Sidon or Bust

[Agnati]

We will be ready.
Rickul makes a point to ask around the tavern whether it's safer to take to the woods or follow the road, to avoid any confrontation, or if there's a safe route in general.

[Johnny Champion]

We will be ready.
Rickul makes a point to ask around the tavern whether it's safer to take to the woods or follow the road, to avoid any confrontation, or if there's a safe route in general.

DM: Your best information about the road ahead from Zefron and confirmed by Oliver is what was previously posted:

Zefron: "You are advised to travel by horse due east to the Sidon Road. As you approach Hillvale, keep a low profile or use some sort of invisibility spell that your arcane user has in her arsenal. From there the road head east. Sidon is only 15 miles to the south."

He then looks upon Faelwen with a strange look. He offers healing to the party and 3 potions of Rejuvenation...all that he has in town. He makes sure your horses are provisioned and picks up the cost of dinner and your overnight stay at the Inn.

[Johnny Champion]

Road South: Rickul leads you across the lush grassland east out of Torgoth towards the Sidon Road, you notice the rainy season beginning in earnest. One more year and Second Sun will be at a maximum.

After half-days journey, you reach the Sidon Road and begin to head south as instructed. The road winds along the edge of the Deerwood Forest. You encounter a Thalor War Party, and after recognizing the urgency of your travels they take the vanguard and make sure the road ahead is safe to the end of their domain. There they say farewell and urge you to travel off road until you pass the southern bend of the Heldavane River. They suggest the dangers of Hillvale will then be bypassed.

Agreeing to their recommendations, Rickul is able to lead you to the crossroads between the Sidon Temple southeast in the forested region and the City of Sidon several miles further to the southwest. Knowledge of the area suggests that the Temple is the site of the great battle.

Awaiting responses:
A. To the Temple in the Woods?
B. City of Sidon?

[Tungsten]

Faelwen votes for Sidon Temple.

[Tungsten]

Faelwen asks Lumiere if not the most powerful Clerics of Malazar would be at the Temple???

She also wonders what a Thalor War Party is???

[Agnati]

Faelwen votes for Sidon Temple.

+1
We can trek to the temple after the party is restored. There may even be a task a townsman has at the temple. It'd be a pity to, say, storm into a temple and accidentally engage and kill a bunch of very rare good-aligned creatures and steal a powerful artifact and then go to Sidon where we're tasked with helping the now-butchered endangered creatures protect the item....... just sayin. Worst-case scenario, I think.

Faelwen asks Lumiere if not the most powerful Clerics of Malazar would be at the Temple???

She also wonders what a Thalor War Party is???

The good guys, their deeds would suggest!

-Agnati

[Johnny Champion]

She also wonders what a Thalor War Party is???

The Thalor are the clan of good woodland elves that inhabit Deerwood Forest. Their main stronghold is called Olam Thalor and is shown on the map.

[Johnny Champion]

Faelwen asks Lumiere if not the most powerful Clerics of Malazar would be at the Temple???

It is common knowledge among the party that the High Priestess of Sidon would most likely be at the temple.

[Tungsten]

Faelwen doesn't even want to know why Rickul has been smoking in the woods. We have a Cleric of Malazar taking a fallen warrior of Malazar to her High Priestess. Said worst case scenario is NOT an option on any plane of reality.

Caught that they were good. Wondering why they have War Parties???

[Rhourk]

Lumiere - "Lead us to the Temple, I will begin to prepare my remarks".

[Johnny Champion]

Lumiere informs the party that Matriarch (15th) Haysa Timset has been recently elevated to this position. Female clerics of power are common with the god Malazar.

Haysa resides in the ornate Echashi Temple, nearly 300 years old and built by powerful beings from another plane, in glorification of the victory of the Divine.

She has 12-15 clerics of various levels that attend to the faith of Malazar, but only a quarter of them are 'fighting' clerics such as Lumiere; the rest being content behind the walls of temple researching and communing with the divine archeons and such.

[Doricin]

She has 12-15 clerics of various levels that attend to the faith of Malazar, but only a quarter of them are 'fighting' clerics such as Lumiere; the rest being content behind the walls of temple researching and communing with the divine archeons and such.[/color]

Of course Doricin first and foremost worries about the ability to resurrect his fallen comrades, but deep down, he also wonders if any of those domesticated clerics brew anything as tasty as a good trappist ale.

Also, is there anything we need to bring as a special offering to the Temple. Sure, we bring as much gold and gems as we can possibly carry and a willingness to take on a mission in exchange or our comrades restoration...but should we also ensure we come bearing the proper "gifts"? Assume Lumiere has all that covered.

[Rhourk]

I got it covered, and I am sure they will let me know what we need to do in ways of questing or tithing.

[Johnny Champion]

I got it covered, and I am sure they will let me know what we need to do in ways of questing or tithing.

DM: Assuming Lumiere enters the Temple chambers and is taken to Haysa.

Haysa: "The angels have spoken to me about your arrival. Word was sent from both Greenhaven and the chapel in Torgoth."

Then looking over the bodies of Kaleb and Tungsten: "These poor servants of Malazar, unless you tell me otherwise, I will offer their souls a safe journey to plane of our god. Which rituals do you in mind for these?"

She continues with little pause: "Please rest and tell me of the Demon Tumagor."

[Rhourk]

Chris you jumped the gun on me a little. I had this in mind.

Lumiere makes sure that her armor is polished to a mirror finish and that her robes are sparkling white. She think on the armor for a minute, as it is not a common choice when entering the Temple, but Malazar has set on a road of bloodshed and combat, best to embrace it. The busy but safe life of a Temple Acolyte is past her now, though just months ago it seems another lifetime. In her mind’s eye she feels the icy stare of Sakantha once again, feels the fires of Hell singe her face, and watches her companions fall again and again. She forces the thoughts from her mind.

What purpose Malazar has for her, she does not know. She won’t dwell in the past, trying to understand it. She won’t lose herself contemplating her future path, paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. No, this is her moment. The world hinges on it, she can feel it. Nebulous currents of evil and threats from the dark rise to challenge the realms of man. She will stand against the dark, a candle in the night. She feels the hopelessness of the situation. And for a fleeting moment lets it brush against her mind. Then she turns to look at her companions, and hopelessness turns to hope. She knows in that moment that she will never be alone again, Malazar provides. She gives them a smile and lets her face return to her stern demeanor and opens the door. She strides to the Matriarch and drops to her knee and speaks with all the passion in her heart.

“Great Matriarch of the Second Sun, thank you for seeing me. I am Lumiere, lately from Wyndham, now a light in the dark.

I bring great tidings, the Oaken Blight is cleared, the witches haunting the blight are dead. We have unlocked the Ancient Spire there and liberated the black obsidian there from the forces of Darkness.

We have made contact with and earned the respect of the Torrean, Moramoos Talaffar. He has given us means to enter the spires and shown us the path to the underdark, should we ever need it.

And more we have laid low the Arch Fiend Tumagor. His flame is extinguished in the realm and his plans are turned to dust. A horrible evil has been banished and much suffering has been avoided.

But at such cost, two of my companions were killed in the final battle with Tumagor. One a Paladin of Malazar and Noble Knight, the other a common soul tha has risen above his humble roots to take the fight to our enemies, but never forgets those from whence he came.

I know Malazar has placed me on this path, and I know he wishes me to be part of this band of heroes, that finds itself on the front in the struggle against the dark, and I relish my part to play in the name of the Second Sun. But this loss is too much to endure.

How can we carry on the fight without the fearsome sword of Tungsten to strike terror into their hearts our foes. In the Oaken Blight I summond the hands of Malazar to bear him aloft where he dueled the Zalena above our heads and cast her lifeless corpse to the rocks below. His body was caught in the blast of Tumagor’s exploding corpse as the beast died at his feet.

How long will we last without the shield and skill of Kaleb to turn aside the blades and talons of or foes. Where will we look to find a finer example of humility and selflessness.

I am afraid that even if we could replace their sword-arms, we could never replace their spirit. In the days and nights ahead we will need that spirit as much as any martial skill to carry on. For all the scars we gain will not be of the body alone.

I beseech they Bright Lady, grant us your aid in the fullest measure. Return them to us and make us whole again, so that we may face the enemies of Malazar and deliver to them the full force of his judgment. Our road ahead is dark and full of peril, we ask for your aid so that we bring the light to those dark places and when needs be drag the denizens lurking there kicking and screaming into the light.

Thank you Great Mother, for hearing my plea.”

She drops her eyes to the ground and waits.

[Johnny Champion]

Chris you jumped the gun on me a little. I had this in mind.

I am sorry, need to be patient!

[Johnny Champion]

She has 12-15 clerics of various levels that attend to the faith of Malazar, but only a quarter of them are 'fighting' clerics such as Lumiere; the rest being content behind the walls of temple researching and communing with the divine archeons and such.[/color]

Of course Doricin first and foremost worries about the ability to resurrect his fallen comrades, but deep down, he also wonders if any of those domesticated clerics brew anything as tasty as a good trappist ale.

DM: The faith of Malazar has some similarities (non doctrinal) to catholic/orthodox hierarchy. Brothers of Malazar just outside the Temple study ancient texts and brew a special beer call Malaziscan. Purchasing gallons upon gallons of this brew helps support their studies.

[Johnny Champion]

Chris you jumped the gun on me a little. I had this in mind.

Lumiere makes sure that her armor is polished to a mirror finish and that her robes are sparkling white. She think on the armor for a minute, as it is not a common choice when entering the Temple, but Malazar has set on a road of bloodshed and combat, best to embrace it. The busy but safe life of a Temple Acolyte is past her now, though just months ago it seems another lifetime. In her mind’s eye she feels the icy stare of Sakantha once again, feels the fires of Hell singe her face, and watches her companions fall again and again. She forces the thoughts from her mind.

What purpose Malazar has for her, she does not know. She won’t dwell in the past, trying to understand it. She won’t lose herself contemplating her future path, paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. No, this is her moment. The world hinges on it, she can feel it. Nebulous currents of evil and threats from the dark rise to challenge the realms of man. She will stand against the dark, a candle in the night. She feels the hopelessness of the situation. And for a fleeting moment lets it brush against her mind. Then she turns to look at her companions, and hopelessness turns to hope. She knows in that moment that she will never be alone again, Malazar provides. She gives them a smile and lets her face return to her stern demeanor and opens the door. She strides to the Matriarch and drops to her knee and speaks with all the passion in her heart.

“Great Matriarch of the Second Sun, thank you for seeing me. I am Lumiere, lately from Wyndham, now a light in the dark.

Haysa: "Hail and well met my Daughter of Life. Your faith has proceeded you. Do you think the Archeons do not inform me of the deeds of your party?"

I bring great tidings, the Oaken Blight is cleared, the witches haunting the blight are dead. We have unlocked the Ancient Spire there and liberated the black obsidian there from the forces of Darkness.

Haysa: "I recommend not to invoke the Black Magic too often Lumiere. We still are bound by the ancient oath though softened now as the gods have become more removed from our constant struggles."

We have made contact with and earned the respect of the Torrean, Moramoos Talaffar. He has given us means to enter the spires and shown us the path to the underdark, should we ever need it.

Haysa appears very confused and is now surprised at the depth of your discoveries: "Torrean? Indeed, i know what you say is truth. Many thought they are just legend"

And more we have laid low the Arch Fiend Tumagor. His flame is extinguished in the realm and his plans are turned to dust. A horrible evil has been banished and much suffering has been avoided.

Haysa: "A Balor of high rank my daughter. They seldom travel to our realm. Your might and that of your friends may save the Duchy at some point. The Grand Duke would be interested in talking to the Party"

But at such cost, two of my companions were killed in the final battle with Tumagor. One a Paladin of Malazar and Noble Knight, the other a common soul tha has risen above his humble roots to take the fight to our enemies, but never forgets those from whence he came.

Haysa: "There are always deaths among the faithful, my daughter. You know this lesson. We both do."

I know Malazar has placed me on this path, and I know he wishes me to be part of this band of heroes, that finds itself on the front in the struggle against the dark, and I relish my part to play in the name of the Second Sun. But this loss is too much to endure.

Haysa listens carefully...

How can we carry on the fight without the fearsome sword of Tungsten to strike terror into their hearts our foes. In the Oaken Blight I summond the hands of Malazar to bear him aloft where he dueled the Zalena above our heads and cast her lifeless corpse to the rocks below. His body was caught in the blast of Tumagor’s exploding corpse as the beast died at his feet.

Haysa: "The sight of a air-walking knight of Malazar, locked in battle with a Witch of the Old Rite! That should be recorded by the bards of ancient days. Yes...the death throe of Balor...legend speaks of the cataclysmic destruction as he is sent back to the Abyss!"

How long will we last without the shield and skill of Kaleb to turn aside the blades and talons of or foes. Where will we look to find a finer example of humility and selflessness.

I am afraid that even if we could replace their sword-arms, we could never replace their spirit. In the days and nights ahead we will need that spirit as much as any martial skill to carry on. For all the scars we gain will not be of the body alone.

Haysa: "What do you ask by dear daughter?"

I beseech they Bright Lady, grant us your aid in the fullest measure. Return them to us and make us whole again, so that we may face the enemies of Malazar and deliver to them the full force of his judgment. Our road ahead is dark and full of peril, we ask for your aid so that we bring the light to those dark places and when needs be drag the denizens lurking there kicking and screaming into the light.

Thank you Great Mother, for hearing my plea.”

She drops her eyes to the ground and waits.

Haysa looks troubled and retreats to her private sanctuary...she does not return for at least 30 minutes. You sense the closeness of your diety, and rejoice he is near. Her look as she begins speaking again to you has changed and the sparkle in her eyes is no longer hers. She is now, though in the form of Haysa, manifested in the spirit of Malazar himself. You are confident that is he that is speaking, not Haysa.

Malazar: "Do you know the power that is required to return these mortals? The well spring has limits and the god of death must be appeased regardless, he is jealous, but souls to him have a price. I have searched for these noble warriors and I find them deserving of life yet again. The Archeon I send will give you instructions to pay the way for their return. My servant Lumiere, I grant your request...I have given Haysa the power to return Kaleb in the form of a Resurrection...and Tungsten return through the ritual of Raise Dead."

[Johnny Champion]

A few minutes later, Haysa appears to be herself again: "I know what He spoke. First, lets discuss the knight, Tungsten. The ancient rite of Raise Dead requires the finest of Diamonds, but other gems could work. I need (5) exquisite gems. They can be purchased in the town if you don't have them."

She continues: "He will also need a gift for the angels of death who escort him back. Maybe additional gems or magic item or other precious gift."

Haysa recommends something prized by the individual or a gift near 10,000gp to guarantee success.

DM: Coming back from the dead is an ordeal. The subject loses one level (or 1 Hit Die) when he/she is raised, just as if he had lost a level or a Hit Die to an energy-draining creature. Furthermore, the subject loses 1 point from one of his abilities. A raised subject has a number of hit points equal to its current Hit Dice. The raised subject requires several days rest. The value of the gift is important and effects the chances of success.

[Johnny Champion]

Haysa then discusses Kaleb: "His situation is more costly. Kaleb requires a Resurrection Ritual. We need gems whose value totals 10,000gp (>10 exquisite gems). But the payment to the Angels of Death is much more steep. A item of incredible worth must be placed by the gems. If it deemed worthy, it will be taken and the soul returned and the body completely restored. I have only performed this ritual several times and it drains me."

DM: This spell functions like raise dead, except that you are able to restore life and complete strength to any deceased creature. The condition of the remains is not a factor. So long as some small portion of the creature’s body still exists, it can be resurrected, but the portion receiving the spell must have been part of the creature’s body at the time of death. The value of the gift has an effect on the certainty of the ritual. There will be a roll.

Upon completion of the spell, the creature is immediately restored to full hit points, vigor, and health. However, the subject loses one level and 1 ability point to be determined by DM. This level loss and Ability Score Loss cannot be repaired by any means.