The Banewarrens

[perivas]

Morden offers his opinion on the matter of the two lamias. "Although I agree with Fallon that the creatures were born of evil to do evil, I must point out that the nature of redemption as in the case of lamias is a topic best left to the discussions of theologians, contemplatives and practicing priests. We, laymen warriors of the Church, ", nodding toward Malikar at this point, "cannot offer a sufficiently educated opinion on this matter. We do oppose slaying the lamias now though, unless so condoned by the proper authorities. Do you agree Malikar?"

 

[Uriel]

Snuffing and extendig his dewlap a few times <Lizardman equivalent of a 'Psht! noise of disgust>, Verakka speaks up loudly.
'We cannot play at Prison Warden in this. Pragmatic and with purpose, I say we be. There is greater Evil than killing "Defenseless Lamias", and the Banewarrens wait not for any Moral quandries. Other things are at work, sentient things waking? I know not, but unless we have way of Interrogating in worthwhile manner, kill them I say.' As if to accentuate his point, Verakka moves to the Minotaur and plunges his bastard sword deep into the Thing's chest, turning his blade, making sure to rupture it's heart.

While such a barbaric display is not to his mind, Dyrnas stays quiet as to the actions of his Boss.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

Seeing the Lizardman thrust his sword into the Minotaur like that Makes Fallon blanch and cover his mouth like he may throw-up.

 

[perivas]

Verakka speaks up loudly. 'There is greater Evil than killing "Defenseless Lamias", and the Banewarrens wait not for any Moral quandries.'

Morden replies, "Some of us seek more than to follow the path of lesser evils. Rather we seek to performs deeds of righteousness and charity. Your brutal action is best left in the realms of the pagan savages, from where you came." Morden's eyes narrow and his posture takes a more militant tone, when Verakka plunges his bastard sword into the wounded minotaur.

His eyes then close as he concentrates to sense the taint upon the lamias. With eyes closed, he speaks to them, "Speak true your words, foul beasts. What do you plan to do with yourselves should we not have intercepted you?" His eyes open and he awaits their response, sensing what vile motive they may be trying to conceal.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

The greatsword, the bracers, the rings, and the potions are all magical (+2 bracers of armor, +1 ring of protection, +1 huge greatsword, potions of bull's strength, wisdom, cure serious wounds, cure moderate wounds x2). The bone rings on the the minotaur and goblins come off, but the bone ring on the stunned lamia seems fused to the creature.

When the stunned lamia recovers, the two lamias begin bickering with one another. You gather that they call themselves the "Grailquest Team", and that the stunned lamia became the leader after the green hag passed beyond the Sealed Door. He expresses anger at the other lamia's failure to kill Kalerecent, but she chides him on his inability to kill all of you. You also here the word "Quaan" mentioned once or twice.

 

[Argent Silvermage]

[OOC: did you roll for Fallon's Charm Monster?]
"So tell me who or what is Quaan?" The halfling says keeping very close to the lizardman.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

Charm Monster was not successful.

The lamias look on Fallon with seething anger, as his abilities made both of them captive. They do not answer his question.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

Exercising DM fiat. Fast forward mode, engage!

After looting the magical gear carried by the Grailquest Team and securely binding the lamias, you return to the long tunnel beneath the city. Each time you pass through the trek seems a little less oppressive, although the dangerous nature of your prisoners keeps you on your toes this time.

Emerging from the manor house, you begin to make your way to the Grand Cathedral. You soon encounter a group of city guards. You explain your purpose, and they help clear the road ahead.

When you reach the cathedral the lamias are taken into custody by members of the Order of the Dawn. One of their officers, a female human paladin named Sharah Nestor, promises to watch them closely.

Brother Heth and Sister Mara find you immediately thereafter. "What did you learn of the door? Are the evils in the Banewarrens safe from further tampering?" the muscular middle-aged priest asks.

Here is what Dyrnas learned from using legend lore:

The door which Kalerecent guards was know as a Sealed Door, and that it is completely impervious to physical blows and all spells short of a wish or miracle. Even spells of this magnitude will only unseal the door very briefly. The walls surrounding each section of the Banewarrens are even stronger than the Sealed Doors.

The spell also reveals that there is an ancient key which will open a Sealed Door more permanently. The key lies in the city above.

 

[Krug]

"Well it seems we have to look for the key then," says Krug. "I'd keep those lamias under lock and key if I were you," he says to the city guardians.

 

[perivas]

"But how would we look for a key that we know nothing of. Does it even look like a key, or is it only a figurative description of its purpose? Perhaps there is a sage with such knowledge as to aid us in our quest....or at the very least, point us in the correct direction with some level of confidence." Morden looks at the others to see if they know of any such sage.