I think Akkron would have picked up a spell scroll of detect thoughts the previous night (in disguise rather than just wandering around all dead-like) and copied it into his spellbook in preparation for this meeting.
You don't need a scroll, it was in the Zemoch's spellbook and Khessa invited you to study with her, at night!
Oh... me is so smart... (but seriously, I've been having trouble keeping track of everything because I've been stuck doing everything on mobile ever since my employers apparently decided I don't ever deserve a day off and that I should be working 12-hour shifts every other day)
You have the ability to detect thoughts, having studied.
You reach out and probe the gathered thoughts behind you. It is mixed, you can find the thoughts who are generally concerned for the threat and are hoping the Church knights do something about it. There is a grey area, neutrals who haven't made up their minds yet, still waiting for something to get them to go to one side or the other. It is those in support of Annias that bothers you. There is a fear of some type, whether its detection or the threat is eliminated. Some of outright hatred of the militant orders, fearful of them. What is very disturbing, there are a group of thoughts that have a dark undertone, like a puppet string that leads back to who you assume is Annias. That thought is plain dark, and all consuming. His mind and thoughts are of grandeur, he wants the position of Archprelate that he aches, but not to serve the Elene God, but to serve another. As you try to probe deeper, a black wall covers his mind, and severs the connection. It was a darkness so foul, it left a bad taste in your mouth,
The hall once more erupts into heated discussions between the Hierocracy, the three distinct camps of thoughts coming out. Thos who want the threat investigated, the ones who oppose any investigation, and the neutrals who could be swayed in either direction. Dolmant allowed it to go on for a short while before standing and calling for order.
"That is enough!" he commanded. "The decision was made. All of this was to inform you all of the looming threat. As Archprelate, I believe there is a threat, to not only the kingdoms and their people, but their souls as well. Is it not OUR (and he emphasized the "Our") to look after the souls of our flocks? Their souls are at risk if there is a slightest chance the Zemochs and their black practices of sacrifices to their dark God, then I will make sure that will not happen. You are informed, I shall give specific orders to our vaunted Church Knights and excellent volunteers from across the sea. May the light shine on us all!"
At that point he stood, the rest of the Hierocracy did as well, then he moved down to the floor, motioning for you all to follow him, and for Preceptors to follow as well. He leads you through the door that he enters, as the voices rise once more in their debate on the situation, until the door closes.
"That always set my teeth on edge, sometimes I wish I could send them all away, but that would cause a serious issue. They can't see reason when it is standing before them."
You enter a well-furnished and carpeted office, multiple chairs and tables, and of course his large desk in the center. There is a fresh smell of air, no incense hanging heavily in the air. Dolmant goes through a door in one corner, and a short time later, returns in a simple white cassock, no Mitre cap. You can see he has the frame of a fighting man instead of a normal religious one. He takes a seat behind a desk.
"Can I offer you anything?" he asks. "So, what can you tell me what you haven't told those idiots outside?"
Having returned very early for her night with the King of thieves, she lays down on her bunk just as a knock on her door happens as it is time to wake up and head off.
I knew that fourth drink was a mistake, as she again rolls out of bed and grabs her things. Before they leave she approaches Sparhawk and whispers, "King Kheldar wishes us a successful trip and we might want to talk to a Sir Kurick, I believe that was the knights name. You might have all the current information but Kurick might have a bit more." With that she yawns and gets up on her horse and makes ready to leave.
Mal is not really impressed by the grandiose affair put in front of her as she has never been interested in the internal goings on of court but this spectacle seems to be a bit much. As she looks about the room and then hears Maynard pointing out Annias, she focus her attention on him and the people around him. Studying his movements and memorizing the faces of the ones that are seated close to him. She does not like what she sees and she instinctively knows this man is a threat and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Her hand gently rubbing the butt of her xbow, it could be easy to do it right here and now, but she hesitates, respecting the words Sparhawk said earlier. That and a lot of innocents would be needlessly be put in harms way, better to wait for a more opportune time where no one would be the wiser.
Entering Dolmat's room after everyone else, Mal finds a quiet corner to sit in and listens to everyone else speak as she does not really have anything to offer at the moment, unless asked. She is ready to get on the road to deal with the looming threat of the creatures attacking in the mountains as that was the last thing she heard of what was going on.
"We can tell you that the danger is real, Dolmant" Khessa says immediately, very relieved to be able to talk to a direct man and certainly an ally, instead of having to juggle politics. "The Zemoch are determined for the war and are convinced they will win it. Apparently, because they are counting on our lack of cohesion and on unleashing against us powerful allies, such as Trolls or Dragons. They even managed to ambush us before we even arrived in Cyrellos, in the middle of a territory they shouldn't have been able to easily navigate. It's not at all out of the question that there are traitors helping them - Annias himself could be one of them".
"However, the ambush was a total fiasco - a sign that they had no precise information on what we are capable of doing," explains the blonde arcane warrior "so, although it is clear that they are determined, organized and well prepared, the victory is not theirs at all. And it won't be" a light of iron determination shines deep in her blue eyes. "While we will search for irrefutable evidence of the threat and gather as much information as possible about their plans, you begin to do everything in your power to unite the forces of an eventual coalition. And be as cautious as possible - I wouldn't be surprised if Annias or someone other traitors try to assassinate you - which is obviously to be avoided at all costs".
"Once we know more details about their plans," concludes the tall adventuress "we will act accordingly. The forces that were convinced to attack us can be convinced to return to neutral. Or perhaps even to support us. Our lack of cohesion can be replaced by unity of purpose. We could pass false information to traitors and take enemies by surprise. No matter how much the Zemoch seem to want it, there will be no Immrama. Not on our watch".
Akkron is still a bit unnerved from his attempt to probe Annias. But he's fairly certain now that the man is truly a threat rather than a just some jackass.
"Is this room warded against divination?" Akkron asks quietly. "I have learned some things from this meeting, but I want to be careful about what I say if we are not protected from such incursions..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
If the room is not protected and if nobody has nothing against it, Khessa can cast her beloved Private Sanctum to ward the area - so Akkron can then speak without worries.
Akkron says his thanks, before sharing what he learned.
"So... I was able to touch the mind of our friend Annias," he begins. "And I can say now, without the shadow of a doubt, if he is not working for the Zemochs' patron deity and their demon queen, then he is certainly in league with something at least equally vile. And I suspect that some of his inner circle are being similarly influenced, though perhaps to a lesser extent. As for the rest of the assembly, they didn't leave much of an impression on me besides to reinforce my general distaste towards politics."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
"We can tell you that the danger is real, Dolmant" Khessa says immediately, very relieved to be able to talk to a direct man and certainly an ally, instead of having to juggle politics. "The Zemoch are determined for the war and are convinced they will win it. Apparently, because they are counting on our lack of cohesion and on unleashing against us powerful allies, such as Trolls or Dragons. They even managed to ambush us before we even arrived in Cyrellos, in the middle of a territory they shouldn't have been able to easily navigate. It's not at all out of the question that there are traitors helping them - Annias himself could be one of them".
"However, the ambush was a total fiasco - a sign that they had no precise information on what we are capable of doing," explains the blonde arcane warrior "so, although it is clear that they are determined, organized and well prepared, the victory is not theirs at all. And it won't be" a light of iron determination shines deep in her blue eyes. "While we will search for irrefutable evidence of the threat and gather as much information as possible about their plans, you begin to do everything in your power to unite the forces of an eventual coalition. And be as cautious as possible - I wouldn't be surprised if Annias or someone other traitors try to assassinate you - which is obviously to be avoided at all costs".
"Once we know more details about their plans," concludes the tall adventuress "we will act accordingly. The forces that were convinced to attack us can be convinced to return to neutral. Or perhaps even to support us. Our lack of cohesion can be replaced by unity of purpose. We could pass false information to traitors and take enemies by surprise. No matter how much the Zemoch seem to want it, there will be no Immrama. Not on our watch".
Dolmant nods. "Zemochs were, and if I am wrong, please correct me Brother Maynard, not militarygeniuses. They used sheer numbers; tainted weapons and their dark magics to fight their battles. I believe just like we are, they are trying to determine what we know and what we are going to do about it."
Dolmant snorts as you mention Annias attempting to assassinate him.
"He has, twice so far. While not directly, he worked through a middleman to bring in hired help. They never made it. Their bodies appeared in our doorways in the morning, with a note attached to their bodies, "Your faithful servant Silk." I am not sure who or what this Silk is, but we are grateful. In some cases, the Church soldiers are now more hypervigilant, which has been an issue to the pilgrims who try to enter the city and the Basilica."
Akkron is still a bit unnerved from his attempt to probe Annias. But he's fairly certain now that the man is truly a threat rather than a just some jackass.
"Is this room warded against divination?" Akkron asks quietly. "I have learned some things from this meeting, but I want to be careful about what I say if we are not protected from such incursions..."
"It is, it's one of the few rooms inside that we were able to reach an agreement between our God, and ah, the Pandion's adopted one, to protect it." Dolmant explains.
Akkron says his thanks, before sharing what he learned.
"So... I was able to touch the mind of our friend Annias," he begins. "And I can say now, without the shadow of a doubt, if he is not working for the Zemochs' patron deity and their demon queen, then he is certainly in league with something at least equally vile. And I suspect that some of his inner circle are being similarly influenced, though perhaps to a lesser extent. As for the rest of the assembly, they didn't leave much of an impression on me besides to reinforce my general distaste towards politics."
Dolmant sighs and nods his head. "It is what I feared, it was more than your typical power-hungry grab in the Hierocracy. Where you able to determine anything specific, who is under their direct control in the church or outside? They are preparing for the future invasion, making a lot of promises if they are victorious. We have seen a great influx of gold coming in, gold minted only from ore found in the former lands of the Zemochs."
He looks directly at Sparhawk.
"Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance?"
Khessa approaches Sparhawk and protectively passes an arm around his shoulders: "He could not be certain of Annias' total corruption... Besides... would you like to be defended by unscrupulous assassins, Dolmant? Now that Master Akkron has has given the certainty, we will act accordingly..."
"Although personally" the blonde arcane warrior proposes "I wouldn't eliminate him right away... If he is truly completely corrupted by Azash, he is probably considered a reliable source of information... so we could use him to pass false information to Azash about our intentions and knowledge - so as to surprise our enemies".
"I could probably point out those who are under the sway of evil, but I admit I do not have a list of names as I had to scan many minds very quickly. As for details, I was only able to scan Annias surface thoughts, which were disturbing enough. But there was some barrier preventing me from getting deeper than that. And, to be frank, if the filth I felt when I merely brushed against his mind was any indication of what lies behind that wall, I am not sure it would be wise even for one such as myself to push further into a mind so thoroughly corrupted."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Khessa approaches Sparhawk and protectively passes an arm around his shoulders: "He could not be certain of Annias' total corruption... Besides... would you like to be defended by unscrupulous assassins, Dolmant? Now that Master Akkron has has given the certainty, we will act accordingly..."
"Although personally" the blonde arcane warrior proposes "I wouldn't eliminate him right away... If he is truly completely corrupted by Azash, he is probably considered a reliable source of information... so we could use him to pass false information to Azash about our intentions and knowledge - so as to surprise our enemies".
Dolmant chuckles. "Yes, we can use that to our advantage. We could feed him false information, knowing it will make its way to Ortho and then Azash, keeping them off balance. I can make an announcement tomorrow I have sent you to the university, under the direction of Brother Maynard, to study more about us and the history, to better prepare yourselves. So when you leave, make sure you take the road towards the university, seeing you may be heading up to Thelesia anyways."
"I could probably point out those who are under the sway of evil, but I admit I do not have a list of names as I had to scan many minds very quickly. As for details, I was only able to scan Annias surface thoughts, which were disturbing enough. But there was some barrier preventing me from getting deeper than that. And, to be frank, if the filth I felt when I merely brushed against his mind was any indication of what lies behind that wall, I am not sure it would be wise even for one such as myself to push further into a mind so thoroughly corrupted."
"Azash must be protecting him, it may be a barrier to protect his mind from what you did, or perhaps it may be as simple as, its Azash fist around his mind, controlling it." Sparhawk replies.
He thanks Khessa and nods to Dolmant. "Yes, I should have killed him when I had a chance, though isn't it considered bad luck to kill a clergyman?" Sparhawk was joking, then got serious as he turns to the group.
"Annias has been sowing seeds of discourse for some time, trying to influence King Aldreas to marry his sister so he could control the throne. He tried the same with King Almos in Ehlania, thinking that through one of his surrogate priests, control him and the vast fortune of the kingdom. King Almos died from what appeared to be the falling sickness, and his daughter Ehlana became queen. All attempts to influence her, intimidate her, or get her to marry someone controlled by Annias failed, we believe he got desperate."
Vanion injects quickly. "A lot of the steel in her spine was from her mentor and teacher who she had from a very young age," he explains with a half-smile, looking directly at Sparhawk. "Sir Sparhawk at an early age became the mentor and teacher for a very young Princess Ehlana."
Sparhawk gives Vanion a dirty look who chuckles to himself. "Anyways, somehow I was ordered away by the Church to Rendor for a short period of time. There, I received a summons from the Queen to return at all haste. When I arrived, I found her in a coma, which was thought to be from the falling sickness just like her father. With help from Sephrenia, we learned it was a very potent and rare poison. While Sephrenia kept Ehlana alive, I searched for a cure, and was able to find it. I learned that her cousin, the greatest jackass in all of Eosia was made the acting regent, Lycheas. We learned that Lycheas was fully under Annias control. He tried to block me at every turn, but we successfully cured her and she retook her throne, and sent Lycheas away."
Vanion injects again with a grin. "That wasn't all, the queen made Sparhawk her Champion, as well as her husband. So you see, Sir Sparhawk is the Grand Champion of the Pandion Order, Queen's Champion of the Queen of Ehlana, as well as Prince Consort to the Kingdom of Elania."
Sparhawk was slightly blushing, "Yes, yes, that's all true. I had the opportunity to make amends from what he did to my Queen, but seeing the sniveling, cowardly man he is, I took pity on him. Now, seeing what we are facing, I regret it."
Dolmant nods. "Well then, best head up to Thelesia and go speak with Bhlokw and see what he can share. Make sure you are well seen leaving the west gate, Brother Maynard, you are to continue traveling with these good people, advising them on our history and customs. As you head north, I suggest you do stop at the university, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to stop at the Council of Wizards. I will tell the Hierocracy what I tasked you to do. Granted, we all know Pandions can't be trusted to follow the rules." He smiled and winked.
"Sounds like a good plan to me, though I have always preferred the route of cutting the head off the snake, but in this instance, it might cause more problems down the line. Especially as this snake we know, we do not know what snake might replace Annias if I kill him." Walking over to Khessa and putting her arm around her, "I am ready to move on when everyone else is."
Then looking at Khessa, "I will have to put off the killing Lloth for the time being as it appears we have out sights on another evil god to kill first."
“This will be a great workout!” Khessa winks, smiling "Lolth will wait anyway... She is a goddess, she will not die of old age; it will still be up to us to free the Multiverse from her cumbersome and disgusting presence".
"Congratulations on the happy marriage, Sir Sparhawk," the lich says in complete sincerity. "Anyway... feeding the so-called holy man false information is likely the best course of action... especially considering the negative attention both we and the Church Knights will likely attract if a prominent man such as Annias is assassinated in the middle of a delicate political situation. Amanesis, Olem, do you have any additional insights? Also... does anyone know where Dabbert went? I haven't seen him in a while..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
You have the ability to detect thoughts, having studied.
You reach out and probe the gathered thoughts behind you. It is mixed, you can find the thoughts who are generally concerned for the threat and are hoping the Church knights do something about it. There is a grey area, neutrals who haven't made up their minds yet, still waiting for something to get them to go to one side or the other. It is those in support of Annias that bothers you. There is a fear of some type, whether its detection or the threat is eliminated. Some of outright hatred of the militant orders, fearful of them. What is very disturbing, there are a group of thoughts that have a dark undertone, like a puppet string that leads back to who you assume is Annias. That thought is plain dark, and all consuming. His mind and thoughts are of grandeur, he wants the position of Archprelate that he aches, but not to serve the Elene God, but to serve another. As you try to probe deeper, a black wall covers his mind, and severs the connection. It was a darkness so foul, it left a bad taste in your mouth,
The hall once more erupts into heated discussions between the Hierocracy, the three distinct camps of thoughts coming out. Thos who want the threat investigated, the ones who oppose any investigation, and the neutrals who could be swayed in either direction. Dolmant allowed it to go on for a short while before standing and calling for order.
"That is enough!" he commanded. "The decision was made. All of this was to inform you all of the looming threat. As Archprelate, I believe there is a threat, to not only the kingdoms and their people, but their souls as well. Is it not OUR (and he emphasized the "Our") to look after the souls of our flocks? Their souls are at risk if there is a slightest chance the Zemochs and their black practices of sacrifices to their dark God, then I will make sure that will not happen. You are informed, I shall give specific orders to our vaunted Church Knights and excellent volunteers from across the sea. May the light shine on us all!"
At that point he stood, the rest of the Hierocracy did as well, then he moved down to the floor, motioning for you all to follow him, and for Preceptors to follow as well. He leads you through the door that he enters, as the voices rise once more in their debate on the situation, until the door closes.
"That always set my teeth on edge, sometimes I wish I could send them all away, but that would cause a serious issue. They can't see reason when it is standing before them."
You enter a well-furnished and carpeted office, multiple chairs and tables, and of course his large desk in the center. There is a fresh smell of air, no incense hanging heavily in the air. Dolmant goes through a door in one corner, and a short time later, returns in a simple white cassock, no Mitre cap. You can see he has the frame of a fighting man instead of a normal religious one. He takes a seat behind a desk.
"Can I offer you anything?" he asks. "So, what can you tell me what you haven't told those idiots outside?"
"
Having returned very early for her night with the King of thieves, she lays down on her bunk just as a knock on her door happens as it is time to wake up and head off.
I knew that fourth drink was a mistake, as she again rolls out of bed and grabs her things. Before they leave she approaches Sparhawk and whispers, "King Kheldar wishes us a successful trip and we might want to talk to a Sir Kurick, I believe that was the knights name. You might have all the current information but Kurick might have a bit more." With that she yawns and gets up on her horse and makes ready to leave.
Mal is not really impressed by the grandiose affair put in front of her as she has never been interested in the internal goings on of court but this spectacle seems to be a bit much. As she looks about the room and then hears Maynard pointing out Annias, she focus her attention on him and the people around him. Studying his movements and memorizing the faces of the ones that are seated close to him. She does not like what she sees and she instinctively knows this man is a threat and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Her hand gently rubbing the butt of her xbow, it could be easy to do it right here and now, but she hesitates, respecting the words Sparhawk said earlier. That and a lot of innocents would be needlessly be put in harms way, better to wait for a more opportune time where no one would be the wiser.
Entering Dolmat's room after everyone else, Mal finds a quiet corner to sit in and listens to everyone else speak as she does not really have anything to offer at the moment, unless asked. She is ready to get on the road to deal with the looming threat of the creatures attacking in the mountains as that was the last thing she heard of what was going on.
"We can tell you that the danger is real, Dolmant" Khessa says immediately, very relieved to be able to talk to a direct man and certainly an ally, instead of having to juggle politics. "The Zemoch are determined for the war and are convinced they will win it. Apparently, because they are counting on our lack of cohesion and on unleashing against us powerful allies, such as Trolls or Dragons. They even managed to ambush us before we even arrived in Cyrellos, in the middle of a territory they shouldn't have been able to easily navigate. It's not at all out of the question that there are traitors helping them - Annias himself could be one of them".
"However, the ambush was a total fiasco - a sign that they had no precise information on what we are capable of doing," explains the blonde arcane warrior "so, although it is clear that they are determined, organized and well prepared, the victory is not theirs at all. And it won't be" a light of iron determination shines deep in her blue eyes. "While we will search for irrefutable evidence of the threat and gather as much information as possible about their plans, you begin to do everything in your power to unite the forces of an eventual coalition. And be as cautious as possible - I wouldn't be surprised if Annias or someone other traitors try to assassinate you - which is obviously to be avoided at all costs".
"Once we know more details about their plans," concludes the tall adventuress "we will act accordingly. The forces that were convinced to attack us can be convinced to return to neutral. Or perhaps even to support us. Our lack of cohesion can be replaced by unity of purpose. We could pass false information to traitors and take enemies by surprise. No matter how much the Zemoch seem to want it, there will be no Immrama. Not on our watch".
Akkron is still a bit unnerved from his attempt to probe Annias. But he's fairly certain now that the man is truly a threat rather than a just some jackass.
"Is this room warded against divination?" Akkron asks quietly. "I have learned some things from this meeting, but I want to be careful about what I say if we are not protected from such incursions..."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
If the room is not protected and if nobody has nothing against it, Khessa can cast her beloved Private Sanctum to ward the area - so Akkron can then speak without worries.
Akkron says his thanks, before sharing what he learned.
"So... I was able to touch the mind of our friend Annias," he begins. "And I can say now, without the shadow of a doubt, if he is not working for the Zemochs' patron deity and their demon queen, then he is certainly in league with something at least equally vile. And I suspect that some of his inner circle are being similarly influenced, though perhaps to a lesser extent. As for the rest of the assembly, they didn't leave much of an impression on me besides to reinforce my general distaste towards politics."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Dolmant nods. "Zemochs were, and if I am wrong, please correct me Brother Maynard, not military geniuses. They used sheer numbers; tainted weapons and their dark magics to fight their battles. I believe just like we are, they are trying to determine what we know and what we are going to do about it."
Dolmant snorts as you mention Annias attempting to assassinate him.
"He has, twice so far. While not directly, he worked through a middleman to bring in hired help. They never made it. Their bodies appeared in our doorways in the morning, with a note attached to their bodies, "Your faithful servant Silk." I am not sure who or what this Silk is, but we are grateful. In some cases, the Church soldiers are now more hypervigilant, which has been an issue to the pilgrims who try to enter the city and the Basilica."
"It is, it's one of the few rooms inside that we were able to reach an agreement between our God, and ah, the Pandion's adopted one, to protect it." Dolmant explains.
Dolmant sighs and nods his head. "It is what I feared, it was more than your typical power-hungry grab in the Hierocracy. Where you able to determine anything specific, who is under their direct control in the church or outside? They are preparing for the future invasion, making a lot of promises if they are victorious. We have seen a great influx of gold coming in, gold minted only from ore found in the former lands of the Zemochs."
He looks directly at Sparhawk.
"Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance?"
Khessa approaches Sparhawk and protectively passes an arm around his shoulders: "He could not be certain of Annias' total corruption... Besides... would you like to be defended by unscrupulous assassins, Dolmant? Now that Master Akkron has has given the certainty, we will act accordingly..."
"Although personally" the blonde arcane warrior proposes "I wouldn't eliminate him right away... If he is truly completely corrupted by Azash, he is probably considered a reliable source of information... so we could use him to pass false information to Azash about our intentions and knowledge - so as to surprise our enemies".
Akkron considers Dolmant's questions...
"I could probably point out those who are under the sway of evil, but I admit I do not have a list of names as I had to scan many minds very quickly. As for details, I was only able to scan Annias surface thoughts, which were disturbing enough. But there was some barrier preventing me from getting deeper than that. And, to be frank, if the filth I felt when I merely brushed against his mind was any indication of what lies behind that wall, I am not sure it would be wise even for one such as myself to push further into a mind so thoroughly corrupted."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Dolmant chuckles. "Yes, we can use that to our advantage. We could feed him false information, knowing it will make its way to Ortho and then Azash, keeping them off balance. I can make an announcement tomorrow I have sent you to the university, under the direction of Brother Maynard, to study more about us and the history, to better prepare yourselves. So when you leave, make sure you take the road towards the university, seeing you may be heading up to Thelesia anyways."
"Way to go, Dolmant!" Khessa pats him on the shoulder, smiling "I really like you!"
"Azash must be protecting him, it may be a barrier to protect his mind from what you did, or perhaps it may be as simple as, its Azash fist around his mind, controlling it." Sparhawk replies.
He thanks Khessa and nods to Dolmant. "Yes, I should have killed him when I had a chance, though isn't it considered bad luck to kill a clergyman?" Sparhawk was joking, then got serious as he turns to the group.
"Annias has been sowing seeds of discourse for some time, trying to influence King Aldreas to marry his sister so he could control the throne. He tried the same with King Almos in Ehlania, thinking that through one of his surrogate priests, control him and the vast fortune of the kingdom. King Almos died from what appeared to be the falling sickness, and his daughter Ehlana became queen. All attempts to influence her, intimidate her, or get her to marry someone controlled by Annias failed, we believe he got desperate."
Vanion injects quickly. "A lot of the steel in her spine was from her mentor and teacher who she had from a very young age," he explains with a half-smile, looking directly at Sparhawk. "Sir Sparhawk at an early age became the mentor and teacher for a very young Princess Ehlana."
Sparhawk gives Vanion a dirty look who chuckles to himself. "Anyways, somehow I was ordered away by the Church to Rendor for a short period of time. There, I received a summons from the Queen to return at all haste. When I arrived, I found her in a coma, which was thought to be from the falling sickness just like her father. With help from Sephrenia, we learned it was a very potent and rare poison. While Sephrenia kept Ehlana alive, I searched for a cure, and was able to find it. I learned that her cousin, the greatest jackass in all of Eosia was made the acting regent, Lycheas. We learned that Lycheas was fully under Annias control. He tried to block me at every turn, but we successfully cured her and she retook her throne, and sent Lycheas away."
Vanion injects again with a grin. "That wasn't all, the queen made Sparhawk her Champion, as well as her husband. So you see, Sir Sparhawk is the Grand Champion of the Pandion Order, Queen's Champion of the Queen of Ehlana, as well as Prince Consort to the Kingdom of Elania."
Sparhawk was slightly blushing, "Yes, yes, that's all true. I had the opportunity to make amends from what he did to my Queen, but seeing the sniveling, cowardly man he is, I took pity on him. Now, seeing what we are facing, I regret it."
Dolmant nods. "Well then, best head up to Thelesia and go speak with Bhlokw and see what he can share. Make sure you are well seen leaving the west gate, Brother Maynard, you are to continue traveling with these good people, advising them on our history and customs. As you head north, I suggest you do stop at the university, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to stop at the Council of Wizards. I will tell the Hierocracy what I tasked you to do. Granted, we all know Pandions can't be trusted to follow the rules." He smiled and winked.
“I think it's the best plan we can make,” Khessa agrees, “based on what we know now. And throwing the Zemochs off track via Annias will buy us time”.
“Is there anything else you want to do before you leave?” the blonde arcane warrior consults with her adventure companions.
"Sounds like a good plan to me, though I have always preferred the route of cutting the head off the snake, but in this instance, it might cause more problems down the line. Especially as this snake we know, we do not know what snake might replace Annias if I kill him." Walking over to Khessa and putting her arm around her, "I am ready to move on when everyone else is."
Then looking at Khessa, "I will have to put off the killing Lloth for the time being as it appears we have out sights on another evil god to kill first."
“This will be a great workout!” Khessa winks, smiling "Lolth will wait anyway... She is a goddess, she will not die of old age; it will still be up to us to free the Multiverse from her cumbersome and disgusting presence".
Akkron's skull continues to grin slullishly (TM).
"Congratulations on the happy marriage, Sir Sparhawk," the lich says in complete sincerity. "Anyway... feeding the so-called holy man false information is likely the best course of action... especially considering the negative attention both we and the Church Knights will likely attract if a prominent man such as Annias is assassinated in the middle of a delicate political situation. Amanesis, Olem, do you have any additional insights? Also... does anyone know where Dabbert went? I haven't seen him in a while..."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!