 |
| Clockwork Bird |
 |
| Dread Commander |
 |
| Gav Nahli |
 |
| Mother Shalanthe |
 |
| Esquinard |
 |
| Buedra |
 |
| Abra Lopati (4713) |
Simon N. (GM):GM: OK you can set down unseen in scrubby fields NW of the city and turn back to solid form.
To the surprise of some Varisian peasants tilling their fields nearby. :)
Ahead you see the stocky stone block of the Halflight Gatehouse, and past that the Meatgate Market, bustling with flesh traders.
Chris T.:"You have been here before, Lady Quillax?"
Simon N. (GM):Varisian and Shoanti hunters are trading meat to both merchants and private purchasers; the blood smell wafts over on the breeze.
Victor Septimus:i'm back, sorry someone ws at my door. Greetings James and Keelia
Simon N. (GM):Past Meatgate the broad expanse of the Gap leads through the 7 storey wooden shanty stacks of the Warrens to the interior of Kaer Maga.
Quillax:"I have. It seems such a long time ago when little psudodragons and tiny golems were things to be concerned of."
"I may still have friends here, for all 7 or 8 years have passed. We should check with the Duskwardens."
Chris T.:"And you mentioned a potential ally? This Lopati?"
(Mal thinks this a foul and depraved place.)
Simon N. (GM):Atop the white stone of the Ring you can see hundreds of silent sentry archers, eerily unmoving. Those certainly were not here last time Quillax visited. Nor was the enormous white towered palace rising from the Highside Stacks on the cliff/south side of the Ring.
Quillax:Yes, Abra Lopati. His wife was murdered by a Headless Horseman. Terrifying thing to us at the time. We avenged her."
"It was called the Black Rider. Lived in a Black Forest. Nasty piece of work."
Simon N. (GM):>>(Mal thinks this a foul and depraved place.)<< CN - only one step off the worst alignment! :D
Chris T.:M pulls her cloak tightly around herself, the hood up.
Quillax:"That palace is new..."
Chris T.:"Let us hope your friend can guide us to the caverns beneath this horrid city."
Ruk:"This place reeks of foul things, lets get this over with"
Simon N. (GM):GM: Are you heading into town? The bronze door of the Gatehouse is shut, a dozen or so travellers are waiting outside for transit down the Halflight Path to below the Storrval Rise.
Chris T.:M nods, Queen Ruk is wise.
Simon N. (GM):Quillax with her ridiculous PP spots a familiar looking figure among the traders at the Meatgate Market.
A young man of about 23, well dressed.
Q roll History or Investigation
Quillax:
rolling d20+10
=
28
Quillax:"Wait here a moment," she says to the others and slips through the crowds towards Gav.
Simon N. (GM):Further in at the Gap, you notice a squadron of 30 or so soldiers standing silent sentry. They are letting passers-by freely, but there is something sinister about them.
Chris T.:M remains well comncealed, behind the others.
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "Four silvers for
these rabbots? Are you kidding me, my Shoanti friend ?!" He turns as Q approaches, eyes widen in surprise.
"Q- Lady Quillax!"
He bows deeply. "An honour!"
Quillax:She grins widely and grasps his shoulders warmly. "Look at you. All grown up and battle scarred."
Simon N. (GM):"W-welcome back to Kaer Maga, Arch-Druidess." He smiles at Q's warm words. "We've both done well - and acquired a few scars."
"How can I help you? I'm not a Guide any more, but happy to assist..."
Quillax:"You, my friend, may start by calling me Quillax. Arh Druidess makes me sound old. Then you can come and be my guest for a drink, catch me up on the local news."
"I'm not sure that we want to head all the way over to the Wheel Unbroken, so perhaps you can recommend some place quiet."
Simon N. (GM):Gav smiles. "I still know plenty of fine establishments. Something rustic and quiet, yes..."
"Widdershins is best for quiet. You have friends with you?"
Quillax:"Yes, the ones standing out so obviously over there," she chuckles quietly, nodding to the mismatched group.
Simon N. (GM):Gav waves over. "Welcome, my friends!"
Simon N. (GM):He turns to Q. "I suggest the Furrow & Vine - luxury greengrocers, vinery and cafe. The owner is a friend, of course."
Ruk:towering over him she says "hello little man"
Simon N. (GM):Gav looks up at Rusk. And up. And up. "Oh my."
Victor Septimus:Victor watches Quillax's friend.
Quillax:"We'll do introductions at the Furrow and Vine," Q decides. "But Gav is an old friend from the last time I was here."
Simon N. (GM):Gav throws a pack of skinned rabbits & plucked geese. over his shoulder. "OK, this way..."
Chris T.:M nods from beneath her hooded cloak
Simon N. (GM):He leads you into the Gap.
OOC I'll just move Q token unless you split up.
Simon N. (GM):You approach the soldiers you saw earlier - as you get closer, you see they are long dead, armoured in archaic bandmail and carrying heavy great axes.
Then one - in plate, with twin battle axes - steps towards you. Gav startles. "They don't usually move!"
Quillax:Q gently pushes him just behind her. "No, but you don't nomally have us here."
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods. It raise a skeletal hand. "STATE YOUR IDENTITY AND YOUR BUSINESS IN KAER MAGA, CAPITAL OF HARUKA."
Quillax:"Quillax, Druid with her companions. We're visiting old friends."
Simon N. (GM):"QUILLAX, ARCH-DRUID OF JORGENFIST. PROTECTOR OF MAGNIMAR. RUNELORD KRUNE BIDS YOU WELCOME." It pauses a moment.
Simon N. (GM):"YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE PALACE OF HARUKA - AT YOUR LEISURE."
Quillax:"Thank you," she replies.
Simon N. (GM):The other thirty dread warriors turn in Quillax's direction, raising their axes in salute.
Quillax:She blinks a little, then nods, and sweeps through, head high, keeping Gav behind her.
Simon N. (GM):The Dread Warrior Commander turns to Malassandra. "STATE YOUR IDENTITY AND YOUR BUSINESS IN KAER MAGA, CAPITAL OF HARUKA."
Quillax:"She's with me," Quillax states. "One of my companions. A lady does not travel alone, after all."
Chris T.:"I am Sandra, maid to Lady Quillax" (Persuade roll?)
Simon N. (GM):Deception roll.
Chris T.:
rolling 1d20+7
=
26
Simon N. (GM):LOL, was DC 25
Simon N. (GM):The Commander looks slightly puzzled, but nods and takes a step back. "PROCEED"
Chris T.:and Truth is one of her vows. Bad girl.
Simon N. (GM):OOC Sorshen did warn you that Krune had pegged you two!
Simon N. (GM):The Dread Warrior ignores Ruk & Victor, and the five of you inc Gav are able to proceed through the Warrens to Widdershins district and the fine lakeside establishment, the Furrow & Vine.
It has a very Wholefoods Market feel. :D
Simon N. (GM):Gav greets the elderly proprietor: "Hey, Pater! Wine cheese and apples for my friends!"
'Pater' smiles back. "Why hello, young Gav!"
Victor Septimus:Victor walks past, eyes fixed on the undead.
Simon N. (GM):Pater directs you to a quiet table with a view of the lake & the Amphitheatre beyond, the new Palace rising on the heights beyond. A stocky half orc serving girl brings you drink & provisions.
Victor Septimus:"Wine, red"
Simon N. (GM):"Yes, Sir!"
Gav smiles at the girl: "Thanks, Grugla."
Quillax:Q settles back into her chair with a view over the lake.
Simon N. (GM):GM: You tuck in - the food is excellent, though not cheap, you see Gav hand over 2 gold! :-O
Chris T.:M stands behind Q ready top do her bidding, as she's seen a hundred servants do before.
Quillax:When they are alone, Q introduces her companions, except for Mal.
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "So, my friends, Gav Nahli, provisioner merchant, at your service. I supply fine meats to this very establishment!"
Mal does not look very maid-like in her gold armour, more of a bodyguard.
Quillax:"A merchant," Q chortles to herself. "I shouldn't be surprised. You were very enterprising when younger."
Victor Septimus:Victor unclips the bottom half of his masked helmet, the jaw being placed on the table beside him. A beardless chin, mouth can be seen.
Simon N. (GM):"Aye!" Gav grins.
Gav: "Meanwhile, your exploits are legendary throughout Varisia. How goes the war?"
Quillax:"Not as well as would be hoped. We've suffered losses." she says quietly.
fists*
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods sombrely. "There have been rumours. But Magnimar has secret weapons?" he asks hopefully. "All is not lost?"
Quillax:"But we will perserve as always and bring our peace and our friends, if we can, back."
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods sadly. He raises his glass. "To fallen friends!"
Quillax:"All is never lost, Gav, while there is breath and a will to fight." She raises her glass.
Victor Septimus:Victor drinks, taking in the words being spoken and the mood set by them.
Quillax:"And will is what brings us here," Q sets down her glass.
Chris T.:Sorry guys I have to disappear for 10 mins :(
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "At least here in Kaer Maga we should be safe... Runelord Krune has an entire legion of dread warriors from the Kallow Mounds defending us. You met a few earlier."
Chris T.:(I'll be back asap)
Victor Septimus:"is this Krune as undead as his minions?" Victor leaning foward as he drinks his wine.
Simon N. (GM):"Krune? No, he lives, as far as I know. So do his Lissala priests."
"He marched in about six, seven months back, proclaimed Kaer Maga his new capital."
Victor Septimus:Victor nods thoughtfully
Simon N. (GM):"They say he's ten thousand years old? He doesn't bother anyone much, though I hear the high folk have been made to pay taxes. They don't like that!" he grins.
Quillax:Q laughs. "Oh lad, ten thousand years and a day easily. But not one that you want growing in power, even if he does tax those who can afford it."
Simon N. (GM):"He has undead and constructs mostly building his palace, and slaves from the Flesh Block, so citizens aren't fussed. Happy for the protection, mostly."
Gav nods at Q's words.
Quillax:Q grimaces. "Constructs? Golems or Clockwork?"
Simon N. (GM):"Lots of Ardoc clockworks... golems too, I think. And other things."
Quillax:"Damnable but not surprising. What else has he been doing?"
Simon N. (GM):"Hm... not a lot, that I know of. He rarely emerges from his palace. Occasionally he comes out for the adulation of his fans. He's always carried on a kind of floating carpet."
Victor Septimus:"has anyone you know been to his place of residency? Even if they are rumors, or heresay."
Simon N. (GM):"I did hear a rumour he'd been consulting with the Therassic Library. Something about the Peacock Spirit?"
Quillax:Q smiles fondly, remembering the carpet of years before.
Simon N. (GM):Gav turns to Victor, nods. "The palace has many visitors. He has a whole court there now."
Quillax:"That Library and the Librarians will be a never ending source of trouble. Can't keep from summoning interdimensional monsters, can they?" she grumbles to herself.
Simon N. (GM):"Tomkin Rassi and Abigail Von Heuse are in well with him. They pretty much run the city, now."
Victor Septimus:"heavily guarded?"
Simon N. (GM):Gav looks a bit nervous. "Er, I'm sure it's well guarded. A couple thousand of those dread warriors marched in and didn't leave. The other couple thousand are on the walls."
Victor Septimus:"Easy boy, just tavern talk" A smile can be seen from the missing mask bottom.
Quillax:"Yes, I've met Abigail Von Heuse before. Emissary of Krune."
Simon N. (GM):Victor nods. "Aye!"
Quillax:"It was not a friendly parting," Q muses. "She wanted the sword."
Simon N. (GM):"Tomkin Rassi runs the money stuff, Von Heuse the diplomacy, admin sort of things."
Gav stretches his hands. "That sounds like her."
Quillax:Q searches her memory but cannot remember meeting a Tomkin.
"What news of the Duskwardens? Do they continue?"
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods. "Oh aye! Krune even arranged for them to get a proper stipend, so they no longer need beg for their supper."
"I recall there was some talk of them resisting Krune, but that petered out pretty fast. No one wants to mess with four thousand dread warriors - the Freemen tried ambushing a patrol taking slaves to the palace, but..."
"...didn't go too well for them. Not many Freemen, now."
Quillax:"Any news of Abra Lopati?"
Simon N. (GM):Gav grins. "Abra! Yes! I know him well. Good fellow. Friendly with Mother Shalanthe these days - he's staying rent free at her 'Tavern' by the Duskwarden Guildhouse. I reckon they have a thing going on..."
Quillax:"Good on him for moving on. The loss of his wife was hard on him."
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods. "Aye... I should warn you, if you're planning to visit. Mother Shalanthe's Tavern ain't exactly a respectable establishment..."
Quillax:"Despite the titles, lad, I'm not particularly respectable myself," she grins.
Chris T.:Back, very sorry about that.
Simon N. (GM):Gav grins back. "Well, yes, Archdruid - Quillax. But her 'tavern', well, it's more a brothel, you know?"
"Not such a bad place, Esquinard her troll doorman keeps the customers nice and peaceful..."
Quillax:"What's the name of this fine establishment that will make our poor friend Victor blush?"
"Named after the good lady?"
Victor Septimus:Victor looks up
Simon N. (GM):"Mother Shalanthe's Tavern, yup - that's all it's called. None of that Shucked Oyster nonsense for Shalanthe!"
Gav looks a little tipsy now.
She then leans forward, more serious. "I have a question for you, Gav, and feel free to pretend it's not been asked. If I needed someone to lead us somewhere unseen, who is the best person to do that? Anyone know the city as well as you did as a lad, or perhaps better?"
Victor Septimus:" i spent many years as a soldier, we soldiers spent our gold on usually 3 things" A small smile cracks.
Simon N. (GM):Gav looks slightly offended at Q. "I still know the City like the back o'me hand! Course if you want the
Undercity, I'd say the Duskwardens."
Quillax:"No offense, Gav, but you're all respectable as a merchant now, wouldn't dare imply you are the imp you used to be." She grins at him
"Not sure where in the city it is, over, under, or between," she muses.
Simon N. (GM):Gav grins back. "Well, what are you looking for? Maybe I can set you on the right track, at least?"
Gav eyes the half orc girl, making sure she's out of earshot, and a few customers at other tables.
Quillax:"It's a dangerous question," Q says seriously, her voice barely louder than a whisper of a breeze. "I wouldn't put you in harm's way. Be sure you want to be involved."
Simon N. (GM):Gav shrugs. "Oh, I have a few tricks I bought from Gadka. I can look after myself - mostly." He fingers his eyepatch.
"Talkin' of Gadka, he has a real magic shop now..."
Quillax:"A shop we should certainly check out. We're hunting for something called the Bone Grimoire. It may well be Under."
"It's a powerful thing, guarded I'm sure by powerful magics."
Simon N. (GM):Gav looks puzzled: "Hm, never heard of that one... any clue where?"
Quillax:Q tilts her head back to Mal.
Chris T.:"Mistress, you mentioned the caverns guarded by the Brothers of the Seal?"
Simon N. (GM):Gav looks relieved. "Oh! Sure, they're famous!"
"The Shrine of the Seal is in the Undercity, beneath Oriat. The Brothers have guarded it for centuries."
Chris T.:"And not too happy about itI hear?"
Simon N. (GM):"I did hear a rumour they've broken into factions, recently. Were even seeking mercenaries in the Overcity. That were a year or so back."
Chris T.:(Interesting, a way to get in maybe?)
Simon N. (GM):
rolling d20
=
12
Gav: "I don't know exactly what it's about - one lot wants to break the Seal, the other keep it, maybe? If you ask me, Seals should stay Sealed."
Victor Septimus:"in my experience, blackmarkets and the seedy underbelly were the filth writhe are the places to start looking for... such an artifact Lady Quilax"
Simon N. (GM):PP 25+ you notice a hummingbird sized bird construct hovering outside; it seems to be looking at you.
Quillax:Q stares back. "Damn"
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "The Duskwardens would know the way to the Shrine of the Seal..."
Quillax:(how far from the window is the construct?)
Q holds her hand up to Gav.
Simon N. (GM):Noticing it's been spotted, the hummingbird flies in the open window, drops a tiny rolled up scroll in Quillax's lap.
Quillax:Q gathers up the scroll and opens it.
Simon N. (GM):"FROM: ABIGAIL VON HEUSE, MINISTER OF KAER MAGA-HARUKA
"TO: QUILLAX, ARCHDRUID OF JORGENFIST
"YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO DINNER AT THE PALACE. RSVP
Quillax:( Where's the hummingbird construct? )
Simon N. (GM):It's now hovering over the table about 3' up.
Rukvara:Ruk looks suspciously at it and gets ready to swat it
Quillax:"Hm. I've been invited to dinner by Abigail."
Quillax:"I suspect to meet and speak with Krune."
Simon N. (GM):GM; The note doesn't state a time, an hour past dusk is traditional.
Chris T.:(Is M aware that Krune is high priest of Lissala)
Quillax:"Are you waiting for an answer, little bird?" Q asks
The bird dips slightly as a nod.
Its beak points at the note.
Gav eyes the construct warily.
Quillax:Q nods. "A moment, little bird. I need ink."
"Wait here," she tells it, then stands and motions Mal to follow her.
Simon N. (GM):GM: Q & her maid/boduguard M move away.
Quillax:She crosses over to the bar and asks for ink and a quill.
Rukvara:Ruk stays at the table staring down the bird
Simon N. (GM):Gav turns to Ruk. "I have to say, I never met a Shoanti like you before!"
Rukvara:"Thats because there are none like me"
she winks
Simon N. (GM):He eyes Victor. "I did meet a Hellknight though, a Sir Rogare. You know him?"
Quillax:In a very soft voice, Q says to Mal, "This is a dangerous option but if I am keeping attention at the palace, you and the others may be more free to investigate the Brothers."
Simon N. (GM):Gav smiles back/up at Ruk. "I'm sure!"
Rukvara:"I've met him once"
Chris T.:"You will be at great risk,Lady. Krune is high priest of Lissala as well as a Rune Lord. "
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "Sometimes the Order of the Nail send knights to hunt criminals hiding here... they don't like to stay too long..."
Chris T.:"If youdo this you must have an escape plan in mind ?"
Victor Septimus:"Yeah, i know him"
Quillax:"I have no plan, but it's considered very rude to kill your dinner guests."
Victor Septimus:"I don't approve of all his methods, but he is efficient, and good at his job. That's enough for me"
Chris T.:"A nicety I fear Krune would overlook if it suited him.."
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "He was hunting a renegade Gray Maiden called Lawless Kade... never did find her, I think."
Quillax:"To decline though, would give him cause to simply hunt us down."
Chris T.:"You would suggest Gav leads us to your friend Lopati and he take us to the caverns beneath the city?"
Quillax:"Yes, he may still have some crystals that would benefit us."
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "I showed him around the sights... bit serious for me. He did tell me his wife had died in the battle down in Sirathu, fighting the Shoanti."
"which trive?
tribe*
Quillax:"I can defer until tomorrow perhaps, but to decline would signal we are here as enemies."
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "Er, Sun Tribe I think. Sklar-Quah, is that right? The really fierce ones."
Chris T.:Mal is uneasy with this plan. Not only as it risks her friend's life but also as it weakens our forceshoulod we need to fight the Brothewrs of the Seal. She had been hoping to find out more about their split and use this against them..
Victor Septimus:"Yes, she did fall, Hellknights aren't known for there sense of humour boy, the world is full of injustice, and we spear head that war"
Chris T.:"With Krune out of the picture...." She leaves it hanging..
Rukvara:"HA! They are a bunch of savages, they have to make up for there weeknesses by going over the top when they go into battle
"no control whatsover2
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods. To Ruk: "It were five years ago now. The Sklar-Quah launched a big attack on Korvosan territory. The Hellknights led King Tsadok's defence. Lots of death on both sides."
Quillax:Q drafts a quick note on some scrap paper accepting for the following evening citing the exhaustion of travel and the need to find appropriate attire. She considers the wording
Victor Septimus:Victor calls for more wine
Rukvara:"I'll take an Ale this time"
Quillax:She changes the words to be more gracious - Sepheria had not left her unprepared - and wrote it more clearly on the note, returning to the table.
Simon N. (GM):The server brings more wine. Shadows lengthen, and the cafe is filling up with customers now.
Quillax:Q waves it around to dry it then rolls it up and hands it back to the bird.
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "Excuse me a minute friends, I should get these carcasses to the kitchen before they go stinky." He lurches to his feet.
Rukvara:"....so we can trust this guy then Quillax?"
Simon N. (GM):The 'bird' takes the reply note with a dip-nod, and flies off.
Victor Septimus:2 mins brb
Simon N. (GM):Gav goes to see the cook.
Quillax:"Gav? I believe so. Did you sense otherwise?" she watches the little bird fly off.
Simon N. (GM):The 4 of you are alone at table.
Quillax:"We have 24 hours then I will meet Krune for dinner and you will be free to investigate unharassed, I hope."
Rukvara:"no, just checking, i would prefer not to be ambused because of him"
Chris T.:"Then let us makehaste to meet this friend of yours and see how the land lays."
Quillax:Q nods. "I would hope time has not changed the core of him."
Victor Septimus:Victor stares off into space a bit at that comment, deep in thought
Simon N. (GM):You see Gav emerge from the kitchen and head for the WC.
Quillax:Suspicion eats slightly at Q now and she ponders her once young friend.
The eye patch, the magic, a supporter of Krune? or simply a merchant.
Chris T.:"When we are long gone,he will have to carry on making a living here..."
Rukvara:Ruk looks around the tavern, too many strangers, too from from nature, she feel even more alone
Quillax:"I think, we must ask a few questions," Q sighs.
Simon N. (GM):Gav emerges from the toilet.
Chris T.:"A zone of truth for his return?"
Simon N. (GM):You can roll Insight if you like?
Quillax:"Come friends, I hope you have not drunk over much. We have things to do, people to see. And Gav will be our guide in honour of old times."
Rukvara:ooc I hope he washed his hands
Quillax:Insight yes please
for insight :)
Shall I roll again just in case I can get higher with the timeglass?
Rukvara:ooc you have an insight into his childhood fears
Quillax:(that's not hard, she knew him as a child :D )
Simon N. (GM):He does seem a little bit tense/shifty about something, though you don't really get the impression it's directed at you. The glance he exchanged with Pater, there seems something more than meat trading between them maybe?
Quillax:"Come, Gav," Q throws an arm over his shoulder. "You can tell me all about how the world has changed."
Simon N. (GM):roll Persuasion :)
Quillax:
rolling d20+3
=
9
Quillax:Nope, not today - I have no Charisma :D
I do have expertise in deception :D
Simon N. (GM):Gav smiles: "Changed? Naw, Kaer Maga goes on. same way it always has."
Chris T.:"Please, Gav. Tell my lady. She considers you a friend..."
(Persuade from M?)
Chris T.:
rolling 1d20+14
=
16
Quillax:"There must be some changes," she grins. "An actual magic shop, an a mechanthood, there is surely more."
Rukvara:all having a go at the poor guy :P
Simon N. (GM):inspiration?
Inspiration
Gav seems a bit dazzled by Mal.
Quillax:"You can tell me on the way to Abra? A lady in your life? If such if your preference, of course." Q steers him out of the tavern gently
Rukvara:is anyone looking at us as this happens?
Simon N. (GM):Q steers Gav out onto the street. He starts leading you west round the lake. "I... well, I wasn't sure about telling you folks. None of your business, really..."
Simon N. (GM):Pater was watching you leave from the counter.
Quillax:Q drops a handful of gold onto the table as they leave.
Simon N. (GM):He takes a deep breath. "Thing is, there
WAS a resistance - sort of. Pater Nollins and a bunch of young folks more my age, we were fed up with how Van Heuse and Rassi were running Widdershins. The Constables got more oppressive every year. We were going to mount a rebellion, throw em clean out! Only..."
"...Before we could do it, Krune marched in, they sucked up to him, and now they run the whole damn City!"
He sighs.
Quillax:"This resistance," Q murmurs. "Are they still willing to work to free Kaer Maga?"
Simon N. (GM):Gav shrugs. "Well, we were just looking to clear the Citizens' Council out of Widdershins - never thought to take on the whole city. And now..."
"Now the CC is running the City with four thousand dread warriors at their back! Krune just seems to let them get on with it..."
Quillax:Q hums and tussles his hair.
"And if that could be changed?" she looks at him out of the corner of her eye
Chris T.:Mal gives an encouraging mega-watt smile.
Simon N. (GM)::) Gav grins. "It took a while, but I've started hearing bad stuff all over - people being jailed - we never had jails before..." He considers. "If the CC could be stopped, that'd be great. I don't think Krune even really cares! Maybe if someone could speak with him..."
Rukvara:"This isn't our fight, we have a job to do in this city"
Quillax:"I suppose I might have a word with him. You might want to have a word with you friends. Be our ears and our eyes. As an owl at midnight, see and hear everything, silent on wing and we'll see what we can turn up."
Chris T.:"One that could be made easier with the help of it's citizens, mighty Queen?"
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods to Quillax. "You got it."
Quillax:"I think it's time the citizens are done being mice, no?"
She smiles at Rukvara.
Rukvara:"so long as we don't get slowed down by thisfine"
Simon N. (GM):GM: You approach a great arch that leads into the Ring.
Quillax:Q glances at the sky overhead. "Time passes ever onward, and so should we. Let's find Abra."
Simon N. (GM):Passing through the arch you enter the Bis district of the Ring, the 'hanging balconies' where Quillax fought a renegade Ardoc mage many years before.
Lit by magical glowing lanterns from the ceiling 80' above, and some natural light filtering in from the Warrens breach to the north, it is an eerie place.
Quillax:Q shares a few of the stories with the others, with the psudodragon and the plant creatures.
Chris T.:"You have led an interesting life, my lady."
Quillax:"Remind me to tell you about the Lich house," she says, eyeing the area
Simon N. (GM):Eventually Gav leads you to the front steps of a brightly lit tavern/inn/brothel, sounds of merriment from within. The plain sign says "Mother Shalanthe's".
Gav looks a little nervous at the prospect of leading Quillax Rukvara & Malassandra into the brothel.
Quillax:"Are you old enough to go in here?" she teases.
Chris T.:"Like brother Septimus,I too was a soldier,friend Gav. Though I rarely had to pay..." She gives him an impish grin"
Simon N. (GM):"Aye, Lady Quillax... I was here only last week! Reckon Buedra likes me special... " he crimsons slightly.
Quillax:Q laughs and claps him on the back. "Well, then let's go in and see."
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods to Mal & Q, gulps, and leads the way up the steps,pushing open the double doors...
Victor Septimus:Victor looks back at Mal. "hmph, Lucky"
Chris T.:Hergrin is brightness itself.
Rukvara:"Pfft, exchanging money for mating, truely barbaric"
Quillax:"Luckily, we have no bards amongst us tonight, so we should be able to get in and out with minor molestation only."
Simon N. (GM):The first thing you see is the massive troll doorman, eyeing you with folded arms. Past him is a taproom crowded with mostly male clientele, and throngs of extremely naked serving girls, some of them wearing collars. Gav calls out to a buxom dark haired wench carryiny beer steins. "Buedra! Is Abra around?"
Victor Septimus:"It was a way to keep the soldiers from breaking, serves a purpose for long drawn out wars"
Simon N. (GM):Buedra: "Hey, Gav! Gav's friends!" She points to a secluded rear booth. "Aye, he's there dining with Mistress Shalanthe."
Quillax:Q surveys the room, then nods to the bouncer.
Simon N. (GM):Esquinard eyes Quillax and grunts.
Victor Septimus:Victor eyes the mugs "i'll take one of those"
Simon N. (GM):Buedra hands over a mug. "To Gav's friend, on the house!"
Victor Septimus:Victor nods.
Simon N. (GM):Buedra winks at Victor. "Come see me later!" She heads off into the throng.
Quillax:"Very kind," Q smiles. "And I do believe you're right, Gav, she does like you best."
Simon N. (GM):Gav nods to Q, smiling but still a bit nervous, and starts making his way through the throng towards the rear,passing three dwarf Duskwardens with naked human girls on their laps.
Rukvara:Ruk looks around in discust
Victor Septimus:Victor watches as she walks off, unclips his jaw on the helmet and takes a sip
Quillax:Q heads over towards Abra's table. She lived with a bard, she's seen worse :D
Simon N. (GM):Gav: "Hey, Cottle!" A dwarf Duskwarden raises his mug to Gav. "Gav Nahli!"
Chris T.:Mal goes back to playing stalwart bodyguard. Abstaining all drink.
Simon N. (GM):Victor finds the ale to be quite good, hint of honey.
The crowd parts at the sight of Ruk, and you soon reach the rear booth. A well dressed woman in early middle age is dining with another
Gav: "Mother Shalanthe! Abril! I have friends!"
Abril stands swiftly. "L-Lady Quillax!"
Quillax:"You've changed little since you were handing out Crystals to travellers," she grins.
Simon N. (GM):He looks a bit flustered.
Abril smiles back. "Oh! Oh, we still do the Halflight Charms..."
Quillax:"Forgive the intrusion on your dinner," she nods to Shalanthe, "But I haven't seen Abra in ages."
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe smiles. "Of course! Please, do join us." She gestures to the booth - 3 more could squeeze in if you bring up a stool, prob not Ruk though!
Rukvara:Ruk will stand and watch arms crossed
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe: "We don't often get such important persons at my little establishment! I'm Mother Shalanthe..."
She has a Lastwall accent.
Quillax:"A pleasure to meet you," Q smiles.
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe offers Q a hand to shake.
It's surprisingly firm - she seems almost more like a warrior than a Madam, despite her attire.
Quillax:"I sense you have a background as interesting as mine," Q smiles.
Simon N. (GM):Gav sits beside Shalanthe, leaving the seat beside Abril clear for Quillax. Victor could bring up a stool if desired, or there is a table nearby to sit at.
Chris T.:M hovers at respectable bodyguard distance.
Quillax:Q settles into the seat
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe: "Oh, I doubt that, Arch-druid! But yes, I was not always what I am now."
A serving girl brings wine & breadrolls.
Victor Septimus:Victor sits at the table, sipping and listening
Simon N. (GM):Abril looks a little warily at Victor. "Welcome, Hellknight."
Shalanthe looks curiously at Victor as he sips his wine.
Quillax:"I'm sure Abra will tell you that I do tend to collect rather interesting people."
Victor Septimus:"greetings"
Simon N. (GM):Abra grins. "Indeed!"
Abra: "You're here on business I take it?"
Quillax:"Of a sort. Much has changed since I was here last," Q comments, considering the bread.
"A new palace for one. A change of Owls, one might say."
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe: "Have you eaten? I can have another course brought..." she listens. "Owls?"
Quillax:"An old history."
"I've been reminicing," she explains. "I've yet to visit the Wheel but I'm considering the Spire. Maybe some of the old places,"
Simon N. (GM):Rukvara notices the dwarf Duskwarden Cotter eyeing her lustfully.
Rukvara:Ruk scowls at the Dwarf
Brave fellow
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe: "Ah yes, the Therassic Spire. About the only place our new lord and master visits."
Cotter gulps, and turns back to the buxom wench on his lap.
Rukvara:ooc wow, sucidal dwarf
Simon N. (GM):(beer goggles)
Quillax:(I don't remember Cotter but I'm sure we've encountered a dwarf like that before.)
Rukvara:ooc he even has another woman on his lap >.<
Quillax:(although, I'm not sure the scowl would be enough to put off a bard. Maybe multi-classed :D )
Rukvara:ooc ooo, new character concept, the a dwarf anmed beard bard
Quillax:"The Spire is an interesting place, but it has many points of interest. What is his interest?"
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe shrugs. Abra: "They say the Therassic Order dates back to Old Thassilon... " he looks around. "I've heard that Krune has an interest in something called the Peacock Spirit. Heard of it?"
Gav: "Hm. I've seen cultist types dressed in Peacock garb on the street, recently."
Quillax:"It's been mentioned but I'm always interested in hearing about new things."
Chris T.:Mal's ears prick up..
Simon N. (GM):Abra shtugs. "Some kind of god or angel. Maybe connected to Thassilon? Anyway, I think Krune is researching it."
Chris T.:(Enemies of Lissala...)
Simon N. (GM):you can roll Religion
Quillax:"Then the Spire and the Librarians would be a good place to go for research, I suspect."
Simon N. (GM):Foresight is handy :)
Quillax:Very handy :D - now if only it can remind me not to tangle with giants next time :)
Rukvara:ooc when are we planning to finish this evening?
Simon N. (GM):Q: "Church of the Peacock SpiritEdit
The Peacock Spirit was known to be a religion of mystery. Even in its prime little of its dogma was understood by those outside the church, and so even less can be inferred by modern scholars.[1]
The Peacock Spirit was served by an ascetic order of monks, many of whom built monasteries on the Storval Plateau in the ancient domain of Shalast.[2] One of the few of such structures to have survived to the present is the Black Tower, now part of the stone giant enclave of Jorgenfist.[3] It was built and run by a group known as the Therassic Order.[4] The only other known surviving temples are said to be located in the mythical city of Xin-Shalast, somewhere in the Kodar Mountains[5]. The Peacock Spirit also sponsored an order of knights known as the Order of the Green Feather."
"The mysterious god known only as the Peacock Spirit had much to do with the rise of the empire of Thassilon. A god/godess of indeterminate gender, it was worshiped by scholars and researchers of rune magic. Its symbols adorned the thrones of the early emperors.[1]"
Quillax:"I was considering an evening jaunt around the city to retrace my steps from my last visit. I'm sure it's an imposition but would you mind ever so much if I borrowed Abra for old times' sake?"
Simon N. (GM):stop point - I'd like to get to a good break point if possible
Quillax:(Aiming to get Abra on side and get that part of the evening moving :) )
Simon N. (GM):Shalanthe's mouth 'moues': "Steal such charming company from me, Lady Quillax? Well, if it's for a good cause!" she smiles.
Chris T.:(Maybe find out about the divisions in the Brothers of the Seal?)
Quillax:"I promise it is," she smiles back.
Simon N. (GM):She turns to Abra: "You go on. We can catch up later... " she winks.
Quillax:Q excuses herself from the table with a small bow of thanks.
Simon N. (GM):GM: Quillax Abra Victor & Gav stand and bid their farewells. You leave the Tavern?
Simon N. (GM):GM: OK, pushing back through the crowd you exit.
Victor Septimus:Yup Victor leaves
Simon N. (GM):Assembling outside. The Duskwarden Guildhouse looms across the street.
This time of evening the streets are quite busy with evening revellers.
Quillax:"I am pleased to see you have found good company," Q says, "And sorry to pull you away, but you and Gav know the Upper and Under city and I need your help."
Simon N. (GM):Abra: "If you want a quiet meeting room, we can use a chamber in the Guildhouse?"
Quillax:"Yes, thank you."
Simon N. (GM):GM: Abra leads you into the Guildhouse, says hello to the door guard, and escorts you to a meeting room with large oak table and eight chairs.
After the crowded tavern, it's pleasantly cool and quiet.
Gav looks around in wonderment at the understated decor.
Quillax:"I'll get right to the point, my friend. We need to know about the Brothers of the Seal."
Simon N. (GM):You all(?) sit, Abra turns to Q.
Victor Septimus:Victor walks over and takes a seat
Quillax:She settles into a chair beside him.
Chris T.:(When it's appropriate to do so..)
Quillax:"The world, as you know is in turmoil, and this is part of the first step to regaining our freedom and peace"
Simon N. (GM):Abra: "Okay... yes. Quiet lot. A fanatic cult - but we have a score of those. They guard the Seal beneath Kaer Maga. Some say it imprisons some terrible horror."
Gav: "And rumors of conflict, right? Two factions?" Abra nods. "Aye... but they keep it quiet. Not seen anything from them for months."
Chris T.:"Does the name Erigantus mean anything to you? One of the Brotherhood perhaps?"
Simon N. (GM):Abra shakes his head. "No... but I don't know their names."
Quillax:"Do you know where the portal is?"
Simon N. (GM):"I know where the entry to the Shrine is, yes. They disguise it as a shrine to Erastil, to deter unwelcome delvers."
"Easiest access is off the Halflight Path. It's supposed to be forbidden, of course..."
Quillax:"That has rarely stopped me," Q smiles.
Chris T.:"So outside the city?"
Simon N. (GM):Abra grins. "Aye."
"Beneath the city."
Abra goes over to a cabinet and unfurls a map.
Quillax:"These Brothers - is there aught else known about them?" she asks as she helps pin the map corners down. "Places they might hide, or be accessed?"
Quillax:"I've heard about them hiring?"
Simon N. (GM):Abra: "Hm. Well they weren't hiring Duskwardens!"
Chris T.:(Hmm looks like entry via the Godsmouth Ossuary?)
Quillax:Q traces her finger lightly down the map, lingering over the Dark Forest.
Simon N. (GM):Abra: "Tell the truth, it's possible to reach the Shrine from right here in the Guildhouse, if you don't want anyone knowing..."
"Of course my boss wouldn't be happy if he knew..."
Quillax:"Well, if he doesn't know," she smiles conspiratorially
"We need as few as possible to know. We're already at a disadvantage."
Simon N. (GM):Abra: "You'll need me to guide you - if you want to go now I'll need to collect a few things from Shalanthe's. Meet you here in ten minutes?"
Chris T.:"In and out quickly would save you some uncomfortable over-dinner chitchat.."
Quillax:"Yes, it would. Otherwise, Gav, I'm going to need a dress."
Rukvara:Guys I've go to go before dinner gets cold, thanks for the game all
Simon N. (GM):OKstopping now
Chris T.:Seeyou later James,take care.
Quillax:She pulls out a purse of coins. "A fancy one."
Simon N. (GM):Q you already have Inspiration I guess? w Foresight you never need it!
Quillax:(Inspiration never hurts, anyone that needs it, can take it - they can be given away, yes?)
Simon N. (GM):Yup can be given to others - ok Q take Insp. Thanks everyone! Poor Bill is complaining you spent too long not killing anyone!
Chris T.:We'll make up for it next week I'm sure.
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