The group takes stock of the situation.  With the revalation of the identity of the cult leader, you doubt if you need to worry about random guard patrols.  The sawmills isolation and machinery noise means that neighbors shouldn't be much of a problem.  The fog reduces the chance of anyone seeing the smoke from the fires, which were rather small and which were put out rather quickly.  All in all you are rather secure, for the time being.  Though Shosuro’s last comments, “Well I sure don’t like these odds.  I guess it’s time to find some new minions for my employer.  Sister, if you can understand me, don’t follow these fools.  My Mistress will kill them when she finds out, and that will be sooner rather than later ”, give you a sense of foreboding.  Someone, or something, else was manipulating this cult...what could her plans be?  Wanton of Nature’s Pagan Forms is a name that sends chills down your spine.

D4


D5


Unmarked Room next to D5
   is the Managers office. You find a hidden closet were the cultist hid their ceremonial robes, with a couple of spare robes still neatly folded.  There is also a lead lined chest that contains a fair amount of loot harvested from their victims.

D6
A thick layer of sawdust covers the floor, mounded nearly a foot deep in places.  Bodies, blood and smoke make the room a scene from a horror story.  The 2 unmarked rooms are storage where you find workbenches, saws, hand drills, planers, and other woodworking tools.

D7

   The faces of Ironbriar’s victims are ghoulish but worth little. There is a large footlocker under the cot.  It is filled with oddments that Ironbriar has collected from his many victims over the years.

Ironbriars Footlocker
-A fair number of books, sea charts, maps and etchings of vast rock formations
-a fine painting depicting a city carved from a vast frozen waterfall with towering ice cathedrals and domes (this painting is worth 200 gp)
-a wizard’s spellbook emblazoned with two entwined snakes (one
red, one green) [Private to GM: that contains the following spells: all cantrips,
blink, cat’s grace, chill touch, enlarge person, fox’s cunning, grease, haste, lightning bolt, mage armor, magic missile, scorching ray, shocking grasp, shrink item, spider climb, and web]
-an old and beautifully filigreed tome containing numerous handdrawn illustrations and titled The Syrpents Tane: Fairy Tales of the Eldest. The book presents tales of the Tane—goliaths of war and madness dreamt and stitched into being by the Eldest, the most feared of a group of notorious fey known as the Twisted. The Tane are said to be terrible to behold, and the stories speak of them stumbling into mortal lands, where they ravage kingdoms by creating firestorms, crushing keeps with their feet, and eating dragons. Specific Tane described include monstrous creatures like the Jabberwok (a thing of thorns and fire and crushing fury the size of a castle), the Thrasfyr (also known as the Dreaming Hill of the Dark, a barbed thing of iron and hooks and blades that the book claims took part in the Three-Thousand-Year War of the Eldest), and the Sard (the Storm of Insanities, a thing of boughs and briars and misery, an ancient Wychwood Elm given life and hate by the Eldest, a mad creature apt to pull a roc in two or fell a castle at a blow). This fine and rare tome is worth 500 gp.

Finally, a slim volume near the bottom of the chest seems to be a journal, though it seems to be in a cipher that none can read.  Miriam identifies the handwriting as Justice Ironbriar's. [Private to GM: He’s
recorded everything in the journal in a cipher he painstakingly
invented himself using a mix of Draconic, Elven, and Infernal
characters. A character who can read all three of these languages
can make a DC 25 Decipher Script check after 2d4 days of study
to untangle the complex cipher. If a PC deciphers it, enough
evidence exists in the book to put Ironbriar in the gallows. If
the PCs haven’t already determined that Ironbriar wasn’t the
mastermind behind the murders, his journal makes it clear
enough that someone he refers to as the “Wanton of Nature’s
Pagan Forms” has stolen his heart and provided him with a new
method of murder. There’s not much information about Xanesha
in the journal, but the book does reveal that he’s visited her
dozens of times at the Shadow Clock.
Although the PCs are unlikely to follow up on it, the ledger
also indicates that Ironbriar has received payment from the Red
Mantis for delivery of “Vorel’s Legacy.” This refers to the deadly
fungus harvested from area B37 of Foxglove Manor, sent to a
sinister group of assassins based in Cheliax. ]
ooc: Anybody have a comprehend languages spell, or a really good Linguistics skill?

D8

   Ironbriar is not known as a bird keeper, so you can assume these are messenger birds for his secret life as a Deathcultist.

Stolen Goods
three bags of 100 gp
three potions of barkskin +3
a beautiful crystal decanter set with an obsidian stopper 300 gp
a tiny wooden box containing three poorly cut diamonds worth 200 gp each
ManagerMw shortbow
Mw Arrows:
Efficient Quiver
Arrow – that over time makes mw arrows magical and energy
Mw Mithral chain shirt, it also is counted as a tool that gives +2 on stealth checks
mw bracers w/concealed punching dagger
A figurine of Wondrous power that has a conntection with Logalog
Ironbriar
wand of cure moderate wounds (12 charges
mithral shirt
+1 war razor
reaper’s mask
Ring Gates
2x 4th level scrolls -
wand of Summon Monster 3

Cultists
x13 masterwork war razor
x13 skinsaw mask
260 gp
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Wed 22 Feb 2012.

Rooting a scroll out of his gear Zer-wedula says, "I can read that journal."

Zer-wedula uses a scroll and starts reading the journal;



So now you know who was behind the cult that was doing the murders, what do you want to do about it?

"Ironbriar, sounds like he was an assassin from way back to childhood and with his current connections there wouldn't be any immediate investigation here but we should try to get the stolen stuff back to their respective families."   It makes Tanrov wonder how the late justice could have loved someone enough to have kids.
"Miriam, would your church help with this."



If it is okay with everyone can Tanrov take the Magic Arrows and Efficient Quiver as treasure.

"Logalog and I can arm wrestle, or not, for the wand and spellbook.  Someone should check the scrolls.  I am okay with you taking that stuff, Tanrov."

Zer-wedula smiled all around, and suggested, "And then perhaps, we see if we can take the deceased place at the next meeting at the Shadow Clock?"

OOC: Tanrov do you mean the mw arrows? I don't see any magic ones listed except the one.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Thu 23 Feb 2012.

Talis contemplates this new information, "I have a really bad feeling of this "Wanton of Nature’s Pagan Forms".  I think it's highly probable that this is who Shosuro was talking about warning.  I know you will probably want to wait to get spells back, but I think we should take this stuff to Miriam's church, report in and see how much help they can trade or give us in the form of potions and scrolls.  Then go directly to this Shadow Clock and deal with this woman."

At this very grave moment, Logalog laughs out loud.
   " My friends, " he says, " we're in the wrong line of work. We should be out on the open sea, casting lines and nets into the water. Just look: as soon as we land a big fish, even bigger shadows dart beneath the waves, hungry for our lures. A band of fishers, we!" Logalog laughs again, but also adjusts his things to make ready for departure.
    " The human in me would like a meal and cold ale," he continues," and the orc in me wants cold ale and battle. Let us seek out the woman. The mistress of a death priest must at least be interesting if not tasteful or sane.
      Oh, and Zer, please help yourself to the magical contraptions. My magic unruly and not disciplined by books and my thumb is black; I'm more likely to hurt someone with that wand than heal them. Besides, when two magicians arm wrestle, there's too great a temptation to cheat."

In reply to Sammiya Koi (msg #195):

yes the mw arrows

"I would like an opportunity to rest; that battle took quite a bit out of me, but I do think Talis is right; if we don't move quickly, then our new quarry may slip away and set up elsewhere, or we may become the prey rather than the hunters.  My church might be of aid in returning stolen property, and they might be of aid to us in pursuing this investigation to its end, though I can't say for certain what they might do, and any aid to us will likely be in the form of loans rather than gifts.  My personal priorities and the priorities of the upper hierarchy of the temple are rarely precisely aligned.", she explains.

"My initial thought was to pass the healing wand to someone else, to decentralize our healing assets, but if we're going immediately then it might be best that I hold it, at least for now.  This battle rather sorely taxed my resources, and if the next one is as heated or even more so, then I rather doubt I'll not be able to match my efforts in this battle without some form of outside aid.  I also wouldn't mind the other wand, as it would strengthen my offensive capabilities when I need all my spells for healing, but I doubt in the battle to come I'll have much time for anything other than seeing to the group's welfare.  If someone as strong as Ironbriar was subordinate to this 'Wanton of Nature's Pagan Forms', then I suspect were are in for a very stiff challenge."

Cat paces about trying to put a few pieces together. With no luck. She sighs lightly, "If Ironbar was the middleman messenger. maybe his birds know where the leader is."

Jan had spent the last long while, aimlessly wandering around the group, his big paws not making too much noise as he stomped about. While he seemed still dazed and had vomited a few times after the fight, the wolf like Alchemist seemed to still be alive and alert...even though he has spent most of his time on all fours.

Jan snorted as he examined one of the masks that the cultists wore, it was interesting to him, however he tossed it aside in favor of examining the decanter and its stopper. He seemed enamored with it, yet he still set it aside. The Alchemist seemed interested in many of the things, but refrained from claiming anything for himself. The Ring Gates, however, were something he stayed focused on.

"...Hy vant...dese..." Jan growled, his speech slightly slurred. He gave a great big blink, seemingly in a daze at what the group wanted to do next. All he knew for certain at the moment was that sticking with the group was fun and the magic rings were interesting and he wanted them.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:26, Sun 26 Feb 2012.

Talis will look at everyone, then focus on Jan, "Jan, if you want the ring gates to use, I can see many uses, just not in the hands of 1 individual.  They are better used apart.  If you had someone who could fly, that would make a good delivery system for your bombs.  But whatever we do, let's get going.  Perhaps the temple can help us properly bury the poor souls who belong to the "masks" in the office.  Let us get hence to the temple, and then the Shadow Clock."

So the group collects itself and begins to head out.  As they leave they hear the arrival of a patrol of guards.  Not wanting to get entangled in a
bureaucratic nightmare of red tape, the guards are avoided.  An easy task with the fog.  The morning dawns and as the fog begins to burn off the day promises to be clear and crisp.  The city stirs and people begin to go about there normal business.  It's a beautiful day free of the threat of the deathcult, only marred by the shadow looming over it, Wanton of Nature's Pagan Forms.

The group arrives at the temple and are shown to a meeting room where a trio of priests, including the High Priest, joins them.  Miriam recognizes them as the 3 highest ranking clerics, 1 man and 2 women.  They listen to your tale without expression.  After a brief consultation, the women clerics leave with serious expressions on their faces while the High Priest stays.  He orders lunch and waits until you are alone again before speaking.  "You have all done well, this abomination of the Murder God was stopped and now you wish to finish the job.  I respect your courage and wish to help.  We will contact the guard with the information you have on Ironbriar.  As for help with this "Wanton" woman, I am sure we can arrange some.  A loan backed up with the, umm, I guess term is Loot.  So what would you like."

After a consulatation with experts, the temple will loan each of you 2000gp.  Mostly they have clerical stuff, 1st-3rd level scrolls, potions and wands.  They might have other items available, just ask.  If you want to combine funds to buy something, feel free to ask.

They also can let you use some Pearls of Power to get back some spells you have used.  Zer, Cat and Miriam can each use them to get back 1 3rd, 1 2nd and 2 1st level spells.  You can let someone else use your pearl if you want.  These are staying at the temple, they are NOT being given to you.  You just get to use them this 1 time.

quote:

This seemingly normal pearl of average size and luster is a potent aid to all spellcasters who prepare spells (clerics, druids, rangers, paladins, and wizards). Once per day on command, a pearl of power enables the possessor to recall any one spell that she had prepared and then cast that day. The spell is then prepared again, just as if it had not been cast. The spell must be of a particular level, depending on the pearl. Different pearls exist for recalling one spell per day of each level from 1st through 9th and for the recall of two spells per day (each of a different level, 6th or lower).

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:34, Fri 02 Mar 2012.

Miriam was pleased that her church seemed inclined to help; she hadn't been 100% sure that they would be, though the fact that the High Priest had introduced her to her current companions did suggest a certain amount of concern about the death cult, even if they'd never seemed quite as interested in it as she.  She waited for him to finish, and even smiled as she replied, "We're quite appreciative of any aid you can supply and any help with the guard.  That does take a weight off our minds.  I'll have to consult with my companions regarding how we might best utilize the help you're offering, but I know I would be quite pleased if I could make use of some of the temple's pearls of power to recover expended spells.  Our battle with Justice Ironbriar was quite debilitating on that front.  I would also ask if the Church could offer aid regarding the disposition of those who fell to the cult's depredations.   Their victims' remains deserve far better treatment than they have been given.", she said, meaning the 'donors' of the masks, as well as the bodies they'd collected in their initial foray against the cult.

At a nod from her superior Miriam reveals the remains.  The High Priest closes his eyes for a moment in an effort to control himself.  When he opens his eyes and speaks, his voice trembles with barely controlled anger, "We shall do what we can for the remains of these unfortunates.  You have all done well in stopping this madman of Norgorber."

[Private to Miriam: In a private moment the High Priest will have a chat with Miriam, "Sister, you must not blame yourself for believing Ironbriar was a friend.  I met the man a few times and I never suspected his involvement.  He was very good at deception." ]

After the high priest had spoken to Miriam, Sammiya told him. "I do not know what all you have, but I would be greatly interested and eternally grateful, if you have something to protect my friend Akihiro here." She then gave Akihiro a pat.

Can the church loan Tanrov; one healing potion for his wrist thing, two more for added protection, an improved invisibility potion, after seeing how effective it was for Talis, I think I'll try it as well, thinks Tanrov.   Also some magical arrows is all that Tanrov requires of the church.

Miriam's anger had mostly run its course back at the sawmill, but she could well understand how her superior felt.  He was apparently better than she at self-control, which didn't exactly shock her.  She nodded acknowledgement of his praise of their efforts and said, "I wish we'd been faster; saved more of their victims, but at the least there will be no fresh atrocities from the false Justice, and hopefully we can put an end to this twisted web entirely."

[Private to DM: Miriam appreciates the kind words from her superior more than the she might have thought she would and she nods, "Thank you.  He was very skilled at deception.  My mentor never suspected, nor did I, until the truth was revealed.  I did feel rather foolish for not seeing it, and it does explain a great many things that were a mystery before, but I promise I'm done flagellating myself over it.  Larissa is avenged, and her murderer is in Pharasma's court now.  I wouldn't presume to know how She will deal with him, but he'll murder no more innocents here."]

     With a smile Talis will say, "Yes Good Brother, loot is the proper term.  As for myself, I would like somthing that will help keep my mind my own.  I greatly doubt that my will is equal to the deceased Iron Briar's, and the Wanton Mistres had made him into a patsy.  Perhaps a protective cloak?
    If there is still any good will left please put the remainder towards the purchase of Dispel Magic scrolls for our spellcasters. I would advise the rest of you to do the same.  That is, unless you enjoy having your mind controled by others."

Logalog will ask the temple if they can get a hold of a wand of Protection from Evil or bracers of armor.

Zer-wedula takes his pearl and wanders of into a corner, muttering to himself.

The high priest listens to your requests while an underling records them.  When Sam speaks he looks thoughtful and says, "I think we can help you.  Many years ago a group of adventurers came in for some expensive assistance and we took a couple of suits of magical dog barding in trade.  They said they would be back to redeem them, but never returned."

Talis +2 cloak

Logalog wand of Protection from Evil (50 chgs)
                              scroll of dispel magic
                              900gp

Jan +2 cloak

Miriam Wand of CLW (50chgs)
                            potion of csw (3d8+5)
                            scroll of dispel magic
                            125gp

Sammiya Koi & +1 Hide shirt dog barding made of dragon scales (choose a color - black, red, white, green, blue)
+5 ac(armor), +5 max dex, -2 acp, allows full speed light

Catessa Fallowfield & +1 Hide shirt dog barding made of dragon scales (choose a color - black, red, white, green, blue)
+5 ac(armor), +5 max dex, -2 acp, allows full speed light

Tanrov  3x healing potion (cmw 2d8+3)
                   6 +1 arrows with (flame or shock or frost)
                   140gp

Zer-wedula +2 cloak

Tanrov is willing to use his little bit of left over funds to acquire either Cat or Zer a scroll of Dispel Magic as long as some one else chips in some more.

Logalog will also purchase a healing potion and offer to pool gold with someone who needs it.