Brenna's eager to get started on the next phase of the mission. She's only too happy to get to know the other party members, and she gladly swaps stories if asked about her history - mostly trading along the coast, with occasional bouts of sudden violence against pirates, orcs, sea monsters, and so on. The drow she mostly ignores, unless watching someone else doing an interrogation - she seems to be satisfied that the drow is not really going to give up anything useful, but she's curious to see if anyone else can get results.
Lyr and Zoso settle in for an extended round of good cop, bad cop. Zoso's sweet words and pleasant demeanor seem to have an effect, and Lyr's immediate understanding of the drow has her open up a little bit. She remains extremely unfriendly, but does start talking a bit.
"Our work here was a success regardless. Although I sit here in this filthy cell staring at you, darthir, I am proud. I am Depora Azrinae of House Azrinae. As you know, I was assigned here with Shindiira of the less reputable House Misraria. I left her on Devil's Elbow to die by her own hand while I came here to learn about the legendary Cyphergate. Our people have what we need. You will fall. The weaklings on the surface will perish and the hated sun will vanish so that we may rule once more."
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The House of the Silken Veil is the largest temple in Riddleport, and famous for being one of the best brothels in Avistan. Upon entry you are immediately overwhelmed by heady incense, and the sight of beautiful men and women in various states of undress. The tiefling High Priestess, Shorafa Pamodae is reknowned as the most well-informed woman in Riddleport and one of the most politically dangerous.
As you start to accustom yourself to what is on offer, a haughty-looking elven priest approaches, beckoning you past the entry into the back chambers.
You eventually come to a grand altar dedicated to the Sacred Sting. There, in full ceremonial garb stands a tiefling, the ceremonial garb barely painted her body, which is adorned with elaborate designs in henna where her flesh is exposed. Reva's pale body lies upon the altar. Shorafa turns to you. Even beneath her veil, you can tell she is grinning.
"So I meet the mighty heroes at last. The ones who spitted the Spithog Pauper, who slew Vancaskerkin and took his casino, who went to Devil's Elbow and lived to tell the tale, and who foiled Clegg Zincher so many times he had no choice but to do business with you. You even scared off the mighty Teeth of Araska. It is an honour."
It's hard to tell if she's making fun of you or legitimately impressed.
Turning, she produces a beautiful diamond which sparkles in the light of the hundreds of candles in the temple.
"Unquenchable Fire, Lady in the Room... grant me the power of your sting. Plunge your fire into the breast of Reva Meirani, who does fight those who would see your servants, your world do harm."
The diamond begins to glow.
"Give her life once more! Give her pain, give her lust, give her secrets, and give her vengeance on those who robbed her of her future. I beseech you! LET HER LIVE!"
The diamond glows brilliantly, and the light shines so brightly you are forced to close your eyes. With a crash, the diamond shatters, its crystals fragmenting and spilling over Reva's body.
As the light fades, there is a moment of silence. Reva then sits bolt upright, almost falling off of the altar. Two Calistrians who were standing in the shadows rush to help her to her feet. She is pale and her eyes sunken, but she is definitely alive.
"I... what... I was to be judged. I think I was going to... oh Gods."
Reva lunges out of the arms of the priests holding her and stumbles forwards before collapsing at Saphren's feet, weeping openly. She looks up for a moment, confused and weak.
"Did we win?"
Brenna looks slightly troubled at the overt display of powerful magic, then after a hesitant look to the rest of the group, says to Reva, "Yep. Well, so far."
Trig runs to Reva and wraps her arms around the Iomedean. "Reva, Reva! Yes, we won... we beat them. I'm so glad you're back with us."
Saphren, less than devout when it comes to most religious matters and downright irreverent as often as not seems somber and even pious during the ceremony. He fails to react the the priestess baited words, which normally he would certainly have something snarky to say back. All his attention is focused on the dead woman on the altar.
At the conclusion of the ceremony Saphren is quick to help Reva up and to give comfort, yet he resists embracing her and instead responds quietly. Yes, you are avenged. He holds her hands a little too long and then drops them, his green skin showing a slight blush. I too am so glad to have you back. I,... I feared you might choose to not return.
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"You speak of the end of the sun, the end of the world. Not caring about anything, not even your life. Yet you also speak of a system of prestige, social structures and honor, and your actions earlier were motivated by love for another. So Depora Azrinae of House Azrinae, I know you're at least half full of s*+~, and I also know that you are afraid."
Zoso stands up and walks towards the jail bars.
"Once we're inside of the heart of every secret thing you hold dear, my friend and I here are going to personally find the rest of your House Azrinae and we'll make sure not one soul lives to continue it. If you don't believe me, I'm sure Lyr can convince you on that. But I want to give you a chance since you obviously do have love and care for some aspects of this world. Tell me something I already don't know about Cwynvian. If you can give me something new, something of worth, then we'll forget about House Azrinae specifically and let luck determine if exterminate your family or not."
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Reva nods wearily at Saphren.
"Everything hurts so much... I've heard about this magic before but I thought it would be easier."
She slumps on the ground. Shorafa is obviously drained from the spell, but also pleased with herself. She pulls back the veil to reveal her carefully painted face, and a wicked grin.
"I'm pleased to be of service. Zincher and I are square, which is good considering how much power you just gave that man."
Shorafa purses his lips as she peers over all of you. She walks uncomfortably close, leaning in to look over Brenna for a moment with an expression similar to someone sizing up livestock.
"She's new. I like her." She turns to look to everyone else. "You know things I want to know. What do you want for information on the drow?"
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Depora visibly angers as Zoso brings up 'love for another' and slams herself against the bars, clinging onto them.
"Afraid? LOVE?! You dare insult me?! And you think you could defeat my entire House, that easily? Could you tell me where it is? How many soldiers we number? Who the matron is? You are not weak, I will give you that, but you know nothing of my people. Howeve,r if it will get you to shut up, I will tell you of Celwynvian. It is ours, we have claimed it wholly for ourselves."
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Saphren sits on the floor with Reva waiting patiently for her to recover. If there is anything I can do just ask. He says, new to the effects of such powerful magic.
Turning to Shorafa the half orcs sizes her up for a moment. Why do you want to know? We plan to act against these dark elves and so will need both resources and allies, and likely good council as well. Seems to me that every surface dweller should oppose them but I'd know your allegiances.
Brenna rolls her head to stretch her neck and the tendons in one of her shoulders pop.
"Seems likely that this won't be the last time we pay a visit to this edifice. Being on your 'preferred customers' list would be nice," she says.
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Zoso knows that Celwynvian is an extremely ancient elven city, so old that it only exists in legend. Upon the elves' return from leaving Golarion, they returned to find that the magical city was ruled by evil - dragons, monsters, and undead. For reasons unknown to Zoso, the elves have since that point kept Celwynvian closed to the world. The elves do not enter, and neither do outsiders. Its existence alone is a secret, but not all secrets are well-kept and the occasional adventurer tries to get past the guard into the city.
The map of Celwynvian recovered from Shindiira shows it to be shaped as a triangle set over several overlapping circles, deep in the heart of the Meirani forest.
Since Zoso seems to have the prisoner talking, Lyr instead calls to his God and learns what he can about the drow's desires.
She quite desperately wants to escape and kill everyone in sight in a torturous manner. Playing against that, she appears to be somewhat attracted to Zoso. The handsome elven bard's way with words seems to have had some effect.
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Shorafa shrugs a little at Saphren's question.
"My allegiances are to the Savored Sting. As High Priestess I answer to no other power. So if you are curious as to my motivations, it is the consolidation of my own power in Riddleport, and the continuation of the Temple. I want this information because it is my business to know things. Knowledge is power, and like all forms of power, it requires skill and will to employ. I do not have any use for a mighty sword, like you may. But valuable knowledge? That is of great use to me."
Lyra watched as Zoso left the room, finally speaking to the prisoner in her native tongue.
"I wonder. Should I tell him of your attraction?"
"Are you suggesting an exchange in kind, information for information? Or are you offering something of monetary value in exchange for information?"
I know you have helped us with Reva because you owed a favor. But I appreciate it none the less. If those you expressed are your only goals then we are aligned I think, for if these drow have their way your position here, and even the city of Riddleport is threatened. So I will consider us allies and help you as I can, trusting you to in turn help us as you can. Unless the party objects Saphren will begin to recount to the teifling all that he knows of the drow and their plots, including the presence of the prisoner.
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Shorafa dismisses the other priests and priestesss. Reva remains quiet as always. After Saphren finishes the tale, Shorafa lets out an astonished laugh.
"So the drow are calling stars from the sky and this magic created the Blot by accident? Oh that's rich. The greatest mystery of our generation was the least important thing to happen in all of this. Very well. It is clear you must travel to Celwynvian to rout the drow above ground. That is, if the elves let you in. I have connections in Meirani and will use that to aid you. You are right - this is a threat to us all."
She whispers into the air for a moment, and a priest appears bearing a small chest.
"Five hundred platinum to finance your upcoming journey. You will also be welcome at all houses of Calistria while we are working together."
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Depora blinks, and then throws herself against the bars, snarling at Lyr.
"You think I would be attracted to that darthir?! I have had enough of your insults! Be done with this and kill me. I will speak no longer!"
As you try to get some more information out of her, Kwava quickly comes to you.
"She is not going anywhere, come - I have heard from the Shin'Rakorath."
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Everyone from the temple returns, with Reva shuffling slowly along, leaning on Saphren as she continues to recover from her return to the world of the living. You meet up with Zoso and Lyr, and everyone heads upstairs to meet with Kwava. He takes a moment to exclaim his joy at seeing Reva once more before speaking.
Kwava pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts, a deep furrow worn into his brow.
“These are grave tidings. Whenyou discovered Vancaskerkin was working with one of the dark elves, I could hardly believe it. Now I realize there are far more terrible events in motion. If the drow have learned how to pull stars from the sky, none of us are safe."
"I must ask a great favor of you. My employers, the Shin’Rakorath, have only recently revealed to me the full extent of the drow menace in Celwynvian. As much as I would dearly love to see the city, they have ordered me to remain in the Riddleport hinterlands to keep watch for any further drow influence. Yet they have also expressed interest in hearing from you directly. This journal you found, combined with the one recovered some time ago from Vancaskerkin’s drow accomplice, would be of great use to my kin in the Mierani Forest. The Shin’Rakorath and I ask you to carry these journals to Crying Leaf, a small camp in the eastern reaches of the wood. Take it to Eviana, the leader of Crying Leaf. She will know what to do."
He looks to all of you.
"Do you have any questions?"
Lyr chuckled at the Drow's overly dramatic response and walked out with Kwava.
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At the meeting, Lyr listened and shook his head when Kwava asked if there were questions.
Brenna's eyebrows arch at the significant sum of platinum awarded to the team. She mutters to Saphren, "I've never been a Calistria follower, but for that kind of money I could make an exception on Sundays."
Brenna chuckles. "Sounds pretty straightforward. Deliver books, receive further instructions."
Saphren is torn. How soon do we need to leave. Time is likely critical but Reva is weak and not ready to travel. Kwava , if I could entrust her to you here then, yes I will go.
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Zoso is more aware of the heaviness of mortality as Reva struggles in. He feels for her, 'The life of a field agent is lived on their feet. She'd do best to rest and catch up at a later time.'
As he listens to the new direction the mission is evolving, Zoso watches Lyr's reaction. He shakes his head as well, "This appears to have promise in being a good lead for us. We'll make sure the book gets there."
Reva nods wearily to Saphren, looking distraught.
"I am named for the Meirani forest and have never seen it myself but... you are right. I must recover and I need to pray with my goddess, and perhaps communicate with my order about what has transpired here. It shames me to stay here, but I must."
Kwava looks to all of you.
"As soon as possible, I say. We are working against some great plot of the drow and you must make haste. If Reva is to remain with me, I am certain she can help arrange transfer of Depora to the Shin'Rakorath who will have a better sense of what to do with her."
As you all converse, there's a tentative knock at the door. One of Trig's employees who has been caring for the casino in your absence comes in.
"Beg pardon, we kinda figured you were going to sell the Goblin and so started to check into connections. You all seem right busy, y'know? Mistah Zincher is willing to pay twenty big ones for the place! Run it just like Saulie did. The other buyer is offering fifteen - that's the Publican House folks, church of Cayden Cailean."
Looks like we each have a job to do Reva. I do not like that this separates us but I think it must be so, at least for now. When this is complete I shall look for you in Riddleport. And if we leave in the morning then perhaps I could have the pleasure of your company this evening? It is a moment before some realize the big green guy is asking Reva out.
When the subject of the Goblin comes up Saphren is for selling to Zincher. For better or worse we seem to have tied ourselves to that scoundrel. And we will likely need all the money we can get to equip ourselves for what lies ahead.
"Can we trust him to treat the employees right?"
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Make it a term of the sale if you want. Saphren suggests. Write it up.
"Who would enforce that contract, though?" says Brenna. "The city constabulary in Riddleport are notoriously corrupt. If you want to be sure the owner is above-board, sell it to someone you trust."
I don't trust anybody. And the offers are 5000 gold apart. Sorry but unless you are making an offer you do not have a worg in this fight. And if you must know Zilcher is afraid of us. If he agrees he will keep his word as he expects us to be back. There is always going to be crime bosses in this city. I say empower the one we have some strings on.
"I was just replying to Trig's question. No need to get snappy."
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"Hm, do what you wish with the place." Zoso adds while he scans the structure briefly, somewhat disinterested. Then turning to Kwava, "Can you assist me in getting a message to my contact in the Shin'Rakorath? I'll need to update them before we depart. All I require is a bird of prey that knows the way to Kyonin."
With the meeting compeleted, you head out into Riddleport to figure out what to do with your newfound wealth. The deal with Clegg Zincher goes smoothly. Although an evil sonufab&#@+, he knows how to make money and the control over this section of Riddleport, in addition to the noqual, gives the crimelord unprecedented power within the city.
While you assemble, Reva privately meets with Lyr, keeping Kwava with her.
"Lyr. I am... uncomfortable with my share of the money from the Gold Goblin. Although I understand that Zincher's reach in Riddleport is nothing compared to the risk to the world the drow pose, and the money is needed I am not comfortable with holding money from a deal with such an evil man."
She passes a bag over to you.
"I am keeping some to donate to my order and to do some good here. But please, take this. You know more about the drow than anybody and your knowledge and information is incredibly important. Please buy whatever you need to protect yourself and the others."
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After you have finished equipping yourselves, you set off on the road to Crying Leaf, the elven settlement where you are to meet with contacts established by Kwava. Magnus and Reva, both stoics in their own way, bid you farewell with Reva crushing Saphren in a hug, having been far more emotional since her resurrection.
The lands north of Riddleport are sparsely populated, with a few struggling farms near the city and the occasional hunter’s lodge further afield. A winding dirt road that quickly becomes a Varisian caravan path leads north from Riddleport, a route only infrequently used by travelers making their way between Varisia and the Lands of the
Linnorm Kings. This road follows the Velashu River for much of its length, rarely veering away from its winding course to reduce travel time. The route to Crying Leaf follows this road until the Calphiak Mountains recede to the west. About 45 miles north of Riddleport, a hunter’s trail branches off to the west—it is this road that leads
to the rim of the Mierani Forest and the settlement of Crying Leaf.
The journey is roughly 90 miles, and should take around 4 days, 3 days if you choose to travel on horseback. Although open country is an option, the terrain is difficult enough that it is unlikely to save you time.
The first two days of travel pass uneventfully. The third day is a crisp, bright summer morning, the heat of the sun abated somewhat by a good wind.
You see a cloud of dust approaching you from down the road.
Within the cloud of dust you see several horsemen, at least ten.
"Hm, do what you wish with the place." Zoso adds while he scans the structure briefly, somewhat disinterested. Then turning to Kwava, "Can you assist me in getting a message to my contact in the Shin'Rakorath? I'll need to update them before we depart. All I require is a bird of prey that knows the way to Kyonin."
Saphren spends a quiet evening with Reva during which he manages to explain how both his respect and feelings for the inquisitor have grown over the time they have worked together. You have become my guiding light and my motivation. he explains cautiously afraid she will reject him. I know obligation will separate us for a time. Take this time to consider how you feel about me. When we see each other again I would like it very much if we could become more than friends.
The rogue shops in the markets of Riddleport. He purchases some weapon blanches and, thinking of the drow, some antitoxin. His final purchase is an enchanted belt that quickens his reflexes and sharpens his dexterity.
Saphren is reflective and efficient over the first two days. He tried to get to know the newer party members better and goes out of his way to be both helpful and do more than his share of work in the camp. On the third day of travel Saphren looks up to survey the road and quietly calls out to the group. Trouble from Down the road. At least 10 horsemen.
Brenna proves to be an amiable companion - not really a "natural leader" or a "hypnotic personality," just a boisterous woman who is ready to join in the raucous laughter that comes with bawdy campfire songs or swapping adventure stories. Of course, she doesn't have too many stories yet, still being rather fresh to adventuring with only a few years under her belt, but she is all too keen to hear about the experiences that the group has had already in the fight against the drow (whom she typically calls svartalfar).
"I see 'em," whispers Brenna back to Saphren. "Can't tell their armaments. If they're mounted archers this could be annoying. Light cavalry, easier. Assuming they're looking for a fight, that is."
"You sure? Just looks like a dust cloud."
Nonetheless, Trig pulls out her wand and casts Mage Armor on herself.
Stepping off the road and out of any charge lanes Saphren takes cover. I shall await our guests here. he explains as he readies his new hand crossbow and disappears from view.
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The first night Zoso breaks out the bottle of wine that he got from his first meeting with Kwava and shares it with all who want a glass. He find's Brenna's jovial nature refreshing and swaps stories with her.
On the third day he becomes aware of the intercepting group through his comrades.
"Well, I, hmm. Alright. I'll be an arrow away as well."
Zoso flanks off to hide on the other side of the group from Saphren, drawing his bow and getting ready for mischief.
Lyr had been surprised at what Reva had said, and what she'd gifted him with. He didn't really know what to say or how to respond, so he had thanked her and told her he hoped he could return her kindness someday.
When Zoso had mentioned bird capable of getting a message to Kyonin he nodded. "Write your letter. Beacon knows the way. I had been thinking about sending her back anyway. She does not like tunnels and caves."
When they spotted the horsemen, Lyr readied his bow and moved to the side of the road to find cover..
"I'm not so much with the sneakin' around, so I'll just stay behind Zoso, if that doesn't seem like a bad plan," says Brenna.
The cloud of dust dissipates as the riders at its head slow to a canter. They are barbarians by their dress, bearing distinctive patterns of war paint on their faces and shoulders, marks repeated in the same dark color on the necks of their equine mounts. They are twelve in number, although they are followed by a train of two dozen additional horses. As they pull to a stop, they hold up their right hands, showing that they brandish no weapons.
The leader of the group, a tall, sun-tanned man with dusty black hair, urges his mount forward a few steps before speaking.
"Strange days these are when stars fall from the sky and the walled-folk wander the plains of the Velashan. I am Windbraid. What brings you here?"
These appear to Velashu Horse Lords. They are Ulfen in ancestry, having abandoned the Lands of the Linnorm Kings for a less violent life in the wilds of Varisia. Over the generations their blood has mingled with Varisians and Shoanti. They are not considered part of the Shoanti tribes, but are sometimes referred to as the "Eighth Quah" - but never when another Shoanti is around. Although they have a reputation for fierceness and violence, they are not known for banditry or ill deeds.
The horsed men look at you impatiently, awaiting a response.