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Archiv => Archiv - Online-RPGs D&D/d20 3E => Drow Campaign => Thema gestartet von: Zanan am 27.05.2006, 11:11:21
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Why bother with page numbers, eh? :tooth:
Here we go on. Last postings first ... do check the description thread for the scene.
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Talice nods and scans the surrounding fortresses. She takes a measure of the plateau too, then heads towards a small stronghold-pillar that looks utterly destroyed by fire. It belonged to another, larger compound, but the walls and bridges connecting it to that fortress have all gone, being melted away or shattered by magic. As you draw nearer, the scout slows the pace and checks the area with some minor magic. "The defensive enchantments are all gone, which I had hoped. Now lets see if we find some floors which are still intact in that pillar!"
Again, dozens of rotting corpses lie about near the wall, but the pillar itself is 'clean', as the fiery magic burned anything inside to the bones and dust. You manage to climb up and inside trough a whole and then move upwards along various wounded stairs and ramps. Some 80 feet above plateau level, Talice stops in a room which must have been one of the battle platforms. Windows to each side lead to balconies armed with ballistae and the like, most damaged beyond repair by the fierystorm. The brittle bones of about 10 drow lie about. Scavenging through them, Rou'sun comes away with some items not burned, such as an adamantine dagger, two adamantine short swords, an amulet and a jet-black ring. All are magical.
From this vantage point, you have a far better view of the city below, even though it is still obstructed by heavy banks of smoke. Nothing alive ... or undead ... comes your way or even looks in your direction at the moment.
Malifice
As the demon's head rolls towards Keth, Malifice pauses and catches her breath. "Malla tlu Lolth." She says as she wipes the demon's ichor from her blades. She makes no other comment and simply stays close to Keth as the party advances on.
Nata'al
After making herself familiar with the rooms next to the battle platform, Nata'al comes towards Kethryllia and asks: "Malla yathrin, I'd like tae investigate that tower a bit further, if ye don't mind. Don't like surprises and a'. One of the males could back me up." Scanning the room, Nata'al points at Narzen. "Him maybe? We'll be back soon enough."
Rou'sun
For the time being, Rou'sun takes the amulet, the ring and the dagger for himself. The two short swords he puts onto the floor. "These are magical," he tells the others.
Then he walks over to Zhadristan. "May I ask you, where you and your companions come from?" he asks.
Kethryllia
Keth nods at Nata'al, and watches her and Narzen go off.
Keth frowns at Rou'sun for a moment, then turns towards one of the balconies to look over the city.
Zhadristan
"As far as I am concerned that has faded into meaninglessness long ago", Zhadristan answers in a callous tone. "But nowhere near as effectful as your home is beginning to right now" he adds with a bitter laugh.
DM & Nata'al
Talice cannot help herself and laugh at the comment of Zhadristan. She gathers her wits soon enough though - not least due to the presence of Malifice - and turns towards the two brothers.
From the balcony, Kethryllia can spot the temple in the distance. It was apparently destructed by some seriously powerful magic. A couple of jade spiders lie in front of the stairs leading up to it, equally blown apart. The fight at the northern gates has stopped, though one can hardly spot any movement from hereabout. The view to the castle of Maerimydra is obstructed by the other pillars of this compound.
Rou'sun
Rou'sun sends Talice an angry glance but spares himself any comment.
Then he turns back to Zhadristan. "I was more interested about the recent past. As you pointed out so well, my home is fading into meaninglessness, and apart from wanting to know more about this group, I would like to know about other cities where I might go."
Kethryllia
"Hard to say on that, Talice would know best if she is willing to tell you," says Keth, "in the part the Underdark where we are from, your best bet would be Skullport," as she prepares for her meditations.
Malifice
Silently, Malifice wipes down her blades and sheathes them. She watches the exchange between Zhadristan, Talice and Rou'sun but says nothing and offers little in the way of expression. With her blades sheathed, she reloads her hand-crossbow, then feels around her body and armor, apparently looking for rents, tears or wounds. All the while she keeps herself close to Keth, listening to the others talk and keeping a wary eye out for danger.
DM
Nothing will bother the first watches, though you spot something large and spiderish near the temple. It walks off towards the east and the castle, it seems.
Rou'sun
Surprised Rou'sun turns towards Keth. "Thank you for your advice, Yathrin."
Turning to the rest of the group he asks: "Who of you is Talice?"
Talice
Leaving the two brothers to themselves, Talice turns around and looks at the mage. "That is me." She keep her face straight and looks as if that little "incident" about Rou'sun's city has never happened.
Kethryllia
"Talice, after you finish educating the male on where he might be able to survive. I'll need to talk with you about a few things," says Keth.
"I hope your magic proves more useful the next time we have need of it, beyond what it did to the giant, it didn't seem to be of much use this time around," says Keth to Rou'sun giving him an ill-favored look.
Talice
The scout nods and says: "I'll be right there." Then she turns her gaze to the male.
Rou'sun
Rou'sun tries not to show no emotion when he turns towards Talice.
"So, you are the one who knows different cities. Could you tell me something about that place the Yathrin metioned."
.... your turn again.
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"Hm ... Skullport is a pit, it really is. You can find everything there, drow, illithids, humans, ragtag humans, orcs, whatever strikes your mind. Lies below the large city known as Waterdeep and functions as it black market. You can buy and sell everything there ... and I mean everything. Near it, there is a large maze-dungeon that goes by the name of Undermountain, home to strange beasts and mad mages. Or so they say. There are a number of drow there too, some loyal to the Dark Mothers, some don't. That said, given your profession, the city of Sshamath would be a better destination. Lots of mages there, drow or not. They would value any newcomer on his ability rather then his looks ... well, at least more so than in other dark elven cities." The female takes a sip from her water skin.
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"Hmmm, Sshamath. I think I heard that name once or twice. But I don't think a city of mages would be the right place for me. Nonetheless I'd like to take a look. Can you tell me where that place is?"
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"Tell you? Well, it is some 500 miles to the south west of here. There are a few gates and portals, but still quite a walk. Then again, Skullport is about twice as far away and we managed that too." She looks at him from top to bottom, then adds: "If you can pay it, I might get you there. Once we get out of here and to the destination the yathrin wants us to go. Anything else?"
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"No, thank you. I don't want to let the Yathrin wait for you any longer."
When Talice turns away, the mage finds himself a place to sit down and gets something to drink and to eat from the inner pockets of his piwafwi.
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Keth leads Talice off to the side.
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Iira and Zouhlnor take their turn at the watch and will get the party ready when the time seems to be right. Nothing has disturbed your rest.
After about two hours, first Narzen, then Nata'al return to the group's resting place. Nothing of interest up there, Nata'al signals to the yathrin, then settles in a corner and prepares herself for the rest and the next day.
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After what looked like a short "breakfast", Iira gets his chain out and seemingly casts a spell onto it. He then relaxes a moment and casts another onto himself. A sheet of night invisible magics cover his body, then vanish. Zouhlnor readies a few liitle flasks and tiny bags and places them in easy reach alongside his belt. Both brothers stand up and look raring to go.
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Before the group moves on towards the temple, Rou'sun takes some time to cast a few spells upon himself.
Again the drow can feel the strangeness in the way he works magic.
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"Let's proceed to the Temple, provided everyone is all set." says Keth as she makes a few adjustments to her armor and the placement of her weapons and components.
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Zhadristan is ready to depart.
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Your lair for the rest was a watch tower of House Mae'laeret. Talice leads you towards the wall of the upper plateau and then southwards. The ruins and walls of House Yrl'Lysaen, which prevented a clear view of the temple from the tower, lie still, charred and looming to your left. Ahead of you, right below the upper plateau, the ruins of House Zina'laen come into view. Its main tow pillars rise up towards the ceiling and thus can also cover the house towards any attackers from the upper plateau. For a change, this compound looks much more intact then the rest. Yet, as you draw near, you spot dozens of dead drow being staked at the walls or lying about. Some look as if the had jumped from the towers. You can only wonder what sort of horror might have driven them out. The scout stops and takes in all the possible danger spots, before moving on. You more or less creep along the walls of House Zina'laen towards the might pillar that rises to the west of the temple. Formerly, eight pillars rose out of the ground, looking much like the legs of an up-turned spider ... or the claw of a giagantic demon. The point inward and their tips almost connect right above the main temple, which has been built on a platform rising some six feet above plateau level. It is lined by a wall that prevents anyone from looking into the sanctuary of the Demon Queen, unless he or she is of giant size. The wall itself is lined with columns, made as everything here either of obsidian or yet black marble. Silvery lines criss-cross the surface of the wall and the columns, much like cobwebs of a large spider. Inside the wall, you see a dome rise upwards, though half ot it seems to be missing. As you close in to some 100 feet of the Courtyard of Lolth, you can clearly spot the marks left behind by the vicious fight that took place here not too long ago. The corpses of two large jade spiders lie directly in front of the temple - the building has only one gate which opens to the stairs and the promenade that leads to Castle Maerimydra on the opposite side of the cavern. Again, dozen of drow lie about, but you immediately notice that neither of them is whole. Any drow body that was not dismembered in some way seems to be missing. At some of the columns near the entry, you see bodies of priestess tied to the columns, some badly burned, some cut open, some martered to death. In front of the temple, some 120 feet away, a drow comes into view, apparently on patrol, but not looking that interested. He or she does not even bother to look in your direction.
While waiting for a command by Kethryllia, Nata'al, Talice, and the two brothers ready some potions and start casting some spells.
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Malifice peers about warily, armed with her hand cross-bow. She stays near to Keth, moving quietly, gracefully and cautiously.
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Keth signs Kill quickly and silently. With the Yathrin on display like this, that cannot be an ally, she then loads her crossbow.
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Talice looks at the priestess and signals Wait here for a moment. I will check whether there are more than that sentry around at the entrance! After fastening all her equipment, she quickly casts a spell and vanishes into nothingness. While she is away, the brothers drink a couple of potions each, as does Nata'al. Suddenly, you hear Talice whispering in front of you. "It's me, so don't shoot! There are three more drow and what looks like a demon in front of the temple's gates. I think there is no-one inside. The promenade leading to the castle is empty right now. Haven't seen such a demon before. Looks like a skinned elf or something. One of the drow doesn't look right either. Either she is sick, or something was done to her body?"
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Rou'sun waits if the yathrin will confirm or withdraw her former order to kill the drow. He is ready to let the saddle bags he is carrying, drop down and start casting a spell.
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Keth whispers "Do you think we can avoid them, and what do you mean something was done to the body?"
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Talice's voice can be heard close to you again. "I scanned the temple's walls and they are still covered with magic. Much looks very complex, but not complete. I guess some spells were corrupted and I for one would not want to test it. Thus, the entrance is the best option." There is a short pause. "I think we can take them out, but should refrain from using flashy spells or the like. They might be visible from the castle or other strongholds, so I can cast another smokecreen or we use darkness balls." Another pause follows. "I don't know. She looks like her skin is shrivelled ... like that of a dried dead, if you know what I mean?!"
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I should be able to render all of us invisible for some minutes. Rou'sun singnals towards Keth. At least until someone casts a spell or attacks.
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Keth whispers "Sounds like she might be undead of some sort. As to the demon, it doesn't sound familiar. The smokescreen would be good concealment, the invisibility would be nice, but harder to say on its usefulness."
"Talice will put up a smokescreen supplimented with darkness as needed, we will take them out without any big flashy spells, unless we need to." continues Keth
"Anyone have anything to add?" she askes at the end.
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Narzen glances around him quietly, simply observing.
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Zhadristan draws his sabre and remains silent.
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The scouts says: "Darkness is not an option for, I will do the smokescreen." Zouhlnor rumbles something like: "Me and my brother will darken the place then."
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Nata'al looks about, then asks: "Right, who wants tae take on the demon and that strange looking lass in the initial assault? We should concentrate oor efforts on those, while keeping the others occupied, don't ye think?" She looks at Draezen and Malifice.
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Yathrin, if you give me a minute I could produce a small surprise for our first attack. Rou'sun suggests.
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Will this bit of magic actually do something? Keth signs back, Seems your magic failed you in the last fight, especially against the Vrock.
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Malifice looks from Nata'al to Keth, awaiting orders.
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We'll never know, if I don't try. Rou'sun answeres, a sour expression on his face.
It's your decision.
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Then do so signs Keth, as she starts to pray to the Goddess for a blessing upon the party.
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Rou'sun picks up a few stones from the floor and starts casting a spell on each stone.
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After casting his spell five times on different stones, those do not look any less normal than before. He presents them to the group and whispers:
"Who wants to throw one? Just take care that they don't hit the ground within 30 feet of us."
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Draezen, take out the demon, Malifice and Nata'al the tough lass, the brothers the other two and Zhadirstan and Narzen pick off anyone of their choice with magic or poisoned bolts. Rou'sun can do magic tricks. As to me, I will with be at the demon or tough lass, depending on need.
signs Keth after the blessing of the Goddess settles over the party.
Now lets do something.
Making sure her buckler is securely fasten to her forearm, and scourge at the ready.
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Zhadristan shrugs at Rou'sun and readies his crossbow instead of taking one of his stones.
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Draezen signals that he will move in first, punch the demon and run past it, hopefully getting the attention of all other enemies. Thus, the rest will have a tactical advantage, albeit a short one. The brothers, Nata'al and an invisible hand take up one stone each. "Let him attack the demon first, then we throw the stones, then we all attack."
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Draezen hides absolutely perfect and creeps long the wall, followed by the other drow. He takes in the scene, waits a few moments, then vanishes around the corner in a flash. (The drow races up the stairs behind the four drow's backs, lands a punch on the demon and races past in phenomenal agility, coming to a stop some 20 feet behind the demon. He turns around, staring at the drow and the demon with a glance that would freeze lava. His fist smokes softly.) Talice hisses a short "Now!" and the brothers come out of hiding, throwing their stones at the drow, as does Nata'al. Upon impact, they explode into hissing balls of acid and all the drow are caught in this. Zhadristan places a bolt into the back of the nearest drow, who turns around instantly. It is the shrivel-faced drow Talice spoke of, suffering the most from the acidic attacks. Narzen fires off a bolt of his own, but the impact of the stones and the resulting explosions apparently fascinated him more than he wanted. Towards the stairs, mist rises from the ground and obscures the promenade and what was visible of the castle. None of the drow defenders turn towards Draezen. They turn towards the stone throwers and ready their weapons.
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With the last stone thrown, Rou'sun leaves his hiding place and strat casting an new spell hoping that it will be more effective that against the vrock.
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Zhadristan draws his sabre. Unless he is engaged first he will go for one of the two other drow.
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Keth will take a good look at the demon, to see if she can identify what it is. Being ready to strike if anyone draws near.
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(Still druing the inital round: ) Keth has never seen or heard about a demon that looks like this, yet she is pretty sure that it must be some kind of undead. While never seen this like before, she has heard about some ritual amongst the clergy of the Revenancer which includes the flaying of enemy priests and priestesses ... before turning them into undead.
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Iira starts to swing his chain and makes his way to one of the drow beyond the first, quickly followed by his brother, he seems to grow half an inch and 10 pounds of muscles. Nata'al closes in on the tough drow, shield and sabre at the ready.
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Malifice touches the house symbol at her neck, whispers and activates its magic. Then she advances, both swords drawn, on her target.
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Keth will advance to support Malifice and Nata'al with her scourge. "Draezen, careful that creature, now that I have seen it is more likely undead than a fiend." warns Keth
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On a closer look, only the clothes of the shrivel-faced drow seem to have taken damage through the acid grenades ...
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Narzen frowns, obviously displeased with the shot gone awry, but soon proceeds to reload and take aim again.
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Zhadristan opens the fighting with a shot from his crossbow, which misses the target as the oppoenent turns around and going into a crouching position. The drow gets out a dagger from somewhere and throws it in one fluent movement, but it sails over Zhadristan's head. Kethryllia waits till Malifice and Nata'al come near her opponent, while Talice is nowhere to be seen, but the clouds of mist cover the staircase now. The skinned being turns a glance at Draezen, most likely some sort of attack, but the drow keeps his wits and starts his own attack. Iira charges up to one of the other drow warriors, swings his chain and tries to get that drow off his feet. He fails, as the drow anticipated that and standing his ground. Forgoing the opportunity to disarm Iira, the male stamps on the chain, bringing Iira nearer to him, then skewers Zouhlnor's brother right through the heart. He goes down instantly. Oblivious to the fate of his brother, Zouhlnor lands a vicious strike against his opponent, who looks already in some sort of bother because of the acid. Hence, his own attack does not penetrate Zouhlnor's defence. Narzen's bolt becomes stuck in the piwafwi of his target without punching through the armor. Meanwhile, Nata'al closes in on the shrivel-faced drow and lands a decent hit accross the chest. Malifice comes in as well now, landing a fine cut with her short sword too. Keth makes up the numbers now, but as she draws nearer, shrivel-face makes an unexpectedly quick attack, punching her cold blade right through Nata'al's abdomen. The female gasps and stumbles backwards into Keth, who misses her attack because of this. A vicious second strike by the opponent goes narrowly wide of Nata'al's face. Rou'sun's spell creates a whole right beneath the crouching drow, but with some feat of agility, the female jumps aside, avoiding the pitfall. Finally, Draezen closes in on the skinned one, lands another blow on the things chest and is past it in an instant. His fist comes away smoking again. (2 HP)
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Keth will fall into a guarded stance while chanting a prayer to the Goddess.
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As grabbing his weapon is not really an option to him, Rou'sun tries to casts a spell again.
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Zhadristan has his sword drawn, but he casts a protective spell before attacking on of the drow warriors.
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Now that you aren earer to the opponents, you see the following. There are three normal drow, two of which are males. They chainshirts and bucklers, all made by drow. As are their rapiers. From the way they move and fight, you'd guess that they are all seasoned warriors. The skinned one looks much like a demon to you, some sort of flayed elf or something. It wears nothing and the body is covered with a shiny gleam of some fluid. It moves about as graciously as any elf would. Finally, the shrivel-faced lass might have been a female drow before something happened to her. Clad in a jet-black chainshirt of fine quality, she carries a fine shield on her right arm and wields a rapier that has an icy sheen to it. The perfectly honed edge is covered with Nata'al's blood.
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For a heartbeat, Narzen's eyes widen, then his face hardens expressionless. He reloads his crossbow once more in mechanical routine, before squeezing a small item in his fist and muttering the incantation of a spell.
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Malifice dances in on the shrivel faced lass, a sword in each hand. "Let me end your heresy sister. Let me end your pain - it will be better for you in the long run."
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Zouhlnor's opponent jabs twice at him, opening only a minor wound on the drow's arm. He replies with a might swing of his axe, cleanly beheading the male. After side-stepping Rou'sun's pit trap, the female warrior closes in on the melee, going straight for Nata'al. The wounded Selvetarmite watches her come and meets the attack with her shield. Zhadristan, some 6 feet away, cast a quick spell on himself before levelling his blade at the warrior. Iira's killer watches his comrade fall and replaces him instantly, but fails to penetrate Zouhlnor's defence. Out of no-where, Talice appears as her magical blade flies through the air and hits the skinned-one in the chest, drawing blood for the first time. Rou'sun cast a spell that makes the air freeze around the main fight. For some reason, the magic seems only to affect your enemies though, namely the skinned one and the female near Nata'al. The latter takes the opportunity and breaks one of her healing tiles. Her wound stops bleeding, but the female looks far from comfortable. Meanwhile, Malifice adds some steel to her promise, landing a couple of hits on the shrivel-faced female. At the back, Narzen reloads his crossbow and casts a spell, before aiming the weapon again. Draezen, after having seen two previous strikes result only in acid-burned fists, retreats a few steps down the stairs, goading the skinned-one to follow him. Seemingly unfazed be the wound she suffered, shrivel-face leaves Nata'al to her companion and concentrates on Malifice. "I know you from days past. I died defending the First House. Now I serve those who receive answers, not a silent spider any longer! Maybe we see each other soon, fighting alongside one another. First, I have to kill you though!" With astonishing precision, she lands two powerful hits on Malifice (17 & 17 HP), before being hit in the chest by some sort of force lance projecting from Malifice body. Rou'sun's gleeful giggle can be heard from nearby. The female looks badly hurt now, though does not show any reaction. Some of her cuts start to close again while you are looking at it. The skinned-one comes after Draezen, looking at the drow while closing in. The male freezes for half a moment before shaking of the mindbreaking attempt again. A shimmering dagger of magical force appears next to the undead and strikes her successfully. With a gasp, the skinned-one looks up and fixer her gaze on the priestess. She raises her arm and yells: "Take her alive!"
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"Draezen, don't resist me, I'll help you attacking that one, unharmed." That called, the mage works magic again.
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"Spawn of Kiaransalee, you will be destroyed and sent to the Orthae Quarvalsharess to suffer for all eternity!" screams Keth at the undead spawn before her.
Pulling out a handful of red crystalline powder, Keth's holy symbol of Lolth beings to glow with a malevolence as the vipers of her scourge come up to "kiss" her on the cheek drawing a drop of blood.
"Orthae Quarvalsharess grant me the power to destroy the darthiir before me." chants Keth as the powder and blood combine together on the scourge adding a malevolent glow.
:twisted:
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Right after finishing his spell, Zhadristan puts his sabre to work.
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Having seen shrivel-face from close distance now as well as hearing her speak, Kethryllia is sure that she is some sort of undead being too. Most likely of the revenant sort.
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Zhadristan closes in on the female warrior and cleanly punctures her thigh. The drow grits her teeth and hisses something at her attacker. Kethryllia casts a spell at her scourge and watches, as her magical dagger lashes out at the approaching undead, drawing more blood. It looks quite hurt, for a skinned something. Narzen sends a spell enhanced bolt into the female warrior, who shudders under the impact, but refuses to go down. Somewhat behind her, Draezen looks around for a better target, speeds up to Zouhlnor's opponent and punches him against the side of the head. The drow looks somewhat irritated by the sudden hit, apparently loosing his sights. Shrivel face goes into a defensive crouch and hits something at her belt with the hilt of her sabre. Instantly, a garish glow covers her body and closes a fair amount of her wounds. Malifice presses after her, but with astonishing agility, her opponent dodges and sidesteps her furious slashes. Meanwhile, Talice creates another blade of shimmering force and hurls it at the skinned one, but her aims is not as good as she would have liked. Rou'sun yells at Draezen, then speeds over to the male while casting a spell. Reaching him, he places his hand on the drow, who is surrounded my some darkish, flowing magic. Nata'al takes a short look at the female warrior, lashes at her with her shield and as the drow sidesteps the attack, the Selvetarmite uses the sharp edge of her shield to open a nasty gash at the females skull. She goes down instantly at Nata'al's feet, her rapier clattering to the floor. Zouhlnor uses the sudden disorientation of his opponents and lands a might blow. Despite this, the male warrior looks far from being finished. At the stairs, the undead closes in on the main fight. She crouches into a low, feral looking fighting position, claws spread towards Kethryllia and spits something, hitting her at the thigh. Acid burns on the priestess' thigh and splashes onto shrivel face, Malifice, and Nata'al. (2 HP to them two as well).
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Narzen quickly reloads, then starts casting another spell as he raises his free hand toward the skinned creature.
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Malifice takes a step back and lifts a potion vial to her lips, then yells "protect the priestess!" After the potion goes down, she returns her attention to the shrivel faced one. "Your unlife is a blasphemy I shall avenge...after I grant you the mercy of destruction!"
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After granting Draezen the spell, Rou'sun turns around and faces the undead. As it looked like the cold spell wounded the being, he tries something like that, again.
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Keth snaps her Scourge at the skinned undead, "It will give me great pleasure to send you to Lolth for eternal torment."
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Zhadristan does not seem to be eager to get anywhere near the enraged females and rushes on to assist Zouhlnor.
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Draezen thinks on charging up to the skinned one again, but as the drow warrior he stunned is close by, he punches him hard again. The male reels back, taking him out of reach of Draezen's second attack. Talice keeps her aim on the skinned one and lets fly another of her force blades. It strucks the undead cleanly in the back, making it hiss. Nata'al closes in on shrivel-face again, but the female sidesteps her attack with annoying ease. At the Selvetarmite's side, Malifice downs a potion which closes most of the wounds she has suffered so far. Content with his casting, Rou'sun sizes up the skinned undead being and unleashes another darkish bolt of icy magic. The cold seems to freeze the caustic fluid of the being for a few moments, it is obviously hurt now. Half an instant later, Kethryllia lashes her with the enhanced scourge, drawing a deep cut across the undead's chest. "Curse you ..." is all the being hisses as it falls backwards and hits the ground with a sickly wet sound. Apparently surprised by the fall of the skinned one, shrivel-face misses in her attempts to slash Malifice again. Meanwhile, Zhadristan rushes in and skewers the drow near Draezen. His rapier clatters to the ground, followed by his body, as Zouhlnor beheads him an eye-blink later. Narzen switches the aim of his spell towards shrivel-face. It hits the female in the chest, drawing a tiny hole. It leers at the drow surrounding her. "Now it will be my pleasure to deliver you all to your fates!"
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"Not if we send you to the Goddess first!" says Keth as she lashes at shrivel-face.
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Having downed her potion, Malifice wordlessly resumes her attack upon the shrivel-faced one.
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"Everybody is promising everybody else something all the time..." Rou'sun sighs and tries something new.
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Draezen rushes towards to the flayed one and leaps into the air to deliver a flying kick.
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Zhadristan will approach the remaining foe from behind and attack.
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Narzen scoffs at the threats and lets loose a bolt at the enemy.
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The shrivel-faced drow moves about, looking up at her opponents with a wary eye. She is surrounded and Nata'al begins the fight with a well aimed jab at the female's thigh. No blood can be seen, but shrivel-face hisses in response. Zhadristan takes this moment of distraction to land a opportunistic hit at the female's back, the tip of his blade comes out of her stomach. Apparently enthused by the effectiveness of his companions, Rou'sun misses a tone in his incantation and the spell does not come off. Malifice jabs at the undead in quick succession, but the measure of shrivel-face's skill shines again, as she not only beats away the female's blades, but also hammers her shield's edge against the hilt of Malifice's off hand blade, making the female drop it. The joy on the undead's face is short lived though, as Talice's enchanted blade hits her again, draining away more life-force. Finally, the yathrin comes in and her spell-crackling scourge hits shrivel-face near her throat, almost tearing the head off. The magical dagger flying just above shrivel-face's head punches a hole in the head, making her drop instantly. Half a moment later, Draezen's feet kicks the empty air where the undead's head had been. Gracefully he lands behind the females. Just to make sure, Narzen sends a bolt through shrivel-face's head. Somewhat off the fight, Zouhlnor stands over the body of his brother.
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"Dismember the undead and scatter the remains, take everything magical or of value. Zouhlnor, see to your brother." says Keth as she kicks the shrivelled one's head off to the side.
-
Nata'al bows down to the shrivel-faced one and gets a closer look. "Obviously some kind of undead. Yet nane I ever seen before or ken." She invokes a simple spell and scans the bodies for magic. Talice climbs the stairs and scans the surrounding area, giving an 'all clear' sign towards Kethryllia.
Zouhlnor kneels next to his brother, obviously chanting a short prayer.
-
Narzen makes use of the moment of breathing and approaches Nata'al.
He glances briefly at her midsection, and speaks quietly, "I believe my debt to you from what happened with the hook horrors still remains, malla abbil, yet I am pleased with that being the case."
-
"I hate undead", Zhadristan says as he kneels down to chop of the arms of the undead. He briefly looks at Zoulhnor before he begins his work.
-
With the undead on the floor, Rou'sun walks over to the palce where he let fall down his saddle bags and picks them up.
Then he scans enemies and area for magic.
-
Talice points at the female warrior, the only one who was not decapitated and the like.
"That one seems to live ... just. Shouldn't we extract some info out of her before her spirit escapes to her goddess?"
Zouhlnor drags the body of his brother towards a caved-in wall of the temple. After removing a few items of the corpse, he starts placing stones on it.
-
"She should be able to at least let us know what has happened to this city then." says Keth nodding at Talice, before reaching out towards Nata'al's abdomen chanting a prayer to Lolth.
-
Gracefully, Talice jumps down from the temple's wall and moves towards the female. She checks on the drow's condition while removing her armory and tying her hands. After a short prayer, she lays her left hand on the females chest and healing magic closes the most grievious wounds. The eyes of the still quite pale drow open. "Welcome amongst the yet living. She who follow the Demon Queen has a few question before we let you slip into oblivion ..." Talice says. She stands up and lets the drow scan the scenery.
Meanwhile, Nata'al receive the healing spell and bows towards Kethryllia. "Lolth tlu malla!," she intones. After a few moments, she draws that nasty looking hook out of her bag and waits till the corpses of the undead have been stripped of anything valuable. Then she pushes it deep into the cold flesh. Flesh begins to sizzle and the body disintigrates while you are looking on.
-
Talice signals to Kethryllia: We should get over and done with the temple, malla yathrin. Who knows when the watch turns. I could drag that one (she points at the female warrior) inside?!
Zouhlnor returns with the belongings of his late brother, a stern look on his face.
-
Keth signs back Yes, let's get inside.
-
After ascending the stairs, you gain the full view of the temple complex. Below the large pillars that rise atop of it, a second platform surrounded by dozens of columns rises another six feet over the plateau's floor. Stairs surround this next platform, so you can enter the sanctum from all sides. Or so it seems. For only the stairs leading up in a straight line from the main entry of the temple will bring you towards a passage between another, tight row of columns surrounding the sanctum. These columns are carved from obsidian and are criss-crossed with a silvery web of mithril strands. The two columns to either side of the entry previously showed the image of female drow, but both have taken a fair beating. As has the inner sanctum. (See pic) This domed chapel features a large statue of the Spider Queen (some 10 feet tall) and a large sacrifical bowl, all drenched in now dry blood of about a dozen or so drow females scattered across the floor, spiked on lances or hung from the pillars. A quarter of them seemed to have been skinned alive and died in the process, their 'hides' hang over the remaining outstretched arm of the statue. Half of the floor is charred and broken, yet the north-eastern corner seems untouched, bar some dead drow. The ceiling of the dome has apparently been blasted off, its broken remains scattered outside the sanctum. Nothing alive or undead is here.
Nata'al scans the scene, utterly speechless.
-
Malifice retrieves her off-hand blade, then stays close to Keth.
-
The next time I will consider an engagement without knowing the details, I will recall this scene, Zhadristan signs to Narzen.
-
Draezen cracks his knuckles and rotates his neck while slowly walking back towards the group.
-
Zouhlnor takes in the grim scene, then deicdes to stand watch near the entry to the sanctum and waits for new orders by the yathrin. The face of Talice shows the unease she experiences while entering the temple ... the apparently desecrated temple of the powerful goddess of the drow. She is about to ask a question, but then shuts her mouth tightly and keeps to herself.
-
Keth starts to tremble in rage upon looking at the devastatin and desecration done to the temple, then suddenly falls into a trance-like state and starts to walk towards the western side.
-
Malifice follows Keth, her face set tightly as she keeps her rage in check.
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"Impressiv." Rou'sun whisperes when he sees the inner sanctum or what is left of it respectively.
He watches Kethryllia to see how the yathrin reacts at the sight of such destruction.
-
For the moment Zhadristan remains by the stairs.
-
The unblemshied floor of the temple shows a number of drow runes, some depicting prayers, others names, and a few mean nothing to anyone about. Kethryllia ventures near one of the more obscure ones and touches the floor with her scourge. Smoke begins to drift upwards from the lines of the rune and the floor becomes insubstantial first, then disappears. A staircase winds its way downwards into nothingness. Air untouched by decades if not centuries wafts up from the opening ...
-
Malifice watches about warily, her eyes searching not only the newly revealed darkness of the hidden staircase, but also throughout the rest of the temple. Her eyes pause on each corpse flittingly, searching for any signs of life..or unlife. As Keth explores, Malifice stays near to her. Under her breath she murmurs prayers to the Spider Queen, and as she passes by the dead females, she touches her holy symbol and says a simple "malla tlu Lolth."
-
Keth descends the stairs, still moving in a trance-like state.
-
Talice watched Keth descent and signals towards Nata'al: "This is not a place I want to venture into more deeply. Someone ... sometwo (nodding at Zouhlnor) has to keep an eye on the exit, in case you have to retreat faster than you expect. Unless you object .."
Nata'al considers the message for a moment, then nods in silent agreement. A wary look at her face and the sabre tightly gripped, she descends after Malifice.
-
Since the Yathrin does not tell anyone to stay behind, Rou'sun shrugs and follows her down the stairs. Obviously his curiosity is greater than his worries.
-
The staircase, straight at first, then taking a more winded descent, is dimly lit with an occasional lantern obviously empowered by magic. The light, while not needed for the drow eye, does cause runes on the walls to shine and glitter. The language is incomprehensible to all but the priestesses, who, if asked, tell you that these are prayers. Old prayers, if not to say ancient prayers to the Dark Mother of all Drow. The air becomes sticky, almost tangible, ancient ...
You end up on a large adamantine gate, inlaid with mithral and silver runes marking it as the entry of a sanctum to Lolth. You note the lack of spiders though. It does not take a scout to tell you that no-one has visited this place for decades, if not centuries. Thick dust lies on the floor.
-
Zhadristan follow hesitantly and stays a dozen feet or so behind the Yathrin.
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Rou'sun followes Kethryllia and looks at everything. When they near the great adamantine gate he seems to get a bit nervous nonetheless.
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Keth walks up to the gate "no one is to follow me, unless you hear me cry out" she says as she opens the gate to go inside.
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Nata'al nods and watches on as Kethryllia vanishes through the gate.
The door opens with a subdued hiss. The smell of incence and herbs wafts up from another staircase which presents itself to all who look beyond the gate. The yathrin descents the stairs and vanishes into a room some 100 feet below the gate ...
-
Rou'sun cannot suppress a sigh, when Keth orders them to stay behind at last. Then he turns around to take a closer look at the gate and the runes.
-
After some time passes, Keth comes back through the gate. She has two bags with her, one that is several feet long and narrow, and another that is smaller seeming to contain several items. She seems to be in a daze, as if recovering from something that happened within the sanctum.
Keth looks at the party her eyes a glow with faith, "Praise the Quarvalsharess, we must now journey to Sschindylryn before the heretic's followers find us. The survival of our people depends upon this."
She then starts to move back up the passageway to the temple.
-
There's a concerned look at Nata'al's face as she follows the yathrin back up the stairs. Silently, the gates close again and once you pass the entry in the floor, this 'door' seals itself too. Talice signals that nothing has happened and no-one has shown up.
-
Rou'sun just follows the others upstairs. Back in the main temple he walks over to Talice and signals: If you see a stone glider anywhere around, please let me know.
-
Glad to leave the gory site, Talice leads you back over the plateau, stopping only once as a large being flies out of the smoke and haze high above you. The massive being, surely a demon, glowers down at you, but then vanishes again, its attention being drawn by a large explosion to the south of the plateau. No-one crosses your path afterwards and you close in on the spot where you entered the plateau about an hour later.
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Keth follows the way that Talice picks out, keeping an eye out for anything.
-
Assuming that no-one wants to linger in the city for much longer, Talice leads you straight to the cliffside. Down at the city-level, a few undead - presumably ghouls - spot you and drag the remains of the hobgoblins away into the fungi fields. The ruckus near the Northern Gate has subsided and a number of campfire flicker in the distance. Who is in charge there can hardly be discerned from where you are.
The scout leads the way and gets herself down via the rope of hers and covers those who follow her with her bow. For some reason, the giant has not sent sentries to guard this exit to the Underdark.
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Keth signs Keep extra alert, this doesn't seem right.
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Malifice peers about warily, keeping close to Keth.
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Narzen skulks at the front flank, draped in his hooded cloak not unlike a wraith might, making neither sound nor motion to offer a comment about the eerie environs.
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Rou'sun brings up the rear and looks back over the city from time to time.
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Draezen pulls the cowl of his cloak over his head and melds into the shadows, skulking along silently at the head of the group. His intense gaze peers about searching for anything out of sorts. His pointed ears perk up a bit as well like those of a hunting black wolf.
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Zhadristan walks near Rou'sun. He has his sabre in hand but hides it beneath his cloak. Your teleportation magic.. does it reach farther the less you teleport? Zhadristan signs to Rou'sun.
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As you draw nearer to the exit tunnel, the air seems the freeze and the sudden chill make your skin tingle. Out of nowhere, a ghostly rider (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/csq_gallery/44464.jpg) appears, he as well as his ghostly nightmare translucent against the background of the city. His cold stare pierces those near to him and he says something in your general direction that sounds unearthly and cold. He turns his steed about and follows the tracks of the ghouls without giving you any further look ...
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Keth continues to follow Talice, ignoring the ghostly rider since it isn't approaching the group.
-
To some extend, yes. Rou'sun answeres Zhadristan's question. Given enough time and some tries, I think I could even get you onto another plane. Why do you ask? Is there a place you want to go?
When the rider appears, the mage keeps an eye on the being, ready to cast a spell. But as the Yathrin does not care about it, he moves on, too, now having another reason to turn back from time to time. Did you understand what it said? he asks Zhadristan silently.
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Nowhere special. I was considering options to abandon this place quickly in case a horde of demons or undead descends upon us. Zhadristan signs in response to Rou'sun first question.
"No," he whispers only loud enough for the mage to hear. I have no idea what it said.
-
The ghost vanishes in the fungi farm and the scout is quite happy to get her feet on an Underdark trail again. She's keeping an wary eye on the path nonetheless, but you feel as if you close up to the refugees' hiding spot quite soon. Gerilidin greets you near the entrance to the cave, coming out of a decent hiding position as you approach. He signals that everything remained calm, apart from a handful of hobgoblins that were no match for his skills though.
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In this respect I have to disappoint you. During a fight I wouldn't have enough time to even get myself more than a few meters away. He shrugs. I'll have to train my magic much more.
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Draezen eyes the apparition warily and continues on as it fades into the ether. After a moment he turns his ice cold gaze upon Geirildin, studying the dandy expression and body language.
-
So do I, It would be wise to look for an alternative way then. In Sschindylryn when the opportunity arises.
Back at the cave, Zhadristan sheaths his weapon and rests against the cave wall for a moment.
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"I would hope a few measly hobgoblins would be no match for you, after all the bragging you did." says Keth to Geirildin
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"So you are back. Did you find what was the reason for our travel?" Sheiriya greets the returners from the place where she sits. She does not bother to stand up if the group won't move on now.
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"Yes, and we'll be moving to the next and final destination, after a bit of rest." says Keth
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The group settles in the refugees' cavern, who start taking turns in watching, apparently organized by Geirildin. Talice moves over to Kethryllia and signals: 'Do you look for someone or someplace in particular in Sschindylryn? Maybe you should tell the others as well?' (nodding at the three who remained here.
NB: Keth, I haven't forgotten the vault thing.
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Disappointed because he did not find what he was looking for, Rou'sun sits down in a corner of the cave. He takes something to eat and to drink out of his piwafwi pockets.
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Keth nods at Talice, "The next and final destination will be Sshindylryn."
Keth signs to Talice Yes, there is someone specific that I am to meet there.
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Nata'al joins the twosome and weighs in with a question: What about the refugees? Shall we take them to Sschindylryn too? Or escort them to Szith Morcane? (Her facial expression clearly tells that she doesn't want to go on the latter enterprise.)
The rest passes without any interference.
-
Quite true, could always send them to the Goddess, signs Keth with a grin, we'll need to find out who is going forward to Sschindylryn, and who is leaving here and what their plans are, and so forth.
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Draezen slams his bare knuckles into a cave rat that scurries by, squishing it into a stain of gray fur, blood and bones. All the while he silently observes Nata'al and Keth's conversation from a dark corner of the cave, never taking his eyes off their hand signals, though he takes extra precaution to insure they don't notice him watching.
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Zhadristan joins Rou'sun with supplies from his backpack.
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Malifice remains near Keth, watching their surroundings quietly.
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Nata'al looks at Malifice, then touches her abdomen suddenly and becomes somewhat paler. "Mistress!" she mumbles as an excuse to Keth and walks a few steps away, placing a hand on the stone. She's surely in some distress, but there seems to be no apparent reason.
-
Malifice observes Nata'al through narrowed, suspicious eyes, while keeping a watch for Keth's reaction.
-
Keth gives Nata'al a brief questioning look but otherwise leaves her alone.
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The Selvetarmite straightens after a while and then sends a glare at Narzen. She drinks a bit water, then returns to the yathrin. The scout watches her come back, then continues: Sschindylryn is a city of portals. To my knowledge, there is no Underdark entry to the place. Every gate or portal is guarded and watched by a House, guild, or institution. The portal we will use is free of charge ... for entering the city. Leaving is another matter though. I guess those who summoned you will provide ample supply in gold to get us out of there too? She gives Keth a questioning look. It would be good if you tell me whom we are to meet at some point, as some quarters of the city are not meant to be visited by strangers, others are pretty dangerous ... even for a drow city.
-
During his meal Rou'sun hesitates for a moment and casts a spell which removes all the dirt from himself and his equipment.
-
Sheiriya walks over to Rou'sun and sits down beside him.
"From the look of your face I can tell, that your search wasn't successful." Then she smiles. "But I have news for you, if you pay the right price."
-
I do not know the name of the person I am to meet, just her look. Visions tend to be vague that way. However she is a loyal servant of the Quarvalsharess, even more loyal than the Orthae Yorn are. As to the fare for leaving, I will ensure that all who wants to leave Sschindylryn can do so, provided they remain loyal, signs Keth.
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Talice nods at that. So I would suggest that we leave now, before any headhunters, living or undead come after us. It will be a three day trip to the portal. A bit tricky, but we should all manage that. All that do not go to Szith Morcane, of course.
Nata'al signals I will go to the city of portals, and he will go too, I assume (pointing at Narzen). Just let me know when we start. With that, she walks to the side and signal-speaks to Narzen.
-
(Switch conversations to Conversations while I drive you on somewhat.)
After aggreeing to split, those who depart get their rewards, bide their farewells, and organize the refugees into some sort of marching order. Talice leads the Sschindylryn-bound off into a sidetunnel, carefully checking for any trespassing monsters and drow alike. You get back to the main tunnel that leads up north, but the scout turns to the left after a few miles, into a narrow crack of the wall. You have to climb and descent for about a mile, with nothing more than a handspan between you and the crack's walls. Finally, the crack opens up into a flat cavern that slowly descents into the deeper reaches of Har'oloth. Talice waits till everyone has made it and calls for a short rest.
-
(Before departure)
Sheiriya leads Rou'sun, who obviously agreed to her charge, whatever it was, out of the cavern. A little smile on her face. I'll be back soon. she signals to Keth.
Shortly before Talice leads the group on, she returns without the mage.
-
Keth arches an eyebrow at Sheiriya upon her return but doesn't say anything.
-
After the rest, Talice leads you deeper into that cave. The air gets colder and more damp, but at least no Underdark monster crosses your path. At the "bottom" of the cave, a number of holes mark the floor, some wider than 10 feet, others as narrow as a drow's arm. Talice moves carefully about, then points to one of the shafts. We descent into this one. Climb carefully and try to be silent. Used to be purple wyrm shafts in times gone by. Who knows what inhabits them these days.
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As the party moves, Malifice take the opportunity to examine this new, dark red shortsword she has been given. She tests its balance, examines its edge and generally tries to get the feel of it.
-
Whatever Rou'sun paid her, it seems to make the beautiful drow happier than the last days. When they arive at the holes, Sheiriya does not care about climbing and levitates down.
-
Keth will step out into thin air and levitate down.
-
Talice bows down and whisper after Keth, shaking her head: "It's about half a mile, malla yathrin!" She fastens her equipment and follows the priestess into the shaft, climbing fast yet alert. The surface of the shaft is a bit slippery and Draezen and Zhadristan have couple of edgy moments, but everyone makes it to the bottom without any serious harm, a few scratches and bumps aside. Cold air breezes through the tunnel you have entered, somewhat strange this deep under the surface. The scout waits till everyone is near, then signals: Stay close together. I have not been here for some time, so I cannot say what lairs nearby. The portal is about fifteen miles away. Then she leads you on into the darkness of the lower middledark.
-
Despite the length of the shaft, Sheiriya levitates.
-
Keth levitates all the way down.
Looking at Talice, Keth signs Do you know the source of the breeze?
-
Cannot remember to have seen it the last time, but it blows in the direction we have to travel and if that is a white dragon or something, I have no desire becoming its breakfast.
Turning about, she moves in the indicated tunnel and after about two miles, the icy breeze has gone. It is still cold, but no-where near as bad as before. There is another large and flat cavern in front of you, littered with stalagmites and stalagtites. The scout leads you through, but stops half way. About half of the group hear a rasping and cruching noise to your left. After a few moments, you spot a large (by all accounts) creature moving very slowly along the wall of the cavern, devouring anything stony in its way. It does not seem to notice you ... or is satisfied with its rocky meal.
-
Is this better or worse than a white dragon... Zhadristan signs. What is that thing?
-
Nata'al looks at the male and signals with a smirk on her face: It eats stones. Dragons eat flesh. It does not look that fast either. If you ask me, the more tunnels that thing digs through Har'oloth, the less we have to squeeze through narrow passages.
-
Keth signs We should just try to bypass it with as much space as we can.
-
Nodding in agreement, Talice leads you on and out of that cavern, the creature does not seem to be bothered by your company. The tunnel Talice guides you through appears to be carved into the stone by some wyrm, since it is almost circular, some 20 feet in diameter. As you follow it, you bye-pass a number of small caves and caverns, for about 2 miles you are accompanied by a small stream of water at your feet, making a silent walk somewhat more difficult. At some point, you guess the day has passed by now, Talice leads you off into a small and narrow cave. It ends in another tunnel which in turn brings you into a cavern full of emerald-coloured crystals who for some reason seem to shine from within. The effect is astonishing and any non-stone-cold-drow-heart would surely enjoy that beauty. The walls and the ceiling are likewise grown over with these crystals, who are, on closer inspection, quite sharp. Talice points to a place at the far end of the cavern and indicates it as a place for this 'night's' rest.
-
I can see that, Zhadristan signs back to Nata'al. But you cannot tell how fast I can run from seeing me walk. You never know it might eat the stone for metal in it.
-
Malifice will make a place to rest near to Keth. She pulls off her boots, airs them out and lets them dry. She also tends to her feet. With that done, she draws the blood-red short sword and examines it carefully, tracing the runes with her fingers, testing its edge and generally familiarizing herself with it. Once satisfied, she turns her attention to the emerald like crystals, looking about the chamber warily, but in awe.
-
Apparently these crystals have no value or there are no gnomes in this region, for them to be left intact, signs Keth, Talice about how much farther til we reach the city?
After Talice answers, Keth will clean up and prepare for her meditations.
-
After her prparations for the rest, Sheiriya examines the green crytals. If there is any small one loose, she will take it with her.
-
Zhadristan will try to pry a crystal from the wall with his dagger if there are no loose ones. I intend to find about their value, he signs to Keth.
-
The crystals consist of some sort of mineral that stores faerzress far better than any other stones you have come accross so far. Why they shine remains a mystery and you'll have to test whether they continue to "shine" if you leave this cavern. Maybe it is some sort of earth node?
The rest passes without any disruptions. And Talice will get you up and moving quickly. After a few more miles, you may check the stones and note that their light has faded somewhat, but not entirely. The air down here is still cooler than normal, but not as cold as the breeze below that shaft. You by-pass a number of large tunnels, rifts and cracks along the way, but again, no contact with Underdark creatures is made. Just before you reach the next resting place, you have to move along a ledge of a wide crack. The opposite wall is some 50 feet away, the floor cannot be seen for most of the time. Then, light is visible in the darkness and as you draw nearer, you spot an encampment of orogs at the floor of the crack, some 150 feet below you. Even though the creatures (about 30) have sentries in place, no-one spots you as you move along the ledge above.
-
The scout leads you on and after two miles off the ledge into a side-tunnel. Again, it is more like a crack in the stone than a real path. It is narrow and winds its way steeply upwards for more than a mile. You have to crawl on your bellies for another 300 feet until it finally opens into a large cavern shrouded into the darkness of Har'oloth. Once everybody has arrived, Talice signals: This was the site of an ancient temple. It lies in the darkness beyond. (she waves into its general direction) Its a large cavern, so there might be flying creatures lurking. It would be best if we split our attentions to all side and the ceiling!
After a short rest, you move onwards and Talice's claim is not far of the mark. This cavern is vast by any standards and the ruins of a long forgotten temple-city appear out of the darkness. One can hardly tell what sort of race or creatures build it, no-one of the party has ever seen such structures, build out of stalagmites and pillars, but also made up of bricks and the like. A main promenade leads to a large domed temple, topping at over 150 feet. A large staircase ascents to a skull-like entrance with a large open maw. At the foot of the stairs lies the corpse of a recently slain draconic looking creature. It is about 10 feet long and features leathery wings. Its blood, coming from various wounds, has formed a large pool in front of it. At a rough guess, it has been dead for about half a day ....
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After passing the Orog encampment, Keth signs Too bad there were soo many, if we managed to capture some intact, they would fetch a decent price in the city.
In the Temple-Cavern, Keth signs Anyone know what type of creature this is?
-
Cautiously, Talice leads you on after either Zhadristan or Malifice told you what sort of dragon (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ud_gallery/52121_CN.jpg) it is. After passing through the skull-gate you enter a large hall, ravaged by the destruction caused by attacks, plunder, and time. Somewhat off to the left, a dais with a free standing arch of polished marble can be seen. The scout hesitates only long enough to check the place for any dangers before leading all towards the now obvious portal. She lays her hand to the left pillar of the arch and whispers a few - seemingly arcane - words. Nothing visible happens, but a soft hum can be heard from "inside" the arch. Talice draws her sword and prepares herself as if she would expect an ambush. "As usual, I'll take the risk and go first. Don't linger too long!"
With that, she steps inside the arch and vanishes ...
-
And what makes my risk any smaller..., says Zhadristan and steps through the portal. Just like Talice he has his weapon drawn.
-
Keth steps through scourge at the ready.
-
"Nothing." Sheiriya says towards Zhadristan. Then she draws her scimitar and steps through the portal, too.
-
You all arrive on a similar platform loomed over by a yet-black arch. The cavern is much smaler than that of the ruined temple-city, topping at a height of 40 feet and expanding up to 60 feet in each direction. As you entered the cave, a audible signal sounded and soon the only exit of the cave is filled in by half-a-dozen drow and two hulking broods, apparently war trolls.
A male drow steps forward and hails you in drow: "Welcome to the City of Portals! If you draw any more weapons or attempt to cast a spell, your fate is sealed." He pauses a few moments, then goes on: "Where do you come from, who are you, and what is your business with Sschindylryn?!?"
-
As her scmitar is already drawn, Sheiriya sees no sense in drawing another weapon to anger the drow. She lets Keth do the speaking.
-
"I am Kethryllia Nightfirestar, a servant of the Quarvalsharess from the Northdark. I am here on business with the Dalharilen d'lil Yochlol," says Keth.
Indicating the others, "These are my servants."
"And who are you?" asks Keth.
-
The drow looks at each individual, then lets his eyes rest on Kethryllia. "We belong to the city guard. There is indeed a contingent of the Dalharilen in Sschindylryn right now." He turns his gaze to his felllow guards. "Neither we nor the city want any quarrell with them. See that stays that way, malla yathrin!" At a swift sign of his, the drow make a path in their ranks and lower their crossbows. As Keth bypasses him, the captain gives her a respectful bow of the head.
-
Malifice keeps her swords sheathed. As she and the others move past the guard, she looks them over, noting their arms, armor and general state of readiness, fitness and training. While the group walks she stays near to Keth, warily watching other people's hands and looking for anyone following the group.
-
Keth slightly inclines her head to acknowledge the captain's bow as she passes by, going into the city.
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Sheiriya sheathes her blade and follows the yathrin. She herself takes a look at the city guards but for other reasons than Malifice.
-
You follow that tunnel for some 200 feet, where it meets a 'crossroad' of a number of other tunnels. A handful of drow and a couple of war trolls guard that place, but show no hostility ... not least because about half a dozen guards follow you. Talice walks into the main tunnel and after about half a mile you by-pass the large gates of Sschindylryn, watched over by at least fifty drow (those you see), jade spiders and the like. Behind it, the tunnel opens out into a vast (by all accounts) cavern of the odd shape of a pyramid*. Each side of that 'pyramid' is about 2 miles long and the ceiling would vanish from view too, if the walls of the cavern hadn't grown over with some sort of fungi which produced enough light to see it ... 2 miles above the floor. Few stalagtites and stalagmites can be spotted though, which might be the reason for the large number of brick buildings which cover the ground - a quite unusual practice for a drow city. Hundreds of creatures buzz around you and through the streets and alleys of the City of Portals. The latter can be seen in abundance and you expect that hundreds more will be found here. Talice turns towards Keth with an inquiring look:"So, you have got any names of people or places to go? Usually, it would not be that difficult to find the Dalharilen, given the attention levelled upon them by guards and clergy alike. Wouldn't want to come near any of them unless I really have to."
*(Just imagine a d4)
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Malifice gives Talice a slight frown, but keeps her attention largely focussed on the people around them.
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"I know not their name, just their appearance," says Keth, "Guide me to a place that should have them, and I'll see if I can find the one I seek."
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Talice looks around, then points to some place in the distance, a large building in the centre of the cavern. "That is the main temple, if I remember it correctly. The temple district, so to speak. I would expect to meet them there."
Not really waiting for an agreement, the scout leads you on, carefully checking back that everyone remains in line. The streets are filled with all sorts of species, but the closer you get to the temple district, the more drow you see - compared to other races. Immediately after entering the district you spot a number of shirnes to the Spider Queen, some of which have been mutilated and lie unattended. Only a handful of drow guards stand watch now, making sure that no-one touches the spears and the staked heads of the drow, hobgoblins, and duergar who apparently done the damage. You bypass a number of larger shrines and temples, all watched over by drow, golems and large spiders, but from what you can tell, no priestess is amongst them. Talice keeps quiet along the way, then stops and decides to ask a guard for direction. After a short debate, she turns to the south and signals to the rest to follow.
On the southern outskirts of the temple district you enter what looks like a bazzar, yet one for the more exclusive goods. Not much is on offer right now ... only slave- and some gem-traders have made their way here today. Three different slave traders present their 'goods' and you spot a number of bald-headed humans bartering about with a number of drow females. The human trader, sporting a number of tattoos on his skull offers a pair of his kin to a female drow who looks interested, as the female slave is obviously pregnant. While you draw nearer, one of the overseers whips the male slave to the ground and as the woman tries to help him, the trader gets his whip out too and aims it at the slave. Before he hits her, the drow to his side grabs his arm and hisses something. Purple magic takes hold of the human arm and reduces it to a charred stump. The human turns away screaming, leaving half of his arm in the drow's grip. Instantly, on of his guards tries to draw a weapon to protect his master, but with blinding speed, a couple of the drow females move in, raising weapons and wands of their own. That is the point when you reach the place, just about hearing the female drow saying "You didn't want to spoil my potential goods Thayan, especially if they are as valuable as this one!" (pointing at the pregnant human). Two of the speaker's comrades turn and look at you with narrowed eyes.
There are six drow females about, ten slave trading humans and twice as many slaves ... at this place. Most of the drow have half- or at least partly shaven skulls, all featuring a tattoo in the shape of a spiderish dagger. The one who spoke and cast magic wears a yet-black armor that seems to draw in all the light surrounding her, clearly made of some magical beast's hide. She is quite tall for a drow too, standing almost a head over most of her comrades and even most of you. The former are all clad in finest armor too and wielding weapons of great quality.
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Sheiriya waits and observes the potential combatants, eager to learn something about humans.
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Malifice returns glance for glance, holding eyes if necessary. She does not draw a weapon or make a hostile move, however, as her ire is saved for the humans. She spares Keth a short glance, as if to ask "what now?"
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Valuable? Zhadristan whispers doubtfully. He does not approach the scene further.
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"Greetings Sisters, do continue your business with the Thayan. I am Kethryllia Nightfirestar, by Elamshin I am here for one of you," says Keth showing her scourge, as she looks at each of the Dalharilen.
Hissing under her breath Keth says, "Silence!"
-
The two females keep watching you while the trading goes on. The Thayan cringes in pain and most of his guards take wary looks at the drow, yet holding their weapons in the scabbard, clearly knowing where they actually are. "The price for these slaves has just doubled," the trader hisses. "And don't try to cross me again or think of taking these slaves from us for free. We have made sure that everyone of my guild knows that I am in Sschindylryn and the city would do well not to cross the Thayans!"
The Dalharil smiles at the trader and his threats. "Human, you do not deal with Sschindylrlyn, but with the Dalharilen d'lil Yochlol. If you have to vent your ire on someone, vent it on us - at your own peril." She looks at the two human slaves again, circling first the male and then the female again, while sparing a short look at the approaching Kethryllia. As if she had heard Zhadristan's comment, she bows down to the pregnant human, taking her chin in her hand, inspecting her more closely before adding without a hint of irony: "See, I want my baked babies fresh and meaty." The human females pales visibly. The Dalharil whirls about to face the trader again. "I will pay the normal fee for these two. And maybe I'll see that your little accident will be corrected as well." She smiles again while looking at the other ten slaves. "Rest assured human that no-one else in this city will buy any of your slaves if you decline my offer!"
The traders hisses a curse in his own language and you can almost see his brain working out the implications of this. "Agreed!" he hisses and turns away.
The drow female sets her sights at the approaching drow group, while adressing one of her fellow Dalharilen: "V'ortriu, see to the deal and bring these two to our quarters." One of the drow, clad in yet-black chain bows her head and turns her attention towards the trader.
"Hmm ... Kethryllia Nightfirestar. Can you prove who you are?!" The Dalharil demands. Now, at close range, you can observe her more carefully. Not only is this drow female unusally tall, but she also looks much like an epitome of a drow priestess. Not as beautiful as Sheiriya perhaps, but carrying an almost regal expression, while her gaze seems to pierce straight into heart and mind of anyone she looks at.
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"Elamshin and the Orthae Yorn mrimm me here. It is my ul-ilindith to be here," says Keth, "The Quarvalsharess knows who I am, what proof do you need?"
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Malifice sidesteps softly to the side, prepared to flank the approaching female or intervene between her and Keth. Mal keeps a wary eye out for the other's in the female's entourage, hands resting easily on the hilts of her swords.
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The Dalharil takes the measure of Malifice with a short glance, then sets her eyes on Kethryllia again. Seemingly unimpressed by the yathrin's claims, she demands level-voiced: "Show me what the Dark Mother's servant gave you!"
Talice backs off somewhat, keeping her arms visible at all times, while Nata'al remains near Narzen.
In the background, the drow named as V'ortriu ends the dealings with the slave trader and gets the two humans on their feet. She chains them together and draws them off to the side, handing them over to another drow. That done, she returns to the side of the Dalharil.
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Narzen slowly folds his arms, and glancing at Nata'al raises an eyebrow. Whether the man is concerned about the unfolding events or unimpressed by the intimidations, the blank expression on his face says little either way.
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"Do you mean this?" ask Keth as she pulls a small rod of adamantine from a pocket in her piwafwi.
"Or this?" presenting her scourge.
"Or do you mean, this?" tapping the longish bundle strapped to her backpack, "You may even try to wield it if you want, at your own peril."
"I have meet with several servants of the Goddess."
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The Dalharil looks at the rod and the scourge and nods. She raises an eyebrow once she sees the bundle, but does not comment any further. "Apparently you are the yathrin that I was foretold in coming. Very well then, lets move to our quarters and do what must be done." She turns around, yet stops halfway. "You may call me Streea'Valsharess for the time being." The Dalharil signals a few short messages to her company who instantly form two groups - one drow leading the slaves away, while the others take up positions in front of the Dalharil and behind you. None of them looks threatingly while the Streea'Valsharess motions to Keth to follow her. After a few paces, she starts talking in the language the others have heard to before, but do not understand. The Dalharilen lead you back into the temple district and a compound right next to the main temple of the city. You spot about a dozen more Dalharilen standing guard or attenting some other business in the compound. The one called V'ortriu shows all but Keth off to one side, apparently to some sort of a visitors' chamber.
"Wait here till your yathrin returns!", she orders.
NB:
Streea'Valsharess means Black Widow and denotes a high priestess (a.k.a. yathtallar) of Lolth who does not rule a house.
Dalharil means Daughter. OOC knowledge: The Daughters of the Yochlol (Dalharilen d'lil Yochlol) are a crusader order of the Spider Queen, known to have razed cities who have fallen away from Lolth. They are usually split up in small bands though, not bound to any city or house.
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Keth follows Streea'Valsharess, speaking back in the same language.
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In the visitors' chamber Sheiriya heads for the most comfortable seat.
"I realy hope we don't need to wait for a long time. We are in a city again and I want to take the opportunity." she says while combing her hair.
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"So do I. I thurst for a glass of good wine." Zhadristan complains.
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Keth continues to talk with Streea'Valsharess.
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Malifice stays next to Keth unless Keth directs otherwise.
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"Malifice, go and find something to do, Streea'Valsharess and I have much to talk about." says Keth.
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Malifice arches an eyebrow, looks over the "Streea'Valsharess", then looks at Keth with a slight smile. "As you wish." She purrs. Without another word, she turns and struts off through the city towards the temple.
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"If you find a really good wine, please tell me. I'd like to taste it." Sheiriya tells Zhadristan.
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After some time, a few servants enter the room and provide you with food and drink, all of decent quality.
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Once she enters the temple, Malifice will find a place to pray and then begin her cyclical worship. As she does, she keeps a wary eye on those around her.
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Sheiriya does not drink nor eat if there is nothing special she does not know yet.
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After a while, Keth returns for a bit of food and drink before going to the temple to pray before the altar.
She appears totally relaxed in her prayers as if a great burden has been lifted from her shoulders.
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When Keth returns to eat something, Sheiriya turns towards her. "What are the plans for the near future? There is no fun in waiting here all the time when a city is outside the door."
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"Then go and enjoy the city, just don't cause too much trouble." says Keth
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Talice suits herself to the food and drink offered, while waiting for her payment.
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Keth gives everyone a pouch filled with gems, "For services rendered to the Goddess," she says to each as she hands them out.
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The scout bows her head and replies: "One of my most ... exiting ventures into Har'oloth. May the Dark Mother guard you!"
Nata'al takes her pay and waits till Keth has handed out the rest. "What about the items we found? Shall we split them amongst us right here?"
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Sheiriya takes the pouch and puts it into her belt. "My thanks, yathrin."
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Keth nods at Nata'al, "Yes once we figure out what everything is, we will see who wants what, then split the sale of the unwanted items."
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After about an hour, the Dalharil returns to your quarters and walks over to Kethryllia. She takes her to one side of the room, but close enough to the rest to hear her speak:
"The news you brought to us were dire indeed. The Sisterhood has decided to march on Maerimydra soon, while keeping a detachment here as well. Your company has only arrived here hours ago, but if some of them are willing to earn more coin and fame ... as well as the gratitude of the Order, you and them could embark on a mission on our behalf. A scout will join us here tomorrow to lead anyone joining up to a place where they will meet someone in our ... care. That one is to be escorted to another place to take part in a special ritual. And that would be it, actually. Nothing special."
The Streea'Valsharess takes somewhat of a questioning look at the rest of the group.
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"Provided, that the majority of my company is willing, this can be done," says Keth looking at the rest of the party.
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"Well, there are a few decent mercenaries available around here too, as I have found out myself." The Dalharil says, somewhat absent minded. "I would say a half dozen or so will suit the purpose. Just outside the bazaar is a guesthouse called The Temptress. You should get good quality for your coin in there."
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When the Dalharil termed the task "nothing special" Zhadristan gives the others a doubtful look.
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Once the Dalharil has left again (insert at the appropriate moment), Nata'al moves up to Kethryllia. "I have heard the words the yathtallar spoke, as did most of the others in this room. Me and Narzen will not embark on another mission immediately. He has some business in Skullport, while I want tae stay in this place fer some time. There's a temple tae Selvetarm nearby ... and I havnae seen one in many a long day. Nonetheless, we both want tae wish ye well fer the future. Xal Lolth kyorl dos, malla jalil!"
"While we are at it," Talice joins in, "I'll take my bow as well. There is some delivery still to be made back in Skullport, you know. And since you will get a new scout ..." She gives Keth a respectful bow.
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"Your services will be missed," says Keth to all three, then turning towards Talice, "Even though you are a heretic, you have served faithly like the Handmaiden said you would," then to Narzen, "Luck with your ventures," then finally to Nata'al, "Your services will be missed the most, faithful servants of the goddess are always hard to find, though we did find one whose service has been as faithful as yours," nodding towards Malifice, "and unfortunately the Handmaiden, has declined to show herself, except in the most dire of circumstances," finishes Keth
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After praying, Malifice rises and begins to wander about the temple. She watches the various people, studies the iconography, and keeps an eye out for those who seem to be senior priestesses.
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Before the Dalharil leaves:
"I think you could help me and the others with our decision, if you tell us more about the coin." Sheiriya's mental voice could be heard by the Dalharil and the members of the group which are inside the room. She does not look at the Streea'Valsharess directly, so that it should not be clear to her, who was speaking.
(Sorry, I wanted to write earlier, but the forum was off.)
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The Dalharil obviously hears the voice and looks around intrigued. Having heard Talice and Nata'al before, her eyes settle on Malifice and Sheiriya. "We'll see how many of you join up before deciding the rewards." With some well practised gestures, the yathtallar quickly invokes a spell. Nothing happens though, at least nothing obvious. The Dalharil has another view on the group, her eyes lingering for a few heartbeats on Sheiriya before moving on. She turns to Kethryllia again, saying "You're keeping some interesting company. I just hope it does not do anything ... unwise."
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"I never would do anything unwise!" Sheiriya says, her face showing complete innocence.
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"Naturally ...," the Dalharil replies. Outside, Malifice can see about two dozen drow starting to assemble their armory, equipment, provisions et al. All of them show the determined looks of seasoned warriors, priests and wizards. About a dozen look on, obviously staying behind to guard this temple.
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"The Goddess shall be the judge of who among us has been wise or unwise." Malifice says flatly. "As for me, I serve she whom I judge to be the most faithful to the Goddess. What rewards I see for that service are between me, the Goddess and the faithful I serve." She glances back at Keth and the Streaa'Valsharess. "And I am not above dispensing with my own 'rewards' for those whose 'faith' is but a ruse." She then turns and walks about to examine the drow who are preparing outside.
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"I will not be going on this journey with you. I am going back to Maerimydra instead, I had suggested to an Orthae Yorn there that someday I might return. With the Sisterhood heading there, my power would be more needed there, than for an escort journey." says Keth.
"As to who should lead, I'll leave that to all of you to decide. Sheiriya or Malifice, would seem to be the choices." continues Keth
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Zhadristan considers the words of the yathrin for a brief moment. He casually moves closer to Sheiriya.
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...
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"I think we should decide about he leadership, when Malifice is back." Sheiriya says. Then she turns to Zhadristan and gives him a smile. "What about the wine you spoke of? Should we see where to get one outside of here?"
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Malifice slides in as Sheiriya speaks. "I am back." She says simply. "I heard what was said and I think your question is solved more simply than you think. I go where Keth goes is going, back to Maerimydra. The City of the Spider Queen is my home. So long as one priestess with the favor of the Goddess is there, I must fight with her and for her. And it seems Kethryllia is that priestess."
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Zhadristan, who was just about to reply to Sheiriya, is surprised by Malifice's announcement.
"Yes, let us have a look-around.", he happily says to Sheiriya deliberately taking no further heed of Malifice.
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You can sell most of your items to the Dalharilen directly, who offer generous terms ... and not much choice for debate. All the unclaimed items yield a substantial ammount and everyone walks away with his or her share of 5,300 GP in coin or gems each.
The Dalharil who spoke to Kethryllia takes the unique spellbooks, though I assume that the mages amongst you copied them beforehand.
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"So this question is indeed solved. Maybe we see each other again, maybe not." Sheiriya tells Malifice, then stand up and smiles at Zhadristan. "Come on." she says and walks out of the room.