Now Xavier was incredibly embarrassed for his own intellectual failings, for he barely understood any of that. But he didn't need to let the others know that. He did his best to cover it. As long as the job paid and it involves combat he could do his part. The man had said the WORLD was in danger. This could be big enough to make him famous.
Seems important and dangerous, Sir. I am a Sell Sword though ( he had trouble saying Mercenary- too long.) and my service is as good as your coin. If the pays fair you have my blades. But I am only here to fight. I guess you knew that when you sent your bird to me
There. It was better to sound unintrested than ignorant. He had at least gleaned that the worldwas in some sort of danger and this mage needed them to destroy something. Dad had told him many stories of his sponsored adventures. The man who was paying had to cover his bases. If this mage did like dad said, he have hired a mage or was coming himself.
I provide steel, what of you others?
Eretria, Rashun, and Xavier:
As Rashun finishes speaking, Zeldones looks back over his shoulder. "Ah, here he is now." The three of you turn, only to see the tiles of the mosaic rearrange themselves as they rise from the floor, to form into the shape of a man. He appears to be old but still hale, with white hair and beard, and he wears robes the color of the sea. He speaks, and it's the voice you heard at the door."I am Prester Gallowsmith. Please forgive my appearance here; there is much to be done and many leagues between us to do it in. Allow me to tell you a story, my friends."
** spoiler omitted **...
In response to Prestor Gallowsmith I reply "What exactly do we have to do to set things right?"
After hearing Gallowsmith's reply I turn to Xavier, "I am good with words. People seem to think that I am perceptive which will help us to not get ambushed. My tracking skills are not shabby. I have some magic, , I am decent with a blade, and most importantly Sarenrae supports me so that I may support the people."
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Eretria carefully examines the diagrams as they are presented. Inspecting each carefully and nodding as the man speaks.
"So we must travel to each of these places and do what must be done to repair whatever event is weakening them... I see... Wouldn't our mere presences cause further instability by simply being in a reality that isn't our own Mr.Prestor?"
She looks up at the aged man with a polite smile.
The aged scholar listens carefully to each of your replies. "Xavier, I can offer you nothing of long-term worth now, as my supplies were depleted equipping two of the earlier expeditions. On your return I should have something to make the attempt worth your while. Rashun, what must be done varies from world to world. In the case of the Dark Road, it is necessary to destroy its terminus at this end before the next conjunction, which is--Zeldones?"
The priest of Desna replies, "As you and I both thought, it's tied to Aucturn this is. The four months of conjunction starts in this world in but five weeks."
Gallowsmith continues. "Five weeks in that world as well. Eretria, every moment that the rifts are open there is an exchange of material--air, water, light, heat (as you see in Absalom!), creatures--across them. The mass of you three should not perturb the balance much beyond that, and I have determined that the benefit in stabilization that will accrue when the keystone condition is corrected will dwarf the cumulative destabilization effect of all exchanges. In fact, I believe that once the correction occurs all exchanges will be reversed, and you will be precipitated back into this world along with everything else native to this place.
"Now the importance of the Dark Road was sufficiently great that I dispatched a party into that world already, accompanied by one of the lesser orders of angels to provide counsel for them and to contact me if there was anything amiss. It has been four days since they departed, and I just now learned that their effort did not end well. Communication between there and here is difficult, but I was able to glean that they had obtained a local ally, fought successfully against creatures of the Dark Tapestry, and then that some or all of them had fallen against what seemed to be an aberration in human form. It seems like Fate has delivered you here just in time to act.
"In addition, you will be joined by another ally once you reach that world. I have been in contact with some of my counterparts in other worlds, men who are also working to repair the damage, and one is sending a being from his world to assist you.
"Do you have any other questions?"
"My steward has prepared some food that I hope will be to your liking. Sit. Eat, while I prepare your way."
Xavier was a bit dissapointed to hear the mage had nothing now. Still if this wizard was powerful enough to do what he said, he might be able to make him a glove of storing. He'd always wanted one of those...
Very well. On your word, you have my sword.
The others didn' t appear worried and the pretty woman seemed smart, so if he was going to a different world at least the company was pleasent. Wonder if there's another me...
Sami's resolve wavers ever so slightly at the mention of the preparations. Can't say that I've ever been shrunk before. However, his will to help his mother, among others, prevails, and he nods his thanks and then sits to await his repast.
When the steward comes near, Sami can't help but voice his curiosity. If I may, good sir - you're fluency in the language of my people is impressive. Can I ask how you learned it?
"I am sure I have all the supplies I need, or at least I hope so. I will be ready to depart when everyone else is."
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Frowning slightly, Eretria answers. "I am supplied... Mr. Prestor... are you saying we have 5 weeks to fix whatever the problem is in the other world then? ...and you are sure we will immediately be expelled back here once whatever event is as it should be?"
Eretria disliked prolonging things with questions if there was a time limit, but she preferred to have her facts straight on this problem before diving in to the situation....
"I suppose no matter the answer to my questions I will provide my magic to the situation."
Five weeks? Can we spare a day? I don't have rations for that long on the road or a horse to carry it
"I don't think it will take an entire day to acquire a horse or two and rations. We can also hunt in the other Golarion. Bringing more food was a good idea though."
Sami nods slowly as he enjoys food such that he hasn't seen in quite some time. I see; Tian Xia may not be as it was during your travels. Things are...harder, these days.. Sami rubs a large hand over his scaly forehead, then loses himself in reflection for a moment before continuing. Your master is wise - more so than our village elders. His research...it's sound, isn't it? We are really just one of many worlds like our own.. It's difficult to discern whether the last was a question or a statement.
"I can provide you with rations easily enough. Now, you have a choice. There is a rift you can take from Absalom, a rift in the Inner Sea, or a rift just outside of Cassomir in Taldor. The first team sailed from here and crossed over outside of Cassomir."
"Taldor or the Inner Sea is my choice. The longer we travel the more time we lose, and the greater of our chances dying before we even reach the portal."
I sure the wizard can magic us to the rift. No matter what we pick. Let's just get there and get started.
He smiles at Eretia, Get it done and when we return it's a night out for us all on me. Just reward for just heros!
Looking at everyone
"I was in somewhat of a trance so this information may have already been given out, but can everyone please tell me what your names are?"
Then looking at Xavier and thinking
"That one's bravado will get him killed."
Rashun then switches his eyes back to the group hoping he can remember their names.
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Eretria laughs softly, this fellow was quite amusing but not terribly bright. "Ease up there Mister Hero, he said the other group took a ship which likely means we can't be... 'magicked' to it... as you so... cleverly put it. We'll have to travel the old fashion way."
She turns her gaze to Rashun, "I am Eretria Whitethorne."
Xavier smiles at his companions, not the least bit deflated.
Xavier Longsaddle, Second son of Deacon Longsaddle, first Knight of the Order of The Shield. Master Swordsman, Guide and most recently The Hero of Sandpoint. While all this magic is beyond me you'll find no better blade guarding your back. Pleased to meet you.
Sami nods quickly and excitedly, his typically peaceful features showing worry. Of course; I meant no disrespect. It's just so...hard to believe...I've known little beyond the borders of my small village in Nagajor. And, since the Tengus have taken control, incoming information is all controlled..
It was the nature of Sami's people, and his discipline, not to doubt the teachings of those more learned or able than himself. For the typically reserved Nagaji to have given his doubts voice shows just how out of his own element this revelation has made him. He stands up from his plate, unfinished, but suddenly unable to continue eating. He offers the steward a deep bow of thanks. I am ready, then, when your master is.
Sami thinks of Iro-Shu, and his ultimate divinity through perfection of self. Would the god protect one such as Sami, who was plunging into the unknown? Undoubtedly, the god would instruct Sami to search within himself for his own strength to succeed in such trials. That, then, is what Sami vowed to do. Steeling himself, he nods his thanks at Gallowsmith's well-wishes, and rushes through the mirror to what could very well be an entirely different reality.
Sami, you make your save.
Xavier, not really following the conversation but wanting to seem like he was and so he did as normal and supported the person who did seem smart. In this case the shapely woman.
Absolom would be quicker. Time is short as you say, so let's use the fastest road.
His part said, he wondered what type of man this pretty mage went for....
The next ten or fifteen minutes pass in a blur, as a similar scene plays out in several different locations. Most of the Gallowsmiths you deal with can't be understood without some effort. The last Gallowsmith you meet is alone and, in fact, apparently unconscious in a crystal sarcophagus. His voice comes from the air around you, however: "Ah! They were able to put you through to here; that will make things much easier. Thank you for your help, sir. If you'd stand on that mosaic circle, I will send you to the rest of the people you've come to help." Assuming you do what he asks, as soon as you're in the circle he speaks a word in a language unknown to you. As he does you sink into the circle. You don't have time to panic, for practically as soon as the darkness closes around you it parts, revealing a room very like the one you originally started from. There are three other people in the room, all human.
"Wait! I have just heard from one of my counterparts that your ally is on his way here. Give me a moment...." The mosaic image turns black, then collapses to the floor, revealing a hooded figure.
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Eretria gently taps her chin in thought as she considers the wizards words, "If Cossomir is largely abandoned then we would do best going there, it means as little tampering of their world as possible... aside from whatever we have to fix... while Absolom would get us to their world faster we have no promise that a ship to Cossomir would be as fast as Prester claims his is... if Cossomir is where we need to go at least..."
She takes a moment to glance over the new arrival before turning her attention back to Prester.
"Do you know what location the problem is in the other world or is that something we must figure out when we get there?"
Rashun's eyes light up at the mentioning of the ally.
"I guess we can wait until he gets here then. He might have some good information."
Xavier listens to the mage change her stance and remains silent.
I hate when they do that
"There is a lake in that world where Kyonin is in our world, and the Dark Road terminates on an island at its center. The Cassomir rift is the closest to Kyonin that can reasonably be reached from here; my measurements indicate that there may be one closer, but if so it is too close to the Worldwound for safe transit."
Sami weathers the transfers between worlds with relative outward calm. On the inside, however, his emotions were in turmoil - fear for his mother wrestled with confusion and doubt in his decision. Such feelings were compounded with each world through which he traveled, but he persevered, knowing that if Master Gallowsmith is correct, he and a few others were the only chance that not only his world, but many others had available.
At his arrival, he looks to the three humans in the room, in turn, and reaches up to remove his hood before bowing deeply. His scales shine a dull green, his orange crest a vivid contrast. His golden eyes show curiosity, but not necessarily a lack of trust. Greetings and well met. I am Sami Johoro, a Nagaji you'll notice, though...I'm not from this world...I think. I come at the request of a Master Prester Gallowsmith, to meet with others of like mind and purpose. Could it be that you are whom I've been sent to see?
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Eretria smiles slightly, nodding to the stranger, "I am Eretria Whitethorne, we are here to fix the problem with the rifts... so that is a safe assumption."
Speaking to Prester now, "Then it seems the fastest and best course of action is to follow in the previous groups steps, hmm? I think it best we use your ship to the rift near Cossomir."
Xavier, not intimidated but certainly intrigued by the newcomer,walks over and stares at the man in wonder, awe very clear upon his face.
A snake-man? Are you the main race on your world? Or do normal people still run it? Sorry, I don't mean to be rude but you are very different to any person I've ever seen.
He turns to the sage?
I thought the worlds were only a bit different. Do we have snake people here as well?
Losing interest before the man can answer he switches subjects.
It doesn't matter. We have a ship to board so let's not tarry further.
Sami nods to Eretria. Indeed, it would be. I fear that I'm a bit behind; while Master Gallowsmith sent me to help, he gave me little in the way of specifics. Can you fill me in?
He raises an eyebrow at Xavier's scrutiny, and chuckles at the man. Snake-man I have heard before. I am Nagaji, and we have some similarities to the Naga, which are indeed serpentine. I don't know if my people are here on your world as well, Master Gallowsmith didn't offer exact details of how our worlds differ from each other. I assure you, though, we have many "human people" on our planet.. He smiles in genuine amusement.
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Eretria lightly taps her chin as the newcomer speaks with Xavier noting Xaviers initial reaction.
Speculation with appropriate acceptance... Seems to follow instructions... The warrior has redeeming qualities at least.
Speaking to Sami, "The plan is to enter the other world from the same rift the previous party entered... However it seems that party was lost so we need to take care when we get there."
So, this is not my final stop, then.
I see; is this rift nearby? And, is Master Gallowsmith about, to transport us there?
Gallowsmith's voice comes from behind you, Sami, and you see the mosaic circle you passed through has reformed into the likeness of the man you last saw in a crystal sarcophagus. "Alas, I cannot do so at this time. However, the ship I have on retainer has returned from Cassomir and is ready to take you there. Look for Captain Mack on the Sea Nymph at the docks. The guide I sent with the others has not returned to me, but this compass will point to the rift you seek." A compass flies out of the mosaic swirl and lands in Eretria's hand.
Sami shows a brief moment of surprise at the scholar's arrival, but he smiles at the man as if seeing an old friend. After the brief but tumultuous trip from his world, he had seen the man several times over, but always as a helpful benefactor.
He nods at Eretria's question, as if that was the only information he needed t get started. In reality, his questions were far too many and far too involved to begin asking them now. He silently awaits further instructions, his hands clasped in front of his waist.
Eager to be gone from the hard conversation, Xavier shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot.
Rashun says a short and quiet pray to Sarenrae, thanking her for giving him the opportunity to do her will.
"It points to the rift near Cassomir at this point. I can sensitize it to another rift, if need be. For example, if you succeed in destroying the Dark Road and another mission is necessary."
The image of Gallowsmith turns to Xavier. "Eager to be on your way, eh? If there are no further questions, I shall send a message to Captain Mack to expect you."
"I am ready, but I do think Xavier mentioned picking up food supplies before we left."
That's right. I was on a ship once. The rations are small and horrible. I fear I'd be unable to lift my swords after a few days of that stuff. Let's stock up on extra food to be in top fighting condition when we arrive. Other than that, I'm ready.
Sami glances at Xavier, then nods. Of course, we would not want that. I am ready, and have no need for more supplies; let us be on our way, save for a short stop to fill our stores.