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Chapter 3: Beyond the Portal

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Chapter 3: Beyond the Portal Kazragun - OOC Additional background info Battle for Kazragun Chapter 2: South Wind Kazragun - Characters
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Wren nods slowly. "While I do like the idea of wiping out the undead out there, I think that it would be a bit dangerous to try and pull off. Lets sidestep the fight."
 
Once the decision is made, you all begin to move forward - at first, you follow the noises of war, then you wish to turn to the right without drawing the combatants' attention. Everyone, can you give me a stealth- and a perception check as you cross the last few steps where one could possibly see you from the cave to your left?
 
Perception check is +8, total 12; Stealth check is +0, total also 12. Next time Veskassdak should take 10 for his perception check. Maybe.
 
Rolls for Wren
Hit Points: 32
Melee Strike: +4 (+8 with lightweight weapons)
Ranged Strike: +8
Initiative: +6

Armor Class: 20 +1 vs Trap Attacks
Fort Save: +3
Reflex Save: +9 +1 vs Traps
Will Save: +3
Perception: +13 (+15 to Locate Traps)
Stealth: +12
 
Rolls for Renna.

Once more, the clueless Paladin blows both her rolls. :-_-lines:
Hit Points: 34 /
Lay on Hands: x8
Smite Evil: x2

Armor Class: 20 - Armor of Light Fortification
Melee Strike: +7
CMD 17
Fort Save: +9
Reflex Save: +6
 
Moving forward, most of you manage to sneak by without further incidences - the noise of the fighting drowns most of the sounds you cause. The paladin might be one exception, though she wouldn't notice a reaction at this point, solely focused un the path ahead; but since Wren is the one following behind her, there's nothing to spot or hear for anyone who might find the time to look after the sounds of a tin on the run. And really from what you see and hear, both sides are too engaged right now to really give a damn. For now, it seems like the hellhounds gain the upper hand, though one of them was killed already as well - those with higher perception rolls will also spot the flying creature. Harpy is likely the best way to describe her, and her colorful plumage feels completely out of place.

You follow the right path for a very short while, until you find the most obvious sign that you have reached someone's territory - a line on the floor, drawn through stones and soil by what might have been a relatively tiny, clawed paw. Baird, thanks to his knowledge of the arcane, will notice that there is a spell woven around it, perhaps to alert the inhabitants about possible intruders. All of you will also see a collection of various unusual objects, spread across the floor on the other side of the line: A rusty sextant, some giant pearl, a withered twig of an apple tree, and plenty more. Needless to say, none of those things belong here. Wren, thanks to her well-trained senses, will also be able to spot the least threatening creature you've seeen in a while: A domestic cat by the looks of it, well-hidden due to the pitch-black fur. Curled up on a pile of goods, the head seems to be pointing right in your direction, though the eyes are closed for now. Other than your loun stones, there is no source of light.
 
While you're still standing there, mustering those things in sight, a faint voice interrupts the silence - barely more than a distant whisper, too quiet to make out individual words. And yet, there is a melody within it, strangely comfoting, welcoming. Vivid, and strangely unfamiliar - however, when it becomes slightly louder, you all hear words in your respective mother tongue.

"One comes to find those who betrayed. One comes to find those who will betray. One comes to end what has begun. One comes to begin what has already ended. And one led them here because fate is something even seers cannot avoid at all times." With that, you notice a sudden movement - the cat, now clearly visible in your loun stone's light, has jumped off its resting spot for now, slowly moving towards you. Its eyes, now open, have the color of ambers, and seem to sparkle with every step. Its jaws move, and additional words can be heard, slightly more specific this time around.

"Tell me, what led you into this cave, despite demons and undead demanding your attention? Are there riddles to solve, stories to share, or findings to be exchanged for others? This cave is filled with answered questions - and few come by these days."
 
Cautiously, Baird steps forward upon hearing the cat's request. "We have heard about this struggle for leadership from an outside source and we are here to see if we can find the best way to resolve it."
Silanon Silanon
 
The first response is a purr that almost sounds like laughter - then, words follow as the eyes muster the sorcerer from a safe distance. "All those years, the drow have only ever asked how to take advantage of the war - and as a tradesperson, all I ever told them was that chaos will benefit noone in the long run. And now, where things escalate just as we speak, you are the forth one to ask a similar question within weeks - it seems like those who lose their ground would rather have peace instead."

Before she can continue further, Tails interrupts - his tongue forms unfamiliar words, though the intonation implies that he asked a question. The response is, once more, understandable for everyone. "The first one was indeed Zidohil, before he left these realms. I told him that he has had his chance, and that others would come to get theirs." Another interruption by Tails, though this time, the cat only answers to him; by the looks of it, the response does not please him. "The other two: one of the Archon's scouts who saw that things were getting worse. And one like you" - one paw leaves the ground to point at Veskassdak - "just a few hours ago, after finding a hellhound where it didn't belong."

This time, Tails responds in common. "We found a dead one, near Zidohil's hideout."

"He said he wounded it, but did not finish it off. It might have been the same beast, then." The cat turns back towards Baird. "As for your question: As always, there is an easy way out, relatively speaking. Find the Orb of Silence, hand it over to someone powerful enough to use it to rule - if Tails is with you, you have heard about it." The cat pushes the sextant to one side as it moves just a little bit closer. "Sometimes, however, the easy way out is not the best one. A reign based on strength can always be challenged, especially here, where most laws are futile. Allow someone to rule for another reason, and he or she might set an example of a different way to lead."
 
Renna looks quizically at Tails, wondering about what is being said between the two in the other language, but doesn't bring it up. "Rule should be based on more than just the power of the ruler; it should be a joint venture between the ruler and the masses that will be led. Let me ask this: Who would you think to be the best suited to take the reins of power in this realm and why?"
 
"Completely neglecting the past for a moment, the simple answer would be Zidohil. But neither would he want that power, nor would others follow him if he tried." You can hear regret within Tails' words. "Certainly none of the so-called leaders right now - I doubt you would wish to support either a necromancer or a summoner of demons, and the beast might be worse than both of them. All three only see the opportunities of near-endless powers, not the responsibilities that come with it. The Archon - perhaps, though my gut says that he only seems moderate as long as true power is not within reach."

The cat agrees: "Indeed - give him power, and he will show his true face to the world. That does not mean that all of his servants are equally corrupted, however. In fact, it takes some idealism to follow him instead of joining with those who do possess true strength. And some respect for an old position that quite a few drow still share, even though it's recent bearers have done very little to impress." Licking her paw interrupts her words, though only for a moment. "When their leaders happen to fall, some drow will eye the archon as their next best option. If it so happened that your candidate were the archon at that point - they'd have an opportunity to prove themselves."

Tails nods. "And any other candidate would have to compete with the archon, and that would make things even harder from there. So that would leave us with just those who could claim the archon's title - Lyvinne leads his personal guard, and Veveryl tends to take care of most organisational tasks. Both take pride in fulfilling their duties, and might be options, at least."

"The same holds for Izz", the cat chimes in, "as the one who guards the cathedral of spiders. None of the three are without flaws, but drows are rarely born as leaders like you would know them from the surface, and those three might get there, given enough time. Unless you wish to aid the archon himself, or any the others, those three might be your best bet. Veveryl knows how to make arrangements. Lyvinne knows to protect the lives of those who are loyal. Izz regards the spellbreaker's deeds highly, and might try to follow in the steps of the drow's last decent leader."

"I don't know Izz too well, personally, she blames Zidohil for most of what happened. Lyvinne holds a grudge against most who opposed her. And Veveryl listens to every proposal, and rarely rules out condemnable options." Tails seems certainly not too happy about the options.
 
Wren sighs. "So, our options are, we either put some petty dictator in charge of the tunnels, replace a petty dictator with one of their loyal followers and hope that they won't become another petty dictator, or fail in or efforts to bring peace. Urgh. Not a wonderful set of choices, but beggars can't be choosy. It sounds like we will have to get in touch with Veveryl and Lyvinne to see which one we can work with." She sends a glance over at Renna, knowing that the paladin will be the biggest sticking point to them dealing with one of the tunnel dwellers.

"Any ideas on how we can get in touch with them without having to fight our way through hordes of demons, skeletons or drow warriors?"
 
Tails nods as he hears the rogue's summary. "Given that all sides seem to be on the move, fewer tunnels will truly be safe. Assuming that the Archon will show some presence, I would expect Lyvinne to gather his forces in the lower parts of the territory. The Sevencross, perhaps, not too far from here. We'd want to meet her before they move out, however, or she will be occupied with her duties."

"Likewise, Veveryl resides nearby - traders tend to stay close to each other." There is some pride in the cat's voice as she mentions her own 'occupation'. "A bit isolated to be available for certain propositions; given the circumstances, he is likely to retreat to safer areas sooner rather than later, however. It might be difficult to catch them both before they are out of reach. Izz, on the other hand, is always close to the cathedral, and will have even less intent to leave right now. So finding her, if needed at all, should be last on the list for now."
 
"Agreed," Baird begins. "it is my assumption that we should move to gain an audience with Lyvinne sooner rather than later, move to speak to Veveryl, and leave Izz for last as they are guarding the spider cathedral first and I do not believe we want to go there anytime soon if we can afford it.
 
Renna nods too. "At least we now have a plan of action, instead of just fumbling around in the dark. We should head out as soon as we can."
 
"So be it, then. This cave needs my presence, or much will be lost, so I will not accompany you on your journey - but I will certainly hear about your doings." Slowly, the cat Noir turns away from you, only to look back across her slim shoulders. "Before you leave, however, take a look around. Most travellers carry items they wish to leave behind, and you might want to pick up something more helpful instead." Looking around, you see a number of items that come from all parts of the world - some were described earlier, many were likely recovered from the battlefields within the dark tunnels. There are no duplicates, and few common items - the focus of her collection are certainly rare objects that triggered her curiosity.
 
Upon hearing the plan of action, Veskassdak assented with a curt nod and began looking at the items. Since his first encounter with his Ioun Torch, he became fascinated with the flying stones. He spotted something that looked interesting among the items laying around, a small clear spindle. He picked it up and tossed it in a similar manner to his Ioun Torch. It too began to fly around his head and he felt his thirst and hunger abate.

"Thisss ssstone make hungry not," he stated. "Thirsssty not too. Anyone want? Would like me keep, but will give if othersss want."

While he waited for the others to respond, he noticed a spongy, mottled brown vest that looked to be composed of woven strips of preserved fungus among the other items. He knew about this thing and preferred it to anything else around. It was a Mushroom Vest and it helps protect the wearer from impact trauma caused by falling.

"Like thisss more and prefer have inssstead of flying ssstone. This Mussshroom Vessst. It valued by my people. Anyone object?"

With that he finished his looking around. He felt his claws and teeth were much better weapons than any weapon that could be had here. Also he finally figured out the ancient fighting style of tail whip. He knew that he could use his tail for combat as well as balance. He couldn't wait to display his prowess to the others.
 
The cat musters the lizardman's exploration with interest. "Both of these might prove quite useful on your path - and neither of them is needed here. I would, however, be a benefactor, not a merchant, if I would simply give them away for free. For every piece you take, leave something else behind, so that someone else may pick it eventually. Besides, every piece is a riddle on its own, and few things are as fascinating as an unanswered question."
 
Veskassdak nodded understandingly at the cat's words. He rummaged through his haversack and pulled out a cure light wounds potion and an enlarge person potion to leave for both items.
"Thessse have value me ssso leave for value of what take I," he commented. "Good to sssatisssfy?"
 
The feline trader crosses the gap between the lizardman and herself with a single, graceful pounce, and cocks her head as she eyes what he is offering. "I know these" - one paw points at the healing potion - "and they are as common here as one might expect. Warriors need them, traders do not; and if you succeed, noone will trade it with me. No, you better keep that one for your friends." The Enlarge potion, however, seems to be of interest to her. "That one - I don't know it yet, noone ever seems to make those. Leave it here, take the vest for it - after one use, you'd much rather have the vest than an empty flask."

Another pounce, and one paw catches the swirling stone midflight, pulling it back down to the ground. As hunger and thirst return within moments, amber eyes muster Veskassdak. "That leaves the stone. Perhaps, there is something else you have to offer? If not, I would trade it for a small favor, to be honored at some point in the future. One that would both benefit me and your kin, just like most good deals help out both sides."


Meanwhile, Baird uses the available time - attempting to get a better understanding of some of the things he found along the way, he quickly learns that this place seemingly enhances his abilities to do so. Or, perhaps, that's just an illusion, he couldn't know for certain. Either way, he spots some small details that escaped his attention thus far, almost as if some of the objects tried to show off their secrets.

First off, the crossbow - as mentioned before, it was built to do harm. But as Baird looks closer, he notices the specifics of the spell, solely pointed at one kind of foe: Those who were summoned to do evil, or, in other terms, demons. This crossbow will pierce through their hide more readily, and thus allow to purge them with ease. Then, there's the robe: You are certain that it provides additional protection against spells, but there is something else woven into its fabrics. If you're not mistaken, it's a spell similar to a key - in that it will alow you to step through something that would otherwise be locked. Right now, you obviously don't know what kind of door or place that might be, but you'll recognize it once you are there.

Lastly: The scroll. You are about to delve into its mysteries when a white-furred paw grabs your wrist. "Stop right there, friend." Tails' voice interrupts your thoughts. "As long as you follow the path you are on, you will never, ever, need the words written there - you might as well join bag-of-bones' ranks at that point. Noir will know its value, take a look around - find something you like, and never look back."

That leaves one with a choice, and the others with a chance to pick up something they'd like. Let me know what you'd fancy.

Crossbow: Ignore up to 5 dr of demonic outsiders.
Robe: +2 bonus for saves vs magic.
Scroll: lvl 4 evil necromancy spell - worth 800g.
 
Baird nods at Talis' words "Thank you for looking out for me" before heading over to Noir with the intent to trade this scroll along with one of his others. Looking around he notices the feline trader's stock and in particular notices a familiar set of arm guards (Bracers of Armor +1). Turning to the trader Baird clears his throat. "I would be lying if I said I was not interested in these arm guards.
Silanon Silanon
 
Renna looks wistfully at the pile of goods, then shakes her head. "As much as I would like to make a trade, I have little with which I can part that I think would be of value to you. I will have to trust in my gear as it is, along with my faith in my Goddess. Thank you for the offer, though." She turns to Wren, "Do you have any goods with which you could trade? Might be something of interest to you in there."
 
"From what I have heard, faith alone can be like an impenetrable armor. So in that regard, few things here compare with what you already have." Noir turns around towards the sorcerer, barely glancing over the bracers before accepting a deal without too much thought. "Those? Quite a bit of magic on them, worth the effort to clean and restore them. Now, however, they are useless and boring, so I'd happily trade them away. Be warned, they both belong together, and one alone will do very little. That also means that it would not be fair to ask to trade them away separately - both for the scroll that the fox just read, he certainly caught my interest there."
 
"Very well," Baird nods in agreement with Noir as he places the necromancy scroll in place of the arm guards. He then swaps the scroll for the arm guards and places them on his arms feeling a little bit more protected as a result. "If I may ask Noir, how often do outsiders like us come around? Or rather, when was the last time a group such as us entered into this domain?"
Silanon Silanon
 
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