[4E] Grandpre Academy, Group 2, Part 3 (IC)

[Dekkah]

DM
The heroes return to the portal room, with Monique covering her face with some cloth to tone down the smell. Not that she isnt as incomodated by the smeel, she takes her time to inspect the portal and after a few moments, she confirms Bolerum guess that it should be like the one on the other side and is more than likely active all the time.
Before anyone walks down though, the bard remember that the tower is leaning on the side in the material plane and going throught means falling down. The heroes quickly comes to the conclusion that the best thing to do is to use Antoine flight power to get across, that way you will be able to fly down.

So Bolerum pick up Monique, while Ashe hang onto Antoines back. Suddenly, Ace freeze up with Ashe on his back. Bolerum and Monique who are in front of him sees his eyes that turned white again. It last about 15 seconds then he shake his head a little blinking as his eyes return to normal.

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I took the liberty of moving things ahead a little and make the obvious choices ... see OOC question.

Players Status

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(L3) Bolerum: 53/53, TEMP HP = 0, Healing surges : 6/12

(N5) Monique : 44/44, TEMP HP = 0 , Healing surges : 8/8

(N1) Ashe : 49/49, TEMP HP = 0, Healing Surges : 4/7

(Q2)Ace 38/42, TEMP HP = 0, Healing Surges : 1/6

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
The seer blinks. I need ta git Bill's ring soon, or the gift is gunna kill me. My second sight told me that even with Bill's approval, we ain't gettin' past Xelmoyr without a Peolorite. Specifically, the priestess we find is a middle-aged woman, who I would recognize if I saw her but would have trouble describin'. Anyway, let's git goin'. He summons his path of cards to help his friends safely cross the portal.

[Dekkah]

DM
July 24th, 1500 :
After Antione incident, the heroes keep going and exit the tower by simply lowering a rope to get to the bottom of the cavern, which is easyer than trying to get back on top of it. Once at the bottom, they take a few moments to check the two cavern on the lower part and note that these are not like the others at all. They arent dead ends, but some real tunnels. A quick inspection, the north one seem to be getting quickly deeper and while the heroes doesnt search it, they quickly beleive it might be leading to the underdark.
They find a few tracks in there, but the fresh ones are not from goblin, but appear to be from some some of huge spiderlike creatures.

Having no time to spare on the matter, the heroes get out of the cavern climbing, Bolerum leading them up expertly to the ledge and out of the large cavern. To be safe, they use the secret exit from the ruined shrine. Once outside under a sunny sky, they see no life within the camp they sacked and after a quick inspection, they spot only a small group of prints that would be fresher than their, which goes north.

The tracks are not fresh enough to warrant the heroes to investigate and the set out south-west for Bord-Eau immediatly. They travel with any opposition for about half a day. They notice that there is no horns sound in this area anymore. They set up their camp, Antione and Ashe reading their books, Magdebourg log for the sorcerer and the holy book for the later. Monique decide to work on a ritual that may will help then shorten the travel time, knowing that she will pay for it in the morning, but still take the 8 hours to learn it. Bolerum, make sure the area is safe and scout around to keep watch.

July 25th, 1500 :
In the morning, the sky is dark and the heroes fear they might travel under rain this day. Monique look tired, as she only got 2 hour sleep, but the idea was to save time, so she still rise and quickly eat. Once ready, she perform her back magic and the heroes set out toward the city, Ashe leading the way, acting as a guide.
They travel a full day, making great progress and are even lucky as seem to outpace the rain as the darker shaded clouds keep behind them and they eventually seem to outrun the stromy sky, which will pass north of them. Once they are ready to set canmp, Monique eat a little and get fall to bed exausted, while the other keep doing the same thing as the previous night.

July 26th, 1500 :
Monique seem alittle better now have slept a good 3 extra hours. She isnt completly recover from her excesses, but she will survive. Antione also seem a little tired, but nothing to bad. The group set out again, under a cloudy sky again, but this time they doesnt fear too muich for rain.
The day of travel goes quickly again, and with Monique song, the make great progress again. At dusk, as the start to think to make camp, Ashe keen ears pick up some horn far to the south-west, which he estimate to be roughly half an hour away.

The heroes decide to check out the source and they find a small goblin patrol of roughly 10 enemies. They set up an ambush and fall upon the goblins quickly. They focused on the horn carrier, but the heroes did not notice that an other goblin had an horn on him and they doesnt manage to kill it quickly enough and he call for reinforcements. There is 5 replies to the south-west, 3 of which saying they are coming to help.

The heroes prepare an ambush and when the first group of goblin arrive, they fall on them again. The horn blower franticly blow his horn with some code you dont know and the goblins seem to panic and try to flee more than fight. That code receive no replies. Still, none of them manage to escape and Monique knock down the horn blower for interrogation. Yolu still prepare for more action, but noen comes to you.

After you wake the prisonner, you have no trouble making it speak, as he seem terrified. You dont learn much, except the fact that rumors about you are going among the clan. They are calling you the "Ear Slicers" and he recognized you and blowed the new code to say they encountered you. That is actually why no one replied and no one came to help. He doesnt know much more, but he does tell you all the rumors he heard about you, which relate most of your past action against the goblins, some of which are a little inflated : in the feilds helping the farmers, with the orcs, wiping out the Snake clan forest camp, stoping and killing many of the reinforment troop before and during the fort goblin attack. There is even a few thing you didnt do, and even a few out of proportion stuff, like that you make everyone human vanish from the Fort-Du-Col before the goblin can kill them.

After you are done dealing with the goblin horn blower, Ashe doesnt pick up any other horn for the night though.
That night, Monique fall asleep right after dinner again, and Antione and Ashe finish their reading. The heroes set their watch order and get to bed.

July 27th, 1500 :
It is sunny morning, after an eventful night again. Monique seem to have recovered, but Antoine doesnt seem to be faring as good. Ashe take some time to climb up an high tree and estimate that with Monique magic they should get to town around lunch. Ashe also hear some horns again far to the south-west.

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I've decided to stop here and give you some time to share stuff and talk among yourself as I prepare the next traveling segment. You might have some stuff to share as Antione finished the book last night (if you dont tell me either Ic or OOC and I'll keep moving thing forward.).

Ashe can add 19 ear to the group loot, and possibly 1 more (If you killed the goblin - or took his ear before dealing with him). I'd actually like to know what you would have done with him (Killed, kept him as prisonner or let him free)

There was also 45 GP total on the goblins

Players Status

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(L3) Bolerum: 53/53, TEMP HP = 0, Healing surges : 12/12

(N5) Monique : 44/44, TEMP HP = 0 , Healing surges : 8/8

(N1) Ashe : 49/49, TEMP HP = 0, Healing Surges : 7/7

(Q2)Ace 42/42, TEMP HP = 0, Healing Surges : 4/6

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
Y'know, Mo', yer thinkin' that maybe the masked eye was some'un else an' that the traveler was me got me t'thinkin'. I read my cards this mornin', an' now I think y'all've got the right of it. I'm the traveler... which leads us t'figure out who the Masked Eye is. He hands her Bill's journal. This book is almost all 'bout Bill's search fer the Chest o' Never. I can summarize it for y'all if ya like, but I'm sure y'all'd like t'find the time to read it yerself.

[NotScaryBats]

"I need to find a dimension with an altered timeflow to read all these books and learn all these rituals!" the bard says somewhat manically. "but yes, I would really like to read what he has to say about the Chest." she finishes with a smile.

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
Well, it's a long book, but t'make things short as I can make em', the Chest o' Never ain't a chest at all. It's actually a series o' six items, used to seal away the spirit o' a mean ol' Djinn Lord, named Ekneverth'miar. When they performed the sealin' spell, they used a rib from his chest fer the ritual focus. Over the years, "Chest Bone of Ekneverth'miar" got shortened t'Chest o' Never. It's said t'grant the person who brings all six artifacts together a wish, because bringin' em together releases the Djinn, an' Djinns can grant wishes. But releasin' him could be bad, too; they done put him away fer a reason, summarizes Antoine from what he read of the book.

[NotScaryBats]

Monique's jaw drops.

[Leewei]

Bolerum

The paladin's eyes begin to sparkle with the thought of a battle with a djinn lord.

[Dekkah]

DM
After a quick breakfast, the heroes set for Bord-Eau. Other than the few horns in the morning, the heroes only hear two more being blown, followed by a reply with the code identifying your presence, which put an end to any replies. None of the goblins were on your path and you dont hear any other horn being blown on the rest of of your travel during the morning.

You reach Bord-Eau gate a little before noon. The guard allow you in instantly as one recognise you.
"Welcome back. Happy to see you still are around."
Asking about the news, you learn that nothing changed much, but there is a rumor that the new army should march north soon. Also, the guard will tell you that something weird happened this night and morning. The goblins who have been letting their presence knows and using their horn most of the time since the attack stopped this morning and have been mostly silent since last night.

After this small report, the heroes set out for the Old district to get to Pelor temple. They get there after roughly an hour and half of travel in the streets. The city is slowly regaining from the attacks and people seem a little less bummed now, but there is some visible tension.

As you enter the Pelor temple, a young priest aproach you,
"Welcome to Pelor's holy house. What can the sunlord do for you this day?"
The young man question seem to be something he says to everyone, but he seem a little surprised when he realise arent some peasants.

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Fast forward to the temple .

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
Good mornin', lad. We're lookin' fer a particular priestess o' Pelor; it's a long story I won't bore y'all with, but if y'all could help us find the lass, we'd be much obliged. The Vistani gives as good a description as he can of the priestess in question from his vision to the boy at the door.

[Dekkah]

DM
The young man rise an eyebrow at your request, but still nod,
"Well that would fit any of the two priestess affiliated with this temple sir. They both are here today, I can check if they are free. Which one do you wish to see? Beatrice or Liana."

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
Whichever've the two y'all think would be more willin' t'travel on an archeological dig. We've found an ancient temple o the sun lord, but only one've his holy folks can let us in.

[Dekkah]

DM
The young man look rather surprise about what you expect of the priestesses.
"Ummm, you know that there is goblins surrounding the city right? I dont see any of the priestess likely to follow you out there sir. Still, I'll see which one I find first and send her to you. If you would wait in this room there."
The young priest escort you to a small meeting room. While it isnt luxurious, there is some confortable chairs to sit around a simple table.

Leaving you there, the young man go search for the priestesses. You wait 5 minutes before a young woman enter the room. Ace description was quite vague and she might fit it, but not completly.

The priestess nod the the heroes and you can guess from her face that she wonders why she is here.
"Welcome to the sunlord house. I am priestess Beatrice Mcthor. Maxim didnt elaborate and only told me you were looking for a priestess. What can I do for you?"

[Leewei]

Bolerum

"Well-met, Reverend Mother McThor! We have come to ask for your aid in breaking the invasion of goblins. You may even be able to kill a few!" Bol grins with delight.

"You would also meet and be judged by a battle angel of Pelor, and escort us into a holy crypt of the sun god's paladins and avengers to retrieve a relic of tactical importance in the war with the goblins." The Kordite's enthusiasm subsides only somewhat as he mentions the crypt.

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Let's see if she's Bol's kind of stupid!
Diplomacy: (d20+9)[21]

[Dekkah]

DM
The priestess curious face turn to an horrified one as Bolerum mention that she could battle goblins. Even the mention of being judged by Pelor angels doesnt seem to enchant her. Once the paladin end his affirmation, you all can feel that Bolerum sheer confidence and charisma prevent her from excusing herself and run away from you all. she reply after a few seconds, more than likely needed to regain her senses
"I- I dont really know what you are talking about exactly but I beleive you have the wrong priestess. I am not a fighter, nor any adventurer. I-I understand that gaining an upper hand on this war would be great and would lessen the strain added to the citizens, but we Pelorians arent warriors. You would have better luck with Erathis priests, or even Bahamut shrine where some fighter of that religion often commune."

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
The seer grimaces at Bolerum's description. It's not so bad as all that, madame. Y'see, the city o' Magdebourg which once dominated this 'ere peninsula an' fell inta the earth long ago is buried beneath the forest nearby. Inside, there's a temple o' Pelor with a secret tomb beneath. Certain items we need t'stop the greenskins are in that tomb, but the angel that guards it needs a holy man or woman o' Pelor to personally vouch fer us 'afore we can enter. If she'll allow us, we'll be payin' Madame Flammemorte t'teleport us nearly straight there again. It'll be a short walk t'the tomb, a short chat with Xelmoyr the Angel, or a long one if y'all wish, and then we'll gather the heirlooms we're lookin' fer an' get ye back safe an' sound t'Bord-Eau. Nothin' to it, and we won't see any fightin' 'less it comes t'us.

[Leewei]

Bolerum

Hearing Antoine's description of their course of action makes Bolerum's expression change to that of a boy finding half a worm in his favorite peach.

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Certainly not Bol's kind of stupid!

[NotScaryBats]

"Are you interested in history? Because this temple we're talking about is an old order of Battle Pelorites.

"I am merciful to the repentant, just as the Sun of Mercy shines on me.
I am merciless to the vile, just as Holy Radiance burns evil.
I am the healer of the sick, just as the Sun Lord grant good harvest.
I am the avenger of the injured, just as the Light repel darkness."

Sound familiar? Or, I dunno, interesting? Maybe your lay sister would be more interested." Monique is as earnest as Bolerum.

[Dekkah]

DM
THe priestess listen to the heroes politely. It is evident that she isnt really interested in most what you talk about, except maybe meeting a Pelor angel.

"History isnt something that really interest me, sorry. You may ask the old George, the priest in charge of our small library, he might have interest in this historical stuff."
She look at you apologeticly and add,
"In normal time I might be convinced to go with you, maybe even interested, but these are not normal time. I understand that your quest can help this city fight the horde, but we are also needed here. We have duties and people to take care of in these dire times right here, something I know I can perform well."
You all have enough insight to know that while it surely is true that they are busy, she mostly use this as an excuse not to go out and risk her life.
"I'm sorry I cannot help you."

As Beatrice finish speaking, a priest and a priestess enter the room. THe woman probably is Liana, and also have look that can fit Antione description, but isnt a perfect match either. The man wear the robe of an high ranked priest.
The man nod to Beatrice, "Priestess McThor.", then turn to you, "Welcome to Pelor holy house, I'm the Marc Joalier, Holyhand of Pelor in charge of this humble temple."
He end up bowing Politely.
"May I know your names strangers? Maxim told me you seek our help, to be more precise our priestess help. I'd like to learn more about this before I grant my approval since from what Maxim told me, this seem some dangerous quest that may put our representative in danger."
The priest tone is neutral and he seem to mean what he say and really care about the safety of his priests.

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
Antoine stands and tips his hat, bowing. Greetin's, Your Radiance. Antoine Gadzani, of the Red Caravan Vistani. My companions an' I have just returned from the ruins o' Magdebourg, where we've found an ancient Temple of the Sunlord. Certain family heirlooms and artifacts await us in the crypts that would help us fight off the goblins, one a' which is a ring my, ah, mentor once owned... without which my gift a' divination might just kill me. We would have no issue gainin' entrance, 'cept that it's guarded by Xelmoyr, a battle angel o' Pelor, explains the seer. He won't let us in t'get our things 'less a devotee a' Pelor vouches fer us. My gift told me a woman, her features only vaguely shown t'me, would be allowin' us past Xelmoyr, but not who. Naturally, this temple was our first stop in lookin' fer the madame that'd let us in.

[Dekkah]

DM
The priest listen and rise an eyebrow when you mention you divination gift and that it can kill you, but say nothing about it. As Antoine end his case, the pries tscartch his chin and say,
"Magdebourg, I've heard this name before. Wasn't it an ancient city on this peninsula, long ago? "
The man ponder for a moment, then say,
"I will be frank here. If the area would be safe as it used to be, I would without doubt offer our help and send some of my fellow priest with you. Finding an ancient Pelor temple and uncovering is a great thing. But with the actual goblin situation, and you quest are mostly of personnal interest, I simply cannot ask this of our priests."
The man face show some empathy, and only shrug as an apology.
"Still, if any of our priest accept to follow you, I'll grant my approval and let them go. But dont pressure them and keep in mind that none here are fighters or adventurers like you. Their lives would be you duty to protect."
This time the man face become serious, and you know he really mean that and would hold you responsible of the priest safety would one go with you.
"But know that once the goblin conflict is dealt with, if you still need our help, I'll glady provide it."

Beatrice seem clearly releived with the highpriest decision. The other priestess stays back and simply listen to all this.

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
The sorcerer sighs and nods. Thank you fer yer time, Yer Radiance, but we won't trouble y'all with our quest any more'n we have. My vision showed that the one who'll let us in was eager to do so; I wouldn't want anyone t'come along under duress, an' even with our protection, it's not totally safe out there fer non-combatants. Unless some of his companions object, he then makes to leave the temple.

[Dekkah]

DM
As Antione is about to leave, the silent priestess, close her eyes for a second, take a deep breath adn speak up as she open her eyes,
"I'll go, if you have me."
This seem to take the highpriest and Beatrice by surprise.
"Antione needs sound important, for that ring might save his life. And what other stuff we might find there could help this city as well. Saving lives and protecting people is something we pelorians must do when we can."
You can see she is a little scared, and she swallow nervously as she add, looking directly at you.
"I understand that you cannot insure my complete safety, but I know you'll do your best. Just promise me we will come back directly here once we are done and I'd be satisfied."
"Are you sure Liana? Thing are dongerous now out there."
She keep silent and look at the heroes, nervously awaiting their answer.

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
The seer's eyes widen, and he smiles. Monique here and I, the party's magickers, aren't strong enough t'cast the spell that'd let us teleport back 'ere t'Bord-Eau. So we'll come right back, but it'll take longer t'return than it will t'get there. We'll keep y'all save as we can, and, he assures her, looking to Bolerum, We won't pick fights what don't pick us. You're very brave, Sister Laina, and we're grateful fer the offer.

[Dekkah]

DM
Liana nod to Antione, puting a dumbfounded look on Beatrice face and some worries on the highpreist shoulders no doubt. The priestess turn to Marc and say,
"Yes, I am sure, Highpriest Joalier. My husband trust these adventurers, and so will I. Dont be too harsh on them should something happen to me, I go with them understanding the dangers and willingly."
The highpriest sigh and turn to you, his voice filled with an official tone.
"Very well then. Priestess Liana Brasseur will accompagny you on the behalf of Bord-Eau Pelor temple and help you as she can. Keep her safe adn may Pelor sun shine upon your path."
Turning to Liana, he add with his regular intonation,
"I'll leave you with these fine heroes Liana, but come see me before you leave. The temple will provide you with some equipement that might help you on that quest."
The highpriest bow, and leave, followed by Beatrice, leaving you alone with Liana, who look a little intimidated now that she is alone with you all.

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
The sorcerer's eyebrows go up at the name. William never told me he was married. I was actually gunna suggest we head to his barracks next t'give an' get a report. It's an honour t'have y'all with us, Sister Brasseur. I'll make sure t'get y'all back t'yer husband safe an' sound 'fore he goes marchin' off to war.

[Dekkah]

DM
The priestess give Antione a weak smile and bow,
"Nice to meet you. My husband did spoke you all a lot. If my memory is right, you are Bolerhum, Monique and Ash. I would have thought you'de be Ace of Spades from William descriptions, I hope nothing bad happened to him. And you can call me Liana."
She seem serious for a moment with a touch of worry,
"I hope that were we going is near if you want to return before William march out. Unless things change, he is leaving to join up with the Fort-Du-Col survivors in two days."
She nods about Antione next destination,
"Sounds fine, I'll meet the highpriest before leaving and meet you there. Are we gonna leave town today?"

[Leewei]

Bolerum

Beaming at Priestess Brasseur, the outland paladin makes his introduction.

"As you guessed, I am Bolerum Greenbanewielder, son of Hild Goodsbringer and Karl One-eye from the wolf tribes. I will shield you from all harm with my life."

His infectious smile is almost contrary to the seriousness of his pledge. Bol is clearly impressed by Liana's bravery.

[Dekkah]

DM
Liana smile back at Bolerum,
"Well met. I am sure you would, but let's just pray that the need for shielding my life wont be necessary."

[Shadow_Elf]

Antoine
I've stopped usin' Ace o' Spades, but that'd be me. I, uh, can't expect people t'trust me with important stuff if I can't even trust em' with my name. I'll be goin' by Antoine now, but I'll still answer t'Ace outta habit if y'all want.