TURN ONE: A NEW FELLOWSHIP FORMED :
Syrinen slips away from Khalid once he is stabilized and calls on the power of her spirits to send the dead on their way to the next life. When she finishes she returns to Khalid's side, smiling down at him and checks him again, whispering to him if he's conscious, "You nearly went on with your friends, but I think this was not your fated time."
Pharuk returns to his party, pale in his face as he realizes the loss of another four. How many friends he has lost in the course of his quest, each death hits in his inner heart. "We will stop the rise of the Old Ones and their 3 harbingers! The Triad must die!' he mumbles his teeth clenched.
He looks for his wounded friends and offers some herbs for the care of Khalid.
Deverin shakes his head as if warding off a dream. "What was that all about?" he seems befuddled as he takes stock of the situation. His wits coming back to him, he notices the carnage around him and frowns. "More comrades fallen in battle...I know not how much more my heart can take." he says. Looking to the liberated prisoners Deverin sighs. "At least we were able to help these people out." he asks them. "Who might you all be and how did you become prisoners of these...creatures?"
The former prisoners Baldek, Yosef and Yulaineia smile mysteriously at the Kiresh rogue. Then suddenly they enter into high pitched keening, as the ululations raise in pitch and intensity, the three seem to dissolve into sand and in a swirling pattern vanish into the winds leaving their clothing behind.
"Djinn!" exclaims Syrinen. "Their bindings must have been made of silver thread, but they must have been bound magically as well. Killing the summoners and cutting the physical bounds must have freed them. I must remember their names, Baldek, Yosef and Yulaineia as these spirits will retain a gratitude to us for their freedom and we might find need to call on them in the future. The prophecy must have also been a gift. Djinn sometimes take on mortal form for awhile to dwell among humans for mysterious purposes....they are particularly vulnerable to capture at this time...."
"Well they certainly made a most irritating departure" quipped Deverin rubbing his ears with his forefingers in a gesture that demonstrates the ringing he feels in his ears from the cries of the Djinn.
Ganthanor introduces himself to the new comers and pauses momentarily for each person in turn to give their introduction. "My name is Ganthanor Flagenstavos from the former great city of Flage."
"I as you know am Pharuk, and these are my companions, Al-Ariq, Abu Zharr, Corak, Khalid all born of the Tabrechi, my kiresh friend Deverin inducted into our clan, and a recently found friend, the minotaur Vonak."
Kersh raises an eyebrow: "I always though minotaurs were mere legends?"
Vonak laughs: "My enemies quickly learn otherwise."
His overly long sword at his side and dressed in shining armor and adorned with his family's crest, Ganthanor continues... "We are attempting to solve the mystery surrounding the events in our corner of the world. Riddles and prophecies from long ago are our only clues."
Ganthanor cocks his head just a bit as he asks "And you? what brings you here today?"
Pharuk appears to be a desert spellcaster of some sort. He is human of dervish stock, and while young physically has eyes that seem ancient. He explains that his group was formed initially from the survivors of the clan Tabrechi most of whom were massacred. The group discovered the attack was initiated by the Pelai, but in a series of adventures learned that the goddess Lokatha was behind the Pelai attack. They then learned that a great show down between the forces of light and the forces of darkness was unfolding. The party adventured across time and space and into the dream realms to discover more about this show down and to gather artifacts and allies for the jihad against the powers of darkness. In the City of Taliban they began to get clues of a great conspiracy of demons called the Iuz, and subsequently learned that the Great Old Ones were seeking to return to the world and unleash the spawn of the Nether Realms onto the world as their servitors. They have learned that the harbinger of the Great Old Ones seeks a ritual of ascension using three human hosts, and that these hosts are the leaders of the Triad. If he is allowed to succeed, the power balance on H'kartha will shift dramatically toward the forces of darkness, and the Demons will begin descending on the world. He ends in: "So the next task is to stop the ascending of the Triad, the harbingers of the Old Ones!"
Kasim waits for the noble Ganthanor and the desert mage to conclude. He rises from his position beside the young, scarred and sightless boy. The magician nods, his tattoos and traditional black clothing lending a somber air at odds to his bright smile.
"Greetings, brother Pharuk. I am Kasim, magician and explorer. It sounds very mush as though we have the same goals in mind. The overthrow of the evil Triad is our goal as well."
Deverin is a good looking young man standing 5 ft 9 inches. His charcoal grey eyes somehow manage to have the distant look of a dreamer and the mischievous look of a jester simultaneously, a look that hold even at this grim moment of many of his comrades falling. Although he tries to keep his dark Kireshian hair cut short and well groomed, his recent adventures in the desert has not permitted him this luxury, and it is, as a result, a bit unkempt. He wears quite new garments, of Dust Dwarf craftsmanship, and of which he is quite proud, though the style- strangely patterned, almost in imitation of the tattoos the dwarves themselves wear- is not what he would have chosen for himself.
Deverin strides forward and greets his new acquaintances. "I am Deverin of house Ahrimoun of Qarnaa." he bows his head in welcome casually to the men, but to the ladies he walks up closer and makes a show of giving a gentlemanly bow and smile. "At your service." he smiles charmingly...a look he seems quite comfortable giving.
Skooter darts between Syrinen and the oh-so-charming Deverin, "The name's Skooter, warrior extraordinare. Please to meet you, what brings you to this fell situation?"
Skooter is a small Kyprosi, wearing a green, no blue tunic, you would swear it was green 2 minutes ago...and brown leathers. His hair is brownish black, his eyes a cold blue. He has a bit of a hawk nose and a constant little bit of stubble. He wears no armor, but carries a sword as well as two daggers at his hip. He looks fairly sturdy, but not very strong. He generally has grin on his face and a pack on his back.
Deverin smiles subtly at Skooter's intervention between Syrinen and himself. "Well met Skooter." he says. "Our road has been dangerous and..interesting to say the least. As mentioned, we are on a quest similar to your own, fighting against the evil that strives to take over this land." he glances at Syrinen and back to Skooter. "Your blades might will be most welcome indeed."
Tiron is a tall human of medium height and with shaven head, dressed in dun trousers and pants under soft leather boots and tunic. There's little remarkable about him, save that in contrast with his mostly Kiresh features, the brown hue of his skin and his eyes (a shade darker) suggest there's a substantial Muerrin component to his ancestry. His calm, non-threatening demeanor makes people feel comfortable around him, but they sometimes mistake his ascetic detachment from worldliness as a sign that he's uninterested.
He bows to the newcomers. "I am Tiron of the Zelyanar" he says. "We were on our way to visit the monastery of my order when we came upon your battle with our arch-enemies."
Pharuk checks for his dead friends and checks for useful items. He creates a pile of these items, and offers these items to party members who might be able to use it. Only the Atlas of the Chronomancer and the Crystals of the Khoori he wants to keep himself. Realizing the new help by the other party Pharuk says: "I am glad to meet people who help in hard times! I am Pharuk al-Ver of the Tabrechi. You are welcome."
Tiron watches as the stranger strip the bodies of their fellows. "Do your friends have burial customs they would wish to have observed?" he asks, eyeing the various items: grimoire, spellbook, potions and magical stones,etc. with a mild curiosity.
Deverin with a big grin says. "It was fortune indeed that brought us together at the right moment. You have a point. We cannot honor our comrades by leaving them here for the scavengers." Deverin says to Tiron. Looking at Pharuk for direction, Deverin gives a little shrug.
Pharuk nods: "We cremate our kind and send their spirits to the winds, and with song we send their souls to the great Well. In times of peace we have rituals of ten days of mourning, but in times like these we must make our ceremonies abbreviated."
Syrinen, a beautiful blond woman of obvious mixed Kiresh and Ishandeshee heritage offers: "I am a shaman and a priestess of nature, I could perhaps help in your ceremonies."
Pharuk nods at Syrinen in appreciation of the kindness of her offer.
Tiron continues "And then perhaps you might accompany us to our original destination: there is welcome there for you, and safety. And we could help examine those items here of whose function you might be unaware and thence determine their best disposition."
He nods. "It seems we have plans to lay together also."
Deverin "Though it seems..disrespectful to make such plans before our comrades our cold... and perhaps distasteful to you to see us rifling through the possessions of our fallen comrades, it is not our intention to show them dishonor. We know our comrades well and I'm sure they would have us continue our quest with the best chance of success and if their steel or sundries would help I believe we'd be welcome to them.
The Tabrechi and the desert clans do bury some possessions of their dead with some of their ashes, but it is not their custom to bury that to which friends and family have a claim." He walks over to where Pharuk has been gathering the equipment and picks up Huruldrill, the enchanted scimitar. "I have seen this sword used quite formidably in battle. I will continue the honor." he fastens the scabbard around his waist.
He also picks up the Amulet of K'tazu (Soul Protection, protection vs level and Attribute Draining). He says simply: "If no one objects I will also use this amulet."
Pharuk points to their new comrades. "You have proven yourself allies and friends, honor our comrades by sharing in their bounty."
Tiron picks up the Tuqil stones, the magical recording stones, the rings of Al-Paladru and the strange golden ring. "These things fascinate me" he says. "If none object, I would examine them more closely."
He slips them into a belt pouch.
Deverin looks among the pile of accumulated goods taken from fallen comrades. He picks up the 1 yellow potion of choking and strangling and stows it in a pouch "Who knows what use it might come upon?" he says to no one in particular.
Noting Skooter eyeing the pile, Deverin offers a warm smile. "Take what you feel you can put to good use my diminutive friend. Our friends spirits will smile indeed if they can be put against the evil triad."
Skooter looks to Deverin, smiling wide, "Why thank you good fellow. One can always use a good blade!" as he scoops up Thundercrack, the shortsword of quickness.
Kasim, a tall mage of mixed Moor and Kiresh ancestry looks over the pile and noting the other potion of Choking and Strangling notes: "This will come in handy when I use up all my spells."
Vonak chooses the set of throwing knives as his portion.
Syrinen looks over the items and selects several. I think given my particular talents these items may be optimally used in my hands, if there are no objections. She selects a healing potion,the figurine of the camel, the Talisman of the Shaman, the three charm bags, the four vials of the virgin menses, and the 2 white potions of analgesics.
Al-Ariq is attired in the manner of a dervish, but his fair skin, blond hair and green eyes would suggest a fair amount of Ishandeshee blood in his lineage. He has remained fairly quiet since the sudden loss of their comrades, trying to take in the magnitude of the losses. "Sharill was right - we have fared no better as yet as the other versions of ourselves that had come before." he said sadly.
Kersh raises an eyebrow: "You know the forest gnome Sharill? Perhaps our meeting is not so serendipitous as we thought."
Pharuk inquires about the date to see how close he came to his target. He is told that it is the 22nd day of Malax, 8 days before the New Moon.
"Not bad for my first effort at time travel" he mutters. Which brings some raised eyebrows from his new colleagues.
Al-Ariq assists with the collection of the items from the others, and makes no objection to the disposition of items so far. He requests that he may take Elcin's spellbook, as he had yet to begin his own, the Ring of Gyrfalcon and also the monitor lizard hide armor as it is better than the armor he currently sports by two factors.
Corak is a young man of dervish stock, wearing ornate red robes of pyromancer, red scull cap decorated with alchemical symbols tops black hair. Ornate red tattoos color his light-brown skin and burn marks are visible on his face and the exposed portion of this arms. His dark eyes flash with an energetic flame as he says a brief benediction of thanks for the fire he has used and then says
"There is little there that particularly appeals to me, I would like the yellow potions with green speckles as they seem to have fire-suppressant qualities, and the scroll of Mana Restoration as it would be good to be able to quickly restore my full spell casting capabilities in some future crisis. The red fulminating potion is a fire based item, but it requires no magical skill to use and as a grenade would best utilized in the hands of a fighter, but should anything relating to fire be discovered in the future, I wish to lay claim to it. Al-Ariq, if there are any spells that I wish from the book or any scrolls you possess then I would ask leave to copy them for my own use. In fact I suggest that at a suitable moment we ALL compare spell books and copy anything of use in order that we each have access to any appropriate spells
Jenna lays claim to the ornate dagger of Vashaleyneshee and 5 bone tipped arrows. "Bone tipped arrows will come in use against the Iuz" he remarks
Al-Ariq notes: "As will these fire-hardened arrows, so if no one objects I will also select those. I guess I am the primary archer of the group, so perhaps I better take these other unclaimed arrows" he notes as he gathers up the rest of the arrows.
Kersh selects the scroll of Heal and the potion of Mana restoration as his share.
Abu Zharr uncomfortable with the process of dividing up the belongings of his friends selects only to carry the dream mushrooms for safe keeping for the ritual.
Ganthanor declines to take any of the belongings of the brave fallen, considering such an act to be not appropriate for a cavalier. "I am satisfied with what I own for now." he remarks.
Kendric similarly declines.
Sheela waiting for the others to take their turns first, selects the want of al-Hitah, the red fulminating potion, the navy blue potion and the three unidentified protection scrolls.
As Sheela takes the fulminating potion Corak mutters "I hope she has good aim."
Pharuk looks content as everybody grabs the most appropriate items for their character. With one exception: "The tuqil stones are needed for the Ritual of Qijah". Pharuk says as Tiron picks them up. "You might take them, but you have to promise not to spend them except for the Ritual. We need a total of fifteen for the ritual, we have more than that but it is best to leave a margin for error until the ritual is performed."
As the group goes about its' business of introductions and the redistribution of the treasures of the fallen, they slowly become aware that they are being watched. A few yards away, the watcher emerges from the shadows.
It is a Haz, a desert Lizard Man. He stands more than seven feet tall and is heavily muscled. He is un armored, but wears two large bastard swords strapped to his broad back. He is dirty and covered with sand -it is obvious he has spent a great deal of time wandering in the desert.
The huge Haz takes a step forward.
"I am Alishazz," the Lizard Man's says in a deep, hissing rasp. "I know not how I have come to be here, nor do I know who any of you are."
He crosses his arms somewhat defiantly, but without any apparent malice. "Tell me who you are and what we are doing here." He hisses.
Deverin was pondering the next course of action when the Haz approaches. Deverin looks curiously at the Haz, taking a moment to absorb a Haz's sudden appearance. "I don't recognize you either, and I don't catch the scent of wine upon you so there goes my first theory as to how you came to be here." he smiles impishly.
"Are you saying that you just woke up nearby?" he asks skeptically. Deverin folds his arms, mimicking the Lizard Man's stance. Deverin looks about to see if anyone shows any recognition for this..strange, stranger. "Well met 'Alishazz' " Deverin says his name more like a question as he has trouble with the Lizardman's accent. "I am Deverin." he bows slightly. "What is the last memory you have?"
Alishazz stares at the human for many moments, obviously pondering how best to answer him. After a moment, the huge Lizardman seems to visibly make up his mind.
"I have been in Flage for a few weeks, gathering information. My research led me to seek out a place called the Monastery of the Zelyanar," the Lizardman says in his deep, hissing voice.
"As I was approaching the Monastery, I was engulfed in a strange mist. While in this mist, I experienced a strange vision. When the mist cleared, I found myself here ... with all of you."
Alishazz uncrosses his thick arms and takes a step toward the party.
"I have answered your question honestly and with honor," he says, eyeing the group. "Will you do the same for me? Who are you all and what are you doing here? It would seem that more than mere coincidence has brought us all together."
To the Lizardman Corak bows and says: "Hail Alishazz, well met! I am Corak and these (pointing to his party) are my friends, and the friends of the Haz, one of whom was a comrade to us until her murder by demon assassins."
Kersh steps forward: "I am Kersh, Hierophant of Marduk. That one there with the unfortunate boy is Tiron, Ya'valim of the Zelyanar, that lovely damsel kiresheena is Syrinen, and there among my company is the mighty spellmaster Kasim, the warrior-maiden Jenna, the fair Sheela, kiresheena spellweaver and her faithful feather friend Kraa, that noble gallant is Kendric, Sword of Pallas, and of course that cavalier of noble demeanor is Ganthanor.
The little Kyprosi is Skooter, small in stature but great in deeds and bravery. We like you were on our way to the Monastery of the Zelyanar when we came on this group of adventurers fighting for their lives ( pointing to Pharuk, Deverin, Abu-Zharr, Vonak, Corak, Al-Ariq, the wounded Khalid, and Abu Zharr). We have just discovered that this group and mine share a common destiny and we have agreed to join forces. "
Syrinen finishes her duties to the dead and to her spirits, then steps up with the others and smiles at the lizardman, saying "Greetings. Let us find somewhere away from this battle site to puzzle this out.
Kersh nods in agreement: "This land is troubled by the sorceries of the Triad and the dark forces behind them, as you are travelling to the Monastery, I suggest we all travel to that sanctuary and discuss our affairs beyond the arcane eyes and ears of our mutual enemies.
Kersh notes: "For those of us in this newly augmented company who have not travelled there, the Sanctuary of the Zelyanar is as the crow flies, 7 miles Northwest of Flage. We are now no more than a mile and a half from our destination. The Order is located within an abandoned lead mine. It has been used as a crypt for the Guilds of Flage for years, but there is a small shaft somewhat removed from the rest. The entrance collapsed and has been covered over by a Temple to H'kartha, the Earth Goddess. The Temple is run by the Brotherhood of Zelyanar. The order uses the underground chambers for training, and meditation. The lead in the soil protects them from scrying, a useful aspect given the divination habits of the Triad and the other minions of the (in a whisper) Great Old Ones."
A funeral pyre is established, its energies briefly intensified and then quelled by Corak. The ashes and bone of the slain are buried. Syrinen assists with the ceremonies as does Kersh, and there is much keening as well as singing of traditional songs of the Zharzhanjah, Ishandeshee and Kiresh.
Pharuk destroys the human skin costume in the fire and gathers up the evil grimoire into his magic bag for safekeeping.
As the group travel on the sky is darkened with clouds and a light mist hugs the ground creating an atmosphere of preternatural gloom. The air is filled with flies who harry the travellers like a horde of desert bandits.
A faint smell of smoke reaches your noses, and there is a strange howling of the wind that sounds terrifying like the cries of souls in torment.
Just ahead the group spots a terrifying site, living corpses ranging in states of decomposition from the skeletal to the highly fleshed are feasting on the prone bodies of a flock of sheep. Nearby their shepherd, dressed in the robes of the Zelyanar lies prone, also a victim of this dark unholy Sabbath feast. Those of the undead that are dressed in more than scraps of rotting rags are clearly dressed in the garbs of several of the guilds of Flage.
Sheela who in Flage has adopted a brunette wig to help mask her elvish blond hair and upswept ears, remarks "Too bad it is the undead we encountered, Kraa doesn't like to poke unfresh eyes" says Sheela stroking her beloved falcon below the beak while preparing her staff for the oncoming battle.
Jenna wonders on this howling noise to herself as the mist thickens around her. Although she says nothing eyes running side to side. Then she sees the horrid sight. Her eyes narrow at the monsters feeding on the flock of sheep.
"That shepherd may still be alive" she says until she notices the head of the shepherd is slightly separated from the body.
Suddenly her hand once again gripping for her long sword.
"We must act quickly does any one know what these things are? Can they be slain by weapons or only by magic?"
"That shall be seen" says Tiron, and the strength of conviction in his voice is a stark contrast with his calm visage.
Skooter takes a step back at the sight of the undead creatures before his slips of to the side as he is wont to do and moves towards the shepherd Still there are two score or more of the creatures within view, and who knows how many in near vicinity.
As the mages prepare spells and those of priestly skills prepare,Deverin takes out the dancing scimitar and stands vigil amongst the spellcasters, keeping an eye on their flanks,choking back his revulsion at the grizzly scene. "Please whatever you do..do it quick or I shall loose my morningfest indeed."
Kersh "My comrades and I recently discovered that the guilds of Flage were foolishly raising an army of undead to fight the Triad. They were raising dead guildsmen from their great crypt near the sanctuary of Zelyanar. When I first heard about this I thought this an incredibly strange move, but as I learned how the guild leadership had been infiltrated by the Triad it began to make more sense. I suspect Triad agents were behind this proposal. Now the Triad may be trying to use this army they had manipulated the Guild into creation. I am no necromancer, but I know something about these dark arts, and I believe that the undead will likely be created using particularly potent magics and will have spell immunities and great strength, for they would have designed to assault powerful mages.
"The power of Marduk is strong in me, and I could probably reduce some of the undead we see before us to dust, but it will take about ten minutes at least to restore this power before I may attempt it again in case we meet more or stronger undead.
Kersh steps forward several paces, pulling out his holy symbol.His eyes glow with a golden light as he calls out in a booming voice "Foul denizens of shadow, caught betwixt life and death, I call on the Power of Marduk and am his hammer. You are abominations, and I banish you back into the earth you were interred, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, I strike down the dweomer that prevents the freedom of your souls!"
His holy symbol sends out forks of electrical energy which send out bolts against the unholy corpses. Twelve of the creatures are reduced to dust, the others seem to be swept back from their repast like a great wind has struck them back, a force stronger then their hideous appetites.
"The world is definitely not in order" Pharuk mumbles at the sight of the terrible scene as he casts a forked lightning bolt, aimed at as many of the undead as possible. Pharuk sends out a forked lightning bolt striking down five more of the creatures. Twelve of the creatures seem suddenly freed of the force driving them back and advance on the party.
Tiron casts a fireball towards the rear of the group of undead. The blast destroys eight of the creatures, leaving a mere five to continue their advance.
Then suddenly from seven of the seemingly destroyed undead, seven glowing red skeletons arise, flames seeming to lick from their bones.
Corak who was also planning to cast a fireball, decides, that this might be a poor idea.
The headless body of the monk also rises and then bends down to pick up its head.
Thirteen undead, a cabal of unholy strength threaten the party.
The huge Lizard man, who up to this point has accompanied the group lost in silent thought, drops into a practiced defensive stance and rapidly draws his two glowing swords. His long, forked tongue flicks quickly in and out from between his many sharp teeth as he quickly eyes the grizzly scene ahead. Obviously well accustomed to battle and death, he glances around eagerly at his new comrades.
"I know not which of you is the leader of this group," Alishazz hisses, "but give the word and I will lend my blades to the battle!"
Vonak, Ganthanor, Kersh and Kendric from a semi circular battle line next to Alishazz. forming the vanguard of the party.
Behind them are Tiron , Pharuk, al-Ariq and Deverin
Al-Ariq stands with Pharuk and Deverin to begin with, with the Bow of Daelimedes to hand. He takes careful aim and begins to fire arrows at the approaching undead, aiming primarily for the monk. He prepares to join the battle in melee as soon as the undead close with the van of the group, as he does not wish to accidentally shoot a comrade in the confusion.
Next are Skooter, Kasim, Jenna and Sheela
Behind are Khalid being supported by Abu Zharr and Syrinen
Ganthanor gauges the creatures nearest him. He looks to his friends Vonak, Kersh and Kendric. He smiles at them... and says nothing... they know their jobs as well as he....
He'll stand and fight making sure the creatures do not pass or perhaps attempt a flank on the less defended members of the group.
"The Burning Dead!" exclaims Tiron, "I thought them a myth!"
"We must keep our distance" murmurs Tiron. "until we have done as much spell-damage as can be done to these fiends."
With that, gesturing the rest of the party to back away, he casts Evard's Black Tentacles upon the advancing undead.
The burning dead are unaffected by the tentacles, but the rest are caught fast ending their advance for the moment as the tentacles attack causing much damage to the undead.
Syrinen shudders at the abominations and muses, "Burning undead. I wonder if water would affect them? If not, I can try more lightning, though it will take time to summon it."
"It is said", Pharuk mumbles "that the Burning Dead be the creations of amulets. Water, particularly flowing water is a weak point of them..." As his wineskin is not filled with water anymore he cannot continue on this point. Instead he casts another forked lightning bolt.
The lightning bolt has no effect on the burning dead.
Syrinen noting the failure of the lightning, refrains from wasting time summoning lightning.
Deverin overhears this and seems to ponder something for a moment. "Hrm...yes..Yes! I think I can do it one more time today." he turns to those near him. "Waterskins...give me all of them please, any water you might have please."
"Here" shouts Jenna from were she is standing swinging her sword. She throws him a full water skin. (Wondering what good this will do)
Kersh shakes his head, that will be inconsequential against the magical fires of the Burning Dead, but that gives me an idea, Skooter has a decanter of endless water, that might do the trick.
"Blessed water would also likely be effective." Tiron removes two vials of holy water from his pack, and passes them upwards.
Deverin decides to try his waterskin idea anyway. he gets out his own waterskin and then stands and seems to concentrate a moment. Beneath his tunic where visible, the golden chainmail he wears glows briefly and the he takes off into the air, he swoops over the burning dead, far enough out of their reach and pours out his waterskin on top of one, but his efforts seem only to make the abomination angry. However he causes damage to the creatures with Tiron's holy waters.
Skooter uses his decanter of endless water to great effect against the Burning Dead. He takes out two of the creatures before they reach the party.
Three of the creatures advance.
Syrinen ponders the water spells available to her, then warns the party: "Backup before these creatures, I have an idea!" She calls on her water spirit, "Mighty Ebbende, daughter of the great river, grant me the ability to transmute the dry earth here to water!"
The party retreats in fighting stance before the Burning Undead, realizing a melee with such fantastic creatures might be disastrous. Vonak is very reluctant to retreat during a battle, but Abu Zharr remarks that " This is not a retreat, but an repositioning based on battle tactics" which appeals to his gladiatorial mind
A pool of water forms on the ground on which the Burning Undead are standing and their skeletal legs seem to splinter beneath them plunging the creatures face down in the pool destroying them.
Three damaged undead including the undead monk advance from the tentacled area and advance toward the party.
Jenna has been watching the battle in frustration unable to do anything,but swing her sword twice in her grip.
She takes her stance as best a warrior could, between what she regards as the humiliating retreat before the burning dead. Still She is no fool and like the other warriors took Tiron's advice to move back to let the spellcasters do their worst.
Once this is done she screams "To arms" and lunges at the nearest foe. She makes short work of the already wounded creature.
Skooter flies into the air and looks for an opportunity to strike the monk from behind with his paired shortswords, whilst avoiding the attacks of the other undead. Dispatching the creature, he notices that it is wearing a golden amulet and snatches it from the creature.
"It looks like all these undead are wearing these amulets! I think we must collect these from the ones we have dispatched lest they rise again as even more loathsome creatures. Skooter pauses a moment and then along with Deverin set out to collect these amulets.
Some more zombies shamble over a rise where Ganthanor's group previously came from. Ganthanor, Vonak, Abu Zharr and Kendric charge toward these opponents, anxious to get into a scrabble having watched the spellcasters claim most of the glory.
A new group of six burning dead come from the opposite direction.
"Well, someone must put these flaming skeletons out before they cause trouble" comments the mage from Sorenso as she raises her hands high up in the air. In a matter of seconds thin rays of white-blue energy begin to extend from each of her fingers into the sky and suddenly her breath turns visible condensing into little clouds of mist as she continuously speaks words of magic. Soon, an enormous sheet of ice forms above the advancing undead and it crashes with great speed and noise onto the unaware unholy enemies as soon as Sheela stops concentrating on the spell. They are all destroyed.
"Were there any woollen gloves among the items distributed?" asks the brunette-wigged blond mage breathing into the sphere she has made her hands into trying to warm them up.
Alishazz, seeing the others rush to attack, also leaps into the fray. If the opportunity presents itself, he rushes straight at the undead, enchanted swords spinning and whirling in each of his hands.
Al-Ariq softens up the targets by firing the Bow of Daelimedes.
The warriors of the United Fellowship make short work of their sluggish opponents.
TURN TWO: DESTINY'S CROSSROADS:
In the aftermath of the battle, who appears again, but Sharill.
"Excellent! Excellent! You have fought together well and that should be the foundation of uniting you into a single Fellowship. We are short on time and there is no time for you to all grow into intimate friends, but this should suffice for the struggle ahead. Behind this door (a door appears in the middle of the field seemingly attached to nothing) is a chamber where you can rest and recover your spells. Then you must choose between three alternatives, you will be only able to accomplish one of these tasks. My recommendation is the first, as that is your destiny, but you could choose to run against the grain.
Horsentius the wizard is said to have learned the dread and forbidden art of the Tijuil Summoners he has dominion over the Ziggurat of Qoh which will be were he plans his ascension and where he will open the Demon Gate which will allow the denizens of the Netherworld to return to our dimension. You could choose to block these activities. The Golden Ziggurat of Qoh is dedicated However if you succeed, the Ishandeshee army will be caught between the Uruk vanguard and the army of undead guildsmen and crushed. This battle will also draw off much of the forces of the High Priest of Pallas, which might undermine their ability to capture the Ziggurat of Pallas and prevent the ascension of Yolande. Still on this course, one perhaps two of the ascensions can be blocked, but Ourenmer will complete his ascension in all likely certainty. Under this path, the city of Flage will experience a epic battle between the surviving Triad and its enemies, and even if the forces of the Triad are defeated, the weakened defenders of the city will find themselves besieged from without
You could choose to block Ourenmer in his ascension, and hope for the triumph of the High Priest against Pallas. Ourenmer is said to be a master of shadow magic, enchantments and illusions has dominion over the Ziggurat of the Nine and while not the most powerful of the Triad is perhaps the most dangerous. This path will definitely lead to the ascension of the Horsentius, the Destruction of the elven army and the opening of the Demon Gate and is in my opinion the weakest of the three options.
You could choose the path to help the Elvish armies with the Dragons that Kendric can now command, and then proceed to block the ascension of Yosande, helping out the High Priest. This will make the blocking of the Ascension of Yosande a certainty, and will lead to a victory Yosande is the evil genius behind the bio-magics of the Triad and is the one commanding the army of the undead. Her dominion will be the Ziggurat of Pallas. Unfortunately if you take this course, both Ourenmer and Horsentius will successfully complete their ascensions, and the Demon Gate will be opened. The Elvish army will be saved, so this option is slightly better than the second, but still in my opinion inferior to the first.
Kendric chimes in: "It seems to me that the first option could be improved if I separate from the fellowship for awhile. I could go to the mines and wake my dragons, help the army of the elves and then assist in the retaking of the Ziggurat of Pallas, which I am duty bound to do."
Sharill nods: "That would save the Elvish army and make it all but certain that the Ziggurat of Pallas would fall and the ascension of Yosande will fail. However for your plan to succeed I predict you might need the help of another, perhaps minotaur Vonak or perhaps the rowun Khalid. I think that should leave the rest of the party with sufficient strength to carry out their task, but things are so in flux, I cannot be sure.
"You must rest and recover today inside my magic chamber and be ready to begin your quest tonight. You must then go the Library of Zelyanar and recover the Scroll of Qhural. You will also find clues to your challenges there. You will learn how to create a portal with artifacts you already possess, that will allow you to bypass the various denizens of the Triad in the outer chambers of the Ziggurat and directly enter into the Sanctums of the Ziggurat of Qoh. The Sanctums within the Ziggurat of Qoh consists of seven levels. To succeed you must complete your challenges within each level in a day or less. You must complete your final challenges before the stroke of midnight on the 30th day of Malax.
Alishazz looks from Sharill to his new found companions.
"There is a saying among my people," the huge Lizard Man says in his deep, hissing voice.
" 'A wise man knows when to speak his mind ... and when to hold his tongue.' Many of these names and events are unknown to me, but are of obvious import to all of you. Therefore, I will hold my tongue and bow to the will of the group."
Sharill smiles at the Haz. "I recall when Szak'shazz of the Utikikukk clutch said those words during the Great Conclave of the Third Hurzune. I think it sounded more eloquent in the original Hazkhat than in Gondwanapal, but the salient point still comes through. It is good to know that the sayings of this Haz sage are still remembered after all these years."
Kersh addresses the group: "I support Kendric's plan. Perhaps I can rally the Devotees of Marduk to help the Ishandeshee army in the battle. I would hate to see the Sea ElvesÊget caught in a pickle. The Devotees of Marduk would be very useful against the Undead guildsmen."
Kersh then turns his attentions to Khalid, utilizing the Heal scroll he has just obtained to bring Khalid back to full hale.
Abu Zharr also votes to support Kendric's plan.
Kasim looks over the group "I vote that we follow the first choice as modified by Kendric, as well. It seems our supernatural friend here knows more than we. I am inclined to follow his advice."
Jenna chimes in: "I'm with Kasim we should go with the first choice, What say you Ganthanor?"
Ganthanor ponders Jenna's question a moment as if struggling to make a choice but quickly...
"Aye, I know not the path... and I have found that, in my experience, fate eventually intervenes and puts you where you need to be."
Abu Zharr laughs: "Perhaps my Kiresh friend, but it is an old maxim of the Tabrechi that if fate doesn't put you in exactly the right spot, it is good to have a camel handy."
Vonak remarks: "I think I will take Alishazz's advice and go with whatever the majority decide.
Corak remarks: "As others have suggested a course of action that appears our best option, I can make no objections. I will say is that when the Fates have decreed a man's path then no action can deflect him from that path - so whatever path we take it will lead us where the Fates ordain."
Sharill giggles: "A follower of the Dictum of Arsala, not surprising in a Pyromancer. Your kind tend to view yourselves as moths drawn to the Flames of Fate. So much for free will, I would argue that we our constrained by Fate to finite choices, but it is ultimately our own choices that serve to choose our Destinies."
Tiron nods. "I can see no better chance of success of success in the second course or third courses" he says. "But i am anxious to travel to the Zelyanar now, and take my rest there. I have most of my spells unspent, and alone I can travel unseen."
He cross his arms with an air of finality. "The brotherhood must be told of these sacrileges which have been committed in this vicinity as soon as is possible. My duty is clear."
Sharill looks at Tiron and in his high voice says: "You would be wrong to assume the brethren do not know. After all the crypt of the Guilds lies within sight of the compound of the Brotherhood. The stronghold of the Zelyanar has already been attacked.
Tiron shrugs. "Then I will stay" he says simply.
The restored Khalid remarks: "I am troubled by a plan that does not even try to prevent all three ascensions."
Pharuk is nods at Khalid's apprehensions: "It is not acceptable!", says Pharuk . "It is not acceptable to follow a path without at least an option to win. It is said if only one of the Triad should succeed his ascension, the world and our quest will be lost... "I see that our party should prevent Horsentius from his ascension and the High Priest, with the help of Kendric and his dragons, under this plan rescues the Ishandeshee army. and then the expedition by the High Priest and his companions prevents the ascension of Yolande, but why cannot there be an option that allows us to stop Ourenmer, too?"
Pharuk turns to Sharill: "Some things that cross my mind: What if we ask the time elementals, the Chronoi, to create a kind of time bubble, to allow us to go for Horsentius first, leaving time to go for Ourenmer afterwards?' (using staff of Shakrakah)
"If I could get an image of the inner part of the Ziggurat of Nine, and I might have the means to do so" (he thinks on the Atlas of the Chronomancer); "I could possibly create a portal into the inner part of this Ziggurat. This could allow a part of our group or a subgroup of one of the other armies to stop Ourenmer in time.'
Sharill: "What you propose...has been shown by the casting of the bones to be likely ill-fated. There have also been some attempt before by your party to accomplish all three objectives using the staff of Shakrakah, the result was failure and only complete collapse of the timeline before the ascension due to unstable time bubbles have prevented complete disaster. Still I am not omniscient, there are certainly possibilities of which I have not conceived. The ziggurat of Ourenmer is protected against such portals as you propose, as are the ziggurats of Pallas and Qoh, we have managed to obtain means of circumventing such outer protections for the other two ziggurats, but not the Ziggurat of the Nine, there is simply not been time. Now you could use time travel to gain more time, but such manipulations are not to be used lightly and are fraught with dangers. Even with the help of the Chronoi such magics require expertise to minimize such dangers."
Pharuk ponders this:
"Does anybody know of items that are unique and essential for the ceremony of ascension? We could try to ... steal ... this item by some means of magic." (he thinks on the ring of substitution from the Shrine of the Ancients, or alternatively by help of an Efreet...)"This would also prevent Ourenmer's ascension."
Deverin grins at Pharuk. "Our minds mirror each other my friend. I had similar questions. With the powerful atlas we might be able to foil all three ascensions." he looks to Sharill. "Just to emphasize what Pharuk asked..what is needed to ruin the ceremony?"
Sharill chirps happily: " A capital idea. I can think of one such item that you can deprive the Triad of, one that they have not yet obtained, and thus is not guarded as yet by their minion. You could use time travel more conservatively in this plan, so that your efforts might not result in a temporal disaster. You must prevent the Triad from gaining an important human ingredient for their rituals. The Triad needs to sacrifice a descendent of Stavos and Miklos for each ritual. They have two, Carie and Galnor Flagenstavos who are fourth cousins. Ganthanor and Sheela are two candidates, but as they are in your party they might be considered relatively safe. The boy Charos you can protect by leaving him in my magic chamber until the danger has passed. That leaves as potential candidates: Ganthanor's brother Yanser, Lord Thevale, Sir Zajik, Merleyas the Tax Collector, the three members of the Triad, and a woman of lowly birth whose name still eludes me but who is associated in my visions with individuals known as 'the scarlet ravens', as potential candidates.
Kersh adds:
The last of the lines of which you seek can be found hidden among the meek >From noble lines to humbled hovel fall seek her at the place where scarlet raven call
Sharill gives a flippant wave at the interruption
"Yeah, yeah you can recite prophesies, Now as I was saying, ruling out the Triad as they are persons conducting the ceremony that leaves five individuals that you must make sure do not fall in enemy hands. Sir Zajik was turned to stone in that unfortunate battle in the Tavern a couple of days ago involving some of your number, and I believe he is still there in a corner being used to hang cloaks, but having immobilized him, I imagine the Triad is making arrangements to collect their prize. The Kiresh Knights are not aware of what happened to Sir Zajik and thus have made no effort to turn him back to flesh. Yanser is with the Ishandeshee army. Merleyas the Tax Collector is under observation by Triad bounty hunters, and I expect him to be grabbed before this day ends. Lord Thevale is well guarded, but he is under the influence of agents of the Triad, and will probably be led into a trap. I don't hold out great hope that you can accomplish this feat, for you must do this all before the new moon, and you can not simply dash around through multiple time bubbles for that will either bring about a collapse of the time bubble, leaving us back here at square one, once again, or worse destroy your staff and create a vortex that will leave you all trapped outside of time and space in an exile that might last eternity. You must start from this time and now and accomplish the securing of these individuals before the New Moon and then before the end of the 11th hour of the 30th day of Malax return to this precise moment and begin your quest against the ziggurat of Qoh. None of you must die in the securing of these five or your chances of blocking the ascension of the other two Triad members becomes problematical. If you fail in your efforts to secure these five, but do not lose any party members do not despair. If one ascension does manage to go through, all is not lost, there still remains hope in the world, although a time of great trials will be inevitable.
Deverin adds "Our quest mentioned gathering an army for the jihad. With the atlas and perhaps the help of the time elementals, are there no forces we might gather aid from? Vonak mentioned his people would be willing to help. I bet a horde of angry minotaurs would foil a ceremony well enough." Deverin winks at Vonak. "At the least we can warn the endangered cities and allow them time to prepare."
Sharill: "There will come a time when you will use portals to gather great forces for the coming jihad, but I expect you will need to open a portal to a Quizathek to gain a portal that could remain open long enough to bring a large contingent through. Now there is a Quizathek in Flage that I know of, but it is not in the citadel, but beneath the city in the realm of the Rat Men.
Deverin frowns in obvious thought over this. "We must think on this...otherwise I think the general plan agreed to is sound, we just need to foil that third ascension as well."
Sharill notes: You may want to leave some of your items in the magic chamber, particularly those necessary for the ritual. The artifacts that you collected have powerful signatures that in the alternate reality attempts at blocking the Triad proved more hindrance than help. Also leave items that you value, but are encumbering. I will also identify three items per person either for the stability of their magic or their main properties or any additional properties. The Paal taleyun Dyumb (Demonstone) is a different matter, you cannot leave it here for its magic will undermine the chamber over time, and if you have it in your possession it will complicate matters tremendously, you must either risk taking it with you, or think of someone who you can entrust it to temporarily who has the capability to protect it,at least for a few days. Be careful not to store the Paal taleyun Dyumb in a bag of holding or similar device, you risk losing both it and the magical container.
"If this should be our only chance' Pharuk says, "I'd suggest to search for Ganthanor's brother Yanser, Lord Thevale, Sir Zajik, Merleyas the Tax Collector and the woman of scarlet ravens." He adds in direction of Sharill: "If we should succeed, where can we leave them safely, in your chamber, too?"
Sharill nods "Yes, but I will give you a gem so you can find the doorway again after I hide it from unfriendly eyes"
"Have I understood you correctly: we search for the 5 people, and only if we should be able to have them all under our protection we use your gem to let them in your magical chamber...?" Pharuk asks to be sure.
Sharill shrugs: "You can return them en masse, or singularly, that is up to you."
Pharuk nods and then asks:
"And if it is Malax 29th, eleventh hour, what needs to be done to return to the here and now? Shall we ask the time elementals? Or is the time bubble ending on its own?"
Sharill laughs: " I would be specific on your instructions to the Time elementals, on having the time bubble fold back such that you return to where you want to be when the bubble ends. And of course hope for their full co-operation.
Pharuk asks:
"Maybe you forgot to tell us what is happening to the scarlet ravens at this moment."
Sharill shakes his head:
"No I did not forget, I simply do not know."
Pharuk frowns and then asks" "Unfortunately I am not sure to find a means of undoing a flesh to stone spell yet. Can you help me on this matter?"
Sharill shrugs:
" It is irrelevant whether he is stone or flesh from our perspective, as long as he is not in the hands of the enemy."
Pharuk thinks it wiser to let that pass and asks: "Do we have any item or symbol or argument that can convince the descendents of Stavos and Miklos to trust us?"
Sharill: "Some thing you must figure out for yourself young one."
Pharuk clearly exasperated.
'When do we meet you again?"
"It is unclear that you ever will." says the Forest gnome cryptically.
Pharuk shakes his head and asks: "When and how will we be able to regain the deposited items?"
Sharill laughs:
"They will be left by me in the magic chamber. The chamber exists beyond time and space, wherever the tide the time bubble burstings leaves you, as long as you can return to this spot, you will be able to find the door.
Pharuk expression grows a little concerned. "I just thought of something, the 30th of Malax was the day where we were able to help Lokatha to a new reincarnation, as we were to go back in time, She told us that when reached the 30th day of Malax it would be necessary to sleep the entire day, if we would not want to undo the achieved procedure..."
Sharill pouts: "See this is what comes of all this jumping around in time, complications and paradoxes abound! Well that means you will have to accomplish your objectives in less time than we thought, you will have to finish your first task before the end of the 11th hour on the 29th of Malax, and then zip back to this present and accomplish your tasks in the ziggurat of Qoh by the morning of the 30th of Malax. And because you are making a time recursion within two time recursions, an extra level of temporal distortion I didn't count on....well there will be temporal complications that I cannot predict. You will be able to get the Chronoi you summon to assist you, but more powerful Temporal lords may need to be appeased and there are always the loathsome creatures that live in the "in-between" places that may cross your path at your peril. Plus there may be temporal instabilities whose perturbations I cannot begin to calculate.
Skooter has to sit down after Sharill gets done speaking, "How do you keep track of all that stuff. My head hurts just from you talking that way!"
Tiron looks perplexed. "This talk about time travel is intriguing" he says. "I should like to learn more about what is possible, although I have little doubt the possible risks with time-travel must rival the danger the triad presents."
He shrugs. "Still, one should never ignore possibilities merely because they are dangerous."
Vonak laughs: "I could not imagine life without Danger."
Khalid seems less sanguine about this merely noting: "It seems to have become an intimate companion lately, whether we want it's company or not."
Pharuk informs the group that he has held back some items from his fallen comrades, until he could better assess the capabilities of his new found companions.
*He will present to Alishazz the Horn of Karmic Justice The horn of Karmic Justice (a gilded magic rams horn), can be used against summoned creatures and illusions of mixed shadow and substance and creatures of similar nature born of conjuration and shadow magics. It can be used once a day and can turn 2-5 of such summonlings against the conjurer who called them. Such turned conjurations cannot be returned to their planes by any agency of the original conjurer while under the influence of the Horn. They will continue to seek to attack the conjurer and his or her allies until the duration of their original conjuring ends, they are destroyed or sent back by the magic of one who has not summoned them. The Horn can also be used against very complex illusions to send their effects back on the caster and his or her allies.
*He will to present to Jenna: Hujun Kayeel, "Keening Steel", a +1 Scimitar. When activated it unleashes a chilling wail that produces a 5' radius fear aura for friend and foe around the wielder. This can be used once per day for a duration up to 10 minutes *He will present to Kasim 3 scrolls of Truename Discovery *He will want to present to Corak, a skull of a sage
Alishazz carefully takes the magical horn from Pharuk.
"I am honored and humbled that you give me this, though I am still new to your group," the large Lizard Man hisses, his voice somehow sounding even deeper than normal. "I accept this and will use it for the good of my new comrades."
As Tiron goes over to Sharill to have a few things identified, he glances at Pharuk. "I picked these Tuqil stones from the pile because I am a geomancer, a wizard of the path of earth. I do not covet them for their own sake, nor would I seek to prevent their use in any ritual of good purpose. But I would be interested to know what you know about them."
"They were used in some most difficult magical traps" Pharuk sighs as if lost for a moment in sad memories. "that Elcin was able to solve. We were able to figure out that we need 15 of them to spend in the Ritual of Qijah."
Khalid puts his hands on the shoulder of Pharuk, knowing that while the mage is wise and in many ways older than all the rest of the group, he is also still a boy in other ways. "He will be sorely missed, as will the others. So many have perished in this noble cause, but they will not be forgotten.
Kasim remarks: "Tuqils are magical resonators, used to enhance magical devices, traps, spells and rituals. They are very rare and highly prized by mages.
Khalid adds: "They come from the Tuqil Isles which lie past the GREAT SALT WASTES that border the Jholith Desert somewhere in the distant lands beyond. The Tuqil islands are said in the Legend of Habab to be mountainous isles cut by deep crevasses and canyons. These canyons are said to be rich in rare, enchanted gemstones known as Tuqils. Each of these stones is worth a small fortune. They are guarded by an evil winged race of humanoids called Dirdirs whose cities lie on the mountaintops of the Islands.
Deverin remarks " I have seen maps for sale in the markets of many a city in the Delta and the Moorish realms purporting to hold the secrets of penetrating the isles and reaching rich deposits of Tuqils while avoiding the Dirdir, but I suspect most if not all were the work of charlatans.'
Pharuk explains the rituals he plans for the future:
'The Ritual of Qijah and the Ceremony of Remaking will create from the barren shifting sands a restored fresh water lake, Lake Arianna, reborn, as well as a fertile area of land around the lake. On an island of that lake, a city will rise and its population will be made up of those lost souls good and bad given flesh. The clan Tabrechi will be included in this. The seven wells dug around the lake will be the beginnings of seven new towns. This will become the core of a new Zharzhan civilization and the center of the Jihad against Taleth- Krun and his minions.'
Tiron asks Pharuk "What do you know of these talking crystals, and do you think the enchanted midget might know more of them?"
Pharuk taps the crystals with his forefinger one by one revealing their secrets to the group some for the first time others in reminder. The crystals when tapped give voice to human voices speaking in Muerrin, Gondwanapal and Zharzhani. The voices sound like they belong to people under the influence of torture. One of the crystals gives rise merely to a strange barking . Of the intelligible crystal voicings: they speak of fortifications, troop strengths, nature and capabilities of spellcasters in various cities and oases among the Moors, Kiresh and Zharzhanjah and other critical military information valuable to someone planning an invasion of Northern Gondwana.
Tiron wonders: "Can they be used to record new things?"
Pharuk shakes his head: "Perhaps that is something to ask Sharill."
Tiron presents one of the crystals, the Ring of Al-Paladru and the strange golden ring from Al-Hitah.
Sharill notes that the crystals have been enchanted to act as a receptacle, they do not contain the magic that created the sounds recorded them, but can be recorded over using the Horn of al-Tabril, the item with which they were created. The Ring of Al-Paladru is a ring of spell storing. The spells contained in it are Cloudkill, Wizard Eye, Delayed Blast Fireball and Mass Invisibility. The golden ring is a ring of Mana Extension, also known as a ring of Wizardry, it was created by the one you call al-Hitah and may thus be called the Ring of al-Hitah. It doubles the number of first and level spells the spellcaster wearing it may cast each day. It takes 24 hours of wearing it before the transformation takes place.
Sheela watching Sharill identify the crystals pipes in "Then maybe you can tell me what this wand does. I wonder if it is more than just a dragon-tooth-pick?" waving al-Hitah's golden wand under the Forest gnome's nose>
"Careful with that thing, its magic is highly unstable. I don't know what the wand was originally created for, but it was a slipshod job. The wand is now what is called a Shajulki, a rogue item. I believe the quirky Phandaal used to try and pass such rogue wands off as "special items", he had the most delightful name for the things...what was it again, oh yes Wands of Wonder."
Deverin asks Sharill to identify the malodorous jars of alchemical tinctures he has been lugging around. Sharill sniffs apprehensively and then explains that the tinctures are useful in the construction of magical summoning mirrors.
Al-Ariq also asks Sharill if he would be able to identify some of the flasks and jars that have been lying uninvestigated in his backpack. Sharill identifies the 4 jars of unidentified malodorous tinctures as ingredients useful in the construction of magical summoning mirrors, He also identifies the stoppered flasks with greenish resins as "mordants of enchantment". Useful in the construction of magical devices, they enhance the stability of wands, rods, staffs.
Syrinen asks Sharill about her talisman and her charmbags. Sharill identifies Talisman of the Keshin Shamans as granting the wearer -3 to all attacks from summoned or conjured creatures, the activation word Yeliate allows total immunity to attack from summoned or conjured creatures for 5 rounds/day). He sniffs contemptuously at the charm bags. QUITOZ CHARM BAGS, one can find them in the bazaars, their efficacy is unpredictable, this one will provide a +1 to your ability to resist enchantment and charms, but who knows for how long, the magic is unstable and one or two charm attempts may be all the bags can provide resistance.
Syrinen says that she is ready to train, and will undertake a Dreamquest, she will be willing to involve those others who need to train in a group Dreamquest if they would like. Syrinen explains to her comrades who may not be familiar with this shamanic ritual: "Dreamquest is a technique of entering into the dream realms in a guided fashion, such as training can be done with the course of a few hours, which normally takes weeks in real time.
Skooter tells Syrinen that he would be happy to Dreamquest with Syrinen, any time...
Pharuk nods: "I would be keen to join you as well."
Deverin bows to Syrinen. "I seeks to learn more about the 'desert' woman-spirit who saved me and has reappeared a number of times in my adventures, and whom appears connected to me as some sort of guardian protectress. The book on desert spirit's I possess has given me some insights, but I strive to learn more, and Dreamquests are places I believe where one can contact the realm of the spirits and learn from them. I may ask your help in this?"
Syrinen gives an affirmative nod.
"Count me in with your Dreamquest if its alright with you Syrinen" Says Jenna. "I've never heard of it before"
Al-Ariq chimes in also "I too would welcome the chance to Dreamquest." he says politely to the shamaness.
Tiron nods to Syrinen. "I too would like to join you" he says. I am ready to enter the 8th circle of geomantic mysteries."
Sheela with a smile exclaims: "Since other options do threaten the elvish army's existence in one way or the other, I too am willing to give this Dreamquest thing a try. We lay down and go to sleep, right? How hard can that be?"
Syrinen smiles: "The Dreamquest is used for internal journeys, and as such is good at training in one's various skills as warrior, spellcaster or in the secretive ways of the rogue. It will not directly help us implement any of the plans discussed above, save that in expediting training, we will be better prepared to face our adversaries. Syrinen smiles and says, I too must undertake this quest. I will need some time to prepare for the ritual after I've decided what to leave behind. The items I've just acquired for the ritual for sure..." She also sets aside the camel and pegasus figurines she has then looks over her other items to see if there's anything she's overlooked.
The group rests, recovers spells, discusses the nature of the Iuz and then Syrinen, Deverin, Skooter, Tiron, Sheela, Al-Ariq, Jenna and Pharuk join Syrinen in a Dreamquest. The group sits with legs folded in a cross-legged squat in a circle with incense burning in the middle. She then makes a herbal drink for those participating, paints some protective runes on her forehead and cheeks, makes offerings to each spirit, then begins the rite. Those that have Dreamquested with Hasana realize that Syrinen does it differently, rather than chanting, she sings, and the visuals of the initial magical template forming the transition to the dreamlands is of the sea rather than the desert. After an initial time together in the seashore transition lands, each dreamer wanders off into a private quest with just the barest sense of Syrinen's presence. After two hours the Dreamers awaken, with the experience of being away weeks rather than just a couple of hours.
Pharuk says he had spent a fruitful period in the Dreamquest with Thoth-Atuk, but gives no details, which is normal for the Dreamquest. Tiron nods and says that he spent time with his elemental spirit guide, but adds no specifics. Deverin says that he learned that his desert spirit is in fact the ancestral spirit of his grandmother, and that she was known as the "Lucky", he notes he learned more about her role, but gives no details. Syrinen remarks that she spent time with Xantippe and other of her spirit guides. Skooter says that he spent time with some of the great Kyprosi heroes of the past. Sheela says she spent time with great Ishandeshee mages of the past. Al-Ariq says that he like Pharuk had encounters with Thoth-Atuk. Jenna listens to the rest. She says her Dreamquest was very disturbing, full of disquieting experiences, that tested her courage and fortitude. She had experiences with riders of the Horned Society and others that she dare not mention.
The party piles up the items that it is leaving behind. While this goes on, Pharuk states that he has decided not to leave certain artifacts behind. He also states that he has collected many items in past adventure that he feels would now be better redistributed, as they would serve more use in the hands of party members rather than gathering dust in his bag of holding.
To Corak he hands a 2' long red cylinder. It holds the fire of Fatima's friendship and the fire of her fury. By invoking her name, one can cast up to 25 fireballs from this wand. After that it will return to her. Or if one never uses the first fireball power, one can use it but once to summon a powerful fire elemental called an Efreet t hat will be bound to aid the caster. An Efreet may grant 3 wishes. Then the item will vanish (from Taurt the Vindicator, Fatima Corak's sister being her avatar)
He also presents to Corak, the Crystals of the Koori, holding the guardian spirits of the seven cities of the Upper Gebra-Salamwardu. Can be redeemed when: "Seven wells to be dug around the Temple of the Sands/ A Ziggurat to a Pantheon Lost/ From choking dust, an oasis sprung/ The sacred center of a gathering storm/ The holy Jihad of deliverance.
To Al-Ariq he presents The Crown of Kolinthe: a silver coronet decorated with small round mirrors of polished obsidian. Command word Schelathei: protects against magical attacks that effect the mind, one of the favorite forms of attack of the Pelai. Command word Yuitehen: Clairaudience. Command word Yuireheste: Clairvoyance.
He also presents to Al-Ariq, a silver ring from Charuke's grandson, key word Sharinyynith (High Arcane for Protect), 1/day: casts a 20' radius Major Globe of Invulnerability, duration 1 turn
To Khalid he presents a Rams Horn, decorated with gold and precious stones, holding the souls of thousands of Zharzhanja warriors and the power of the Orb of the Nether Realms. These Zharzhanja warriors will be reborn, a host to come to our call when the time comes to invoke them (from the chamber of the Lost Souls near Nippya)
He also presents to Khalid The Magic Banner of The Triple Goddess: It is a golden banner with a red Scorpion, a red star and a red scimitar. It is the banner of the coming Jihad. When the time of the Jihad comes, all those who follow that banner into battle will fight as if they were ten men. He notes that it might also have some powers that could help the Ishandeshee army in the upcoming battle, and suggests that Khalid be the one to accompany Kendric,
To Abu Zharr he presents the Jewel of Abankarxas - has several functions. It is the Jewel of Truth. It can be used to penetrate illusions, phantasms, lies and other deceits. One must simply hold the jewel in one's palm and concentrate. It absorbs the deceit, such that overtime it will become an instrument of deceit rather than truth-so be aware.
He also presents to Abu Zharr 9 potions of Hekebbanna, granting some power of the elder god into a mortal being for a limited amount of time. The imbiber will gain super -heroic abilities while the effect lasts
Finally he presents to Abu Zharr, an enchanted starstone longsword (from Illithid in the temple of Ghozur) the Destroyer. Sharill explains it is Jhakakadrem ( Woundmaker) a +1 Sword of Wounding.
To Tiron, the Geomancer, he presents a Rod of Distortion with 45 charges (cannot be recharged). On a roll of 1-15 the rod gives a +2 to the save versus wand/stave/rods of the user and all friends within 20' radius for the subsequent 1d4 rounds. On a roll of 16-19 it prevents the function of wands/staves/rods of opponents within a 20' radius during the subsequent 1d4 rounds. On a roll of 20 it causes the wand/stave/rod of all opponents in a 20' radius to backfire against their users for 1d4 rounds (from Lazarus, avatar of Balakhesh-Knower)
To Kasim he presents 2 Potions of polymorph self, stoppered flasks with gold colored liquid He also presents him 5 unidentified magic gems from giant spiders in the Tunnels of the Ancients and a ruby pendant from hidden pocket off the dead Illithid also found in the Tunnel of the Ancients. Sharill studies the gems and informs him that when crushed and consumed, they act as mana restorers. He then examines the amulet and informs Kasim that it is an amulet of Ta-Zar-Mari, proof and Against Detection and Location.
Pharuk next presents to Jenna, a set of lamellar armor with matching leather cap). The armor made of plates of prepared hide of some unknown baboon-like creature in the Tunnels of the ancients The hide leather plates are laced to form a suit of armor, and the scaly hide seems as tough as metal, it has some magical properties that have not been identified. Sharill looks at it and announces that it is Armor of Speed (AC 3), it allows the wearer great flexibility in movement and to move at double her normal speed for one session per day lasting up to 1/turn per level. The cap allows the wearer +2 on all Naalite (mind based) magics.
To Syrinen he presents a gem inlaid stick which upgrades a Augury to a Divination, a Divination to a Commune; can be used once
He also presents to her 10 dream mushrooms and 3 pearl necklaces, from the Tunnels of the Ancients, in the same panel that they found the Riquitaiz, Laden. They are not magical but are valuable and would highlight the loveliness of the shamaness.
To Vonak he presents 6 apples from the Tree of the Elder God, a perilous fruit whose flesh yields great promise of reward and great threat of danger. The apples are aligned to physical or mental attributes, the various colored apples in turn: Red:Strength, Greenish-red:Wisdom, Green:Intelligence, Yellow:Endurance, Burgundy: Leadership,and Yellowish-Green:Dexterity. From prophesies: one of a ancient and spent race can endure at one time and place An entire apple of the Elder godly race without detriment or suffering face. Each bite of an Elder God's living fruit is cumulative when of time and power suit however with each successive apple's bite comes the exponential risk of bodily blight. Against the horde of demons in the guise of man Great weapons and powers must be close to hand The foretold fellowship of seven races in a holy band Will give fruit to a new age of the writ of Elder ban. The Six Charmed Apples born of the Elder Eye Will come of use to the Fellowship, bye and bye As the Time approaches more will this need arise So in use of said enchantment heed caution and selectively apprise.
"Nothing for me in your magic bag? sniffs Skooter.
Ganthanor laughs: "Don't fret my friend, I am sure our new friend knows best about how these items are to be distributed, just as I am sure that those who have been left out will get first pick of the next items we find."
Tiron leaves behind the recording crystals and the Tuqil stones. "I am most eager to study these." he says. "But this is not the moment."
Skooter announces he will leave behind Ghalaghazrim ,one of his shortswords of quickness.
Deverin hands over a dusty tome (Havral's Desert Spirits) to Sharill for safekeeping. "This is quite precious to me...I hope it will be safe." and then takes out two small jars from his backpack that Sharill had recently identified, take care of these as well. Deverin relates that was going to lend his second scimitar to Abu, but since Pharuk pulled out a magical longsword from his bag of tricks, he is going to leave his unenchanted starstone scimitar in the chamber. "I can hardly wield two scimitars." he chuckles.
Pharuk notes that he leave behind:
Kersh will leave behind:
Al-Ariq decides to leave behind (for the time being, anyway):
Jenna will leave behind:
Vonak will leave behind his:
Sharill shooes the party out of the magical chamber:
"Go , Go, time is awasting!" He then closes the door leaving the party alone
'As Sharill told us', Pharuk begins, 'that Merleyas the Tax Collector is at immediate risk I suggest to search for him first. Does anybody have an idea on where to find him?'.
Tiron takes a deep breath, then says. "I know him. The Zelyanar have many contacts among those who covertly resist the Triad, and Merleyas is one such."
He nods. "I know too where he lives and works. It is near the Grand Bazaar, just off the Avenue of Scribes. I agree, let us make haste to that place."
"This sounds like as fine a place to start as any," Alishazz hisses thoughtfully. "Even the greatest journey must begin with a single step. Let us make the rescue of this "Merleyas" the Tax Collector' OUR first step."
"Yes. I agree." Kersh said while walking toward the group. The priest had a towel in his hands. The cleansing ritual had gotten the priest a little bloody. "Finding this tax collector is a excellent idea. Artifacts or no artifacts. It will take someÊcleverness if we hope to get past the Triad unnoticed."
Pharuk opens a portal utilizing Tiron's descriptions and directions. The group exits into a small alley (Tax Collector's Court) off the Avenue of the Scribes and thus do not attract undo attention to themselves. As the group waits outside, Tiron enters the office of Merleyas the Tax Collector. He finds Merleyas and his clerks in the office, hale and at ease. He draws Merleyas aside and explains the situation to him. Merleyas who trusts Tiron agrees to leave the office with him, informing his clerks that he will be away on urgent business for the next week. His clerks gape at this strange announcement, as Merleyas grabs his hat and leaves the office with Tiron. Everything is going without a hitch as Pharuk opens a portal back to the vicinity of Sharill's magic hideaway.
Suddenly three Yzarn demons appear with a thunderclap in front of the portal. There is a commotion in the street, and five of Lupions appear as if from nowhere brandishing gleaming scimitars. These wolf-men are wearing the livery of the Triad and bronze collars around their necks, from which emblems of the Triad which glow with an eerie red radiance.
A vivid fan shaped-spray of clashing colors fan out from seemingly nowhere, originating just North of Deverin. Deverin, Al-Ariq, Ganthanor, Vonak, Merleyas and Jenna are caught in its arc. Deverin, Al-Ariq, Ganthanor, Vonak, Merylas and Jenna fall unconscious unable to resist the spray of scintillating colors. Even after the casting, the mage is still not visible.
Meanwhile Khalid, Kasim and Corak have crossbows shot at them from second story windows across the courtyard. These bolts turn into magical nets of sticky fibers in flight and drop down in an arc on their intended targets. Khalid is caught in one of the webs, but Kasim and Corak manage to allude them.
Syrinen mutters, "Improved Invisibility, Kersh can you dispel magic? She casts Free Action on Khalid
Pharuk advances some steps to get the best attacking position while not being a direct target of the Yzarn. He shouts to his friends: "I am going on the wizard".
Kasim sends five bolts of energy at the Yzarn on the party's left. Four of the bolts dissipate on contact, but one of the missiles seems to injure the creature, as it hisses angrily.
Instantly gathering his energy in the pit of his stomach, Abu enters a combat meditative state. Realizing the danger to the mages who are a bit too close to the action, he explodes into action, racing forward, drawing Jhakakadrem and his bronze dirk. Targeting the Yzarn on the right (from his perspective), he darts around Sheela and Pharuk and launches himself into the air. His right foot strikes out in a perfectly executed flying kick.
Abu aims for a the Yzarn's leg joints hoping to knock it over or at least stagger it backwards. He manages the latter, and does not seem to do any permanent damage to the creature.
Kendric engages two Yzarn, he is a flurry of blade action. The Yzarn counterattack inflicting several serious wounds.
Sheela goes invisible, and Kraa flies up to see if there are any advancing enemies.
Corak who was going to cast a spell at the Using one of the pebbles of pyromancy Corak will use a Fireball into one of the windows, creating a powerful explosion in that room and setting the building on fire
Tiron already in mid-cast when Corak's fireball explodes, casts wall of stone to sealing up the windows of the burning building from which the crossbow bolts were coming.
Pharuk casts a spell (glitterdust). He tries to cover the area where he estimates the unseen wizard to be located. He covers a 20'cubic area encompassing three most northern lupions, the unconscious Deverin and a region a little to the North of these visible targets. A cloud of glittering golden particles descend on this area. One Lupion is blinded, the other two are unaffected save they are bewildered a bit by the spectacle slowing their advance. While no wizard is revealed, the glitterdust outlines a moving formerly invisible sphere.
Alishazz rips his two magic blades from their scabbards with blinding speed. "AMBUSH!" he hisses much louder than would seem possible. He rushes to take up a position near his comrades who have been incapacitated by the color spray and prepares to defend them from harm in the battle. "Stay back, fell Wolfmen! You will NOT harm these people while I still draw breath!" Alishaaz moves up to engage the two Lupions moving on the unconscious party members.
Skooter yells, "Cover me" as he moves to attempt to protect and awaken the slumbering party members. Skooter also is ready to defend them if necessary.
Abu's flying kick while not doing serious injury to the Yzarn, it does give him a few moments while the creature recovers somewhat form the impact and Abu presses the attack with Jhakakadrem. The creature has several significant wounds inflicted on it, and Abu gets splattered with the acidic blood of the creature doing minor damage. The blade Jhakakadrem shows some discoloration from the acid blood, but seems so far not damaged significantly. The creature retaliates with several claw strikes, that Abu evades, but they were but faints for a deadly bite and tail combination. The more severe is the tail which is lined with serrated barbs and has a blade like end. The tail digs deeply into Abu's abdomen causing a horrific wound. Abu staggers back.
Pharuk casts a net spell on the four Lupions cautiously advancing on the unconscious party members. Three of the four are caught in the net.
Khalid moves to stand guard over the tax collector and begins singing a song about "dog-men" running off with their tails between their legs, how evil mages are compensating for the flaccid nature of their "spears", the glory of the Tabrechi and the fortitude of their Muerrin, Ishandeshee and Kiresh allies.
Alishaaz attacks the one advancing Lupion. The Haz inflicts serious damage, without taking any damage himself.
Kendric battles with the Yzarn trading vicious blows, he is hit by two tail attacks and is clearly serious wounded and in trouble. Not only has he been hit by attacks from two Yzarn, but has been hit by some serious spurts of Yzarn blood, from great wounds he has inflicted.
Skooter wakes up Ganthanor
Kasim will cast a forked lightning bolt, beginnning in front of the unconscious party members toward the netted Lupions. The bolt hits them on its strike forward and on its reflection back when it hits the buildings across the street. The netted Lupions are all killed. Only two Lupions remain, one blinded and not advancing, and another near Alishaaz
Corak casts armour on himself
Pharuk casts an Otiluke's Resilent Sphere targeted on the Yzarn engaging Kendric. Rescuing the Faris of Pallas from certain death.
Alishaaz kills the wounded Lupion engaging him suffering only minor damage.
Ganthanor moves to help Abu Zharr, allowing the monk to retreat and cared for his wounds as he is nearly collapsing from blood loss and acid burns.
Syrinen moves toward the unconscious victims and creates several gallons of water on Vonak.
Kersh casts Cure Critical Wounds on Kendric. After that the Paladin is at 1/3 of his normal hale.
Kasim will cast another forked lightning bolt to encompass the blind Lupion and the moving bubble. The bolt of energy seems to just slide around to either side of the bubble not penetrating it. The blind Lupion is killed. No visible Lupions remain alive. Ganthanor inflicts damage on Yzarn, taking minor wounds.
The female transmuter (Sheela) watches in horror as her comrades cast their magics like there is no tomorrow. Even under the substantial protection of invisibility she has hard time defying a mortal end, especially when she feels the wrath of a lightning bolt pass right beside her as she dodges just in time by pure luck.
Corak notches a fireball, keeping a pebble of pyromancy at ready.
The drenched Vonak rouses shaking the water and the fog from his bovine head.
Skooter wakes up Jenna
Al-Ariq rouses on his own
The portal without Pharuk's attention collapses in on itself and vanishes.
Tiron activates the amulet of the Xorn to acquire the Xorn's attacks and damage then enter melee combat with the Yzarn facing Ganthanor and burning Ki energy to get extra attack sequences.
Merylas begins levitating up a few feet into the air and then floating away from the party. Khalid moves to grab the Tax Collector struggling mightily against the magic.
Syrinen casts Cure Light Wounds on Kendric
Jenna and Vonak move to engage the Yzarn
Kersh casts Cure Critical Wounds on Abu Zharr ending the bleeding and bringing some vigor back into the ailing Abu Zharr. (He at that point is at half his normal hale)
Tiron casts the spell Stoneskin on himself
Pharuk casts Bands of Sirellyn on the remaining Yzarn binding it long enough for Ganthanor, Jenna, Vonak and Tiron to inflict lethal blows, the Yzarn collapses and begins dissolving.
Skooter wakes up Deverin
Alishaaz stands guard in case there are other invisible attackers on Avenue of the Scribes
The bubble vanishes with a thunderclap, indicating a teleportation.
The air ripples a little ways up the Avenue of the Scribes and a Golden Archway appears from which steps four terra cotta statues seemingly come to life. One clay golem wears the garments and insignia of the Guild of Smiths, another with the Draper's Guild . the third with the markings of the Potter's Guild and the fourth with the trappings of the Artisan's Guild
A large dark cloud appears over the burning building, there is a thunderclap and a heavy rain pours down over the lot where the conflagration is beginning to become a seriously large fire.
Khalid wakes the tax collector who has floated back down to the ground. All party members and the Tax Collector are now awake.
Pharuk announces that magic sphere will not hold the Yzarn long, their natural magic resistance is already beginning to impinge on the power of the sphere. He suggests that he open a new portal and the party make good its escape while the field of battle is still theirs.
Pharuk opens a new portal at the approximate location of the old one.
Kasim exclaims:
"Quickly friends! Gather the tax man and our wounded comrades! Let us escape with our task accomplished and our hides intact!"
He chambers another Magic Missile to help cover their retreat.
Kersh moved toward the portal, waving along the rest of the party with his arm. "Come along my friends, we have what we came for. Our battle is not with these demons, not here, not now. Their time will come though. Mark my words."
As the Yzarn have been dispatched or incacipated, Sheela calls for Kraa and walks through the portal for cover.
Tiron waits as a rear-guard as the others move through the portal, then leaps in after them, leaving just Corak and Pharuk
Once the taxman is through Corak will walk to the edge of the portal ready to provide cover for Pharuk (should he need it). As the other party members quickly leap through the portal, Corak departs penultimately leaving only Pharuk.
Pharuk concentrates on the portal to stay stable determined to use further magic at this location only in case of real need. Pharuk waits for his colleagues to enter, and then quickly enters the portal. The portal then vanishes.
"How strong have we become over time!" Pharuk mumbles most contently. He looks through the herbs in his bag to help in healing. He takes out a Kelventary berry and applies it to Kendric's acid burned skin.
He also takes out Talon's healing kit, cleans the wounds of Abu and closes the wound as good as possible by classical use of needle and thread. On his minor acid burns he applies some aloe to quicken healing.
Abu smiles gratefully at Pharuk and examines the wound. "Thank you, Pharuk" he says simply and retreats. "I'll live," he thinks, "but need to work on my defenses. The next demon will only be more powerful" He carefully wipes the acidic blood of the Yzarn off his blade, using a piece of torn off cloth.
"At least it tasted of its own medicine and felt the sting of Jhakakadrem." He falls into a deep reverie, brooding on his performance. Keeping an objective point of view, he seeks the flaw in his combat sequence and readies himself for the next battle."
Pharuk suggests to leave the tax collector in Sharill's chamber and then urges to continue. "We should continue before more traps or ambushes are planned. What do you think, shall we go on to the stone-transformed Sir Zajik next?"
Abu merely nods at Pharuk's suggestion. He is happy to follow the magicians lead.
"I concur" Tiron says simply when Sir Zajik's rescue is proposed.
Jenna turns to Pharuk. "I agree with you Pharuk. We should pursue sir Zajik next now we have the tax collector".
Alishazz leaps through the portal and thrusts his enchanted bastard swords back into the twin scabbards he wears on his back.
"A GLORIOUS battle, my new friends!" the huge Lizard Man hisses, his forked tongue flicking excitedly in and out of his mouth. "Where to now? Did I hear someone say something about recovering the stone transformed Sir Zajik next? If so, it would seem as good a choice as any ... "
Vonak, shaking his head at the Lizard Man's eagerness to fight, "Aye, Sir Zajik is as good a course as any, and better than some".
"Yes, indeed. Sir Zajik could aid us greatly on our quest." Kersh glanced back to the mages. "Do you have any spells to free this knight?" Kersh nodded his head in understanding. "I propose that we split up our group. A spellcaster that can free Sir Zajik, Vonax, incase we have to carry the petrified Sir Zajik, and two other blade wielders come along with us for security. Perhaps prayers to Marduk will free the encased Sir Zajik.
"The rest of you go find Lord Trevale and we will meet up with your party at the Ishandeshee Army camp where Yanser is." Kersh looked around the group for responses.
Al-Ariq furrows his eyebrows at Kersh's suggestion. "Not knowing the exact capabilities of many here, I have to ask just to ensure I'm not being slightly dense on this. Is anyone else capable of using the portals to transport groups around as Pharuk has been doing so admirably? Also, while I think about it, would it not be better to rendezvous closer to here if we do separate, so that we can then leave anyone we rescue in the safety of Sharill's chamber?"
Kersh nodded his head in agreement "Agreed Al-Ariq, our rendezvous should be near Sharill's chamber. Perhaps Pharuk has scrolls that we can read,a spellbook or some other means of opening them." Kersh turned to Pharuk "Can you perhaps open the portals for a long amount of time, enough to allow us to accomplish the mission and get back here to safety?" Before Pharuk could answer, Kersh turned to Al-Ariq "You are a magician,no?. Can you not keep the portal open?"
Vonak, "I will bow to the wisdom of the group, but in my experience,dividing a group to save time usually results in a loss of time, and often friends."
"I agree with Vonak" Pharuk says, "that dividing a well working party is always dangerous. What if there is another ambush?"
"And, usually, portals can be cast only for a short period of time. By the way, even if I could open them for a longer period of time, it might attract forces we don't really want to." He adds in direction of Kersh: "It was quite difficult to gain the knowledge to create these portals. The knowledge was granted by the Triple Goddess and Thoth- Atuk, so that we were able to gain access by use of the Ring of YŸlith and the Staff of Shakrakah. Only I can open these exact portals till now and there are no scrolls with the same option, at least we don't have any.
Pharuk changes the the topic: "When we go for Sir Zajik, I don't have any means to transform him back to flesh. If nobody else is capable of doing so, too, we will have to carry him as he is. Perhaps one of the other mages is able to shrink him in size and weight, so that he can be carried more easily."
"We've surely got a bounty of magic users compared to an average adventuring group..." says the grey-black male falcon perching in mid air with the voice of his master; though the movement of his beak doesn't quite match the words. "... but I'll tag along any plan you make. Though you bet I won't be volunteering to carry Sir Zajik's statue!"
This provokes general laughter among the group.
As it worked well with Tiron's descriptions and directions last time, Pharuk asks him again to specify where the tavern with Sir Zajik is found exactly. With his help he opens a portal to the tavern (or in front of it).
Tiron gives Pharuk an exact description of the tavern. He suggests that they materialize inside to minimize the time, and surprise anyone who might be attempting to retrieve Zajik.
Deverin listens to the description of the tavern ... "Hmm.. perhaps appearing inside the bar might be best, but I wonder how many innocent people might get caught between us and any opponents? I have learned that staking out a target beforehand often yield much information as to surprises waiting. Just something else to consider is all, though I'd rather know what I'm getting into before appearing into another trap."
Kersh adds "Yes, I agree. I suggest that any enchantments be done before entering through the portal. It would be wise to be at full strength when facing any Triad." Kersh raises his hands in the air, chanting to the heavens. Energy crackles through the priest. (OCC: Cast Bull's Strength on himself and WILL cast Dispel Evil a minute before going through the portal)
Kersh looked around the group "Now, this is an important decision my friends. It will set determine our fate for the next few hours or more. Do we or do we not split up the group? I suggest a vote by hands. All in favor, raise your hand. Kersh raised his hand up high, looking around the group for those that agree with him.
Tiron shakes his head, wordlessly.
Vonak crosses his arms over his chest.
Kendric keeps his hands down.
Khalid shakes his head in the negative.
Syrinen says, "I too will go along with the decision of the rest of the party, but I agree that it is dangerous to split the party, even for such a short time."
Tiron nods his agreement. "If there were another ambush like this one, a small party would be defeated, probably killed" he says.
Alishazz looks at his new companions thoughtfully. "I'm afraid I am against splitting the group as well," the huge Lizard Man says simply.
Deverin agrees that the group should stay together. "The last battle had half the group out of the battle before any blows were fell..myself included. I think our hope lay in numbers."
Kasim watches the reactions of the others. Kersh's suggestion had some merit, but Kasim found himself agreeing with the others.
"It is a good option, friend Kersh, but I must agree with the others. We are a threat, a serious one to the plans of the Triad. But, I believe we remain the greatest threat while we work together."
"As the sand elves say ' a single grain of sand has no strength, but a sandstorm is invincible'."
Kasim smiles.
"I'm sorry Kersh" Says Jenna.
"I don't think we should split at this moment we are stronger together against the Triad".
Kersh nodded his head "It appears that is the case, Jenna. I am wrong in this matter. Although, wouldn't I be a fool for NOT pointing out another course of action?"
"All alternatives that can be swiftly considered should be" says Tiron with a nod. "We have chosen, now let us act."
Abu stands up from where he has been sitting cross legged, in a healing meditation, trying to recapture some of his strength.
As usual, he has not offered an opinion when Kersh asked his question. Only when actually pressed does he give his thoughts on matters, preferring to contemplate all possible scenarios and alternatives. It is not so much that he can not make up his mind, but rather as a way for him to keep an absolute objective look on the Helix.
He makes his way to Kersh and asks quietly, "My friend, do you have any healing spells left? I am not yet at full strength and if I am to be of use to our group it would be better if I am able to function completely."
Then as if on second thought, "I might also need some protection or armor spells cast on me so that I am better able to defend our mages to do their work"
He makes his way to Kersh and asks quietly, "My friend, do you have any healing spells left? I am not yet at full strength and if I am to be of use to our group it would be better if I am able to function completely."
Then as if on second thought, "I might also need some protection or armor spells cast on me so that I am better able to defend our mages to do their work"
Kersh closed his eyes and mumbled to himself with determination. "No, Marduk will not me the power to heal anymore. But, He will grant you a taste of the thunderbolt." Kersh grabs Abu's arm and releases the magical energy into him. [Endurance spell]
Abu feels the energy surging through him and he bows to Kersh. "My thanks to you and Marduk. I shall endeavor to be worthy of this boon." He then settles back into a meditative lotus position, channeling his energy into healing his wounds. He will stay in this trance until he is called to go on to the next mission.
Kendric lays hands on Abu Zharr healing all remaining damage before collapsing.
Syrinen nods at Tiron. "My thoughts exactly. It would be better to take the extra time to accomplish these things with a full party rather than risk another such ambush from which some of us are still not recovered, as well as risking failure if the smaller party is overwhelmed."
She quietly moves beside the lizardman, places a hand on his arm, and casts a minor healing spell then steps back to wait.
Alishazz turns and looks down kindly at Syrinen.
"My thanks, lady. Certainly, though, there must be others who are more in need of your mystic healing gifts. I wear my scars with pride," the Lizard Man says sternly and then softens when Syrinen seems about to protest.
"Fear not, my wounds are minor," Alishazz hisses gently in his deep voice. "Again, my thanks."
Next she casts a minor healing spell on Kendric. He is revived. He notes that while not at full hale, he is ready for battle.
Merleyas is deposited in the chamber with Charos, the scarred boy.
Khalid remarks: "Is there anything else to do before we leap through another portal?"
"Steel ourselves for a battle royal I think, but beyond that I can think of nothing."
Pharuk simply shakes his head.
Deverin remarks: "Whatever we do, perhaps we should plan our actions should battle commence. Though I hate to admit it, I am in awe of the ease in which we were taken down last time. If we all know our actions in the first rounds of battle, we will surprise our foes and not stumble over each other, plus minimize innocent lives getting hurt."
Kendric notes: "And next time, the enemy might be better prepared."
Tiron shrugs. "We were taken down last time because they had the advantage of surprise. Perhaps we should use that to our advantage this time. What actions will be required will depend on what we find: if they are planning an attack they will be expecting us to come through the door."
"Deverin, I have had similar thoughts." Kersh fiddled with a long piece of rope while he spoke. "The ownership of the tavern might not take lightly to such a motley crew appearing out of nowhere. We could end of fighting an entire bar full of adventurers, yzarn, dwarfs or Marduk knows what else. The statue might not even be there to begin with. I suggest that we sent a reconnaissance element to check the bar over, check the statue for booby traps and talk to the proprietor of the tavern. Opening the portal in the stables might solve our problems. It would be close to the tavern and provide concealment. A Knight would be a wise choice for representing our party. I could join the party to check over the statue and use this harness-" Kersh held the rope that he had been working on in the air "to carry the statue. That is my suggestion." Kersh sat back down to fiddling with the rope.
Vonak, "When I led my tribe in battles, we often sent scouts ahead. Is this a possibility with the portal, or will the Atlas tell us all?"
Tiron looks at the other mages. "Does anyone have a clairvoyance spell, or magic mirror?"
Pharuk shakes his head: "Divination magic is not within the scope of my magic."
Al-Ariq looks down: "As Pharuk has been my mentor, the same could be said for myself, although with the help of Elcin's spellbook, perhaps one day soon...." No one owes up to possessing such divination magic.
Corak notes: "My magic lies in elemental fire."
Kasim shrugs: "It is not a specialty of mine."
Sheela just smiles and feeds a morsel to Kraa.
Kersh remarks: "Divination is one of the major spheres of magic granted to me by Marduk, but I would not want to waste mana when my power may be needed along other lines."
Syrinen smiles "The way of nature also allows me such insights, but I fear like Kersh to use such power as the spirits allow when my efforts may be needed in other ways."
Deverin ponders a moment and then adds "Is it possible to use the portal twice? Letting some appear outside or near the tavern and then later have the others appear inside? At least it will be a wild card to have a few allies outside the tavern in case of trouble."
"Creating portals is not to be done casually. There is always a risk of failure..." Pharuk remarks in a way that everybody understands he will *not* create 2 portals only to get to one place, at least not without dire need.
Before creating the portal Pharuk suggests to conceal any traces the party left that might indicate the location of the secret chamber.
As to know more about the situation in the tavern Pharuk opens the Atlas of Chronomancer and asks for a picture on the actual situation of the tavern and the petrified statue of Sir Zajik.
The atlas shows a picture of an ox drawn cart, the cart covered by a large worn dusty carpet. It is in a narrow nondescript lane of a city. The drovers are humans, dressed shabbily and of an appearance that would suggest a thuggish nature.
Jenna turns to the others.
"This yzarn blood that spilt onto me in the last battle is starting to burn me. Does any one have a cure spell or herbal treatment that will settle the pain? She holds out her arm where the wound looks angry"
Abu walks over to Jenna, smiles and says: "Those blasted demons, even when they die or are hurt, they foul our world." He takes her arm and examines it carefully. "Unfortunately I've not yet had the chance to stock up my healing kit and I am out of healing herbs, yet if we remove the acid that would be a step in the right direction." He takes out his waterskin and carefully pours some of the precious liquid over her exposed arm. Then he tears another piece of rag from his tunic and wets it, carefully scraping the acid of Jenna's arm. When she winces with pain, he apologizes and explains again that his action is necessary. Taking great care he removes as much of the acid as possible and then says, "Now we'll just ask one of our healers to finish that when they have recovered some of their spells. But you should be able to function"
Jenna looks at the bounded wound, then up at Abu. "My thanks Abu. This has stopped the stinging for now, it feels a lot better".
Thinking to herself she will keep out of the way of any more flying acid.
He turns to their leader and ask, "Pharuk, do you have any herbs left that might help?" He will take any offered and apply it to Jenna's wounds, carefully wrapping it in a makeshift bandage of more ripped tunic.
Pharuk seems distracted by the Atlas and does not respond.
'It seems that Sir Zajik is already moved...' Pharuk says. 'Tiron do you know where this cart is driving and a good place where we can start to pursue it?'
Tiron shrugs: 'It looks like any of a score of alleys in the city."
Pharuk frowns and then noting what appears to be a small dead end courtyard off the alley, Pharuk points his finger at that spot and says: "There, that will be a good spot to arrive inconspicuously."
Pharuk opens a portal: "Sorry Jenna, but we haven't time to lose!"
Abu looks at Pharuk and nods. Then he steels himself for the danger he knew they would soon face. Quietly he draws two throwing knives, one in each hand and steps up to the portal. Glancing at the magic energy crackling at the edges, he enters and feels the magic vibrating through his very being. Upon stepping out on the other side, Abu will immediately look around him, trying to identify possible danger or any lurking foes. He turns in a 360 degree circle, noting everything he sees and storing it for future reference and actions. They will no be caught flat footed in an ambush again.
Deverin cautiously steps through the portal. The experience still unnerves him though he has travelled though it several times. Appearing on the other side, Deverin also readies himself, setting his nerves to react to any situation. He readies a pair of throwing daggers and takes note of the terrain around him. He does not see the cart, but hears a clattering around a bend up ahead and surmises the cart is not far off. He notes there are edges where some buildings stick out beyond others into the alley that can be used for concealment. He spies around for possible hidden foes, and sees none.
Tiron slips through next to give some spell support if necessary.
Jenna follows Abu Zharr, Deverin and Tiron through the magical gateway into the street. Once on the other side she stands aside and waits on the others to act. Ready to follow their lead but hand hovering about her new scimitar. She quietly whispers a prayer to Lymona.
The others follow through in quick succession, Pharuk enters the portal as the last one and the portal vanishes.
When Pharuk steps through, Deverin signals to the group with his hands that the wagon is ahead a short distance. This is underscored by the clip clop of hooves and click clack of wagon wheels still audible to the entire group.
Ganthanor moves a quietly as he can... knowing how unlikely it is for him to more silently in chainmail, even magical starstone chain. As he moves away towards the apparent direction of the cart, he'll scan the area and keep vigil for the party.
Ganthanor nods at Pharuk and prepares to move.
Kasim moves out with the others, and tries to move a bit to one side of the fighters. He chambers a Magic Missile, preparing for fire support.
Deverin sees the group starting to spread out and head for the wagon. "I think some caution is in order, I don't think it's a coincidence that someone has taken the statue just as we are seeking it, so we don't know who we might be dealing with." Deverin looks at the buildings ahead and says. Let me go around the bend and check out the situation.
Moving forward he goes around the bend and sees the wagon slowly proceeding down the alley. He signals the group to come up behind him and then says: "I'll go around the buildings and get ahead of the cart as it goes around the next bend." Then grunts when he realizes there are no side alleys on this stretch of road to allow such a maneuver.
"What if I could charm the driver of the cart?" Pharuk whispers to Deverin. "Cover me while I try it."
Pharuk approaches the cart from the left as he begins his casting, releasing the final magic on the chief drover.
Vonak will move off at an angle to the left of the cart track, looking for possible enemies and being ready to support the team if they get into trouble. He motions for the lizard man to do the same to the right, as the two of them could possibly upset the animals pulling the cart if they are seen or smelled.
Skooter moves quickly ahead of the lizard man, intent on catching the wagon in his normal stealthy manner, hoping his small form will be unnoticed in the shadows...
Smiling (showing razor sharp teeth), Alishaaz nods swiftly and moves stealthily to the right, mirroring Vonak's position as closely as possible.
Both of them attract stares from pedestrian passerby's, Haz being seen infrequently by the citizens of Flage, and minotaurs not at all. Vonak is probably taken as some new Triad servitor. Given that this is a Kiresh Knights area, the presence of a suspected Triad servitor will undoubtedly raise an alarm should the party linger long.
The female transmuter sends her falcon towards the wagon wishing he would come back with some good news. Joining her hands between her breast, thumbs touching her soft skin and fingers pointing up she whispers silently to gain the ability of detecting evil. "Let me lead you..." says the invisible mage "... as best as I can." and starts advancing towards the cart. When she is close enough, she will cast sleep if necessary on the ox to stop the cart and inform his friends if there is any evil lurking around.
"Excuse me sir, I wonder if you won't mind pulling your cart over to the side so we might conduct a little business."
The drover turns toward Pharuk snarling " Buzz off bud...well now that you mention it, I think I might be interested in that, the cart moves slowly to the side of the alley and the ox stops.
The man next to the chief drover exclaims: "Hey Satabus what are you doing! We have a schedule to keep."
Satabus replies: "Now wait a minute Phocas, I just want to hear what the man has to say, I think this deal could prove very profitable."
Deverin stands beside Pharuk as he bargains with the wagon riders. A spark of electricity coarse through him as negotiations begin...his one love besides the fluid rhythm of dancing is...the art of the deal. Deverin stands ready to jump in to assist Pharuk with his silver tongue in the case things start to turn sour with the second, uncharmed man.
Abu has walked up to the cart and smiles as he notice Pharuk's magic taking effect. "Well, this might prove easy after all. No demons this time... Hopefully.~ He sees his companions spreading out and realizes that every one is keyed up and ready for action. ~We were getting complacent. The lesson has been taken to heart. Powerful as we are, we can still be surprised if our guard is let down. Not too an expensive lesson though~ He positions himself at the rear of the cart. Quickly he hoists himself up to have a look at its cargo. He wants to make sure there are no more 'surprises' hiding in the back of the cart. He sees the statue of an aging knight formed of a rather ugly looking granite. It is buttressed by straw. A buxom but homely lass of perhaps fifteen summers is curled up in the back with the statue, sleeping soundly.
"I have gold to offer......" Pharuk begins. "Am I right that you are carrying a stone statue?"
Satabus nods: "Yeah the ugliest statue you ever did see, why somebody wants it, I couldn't say, but we were hired to pick up the item and then deliver it to the Palace of the Paragons."
Pharuk pulls out his pocket with his gold coins. "What about this?" he asks innocently, "50 gold coins for each of you in exchange of the stone statue?'
Phocas laughs bitterly: "We are being paid more than that by our original employers."
Pharuk smiles: "Of course, I misspoke, I meant 100 pieces of gold for each of you. Clearly that is worth whatever inconveniences may arise from my purchase, but I simply have to have the statue, it is of an ancestor, and my ailing mother would gain a new lease on life if she knew it was back in the family.."
Phocas' eyes narrow: "I didn't think the Zharzhanjah were one for carting statuary around with them."
Pharuk shrugs: "We don't carry it with us, it would be placed as a guardian of one of our sacred wells."
Phocas still seems unmoved. "And what do we say to the dark robed mages when they ask us what became of the statue they requested, that is before they pull out our entrails with burning hot tongues."
" Could you not inform them that the statue was not there any more?" Pharuk suggests jingling with some gold coins.
Satabus says: "Hey, that might work!"
Phocas seems reluctant: "Might is a dangerous word when the Triad is involved."
"Would they find it more believable, that you were robbed?' Pharuk adds. '120 gold coins each should provide you some ideas..."
"and enough for you to purchase a small magical charm in the Souk that will make your lies undetectable to any peremptory scan. After all it is a statue, and the Triad is very busy these days with much more important matters. The people who robbed you were dressed all in black, but you could tell that they were sand-elves by the manner of their speech and the smell of churil spice." adds Deverin fast talking.
Khalid plays some settling music to ease the negotiations
Kersh creeps up closer to the bargaining going on between Pharuk and driver. He wonders how long agents of the Triad will let this bargaining go. Kersh suspiciously eyes any strangers in the area, one's that are watching the bargaining with interest and would be a good target for a Flame Strike spell.
Kendric stands guard at the rear watching for ambush from behind, along with Al-Ariq.
Syrinen also moves closer to the cart and watches the buildings around for any sign of another ambush, paying particular attention to the behavior of any birds or animals that might be in the area, while also looking to see if conditions are right to begin a call lightning spell.
The two drovers agree to the bargain. They haggle a bit, and the price is settled on 135 gold coins for each of the two men.
Ganthanor watches the bartering with mild interest but his attention is spent on his surroundings. He waits patiently for the exchange to end.
Pharuk casts item on the statue to shrink it down to a manageable 6 inches, and the party slinks off back to the place where they first came in and Pharuk opens another portal, delivering the statue to the magical chamber.
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