Zuni, freshly washed with the aid of Selvin, and dressed in his shirt, held out a cup towards Sial.  "I'll take some more of that." she said.  The guy might be creepy as hell but he had good manners.  The roast was fine as well, and Zuni partook generously of both.

after taking a sip, or three, Zuni asked her questions.  "I'd really like to know more about this whole hard core pleasure seeker bit because it doesn't sound all that bad.  I mean, orgies can't really be enough to get your lot kicked out of Cheliax.  But before we get to the nuances of The Maw, I want to know just what it is that makes you think that the queen is possessed?  What could do that?"

"To be fair, it's not exactly hard to guess I'm sure." Izzick said as he listened to the devil-worshiper's story. The ruins of the barbarian tribe had apparently been the cause of her downhill spiral. "And while I can't say I'm fond of your motives, I suppose we're already trying to stop the queen anyway."

Though he was more curious about something else. "So who was your friend in chains visiting while we were being eaten. And don't expect me to buy you can't tell us for that one." After all, they were barbarians now, they didn't need to be civil if Sial wasn't going to spill the entire truth.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 21):

Smart of Izzy to have a 'Plan B'.  But just to make sure:  you aren't barbarians yet.  You still have to get Truthy to the Sun Clan

Sial grins at Zuni.  I'd be happy to speak to you in more detail about the doctrine of my faith...

Why?  I'm sure she could read your testament on almost any men's room wall..  Sial glances darkly at Chandanar and then picks up his wine cup.

Moving on.  To answer your question young lady, it explains quite a bit about the situation.  The Queen sudden change in both temperament and capability.  She wasn't always so ruthless nor so resourceful.  We also gathered testimony from those who fled the castle.  It is said she now casts two shadows.  Lastly, we have performed auguries.  And they also confirm her current state.  He shrugs and refills his drink.  If you have a more reasonable explanation, please do enlighten me.  But she has amassed too much mystical and political power in too short a time.  And we can find no evidence of a sponsor or anyone in the shadows.

And I do appreciate your pragmatism, he says to Izzick.  Very reasonable on your part.  As to your question...well...I could debate you about whether you are entitled to know or not. But there's no real point in trying to be cagey. I am in communication with my church.  Given what I've told you, is that so farfetched?

He takes a drink and then continues.  Anyway.  As I've stated, we hope to gain influence and official recognition from a new government in Korvosa.  So we are willing to assist in any attempt to overthrow the Queen.  BUT...  He waves a hand.  We have to have some assurance that such a resistance organization is likely to bear fruit.  There's no point in backing a horse who's lame.  So part of my mission is to evaluate the leadership of such a resistance and their plans.  Hence my involvement with your group.

He pulls a skewer of roast lizard off the fire and sets it on the communal table.  It's quite good meat actually.  That may hurt your feelings.  But I think you can understand our reasoning. The missive I sent was a letter to gain my church's support for your cause.  the three of you were willing to be swallowed by a monster after all.  And you took him- he gestures at Chandanar -with you.  So I am convinced of your conviction and your powers.  I think you have a fair shot at beating the Queen.

Selvin listened to the 'cleric' Sial as he spun his tale of religion, exile, and desire for rempowerment and relocation. He thought about it. It's not as though Sial were asking or demanding his Church to be named the official state religion in Korvosa - just the ability to operate openly there without official persecution.

He let out a small sigh. "Your reasonin'...seems sound. I mean, there is definitely somethin' wrong with the Queen an' it seemed t'happen relatively quick. So." He gave a shrug. "Reasonable. Askin' t'be let in t'practice openly in Korvosa afterwards, but not be the official state religion or gain some other power from it isn't entirely unreasonable."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 23):

A sensible response.  I appreciate you keeping an open mind.  Sial produces a desert of prunes stuffed with honey and nuts.  Any other concerns?  Or can I assume we have an understanding and that our partnership can continue for the time being?

Izzick wasn't sure he trusted the guy, nor was he really sure how much they had a choice. "Alright then. Partnership." There was a moment he eyed Sial a bit too much, probably too easy to read behind his tattoo'd face that he wasn't entirely sure. But there was only so much they could do without allies. "So then, we need a plan of attack once we get all the information we can from the Sun tribe." Worms, cultists, barbarians - were they sure they weren't the bad guys? The queen was definitely evil, but they certainly weren't showing up with knights in shining armor.

22:20, Today: Izzick rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Sense motive.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 25):

Sial smiles at you Izzick, as slimy as he is inscrutable.  Sorry.  10 isn't going to get you far at all

That will depend on what they tell you of course.  What exactly are you seeking from them?

As a reminder, since it's been a while, you came seeking information about the dragon skull the seneschal told you he saw the Queen pick up.  The pyramid the royal palace is built on supposedly predates the city and was from the time the Cinderlanders controlled the territory Korvosa sits on.

Zuni listened to Sials explanation.  She had of course feigned ignorance to test the mans information, to see if it matched what they already knew, and, damn the man, there was nothing that she could see suspicious in his reasoning.

"Okay, I'm convinced." She said with a shrug.  Sial was slimy as hell and his companion was creepy and weird, but so far he hadn't done anything to break their trust.  It was frustrating on one hand, because Zuni was pretty sure that the man, or his scantily clad companion were going to be plunging daggers into their hearts one of these nights, and Zuni wanted a reason to pre-empt this.  That reason wasn't forthcoming this night, and woman intuition was a pretty weak excuse.  "Our partnership can go on."

Turning to Izzick, she continued.  "Weren't we going to invade Korvosa with giant worms?" she asked, hardly believing that was being considered.  Giant worms?  "I guess we'll just have to see what sort of response the Sun Tribe gives us and what we can find out from them."  She looked thoughtful for a moment.  "I've always wanted to lead a barbarian horde against my enemies."

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 27):

Chandanar sighs.  That means Krojun again, right?

---

As it turns out, that is exactly what it does mean.  You break camp the next morning and head west.  Truthy may be as pleasant as a handful of toenail clippings in tight cod piece, he does know his way around the Cinderlands.  He takes you through a short cut.  And best yet:  no Mantis!  No Sand Crabs or purple worms or what have you!  For the first time, in a long long time, you get to enjoy a leisurely journey.  It's as if the divine powers want to move this along as much as you do.

You start meeting Sun Clan scouts a couple of days later.  Truthy seems to be known to them.  He relates what he saw and the scouts regard you all as if you are crazy idiots.

Wow.  You guys are some crazy idiots! Krojun says when he rides out to meet you a few miles from the Sun Clan camp.  So you actually did it huh?  It does explain the way you smell. He guffaws at his own joke.

You're right!  That does explain why we smell!  What's your excuse?.  Chandanar has had to share a tent with Truthy.  So he's been punchier than usual the last couple of days.

Krojun doesn't take offense.  Instead he slaps the cleric on the back and chuckles.  <Blue>Ha!  Why are we standing around here when we could be getting drunk?  Come with me.  You'll have to go through a ceremony, but I'll be happy to sponsor you.  Welcome to the Sun Clan you ugly bastards!<Blue>

And on that note, I have to type up a very long summary of the back story for teh campaign to give to ya'll.  So I'll work on that tomorrow.  For now, if there's any shenanigans you want to get up to at the Sun Clan camp, have at.  I'll be back tomorrow.  Thanks.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 28):

Stop laughing, Chandanar or as he is now to be known among his Shoanti brothers Snarks-Until-Dawn, grumbles.

The Sun Clan chieftan who bestowed the name on him shrugs.  I call 'em like I see 'em.

The sun is just an inch or two away from setting completely beyond the far western hills.  Two bonfires are roaring already, over each are large spits of roasting desert boars.  Barbarians are drinking all around as your name-day celebration gets underway.

Krojun laughs and slaps the pouting cleric on the back.  Oh don't fret.  You'll always be Weak Knees to us!

Would you like some more tequila Glowy-Kills-Them-All-What-The-Hell-Is-That-Thing? says a buxom young maid to Selvin.

No Silly, giggles her friend.  That was just the chief being drunk.  It's Shiny-Kills-What-He-Sees.

Oh my gosh!  I'm like so sorry says the first girl.  She runs a finger lightly along the top of your ear Selvin  Would an ear massage help you forgive me?

Are you for real? Chandanar says to both of the young ladies, cocking an eyebrow.

If you're all done?  I've looked in to the history you were asking about. says the Clan's Sage. It's a bit of a tale.  Are you ready to hear it?

Shiny?  Green-As-Cactus?  Stabs-Like-Morning?

He waits until all of you, Selvin, Izzick, and Zuni have nodded before continuing.

I'll skip a lot of the unimportant background.  How far back this goes is anyone's guess.  We're talking the days we still lived on our rightful lands.  Where Korvosa stands today.

Back then, to the north and west of here, there arose a warlord named Kazavon.  He swore to Zon-Kuthon and waged war on all his neighbors.  Kazavon was pretty strong.  Even armies from Last Wall fell to him.

His reign was horrible.  Well.  His leige lord was Zon-Kuthon.  So you can imagine what he was like.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 29):

Now as usually happens in these tales, a warrior rose up against him.  This warrior's name is lost to time.  But he wielded a magic blade named Sentry.  This warrior managed to gather allies and lead them deep in to Kazavon's territory.  The warrior's troupe laid seige to Kazavon in his castle.  A place called Scarwall.  The seige was terrible but the warrior broke through the wall.  He and his companions cornered Kazavon in his throne room.

The battle was of course glorious.  Kazavon revealed his true nature:  that of a blue dragon.  But he was an old and twisted one, even for his kind.  And he had the blessings of Zon-Kuthon upon him.  So even though the warrior could use Sentry to cut his body apart, he could not force his soul in to the afterwards.

At the end of the battle, Kazovon's spirit had been split in to seven pieces, each residing in seven part of his carcass.  Now the warrior was too ill to continue:  the battle with Kazovon had sickened him with poison and hate.  So the warrior gave a piece to each of his companions and bid them to each flee Scarwall, letting neither himself nor their compatriots know where they were headed.  In this way, the warior hoped the spirit of Kazovon would be scattered, never to be reunited.

Oh I see where this is going.  Let me guess.  Kozovon's skull was given to your people?

The sage nods.  One of the warrior's companions was a priest of our people.  He was given the head of the dragon.  He returned home, or what was home at the time, and built a temple to house the skull.  He passed the duty of protecting the skull to his son who did the same when his time came.  And then...your ancestors arrived and drove us away.

And then the Queen stumbled on to the skull... Sial waves a hand.

Annnnnnd WHOOSH!  A fragment of Kozovon has a new home.

The sage shrugs.  That I can't say.  But it sounds about right. Well.  I'm afraid that is all I can tell you my new brothers and sister.  If you want more answers, I recommend you head to Scarwall.

Questions?

the journey gave Izzick much needed time. Without assassins or worms or sand crabs after them, he pulled out vials of ink and pens, beginning to work winged sigils around his ankles, writing lines of spells around his feet. Then his wrists were next, detailing trails of fire circling around figures made with calligraphic words of spells he knew he'd need.

Izzick took it all in, but it was certainly a lot. So possessed was correct, but it seemed a dragon with a malignant patron was the cause, not some spirit or demon. Whether was was for good or worse was another matter. "And the sword? The other 6 pieces?" He asked, hoping there weren't six more queens ready to reign havoc on the world somewhere. If there was no information to be found, that was perhaps more troubling still.

Going to spend some gold and time inscribing a Spell Tattoo of Selective Fireball. Then with my class ability that I think I used once for a Tattoo of Scorching Ray and forgot (oops) I'll get two free Spell Tattoos of Haste (at 11th level I can as a standard action apply a spell tattoo up to twice per day).

In reply to Izzick (msg # 31):

The Sage shrugs.  The legends don't say exactly.  The tales make it sound like the warrior died there in Scarwall.  If so, I would assume Sentry is still there.  Assuming no one took it.  As for the other six pieces...well.  The point was that they would be scattered.  Without any of the others knowing where the other pieces were.  It may be that some of them have awakened.  I would be willing to bet finding them is on your Queen's To Do list.  But for now, I would say worry about the piece you have to deal with.

So noted Izzy.  I don't think Paizo has ever developed anything surrounding the otehr six pieces.

You spend a few days, enjoying what hospitality the Sun Clan has to show.  Krojun seems to have adopted you:  he insists you stay as guests in his yurt, share his liquor, and hunt with him.

You question the sage, but he has little else to provide other than a location and a few clues.  Scarwall is a castle on a lake.  That much the tales tell us.  We know that Kazovon made use of dragons as lieutenants.  But we haven't heard of any dragon activity up that way in several generations.

And we have heard that the lake is considered a haunted place.  No one lives near it.  Supposedly there is a beast in the lake.  So be wary of it.

Your new family provisions you up.  The day of your departure nears...

Let me know if there are any questions or concerns.  We'll move on to the new thread and Book 5 Friday.

Thanks all.

Zuni, or Stabs-like-Morning, would take full advantage of Krojuns hospitality.  Dressed in the finest barbarian fashions, she would take every opportunity to partake in the activities of her new barbarian family.  Having been formally adopted by them actually meant that they were Zunis family now.  She could barely remember her real parents and did not want to think about the man who made her entire existence revolve around stealing stuff and bringing it back to him (Damn that Garden Lamm), so that would mean Zuni was now a barbarian, or at least that's how she saw it.

Besides, these barbarians knew how to have a good time.  Krojun may be a horses backside but he had turned out to be a good host.  Being on the small side, Zuni couldn't really match him in any challenges or games that required size or strength, but she could try and drink him under any table.  Which is what she spent some time doing.

During this time, Zuni would try and spend some time talking to the Sage, trying to figure out what they were supposed to do next.  "If the Queen is being affected by that cursed body part, if we steal it away from her, would that break it's hotd on her?  Or do we need to destroy it?  Destroying it might end up releasing the trapped essence contained inside, assuming that we can destroy it. " she would say.

Selvin grinned at the funny and descriptive names they'd been given by the tribe. Especially Chandanar since he didn't like his. He got a little bit flushed as the two tribeswoman started flirting with him and he tried desperately not to look at Zuni as he smiled at them but didn't otherwise encourage them. "I...think I'll be okay...But thank you."

He settled in to drink and listen as a tale was told. He frowned. An old, evil blue dragon's spirit possessing the queen? Ick. That sounded messy and complicated. He shook his head. Not something to look forward to dealing with.


He rested well in the following days, sleeping for a long time right away since they'd been kind of go!go!going for a while. But the threats were lurking at the back of his mind the entire time slowly creeping back in to his consciousness.


Scarwall. A dragon that had other dragons serving him?? A beast in the lake, possible hauntings?? Sheesh! This would be interesting, to say the least.

"Well. Considering how things've gone so far, I'd say t'expect dragons, a giant lake monster an' army 'tween us an' what we we're lookin' for. That's just our luck an' style!" He let out a small chuckle.

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 34):

The Sage considers your question Zuni.  But he ends up shrugging.  I can only make surmises.  I would think the essence would attach to her.  If it was still in the skull, it would still be imprisoned.  THe fact that it is only a part of Kazovon...that may mean she is capable of being destroyed and the fragment with it.  But again, that's guesswork.  You my be able to find those answers at Scarwall.

He grins at your comment Selvin.  Yes.  You people have earned your pay that's for sure.  But don't make too many assumptions.  Things may be what they appear.  Or maybe not. A lot of bad things happened at Scarwall.  Things bad enough to leave traces and stains, even after all this time.  Just...be careful.  Nothing's ever easy, right?

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 36):

The morning arrives for your leave.  Krojun and his flunkies ride out with you to the edge of the Cinderlands.  The flat, scrublands begin to change in to low hills.  Krojun points to the northwest.  Probably about three day ride in that direction.  The map we gave you isn't going to be accurate.  We can only get you in the general locale.  When you find what you seek, come back this way.  We'll want to join you on your raid against this Queen.

He laughs.  I won't wish you luck.  It is your enemies who will need it.  Be strong.

Chandanar waves at the retreating backs of the Cinderlanders and mutters, Did I miss the part where we became his bosom buddies?

If I may... Sial has been quiet for the past few days.  He is looking towards the west, as if seeing something in the distance.  I took the liberty of making a report to my associates after we spoke to the Sage.  They...think they may have more information about where Scarwall is exactly.  But...

He sighs and looks at you all.  They are sending more assistance.  This person is an associate of mine.  To be blunt, she is not my favorite person.  However, she will be bearing the informatino about where Scarwall can be found.

I didn't want to bring this up in front of the Cinderlanders.  But I don't want to spring her on you as a surprise.

In the spirit of our truce, I'd like to offer a choice.  We can ride to meet her.  She should be coming from the west.  Or we can go in the direction on the map and try to find it ourselves.  I will not provide any further updates to my associates if you elect to try to find it ourselves.

Your call.

Izzick chuckled at Chandanar, "Well after all we went to, he better be at least damn friendly to us." But as Izzick looked at the newly tatto'd skin across his hands and feet he seemed pleased with his own handiwork. "But he's not wrong. I think we're prepared for anything after the worm bit."

Of course for all the information they had been given, there were twice as many questions unanswered. A dozen sources only opened a dozen more questions. Izzick may have been an expelled student, but he was still a man of intelligence and it didn't sit well with him to have so much be unknown. "The more we can learn about this place, this legend, and the skull itself, the better. We might be ready to kill just about anything that stands in our way but it's a hell of a lot easier to do that when we know if we've got barbarians, dragons, zombies, or demons to deal with." His eyes glanced towards the chain devil with a somewhat honest, "No offense."

In reply to Izzick (msg # 38):

Laoris Vaos likes like she should still be playing with dolls.  Assuming the game would end in her beheading them and then eating out their eyeballs.  An elf so small and slight you almost wonder if she's a really tall gnome.  Even her pointy ears are so pointy that they seem false.  She's dressed in so much black a barrel of ink would tell her to lighten up.  And her teeth have all been filed to small points.

On the other hand, she roasts a mean potato.  She's got several roasting on spits when you arrive.  Something as simple as a tuber seems almost nostalgic.  It's delicious just with the salt and garlic she's provided.

She also has several maps spread out on a rock.  As you can see, the lake Scarwall is on is suprisingly difficult to access.  it's really resting in a crater.  This slope here is the only way down.  Unless you fly.

The old histories I consulted had a list of his officers.  But who knows if that will cone in useful?  If they're undead, they may or may not retain some portion of their memories.

There is also some indication Kazovon was betrayed.  One of his lieutenants left some sort of side entrance unlocked which allowed the hero's band access to the keep.  It was likely one of three...er...entities.

Ovada Ousa.  Kavazon's consort.  Though the tales make it sound like he had grown bored with her.

Kilimnon.  A dwarf who served as both Kazovon's body guard and lover.

And Excelebraxas.  A dragon.  I think Excelbraxas was a competitor with Kazovon for the attentions of their dark lord.

That's what I could find.  Anyone want another potato?

Selvin had not, thankfully, had enough to drink to cause a hangover - but it was a close call. He still didn't feel particularly awesome. Nevertheless, he summoned his ally from the outer planes once more, now all new and different in his form once more. He smiled and greeted the creature with a bow, "Zak." He almost never said his ally's full name. Names held power, after all. "Friend of my heart, sharer of my shape, thank you for coming to my call."

After they merged, he flew along with everyone else, though he stayed low to the ground just to be safe. He had given a silent shrug when Izzick had said they should meet this tenuous ally of Sial's. More information couldn't be bad, could it?

One eyebrow rose when he saw the...small elf? He wasn't sure of her age, but he imagined she was older than her height suggested. He listened to what she had to say, though he wasn't sure how much would be useful - were any of the lieutenants still alive and in Scarwall? No one seemed to know what they would find there.

"Well...I hope none of them are still there but...thank you for the information nonetheless." He gestured at the maps. "Do we get to keep these for the time being? And...are you...coming along with us?"

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 40):

Laoris giggles and bats her eyelashes at you Selvin. Why how kind of you to ask. I would love to, she says in a squeaky, comehither voice.

Woderful Sial and Chandanar say at the same time. They then look at each other, frown, and look away.

Laoris just giggles.

---

Two and a half days later, you are standing on the rim of a crater, looking down into the bowl. Scarwall sits below, sticking out of the water like some giant, ancient, moss covered tortoise whose just waiting for someone to bite.

It sits out in the water, about a hundred feet from shore. A drawbridge is down, connecting it to a gatehouse which sits on shore. There is no sign of life. Not a bird or a gnat is visible anywhere around. A low misf rises from the brackish lake water, despite it being a little past noon. Even the air smells musty and unpleasant.

It seems the only way in by foot is the gatehouse.

Laoris takes out a couple of maps.  The detail shows the layout of both the gate house and the first floor of the castle out on the island.  At least from the shapes, the map seems to match with what I can see down there.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:10, Thu 16 May 2019.

The two days of travel with Laoris had been...interesting.  Zuni found the short elf to be odd, and not in an amusing way.  As an associate of Sails, she wasn't trusting Laoris.  At least the woman was wearing proper clothes, unlike Sials chained demon.

"I guess we head to the gatehouse."  Zuni said, turning her attention to the buildings before them.  "No one would possibly expect an impetuous band of adventurers to go in through the front door.  And maybe we can find out what to expect in Scarwall proper."

Izzick nodded. "It sounds like a 'plan'...or at least as much of one as we've got." Even as he ate the potato made by Sial's friend, he couldn't help but wish she had more information. He expected little else could be found though no matter how many hours were spent pouring over tomes of knowledge. Then again, anyone Sial didn't like was probably better to keep around in the long run - Laoris might at least keep the Chelaxian hedonist in check while they were dealing with whatever remained of the place. "Front door or not, I don't expect a dragon would leave this place unguarded. Be prepared for traps, magical and not."

In reply to Izzick (msg # 43):

Alrightie.  Sounds like we're hitting the gate house first.  Again sorry about the maps.

Starting a new thread.