PrP: Ill Met In Alexandria, Part 2
Log Info
- Title: Ill Met In Alexandria, Part 2
- Emitter: Albrecht
- Characters: Jibbom Level 4, Sonja Level 4, Angrid Level 2, Aenyn Level 2
- NPCs: Asham the Merchant, Haqim
- Place: The wilderness, and a cave.
- Time: Jun 28, 2012
- Summary: A contract from a desperate Veyshanti caravan missing their leader turns sordid when intrigue is revealed involving warring clans of genies!
- APL: 3
- Encounter 1: 1x Young Shaitan, CR 6
Our Tale
Jibbom looks relieved when the younger genie's prognosis is given, a bit of his usual cheer returning as he greets Haqim. "Jibbom Taribree, very pleased to hear you. I'd also very much like to hear what the situation is. Those who requested our aid made no mention of any broken oaths, and I'm sure none of us want to be party to an injustice."
Angrid sets his axe down on the ground, leaning on it as well as he watches with a bit of weariness. At least this one's willing to talk. "Aye, seems we need to sit down and find out what's been happening." He gives Asham a look. "This fellow doesn't seem capable of much right now anyways."
Aenyn shakes his head after Jibbom's comment, "I certainly don't." He doesn't sheathe his sword, but he does keep it held low and as unthreateningly as possible for one holding a short sword in his hand. His free hand has gone back to clutching at his ribs.
Sonja looks over towards Aenyn. "Do you need some healing as well, Aenyn?" She says going to reach over to put her hands on his ribs.
Aenyn nods at Sonja's question, moving his arm so she can get free access, "I do. I neglected to dodge Halak's fist and I'm regretting the oversight."
GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6: (9): 9
The vizier floats in an idly looping circle as he explains his meaning. "We of the Southern Cloud have long been at odds with the shaitans of the Broken Iron. These feuds are long and bitter, and there were those among both of our people who saw no end and would have made peace. An emmisary was required, and this man, Asham, had traded with both of our peoples and was trusted. A meeting was to be set, and to ensure the mutual peace of the events, he was entrusted with something of value from each clan. We of the genie races are bound by many traditions, not the least of which is that we of the Djinni must perform tasks for those who capture us, willingly or no. The case is something to this effect. Alas, Asham stole both artifacts and fled, using their power to increase his wealth and prosperity. He was captured by an agent of the Shaitan pashas four days ago, and bought his freedom with the bond of the djinni. He sold my people to them." The great, aged genie seems distraught as he speaks.
Jibbom frowns, looking deeply concerned by the vizier's explanation. "I see. That's very troubling indeed. I take it you've seen some convincing evidence of this? No possibility that it might be a ruse by the Shaitans, or some other group that seeks to benefit by your continuing feud? Has Asham given any explanation?" He pauses for a moment. "... I suppose I just don't want to believe it. We traveled with his people, and they seemed kind and honorable. But like my mother used to say, even the healthiest tree grows a few bad apples."
Angrid strokes his beard, listening. Then he walks over to Asham, slinging his axe and shield as he peers down at the man. "Hnnh. Best place to find the seam is to start with him, then." He pulls out his waterskin, inspecting the man as he does.
Sonja tilts her head. "Djinn give their services willingly? Truely?" She seems to ponder this fact. "I always thought that, in the stories of old, at least from the dwarves, the Djinn were enslaved and forced into servitude. How about friendship?" If one can sense motives, Sonja is genuinely curious. But then Jibbom snaps her back to reality. "I'm sorry. Jibbom's right."
Aenyn takes a deep breath after receiving Sonja's healing and grins, "Thanks." He listens to Haqim's explanation and nods, "I seem to recall the seer woman saying something about artifacts that were Asham's secret."
The vizier considers the words, and says "I see no reason for the disbelief that a human is capable of carrying evil in his heart, and working treachery, but you are strange creatures at times. When questioned, Asham tells lies and changes them to suit him." The floating figure crosses his arms and regards Angrid giving water to the prisoner, who stirs but does not come awake immediately. "We of the djinni have at times granted boons to friends, though these stories are not as prevalent, I think. It may be some time before it is done again, however. And still, for all that has happened we are at an impasse, for while I realize it is your mission to retrieve Asham, I would have him face justice from my people for his transgressions. Unless you lot and I are able to come to some arrangement that would be mutually beneficial."
Angrid turns and grins at the Vizier. "Oh, no worries. If one calls the tune, no matter how poorly, one had best be ready to pay the piper." He levers Asham upright, making sure the first thing the poor bastard sees is the unhappy djinn lord. "Wake up, fool. You're neck deep and sinking!"
Sonja says, "I would hear this arrangement, Vizier." She says softly as she places her hands upon herself to heal herself."
Jibbom considers for a moment, looking over at the dehydrated fellow. "If he really did do what you say... then I suppose you'd be right to take him and see that justice is done. Still, when we spoke to his people, they seemed convinced that they would be doomed without him. Perhaps your artifacts were not the only items of importance in his possession." He is silent for a moment, thinking. "... Do you know whom he sold your people's artifacts to? If they were retrieved, could the mission of peace be salvaged?"
GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6: (8): 8
GAME: Albrecht damaged Aenyn for -9 points. 15 remaining.
GAME: Albrecht damaged Sonja for -8 points. 41 remaining.
Aenyn twists at his waist a few times, enjoying the feeling of being able to do so without pain. He remains silent for now, though. The others seem quite capable of negotiating with the djinn lord.
As Angrid works to rouse the human captive, he groans and his eyes come open slowly and groggily, saying "Wh.. What? Who are you?" staring uncomprehendingly at the khazad. Haqim listens to the words and says, "Aha. The caravan. When they absconded, some of my peers levied a curse upon them. They can stay in one place no more than three sunrises, for if they see the same sunrise four times running they shall fade from this world, and be owned by the planes of the elements. As to a possible compact, and the artifact of the Southern Cloud, they lie together. To the west is a cave where abides a shaitan named Asaf the Fist. A cruel heart and a slaver. He holds the bottle that binds my folk, and with it, with his pasha masters, he will bind my people, my children and grandchildren, to servitude. If you return it to me, I am willing to release Asham to you without trial."
"So you're saying that we can resolve this whole matter, save the caravan, achieve justice, /and/ give a slaver a well-deserved comeuppance all at once if we go take this Fist down and get your bottle back?" Jibbom asks with a grin. "Well then, I think we have ourselves a plan! We'll set out in the morning. I think my companions would likely agree with me that we'll be more prepared for possible conflict with a night's rest. Is that agreeable?"
Angrid grins at Asham. "Well, laddie, you're in a pickle." He jerks a thumb over his shoulder at the Vizier. "He's not real happy with ye, and to be honest I'm not impressed either. But... if we get his baubles back, he'll let ye go. So it might be in your best interests to tell us all about this Asaf the Fist, because that fellow? He's got a look in his eye that my granddad used to get. And it usually didn't end well."
Aenyn gazes off to the west even though he obviously can't see the cave from here, especially at night. Turning back to the others, he nods sharply and finally sheathes his sword, "I'm in."
Sonja is going to give Angrid an LoH....
Sonja says, "I'm willing to assist as well." She says before placing both hands upon Angrid's form.....uttering a prayer to True metal again."
GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6: (10): 10
Asham's eyes widen as comprehension slowly dawns on him as to what is happening, and he looks back to Angrid. "I.." his voice is hoarse, but he pushes through. "He took me to a place, a cave behind a waterfall. He told me that if I gave him the stone and the bottle that he would free me, and so I fled, but Halak found me and.." He trails off and frowns. "Who are you? I mean, by all means, kill that dog Asaf, I've no love for him. I think I remember seeing a ledge that surrounds the breadth of the cave - hard to see from the ground, but Asham's eyes are sharp." The djinni vizier looks down at the merchant with disgust, but then turns back to the group. "Very well. Rest this night below in the shelter of the rocks, and on the morrow I will transport you to where you must go."
GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for -10 points. 28 remaining.
Jibbom eyes Asham for a moment, then looks up to the vizier again. "If he's telling the truth, his only crime is weakness. It sounds as if Asaf is the real villain in all this. But you said his story's been changing, and that's rarely a hallmark of trustworthiness." He shrugs. "Well, whether he's lying or not, our course of action seems clear. Let's rest and investigate this cave first thing in the morning."
Sonja says, "Stone? What stone?" She says as she looks to Asham."
"Ah, now that's more like it." Hard to say if Angrid's talking about being healed or Asham spilling his guts. "Yer caravan sent us. Of course, they left out some parts, and we'll probably have a quiet word with the lady afterwards." He cocks his head at the Vizier. "I think we'll leave him with ye, noble one. He doesn't look like much use in a fight. He might even come up with a way to make amends. Stranger things have happened."
Asham blinks at Sonja's question. "Why, the stone that the shaitan gave, as the the djinni gave me the bottle." There is a certain smugness to the declaration, but he is careful to remain neutrally toned, if not exactly contrite.
Sonja says, "For now, however, We should rest. None of us are at full strength after tht battle." She then turns her attention back to Asham. "What special properties does the stone have? Like why Fist would want it.""
Jibbom looks confused again. "Wait. Is this Fist at odds with his fellow Sahitan? Or was this all just a ruse to get the bottle by giving up the stone temporarially to create a false sense of security?"
Asham shrugs as best he can in his bonds. "Nothing so much. It is a token of esteem given to me, to ensure peace and good behavior. If you happem across it, I would gladly pay you for its return."
Sonja clicks her tongue. "Uh huh." She the looks up to the Djinni. "Would you know of any special properties it has?"
Jibbom scratches at his head. "Wait. So the Djinni gave up a powerful magical bottle that can be used to enslave their people, and the Shaitan gave up a token stone of purely symbolic value? That doesn't add up."
The vizier shakes his head, "Whatever magics it has are unknown to me, only that we were told that each side must provide something crucial enough to assure peace with one another. Myself, I would not listen to this snake of a human, but my feelings are my own. You must do as you see fit. I only require the bottle."
Aenyn shakes his head at Asham, "No, I think you've had enough artifacts for the time being. The stone stays with the shaitan. It's theirs to begin with. And the bottle goes back to the djinni." Of course the last part kinda goes without saying, but he said it anyway.
"I have a feeling things will become more clear once we've dealt with this Fist. We can wait and decide what to do once we have more information." Jibbom suggests with another shrug. "For now, let's get rest, then head for the cave."
Sonja says, "Let's see when we get there. We should relieve him of both items....among other things." She then shrugs. "Haqim? Would you please guard us while we rest? That way we can go to the cave at full strength?""
The vizier nods slightly and says "I shall be about. Naught shall trouble your sleep, mortals. For now, farewell." He begins to swirl about and becomes gaseous and diffuse and vanishes.
Sonja stretches mightly as she wakes and begins her prayers as the sun begins to come up. She will need her strength for the battle to come.....
Morning comes, a slate gray sky above, though no rain yet, leaving the dusty, rocky scrubland as dry as ever. Awaiting your return, Haqim hovers ready. "Are you girded for battle, mortals? For I warn you that Asaf the Fist will be no mean foe. He is fierce and cunning, and the earth is ever the ally of the shaitan. I may not aid you, for if he were to discover my presence, he could use the bottle to command me, and that would bring ruin upon the enterprise, so I must stay unseen.
Aenyn wakes and takes care of his morning "rituals" before donning his armor and weapons. His backpack comes last and he nods to Haqim, "I'm ready to go if everyone else is."
Sonja nods to Haqim as he says this. "You have our promise that we will not let him win."
Angrid looks amused. "Maybe he'll negotiate." Okay, he doesn't actually believe that, but you never know. His shield is strapped to his arm, his axe held easier in his other hand. "Let's go say hello."
"Don't worry. We're adventurers. This is what we do." Jibbom says with a grin.
The winds pick up to a howling gale as the vizier spreads his arms. "Very well, then. We ride upon the wind. Do not fear, mortals, for you shall not fall." He casts a hand forward and each of the adventurers becomes diffuse and starts to float, and with him, as one, the five figures begin to speed across the sky at incredible speed, borne by the elemental magics.
Everyone is deposited on a ledge of a tall cliff , a waterfall cascading from above and plunging down to a churning basin below where the river continues, white froth and rocks. Palms and ferns grow here in the dampness, and there is a glitter from within the cave, something that sparkles from within. Haqim floats outward and says, "Within you will find the shaitan. Be steadfast and triumph. The hope of the Southern Cloud clan goes with you. I shall remain unseen." And with that, he is gone.
"Wheeeeee! Thanks, windy guy!" Jibbom salutes the area where Haqim was before turning to peer into the sparkly cave. "So. You big guys wanna charge in first? Might be more convincing, if we wanna try talking this Fist person down."
Sonja nods to Haqim before looking to everyone else. "Come on." She then smirks to Jibbom. "I doubt this guy will be interested in talking."
"Probably not, but it's worth a try, eh?"
GAME: Aenyn rolls perception: (18)+8: 26
GAME: Jibbom rolls perception: (11)+4: 15
GAME: Sonja rolls perception: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Angrid rolls Perception: (6)+3: 9
Aenyn gives a small wave to Haqim and then turns to face the cave. His gaze travels upwards and then he points, "There's the ledge Asham mentioned. Might be able to climb up to it and get the drop on the Fist if it does actually extend as far as Asham claimed."
Jibbom eyes the ledge once Aenyn points it out, nodding a bit. "Not a bad idea. Maybe a few of us could go each way? Might catch him by surprise if some of us struck from hiding in case our negotiators fail."
Sonja says, "Aenyn should go that way, at least." She says with a smile."
"Assumin' he wants to negotiate," Angrid remarks. "I'll take the low path, I've had about enough of climbing. Jibbom should go with me, he's a talker."
Sonja stares at Angrid. "and I'm to climb in there." XD
"We could just have Aenyn climb up while the rest of us take the frontal approach. He can strike from hiding in case we can't convince this Shaitan to see sense." Jibbom suggests.
Sonja says, "That's a pretty good idea, Jibbom."
Aenyn chuckles softly and nods, "I can go up there, sure. I'll have my bow ready in case negotiations fail." And with that, he starts to climb his way up the wall to the ledge.
GAME: Aenyn rolls stealth: (19)+14: 33
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+12: (17)+12: 29
As Aenyn becomes some kind of mad ninja ghost, disappearing up the rock face onto the ledge and vanishing from sight, the rest of the party strides through the curtain of water into the mouth of the cave. It is a large affair, with a vaguely circular shape, and comprised largely of massive jutting crystal formations for the walls. A hole in the ceiling lets water pour down, as well as light, and creating a small stream that joins the waterfall in its descent. The moisture has also promoted a dense moss on many surfaces, and ferns and small palms grow out of crevices in the rocks, some having fallen. There are large loose rocks and trees up on the almost invisible upper ledge as well. From the ceiling hang crystalline stalactites and ropey vines that come within five feet of the ground. In the center, just out of the column of diffuse light, sits the cross legged, massive form of purple stone that is Asaf the Fist. As he realizes that company has arrived, he smirks and rises. "Aha. More chattel."
"Nice place." Jibbom says, admiring the chamber of crystal and vines before his gaze settles solidly at the form of the Shaitan. "Nope, sorry, not a delivery. My name's Steel Von Ironblood, Bane of the Night. Maybe you've heard of me. These are my associates." He gesutres to Sonja and Angrid. "Look, I'm sorry to start this off on a hostile note, but since I've heard you've got a bit of a mean streak, let's get straight to the point. We've brought with us sufficient power to destroy you and your kind utterly. We'd prefer not to, but we will if we have to. Would you like to discuss a peaceful resolution to your conflict with Asham and Haqim, or would you like to be blown up? Personally I'd go for the peaceful option here, but there's no accounting for taste."
GAME: Jibbom rolls bluff: (12)+14: 26
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+14: (17)+14: 31
Sonja walks in behind Jibbom and groans to herself with the way jibbom decides to open up his speech.
Shadows and darkness: Aenyn's second home. He creeps along the ledge as he readies his shortbow. He doesn't draw an arrow just yet, though. He finds a suitable spot from which to watch the goings-on down below and crouches, ready and waiting.
Angrid looks exasperatedly at Jibbom, and mouths 'Steel Von Ironblood?' at Sonja, looking baffled.
The massive shaitan looks down at the halfling and considers the words, his face a mask as if he is considering, before his face splits in a wide grin as he laughs uproariously. "Enough to destroy me and all my kind? Perhaps Steel von Ironblood is mightier than I judge, but I think not. You who are in this cave are all that you have, and if Haqim thinks that you are sufficient fodder to defeat me, then the old man is severely deluded. No. I think you have come to your unmaking, little ones." He draws his heavy, brutal looking scimitar.
Sonja looks to Angrid, rolls her eyes, bites her bottom lip. That should say it all.
GAME: Aenyn rolls initiative: Roll: 16 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 20
GAME: Jibbom rolls initiative: Roll: 19 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 22
GAME: Sonja rolls initiative: Roll: 15 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 16
GAME: Angrid rolls initiative: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 8
GAME: You roll initiative for Asaf: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 15
Current Initiative Order ====
22 Jibbom
20 Aenyn
16 Sonja
15 Asaf
8 Angrid
============================
GAME: Jibbom refreshes spells.
GAME: Jibbom rolls ranged: (5)+6: 11
Jibbom looks back at his companions and shrugs. "Well, I tried." He points at the shaitan. "Maybe not enough for all your kind. But enough for you, certainly." A fiery bolt of heated energy erupts, which goes just a little off target and sears a vine in half.
GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon9: (11)+6: 17
GAME: Aenyn rolls 2d6: (9): 9
GAME: Jibbom rolls 4d6: (12): 12
GAME: Jibbom rolls will: (12)+7: 19
Jibbom grins with satisfaction as the ray scorches straight through the vine and reflects off a vein of crystal behind it, striking the shaitan in the back. "That's why it's a bad idea to decorate your evil lair with so many reflective surfaces."
Negotiations failed. Aenyn was expecting this really. He nocks an arrow and draws, aiming for what he hopes is a vital spot on a shaitan. The arrow is loosed and strikes home in the creature's back right where Jibbom's spell hit.
The Shaitan growls as he takes the fiery blast to the back and casts his hand forward, golden glitter filling the air between his hand and Jibbom, though it does not seem to have the intended effect, and his skin visibly hardens. He steps forward toward the halfling menacingly.
GAME: Jibbom casts Magic Missile.
GAME: Jibbom rolls 2d4+2: (4)+2: 6
Angrid's muscles bunch as he regards the massive stony outsider. "You're gravel, laddie. Ye just don't know it yet." He begins to prowl closer to the shaitan, shield up and axe raised, watching with measuring eyes for the opening.
Jibbom frowns at the towering genie advancing towards him. "Huh. You're a big one, ain'tcha?" He hops back, rapidly firing off a pair of glittering purple bolts of light that slam straight into the stoney fellow.
GAME: Aenyn rolls ranged: (1)+5: 6
GAME: Sonja rolls weapon2+1: (4)+9+1: 14
Aenyn frowns at the hardened skin and looks at his arrowheads. "Not gonna be enough," he mutters to himself. He lays his bow aside and finds a loose branch and, using it like a lever, shoves a large rock over the edge. Unfortunately, it ends up rolling along the edge of the ledge before plummeting to the cave floor several feet away from the genie and those fighting him.
Keeping her eye on the Shaitan, SOnja growls as he moves to grab Jibbom, and steps in front of him. "NO! You face ME! Now only that you unholy CUR, You face THE POWER OF DAEUS!" Invoking his name, Her earthbreaker glows with a holy light as she swings as hard as she can.....and misses horribly.
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d8: (5): 5
GAME: Sonja rolls will: (6)+9: 15
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+17: (14)+17: 31
GAME: Sonja rolls reflex: (7)+5: 12
GAME: Jibbom rolls reflex: (18)+5: 23
The glitter again fails to gain traction as the shaitan casts it at the sunblade this time, but then he puts his shoulder forward and with a massive, thundering rush, bowls the giantborn woman backward into the rock behind her, and it seems for a moment as if she is passing INTO the stone itself, but then there is a strange tingling at the back of the neck and she is outside of it. The Shaitan, however, begins lowering into the stone floor of the cave, vanishing into the rock below somewhere.
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+17: (3)+17: 20
As the group waits pensively for the veritable landshark of a genie to resurface, the cave is strangely quiet, then striding up from beneath the surface, the thundering warrior slams the halfling forward into the same rock that he attempted to imprison Sonja in but it isn't quite enough.
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+12: (10)+12: 22
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d8+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12
GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for 9 points. 19 remaining.
GAME: Aenyn rolls perception: (1)+8: 9
Angrid immediately dives into the fray, axe clashing against the shaitan's blade. "Nnh!" he grunts, taking a return hit. "Sonja, feel free to join in here..."
Aenyn searches the cave to see if he can spot the bottle lying around somewhere. Suddenly, his eyes widen and he mutters a curse before scrambling around the ledge towards the waterfall. As he gets closer, though, he comes to a stop and sighs, "That's just a vine. Damn. Should've asked for a description of the bottle."
GAME: Sonja rolls weapon2+3: (16)+9+3: 28
GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6+13: (6)+13: 19
Seeing Angrid run in first and take the hit from the Shaitan, Sonja charges in as well.....yellling at the top of her lungs and swings her earthbreaker at the Shaitan's chest....And she connects. "The fact that you do not belong here only makes my resolve even harder. I Will not ask you to yield....."
GAME: Sonja rolls will: (14)+9: 23
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+11: (4)+11: 15
GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+11: (16)+11: 27
GAME: Albrecht rolls 2d6+4: (4)+4: 8
GAME: Albrecht rolls 2d6+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Albrecht damaged Sonja for 18 points. 23 remaining.
The shaitan roars in rage and bears down on Sonja. As the third casting of glitterdust fails to take effect, he casts aside his scimitar and instead brings his two massive earthen fists to bear, slamming them one after the other into the paladin.
GAME: Jibbom rolls ranged: (6)+6: 12
GAME: Jibbom casts Scorching Ray.
Jibbom looks increasingly nervous. "Oh dear. Big paladin in the way. C'mon, c'mon...." The ray fires wide, with the halfling unable to successfully aim around his companions.
GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+7: (4)+7: 11
GAME: Aenyn rolls acrobatics: (11)+8: 19
GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon7+2: (3)+6+2: 11
GAME: Sonja rolls weapon2+1: (7)+9+1: 17
GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6+20: (4)+20: 24
Aenyn gives up on trying to find the bottle for now. His companions are getting smashed up. Grabbing a vine, he swings down from the ledge, flips through the air to avoid getting backhanded again and lands behind the towering genie. His short sword strikes out in a flash...and glances off the rockhard skin. Sad Aenyn is sad.
DEspite taking a couple of slashes to her chest, Sonja takes another mighty swing and cracks the Shaitan across the head, dropping it to the ground. SOnja chuckles as it doesn't get back up, and she points her Earthbreaker at it. "Have a nice nap, Asshole." Kricking her neck, she looks back to Aenyn and Jibbom. "you Okay, Jibbom?"
Jibbom brushes some of the dust from the rocks off his robe as he approaches, cautiously examining the felled genie. "Didn't even get a scratch. Chalk one up to the dangers of overconfidence. When will evildoers learn not to challenge the might of Steel Von Ironblood?" He shakes his head and makes a 'tsk' sound. "... Thanks for jumping in like that. You're a gem, big gal. Need any help with some of those knocks there?"
Aenyn sheathes his sword after the shaitan goes down. "Well, that could have gone better." There's a moment's pause before he adds, "Crap. I left my bow up there." He trots over to some vines and begins to climb up to retreive his forgotten shortbow.
Sonja Smiles to jibbom. "I can handle it, Jibbom. Thanks. Worry about Angrid. He got hit pretty hard too." She then goes over and helps Aenyn to get his shortbow.
Jibbom gives Sonja a look for a moment, then nods. "Alright. We'll patch ourselves up after we get out of here. First thing's first... Coyote vision, on!" He waves his hands and casts another spell, peering around the cave. "Hello. What've we got here?" He bounds over to a satchel hanging at the far end of the cave, which he promptly begins rummaging through. Always the best policy with unidentified magical items.
Inside the satchel is a small glass bottle of blown blue, and a graven bassalt stone with flowing script in Terran. After the shaitan has been felled, the water at the entrance parts and the form of the vizier appears, sending wet spray with his whirlwind. "I see that you have vanquished Asaf. You are indeed mighty heroes. Have you found what was sought?"
Jibbom uses the magical rock to shield his face from the whirlwind spray. Clearly the best use of such an important magical item. "I think so. This look familiar, chief?" He asks, holding up the bottle for the vizier's inspection.
Sonja is now sprayed with water, and she actually chuckles. "You know how to make an entrance, Haqim." She then looks at the rock Jibbom has. 'What is that, Jibbom?"
Aenyn grabs his shortbow and secures it to his backpack before scrambling back down the vines to the cave floor. He heads over to join Jibbom and and the vizier, but remains silent for the time being.
Haqim nods, saying "That is the very one. Excellent." He motions a hand, and into the cave also flies the form of Asham, uncomfortable in his towed, gaseous state, but not saying anything. "If you will exchange it for the man, then our compact is fulfilled, and with my thanks," he says, extending his great hand.
Jibbom thinks for a moment, then places the bottle carefully in the vizier's hand. At Sonja's question, he looks to the rock again. "I think this is the stone the Shaitans gave. Part of their peace deal." He looks at it for a moment, thinking. "Probably worth a lot of gold, but..." He shakes his head and looks at the vizier. "... It's probably not our place to get involved, but I'd hate to see your people go to war over a few jackasses. This is how that kind of thing gets started. Now that we have both of these items... is there some neutral place to take them? Start the peace process again? Stop the bloodshed?"
Sonja says, "Are all of the Shaitans like this one?" She asks the Vizier. She then looks at the rock again, then actually gets an idea. "Haqim? Can you identify the rock, now that we have it?" She then looks at the man that is bound and chuckles. "Freedom can be a powerful this, Haqim. Perhaps we can say this trade is for the man's freedom......and for friendship.""
Haqim shakes his head "For the moment, the negotiations are stalled. It will be some time before we can find another intermediary. At the same time, there has been some solidarity, in the face of the betrayal, in spite of the actions of rogues like Asaf. For the moment, these items are better left returned to their owners. I will guard the djinni's interest, but I would not take the token of the shaitan, whatever magic over them it may hold. It is not my way. Return it to them if you will, small one, or hide it, or destroy it that it may not fall into evil hands." Turning to Sonja, he says "The Djinni of the Southern Cloud owe you all a debt, and you have the friendship of my family and myself. There will be no war for the time being, and sometimes that is all we may ask, and we owe that small boon to you."
Aenyn crosses his arms over his chest and nods, "I'm satisfied with both sides getting their items back. And if there's no war, at least for the time being, that's just an added bonus."
Jibbom turns the stone over in his hands as he ponders Haqim's advice regarding it. "I... don't suppose you know what it actually /does/, do you? Other than be a kinda magical rock." He scratches his head. "I suppose I'll have to ponder what to do with it, but it seems like identifying the function of the item might be helpful in that regard." He smiles up at the Vizier. "Hey, we're just glad we could help you guys out. Tell your grandson I'm sorry about setting him on fire. You all seem alright. If you're ever in Alexandria, look for Steel Von Ironblood, okay? I'll buy you a beer."
Sonja lightly baps Jibbom on the back of the head. "His name is Jibbom. If you're ever in Alexandria, I'll also buy you a drink Haqim. And friendship is a greater boon than any favors you could give to us, Haqim. Or, at least, to me. If you ever require assistance, Haqim, COme and find me. I shall do my best to assist you and your family. On my honor as a Sunblade."
The djinni lowers the captive merchant to the ground and releases him from the grip of the air, then says "I've no doubt that our paths shall cross again one day. Until then, my friends, be well." He makes a gesture of parting and with that is gone like... The wind!
Jibbom winces at the bap and pouts at Sonja. "The Jibbom has many monikers." He repeats, before giving the djinni a final parting wave. "Have a good one, buddy. Don't forget about that drink!" He looks back at the others, holding aloft the inscribed rock again. "So. Feels wrong to sell the thing. I guess I have been looking for something to use as a doorstop until the innkeeper fixes the latch on my door..."
Sonja also waves to Haqim. "Be well, Haqim. I hope to see you soon, at least to let us know how your son is doing!" She then looks to Jibbom. "You put 'The' at the beginning of your name again and you're gonna have to pick your underwear off of your head, jibbom." She says with a growling laugh.
Aenyn tilts his head to the side, considering the rock, "Well, I suppose that could be hiding it in plain sight. I don't know many people who go checking doorstops for valuable or magical items." Though, he may just have to start doing that now.
"Alrighty then. I guess I'll just be holding onto it for now." Jibbom says as he tucks the stone into his rucksack and starts heading for the exit. "So. Guess we should take the caravan leader back and tell them the good news about this curse being over. Maybe we should let 'em know what he's been up to, eh? I get the feeling that fortuneteller lady could do a much better job of running their operation."