Not a Cult Again
Log Info
- Title: Not a Cult Again
- DM: Telamon
- Place: Alexandria Docks
- Summary: A cult's reportedly meeting in a building by the docks of Alexandria, and the hired adventurers Jacob, Lheo, Theo, Warrick, and Zerthos answer the call. After some careful locking of the other door into the place, the group walks in and initiate combat by throwing a thunder stone into the meeting of cultists. After a tense fight that sees Theo barely standing, the group prevails victorious and rescues a... talking skull?
Alexandrian Docks, midday
The briefing at the Guild was handled by a dour, taciturn khazadi by the name of Strybjorn Weatherstone. His beard neatly combed and braided, wearing a short coat of steel mail over a tunic, the dwarf comes to the point with minimal pleasantries. "We b'lieve yet another misbegotten pack o' cultists have set up shop in Alexandria, this time in the docks district. Bloody hells, they never learn... in any case, we'd have missed them but it seems they've got a hostage or somethin'. We got reports from a couple witnesses the other day that they heard shouting, and someone yellin' about kidnappings and whatnot."
The dwarf shows his teeth in a hard grin. "So here's a fairly simple task for ye. Go in, find out if they ARE cultists, and rescue anyone bein' held prisoner. Don't sweat takin' 'em alive if they're servants of the Dark Powers. I'd rather lecture ye than have to visit ye at the Soldier's Defense -- or worse." He pulls out the appropriate documentation to sign, as well as a map of the area. "For gods' sake, be careful out there."
Lheo snorts amusement at the description of how they found out about this particular pack, but nods. "We'll do what we can." This is said with a glance at the man next to him, who might as well be his carbon copy except for wearing armor to his calf-length, dark-green robes. "Which building they are holing up in is marked, is it not?"
Theo, who is the twin in question, seems to study the map for a good long time. His armor is banded mail which clinks and jingles to every movement. A green tabard in a nice solid color lies over it with the mark of Serriel on a holy symbol about his neck. "Hope it's marked, otherwise this is going to be difficult."
A middle aged man in standard-issue scale mail shifts on his feet with a helmet under his arm. He rubs at his face, "Great, hostage situated. Thankfully, I have supplies for that if that is the case," he mentions, peering at the documents and map. In a rote manner, he signs off on it.
There's a glance over the others, it resting over the Serrielite. There's a nod of approval, then another nod of supplement, "I can figure out where it is."
Jacob was among those who had been present for the Guild briefing. "Cultists are certainly on the rise lately, each day a new group trying to cause more harm." He was dressed in shades of gray, red, and gold. His long hair came down to his shoulders, certain pieces braided. Along his arm was a long shield and in his hand was a lance. He takes a deep breath, and he slowly exhales it.
Keep the righteous anger under control.
"Acceptable terms of service." He nods. "We'll do what we can." Words said that almost chime in unison with Lheo's own. He looks at his fellow Serrielite and smiles in approval, before he turns his eyes towards the middle aged man. "Excellent. Then I'll trust your judgment."
Zerthos, better known as Zero, the Talent Extraordinaire to anyone who's been to the TarRaCe lately and has been subjected to the pianist and singer's performances, is dressed down from his usual sort of flamboyant wear as a performer. The mul'niessa man wears a dark leather jacket and a chain shirt, in addition to leather trousers and sturdy, but stylish, adventuring boots, and his long white hair is tied back in a sensible ponytail.
He stands by the two identical men and puts his hands on both of their shoulders as he approaches them, which is a little comical on account of the fact they are both a good foot taller than him. "Well darlings," he says, "even if it is, and even if it isn't, I'll do my best to make this a good time for all involved. As per my usual protocol." He offers all in the room a wide and confident smile.
Once everyone's signature has been added, the khazadi slides the map over to you, and harumphs. "Good huntin'," he growls, but his expression is approving, not dismissive. The group is ushered out, and you head off to your task.
The warehouse the map leads you to is a slightly ramshackle affair, and it's clear if this is a cult hideout, they at least picked a good spot. There's not much in the way of foot traffic and the warehouses to either side are also abandoned. The cold wind blows down the street, a chilly encouragement for any passers-by to move on quickly. Currently, though, you are alone there.
GAME: Theo rolls Perception: (15)+1: 16 GAME: Zerthos rolls Perception: (14)+9: 23 GAME: Lheo rolls perception: (12)+4: 16 GAME: Warrick rolls perception: (8)+4: 12 GAME: Jacob rolls Perception: (7)+4: 11 GAME: Warrick rolls knowledge/local: (6)+4: 10
Once he's signed the papers, Lheo quiets down for the trip over to the warehouse, letting his brother and the fop take over the talking and seeming content to listen, and watch. It's not till they arrive at the designated warehouse that he takes a look at the locks on the doors, and snorts. "Clever. We're either being set up or being helped along."
Theo is glad that they find the location that they are looking for with relative ease. Given that the other two buildings look abandoned they warrant a quick second look-over, but nothing seems to be out of place. Closer examination of the warehouse that they were here for however... "Or the locks are there to make things look good. Make us not question if things are secure and they don't expect us to notice that they've been broken into."
He glances at the other three men and nods to himself. "I don't want us to split up. Does anyone have manacles or something we can use to block the big doors?" Theo asks his question as quietly as he can manage. Trying not to draw attention to their little group.
Warrick introduces himself along the way to those that have yet to meet him, a cautious glance taken to the bauwdy mul'neissa man. "Warrick Reztner," is all he says, short and to the point.
As they approach, he straps on his visorless helmet and pulls his large crossbow to the front, cranking back the winch and slotting a bolt into it. "Right, potential hostage situation. I have flash powder and thunderstones to disrupt to assist with getting them out, should that be the case," he mentions, holding the crossbow via the carrying handle as he rifles for them on his bandolier.
He looks over at what Lheo speaks of, and he raises a brow under his helmet. "... my gut tells me the former."
A glance to Theo. "I do. And rope in my bag."
Good hunting indeed.
Jacob follows along with everyone else, keeping his eyes on the horizon and their surroundings, in case they are in a prime position for an ambush along their journey. Though When they arrive at the warehouse? He narows his eyes. "A cold wind is in the air, a steady chill." He sighs. He's hoping they don't find cultists, but he tends to be wrong most all the time.
"Nice to meet you Warrick. Jacob Ben-Hassid. A pleasure." He smiles. "I can help with medicine, should the hostages be injured. I'm a healer."
He hums. "My vote? It's a trap."
"A pity," Zero replies to Theo's question. "I left my nice ones at home."
But before anyone can ask why a bard has manacles, he offers cheerfully as he loads his own small crossbow, "I do have rope, however. It's better than nothing." The bolt's locked, loaded, and ready to go.
Lheo looks down at the pair of entrances offered to them on this side of the building. "Which one is les likely to be guarded?" He leaves the introductions to his brother, studying instead the lock on the door. "Think we can get this off without being loud?"
"It's not really on there at all brother. Oh! I'm Theo by the way, and this lump is my brother Lheo." Says Theo, motioning for Warrick to use his manacles on the larger doors. "I suggest we block off the bigger doors and go in the smaller as stealthily as we may." Though he's not one to talk about stealth. Instead he continues with a curious glance given to Zero. "We might as well rope the doors as well. Just to be safe. Or if you can't get it done with just the manacles."
"Pleasure," Warrick mentions back to Jacob, "And good to know."
He pulls out some pouches and stones, him carefully putting those into his pockets before pulling out a pair of manacles on his hip. A glance is given to Zero. And he slooowly looks back to the others. "No, it's going to be loud, unless you use only rope. Best be ready to breach once it's secure."
He offers rope and manacles to those wishing to lock the door up, but he shifts over towards the main breaching point with flashpowder in one hand, and his crossbow nestled in the other.
"Theo and Lheo, nice to meet you." Jacob seems to smile. "I deeply appreciate the rhyming names." It's less of a jab and more of pointing out the obvious and a sincere appreciation. It's not everyday you run into twins, warrior twins at that! "As much as I would be delighted to agree, I tend to possess lead feet." Jacob seems to lower his head in some shame. "But blocking the bigger doors is wise. Funnel them in one direction, if this comes into a fight."
GAME: Zerthos rolls Stealth: (15)+8: 23 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (2)+3: 5
The shadow elf man just smiles as the discussion of stealth and locking happens. He takes the rope and manacles offered to him. "And I am Zero, a prodigy of many talents," he says, practically beaming. "Observe."
And... with an attitude like that, one would want him to fail, but it's true. He's light on his feet and makes little sound as he goes over to the doors, tying them up quickly and snugly. He returns to the group thereafter.
GAME: Zerthos rolls Stealth: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Lheo rolls stealth: (11)+4: 15 GAME: Zerthos rolls stealth: (5)+8: 13 GAME: Warrick rolls stealth: (4)+-1: 3 GAME: Theo rolls Stealth: (6)+-4: 2 GAME: Jacob rolls Stealth: (20)+-1: 19
The freight doors are secured with a minimum of fuss and muss, rope and shackles chaining them closed. Anyone trying to exit the building from THAT direction is in for a heck of a surprise.
As you sneak into the warehouse, you can hear barely-hushed voices, two people having an argument and trying not to shout at each other.
"What do you mean, you can't get it to work?"
"I mean it won't work! Are you SURE it's an artifact of our eternal lord, the Black Dream?"
"It HAS to be! I mean, look at it, what else could it be?"
"Well, I can't get it to even make the skeletons twitch. And it's noisy."
"Look, let's just... start the ceremony and we'll work on it afterwards. Surely our master sent it to us as a test of our faith."
The mention of skeletons sends Lheo's raven eyebrows screaming like jet engines for his hairline, but he only glances sharply at his brother at the exchange. "That settles that," the wizard mutters as silently as he can manage, but waits for the others to move first.
GAME: Jacob rolls Knowledge/Religion: (13)+5: 18
Theo moves as quietly as he can but really... that's not all that quietly. He draws his mace as they go, hearing the sound of voices and their topic of conversation has him looking grim. He looks back first at his brother and makes a quick motion with his hand pointing from his eyes to Lheo's then tapping his ear to make sure that his brother had heard the damning words. With that taken care of he motions for the rest to follow him as he himself follows. They are NOT splitting up.
"Observing, Zero." Jacob smiles at the man, he has no desire to see him fail, in fact he wants this team to thrive. Though as they move, he is silence. Even in his armor, he manages to move softly with his steps, though he frowns softly as he also overhears the voices in these halls. "I had hoped it would not be so." He speaks in a barely audible whisper. "My heart is heavy, but our task is clear." He narrows his eyes. "They serve Thul, the dark god of the undead." He turns his attention to his group. "They seem unaware of our presence. They must not have set wards."
Leave it to a peacock to be so overconfident that they begin to swagger. A bit excessively, in fact. Zero goes from being stealthy as they come to... not terribly stealthy. That might be because he's a little distracted by hearing Jacob explain that their quarry is discussing the god of the undead. It might also be that he keeps looking in the direction of Lheo and Theo. Either way, the bard is not turning in his best performance as far as slinking around quietly is concerned.
Warrick awkwardly shoulders the door with his hands full, scale mail clinking with every step. The conversation gets him to stop short, him glancing about quickly with the powder half cocked to throw.
He looks back to the others, having to take a quiet moment for Zerthos and looking thankfully over at the closed freight door. He takes a breath, swaps out the flash powder for a carefully packaged stone, and readies that. "Whatever we do, we must be loud now and disrupt."
Warrick rolls his shoulders, ducks his head, and pushes forward.
The party sneaks as best they can deeper into the warehouse, the boxes helping muffle the clink of armor and the thud of boots. The argument has subsided into a low, groaning chant, one that sets everyone's teeth on edge. Occasionally, a name emerges from the near-incoherent chants: Thul. Thul. Thul.
As Warrick falls back to start his distraction, Theo approaches, and looks around the corner to see... six men in robes, standing around a crude altar decorated with a human skull with candles in its eye sockets. A pile of bones lies to either side of the altar, as the group 'sings' -- Zerthus might argue this point -- the praises of Thul.
And then Warrick flings the thunderstone over the boxes...
GAME: Warrick rolls ranged: (13)+5: 18 GAME: Warrick used a Thunderstone.
GAME: Jacob casts Spiritual Weapon. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15
"Well done." Jacob remarks to Warrick as he begins his distraction. With a gesture of his hand, a weapon appears in glowing mystical energy. It is in the form of a glorious battleax with a golden handle and a brilliantly silver axeblade. A deep look of focus is on his face for a moment as his hand stats to manipulate it as he approaches the enemy with he group, prepared to advance!
>BANG!<
Warrick spent no time waiting to see if the stone landed correctly, but the report was enough for him as he was barreling his way forward. He slams against the crates across the hall, flash powder in hand for the follow up. Seeing Jacob's magic appear, he doubles down on his resolve. "HANDS UP, MOUTHS SHUT!" he barks at the cultists.
"I do love making an entrance!" Zero croons. He proceeds to start singing a rather impressive aria in Sildanyari, a number that exalts the courage of warriors to spur them into battle.
Not being one for flash-bang in his magic, Lheo merely stays behind the others, with a glance at his carbon copy. "Have a care, brother," he warns, positioning himself behind the spiritual weapon.
"Wish me luck brother! I'm about to do something stupid!" Theo grins at his brother as he rushes past him, mace drawn and eyes dark. There's a look on his face that only Lheo will recognize. One that promises pain and retribution to those that dare stand in his way. There's a little mock salute that says he heard Lheo's warning, but there's no stopping him from putting an end to these cultists.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (2)+5: 7 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (13)+5: 18 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (20)+3: 23 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (9)+3: 12 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d6+1: (4)+1: 5
The cultists whirl around in confusion, but then a warrior is there -- one in the hated livery of Serriel! Three of them swarm Theo, hammering at him with clubs, battering the young paladin, as a fourth sprints around the crates to try to outflank -- only to find himself face-to-face with Jacob. "...crap," the last one says a bit defeatedly.
GAME: Zerthos rolls Spellcraft: (16)+9: 25 GAME: Jacob rolls Spellcraft: (10)+5: 15 GAME: Lheo rolls spellcraft: (12)+9: 21 GAME: Theo rolls spellcraft: (10)+6: 16 <OOC> Telamon says, "(He cast Bless on his friends)"
The younger under-priest curses as well. "In the Black Dream's name, slay them! This is the test he has set before us! We must not falter!" He incants something in a horrid voice, before stalking forward, using the cultists for cover. "Your deaths will serve the Master!"
GAME: Jacob rolls Weapon2: (13)+4: 17 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+3: (6)+3+1: 10 GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (1)+2+3: 6 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (11)+2+3: 16 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (2)+2: 4
Though Jacob is not THeo's brother, he does look at the fellow and with a raise of his voice. "Don't do something too stupid!" Jacob gestures with his hand, sending the spiritual weapon he had conjured straight for Cultist #1, the weapon slashing across his shoulder but failing to truly injure the cultist! "Damn." He curses his failure to swiftly take down his opponent, before he turns to look at the man who rounds the corner.
'Crap'.
"Yeah."
A lunge with his lance manages to severely wound the cultist, impaling him through the chest as blood splatters behind him!
GAME: Warrick rolls ranged+1: (16)+5+1: 22 GAME: Warrick used a Flash Powder. GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (15)+3: 18 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (4)+3: 7 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+5: (11)+5: 16 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (6)+3: 9
Warrick grits his teeth as the others don't comply. Zero's theatrics get him focused, and he crushes the powder in his hand as it heats up suddenly. "FLASH!" Warrick barks, throwing it into the mix in the backline. Most don't get it, but one gets dazed, which is more than he can ask for. <Merctalk>
He shoulder checks one of the cultists to throw them off before yanking out a dagger and getting set up in position. "Thulites! Get the priests! The others- lay down your arms!"
GAME: Zerthos rolls weapon1+1: (20)+6+1: 27 (THREAT) GAME: Zerthos rolls weapon1+1: (5)+6+1: 12 GAME: Zerthos rolls damage1+1: aliased to 1d4+0+1: (1)+0+1: 2
While Zero continues his aria, he gives the man who approaches Jacob and is rewarded for it with a lance through the chest... a red-pink side-eye. The expression on Zero's face suggests he finds the man's continued existence distasteful.
So naturally, he puts a crossbow bolt through the cultist's head and finishes the job that the Serrielite cleric started. And he doesn't miss a note while doing it. Maybe there is something to all of that talk of the talent extraordinaire.
GAME: Lheo casts Grease. Caster Level: 2 DC: 15 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20: (7): 7 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (4)+2: 6 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+2: (13)+2: 15
They have clustered together, thinks Lheo, watching the battlefield unfold before him. He spares a worried glance for his brother, surrounded by cultists. "Brother, the next time you berate me for charging in, I'll remind you of this!" he shouts, then swiftly pulls from a pouch a bit of butter on one finger. He shouts an incantation, and immediately to Theo's side, the floor beneath the acolyte and two of the cultists is covered in a slippery gray grease that leaves two of them flailing, and ecentually falling down on their wallets. Only the one Warrick blinded, who isn't moving much anyway while he tries to sort out his surroundings, manages to stay on his feet.
"Works every time," Lheo smirks.
GAME: Theo rolls 1d20+6+1: (16)+6+1: 23 GAME: Theo rolls 1d8+3: (6)+3: 9
Theo is in a bit of a pickle and he knows it, but his job is to act as a distraction for his brother. So he bears the weight of the hits and prays to Serriel. "Let your justice be my guide, let your strength be my strength." He needs Her right now, and he swings hard, aiming for the cultist behind him, and the blow takes the cultist down and he manages to throw a wry grin at Lheo. "Thanks for taking them down a peg for me!"
The priest -- a cadaverous-looking fellow wearing a skull-mask -- snarls. "Slaves of the city, slaves to the gods! Blood and souls for Lord Thul, my brethren!" He incants another horrible spell, drawing forth a massive black-bladed scythe as he stalks towards Warrick. "Man of the city, you will be the first of your rabble to taste this pain!"
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (16)+3: 19 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d100: (66): 66 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d6+1: (3)+1: 4 GAME: Theo rolls 1d20+6+1: (8)+6+1: 15 GAME: Theo rolls 1d8+3: (3)+3: 6 GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+3: (6)+3: 9
The remaining cultists aren't quitting, they have that going for them. The flash-blinded one paws at his face with one hand while swinging his club with the other, and manages to connect with Theo, while the other attempts to get up -- only to meet Theo's swing coming down, knocking him back into the slimy grease.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+1: (5)+1: 6
Meanwhile, the underpriest focuses, murmuring a prayer for a moment before trying to get up again. It... doesn't work, and he lands on his rump with a splash of butter and a loud profanity-laden stream of curses.
GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (18)+2+3: 23 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (4)+2: 6
Jacob stares at the cultist he's impaled, and though he seems ready to tear the man apart, a crossbow bolt from Zerthos pierces the man straight through his greymatter and sends him in a heap to the floor. He turns his attention to the singing man, giving a smirk. "Thanks." He doesn't seem upset, but now the warrior Cleric is moving forward. As he does, he gestures with his hand and the spiritual battleax starts to soar straight for the Warrick's opponent, the weapon striking the cultist across the back, but not good enough to slay him....but maybe good enough to buy Warrick an opening.
GAME: Warrick rolls weapon13+1: (20)+4+1: 25 (THREAT) GAME: Warrick rolls weapon13+1: (12)+4+1: 17 GAME: Warrick rolls damage13+damage13+1+1: aliased to 1d4+2+1d4+2+1+1: (4)+2+(1)+2+1+1: 11
Warrick is glad that the others seemed to be picking up on the opening that he gave from the alchemical items. But soon, he finds himself with his back against the wall as the priest emboldens their sickening weapon with Thul's might.
Most would be fearful, but as they get into range, Warrick swings his crossbow up, knocking them back as Warrick jabs his dagger into flesh over and over. "Alexandros has stood and will continue to prevail!" he spits back, kicking them off the blade as he swivels back.
GAME: Zerthos rolls weapon1: (12)+6+1-4: 15 GAME: Zerthos rolls damage1+1: aliased to 1d4+0+1: (1)+0+1: 2
After Warrick's frenzied stabbing into the priest, Zero follows up, getting up close with Lheo and firing off a crossbow bolt at the Thulite priest. While it doesn't finish what Warrick's started (and doing excellently), it's a little bit of an insult to injury. Meanwhile, he goes into a particularly impressive part of his aria now that he happens to be next to Lheo. Peacock that he is, he has to show off.
GAME: Lheo spends ONE use of APPRENTICE'S HAND. GAME: Lheo rolls 1d20+5: (15)+5: 20 GAME: Lheo rolls 1d4: (2): 2
Lheo is - less sanguine, and sighs gustily, as if realizing something. He pulls the dagger from his belt and tosses it casually into the air, then shouts an arcane phrase and stabs a finger at the one assaulting his brother. The dagger immediately rights itself, and flies towards the cultist, nicking him and then returning to Lheo's hand. "Hold on, brother!" he shouts.
GAME: Theo rolls 1d20+6+1: (20)+6+1: 27 GAME: Theo rolls 1d20+6+1: (18)+6+1: 25 GAME: Theo rolls 2d8+6: (8)+6: 14 GAME: Theo rolls Intimidate: (20)+4: 24
There's blood all over Theo, the injuries are piling up but he's like an unstoppable machine. Metal and mace and the fury of a Goddess. He swings his mace for a second time and this time the blow is so heavy that the cultist's face caves in and he's forced to remove the man's head from his weapon with his boot. Green eyes lit with fury turn on the remaining men. "I do not want to kill you, but I will." It's not a threat. It's a promise.
GAME: Telamon rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18 GAME: Telamon rolls 2d4+4: (2)+4: 6
An outraged screech comes from the high priest. "How DARE you! How DARE YOU! You will ALL belong to Thul! His is the kingdom!" Suddenly the Thulite cleric whirls, and charges at Theo... but his wild swing connects with the blunt side of the blade, staggering the paladin but not sending him down. "Damn you! FALL! FALL!"
The two other cultists are staring up at Theo, and even the charge of their outraged priest fails to break the spell of fear the paladin has laid upon them. Slowly, they hold up their hands, even as Theo absorbs the brunt of the high priest's anger.
GAME: Jacob casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+3: (2)+3: 5 GAME: Jacob rolls BAB+Wisdom: (16)+2+3: 21 GAME: Jacob rolls 1d8+2: (2)+2: 4
Theo stands like a mighty fortress and Jacob does not fail to witness his bravery and courage. With one hand, he extends it, the warm light encompasses Theo, rejuvenating him of strength and vitality, as if being given life as his wounds begin to close. Not all the way, but enough to help him stay upright.
....The priest is another matter entirely.
"Blessed be the hand of Serriel, who guides my heart to peace and my fingers to war."
The battleax, formed of holy fury, starts to rapidly spin. A movement of his hand swings the weapon at the priest with speed as it cleaves him in twain before hd can demand anything else of Theo. Judgment has passed, and Thul has been found wanting.
His followers even more so.
The priest topples to the ground, the blackened scythe dropping from his fingertips as he chokes out, "My lord... Thul... save..." And then he is gone, to serve his dark master personally. The other two cultists have thrown their weapons away, sprawled in the middle of the puddle of arcane grease.
Further back from the altar, there's a strongbox. About a foot cubed, latched closed but not locked. And from within... there's a soft thump, and a sound.
Warrick huffs once after all is said and done, him brimming with approval of his fellow Serrielites of how this entire thing went down. "Textbook," he comments idly, jogging forward and kicking the weapons away from the others that have gave up. "Roll over, arms out, palms up!" he barks at them, stealing a glance behind him at the strong box.
His throat bobs. "... one of you please get that, I'll secure."
Theo relaxes somewhat in the warmth of Serriel's blessing given by the cleric behind him. Though he would not admit out loud that there was a part of him that nearly decked the cleric for coming up behind him in battle without warning. Still. Their work is nearly done. He hears the minute thump from before them and motions for Jacob to go check it out. "I will guard them with him." He says looking steely-eyed at the two on the floor and a half-nod to Warrik. His grim expression promises punishment should they try to move. "Go see what's going on."
While Theo speaks, he touches one hand to his chest, instilling some more healing energy into his weary and bruised limbs.
Jacob nods to Warrick, both at the esteemed approval and his immediate handling of the prisoners they now have in their possession. It seems the terrors are now the hostages. How the turn tables! Getting nearly punched is part of the gig, and Jacob nods at Theon's instruction, approaching the lockbox with a steady step as he sets his Lance back into it's sheathe, but the shield stays ready in case something blows up in his face.
Steadily, he approaches the lockbox to investigate.
Immediately, Lheo strides up towards Theo as fast as he can manage and still maybe not really look remotely casual about it. "Brother, don't ever go racing off alone again, you know better," he says quickly, looking Theo up and down. The lockbox and the prisoners notwithstanding.
Zero watches the priest and his scythe fall to the ground, and he concludes his song on one final note--a bit of an improvised ending, not that anyone here would know unless they were particularly learned in a certain school of Sildanyari music. He saunters up to the two brothers and places a hand on Theo's shoulder, singing a short musical piece that's invigorating to the body and mends more wounds. "That shade of crimson," Zero remarks, "is a terrible one on you, and I shan't see it on you again, darling."
GAME: Zerthos casts Cure Light Wounds. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15 GAME: Zerthos rolls 1d8+3: (5)+3: 8
The catch is simple, easy to undo -- hardly a lock. And when the box is opened, it reveals... something unexpected.
It's clear why the Thulites might've believed it to be an artifact of their god. It's a skull, carved from a single amethyst geode, deep violet and glimmering in the light. The craftsmanship is gorgeous -- creepy or not, it's still a work of art. Set into the eye sockets are green gemstones, polished to look like surprisingly expressive eyes, and the jaw is articulated.
And then it talks.
"Oh, thank the gods! I thought they'd NEVER let me out!" The jaw works, and the eyes track Jacob quite intently. "Where am-- oh. Alexandria! Yes. I can sense it now. Well, I guess I'm supposed to be here." A pause. "By the way, who are you lot?"
Warrick is busy getting the two survivors tied up with whatever he had left, but looks over his shoulder.
Blinks.
Then gets back to getting them into custody. "... Cynthia is not going to believe this..." he murmurs to himself.
GAME: Lheo rolls knowledge/arcana: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Lheo rolls knowledge/arcana: (18)+9: 27 GAME: Zerthos rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (6)+10: 16
Theo grins unabashedly at Lheo. "I'm the distraction remember brother? I got them all nice and piled up for you." He seems weary though and when Zerthos comes up he doesn't even finch when the other man heals him. Instead he relaxes further, his eyes half-lidding. "Sorry about that Zero. Should have known that the red would clash with green, but I couldn't help the bleeding." Another wry grin.
The sound of talking from the box draws Theo's attention despite his exhaustion and he turns toward it, taking a step in that direction. Immediately he grimaces at the horrible-looking, gaudy affair in the box. "It's not evil, whatever it is... Ah. We're adventurers. Come to rescue you I suppose."
Jacob reaches and opens the lockbox, viewing the skull with no small amount of wonder. "No wonder Thulites thought this design the work of their god." Jacob remarks with a small bit of seriousness in his eyes, even as he examines the artifact, he nearly drops it when it starts to talk, startled by the voice, but he finds his grip, holding the skull in his palm.
Like a philosopher would when questioning the nature of life.
"Hello there my friend. We're happy to free you. It seems these cultists wanted to use you for a vile purpose." he says with a tilt of his head. "We're adventurers, sent by the Guild to investigate this disturbance. My name is Jacob Ben-Hassid. Who are you?" he nods at Theo, his free hand finally causing the spiritual weapon to disappear.
Lheo's about to turn his keen stare on Zerthos - when the thing speaks. That has his attention, and he whirls on it. The prisoners are forgotten, and he takes a couple of fascinated steps towards. "What incredible workmanship. It's not, though," he tells Jacob. "I think it's a construct. It's not undead, and whoever did the gem work on it -" He lets out a low whistle. "I'm Lheo. And you are?" Crisp and to the point.
"Oh no, darling, the crime against fashion wasn't your fault," Zero responds with a sly smile to Theo. "You're--"
He stops right in place as the skull talks. Slowly, slowly, he turns. And then... he nods, and looks back at Theo. "I suppose you and your brother don't want to go out for a drink after this, do you? Something to wash down whatever that is down the hole, perhaps make better memories?"
The skull's eyes move from person to person. "Ah! Well. I am the Talking Bone. I serve as a repository of legal knowledge -- in fact, I can sense when I am in civilized lands and I always know what the laws are." It makes a disdainful sniff. "These ruffians found me, and thought I was an artifact to their boring god of undeath. And then when I objected they locked me up!" The skull seems downright miffed. "Now, while I can move under my own power... slowly... I'd be deeply grateful if you'd convey me someplace more reasonable. A university of law, or perhaps a temple to one of the more civilized gods? I'm not picky."
Now that gets the once-guard to perk up. Getting both of the prisoners squared away, Warrick peers over. "... finally, something with actual sense worth making," he groans. "Don't fret, Talking Bone, you're safe. We'll get you situated where we can. I'm sure Serriel's temple wouldn't mind hosting you."
He looks to Zero, pinches his brow between his fingers with a sigh, and unloads his crossbow.
Theo blinks at his brother then smiles even more wryly than before, and gladly turns his attention on Zero. "A drink sounds right to me. Let me see if I can drag my brother away from that thing. If I don't he'll be wanting to study it and stare at it in awe all night." Theo pats Zero on the shoulder gently and then turns to where his brother is slowly approaching the skull. "Can you take it to the temple of Serriel, Jacob? A repository of law would be welcome there." His hand clasps his brother's shoulder. "Come Lheo, get drinks with me and Zero. I think Warrick has the prisoners ready to hand over. Let us get out of here."
"A pleasure, Talking Bone. I'd love to hear your story as we depart this place." Jacob smiles at the skull of impeccable design. Yet, Lheo informs him that the skull is a construct, not undead as may have been suspected. "I see. A unique creation then."
He turns back to the skull. "Thd Temple of Serriel would welcome you, so long as you have no objections. The Maiden of Battle is wise and civil. I trust she would have no objections and your presence would enlighten many."
He nods once to Theo. "Itd be my pleasure." He hooks the skull onto his belt, for easier transportation. "I think you'll like this merry band, Talking Bone. Better ears for listening among our number."
OOC
<OOC> Telamon says, "Anyways, map! https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=m3ec5rxm88j"
<OOC> Telamon says, "Warrick: Crossbow. Theo: sword and shield. Lheo: staff. Zero: musical note. Jacob: ankh."
The skull:
<OOC> Telamon says, "For the record, imagine something like this with green gemstone eyes. https://www.skullis.com/ProductImage/4704336/Amethyst-Carved-Crystal-Skull-05.jpg"
