Kiana Sunbane |
Kiana's eyes widen as the contraption speaks. She had heard voices, but had assumed it was something other than the metal construct. She taps it on the top of the head with a talon from her left foot, giving off a metalic ring. "Are you very small inside the construct? Or are you using magic to talk through it from afar?" She taps the metal surface again with another talon. It's quite obvious by now that Kiana's never seen a warforged before, or perhaps even never heard of one
She does, however, seem willing to follow the changeling for now, although she does so from a foot off the ground, floating along on near silent wing beats, ready to fly up and away at the first sign of trouble.
Pierce - Agent of the Sovereign |
As noted above he heads to the hut. Love that post Kiana - priceless!
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
Also inside the cottage are several other humanoids. Sidrian stands in the middle, and Aali's companion Harva is near the back. There are also three more humans, a tiefling, and another of those weird talking machines like Pierce.
"Good, thou art here, Kiana and Pierce," S comments as you enter. He then begins to explain his purpose in bringing you here.
"For centuries, Syrkarn has remained untouched by the forces of Riedra. None know why, for surely the Harmonious Shield has the power to conquer the land with ease, and it lacks Adar's protections. For many decades, the Shaaral tribe of northeast Syrkarn has been suspected of being under indirect Riedran influence, though it was never overt. In the last few days, however, the Shaaral have struck out violently against their long-time neighbors, and this time Riedra seems to be providing direct support. The Shaaral have long fought other Syrk tribes, particularly the Prugshuun and the Haarzuun, but never hath Riedra involved itself directly in Syrk affairs, and we know not why they have acted now for the first time. Mayhaps it hath something to do with Riedra discovering the Prugshuun's connection to the earliest yuan-ti, or perhaps it ith something else entirely. My partner and I want you, all of you, to venture into Shaaral territory and discover why the Harmonious Shield is so suddenly involved here, where they had let alone for five hundred years."
"The Haarzuun have long been neutral in the struggles between Adar, Reidra, and the other Syrk tribes, but you may find them to be potential allies. The Shaaral have long performed psionic experiments on warforged and other constructs, whilst the yuan-ti of the Prugshuun tribe have also tampered with warforged, though in different ways. There experiments have even clashed on occasion to devestating unexpected consequences, many of which occured roughly four years ago, after which the yuan-ti ceased their experimentations (publicly, at least). Those friendly to the Quori, Reidra, and the Dreaming Dark are eager for artificial creatures to be given the ability to dream, in order that their dreams might be used by the Inspired for sinister purposes. Some of their...experiments...have spread to other continents as well."
"The Prugshuun have underground tunnels under much of central Syrkarn, making them difficult to observe compared to the open planes covering the rest of Syrkarn, hence I know little of their secrets."
"Now I am certain thou dost have other questions. When thy minds are satisfied, ye shall be off. Perhaps you should first explore towards Haarzuun territory first, in order that you may learn what they know of the Shaaral's recent outburst. Or you could travel directly to the source of the attacks."
Also inside the cottage are several other humanoids. A xeph stands in the center, a kalashtar stands in the back. There are also a tiefling, three more humans, and another warforged.
"Good, thou art here, Kiana and Pierce," the xeph comments as you enter. He then begins to explain his purpose in bringing you here.
"For centuries, Syrkarn has remained untouched by the forces of Riedra. None know why, for surely the Harmonious Shield has the power to conquer the land with ease, and it lacks Adar's protections. For many decades, the Shaaral tribe of northeast Syrkarn has been suspected of being under indirect Riedran influence, though it was never overt. In the last few days, however, the Shaaral have struck out violently against their long-time neighbors, and this time Riedra seems to be providing direct support. The Shaaral have long fought other Syrk tribes, particularly the Prugshuun and the Haarzuun, but never hath Riedra involved itself directly in Syrk affairs, and we know not why they have acted now for the first time. Mayhaps it hath something to do with Riedra discovering the Prugshuun's connection to the earliest yuan-ti, or perhaps it ith something else entirely. My partner and I want you, all of you, to venture into Shaaral territory and discover why the Harmonious Shield is so suddenly involved here, where they had let alone for five hundred years."
"The Haarzuun have long been neutral in the struggles between Adar, Reidra, and the other Syrk tribes, but you may find them to be potential allies. The Shaaral have long performed psionic experiments on warforged and other constructs, whilst the yuan-ti of the Prugshuun tribe have also tampered with warforged, though in different ways. There experiments have even clashed on occasion to devestating unexpected consequences, many of which occured roughly four years ago, after which the yuan-ti ceased their experimentations (publicly, at least). Those friendly to the Quori, Reidra, and the Dreaming Dark are eager for artificial creatures to be given the ability to dream, in order that their dreams might be used by the Inspired for sinister purposes. Some of their...experiments...have spread to other continents as well."
"The Prugshuun have underground tunnels under much of central Syrkarn, making them difficult to observe compared to the open planes covering the rest of Syrkarn, hence I know little of their secrets."
"Now I am certain thou dost have other questions. When thy minds are satisfied, ye shall be off. Perhaps you should first explore towards Haarzuun territory first, in order that you may learn what they know of the Shaaral's recent outburst. Or you could travel directly to the source of the attacks."
"Good, thou art here, Kiana and Pierce."
After filling the newcomers in on what he explained earlier, the xeph continues,
"Now I am certain thou dost have other questions. When thy minds are satisfied, ye shall be off. Perhaps you should first explore towards Haarzuun territory first, in order that you may learn what they know of the Shaaral's recent outburst. Or you could travel directly to the source of the attacks."
Pierce - Agent of the Sovereign |
Pierce listens to the Xepth with rapt attention finding the topic fascinating though perhaps not relevant to why he is here.
"You wish a large group of strangers to come together to solve a dilemma which may or may not involve them? A bold request. Let me pose this question to you, how does this tie to the export of Dreamlilly to Sharn?"
Tawk Askéat |
Talk struggles to follow.
"Let me get this straight - the Syrk are divided into at least three tribes, and now one tribe, the Sharaal are of late, aggressive? And you want to find out why? By sending us? Ok, sure."
Shatter |
"I am interested enough in the study of the Syrk and any relevant shadowy machinations to accept your request, with reservations. Though I must add that I am not particularly interested in interfering with their tribal politics unless more facts are presented to make it apparent that doing so would be necessary for my continued personal safety. I trust there will be some way of offsetting our costs in performing this task for you?"
Kiana Sunbane |
Kiana shrugs. "So, humans are killing humans. I see no reason to waste my time finding out why humans kill humans, it seems to be something they do all the time, and for the stupidest of reasons." She gives S a look. "I am still awaiting the information I was promised for helping with the last little task, and I am not continuing on your errands to find out why water is wet and why sand is rough, unless you have found something for me, as per our agreement."
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"Yes, Pierce, it is bold, though you are not as much a stranger to me as I am to you.
The Dreaming Dark, the true power-brokers of Reidra, have long sought to extend their influence to Khorvaire, for they draw power from the dreams of their subjects. I believe they wish to use the dreamlilly to destabilize Breland, making it easier to garner influence or conquer the region in the future. It is also possible that dreamlilly could be used to make some more vulnerable to psychic manipulation. "
Turning to Shatter, he continues
"Indeed, I can offset your costs...."
At Kiana's quipping, he states "The Prugshuun and Haarzuun are not primarily human, though the Shaaral are. To which piece of information do you refer?"
My real-life memory is failing. Where/when did I have either Q or S promise information to Kiana or the former PCs?
Kiana Sunbane |
One of them (or Aali) recruited Kiana, and promised to help find information on the crest she's chasing to find out who destroyed her people. They've not found her any information on that, and so far, no one she's asked on this quest has had information, so she's beginning to feel like they lied about helping her out in exchange for her going on these quests for them...
Kiana pulls the blood stained jacket from her pack, and holds up the Insignia crest, looking murderous. "The names of those who murdered my people and wear this crest..."
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"That,"
S explains,
"Is a symbol of the Shaaral tribe. Many years ago, a group of Shaaral made an expedition to Droaam. I believe they were searching for an artifact known as the Mutation Tooth, the only one of the 19 Teeth of Khyber known to have been outside of Sarlona. The Shaaral place minimal value on the lives of those who are not human or changeling, and slew many Droaam residents in their quest including many strix. What ultimately became of the Mutation Tooth, I do not know."
"Speaking of which, Kiana do you have the Tremble Tooth with thee?"
Kiana Sunbane |
That all got retconned a bit, so I wasn't sure if it still happened, as there was something about her thinking it was the jacket of the guy we killed getting in
Kiana raises an eyebrow. "My, how convenient..." She sounds as if she isn't sure she should believe S, although it's mostly annoyance that the person forgot her goals, given there was some other information that corobarates S's statement. "I have something that theoretically is the tremble tooth. I've avoided studying it too much, there's a warning that anyone that looks too closely at it will get devoured by it. Since I am not conversant in magic, I've kept it safe and not messed with it."
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"Yes, peering directly into the center of the Tremble Tooth carries a chance that it will alter reality in order to realize your deepest fear. It only triggers some of the time, and is very unpredictable, but you are wise to avoid its gaze. I shall take the Tooth from thee, as we agreed, if you would be so kind...."
Pierce - Agent of the Sovereign |
Pierce listens to the explanation of the Xeph, outwardly he gives no signs of the excitement he experiences having possibly been given a significant lead as to who and what is behind the shipments to Breland. The Strix though gives him pause, if this being lied to her, perhaps it may lie to me to get its goals accomplished.
Knowledge Local 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"Since none of thee seem to have further questions, I must be on my way. There are things to which I must attend in Adar. I shall take the Tremble Tooth for safe keeping, and Aali and Harva can remain here to see you off."
Assuming no further objections, Sidrian turns and leaves the cottage before psycho-porting away.
Are people ready to move on? Do you have some sense of where you want to go?
Kiana Sunbane |
"Afraid I have no information on this region." Kiana says, flapping her wings restlessly.
Atsu Tzolotl |
"I am likewise not native to this land," says Atsu, "Though I am conversant in the Riedran language. If need be we may be able to hire a local guide."
He looks down for a moment with his brow furrowed in concentration, then says, "The impression I get is that the Sharaal are suddenly more hostile than before, and this may have something to do with the Mutation Tooth, or with some other greater plan from the Dreaming Dark. The Dark would dearly love to get all of the teeth of Khyber, though of course they have other large plans afoot. For our part, we are in a position to at least learn more about their plans vis-a-vis the teeth, and perhaps to intercept them, as you did with the Tremble Tooth. This is something that should concern all of us because the Dreaming Dark have... well, let's say they have an agenda that, ultimately, would plunge all thinking beings into eternal nightmare. Is that about accurate?"
Pierce - Agent of the Sovereign |
"The Xeph suggested Haarzuun territory first or travel directly to the source of the attacks. I would be inclined to travel to the Haarzuun first to gather information. I too am not from this region so if another knows better than I, I am open to suggestions".
Kiana Sunbane |
"Perhaps the town shopping center, to buy a map, so we at least know which general direction to go."
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
At Kiana's comment, the kalashtar that led Lore to this building and who is still standing in the room along with you all speaks to the group
"A cartogropher can be found in a hut to the southeast of town. The boundaries between territories of the Syrk tribes are not firm, though, so a map ought not to be more than a loose guide."
Her voice is low-pitched and barely louder than a whisper, and her eyes dart between the faces of the group.
Pierce - Agent of the Sovereign |
"A nearby building contains many crates of Dream mist which is to be delivered to Breland. I would dump those crates into the sea, a task that shan't take long and will interrupt the plans of the Dreaming Dark if what has been said here is to be believed.
Then I agree, procuring a map would be helpful".
Kiana Sunbane |
Kiana shrugs. "I have no reason to care if the locals use these drugs, they are not my people. If you wish to destroy the drugs, I have no objections, but see no reason to engage as well and put my feathers in a vice. I'll procure a map while you do what you will. That will save us time anyway."
Kiana then, if there are no objections, moves to exit the area and get a map.
GM? Did Kiana get anything as far as money goes as payment? If not, she's going to be somewhat behind the WBL curve
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
"Kiana, before you go..."
Harva speaks a little louder than before,
"There is something for you that my master wanted you to have. These arrows should suit your...preference...for targets. They are deadly to humans."
The kalashtar pulls out a quiver of shiny arrows and holds them out to Kiana.
Afterwards, Harva and Aali leave together, unless one of you tries to stop them and/or talk to them.
So the group is splitting up again? Okay, just say who you are going with (either Kiana or Pierce).
"Welcome to Indidaker's cartographic emporium! What sort of map do you seek?"
Perception, 25
One of the two Riedrans who was here--the one Pierce knocked unconscious but that didn't vanish, has been brutally slain and torn into pieces, as if drawn and quartered.
Kiana Sunbane |
Kiana grins. "My thanks..." She gives a bow, and then takes the quiver, adding the arrows to her own quiver and then slipping the extra quiver into her pack.
GM, was there any loot that Kiana got from the tombs? Unfortunately, the person keeping track of the loot vanished, so I'm not sure what she has on her to sell, etc? And even if I had it, I wouldn't know what went with the two former players and what Kiana got.
Kiana looks less than pleased when Atsu chooses to accompany her, but she doesn't say anything about it. Nothing at all actually. She takes off, hovering about 20 ft up, so she can get a good view of the area, before gliding off toward the hut indicated, letting the rest of the group follow along.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
"Yes, we are looking for a map of the general region, as well as maps of..." And Kiana gives a list of 3 adjacent areas, including their actual destination. As she walks past each shelf, she turns her head to the side to look at the scrolls and maps, eying them to see what sort of shape they are in.
GM, anyone else who makes perception roll
As she passes the 3rd shelf, she makes eye contact with the tiny changeling, to make sure it knows it was seen, then continues on, keeping it in the corner of her eye while talking to the shop owner.
Profession(Cartographer): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Kiana looks over the maps provided with more knowledge about map making than the average adventurer... Despite the low roll, she actually has the skill, so even an average roll for her should be better than someone without the skill
Pierce - Agent of the Sovereign |
He points at the drawn and quartered body, "That one was one of the ones I initially encountered but he had escaped through some sort of magic when the Xeph found me and brought me to all of you. It seems he has become a victim of the group that sought his services. Do any of you know who the man is or was?"
Pierce casts Detect Magic and scans the area.
Viktor D'Deneith |
Viktor will travel with Pierce and Shatter.
"Quite the mess they left behind. Hopefully you guys aren't squeamish."
Viktor will look around the room for any clues.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Tawk Askéat |
"I only arrived on this landmass today. Although it is...a little hard to tell... I'm not really familiar with local folk. [squints to make sure] Nope. Never seen that particular individual before." he adds helpfully.
Tawk grips his heavy flail tight, careful not to let its chains and bars rattle.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
And no, none of you have seen the dead person before.
Viktor, or anyone else who makes a Perception 20 check.
On the other side of the room, though, you catch a flicker of movement and noise from inside one of the crates, as someone is hiding there. The crate with someone in it is near the top of the room, so you don't have an unobstructed view into it (its top is a few inches from the ceiling.)
Kiana: We sort of fast-fowarded through the end of the Starlight Tomb, when you could have taken a bunch of treasure from the vault. To keep things simple, let's say that Kiana took 4,000 gp worth of ancient coins and art objects (and Helac and Nik'o also got some), but no magic items.
Shatter |
"There is a trap door beneath the body. It is tied to that big empty crate." Shatter says, indicating such by pointing.
He continues, "Also, over there, someone is hiding in that crate up there. You may reveal yourself, person, the ruse is over. We are currently no danger to you."
if there is no response he will repeat it in Riedran.
Deranged_Maniac_Ben |
So the two groups right now are
Group warehouse: Pierce, Shatter, Tawk, Viktor
Group cartographer: Kiana, Atsu
Lore: ??? He hasn't posted since June 9.
Kiana is quickly able to find an appropriate map, which details the current territories controlled by each tribe. An actual map will be posted when I can make it.
"Ah, that one?" The shopkeep observes Kiana,
"Such a map is dangerous to produce, as it requires cataloging the current details of a war-zone. It will be 370 gold pieces, which ought not to be a problem for a skilled adventurer such as yourself."
"The snake people. They were here, they did this."
At 'this' he gestures to the slain person on the ground. The man speaks clear Khorvairian, though with a notable Reidran accent. He appears quite muscular for his size, though he is unarmored and apparently unarmed.