should be able to."
Sarathel Tirabade accepts the scroll and uses it to restore Aravashnial's eyes. The elf stands straighter as his sight returns.
Nightwolf detects magic, finding a damaged spellbook with an undamaged scroll in the circle of books.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey! Let me take a look!"
Vendric: "Knock yourself out."
Tomas Castonello: "Look at this one... and this one... I really like these! This is gold!"
Aravashnial: "You are quite welcome to copy the spells, young Tomas."
kinnareth: "No, gold would be far more interesting. You fawn over paper. Can you even utilize most of those?"
Vendric: "Some of those I think i can covert into formulae."
Vendric: "Do you happen to have any holy water here? I only have one vial left and they are quite useful on demons."
Tomas Castonello: "Formulae, sure, but man! If I can use these spells, those demons will be powerless against us. I have to copy this!"
Aravashnial: "I'm afraid our stockpile was in the north tower..."
Vendric: "Any chance you think some may have survived the collapses?"
Fenna: "I... did hear that... thing... ordering its demonic minions to pull some stuff out of the rubble....but the vials are rather fragile."
Vendric: "Believe me I know that all to well. But it doesn't hurt to look. Maybe by Desna's grace a few got lucky and are intact."
Aravashnial: "You're quite welcome to look."
Vendric does so and finds 3 vials that were lucky enough to land on a now-ruined cushion. ((thus ends session 8))
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Nightwolf: "Lord Gwerm, do you still wish an escort to your estate?"
Horgus Gwerm: "Of course I do. I trust its defenses and my guards far more than these crumbling walls."
Nightwolf: "Very well, I think we should head there next."
Horgus Gwerm: "Finally!"
Zullion; "I will stay here and lend my strong arm to these peoples' defense. Perhaps I'll find you when they're more surely secure."
Tomas Castonello: "I guess we could use it as a waypoint. Maybe your staff can tell us more about the defense efforts."
Horgus Gwerm: "Yes, I'm sure my people are well-informed."
As they reach an intersection they hear screaming and crashing from the shop to the right. The sign proclaims it "Fine Fittings" and mannequins are visible through the front window. The door has been smashed open
Nightwolf: "We should investigate. There may be more survivors."
Skinnareth: "A cloth shop? There's nothing of value in there. Forget about it."
Tomas Castonello: "I disagree. Some of the most powerful artifacts in the world are pieces of clothing."
Vendric: "And fine clothes have been known to be adorned with fine gems and metals."
Nightwolf "You never know creature. Often fine jewelry accompanies fine clothing.
Belthis Loumis (a male voice): "Are... those people out there? Do you think we can get past the demon?" The human-sounding voice seems to be coming from behind the counter at the back of the shop.
Vendric: "But it looks like we are up against looters. Wither human or demonic I don't know."
Nightwolf "I hear human voices. Let us render aid."
The sound of ripping fabric comes from the shop. Nightwolf steps inside, catching sight of a rat-like demon the size of a dwarf. The abrikandilu is shot in the back, dropping the halves of a torn scarf to the floor. Skinnareth bursts into the shop, crawling across the floor. His neck shoots out and snaps at the demon. The abrikandilu doesn't flinch as the eidolon's fangs bounce off its hide. Tomas Castonello moves on in, eyeing the outsider and making some quick judgments.
Nightwolf: "Another creature difficult to harm without Cold Iron!" Vendric moves in and tosses a holy water at the creature. The abrikandilu screams as holy water makes its flesh sizzle. Altruis steps in, swinging Radiance, hitting a bony ridge.
Tomas Castonello: "Hmm... this one is ruled by its own pride. Anyone got a mirror?"
Nightwolf: "I'm afraid I'd not thought to weaponize my good looks."
The abrikandilu turns, teeth flashing at the young squire's face. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession, his second cold iron arrow hittng the demon's tail. It flinches and glares its irritation. Tomas Castonello rushes forward and gives Skinnareth the benefit of magic fang. Skinnareth takes this chance to snake around the enemy, giving the squire a chance to flank it. As his head snaps in to bite, his fangs are again turned by the demon's tough hide. Radiance flashes down at the demon once more, this time leaving a nasty gash along its left side. Vendric throws another vial of holy water, and the abrikandilu looks rather boiled as it falls.
A few moments after the demon falls, a couple stands up from where they had been cowering behind the counter.
Nira Loumis: "You... you really killed it? It's over? Thank you! Thank you so much!" the woman says.
Altruis Heavensward: "Have fear no longer, citizens. Radiance has returned."
They both look a bit awed, and tongue-tied at that.
Bethis Loumis: "Yes, thank you, crusaders. We were lucky in that that thing seemed more interested in our stock than us... "
Skinnareth: "For all the good it did. Surely there must be a way to make these creatures succumb to my power!"
Tomas Castonello: "Yeah, I'm sorry. There are spells I can think of that turn things to silver, but nothing I know of can turn teeth to cold iron."
Altruis Heavensward: "You could affix cold iron to your teeth and claws, mayhaps."
Nightwolf "Have you any news on the fight?"
The couple look at each other. The man speaks.
Belthis Loumis: "I think I heard that the fighting is fiercest in the Old city... the worst of the demons have moved on... and I'm sure the crusaders will rid us of the rest any day now."
Nira: "Still, there are a lot of fine pieces left... we'd be glad to give you each something suitable for the celebration we'll all have when this is over...something with tasteful gold or silver accents and small gem accents, maybe?"
Skinnareth: "Hmm? Gems, you say?" Skinnareth stretches over to the counter and begins peering around the clothes racks and under the tables, searching for precious gems.
Nira Loumis: "Yes... perhaps something with sapphire chips or lapis lazuli will set off the green of your scales?"
Skinnareth: "Yes... you will present to me all of your finest jewels! Jewels befitting my majesty!"
Nightwolf "Not now creature." He turns to the tailors. "A generous offer. Will you be safe to remain here? We are searching for safe havens if you wish to accompany us."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'd gladly accept, but taking something now would risk ruining it before it could be used."
Belthis Loumis: "While I have every confidence in the crusaders.... that might be wise. Do you think you can spare 5 or 10 minutes for us to bundle up things so they won't be looted or destroyed by another of those things?"
Vendric: "Indeed, I imagine we may have a few more encounters with the demons and it ould be a same to ruin things in doing so,"
Nightwolf "We can spare a few moments but I would advise you not to pack too heavily."
Vendric: "I'm sure we can be on the lookout for a moment."
Nira: "It's just cloth... and a bit of metallic wire and braiding and some gems... okay, we'll also want the shears and a pack of needles.... but really, none of it's heavy."
The couple spend the next ten minutes bundling things up.... including several bolts of satin and silk bound together with ribbon slung over Belthis's back.
Tomas Castonello: "WIth an entourage of people, might not be the best idea to go to Horgus' estate. Unless you have the room to spare, that is."
Tomas Castonello regards Horgus Gwerm with a grimace.
Horgus Gwerm looks over at the Loumises. "They have been reliable tailors for years.... I'm sure one of my guest rooms will have space...for the duration of this crisis."
Nightwolf "Provided his estate survives. Come, let us find out."
Tomas Castonello: "Wow... that's pretty big of you, sir. That settles things for me then."
Nira Loumis: "And I'm sure you'll accept rent in the form of a discount on our services?"
Horgus Gwerm: "That will be much appreciated." He nods.
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The towers and roof of Gwerm Manor appear to be completley untouched.
Nightwolf "Perhaps your guards are competent after all."
Horgus Gwerm: "I would hardly hire incompetents."
As they near, the structure proves to be in pristine condition... but no one's patrolling the grounds, nor are there silhouettes in the windows.
Nightwolf "I do not like this... where are they then?"
Vendric: "Might have spoken too soon about the guards. It looks like no ones here."
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, this seems....off."
The fledgling heroes study the exterior intently.
Skinnareth: "Perhaps your allies have abandoned you and saved their own skins... they are mortal, after all."
Horgus Gwerm: "I... don't know. We should be seeing them by now." He calls out: "Kerantor Coriolos!" ....There's no response. "That codephrase should have had the coming out if they were laying an ambush..."
Nightwolf "Let us hope it is merely that and not something more sinister."
Horgus Gwerm: "I paid them well! Why would they leave just when they'd have to do real work for it?"
Nightwolf "Gold alone is not enough for most men to risk their lives for."
Tomas Castonello: "I'll check for illusions. Maybe they just don't want us to see what happened here."
Nightwolf "Let us proceed indoors."
Tomas Castonello begins by casting detect magic in a wide cone pointed toward the manor...with no auras manifesting.
Horgus Gwerm: "Perhaps not... but it is part of the terms of guarding, as is known to those seeking such employment."
Altruis Heavensward draws his blade and slowly makes his way towards the entrance. Nothing tries to stop him. The door has been left ajar a few inches.
Tomas Castonello: "Maybe we should send someone sneaky inside first. Just in case this is an ambush."
Nightwolf follows behind the paladin
Nightwolf: "Does your creature volunteer for such duty? Otherwise I say we go in as a group."
"I'll take that as a hint. You'd better be prepared to reimburse me." Skinnareth pokes his long neck through the gap in the door near the top, peering inside.
There are rings in dust and light patches on walls betraying the absence of things normally present, but no signs of life. Altruis Heavensward starts searching with detect evil, with no positive results.
Skinnareth: "A home abandoned, and possessions amiss... just what a score of treacherous guards would have left."
Vendric: "Seems those guards were more theives than guards."
Horgus Gwerm howls in rage before regaining self control. "I can... I will rebuild. Just so the vault..." He runs down the corridors.
"And next time I'll investigate my employees more thoroughly..."
Altruis Heavensward chases after Gwerm.
Tomas Castonello: "Wait for us!"
Nightwolf follows. Skinnareth crawls up the wall in pursuit of the humans. Vendric follows behind.
Horgus Gwerm at length comes to a fireplace, where he tugs on an andiron. A section of wall swings out, showing a metal door with a complex looking lock. "Still here..."
Horgus Gwerm pulls out a key and opens the lock. The metal door swings in to show a 15x15' space, well stocked with provisions and valuables. A shrine to Abadar is set up in the vault's back corner. "Still here...."
Altruis Heavensward: "Are you okay, Gwerm?"
Horgus Gwerm pulls himself up to his full height as he retrieves a rapier from a rack just inside the door. "I will be."
Tomas: "Man, I'm sorry about all this, Mister Horgus. At least your home is... uh, what are you gonna do with that?"
Nightwolf "You still wish to remain here surrounded by your valuables?"
Horgus Gwerm buckles the weapon to his belt. "I must be ready to defend myself if something does manage to find my vault after you leave. However remote the possibility."
Vendric: "And no guards?"
Horgus Gwerm: "The door is quite stout, and the lock strong. Once I've closed the door and pulled the chain, the outer panel will swing back and the andiron will right itself."
Nightwolf "Very well, a solid plan. I believe we have earned payment for returning you."
Horgus Gwerm nods. "So you have. I believe we agreed on the sum of 1,000 gp for you to split as you will?"
Altruis Heavensward nods, "That rapier is cold iron, right?"
Skinnareth: "Material wealth for your kindness? Brilliant plan, mortals! I approve!"
Horgus Gwerm goes over to a strongbox, which he opens to retrieve the sum. "Yes, of course. I'd hardly bother with another metal so near the demons."
Nightwolf "And what of our tailor friends, will you remain here, or travel with us?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Good, I'd be loath to leave someone without protection."
Horgus Gwerm hesitates. "It is rather more cramped than expected, but I have enough supplies here to hold out 2 weeks, even with three of us."
The Loumises look at each other. "It seems safter than venturing further on the streets. Thank you."
Horgus Gwerm turns back to our fledgling heroes, handing them a heavily clinking pouch. "Thank you for proving honorable guardians. Of course you recognized my importance immediately, but still, you did a most adequate job of getting us safely to the surface. Above average, even.”
Nightwolf "Very well, Sarathel I believe your home is next on our list."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Home, yes... and with any luck, answers."
Tomas Castonello: "You're a man among men, Horgus. If you change your mind, we'd be lucky to have you."
Horgus Gwerm: "Naturally you would, but a man must care for his own."
Skinnareth: "You puny mortals carry on, I, the Great Skinnareth shall remain and defend these people in exchange for their valuables."
Altruis Heavensward: "Be safe, Horgus."
Horgus Gwerm: "I will. I'm sure I will."
If they wait a moment before leaving, they see the traces of the hidden vault vanish.
Tomas Castonello: "Well, that went way better than I expected."
Sarathel Tirabade: "May I ask what you were expecting?"
Tomas: "I dunno, demons? Diabolists? A possesson, even?"
Nightwolf "I honestly expected his home to be destroyed, but beyond that I expected nothing less from our friend Horgus."
Sarathel Tirabade: "It would seem demonic assailants are less interested in empty buildings."
Nightwolf "Not exactly a useful tactic in finding safe places for ourselves."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Not really, no."
((Thus ends session 9))
I am enjoying your writing. I think I may emulate your screenplay-like approach to dialogue. Looking forward to the next chaper. :D
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They come across 2 cultists holding down a bound woman, whild a third holds a glaive over her. All three are chanting in Abyssal. A cultist turns as Nightwolf's arrow slams into her arm. She turns. "Drop your weapon!" She commands the archer.
Nightwolf "Not today honey."
A second cultist moves up, taking a defensive posture.
Tomas Castonello jogs up to help Nightwolf, loading his crossbow and firing at the cultist in a defensive crouch, his bolt whizzing over her left shoulder. Vendric moves up, holding a bomb in his upraised hand.
The third cultist speaks. "These wretches dare interfere with the business of this city's new ruler... and they shall pay for their impudence. Lord Baphomet always has room for more... sacrifices." She charges at Vendric. His arm snaps forward,and she screams as the fireball engulfs her, falling moments later.
Sarathel Tirabade moves up to be able to heal if it's needed. The crouching cultist grits her teeth as an arrow hits her thigh, managing to catch the other with her pauldron, deflecting it.
The first cultist, with the arrow in her arm, standing next to the bound civilian addresses our fledgeling heroes. You may be stronger than us, but you are too late to stop us from winning Lord Baphomet's favor!" She steps back.
Tomas Castonello: "NO!"
She deliberately raises her glaive over the bound victim... and swings it down, beheading the woman.
The second cultist springs from her crouch, charging Nightwolf, her aim thrown off by the poor balance from her injured leg. Nightwolf easily dodges the clumsy swing. Tomas Castonello , seething, charges his hands with transmutation magic. He steps up and lays his hands upon Altruis, enlarging him.
Tomas Castonello: "Altruis... bring the smackdown!"
Vendric moves up, hurling a bomb into the killer cultist who screams at the pain of flame, but stays on her feet. Altruis Heavensward charges forward with his blade held aloft and attempts to strike down the killer cultist, bisecting her with one clean blow of his glowing blade. Nightwolf steps back to shoot the last cultist through the eye.
Tomas Castonello: "Man, not again... it's like every time we're not fast enough."
Nightwolf "Foul creatures, may the Desna have mercy on your soul."
Altruis Heavensward: "At least we've prevent any further suffering they could cause."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Every time? You helped to save Crel, the librarians, and the tailors."
Tomas Castonello suddenly falls to his knees, grabbing his head and grunting as if under a great pressure.
Nightwolf "It's alright man, we can't save everyone."
Tomas Castonello: "It's... it's him! The lizard! He's back in the shadows and he's angry!"
Nightwolf "Your pet creature? Remind me why we care if he's angry?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Well, let him be angry. You don't reward bad behavior with attention."
Tomas Castonello: "Uuuuuungh he's screaming at me!"
Nightwolf "Well, I'm not sure what you expect me to do about it."
Tomas Castonello gets up and staggers over to a dark corner, where he puts his hands against the wall and begins to open a hole
"Nnnngh why does it hurt so much?"
A minute later Skinnareth scrambles his way out of the emerging darkness, pulling his long tail out of the hole before it closes behind him.
Altruis Heavensward: "Have you ever considered dispelling your connection?"
Skinnareth: "You FOOL! I'm still bound to you! You didn't unfetter me!?"
Nightwolf "So creature, you're back. You ready to kill somethings?"
Tomas Castonello: "Agh... I have no idea... what happened?"
Skinnareth: "Rrrrrrr... as you left me behind I could feel my vitality drain. If you get too far away I can't remain here! I was surrounded by gold! Glorious, succulent gold! Now I'm stuck here again!"
Nightwolf "It appears you two are stuck with each other."
Skinnareth moves his neck over to Nightwolf, his eyes narrowed. "Killing, you say? If you wish to claim blood, I will plough down all that stand between you and the riches I seek."
Sarathel Tirabade: "If Skinnareth truly wishes to remain on the Material Plane, at least."
Tomas Castonello: "If that's gonna happen again, I will do whatever it takes to get you away from me."
Nightwolf "Close enough. Shall we get going then or stand around talking about it some more?"
Skinnareth: "Then pull that one to it's feet and let us move! I am peeved and wish to punish something."
Sarathel Tirabade steps forward to pray over the cultist's victim before they move on.
Tomas Castonello wavers about holding his head. "I guess... if you had been here, you could have stopped this from happening."
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There is less rubble and destruction away from the chasms left as trails.
Sarathel Tirabade point out a small house on the corner.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey, looks like this place wasn't hit very bad. That's something."
Sarathel Tirabade: "No one was home during the attack, so the demons had little interest.... much like Lord Gwerm's manor."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Irabeth! Irabeth.. I don't suppose you came back for something?"
Skinnareth: "Then there's little point in being here... unless you've collected me a tribute."
Skinnareth's snakelike neck rears back. Sarathel Tirabade opens the door on hearing no reply. There are no lights inside. Skinnareth curls his neck around the doorway, inspecting the interior. He sees a simple home. A table with some chairs on one side, a desk in the corner... evidently the Tirabades either eat conjured food, or eat out most of the time.
Skinnareth: "No entities within. No signs of a struggle... it seems your hovel is bare. Perhaps your Irabeth took your jewels and fled."
Sarathel Tirabade: "We do have a hidden niche where word may have been left."
Suddenly a cat-sized bug with a dull maroon carapace, stinking of brimstone, pops into the room. The fiendish fire beetle bites Sara's armor.
Tomas: "Wah... a bug!" He steps back, raising his loaded crossbow. "Hey, that's a fire beetle. That's one of the first things I was trained to summon..." He fires, and the fiendish fire beetle poofs back into thin air as it's skewered by Tomas's bolt. "Wait, but what was it doing here? I didn't do that."
Nightwolf "Be alert there my be another caster about."
Vendric moves in, pulling out a torch...just before Nightwolf casts light on the table. Altruis Heavensward walks inside and looks around for any signs of life after the beetle's disappearance, but finds none. A male half-orc holding a ranseur appears standing on the desk, a line of fire connecting him to Sarathel.
Vagorg: “Your sister will find your corpse on the table waiting for her!”
Nightwolf "An uninvited house guest, how rude."
Sarathel Tirabade steps back, healing herself. "Vagorg. We turned you over to the guard back in Tymon. How did you get here?"
Vagorg: "I survived my time in the pits. But you and your sister won't survive me!"
Altruis Heavensward: "No, no, i'm rather sure they'll survive."
Vendric: "Especially with us here to help them."
Tomas Castonello rushes across the room, beckoning Skinnareth inside. The creature moves around the alchemist, covering the summoner, who then gives him a Magic Fang for his trouble.
Vagorg: "The omens are against you! I have found you when your home is turning into a fitting tribute to my patron!"
Nightwolf "Blah, blah, egomaniacal speech, blah, we've heard it before."
Skinnareth's head whips forward snapping at the orc, leaving a gash on his calf. Vendric risks a blow from Vagorg's ranseur (which is clumsy enough to miss) to prime and throw a bomb.
Vendric's aim is better, but Vagorg only grunts and says "So I'm not the only one to appreciate a good fire," as the flames wash over him.
Nightwolf takes a moment to study his target, and fires. Vagorg grunts as the arrow digs into his gut. Altruis Heavensward smites Mr. Orc and slashes with Radiance. Vagorg falls backward, his throat opened up.
Nightwolf "An old foe come for revenge I take it?"
Vendric: "So i take it you knew this man?
Nightwolf begins stripping the body of valuables. Skinnareth's head hovers over the dead orc as his possessions are collected. The body has an unholy symbol of Xoveron (a five-horned grey gargoyle skull missing its lower jaw), and a pouch with 42 gp, along with a wand, magic ranseur, and potion.
Sarathel Tirabade nods. "Vagorg. Devotee of Xoveron. He was trying to burn down a neighborhood in Tymon when we were passing through the River Kingdoms."
Altruis Heavensward: "And you understandably couldn't allow that."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Exactly."
Nightwolf "No matter he is twice vanquished now. I suspect he will not trouble you again"
Skinnareth: "So, you brought him here, that he might set fire to this place instead? Do you have need to clear this hovel away?"
Tomas Castonello: "I think he was in jail before. The demon outbreak must have set him free."
Nightwolf "From his speech he did not know the fate of your sister either."
Tomas Castonello helpfully provides detect magic and some spellcrating.
Sarathel Tirabade: "Hardly, Skinnareth. We turned him over to the city guard, back in Tymon. There, the sentence was fighting in gladiatorial pits for several months... I generally have a problem with that, but for crimes such as his... at any rate, he must have spent years tracking us down.
Vendric: "True seemed he was hoping to ambush you and her both here."
Tomas Castonello: "So, if your sister wasn't at home, where would she be most likely to go?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "I still need a chance to check our hiding place... it's back in the bedroom."
Nightwolf "We should look around, perhaps there is a clue to that question here."
Skinnareth: "I knew this hovel was too small. You were hiding your piles of jewels in the next room!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Actually, we give away most of what we don't need."
Skinnareth: "... you what?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "We give it away. Help fund the orphanage, pay for homeless people to learn enough to get jobs, that sort of thing."
Tomas Castonello: "This wand might help me aid you guys more directly. Magic Missiles strike unerringly at their target. No steady arm necessary."
Nightwolf "Keep it then, I prefer my arrows"
Sarathel Tirabade dives under the northern bed, emerging with a clinking sack and a note a few moments later. "Irabeth did leave some supplies. A couple of middling-strength healing potions, and three of invisibility."
Nightwolf "Under the mattress, not the most original hiding place, but effective in this case it appears."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Actually, they were behind a brick that's in the wall under the bed."
Tomas Castonello: "Looks like he was doing the same thing. I thought he was a powerful mage with that beetle."
Sarathel Tirabade reads the note. "It looks like Irabeth's fortified the Defender's Heart. And she left me...us... the password to get in."
Tomas Castonello: "The Defender's Heart was an inn, right? That means they have a kitchen!"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Yes, one catering to those up for a fight. The owner was a crusader, until he lost his arm."
Nightwolf "To the Defender's Heart."
Tomas Castonello: "I would really like some food."
Vendric: "Seems making our way to the Defender's heart is the best option for now. If it is indeed a safe place we can come back for the others at the library."
Skinnareth: "I really don't care. Will there be riches?"
Nightwolf sarcastically replies. "Oh yes creature, Inns are where we store all our best riches on this plane."
Skinnareth: "To the Defender's Heart! Immediately!"
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The massive stone inn remains a visible part of the skyline. With all the demons and cultists that have been roaming the streets, our fledgling heroes approach with their weapons ready. As they start across the wide street, a crossbow bolt whirs 10 feet over their heads from one of the inn's windows. "Lower your weapons and come in slowly!"
Nightwolf: "Tirabade, perhaps now would be a good time to use that password."
Altruis Heavensward: "No, lower our weapons and speak it at the door."
Vendric: "Yes we dont want anything over hearing it do we?
Tomas Castonello holds his hands up to show he means no harm. Skinnareth raises his neck up to full height, and gives the guards a big toothy smile.
Tomas Castonello: "Maybe some of us should hang back until the details are straightened out."
Nightwolf unstrings his bow and sheathes it in his quiver. A half-dozen crossbows are trained on the toothy beast from the windows. Sarathel Tirabade keeps her hands clearly visible, and moves up to the door. A slot is opened about eye level.
Skinnareth: "I'll be satisfied if they simply bring their gems out to me. I have little quarrel with the mortals."
Tomas Castonello: "Just give them a moment, okay?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Silverstrong, Bertie. And you can tell my sister the others are all right. Not sure I'd have survived with out them, truth be told."
Bertie opens the door.
Altruis Heavensward: "And...that Radiance has awoken."
A murmur fills the common room from those with less on their minds. "Radiance" figures prominently among them.
Irabeth Tirabade greets her sister with a hug. "Sarathel! You made it! I've been praying for you in my few spare moments. Seems I'm the highest ranked surviving officer of the Eagle Watch... at least, until the army arrives to help. So I've been rather busy."
Tomas Castonello walks in, struck in awe by the size and bustling activity. Skinnareth's head slides past the window, then slowly creeps in the doorway as the rest of his body slinks around.
Nightwolf: "What is the current situation? We missed much of the initial attack and have heard little news since then."
Vendric: "We also have some news as well. We have found some allies in this fight."
Irabeth Tirabade: "The attack's been worst here, but the demons have been raiding the other border cities.as well. Our wardstone's been destroyed. So far, the rest are intact, but the entire line's been weverely weakened. Thank Iomedae demon's don't organize better than raindrops in a storm, or we'd've had attacks like this all along the border." Irabeth's eyes snap to Vendric. "New allies? Where did you manage to find those?"
Altruis Heavensward: "In a really big hole. Cave, that's the word I was looking for."
Irabeth Tirabade: "What sort of allies did you find in a cave?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Mongrelfolk, descendants of the crusaders."
Nightwolf "A small community descended from the original crusaders live below the city."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh, the mongrelmen. I thought you were talking about the survivors at the Library."
Irabeth Tirabade: "The First Descendants have been living down there all this time? They're not just a legend?"
Altruis Heavensward: "They're very real. We even have a mace they made."
Nightwolf "They are quite real I assure you. We've meet them and they are willing to join the fight."
Irabeth Tirabade: "You're bringing the best news I've had in days. Can one of you draw out a map of how to reach them? I'll be needing to send a small team to serve as liasons."
Nightwolf: "I'm not much of an artist but I'm decent with directions. I'll do the best I can to write it down for you."
Vendric: "I can try to the best of my ability. But they are sending some troops already"
Altruis Heavensward digs through his backpack, "We also have rations, potions, a few magic weapons, and gear."
Irabeth Tirabade: "We don't have to worry about supplies yet, thank Iomedae. Kimroth's kept his place well stocked."
Nightwolf "As Thomas said, we also have news of other survivors at Blackwing, and Gwerm manor"
Irabeth Tirabade: "Then I'll need to send word to my patrols.... did you have any recognition signals when you left the First Descendants?"
Nightwolf "I... did not think to set any up. Did any of you?"
Tomas Castonello: "Nothing specific. I bet a white flag would suffice."
Irabeth Tirabade: "It would do for our troops, certainly. But I'm not sure all of them would recognize the First Descendants on sight... tell me... do you know of any names that should be well known among them, but not among the demons or their cultists? A settlement, or leader perhaps?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, we also met an old friend of yours that wanted to send you a get well gift in the form of corpses."
Altruis Heavensward: "Ravrog, ravgog, something like Rovagug."
Sarathel Tirabade grimaces. "Vagorg. He was lurking invisibly at our house. My companions took care of him."
Nightwolf: "Yes, yes we left his corpse is in your living room."
Sarathel Tirabade introduces her companions.
Tomas Castonello: "Uhm... probably should've moved him. Sorry about that."
Nightwolf: "Altruis, what of that note that came with your shiny sword. Didn't it say something about the cultists plans? Do you still have it?"
Altruis Heavensward fishes it out from his belt pouch, though crumpled and folded, it's still perfectly legible.
Altruis Heavensward: "The followers of Chief Sull and Lann."
Nightwolf "Their settlement is called Neatholm"
Irabeth Tirabade nods, reading the enemy note.
Irabeth Tirabade taps the words "Nahyndrian crystals."
Irabeth Tirabade: “We’ve heard mention of these crystals before, and I fear that they’re tied to something far worse than what’s already happened to Kenabres.”
Altruis Heavensward: "But Radiance seems rather happy to be back in the fight, though if there's a true paladin among this lot, i'd happily hand her to a more qualified soul."
Irabeth Tirabade: "You've been dealing with the Templars? They have spies everywhere,” she says, “and have apparently been among us for decades. Only recently has proof of their presence been manifesting. I personally managed to root out one of their more powerful members— the leader of a group called the Hammers of Heaven. We all thought of Staunton Vhane as a model crusader, but as far as I was able to discern, he’s been working for the demons for decades. There’s even evidence he may have been the one to betray Drezen 75 years ago. They knighted me for that discovery, but I’m still not sure why, since he slipped through my fingers and is out there still, causing who knows how much more damage...” Irabeth Tirabade she shakes her head. "I am a paladin, one among many in this city. Many have tried to wield Radiance over the years, and I cannot say if she responds to a hand or a time."
Altruis Heavensward holds out the scabbard to her, "We can see."
Irabeth Tirabade draws Radiance... but it remains dull gold. She reverses the sword, holding it by the blade and offering the hilt to Altruis. Altruis Heavensward takes hold of the blade. Radiance immediately begins living up to its name once more. An awed hush falls on the room.
Nightwolf "It seems the sword likes you."
Skinnareth , hanging on the wall, pulls his neck around the blade as it glows brilliantly. He looks interested in the golden sheen, but recoils from the light.
Irabeth Tirabade: "Altruis Heavensward, chosen of Radiance, It is clear to me that you have accomplished far too much to remain a mere squire. Stand your vigil tonight, and you will be knighted with the morrow."
Tomas Castonello: "I guess it makes sense that you'd be worthy. You've done pretty good at putting people first and putting demons down, so..."
Altruis Heavensward beams positively for a moment before looking around, "Is Lady Velora among those here?"
Irabeth Tirabade: "She's out on patrol right now. She should be back this evening."
Altruis Heavensward: "I was hoping she'd be alright."
Irabeth Tirabade: "As for the rest of you... you're not enlisted, so you aren't strictly under my command, but you will be rewarded if you can handle the safe houses on this note as effectively as you did the one hidden below. Be sure to search thoroughly for any further intelligence. We can never know too much about our foes' plans."
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, we have a bit of magical equipment if any soul here would like to trade it for coin or a promisary note."
Nightwolf "We can start right after the knighting."
Skinnareth: "Hmmm... rewarded, you say?"
Vendric: "Even without a reward I would gladly help."
Several merchants near the walls perk up at the mention of trade.
Irabeth Tirabade: "Yes, rewarded. 1,000 gold for capably dealing with each safe house."
((Thus ends session 10.))
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Sarathel Tirabade: "I know I slow you down... but if you think you'll need my healing, I'm still happy to help."
Vendric: "Your assistance so far has been a great help. I for one would welcome you to continue with us should you chose."
Irabeth Tirabade turns to give various orders to messengers regarding recognition signals, and additional allied safe houses.
Tomas Castonello looks down in his seat, not quite glum but pensive
Sarathel Tirabade looks over at the young man. "Is reaching a safe haven not all you hoped?"
Tomas Castonello looks up at her with a long face. "I guess I just don't know what I'm doing here. I'm not really a crusader, and so far my magic's mostly been good for all of one thing..."
Tomas Castonello indicates the shadowy creature, which appears to be amusing himself turning the chandelier hanging over the table.
Sarathel Tirabade: "He's at least effective... and your magic enlarging Altruis helped a bit as well."
Tomas Castonello: "But is that really enough? I thought by coming here I'd be able to wow the crowd with my transmutations and get some coin... instead I'm in the middle of a war. How can I measure against demons?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "The same way the rest of us have. One spell, one missile, one blow at a time."
Tomas Castonello: "I just wish I had something more useful. You have your healing magic, Old Man Vendric has those alchemist's fires of his... all I can do is make things bigger or make them fall a bit less. Oh, and dribble acid on things if I feel nasty."
Sarathel Tirabade: "With how much of this city's been undermined, slowing falls can save lives."
"And you did skewer that summoned bug with a crossbow. You must have some practice with it." She smiles encouragingly.
Vendric: "I would prefer for you to not call me an old man. I'm only a few years older than you seem to be."
Tomas Castonello: "Oh, sorry. I just figured the cane and the staggering amount of elixirs meant you were old and just turning your hairs black with magic."
"But you know what, yeah. I did have a couple of lucky shots lately. Maybe I should concentrate less on magic and be an ace archer like Nightmare... wolf."
Sarathel Tirabade: "How you help is up to you. Whether you learn more powerful spells, or learn to be a better shot."
Vendric: "After walking for so long even you will learn the boon having a walking stick can be. And the lady is right you have been helpful so far and how you wish to improve yourself is up to you."
Skinnareth slithers his way down to the floor and regards Tomas with gleaming eyes. "There's no need to abandon your magic simply because you are mediocre. After all, you received a book of spells from a more competent magician..."
Tomas Castonello: "Well, that is true. I got this far on what I had, so with some study and practice I could adapt them for my use..."
Skinnareth: "Gooood. And besides, there are far greater secrets lying in the spaces between realms. Secrets known to those trapped within the cracks. If you truly desire power, that is..."
Tomas Castonello: "Power is nice, sure, but right now I just want to be useful. What did you have in mind?"
Skinnareth 's grin widens. "Oh, just a handy incantation. We can cover it as you expand your repetoire. And perhaps adapt other things as well..."
The fledgling heroes do a fair bit of shopping before evening arrives.
A mix of clouds and smoke hover over the remnants of the city, with a few scattered breaks through which stars can be spotted. Vendric begins dancing a strange dance. Each step random yet deliberate. he carries on for awhile then stops seemingly lost in thought afterwards.
Tomas Castonello: "You alright there, Old Man Vendric?"
Vendric: "Huh?" He looks up at Tomas. "Yeah I am. Why do you ask? And I thought I told you I don't like being referred to as a old man. I am not much older than you."
Tomas Castonello: "You just started hopping around for some time. Do you remember what you were doing?"
Vendric: "Of course. I am currently thinking about each and every step I just took in that dance."
Tomas Castonello: "Okay. You seemed confused is all."
Vendric: "It seems to me you are the one who was confused."
Skinnareth: "Perhaps the hardships from this realm have driven this mortal mad. I'd expect the same to fall upon each of you in time."
Tomas Castonello: "That is not gonna happen! Don't get your hopes up, got it?"
Skinnareth: "You would do well to stay defiant. It will stave off the madness longer..."
Tomas Castonello: "Tell you what, I need a drink. Do you want a drink, Ven?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "That dance is a rather common facet of the worship of Desna. Simply because you do not understand something does not make others mad."
Vendric: "I could go for a drink after all that happened."
Vendric: "The lady is right. That dance was a way to show devotion to Desna as well as think upon some of her teachings. A small way to bring us closer to our goddess."
Tomas Castonello: "I guess, whatever you need to stay positive in this place."
Tomas Castonello places several silver coins upon the counter and indicates the bottle of rum and two fingers to the bartender.
Kimroth: "Coming up." The barkeep serves the drink and collects the coins.
Tomas Castonello: "I feel the same way about studying magical theorem. It helps calm me, learning more about how the world works. It's pretty much the only agency I have in life."
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The dawn comes dimly, through thick clouds. A break in them aligns so that a shaft of brilliant sunlight shines down on the courtyard before the Defenders' Heart as those Eagle Watch not deployed, or standing guard at the windows gather in two even rows on either side of the walkway, three figures standing upon it: Irabeth Tirabde facing out towards the ruined city, and across from her, facing the inn, Altruis Heavensward, a dove at rest on his shoulder, his mentor, Dame Velora standing behind him.
Irabeth Tirabade: "Altruis Heavensward, son of the city, you have acted with honor and heroism far exceeding what can be expected of a squire. Do you now swear your honor and loyalty to the service of Queen Gallfrey, Mendev, and above all to Iomedae the Inheritor, doling out justice without malice, defending those who cannot defend themselves, and holding the line against the demonic forces which seek above all to corrupt and overwhelm?"
Altruis Heavensward: "I do."
Irabeth Tirabade draws her blade with practiced grace, as the dove takes to the air, flying a circuit around the three. She gently sets its tip first on Altruis's right shoulder, then the left. "Rise, Sir Altruis."
Altruis Heavensward rises, a fully knighted man in banded armor.
Nightwolf gets directions from the Tirabade sisters before leaving... "So which of these safe houses is closest to Defender's Heart? The Manor, the Tower, or Topaz Solutions?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Topaz Solutions and the Tower of Estrod are about the same distance, but with the chasms opened up around here, I'm not sure which can be reached more quickly. Nyserian Manor's back between Gwerm Manor and the Librarium, and a bit off to the sid."
Nightwolf "Sounds like the manor is quite a trek, the tower or the shop first fellows?"
Vendric: "Topaz solutions has my vote. i may be able to salvage some things there that may be of use in my alchemy."
Nightwolf "Good enough for me, let's be on then."
Altruis Heavensward: "Supplies would be good to gather."
Tomas Castonello: "I would be more comfortable at the Tower, and it may have some useful magical items in storage... but having more medical supplies might help in a pinch."
Skinnareth: "Forget that, which one has the greatest riches?"
Tomas Castonello: "...know what, let's just go to the Topaz place then. I don't care that much."
Along the way they see a pack of dire rats skittering along the ruins. Tomas Castonello recoils from the rodents, but Skinnareth moves between him and the rats, pushing him forward. The rats hunker in the shadows of rubble as the heroes pass.
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A wooden sign above the door bears a carving of a bundle of orange herbs and flowers hovering over a beaker filled with smoking orange liquid. The building’s windows are tightly shuttered, but the front door hangs halfway off its hinges.
Nightwolf "I'm sure sir Altruis wants to take the lead."
Skinnareth: "It matters not. Just don't stay me from my reward."
Tomas Castonello: "Careful going into the greenhouse. A lot of rare plant species can be aggressive."
Altruis Heavensward knocks on the door, "I've new material for the archives."
Rolf: "You've got the wrong door, guv. Only herbs here, no archives."
Tomas Castonello: "Maybe tell him we're just here to help. He probably doesn't have anything we want."
Rolf: "So I'm sure you'll want to be moving right along with those papers..."
Skinnareth: "Or, let my fangs speak for you."
Altruis Heavensward: "I'm sure you'd love to speak to our representative, Skinnareth."
Skinnareth slithers around the humans and onto the wall, his long neck curling around the doorway as he peeks in. "Step aside, creatures. Your death is not required for me to get my reward."
Rolf: "I told you... no archives here, so what do you want?"
Nightwolf "Enough of this foolishness. IN THE NAME OF THE WATCH I DEMAND YOU OPEN THE DOOR OR FACE THE CONSEQUENCES!"
Rolf: He gulps, the door easing open. "Don't want no trouble..."
Behind the three armed men is a bulging sack.
Altruis Heavensward: "You wouldn't happen to be looters, would you?"
Rolf: "Us? We're just harmless refugees, traveling with what's left of our belongings. Did I say traveling? I mean holed up. Yep. That's right. Holed up."
Skinnareth: "The mortal speaks in illusions. He seeks to pilfer your quest!"
Altruis Heavensward: "What's the reward for looting during a crisis, friends?"
Tomas Castonello: "Okay, be fair. If they don't have what we came here for, they can keep it. Better some random guy than a demon, right?"
Nightwolf: "Do you take us for fools? Leave your ill begotten gains and leave this place. There is shelter at the Defender's Heart, if you wish it but they won't tolerate your looting."
Vendric: "I'm not so sure. A lot of damage can be done with some solutions and reagents in the care of those who don't know what they are doing."
Altruis Heavensward: "Yes, you'd rather not stay out here with all the demons, dire rats, cultists, and who knows what else."
Kurt: "Listen to the robed guy... we're just keeping stuff from going to waste is all. We ain't got nothin' important..."
Vendric: "From the sound of it is seems you all just threw stuff in a bag. Do you even know what you have there? What could happen if they break and mix?"
Nightwolf "Good, you won't mind leaving it then."
Vendric: "Some mixtures can be dangerous just on their own if not properly handled."
Rolf: "Well... there are still demons hanging around."
Kurt: "Nothin's eaten through the bag yet..."
Stephan: "You'll really just let us file past?"
Altruis Heavensward slightly draws Radiance, "Would the wielder of our good blade Radiance lie?"
"Indeed. You'll truly let them pass?" Skinnareth pouts upon the wall
The trio's jaws drop, then carefully snap shut again. "We'll... ah... just be going, then."
Skinnareth eyes them each. "You'd best not be hiding anything from me..."
Altruis Heavensward: "Go now to shelter and offer your skills to them. They will have much need for those who can handle lockpicks and the like."
Stephan: "Yessir."
Tomas Castonello: "Whatever. Let's just do what we came to do and get out."
Tomas Castonello takes a look at the sack that the looters dropped in fear, as does Vendric. They find 122 gp, 418 sp, set of silver cutlery, brass goblet, portrait of a young man in fancy dress cut from its frame and rolled up, (labeled) flasks of acid, alchemist’s fire, 2 vials of antitoxins, 3 vials of holy water, 3 magic crossbow bolts, an elixir, and a potion. Altruis Heavensward takes a small sip of the potion, while Nightwolf, Vendric, and Tomas examine the rest of the sack's contents.
Tomas Castonello: "Hey, there's some useful stuff here. I bet I know what this is..."
Altruis Heavensward: "Oh, the potion is barkskin. Good stuff too, if woody in taste."
Tomas Castonello: "Barkskin? I know of that spell. Maybe I should adapt that for use here."
Nightwolf "What of the bolts?"
Tomas Castonello: "Those are infused with magic. They burst into flame when nocked. Just the magic makes them more accurate. I could use some of that."
Altruis Heavensward: "Could ruin a cultist's day."
Vendric: "The other bottle is a elixir of vision. could be useful to those scouting."
Nightwolf "Too bad they're too short for my bow. You're becoming quite adept at that crossbow Tomas, they are yours."
Vendric turns to Tomas. "When we get back to the defender's heart i
Tomas Castonello: "Hey, thanks! I think we should each take one of those flasks too. Even though Vendric's pretty good with alchemists' fire, we need some protection from summoned swarms."
Vendric: "I'd like to look at that potion. I think i could extract how to make it as one of my formulas."
Tomas Castonello: "Alright... I will hesitate from using it. It would be more useful to me as a scroll anyway."
Nightwolf "I have a flask of acid should I need it. Not to sound like the creature, but only my cut of of the coin from this sack suits me. The rest you may do with as you wish."
Skinnareth: "Indeed. Your trinkets do bore me. Wake me when you find the precious minerals."
Vendric: "I'll take any left over vials. My bombs are a bit better than your average alchemist fires."
Tomas Castonello picks up one acid flask and one alchemists' fire.
Vendric: "The cutlery has some value I'd say around 125gp. The brass goblet could probably go for 15.. But i am unsure about the picture."
Nightwolf "We didn't really come here to liberate this sack from common thieves. What of our mission?" He searches the shop. "Ah ha, here to the north. I believe this shelf hides a secret." He checks it over for traps and finds none. Altruis Heavensward gives an additional glance over, finding no traps either.
Nightwolf "Hey Skinny, humans often hide their valuables behind such places."
Skinnareth: "Valuables, you say? Need I check the walls for hidden treasure?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Looks like the shelves swing inward."
"What's this? Trickery from the human dwellers? You weren't joking."
Skinnareth plants his head against the shelf and pushes against it.
Skinnareth: "Yet another trek underground. You humans burrow like rats." He stretches his neck around the bend and attempts to look beyond, away from the light.
Altruis Heavensward summons his fiery halo.
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The air in this basement is damp and musty-smelling. The walls and floor are packed earth, while dozens of gourds hang from the ceiling beams. A sludge of rotting plant matter covers the floor. Against one wall, a wooden table holds a strange apparatus that looks like a clockwork toy of a snake-bodied, 6-armed woman holding a sword in each hand. A tightly corked bottle, filled with what looks like water, sits before the statue. A wooden chest covered with engraved runes stands under the table, and a sinister image of a star surrounding a goat’s face is painted on the wall above the table.
Vendric: "Seems were in the right place."
Tomas Castonello: "Figures it'd be more demons. It's always demons anymore."
Tomas Castonello casts detect magic southeastward into the room
Nightwolf "We aren't fighting a war with the bunny horde."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Besides which, we knew we were investigating a demonic cultist safe house."
Tomas Castonello: "You should never give me mission details when I'm drinking something."
Tomas Castonello: "We have two sources. One's a conjuration coming from that vial, and one illusion... from there." Tomas points at the circle.
Nightwolf "Looks like a trap if ever I saw one."
Skinnareth: "we'll have to investigate the vial to know more."
Nightwolf "Still I'm not sure what choice we have but to proceed with caution."
Skinnareth: "Not treasure. Not interested." As Skinnareth reaches that spot, the goat head seems to speak:
“Ahh... I hope you are among Iomedae’s slaves... I would hate to think of mere peasants wasting such a personal greeting from Lord Baphomet!” The clockwork marilith swings its sword, breaking open the bottle. And the plant sludge starts to move. From the bottle boils out a cloud of noxious vapors. Skinnareth's scales are stung by acid as Altruis is burned. Everyone else remains clustered on the stairs.
Nightwolf "Well now we know what the illusion aura was about."
Vendric: "Be careful that is a Mandragora. It has a poison which clouds the mind and a shriek that will make you sick."
The mandragora's roots stretch out to lash Altruis, clanging prettily on his armor.
Altruis Heavensward: "So just don't get hit, got it."
Tomas shoots the mandragora solidly in the middle with his crossbow bolt. It dodges the lizard, who now finds himself chilled by the noxious vapors. Nightwolf fires twice in rapid succession, hitting once. Altruis hacks a thick line across the mandragora, resisting the noxious gas. The mandragora continues attacking Altruis. It finds Altruis inside the reach of its roots, but bites solidly. Vendric hurls a bomb at it, and the flames wash over it, but it stays upright. Tomas shoots it again, and Skinnareth's teeth scratch it, his eyes suddenly glowing red. Nightwolf fires twice more, and the mandragora falls with a collection of arrows sticking out of it. Skinnareth grunts as the cloud begins to take a toll on him, and so he retreats from it. The vapors dissipate after 42 seconds. In the meantime, Sara reaches through the railing to heal Skinnareth. Skinnareth sighs as the relief washes over him.
Skinnareth: "Your competence continues to show me that my servitude is utterly misplaced, mortal"
Tomas Castonello makes an annoyed scoff as the cloud thins out and he goes down to more closely investigate the contraption on the table.The marilith statue is a cunningly constructed clockwork that does little more than lunge its arms. It weighs 10 lbs.
Sarathel Tirabade: "Could you use a healing hand as well, Altruis?"
Altruis Heavensward: "Some healing would not go amiss, my lady."
She hastens to heal him.
Nightwolf: "Now then let's see what all that was protecting."
He and Altruis search the chest for traps, finding none. The chest is unlocked. Nightwolf opens the chest.
The other contents are covered by a loose parchment bearing the words: "We don’t need these anymore, but figured if you survived our surprise, it would be just plain rude to leave behind an empty chest for your troubles!”
Tomas Castonello: "It seems unnecessarily complicated to make an idol just to break a bottle."
Sarathel Tirabade: "I get the feeling one of their cultists had a nasty sense of humor."
Altruis Heavensward: "At least it counts for a good morning warm up."
Tomas Castonello: "At least it wasn't a mimic. They are attracted to places like these."
Nightwolf lifting the note to read it then peering inside at the remaining contents, "It seems this raid was for naught." Under the note are stacked 5 of Iomedae's sword & sun holy symbols. Altruis Heavensward looks over them to see if they're trapped.
Skinnareth: "Rrrrgh... my patience is exhausted. Collect your things and take me to the cults' treasury."
Altruis Heavensward: "Something's smeared on the blades."
Nightwolf "No treasury here it my greedy friend. It seems the cultist took his treasure with him when he abandoned this place."
Altruis Heavensward: "Vendric, I need your eyes."
Nightwolf "Another surprise I'd wager."
Vendric: "Its a contact poison. Malyass root its called."
Nightwolf "The symbols, are they worth anything?"
Vendric: "To those who worship the goddess."
Nightwolf removes a waterproof sack from his backpack and turns it inside out, placing a hand in the sack. He uses it as a mitten carefully picking up the symbols and turning the sack right side out with the symbols now inside. "Let's go, we should report back to Defenders Heart."
((Thus ends session 11))
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Stablehand: "Yep, he stomped a slew of dretches when the demons tried to assault the inn. Never seen a horse like it."
Zullion: "He was trained well, dogs, wolves, beastts of the field, not in particular demons, but it wont stop him, not it wont"" he puts his head against the nose of his steed "It is very good to see you again my friend"
Lighthoof paws the ground and snorts, nuzzling his master.
Nightwolf "Friend Zullion, will you join us once again? We are hunting down cultists involved in this terrible attack."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Or at least checking their safehouses... one had naught but traps."
Zullion: "Hunt them we shall, by blade and hoof they will be run down"
Nightwolf "Perhaps the tower will be more fruitful for us."
Sarathel Tirabade: "We can hope."
Vendric: "Yes, that poisonous gas didn't look pleasant. We should keep an eye out for any more of those traps at the next locations."
Nightwolf "These cultists were clever enough to avoid detection before the attack. I have no doubt more dangers await us, but I suspect they will be smart enough not to use the same tactic twice."
Zullion: "Perhaps that is what they want us to think?" he chuckled
Sarathel Tirabade laughs with him.
Vendric: "I see no reason why they wouldn't stick to a tactic that worked and may work again. I don't think their trap was too complicated or expensive to not do n other places. Its best to keep an eye out any way.
Vendric: "If you all would like to wait for a bit I think I can craft us something that should help us with the demons should we need it."
Nightwolf "By all means prepare your alchemical creations."
Zullion: "You should invest in those magical helpers my mother used to refer to."
Vendric returns from his alchemical lab. "Well I managed to make 2 of them. I think they will be better used on ammo than on a weapon as we can get more use out of them. I'll keep one and you can decide who gets the other."
Zullion: "My lance will do what it is suppose to."
Vendric: "Well I managed to make 2 of them. I think they will be better used on ammo than on a weapon as we can get more use out of them. I'll keep one and you can decide who gets the other."
Zullion: "My lance will do what it is suppose to"
The trek out to the tower is generally uneventful, though watching the horse traverse the chasm is amusing for some.
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Nightwolf whispers: "what was that pass phrase?"
Sarathel Tirabade: " 'I’ve new material for the archives' ...I think."
Nightwolf raps on the door "I've new material for the archives."
There's the sound of approaching footfalls. "Could you repeat that? I only caught part of it"
Nightwolf "Are you deaf? I've new material for the archives!"
cultist: "I was in back." She says as she opens the doors. "Where we keep the bedrolls and rations. Come on in, brothers....and sister."
Nightwolf "'bout time."
Zullion: He gets off of Lighthoof
Zullion: "You stay here boy, and make sure you keep yourself safe, i will be back shortly."
Lighthoof whinnies.
Vendric walks behind the others. Another cultist waits by a desk, rows of bedrolls on the shelves behind her.
Lerial: "You can bunk down wherever you want, after you check in with Faxon downstairs."
Nightwolf "Faxon, right."
The doorman starts closing the door behind them. Zullion gives Lighhoof a reasuring nod.
Nightwolf: "Come on you lot let's go give Faxon our report. I'm eager to get this over with."
The door-cultist relocks the door. The room downstairs is kept dark, so Vendric lights a torch. Faxon proves to be an unarmored tiefling.
Nightwolf "Your guards upstairs are a little lax."
Faxon turns towards them. "You have a dereliction to report, Templar?"
Nightwolf "Yes, they're barely watching the door. We had to repeat the pass phrase twice."
Faxon sighs. "Said they'd get lazy if they stayed posted here."
Faxon: "Or are you just angling to rotate them out and yourself in?"
Nightwolf "Out? Yeah I want out. Out of this damn city. What are we still doing here? The place has fallen. Why haven't we moved on yet? What are we waiting on?"
Faxon: "The Lord's special project is above your pay grade. And you are being lax in reporting." He glares.
Nightwolf "What'd you want to know?"
Faxon sighs. "How green are you?" He shakes his head. "What did you see on your patrol, and did you find anything the masters would be interested in?"
Nightwolf "Like I said, the place has fallen. We encountered almost no resistance. The towns people are even turning on each other. Seen a bunch of them looting. Heh, got a few hundred gold and silver pieces and some nice cutlery ourselves."
Nightwolf he says holding open a the sack taken from the looters
Nightwolf "But nothing that would interest the masters."
Faxon nods. "Count out the usual quarter, while your troops head up."
Nightwolf "You heard the man. I'll be right up. Unless you think I'll cheat ya out of your share."
Vendric: "So we are done here?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "Just about, it seems...maybe our leader'll get our next assignment while he's counting stuff out."
Vendric gives a small bow to Faxon. "Well since we are done here I guess I won't waste more of your time." As he rises from his bow he pulls out and tosses a vial of holy water at Faxon the tiefling. It seems Faxon was expecting something of the sort, as he jumps aside, letting the flask harmlessly strike the wall far behind him.
Nightwolf "I guess we're doing this the hard way."
Faxon: "So it appears. The other way might have been more pleasant for all concerned."
Vendric: "Why drag it out when we can end it here and now?"
Nightwolf shoots and Faxon is pushed back into the shelves as the arrows pierce his chest. "I don't know, I quite enjoyed that."
Faxon mutters an incantation, his fingers moving in an intricate pattern. "I think you'll regret that." Faxon retreats to use the desk as cover.
Nightwolf "What have I done!"
Faxon: "Help...." he says weakly.
Vendric moves up to the desk, and hurls a flask of holy water over it, directly into the tiefling's now-boiling face. Faxon screams, falling to the floor.
Zullion, hearing what is transpiring, guards the stairs and calls out to Lighthoof "Heel!"
Lerial-the-cultist: "Who's hurt? What happened?"
Zullion: "You, if you do not put down your arms this instant," he warns as he holds his shield and sword ready.
The door-cultist fumbles with the key, unlocking it, and opening the door...and sees the horse filling the doorway.
Vendric calls up: "We already felled Faxon. So i suggest you listen or you will share his fate."
Lerial-the-cultist looks to the open door and the warhorse waiting outside... and back to Zullion. She drops her weapon and holds her hands out carefully.
Zullion looks at the other one to see what his action will be.
Nightwolf rushes to Faxon's side and casts cure light wounds on him.
Sarathel:"Do you think we can get more out of him as a prisoner?"
Nightwolf "He is a trusted friend and ally."
Vendric: "He's been charmed."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Hoo boy.... got to you, did he?"
Nightwolf "Of course that would explain why he's helping the cultists! He's been charmed. I'm sure once we remove it, he'll tell us all he knows."
Sarathel Tirabade: "R-iiiiight. Why don't we go see if Zullion needs help upstairs since everyone's safe down here?"
Vendric: "I heard there are more bad people who wish to hurt Faxon outside. perhaps you can go deal with them? I can watch over him while you go deal with them."
The cultist at the door makes a run for it past the horse and into the rubble... he thinks he can climb better than the horse can. Lighthoof takes a large chunk out of his arm as he runs screaming past, but she starts climbing into the rubble.
Zullion walks over to the one that surrendered as he calls out to Lighhoof "Take him down, but do not kill". He holds his sword out to the one with hands in the air "That is a good choice, now we shall wait to till this is settled."
The prisoner at the desk swallows heavily, paling. The horse proves better at climbing than the fleeing cultist expected. He takes a second bite out of him, and he falls, a chunk now missing from his shoulder. Lighthoof whinnies to alert Zullion that he has succeeded.
Zullion: "We may need a healer up here!" he calls.
Sarathel Tirabade: "Coming up! You are a bit faster than I am, Nightwolf..."
Nightwolf "Take good care of Faxon"
Sarathel Tirabade: "We could tie him up if you think we can get anything more out of him."
Nightwolf "Perhaps it would be best until the charm wears off." He runs up the stairs. "Who needs healing?"
Vendric: "He is a caster though and I don't know if he may know tricks to let him access his magic in such conditions. And I doubt he'd give up anything if we did question him more."
As Nightwolf comes up, Zullion quickly points at the door "Just follow the sound of Lighthoof, he downed one of the escaping cultists"
Nightwolf "The horse needs healing?"
Zullion: "The cultist!" he says, haste in his voice
Sarathel Tirabade: "You have to be conscious to cast anything... and I wouldn't want to have to fight Nightwolf due to that charm."
Nightwolf "Why in the name of Desna would I heal the cultist?"
Zullion: "Because we are not savages and out for blood."
Nightwolf "If you say so. I only have one healing spell left for the day though. So if it's all the same to you I'll just administer 1st aid."
Zullion: "That is adequate, i just do not wish them dead"
Vendric: "We can bring him back then since he is unconscious. But we need to keep an eye on him. I'd hate for him to wake up and somehow signal his allies while at or on our way to the inn."
Sarathel Tirabade: "It should be easier if he's tied up and gagged. Good thing we still have all that rope from the caves."
Vendric: "It is. Now we just have to keep Nightwolf from healing him until his charm wears off."
Sarathel Tirabade: "We can probably put it as 'Not wanting any more harm to come from the charm.'" She smiles.
Lighthoof wanders back to where he last heard and saw Zullion. Zullion calls back down the stairs, "We have a captive or two..." he looks at the open door.
Nightwolf stanches the bleeding cultist's wounds, ties him up with silk rope and drags him back inside, before closing the door.
Nightwolf "The horse can come in too."
Sarathel Tirabade: "Yes...and we have Faxon tied up down here." She calls up. "There's a charm at work."
Zullion nods and beckons Lighthoof in, which he happily does
"Then it seems we have 3 captives"
Vendric chuckles. "That's a good way to put it"
Nightwolf "Do you want that one tied up too I suppose?"
Sarathel Tirabade grins at Vendric "Thank you."
Nightwolf "Only 2 prisoners really. I'm sure Faxon will come around."
Zullion: "No, voluntary surrender, but..." he turns t othe captive "Were you forced into this situation? I am willing to pardon your grievences if you proclaim loyalty to Apsu, and repent your evil ways. Under the divine light and the eyes of a follower of him, and also a divine man of the clergy of one of the good and trusted deities of this land."
Lerial: "Well... what do you mean forced? I mean, we all have choices in life, and they did offer me a way off the streets."
Zullion: "Then, will you repent and turn from your evil ways? make an honest living? Under the guidance of Apsu and myself, I will help you turn to the light and order, and not fall prey to chaos."
Lerial: "I'm really not done with this life, and that sounds like the only way to keep it that way, so to speak. I'll... give it a try."
Zullion: "Then, I request you close your eyes, and follow me as I call on Apsu and we can ask for your salvation together."
Lerial closes her eyes...all but a crack.
Zullion starts to recite Apsu's prayer of forgiveness, slowly, so she can follow his lead.
Lerial follows along, her eyes slowly closing as she starts to believe she's not going to feel a sudden pain in the neck if she does so.
When the prayer is done, Zullion puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder "Welcome sister" he gives her a warm and reassuring smile
Lerial smiles. "Yes... of course, ...brother?"
Zullion smiles again and turns to pick up her equipment. "Stay safe" he hands it over again.
Lerial is careful to be non-threatening with it.
Nightwolf goes back down the stairs. "Shall we look for clues behind door number 2 in the meantime?"
Sarathel Tirabade: "That sounds like a fine idea."
Nightwolf examines the locked door, then sets his hand on it, looking through it with Door Sight. "I detect no hostile creatures on the other side, but there is a chest. The door is also locked."
Nightwolf: "Perhaps there is a key nearby, on Faxon maybe? Otherwise I can try to pick the lock." In fact, there are 2 keys at Faxon's belt. "Ah excellent. One for the door and one for the chest I presume." He takes the one that looks like it matches the door and inserting it into the lock. The door unlocks.
Nightwolf "I wish Faxon was awake, he could tell us if this chest is trapped."
Vendric: "let him rest he had a big day."
Sarathel Tirabade: "But you don't really think he would if he's charmed, right? He'd have been told not to."
Nightwolf "Of course, when's he's all better I mean."
Vendric opens the chest with the other key. The chest holds an assortment of coins, weapons, silver candlesticks, and perhaps more buried in the coins. There's also a wrapped sheaf of papers, which Vendric glances over while Nightwolf detects magic.
Vendric: "These could be useful. it seems to be reports from the other cultists."
Lerial: "So, where do we go from here?"
Zullion: "I believe we may rest here for a while, but where to from here is up to my companions"
Nightwolf: "Come on we should get out of this room there is enchantment magic here. I don't want to get charmed or something."
Nightwolf "Lets take the whole chest with use back to the Defender's Heart."
Vendric: "what kind of enchantment magic?"
Nightwolf: "I don't know, I'm not that skilled, but the idea of someone messing with my head with magic disturbs me."
Vendric: "I imagine so."
Nightwolf examines the spell's aura more closely. "It is a zone of truth. This could be useful."
Vendric: "Really? That is interesting. My shirt is red... seems it's not affecting me."
((Thus ends session 12))