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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 7893499" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Rahnee smoothed things over by stating that they would need to think further on the matter, and that meanwhile Veran should tell Aerikoth what they had learned from Melissa in Turnton. Veran reflected for several moments, then began, saying that Melissa believed they would need a mage to gain entrance to Ashnakzeroth’s inner sanctum; she was especially interested in having Aerikoth present. She claimed that Aerikoth’s blood had special significance for Ashnakzeroth, as the wizard had been present when Ashnakzeroth’s spell to re-manifest himself was disrupted.Veran commented that he was not altogether convinced that Melissa was serving the party’s interests. However, she was willing to guide them to the entrance to Ashnakzeroth's lair, which Veran believed was some form of teleportation portal, based on research the Oghma priests had provided him. Aerikoth observed, and Veran agreed, that bringing them to her master would also present Melissa with an opportunity to avenge her failure and perhaps regain a modicum of value in her master's eyes. Both Rahnee and Veran also commented on the fact that it seemed important to Melissa that the group seek Ashnakzeroth of its own free will. Veran was circumspect in responding to her questions, implying to her that he sought power, but he nevertheless found the exchange unnerving. (The party at least understands that they are attempting to manipulate someone who in turn seeks to manipulate them for her master's gain. Even so, it is difficult to see at this point who will emerge with an advantage in this contest. The abomination needs the blood of the wizard to regain its power, so it will be willing to do - and risk - anything to achieve this. --R)Aerikoth speculated that, if they were brought to the creature’s lair, it might attempt to take over his and the others’ consciousnesses, much as they had experienced during their shared dream in Ashnakzeroth’s cavern throne room. Brok-Tul mused aloud that Rahnee had been prophesied to see Death’s face, so confronting the lich might be her chance to face it personally. Jokull for his part seemed unconcerned, asserting that anything could be defeated. Veran, however, agreed with Aerikoth that even if Ashnakzeroth’s power had waned, it would be good not to underestimate it. Aerikoth believed that if they allowed Melissa to lead them to her master's lair, they were opening themselves up for betrayal and more than likely giving the creature exactly what it wanted. Veran agreed, saying that they needed a plan to turn the tables on Ashnakzeroth.The group retired to their chambers to ponder the choices before them, gathering once again in the common room in the evening to wish Jokull luck on that night’s fight in the Quivering Thumb arena. Jokull once again exuded supreme confidence in his own abilities, advising the others to bet all they had on him if they wanted to become rich that night. After sunset, Jokull’s four companions made their way to the crowded arena. Rahnee and Veran followed his advice and placed large bets on him with Drugo the Oddsmaker. “Josurr”, as the exiled Purple Knight was publicly known in the arena, soon appeared, as he was scheduled to fight first against the vicious owlbear that had already gutted two opponents.Jokull twirled his sword in his hand a few times and then beckoned with his free hand, waiting for the owlbear to clear its head after being brought up from the monster pit. Once the monster had fully awakened, it glanced around the arena and then settled its attention on the gladiator, crying its hatred as it rushed at him. Using swift strokes of his sword and sure footwork, the warrior sliced up his monstrous opponent in less than a minute, drawing cheers of appreciation as well as a few boos from disappointed onlookers. Stanslav, the arena owner, proclaimed “Josurr” the victor as the warrior dealt the final blow, lowering his sword into the creature’s chest.</blockquote>

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