Faelar
Using his bardic training, Faelar attempts to cure some of Karethas' wounds.
CLW on Karethas:
CLW on Karethas:
CLW on Karethas:
There is 28 hp, not sure what Karethas was down to.
-----
Faeler Spells Cast:
2nd level - 1
1st level - 3
"Amir, there appears that there is something magical up atop that wall. Would you like to check it out?"
The wall is quite hazardous with shards of incredibly sharp obsidian dotting its length and Amir has second thoughts so Karethas sends an air elemental instead. There are some croaks and other strange sounds above and two much smaller black winged shapes dive into the ruins before the angry bow can kill-inate them.
Some moments later a shower of silver and gold coins along with an amethyst and turquoise gems fall down followed by a silver scroll tube and a wand of stout mountain oak bearing deep scratches. Karethas identifies the scroll inside the tube as obscuring mist and the wand as a wand of bear's endurance.
After storing the loot, the adventurers make their way out of the black walls of the compound and onto the barren chalky slope of the mountain. A black stone road consisting of what look to be vertical hexagonal posts forming a gently sloping ramp leads down the mountainside nearby. There are no signs of gnolls or any other guards so you cautiously continue.
It is after nightfall when you reach the foot of the road near the cave entrance where you entered the mountain. You are happy to find your mounts are unharmed though hungry and nervous. Leading them from the cave, you make your way into the forest under a moonless sky with some help from Faelar's dancing lights. The bow continues to twitch nervously in the bard's hand, but no div or other hazard is encountered and you sleep well inside Karethas' hidden magical shelter.
The return trip to Kelmarane is uneventful and several days later, you look down upon the town from atop the bluff near Twin Falls.
. . . and the bag of holding is beginning to be quite ripe. Perhaps it is time to buy Kzriracorpse some perfume.
Away from the falls, a warm breeze rises up the cliff along with a faint stench from Amir's portable body bag.
It is Hadar and Hadra that first spot the returning heroes. With the increasing development of the upper town, they have moved the herds to the riverside outside town. Hadar gives a welcoming cry and even little Rombard leaps up and down kicking his hooves high at your approach.
Hadar stays to watch the herd while Hadra leads the quickly growing procession through the lower town and up the road to the Market and Palace. Her ululations merge with that of several other town's women as you approach the palace.
The guards run to notify Almah as you enter the main hall. Garavel arrives quickly while the princess prepares to receive you. The tall majordomo doesn't look happy to see you, but you recall that thanks to the Pactmasters' favor, he really can't feel any emotions.
"Welcome," he speaks loudly yet coolly, "we are glad to see that you have returned. Can we assume your expedition was a success?"
Kzrira shakes her head that it was less successful than she had hoped. Unfortunately the lack of workable muscles, and that she is stuffed in a sack, make it difficult to see what she is saying.
Success and failure mixed sadly. Kzrira has fallen and we race time to see if we can bring her back from an appointment with the Lady of Graves.
Garavel's voice remains flat, "I am sorry to hear that. I hoped she was merely running an errand. If you have not visited Imam Zayifid you should do so now. The princess may be a while. We shall gather in the Tower Market to hear your story."
Faelar smiles, "I would be happy to tell the tale though I'd like first to see Qilue. I am certain she has been worried." He hands the bow to Karethas. "Maybe you should watch this. To be honest, it gives me nightmares. I think it is haunted, " he whispers.
When the bow is handed to Karethas, he hears a voice, vaguely feminine:
I am not haunted, foolish superstitious bard.
Karethas looks at the bow a little askew when Faelar presents it to him but takes it. When he hears the voice he sighs deeply, "Well at least we know you aren't crazy Faelar. I hear the voice too." He shakes his head slightly, "I don't know if this will effect our ability to get her back, but we should get to the Iman and see what can be done."
Amir frowns at the revelation but nods as Karethas mentions Zayifid. Yes let us see what wisdom he may have on the matter.
You leave the palace and quickly make your way to the nearby Temple of Abadar. The condition of the structure is much improved from when you first saw it. The late afternoon sun glints off the burnished golden domes and the Master of the First Vault statue that has replaced the statue of Sarenrae.
Beyond the heavy steel doors you enter the courtyard where once the bleached bones of dead priests and Pactmaster guards lie. They are all gone now and the damage repaired and marble floor polished to reflect blue sky through the scaffolding of the dome being rebuilt overhead.
Zayifid is quickly summoned by the workmen who are completing the restoration. The charismatic priest greets you warmly. "Amir! Praise Abadar that you live! I assume that the Carrion King does not? Once again your group has been invaluable to the security of Kelmarane. We cannot thank you enough."
"And Karethas looks well. How are your other companions? I assume Princess Amlah will once again be calling for celebration."
"And Karethas looks well. How are your other companions?"
A voice from in a very stinky bag of holding calls out:
Not well. Not well at all. I have a splitting headache.
Karethas looks up at the statue of Abadar somewhat ruefully. He bows his head to Zayfid, "May the Dawnflower bless the good works that Abadar is completing here." Otherwise, he allows Amir to take the lead.
Faelar is in good enough spirits, choosing to go home to see his bride. Meanwhile we come because our journey proved perilous and we have lost Kzrira to the Carrion King. Her death bought us the precious seconds we needed to strike the beast down but... Amir pauses and frowns then waves his hands as though to strike away some clinging notion.
We have her body, intact as it can be. We were hopeful that you might have either to resources in aiding in her return or helping us get enough time to take her somewhere that might petition the beyond on our behafl to return her to us. She was too young and we have some wealth...
The older man offers a heaving sigh as though finally unburdening a great load. I have come to think of her as family. If I have a way to spare her a permanent end I need to seek it out.
You think that you can feel some out of body appreciation coming from the deceased archer at Amir's kind words. Or, perhaps Amir accidentally let the top of the bag of holding fall open and it is simply the stench of rotted flesh.
The priest notices the conjurer's rueful look, "Ah, fear not Karethas, the statue of Sarenrae is safely stored in the vaults below for now. It is my hope that someday Sarenrae will be represented in Kelmarane and the statue may be a welcoming gift. Unfortunately, the Pactmasters will not allow it for now given the unpleasant circumstances that led to the fall of the town."
"I certainly do not feel any rivalry and would see a mosque established here as an ally against the gnolls and other threats in the wilderness surrounding us. If you would feel more comfortable with the statue displayed in the monastery, I would be happy to see it done."
He is overtly saddened by Amir's news and shakes his head in sorrow, "A mighty warrior and noble sacrifice. Sadly, I am not blessed with the power to restore the dead. Such ability is granted only to the most powerful priests."
"You should travel to the capitol and petition at the Immaculate Vault. I will send an envoy and a personal letter of recommendation. I can preserve the body to prevent any further degradation. I hope it has not been too many days or she might be beyond even Master Abdul-Abadar's abilities."
Amir gestures to Karethas' bag We kept her body in a magical space, hoping that might help. Is there a place for us to retrieve here where you might look to see what her chances are?
Zayifid leads you to a side chamber with a raised bench that will serve for a mortuary. Getting Kzrira out of the bag is a rather gruesome and difficult task; her body is bloated and stiff with rigor mortis. The stench is pretty awful as well.
The priest wraps a scarf over his lower face and studies the stiff darkened corpse carefully. Finally, he nods, "It is close, but body has not ruptured and the putrefaction is not yet complete. It is fortunate that she was held in the dry cool environment of the bag. I have the spell prepared and will cast it immediately. It will halt any further decomposition for one week."
So saying, he sprinkles salt over the body and offers prayers to Abadar. A copper piece is placed over each of the sunken eyes. The body is not repaired, but the stink disappears.
It is not long after that one of the workmen knocks cautiously to tell you that Almah has summoned the heroes to the Tower Market to tell of the slaying of the Carrion King.
Newly repaired, Kzrira is ready to let the "princess" have a piece of her mind. Unfortunately, with a mouth full of salt and that particular piece of her mind missing, the archer remains quiet.
Amir offers Zayfid a deep bow, I am ever grateful for your service Zayfid. Timing being what it is we must depart with haste both for the princess then to see on returning our companion to a living state but on my return I look forward to treating with you in a less formal setting. Amir will offer the cleric his hand
Once loading the body back into the haversack Amir will gesture to Karethas, Let us pray the princess summoned Faelar. I have no interest in wowing her with what would surely be a boring rendition of our efforts...
Zayifid grasps Amir’s hand between his, ”Certainly, my friend.”
A crowd has quickly gathered around the tall domed Tower Market pushing through the main double doors to hear of the Carrion King’s defeat. You cannot help noticing that though the community has swollen with workers, there are still many rough looking figures more likely to be smugglers, pesh dealers and possibly even bandits. There is a noticeable population of half-orcs in the form of imported mamluks from Okeno that guard the upper town. They are all identically armed in breastplate and hooked halberds and well disciplined.
Inside, the wide corridor ends in a big round room some 100 feet in diameter centered on a sunken 25’diameter stage. Two rows of benches step down to the stage. Light streams down from the clerestory windows just below the dome over two stories above. Open shops line the western hemi-circle, the SW quarter is close and a bar fills the NW quarter. About twenty feet above is a balcony with a throne.
Among the jostling crowd, you spot Faelar at the edge of the stage speaking with his halfling bride standing on the bench. The tall elf looks somewhat awkward as he bends down to kiss Qilue and then glance about for his companions. By the time Amir and Karethas reach him, Princess Almah has appeared on the balcony with Garavel at her side as always.
Princess Almah stands before the throne dressed in a deep blue gown embroidered in thread of gold and glittering with sequins and small bits of pounded gold. Garavel wears his usual understated white robes and kaftan. The princess raises her arms to silence the crowds and addresses all within.
”Welcome, welcome all my loyal people and welcome most of all Heroes of Kelmarane!” There is a deafening roar from the crowd filling the ground floor. Some of the nearby men pound the old rogue and young wizard on the back. Faelar has already stepped clear and onto the stage.
Once the tumult dies down, Almah continues, ”It is hard to believe that it has not even been a year since our heroes first appeared and liberated our town from the foul grasp of the Carrion King and his twisted Janni servant. Since then we have grown to over four hundred souls. The Temple of Abadar is almost restored and business has thrived. But, there has been a shadow looming over all our successes. The Carrion King and his feral gnolls lurked in the mountains to the west. Every night we heard the savage howl and wondered when we might face the bloodthirsty hordes!”
”Our brave heroes confronted this threat head on and they have succeeded!” The crowd roars to life once again. A few bottles are broken as toasts are proposed and glass and ceramic smashed together or just thrown to the ground.
There is a long pause to give the crowd time to settle. Almah raises her pale arms once again to silence the cheers. ”Our joy is only tempered by the loss of one of the companions. Kzrira the Gnoll Slayer sacrificed herself bravely for all our sakes. May the Gods mercifully restore her to us. And now to tell the tale, our very own Master Naghali, Faelar Braegan!”
It is clear to the old-timers that the spoiled young princess they first met has continued to mature into a strong leader. The absence of the perverse div, Undra, has likely aided in the change.
All attention turns to the tall young elf on the stage. Faelar begins by bowing gracefully to the balcony and then turning in a circle to take in the audience around him. With a smile he begins, ”Good friends, fellow citizens of Katapesh! The Carrion King is dead. That is easily said, but it was not so easily accomplished…”
He tells of the journey to Pale Mountain: the roc, the blinding of Kzrira and encounter with the weird gnome slave. By the time he tells of finally reaching the mountain, the lamplighters are making their rounds as the day's last light quickly fades from inside the Tower Market. Faelar pauses at the distraction as the lamplighters have to shove their way through the crowds to reach the lamps around the foot of the stage.
Once all the nightly preparations have been finished, he begins again, ”The gnolls had all gathered atop the peak of Pale Mountain at the dreaded House of the Beast where the Carrion King lairs, but the gnome called Little Bug pointed out that a cave into the mountain had been left unguarded. We soon discovered that it was unguarded only because the young and old gnolls left behind had all been slain by ancient stinking reptile-men from the deepest depths of the EARTH!”
The dim light suits his description next of the battle with the troglodytes and ascent up the volcano to the lower levels of the House of the Beast. He tells of the giant gnoll mutants, strange alchemist that created them and finally the climactic battle with the Carrion King. There is a collective gasp as Kzrira is cloven by the great axe with Amir unconscious and near death as well. Then there is a collective sigh as the gravely wounded gnoll warlord finally succumbs to a blow from behind dealt by a conjured rocky elemental.
”There is more to tell:,” Faelar teases, ”Undra’s return, the god of the carrion pit, the wonder-filled oasis in the heart of the mountain, the haunted tombs of the beast-worshippers and the recovery of a long lost artifact from Nex himself that I look forward to studying- the Scroll of Kak-“
Karethas enjoys hearing the story much more than the events themselves, but as the elf begins to talk of the scroll he wildly waves his hands at Faelar.
Varkata keeps back, somewhat surprised by the skill of the storyteller. He's somewhat less boastful than I would have expected... especially after the rather.... dramatic... introduction.... Still, at every mention of gnolls, her expression darkens somewhat, until the discussion of the final battle against the mutants and the Carrion King, when her expression turns more toward grim satisfaction. While I killed the ones that raided Grunyar, they seem to have finished off the task that I'd set for myself... She's shocked out of her thoughts by the bard's sudden stop in mid-sentence, Well now.... It would seem that they're not telling us everything.... and, I'm thinking that their story isn't quite over yet, either.... That has some possibilities...
She stands back, watching carefully as the bard attempts to reclaim the suddenly severed threads of his tale.
As the story begins to travel in the direction of things which should not be discussed, the bow which is now slung over Karethas' shoulder suddenly begins to frost over and the mage hears a frosty voice.
Give bard story. Freeze wrong story.
|
As Nasir wanders about the bazaar examining the vendor's wares, a welcome respite from rebuilding the old monastery, he stops to listen to the speech from Lady Almah and despite a twinge of jealousy that he wasn't there when the threat of the Carrion King was dealt with, rejoices with the rest of the crowd.
Listening to the elven Bard recount the exploits of himself and his companions Nasir can't help but notice the pause in his speech when he mentions this mysterious scroll of Nex. "Methinks he is having second thoughts about mentioning that scroll. I wonder what it is?"
”There is more to tell:,” Faelar teases, ”Undra’s return, the god of the carrion pit, the wonder-filled oasis in the heart of the mountain, the haunted tombs of the beast-worshippers and the recovery of a long lost artifact from Nex himself that I look forward to studying- the Scroll of Kak-“
Faelar stops a moment to acknowledge Karethas' frantic waving. "Oh, I think Karethas wants to show it to us. How exciting. Karethas will now present the lost scroll of KAK-!"
Karethas reacts quickly when Faelar does not notice him. He casts Ghost Sounds and from the crowd the sound of applause quickly rises, drowning out the bard's professionally trained voice. Karethas quickly climbs onto the stage smiling widely and vigorously clappin, hoping the crowd joins him. Once sure that the bard has stopped speaking, he lowers the sound of applause. He claps Faelar on the back and speaks to the crowd, "Oh Faelar! These good folk do not want to hear about your studies of obscure volumes. Well, maybe the a quick reading from that book of erotic literature we found with the Carion King's harem might please them. Although, only with Sayeda's permission."
This time, Faelar is drowned out by a phantom cheer which is joined by a somewhat confused few crowd members and quickly grows into unanimous applause.
The princess comes to Karethas' rescue, "I think not tonight, Karethas. Faelar, let us save something for tomorrow night. Your tale has left me quite exhausted. Thank you. I declare the next four days a celebration of our heroes' triumph over the Carrion King. Faelar will entertain us with his wonderful tales each night and there will be food and drink for all!"
This announcement is met with thunderous applause and a cheer that nearly deafens you as it echoes through the domed hall. As the crowd presses toward the bar, the princess surreptitiously waves the surviving heroes up to the balcony.
Amir, Karethas and Faelar slip up the stairs to the princess' audience chamber. Where once gnolls lurked at the top of the narrow stairs, half-orc mamluks, warrior slaves specially bred on the slaver stronghold of Okeno, now stand silently at attention.
Garavel greets you and leads you to the nicely appointed room where the princess awaits. She warmly greets you and congratulates you on your success. After a suitable time, the conversation turns to Faelar's final reveal.
"It was perhaps not wise to mention a priceless artifact in common company. I am aware that much of Kelmarane's population still consists of bandits and outlaws though through honest trade, this will hopefully wane as more legitimate jobs become available."
"But this scroll... When I was a girl, I was told tales of mighty Nex and I remember hearing tell of a hidden paradise of wonders which he used to entertain powerful genies and demi-gods. It was called Kakishon. No one could say where it was and most thought it just a legend. This scroll, what does it say? Is it a map? May I see it?"
*******
Downstairs, Varkata and Nasir are surrounded by the throng. A short scarred man approaches Nasir, "You're one of those priests over at the monastery, right? Can you do anything for, um you know." He points at his groin. "That whorehouse down by the river got half the men in town before they closed it down."
Varkata has an encounter with another curious gent with a drink in his hand. Not his first by the look of it. "Wow, you're tall. I like big girls. Say where you from?"
The body in the bag lets out a sigh as the priests destroy several days of hard work at decomposing knowing that now it will have to start all over again.
Amir rolls his eyes and mutter to himself struggling to find solace that at lead Karethas stopped the bard when he had but otherwise sullenly following the others to treat with a woman that drove the rogue to aggravation, though he often did his best to concede that she was young, privileged, and at one time being manipulated by otherworldly forces.
Doing his best to remain polite as conversation turns to the scroll Amir finds himself actually tapping a place of earnest concern as the princess desires to look at the scroll.
Ammera, I would caution patience with the scroll. Our own Karethas, whose considerable skill grows by the day, noted the scroll was couched with items of considerable power. I would not want to risk harm to your person with an artifact we do not fully understand. Might we please seek more information before presenting it you? The city could ill afford you coming to injury at this critical time in its new birth.
Varkata fights off the instinct that comes from years as a bouncer dealing with drunken louts, This isn't your place and he hasn't done anything, yet. Besides, as Grunyar liked to say, 'Not everyone is fully prepared for worshipping the Drunken Hero...' She sighs and tries an almost-natural smile and says, only somewhat cooly, "A fair number of places, but the north, near the Osirian border originally."
|
|
Nasir looks down at the man in front of him, smiling "Yes, I come from the monastery." upon hearing the man's plight he frowns slightly before pulling his holy symbol from his robes, calling upon the healing might of Sarenrae he places his hands on the man's temples and channels the goddesses healing power through his hands into the man's body.
Once the man is cured Nasir will say to him "I'd be more careful where you stick that in the future."
The girlish excitement fades from the young princess' face and she takes on a more mature demeanor again. "Perhaps you are right, Amir. But what do you plan to do with it? Will you sell it?"
*******
Varkata's companion smiles broadly, "The Brazen Peaks! I couldn't quite place your looks. You must be Jann, yeah? Tall, beautiful thing like you. You know what my wish is...?" The man bounces his eyebrows as he leers at the cleric.
Nasir's new friend seems deep in thought a moment and then reaches down the front of his loose pants for a closer inspection. Finally, he pulls the front of his pants out a bit for a visual inspection and breaks into a wide grin. Securing his pants, he pounds Nasir on the arm, "You did it!" he shouts excitedly and spins toward the first woman he see, a tall tattooed half-orc female.
Varkata's suitor's love talk is interrupted by an excitable short scarred man that hitches a thumb back at a handsome man as tall as Varakata if not quite the same breadth. "This guy just healed me up! I'm back in business, baby!"
Varkata sighs at the man, "I don't know what your wish is, but at this point, it's rather predictable." She then narrows her eyes and offers a cool smile, clearly exposing her small tusks before she adds with a snarl, "And, since I'm clearly of Orcish and not Genie blood, I think you should worry more about me killing you than granting your wishes, don't you?"
She looks up at the interruption and sees the robed man, A healer? Well, he must be better than this lot, in any case... She says, "Besides which, it would seem that the man I've been waiting for has arrived...", and heads over toward him.
As she arrives at Nasir she says loudly, "So glad to see you!", and reaches in for a hug, whispering, "Please play along... You're likely saving the life of that lecherous wretch, because if he keeps up, I'll have to hurt him"
I think our intention is to research it appropriately. Without knowing what it is, how would we know what it is worth. I am a merchant man and scion of Abadar after all. I won;t let such a thing pass me by without knowing what we all should get in recompense. The rogue bows gratefully at the princess apparent understanding over the situation.
Amir is content from then on to let Faelar do the talking, eager to leave when appropriate to make arrangements to get on the road.
"The working and purpose of the scroll is not immediately apparent Ameera. As Amir suggests, it would be better to let me study it in more depth, perhaps with some help from the libraries in Katapesh. I don't think we can consider selling it until we can determine if it is dangerous or has another purpose that could perhaps make it useful."
Somewhere in the back of your minds, you hear a ghostly voice:
Hang scroll on wall. Target practice.
Almah glances at Garavel, "You will be returning to Katapesh City then? Garavel mentioned that you sought to restore Kzrira. Unfortunately, we do not have much to offer in the way of powerful priests or knowledgeable scholars, Faelar excepted of course."
"I do hope that you plan to return. There is no longer the immediate threat of the Carrion King, but I rest easier knowing that there are powerful heroes near. I know you must be in a hurry, but if you can but delay two days, I will gather a suitable host to escort your caravan to the capitol."
"If I understand the nature of Zayfid's spell, he can recast it on the morning we are to leave, giving us the most time to have her restored. If the caravan can move fast enough, then yes we can wait. Otherwise, we must hurry at all speed to get to the great City of Bazaars and pray to Sarenae that we can procure her restoration in time."