Chp. 4: The Gods Will

[GreyWolfVT]

Tabai informs Kitchi of his terrible dreams.

[Mant72]

- Spells updated.
- Any thoughts on Calto assuming the shape of a bird and doing a quick reconnaissance around the outside of the ziggurat?

[OGRE MAGE]

Great idea!!!
Good luck!

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

Before they rested, the dread cleric uttered, "Perhaps, my friends, we should open the door to the whirlwind room and let the bad air leave the shrine over the course of the hours of our rest?" Azoth will help in this enterprise.

After they rest, Azoth arises from his prayer rug and replies to Calto's query: "It had better be a large bird. That vulture is still skulking about."

Then, as always, the cultist of Elder Gods began to heal the party by violating the inviolate temporal stream.
"'Ai! 'Ai! Ftaghn! Tharanak! Ftaghu!"

Actually, the arcane acolyte is trying to ensnare the possessed Siavel. Azoth Al-Aziz croaks forbidden eldritch words of his uncaring stygian master to plunge the enslaved elf into a temporal prison of corporeal paralysis. For his own good, of course.

Casts Hold Person.

[Grognardsw]

As Azoth casts his divine healings, Siavel feels a tingling... (Save vs. Magic at -2)

[Dram]

Kitchi listens to Tabia. He lets him know of the dreams he had. He will then inform the party of Tabia's dream.

[OGRE MAGE]

Save vs. Spell (10) [1d20] = 7 -2 = 5

[Grognardsw]

Siavel is held under the divine sway of Azoth's magic. When the elf stands unmoving, the others in the party realize something is wrong, but do not know what.

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

"There. That's better," rasps the dark cleric as he uses a cloth to remove the dagger from the elf's grip and tuck it, wrapped, safe beneath his black breastplate.
"My friends, in the same way that I was temporarily possessed by the scepter, Siavel is possessed by this dagger. For all their arrogance, elves are curiously weak-willed. I shall attempt to break its power over him."

Azoth Al-Aziz utters blasphemies to implore his merciless master to empower him with sorceries unnatural and unearthly: "'Ai! 'Ai! Fhtagn! Ftaghu! Thanarak! N'ghtu! Vulg'th! Zhro!"

Casts Remove Curse or Dispel Magic on Siavel, whichever Azoth thinks will do the trick.

[GreyWolfVT]

Go for both

Tabai "I'll take your word for it Elves aren't as common in my village."

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Azoth's comment about "weak elven will" draws a curious side glance from the half elven druid. He shakes his head and thinks to himself, "And what is to be said about the arrogance of Men?"

He speaks up, "Be cautious with that dirk, friend. I would not want you to be drawn under the same cloud as poor Siavel. I hope he can now return to his former self. He continues, "I will wait until we see if he is hale once again. If all is well, I will take the form of an avian and see what surrounds the ziggurat."

[OGRE MAGE]

If the weak minded elf Siavel could move his facial muscles, he would sneer in disgust at the clerics trickery.

But........he cant.

[Grognardsw]

"'Ai! 'Ai! Fhtagn! Ftaghu! Thanarak! N'ghtu! Vulg'th! Zhro!"

Azoth opens a spiritual fissure within Siavel's soul, drawing out malign influence, negative persuasions, and perversions of freewill inflicted by curses. The paralyzed elf feels the pull of Noden's influence. The sensation passes after a time.

To those watching the magickal interchange, Siavel appears physically unchanged and still immobilized.

The dagger is warm under Azoth's breast plate, pulsing like a second heartbeat against the cleric's chest.

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

"Draw swords," the dark cleric rasps. "I will relinquish my hold over his physical form now. If he is still possessed, he'll want this dagger back."

Azoth stands with Calto, Tabai and Kitchi between he and Siavel. Then he releases control of the elf, and watches what happens next.

"Good Siavel? Are you yourself again?"

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Calto heeds the words of the dark priest, draws his scimitar, and stands ready for what is to come.

[OGRE MAGE]

Siavel

Well, that was certainly unfortunate. And completely unnecessary I may add.

I was in control the entire time. Why did you take the blade from me in such an unfriendly manner?

How will we find the deep exit if I am not allowed to possess the dagger? I can still feel it's call to me and believe me, it is not happy.

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

"Friend Siavel, I fear the deep exit to which you refer would be the gates to Hell. That dagger had an insidious hold over you. Now that this drama has played its part, I am going to scout the area outside for answers. I shall return soon."

With this, Calto's body folds in upon itself. He shrinks in size as his nose and mouth transform into a wickedly curved beak, and his flesh becomes coverd in feathers. The nature priest assumes the form of a vulture native to the area and speeds off to explore the outside of the ziggurat. When exiting, he is careful to avoid the traps and tries to stay just above the jungle canopy.

Healing From Shapeshifting: [1d6x10] = 5x10 = 50

[Inferno]

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

"You were in control as you stabbed the heart of a friend and companion who died trying to protect us as you electrocuted him?" Azoth sneered in contempt. "You might consider relinquishing such 'control' more often.
"You say the dagger is not happy? Tell us more, starting with why in the Nine Hells we should care what the dagger wants?"

"Wait, wise Calto. I'm afraid this 'drama' is unresolved."


Azoth has known Siavel a long time. Siavel is Chaotic Good.
And Azoth no longer knows 'Exorcism.'

[GreyWolfVT]

Tabai spear in hand still doesn't know what to do but stands alert in the event of a fight.

[Mant72]

Calto the druid:

Azoth Al-Aziz, occultic priest:

"Wait, wise Calto. I'm afraid this 'drama' is unresolved."

At word from the priest, Calto gives pause before leaving to scout the area.