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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Seeing they were already quite far, Dalnu threw a ray at Gregorix before running after.
"Halt," she shouted as she ran after them.
Spoiler: OOC rolls
Show
2 actions: ray of frost (with the reach spell, 150ft range): [roll0] for damage: [roll1] (on crit, -10ft speed)
1 action: move.
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk
Seeing the others give chase, Kharesh began running in a slow and steady pace. He focused on chasing down the fleeing mercenary, letting others attempt to restrain or slow their prey - he just ran.
OOC - Since were on the hunt ...
Action 1 - stride
Action 2 - stride
Action 3 - stride
Should close 60'
Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)
Spoiler: Crunch& Status
Show
AC: 18 (20) HP 17/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
It's not until the gnome's pulse is stable, albeit faint, that Mauricio releases the breath that he had been holding. A close thing... too close. Fortunately, it seems like the others have finished the unspeakable monstrosity. Equal parts revulsion and professional curiosity pull at Mauricio as the Scry's brain is exposed. Briefly, he considers performing an autopsy and writing notes, but the (perhaps justified) paranoia of his companions sees the corpse reduced to a pulpy ruin. As Mauricio washes the blood from his hands with a scrap of cloth, he tells himself that it is likely for the best.
There is a strong temptation to yell at the cultist and his precious entity, but what would be the use? The elf has already shown that he and reality are distantly acquainted. With the others pursuing after the fleeting Gregorix, Mauricio nods to Sadar and leaves him to watch over their grievously wounded companion. As he begins moving, Mauricio notices Dalnu nail their fleeing captive right in the back. From the limp way that the man falls, Mauricio can tell that Gregorix has likely gone into shock. The real question now is whether the good doctor can get there fast enough before his "fellow" Chelishman bleeds out into the sand.
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Mauricio Averni
HP: 16/26
AC: 17
Class DC: 18
Speed: 25
Fort: +5
Ref: +7
Will: +8
Perception: +8
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Gurmok, Kharesh, and Mauricio charge after Dalnu and then into the night after Gregorix and the two guards. Dalnu’s ray of frost strikes Gregorix between the shoulder blades and he crashes to the ground, limp. The two guards each glance back momentarily, but keep on running. Zen manages to catch up to the dying man.
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Gregorix recovery: [roll0] dying 2 -> dying 1
Dalnu is 100’ away from Gregorix.
Kharesh is 50’ away.
Mauricio is 40’ away.
Gurmok catches up to the unconscious Gregorix with one action remaining.
Unless I am mistaken, there isn’t a whole lot Gurmok can do in this situation with a single action, so it is the next round.
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk
Kharesh's eyes widened as the shot from Dalnu struck the fleeing man between the shoulder blades and dropped him. He continued to press forward, intent on not wasting his companion's efforts.
OOC - Plod, plod, plod ...
Action 1 - stride
Action 2 - stride
Action 3 - stride
Close the distance
Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)
Spoiler: Crunch& Status
Show
AC: 18 (20) HP 17/32 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 20’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
"Nice shot!" As Gregorix falls flat on his face, a patch of ice clinging to his back, Gurmok appreciates his comrade's quick and efficient reaction. He briefly considers running after the two guards, but thinks the better of it. "The way they do justice here, maybe these become slaves for the rest of their lives?", he mutters under his breath. "They didn't even fight us, let them have a second chance. Hopefully they learn drugs and cults aren't good ways to conduct one's life."
He dismounts, considers the downed Gregorix. If you don't want to use divine blessing, don't mess with the wounded, let people who know what they're doing handle it. He remembers the lessons and wisely decides to wait.
"Doctor! Right here, he's still breathing... I think!"
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Gregorix lays on the ground breathing heavily, and the guards flee deeper into the night. Gurmok, Mauricio, and Kharesh catch up to the Chelaxian. Dalnu is still a little way back.
Spoiler
Show
Gregorix recovery: [roll0] dying 1 -> dying 2
Dalnu is 25’ back
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Dalnu lets the guards go and moves to where she had dropped Gregorix.
"I'm sure you can outrun me, but you can't outrun my magic," she says to his unconscious form. She quickly does a detect magic on him to see if he has any magic that might be dangerous (or luctrative).
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Mauricio rushes to Gregorix’s side, spindly hands beginning their work. Quickly, he assesses the only dire problem among myriad scratches obtained in his recent fall, and stops the bleeding. Pulse stabilizes and the practiced doctor is confident the man will live.
Kharesh brings him back to the compound and the debate begins about what to do next. The elf is gagged again quickly, mostly to shut him up. After some debate they decide to search rather thoroughly, and leave for Katapesh around dawn without sleeping. The draft horse and cart are tucked behind on the buildings near the entrance. The animal shows signs of stress, but is calm now.
The very complete (often seemingly redundantly so) alchemist lab is hauled up from the basement and placed on the cart, along with the bound and unconscious Gregorix. Although many are empty, several of the barrels contain gallons upon gallons of liquid with the unmistakable scent of Scry’s effluvia. The potent hallucinogen is loaded onto the cart along with the distilled version from the basement.
Although Scry itself has only the foppish doublet donned shortly before meeting you, the smashed dresser and garments contain some loose change a less thorough search likely would have missed. Inside the main building, you find a few small vials containing alchemical substances that do not register as magic. More such vials are found upstairs in the drawers and within the sea chest - resulting in two dozen bottles in total (not including the bliss). Coins are also found in the chest and desk. Inside the heavy sea chest, there are some traveling clothes, boots, and an ornate brass wand with an amethyst set in the top. There are all two rather nice leather satchels for carrying potions and elixirs.
The two buildings to the south are mostly bare. The one contains a bed roll and a pouch containing a few coins and trail rations. The stable area contains a lot of rusted and rotten fishing and saddling equipment, none of which looks particularly valuable. The sea-unworthy vessels on the docks have little of note. The southern dock has not just barrels, but also the dead. About two dozen corpses in varying states of decay litter the ground, all eyes have been removed, and some of the fresher ones also indicate particular organs have been removed. Avoiding temptations to be squeamish net a few coins, and a lone magic dagger.
The wood from the smashed wardrobe along with some other odd and ends are used to construct a fire to burn the unholy altar. At first it seems the lacquered ebony would not burn, but after some time it finally catches fire. After being reduced to coals, only the golden ankh remains.
Spoiler: Items
Show
35.3 gp
Elixir of life (minor) x3
Elixir of life (lesser)
Drakeheart elixir (lesser)
Eagle-eye elixir (lesser) x2
Numbing tonic (lesser) x2
Focus cathartic (lesser)
Infiltrator’s elixir
Comprehension elixir (lesser)
Blood booster (lesser)
Juggernaut elixir (moderate)
Beastial mutagen (moderate)
Spiderfoot brew (lesser) x2
Cognitive mutagen (moderate) x2
Silvertongue mutagen (moderate) x5
Wand of heal (level 1) (already used today)
Magic dagger (+1 striking)
Alchemical equipment (lots)
Barrels of Effluvia and vials of Bliss (lots)
Draft horse and cart
Golden ankh?
Exhausted and laden with gear, the party travels back to Katapesh as the day dawns. Many others are on the road, most with their own carts bearing goods to sell in the city. No one seems particularly concerned about the bound and gagged elderly elf or the unconscious Chelaxian, although the sizable armed group is probably enough of a deterrent.
When attempting to enter the city, the party is stopped by the guards. Name dropping Captain al Hisan and Lieutenant Haviksoog earns you an escort to the barracks. The prisoners are taken. The cart briefly held while you are taken to Captain al Hisan’s office. Lieutenant Haviksoog is there and lets you in, encourages you to sit, but informs you that Hisan himself should be in shortly. She doesn’t say much and deflects any questions to just wait for the man’s imminent arrival, but watches you closely.
It is only a short wait though before the man does arrive. He looks as you remember him, messy black hair, handsome features, and delicate frame. He is drinking something as he enters, but quickly smiles upon seeing you clustered in his office. He shuts the door and says as he walks to sit behind the heavy desk, ”so, bring me up to speed on the situation.” He takes another sip of the beverage from his cup while he listens for your report.
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
"Well, we traced the drugs to a compound some way away from the city," Dalnu explained, "we got in, some cultists tried to block us but the main problem was something called the Scry of Leng. I don't know much about these things, but Leng is another plane of some sort. They were actually using the body fluids of this creature to create the drug Bliss and feeding it people. At least, we found a lot of bodies, mostly quite mutilated. So if they're not murderers themselves, they are accessories to at least a dozen murders."
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Wiping off his hands again, Mauricio blows another sigh of relief. So much death today... There is no love in his heart for Gregorix, but the man needed to be questioned by the authorities. The potions are a welcome curiosity, but Mauricio forces himself to help examine the bodies of the cult's victims. Such ghastly torture... Mauricio takes notes on the injuries, directly recording what he can and speculating what he can't. There's no time to perform an autopsy on every single corpse. They have already pushed their luck.
"It seems that this 'Bliss' is even worse than we imagined, Captain," Mauricio weighed in. The man normally looks like death warmed over, but the sleepless night and fraught trek back to the city have him positively run down to the bone. "Beyond the initial euphoria, it seems to inspire mania and removes the fear of death. People similar to the ones we see here in the gutters were jumping at us like gnolls, fangs bared and ready to kill us. The prosect of pain or seeing their comrades brought low did nothing. Their leader, the elf, claims that the drug is instrumental to seeing their god. That madman claims that consumption of Bliss 'opens the eyes to see'. Doubtless, distribution of the drug is a tactic of recruitment and indoctrination for the cult. That is why they are dispensing it for free: to expand their operations.
As for the mutilated bodies, the eyes of all of them were removed. Select organs were removed from some of them. It was more than mere butchery. There was a very precise purpose for each removal... All the more disturbing."
Spoiler: OOC
Show
Mauricio Averni
HP: 35/35
AC: 18
Class DC: 19
Speed: 25
Fort: +6
Ref: +8
Will: +9
Perception: +9
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic, Keen Recollection, Continual Recovery, Doctor's Visitation
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Whatever it was Ryaa al Hisan was expecting to hear from you, it obviously wasn’t anything close to this. “Cults? Mutilated corpses? Bodily fluids? And who is this Scry of Leng?” He clasps his temples with his finger and thumb, takes another sip of his beverage, appears to compose himself a bit, and then asks more pointedly, “let’s start with this: They told me you brought two people in - who are they?”
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk
Kharesh was quiet as the group gathered everything they could and burned what they didn't want to carry. He noted the bodies, looking for any signs of who they might have been. It would be nice to let any family or friends know of their fate. As he saw the mutilations, he glanced back at the remains of the Scry, wondering if they had served as food for the creature. Shaking his head, he helped load the bodies to a central location, asking if they should burn them, or leave them for the guards to deal with.
Once the cart was loaded and the group ready to move out, Kharesh let the others ride as he joined the 'caravan' on foot. He remained vigilant and silent as they made their way back to town.
Kharesh let the others speak first, curious what the lieutenant would make of all this. To no one's surprise, the man seemed confused and asked several questions, settling initially on who the prisoners were.
"The elf is a prophet or priest of the creature. The other man is distributes the drugs. There is a third one, the 'alchemist' who makes the drug. We do not know more of him, but those two might."
OOC - So did I see talk of leveling up? If so, below are the mechanics ...
Gain +12 HPs
Gain +1 proficiency bonus to skills, saves, et al
Incredible movement: +10' speed (w/o armor)
Mystic strikes: unarmed attacks count as magical for overcoming resistance
Skill increase: Looking at Acrobatics or Medicine to expert
General feat: If I go medicine, I may go assurance; otherwise, Rolling Landing or Incredible Initiative
Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Mystic Strikes (unarmed attacks are magical); Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)
Spoiler: Crunch& Status
Show
AC: 18 (20) HP 34 Initiative +6
Saves: Fort +8 Ref +8 Will +8 Per +6 / Move 30’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +6, Athletics +8, Warfare Lore +4, Religion +6, Stealth +6, Pahmet Lore +4
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 18 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+8 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+8 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+9 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+9 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Captain al Hisan listens intently to Kharesh, but when he mentions the third individual, concern crosses his face, “was anyone else mentioned in connection to the activities? This alchemist - did you get a name or was he - or she - just referred to as ‘The Alchemist’ as if that was their name?”
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk
Kharesh thought back for a moment before responding. "They work for Al Izarin. No name - very secretive. Those asking questions are killed."
OOC - Any thoughts on dividing and conquering on medical stuff? Or should I go more monkly stuff?
Skill increase: Looking at Acrobatics or Medicine to expert
General feat: If I go medicine, I may go assurance; otherwise, Rolling Landing or Incredible Initiative
Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Mystic Strikes (unarmed attacks are magical); Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)
Spoiler: Crunch& Status
Show
AC: 19 (21) HP 46 Initiative +7
Saves: Fort +9 Ref +9 Will +9 Per +7 / Move 30’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +7, Athletics +9, Warfare Lore +5, Religion +7, Stealth +7, Pahmet Lore +5
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 19 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+9 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+9 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+10 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+10 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Captain al Hisan slumps back in his chair, his gaze fixed on nothing situated a thousand miles away. He stays that way for an uncomfortably long moment, then glances at Haviksoog, who open the door looks about for a moment, says simply, “all clear,” then she steps into the hall closing the door behind her.
The Captain speaks very softly, just at the edge of hearing, and he looks quite concerned, “Saqr al Izarin is an incredibly powerful and dangerous man. I’m this city, only the Pactmasters wield more power. Though based in Katapesh, his illicit business is all through the Inner Sea, probably well beyond too. Although much is known about what he does, nothing illegal is explicitly connected to him, and as this is Katapesh, very little is actually illegal here. The Alchemist works for him doing odd specialty jobs. He is shrouded in mystery, wears a mask even, but definitely a sadist with a high body count. I have absolutely no idea why this is something that the al Izarin Organization would be involved in… it frankly doesn’t make much sense on the surface. Had any inclination this could possibly be connected to him, I would not have tasked you on it. I doubt this would put you in al Izarin’s sights, but The Alchemist is notorious for seeking vengeance. I am sorry to have mixed you up in this. Be very careful dropping those names in public - even among the Zephyr Guard… hells, maybe especially among the guard.”
He grabs some papers from his desk, snaps his fingers, and they burst into flames. He waves them slightly as they dissolve into char, he identifies them, “all records of your sewer dealings. That problem at least is gone, and I sincerely hope this has not created another one for you. You have my gratitude - for whatever that is worth. I will get you warning if my contacts catch any word about someone looking for you. Now if the Lieutenant raps on the door, stop talking immediately, but otherwise ask any questions you may have.”
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk
Kharesh frowned, leaning back as he pondered this news. Earning an enemy just by knowing they exist? It seemed ridiculous, but given the way things worked in Katapesh, it was probably more normal than not. The question now was who knew of their involvement? He tried to think back on who they had interacted with to this point. He could count four potential security concerns, not counting the elf and the dealer.
After a few moments, he leaned in and spoke quietly. "We asked a pesh peddler about the drug, and bought information on Gregorix from a halfling named Rat Bone. The two guards at the compound ran, but if they saw any of us, they might share that with their employer. Obviously the Elf and Gregorix know us, too. How secure are they?"
OOC - Kamil was the pesh dealer we asked about Bliss. Rat Bone was the info broker who could sell our information to the wrong people. There were two guards, but given the darkness and distance, they may not have seen any of use. But I would guess the Elf and Gregorix are on borrowed time, even in prison.
Skill increase: Looking at Acrobatics or Medicine to expert
General feat: If I go medicine, I may go assurance; otherwise, Rolling Landing or Incredible Initiative
Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Mystic Strikes (unarmed attacks are magical); Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)
Spoiler: Crunch& Status
Show
AC: 19 (21) HP 46 Initiative +7
Saves: Fort +9 Ref +9 Will +9 Per +7 / Move 30’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +7, Athletics +9, Warfare Lore +5, Religion +7, Stealth +7, Pahmet Lore +5
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 19 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+9 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+9 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+10 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+10 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
The Captain thinks for a moment, then continues quietly, “the pesh dealer should be no concern, I’d think. Rat Bone is definitely a danger. She will sell information to whoever is buying unless she has blacklisted al Izarin for some reason. The elf and Gregorix are as secure as they can be, but I would be lying if I said al Izarin couldn’t get to them. The guards might work for al Izarin, they might not. Since they ran, they might just get out of town. I don’t know why this seaside compound and cult was of interest to al Izarin, if it is viewed as a minor enough operation, maybe no one will care that whatever they had going is disrupted. The Alchemist might care just because it was his operation you’ve disrupted. While certainly strange, that they would care about this cult and drug at all makes very little sense to me. I just can’t envision how this would serve al Izarin’s interests at all.”
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
"Well, I'm just passing through this city," Dalnu said, "I can easily move away for a while. Maybe we best all take a trip somewhere else for a while. A couple of years should do the trick I would say."
She wasn't always aware of how time would go for other people. For her a few years weren't all that much, she could in essence just outlive most people.
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Captain al Hisan's sudden use of magic to dispose of the company's police records startles Gurmok, but he recovers from the surprise fast enough. "Thank you, Captain, for holding the end of the bargain you offered us", he says in a respectful tone, bowing stiffly. When the Captain describes the power and the possible vengefulness of the enemies the group has apparently made in their expedition, he's tempted to consider Dalnu's pragmatic solution. What would Irori teach? Daringly face the challenge, or wisely step away from a foolish battle?
"Like you, friend Dalnu, I am but a traveler to these parts. We can leave today, if we agree to do so. But..." He turns to the Captain, and to his other companions.
"Another way to deal with an enemy is to go on the offensive. Captain, this Alchemist... You told us he's a sadist, and a murderer. Those dead people, with their eyes harvested from their bodies, other pieces too... That would be him, right? If we decided to go after him... Would you be able to help us against this monster?"
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
The Captain thinks, “perhaps. This… doesn’t sound like the Alchemist’s work. Making the living suffer, not mutilating the dead. Help? I will do what I can, but that is maybe less than you are hoping for. I can’t…” A quick rap on the door cuts him off abruptly. He raises a finger and you hear heavy boots walking down the hall. After they pass the door and slowly fade into the distance, another rap comes, “I can’t oppose al Izarin directly. I can provide you information, in confidence, and advice. I can help your name not appear in certain reports in Dogtown. That’s about all I can provide though. As to advice, you have at least a few days before you are connected to any of this. Take care of your business quickly, then lay low for a bit. One piece of business for you is in the Lower City barracks. There was approval for a reward for you regarding that market bedlam.”
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
"A reward, interesting," Dalnu said, "and in a lot of cases like this, information is very useful. We just have to find a way to get any information we have to you and the other way around."
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Kharesh Hammerfist, dwarven monk
Kharesh listened quietly as the others spoke, wondering if the woman had the right of it with departing the city. However, such a path seemed akin to running. While Kharesh had no qualms about retreating from an untenable situation, he wasn't sure that shying away from a challenge was quite in line with his normal devotion to self-perfection. It also seemed contrary to help others - how could one assist in the building and maintaining of a community if they ran at the first sign of conflict.
Before he could answer, Gurmok spoke up, concerned about the continued work of this Alchemist. Kharesh frowned slightly at one of the comments the goblin made and he spoke up quietly. "The bodies were the work of the scry, not this potion-maker. It ate some parts and wore others like clothes."
At the knock, he waited silently before finally offering his thoughts after the steps appeared to retreat further away. "That thing was not of this place. It took parts from people. The elf spoke like it was still alive. We have an enemy that knows us. The alchemist may not, but soon will when the guards report back. We don't know how far the potion-maker's influence goes, but with the ichor, he could be taking over. We should stay and del with our enemies ..."
OOC - Just some rp for the story ...
Effects / Status / Conditions: Battle Medicine used on self; Darkvision; Mystic Strikes (unarmed attacks are magical); Ancient Blooded Dwarf (+1 save vs magic); Cat Fall (falls are 10’ less)
Spoiler: Crunch& Status
Show
AC: 19 (21) HP 46 Initiative +7
Saves: Fort +9 Ref +9 Will +9 Per +7 / Move 30’
Abilities: Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 14 Cha 8 DC 18
Skills: Acrobatics +7, Athletics +9, Warfare Lore +5, Religion +7, Stealth +7, Pahmet Lore +5
Abilities: Call on Ancient Blood (prior to rolling a save vs magical effect, add +1 [circ]); Flurry of blows (make two strikes for 1 action [flourish]); Stunning blow (If attacking same target twice, DC 19 Fort save or stunned 1 round) Mountain stance (see below); Darkvision; Dwarven Weapon Familiarity; Cat Fall (treat falls as 10' shorter); Battle Medicine (Treat wounds in combat)
Stance: Mountain (+4 AC, +2 vs Shove/Trip, +0 Max Dex, -5 ft move; Falling Stone are only Strikes useable in stance)
Combat: Axe (+9 / 1d8S+4 / sweep); Clan Dagger (+9 / 1d4P+4 / agile, dwarf, parry, uncommon, versatile B); Unarmed w/wraps (+10 / 1d6B+4 / agile, finesse, nonlethal, unarmed); Falling Stone w/wraps (+10 / 1d8B+4 / forceful, nonlethal, unarmed)
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
As they begin walking away, Mauricio finally breaks his troubled silence. "We all know the truth... This is not the end of it." The thought causes Mauricio to shudder as if from a cold breeze. It seems that his earlier hypothesis about the bodies had been horribly incorrect... Somehow, it seemed less horrible for the organs to be harvested than for them to be integrated into that... thing. "I suggest that we take advantage of what libraries Katapesh has to offer post haste, in case we are run out of town. Such creatures are beyond my ken, but everything is for sale here... including knowledge. It may be our only weapon against the horrors to come."
Spoiler: OOC
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Mauricio Averni
HP: 35/35
AC: 18
Class DC: 19
Speed: 25
Fort: +6
Ref: +8
Will: +9
Perception: +9
Feats: Forensic Acumen, That's Odd, Battle Medicine, Ward Medic, Keen Recollection, Continual Recovery, Doctor's Visitation
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
After a few moments of silence and no further questions, the Captain nods slowly and says, “I thank you again for dealing with this mess. I’ll send someone to examine the compound soon. I will do what I can to restrict access to the two prisoners, which will buy a bit of extra time, but not much if I’m being honest. I will let you know if I hear anything and… I’ll try to think of some other way to help. You solved a huge problem for me, and I fear that has made a huge one for yourselves in the process. I owe you a debt for that. Take solace in knowing that many lives were saved by your action. Good luck to all of you.”
You head out of his office and out of the barracks into the early morning sun.
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
As they head out, Gurmok exchanges a few words with the dwarf. "You are certain it was the Scry of Leng who tore their eyes off these poor dead people? I was so sure... The alchemist... Yet, I saw the Scry wearing these body parts, myself... But I find it hard to believe this is what I truly have seen!"
The little goblin looks to be in genuine distress. He feels, for the first time, not just afraid, very insecure. What if I can't even believe what my eyes tell me?
"This monster really had my mind on a spin... I fear that I'm still under its spell, somehow."
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
So, reward," Dalnu said as they headed out, "let's first collect that and then see what else we can do. I know one of the weapons we got was a magical dagger, but if you want to put those runes on a proper weapon, we have to see for people to do that. And we have to sell a lot of the stuff we got that nobody can really use to buy those things we can use."
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Ever since the chaos in the market, there had been something looming, something that needed urgent doing - although bigger problems may be coming, urgency is now finally missing. Heading off to the lower city barracks, takes you through much of the lower city. Although today is not the grand bazaar, the difference seems minor. Many storefronts you recall passing are still there with dozens of peddlers hawking various wares in every corner of the city. More transient stalls may be absent, and crowds might be slightly reduced, but everything still projects the same rampant capitalistic chaos surpassed here over all corners of Golarion.
Avoiding a crowd brings you past one of the stranger brands of Katapeshi entertainment: the Doomsayers’ Stand. A massive crowd has gathered to gawk at the musings of an eclectic blend of individuals from scholars to zealots to raving madmen and everywhere between. The current doomsayer who stands atop the circular two-step dais seems to sit between the latter two. Wearing a black breast plate, coated in red face paint, and swinging a custom built and impractically jagged battle axe in a circle over his head, he shouts, “Andak is coming! Andak the Dismembered is coming! And he will bring suffering unending!” Over and over again he shouts slight variations on the theme as you walk to the other end of the plaza. Finally, a mousy bespectacled man informs him his time is up and he calmly walks off the dias.
The next doomsayer to step up to the dias is introduced as Gethin ibn Kuln. He is a bespectacled, balding Kelesh man of average height, perhaps a little frail, with a large tangle of scar tissue on the left side of his face. He raises a pale hand from out of his drab brown robes and, with a calm, clear oration, begins his monologue:
“Something has been keeping me up at night. I began to wonder the other day, if the astronomers are to be believed, and those who have sought answers from the divine suggest they should be, then Golarion is not special. There are countless stars in the sky, and around them swirls planets like Golarion, some of which surely host life. We share many of the same gods. We share the planes. So Golarion is one of an endless sea of planets. Yet, Golarion is special, because there is one thing that happened here and only here. In the Windswept Wastes sits the Pit of Gormuz leading to the Dead Vaults, where Rovagug is locked away. The Unmaker could unravel it all if he were to escape.
“But how exactly? This is a fact that all agree on - from the Paladins of Sarenrae to the clergy of Abadar to the scholars of Nethys to the deranged zealots sworn to the Rough Beast itself - all agree its escape would usher in the end of days. But no one ever says how. Golarion would be destroyed quickly of course, while unpleasant for us obviously, aside from being the cage, there should be nothing else important about Golarion to the gods - although Cayden Cailean, Norgorber, and Iomedae might be impartial.
“In the Windsong Testaments, Rovagug eats seven planets, then gets tossed back into the abyss, it later escapes and eats countless more planets now teeming with life. Personally, I would have been comforted knowing our gods would have bothered to count them, but I digress. Among all those stars, could Rovagug deplete the number of planets fast enough to really be a concern for the divine? How long would it take until they are all gone? It would seem to me an eternity. Let alone could he eat faster than all the other gods could create? There must be some other danger here. There is a part of me that suspects it is to the gods personally, Rovagug killed many gods long forgotten before he was caged, but maybe it’s something more. That possibility of something more is what keeps me up at night. Is there something here the gods aren’t telling us? Thank you.”
The man then abruptly steps off the dais and vanishes into the crowd. As the next doomsayer begins shouting about the cabal of lizard men who have replaced the pactmasters and other heads of state around Golarion, you continue on your way.
Quick words on who you are and why you have come to the barracks brings you before Sergeant Tuthani again. She is armored and wearing the aluum torc around her neck, but appears in a better mood than when you first met. “Ah! It is good to see you again. The Heroes of the market have come!” She claps and several other guardsmen join in a brief applause. “The reward was more than I had expected. Allegedly, Pactmaster Angruul got involved and… uh...”
She trails off and looks to another guardswoman, who clears her throat and continues for Tuthani, “what we were told was that Angruul thought it would be proper to give you something around 2.7% of the taxes earned that would have been lost if you weren’t there to intervene. He did, uh… something… somehow to estimate how much your actions saved in tax revenue and authorized a payment. The agent who delivered the funds and explained it didn’t seem to really understand the process either. It came to 4 platinum, 8 gold, 9 silver and 6 copper. Which, for each of the six of you, came out to 8 gold, 1 silver, and 6 copper.”
Tuthani then hands over five pouches. “The other dwarf who was with you collected her reward yesterday. Thank you for your service to the city!”
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
Dalnu is surprised that people like that gather crowds. Given the relaxed attitude in Katapesh it's not surprising they are speaking here, but she can't understand people listening. She does try to remember what she knows about that Andak someone speaks about while moving further towards the guard station.
There she accepts the reward. Some extra money is always useful.
"So, where are we going to sell all that stuff we have," she asked when they were back outside, "and maybe have those runes transferred from the dagger to another weapon, and maybe the flail too, unless someone knows how to use that weapon. And then get some shopping of our own done."
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Re: Nightmare in Katapesh IC
As you depart the barracks, a man who was standing by the entrance approaches you. He is a tall and quite thin Taldan, past middle age, but certainly not elderly. He is clean shaven with high cheek bones, skin like wrinkled parchment, and a full head of thin gray hair that is slicked back. He is well-dressed, but in a dressy coat and slacks in the fashion of Absalom over the robes of Katapesh. He bows, and says in a smooth voice, “may I have a brief moment of your time please.” He produces a fine jewelry case and opens it, to reveal resting on a cushion of velvet the fine silver bracelet decorated with onyx and jade that you took off of the gnoll slaver Purheegee in the sewer and sold just two days ago. “It is my understanding that you sold this item quite recently. I was hoping you would tell me how it had come into your possession.”