Home Brew - "Paths of Chaos"

Game Master FalseMotivation

The adventurers have been drawn to Katheer, the shining jewel of the desert. Little do they realize, but they are about to be pulled into a war of deities and angels, of fate and free will.

Which path will they choose?

<b>The day is hot, the air humid from the river. The Bazaar is bustling as usual, vendors calling out to passerby in attempts to peddle their wares; oh the wares! The smell of every delicacy one could imagine fills the air, hints of cinnamon, sage, roasted goat, fresh bread; a smell to make every mouth water and every stomach rumble.

The food isn't the only thing to catch a person's attention, the jewelry (whether it is real or not) shines so brilliantly in the midday sun; the alchemical vendors calling out ingredients of every type; the weapons...scimitars, rapiers, golden shields, and fine mail shirts. It's enough to make a man forget prudence and leave here with an empty wallet.<b>

The mood is set, wander and purchase. Bold text for speech, italicized text for inner dialogue, and use the OOC formatting for any out of character text!

La'asya browses the wares, half paying attention to the bazaar, more to the people about. It's been too long since I have been in Katheer... There's something about this place that even rivals Absalom.

The girl looks like she is barely into adulthood. The unblemished skin of her face is framed by waves or rich black hair streaked with brilliant orange locks. Her head is crowned by an elaborate headdress seemingly cut from topaz and amber, the same color amber as her eyes. Those are what keeps a watcher's attention; penetrating yellow-orange eyes that refract the light and (given a viewer with a vivid enough imagination) glow with their own light. Her garb cannot be described as simple, but rather luxurious. Flowing silks wrapped across her shoulders and draped down her back, skirts held up with a golden brocade belt that rests easily on her hips. All in deep reds, oranges and darkest black.

I wrote out this entire thing on my phone and then when I went to post it lost connection and had to rewrite it all, rage mode on my phone.

I wonder if this is even where I'm really supposed to be... Amoracus has never steered me wrong, I feel that she is always looking out for my best interest. Nicodemus on the other hand, always has me do something I regret. I'm finding it harder to avoid my mutagen now, the rush of adrenaline produces a euphoric feeling that can blind any man to rational thought. I even hear them sometimes when I'm sober. It's getting harder to ignore them, can listening to your ancestors in your head really be that bad? I can't believe I asked my self that, I must be going crazy.

Enough of this thoughts, I need to find some alchemical supplies to replenish my stock. Hopefully a supplier on the outskirts will have what I need, if someone sees my face, let alone my "hands" I will be ran out of here faster then you can say Abadar. This so called path will show itself before night fall, finding a place to stay can be challenging for one such as my self.

In a small niche of the market strums a girl with a dreamy look on her face. Should any pickpocket have even taken the time to work her over, they'd have been sorely disappointed as all she carried on her person was the instrument her fingers plucked, the whip at her hip and a blade, whose handle stuck out from behind her within easy reach. Underlying the rustle and bustle of the market wove the sound of her lute and the tune of an unburdened spirit. Father would like it here. It's so lively. thought Zahrah Khargosh with a smile.

Her father, Bahar Khargosh, was a wandering bard with an affinity for animals. Once she was deemed efficient with lute and blade and sense, she was allowed to drift off on her own. This market was only one of many in a long line of aimless destinations in her search to spread music, seek new stories and fill her belly.

Speaking of which, her stomach punctuated a pause in hand motion with a growl. The young woman chuckled and made a note to eat soon. The stall that she had been eyeing some distance away beckoned her leave her handful of watchers.

///////NPC///////
The oddly dressed and flashy looking man strolls through the crowd, almost as if he's oblivious to everyone, but if someone were to pay special attention they'd notice that he was methodically scanning people and mumbling, almost as if he was making mental notes out loud.

He walks by a diminutive bard, playing her lute as if she had no care in the world. "Why you play quite splendidly dear. When I was a much younger man I too played the lute, ah to be young and carefree again." he smiled and tossed a handful of gold coins towards her.

"She will do quite nicely...as will that tiefling trying to hide himself, and that royal looking creature. Oh so splendid! How I love a good shake up. Ashtelleron best hurry along before these few get distracted by other fate paths."

La'asya spots the new stranger, Now there's something interesting... and decides against what is probably better judgment and focuses on the inner hum of the crowd.

Spell Like Ability, Detect Thoughts aimed more or less at the odd stranger. Detect Thoughts

* * *Later, near the not-so-abandoned temple* * *

La'asya watches her new playmates as she considers where she has found herself. Beautiful horses, free reign to do as we will. Are we becoming slaves, servants or allies to this Artemis and his tattooed companion? With a slight shrug she adjusts her posture and asserts again, "We need to know more about who, or what, is living here. If this twin-god still has living followers, they might have any number of surprises." With that she chants a spell and a hazy purple field glows from her skin for just a moment before settling onto and then into her skin.

Cast Mage Armor; AC is now 17 for 5 hours.

The party has found themselves in strange company, as they learn more about their fellow celestial or hell spawned companions. The very idea that a temple of Imbrex may still exist and be active foretells of a long and arduous road ahead, Gods once forgotten rising up again is not a sign to be taken lightly.

As the party observes the entrance to the Temple they notice that there are small flickers of light once in a while, as if a sentry is walking back forth in a hallway with a torch.

The party begins their preparations to siege the temple.....

The fall of the Temple of Imbrex in the Qadiran desert went fairly smooth, with the exception of Fuqhit having his bowels freed from his body.

The party made of with 100,000 GP; 10,000 PP; 8,000 GP worth of Gemstones; a Masterwork Mithral Breastplate (+1); 2x Leather whips with interesting runes carved into the onyx stone handles. Also they group found within the Temple's treasure room an artifact of unknown origins and power: an ancient brass bottle with a narrow neck and a rounded belly, slightly flattened on the bottom so it stands upright when resting on a table. The bottle's tight-fitting stopper is engraved with sigils and sealed with lead.

The party also made a possible ally in the Gynosphinx, Artreria. The riddling Sphinx was impressed with the party's ability to unwind her riddles.

As the party mounted their horses and headed back to Katheer, the solitary lizardman, still charmed by La'asya can be seen bowed in the sand praying fervently for forgiveness from Imbrex.

As they near the port they arrived at, they can see the demi-god, Artemis', ship still docked there.

and go ahead and split the loot amongst yourselves, and if anyone wants to research things like the whips and the bottle, just need to do 3 knowledge checks (depending on the weapon) between now and the next session, where I will reveal what they've learned from their studies.

The glittering of Artemis' gilded ship brings La'asya out of her reverie. Weaalth leads to control, right? Part of her was upset by the sacrileges against Imbrex's temple, but another deeper, ugly part of her was excited by the power she wielded over the lizardman she had charmed. Something in this blood of mine, I suppose. No worries; I have this under control.

Addressing Fuhq'it, she says, "How are you feeling? That priest did a wonder to your bowels."

In the back of her mind, there is a nagging, The Demon girl is still counting gems. I think she would bathe in them if she could!

Artemis stood on the deck of the ship, staring at the oncoming group in the desert. Much more powerful than I assumed...if they continue on this everything will happen just as fate would have it. I wonder to what extent they injured that ancient temple and its latent power...

He adjusted the dark lensed spectacles on his face, almost as if he were focusing the lenses, "Ah, the crazy one seems to have lost his stomach for this work" he chuckled out loud at his own joke.

Zahrah was not the happiest of adventurers. In an abrupt change of attitude from when they were on the way up to the temple, she broods with pursed lips. Thinking.
This seemed like a wonderful opportunity for oddities and fun when we started. Perhaps I followed too swiftly. We travel with a trickster and a mad man-both of which I am not so sure of their characters. While the mad man is simply.....mad. The woman is much more calculating and took her time in ruining that creatures life. And the smell...
Finding such heavy thinking strange and uncomfortable, Zahrah unstraps her stringed instrument and brings it around to rest against her in a graceful motion. Her long pale fingers strum absently until the sound winds into a familiar song. She picks it up with gusto and pushes the bad karma from the air.
" There's a dark & a troubled side of life
There's a bright, there's a sunny side, too
Tho' we meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side we also may view

The storm and its fury broke today,
Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear;
Clouds and storms will, in time, pass away
The sun again will shine bright and clear.
Let us greet with the song of hope each day
Tho' the moment be cloudy or fair
Let us trust in our sun away
Who keepeth everyone in her care. "

To my late best friend Fugh'it my dear friend why did you do this be all macho man and attack green dragon did you know in old country big beast eat you, you remember my mother all ways say one day Jafar't my boy your friend Fugh'it with all of his randomness will met up with you one day long time from now and you two will go on grand adventure... but instead of grand adventure in our first moments you become snack for green beast fly thingy I'll miss you my best friend I hope dragon has horrible bathroom time while passing you through your friend Jafar't

La'asya is rather shocked by the Dragon's abrupt ending of Fuhq'it and more shocked by it's sudden departure. A slight pang of sympathy passes through her as she watches the archer, Jafar't mumble a prayer of sorts after his eaten friend. Then, self satisfied, she thinks, At least the forest smells better without him.

"Did we want to search these dead fools, or be on our way?"

Zahrah quick-stepped nimbly aside from the greenery that rose up to snag her feet. Both her heart and her sword tip sank as she watched their once possible safe passage-or perhaps even dubious ally-flew off with one of their own in his belly. There was no reason for it to end this way.
While she was saddened by the sudden and violent death of any of their companions, she could not quell the opposite and equally immense relief. They would no longer be traveling with one who would gladly drag them all across dragons fangs on a whim. The bard looked towards the mumbling newcomer. Well, at least he's more coherent. She thought with a wince. Now that the worst of the fighting was done, Zahrah cleaned her blade, counted her arrows and unslung her instrument. The tune that emerged was peaceful, like one used to soothe a child to sleep.

Feeling tired
By the fire
The long day is over

With no reprise
The sun will rise
The long day is over

The forest settled into an unnatural silence after the Dragon flew away, with a gullet full of Fuqh'it. So goes life when one taunts a dragon to it's face...or however that old saying goes.

As the Bard strums her song, the others discuss searching the unfortunate bandits and dusk starts settling in.

The party, weary from a wild and tragic battle, must decide whether to set up camp or forge on for a safer place.

Perception checks please

Never one to needlessly tire herself, La'asya hopes the area offers some sort of shelter, maybe even some form of comfort.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

"Well, wherever we go we should get to the nearest tavern soon; it's time to stop this incessant walking. I am sure that all of us and our tail,"[b] La'asya nonchalantly motions where the sounds came from, [b]"Is just as tired as we are."

Talia paws at the forest floor in frustration as she watches their safe passage disappear over the horizon. As unfortunate as Fuqh'it's loss may be, she can't help but feel it was an inevitable end for their compulsive companion. An end that cost them in more ways than one. The young assimar lets out a low growl, her brilliant orange fur withdrawing in on itself, razor sharp claws dulling into pale flesh. She kneels in the grass, stroking the greenery absently before standing to stretch.

Well that could've gone better she sighs bitterly before signalling for BoBo to desist his "act natural" routine. The over grown bear peaks out innocently from behind a berry bush he'd been "hiding" behind, his jowls coated in a thin layer of blue. Talia rubs at a pinch in her neck, her energy drained. I'm all for being done for the day she yawns, ready to make camp.

perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16

Rabb lands on the ground, sheepishly hoping that his new companions don't make comments on his wings... Why did he do that! We had our free passage! Secretly, Rabb thinks the loss of the impulsive idiot will help the party. Nicodemus drew great joy from attacking the dragon, which means to Rabb that that was the wrong thing to do. You need to rest Rabb, stay here for the night. Rabb thinks about Amoracus's guidance and obliges. I too think we should sleep here for the night.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Following their skirmish outside of Zimar with the Ogres and then the small band of Lizardmen. The party rests as they plan their journey to Oparra, the shining jewel of the crumbling Taldan empire, not entirely sure what they'll need to do to bring down a temple of the Goddess Iomedae.

Upon entering the bustling city with nothing more than strange looks being cast their way, they check into the "Frothy Flagon" Tavern, which was far more reasonably priced compared to the judgemental tavern in Zimar. Once they rested up, they met to discuss their actions and Artemis appeared via a portal. He explained that their mission here was to steal an artifact of Aroden from within the Temple of Iomedae, an artifact that was supposedly the very helm of Aroden himself.

La'asya felt ill and volunteered to take the party's horses to a copse of trees outside of the city. The party formulated a plan where Jaf'fart would tie a rope off to himself, approach the helm in the center of the temple, and as he grabbed it, Talia would drop a sleet storm over him, he would then shoot the rope out of the ice storm using his bow, and the group would pull him to safety.

Before Jaf'fart could grab the helm, a strange looking man blinked into existence in front of him. The man was only 5'5" tall, with pearl white skin, jade green hair, and eyes that were perfectly split between purple and gold in color. He grabbed the Helm and then flagrantly made obscene gestures at the clerics and guards in the temple, who rushed to attack.

Zahrah, immediately cast Apparent Treachery on the group of advancing guards and clerics, causing 2 of the clerics to become suspicious of the others that lead to them fighting each other.

One cleric advanced on Jaf'fart and the newcomer, dealing a massive hit to Jaf'fart before he was hit with 2 massive blows to the head by the pearl white man. Who proved quite effective in hand to hand combat. Raab dropped bombs while Talia dropped a sleet storm. Their control of the battle kept 3 guards shrouded in an ice storm and vomitting.

Jaffart launched multiple arrows into the one cleric left to fight, but ended up accidentally blinding himself after his bow slipped from his hands and caused the arrow to ricochet back at him.

Talia dropped a swarm of monkeys on the cleric and the newcomer, and the monkeys stole the helm from the newcomer. Talia then had BoBo the Bear maul the swarm of monkeys and she scooped up the helm as she transformed into a dire bat and flew away with it. The rest of the group either flew or ran off to the rally point. Once there they discovered that the fighter had followed them, and that he had been collecting artifacts from multiple deities in hopes of attempting to turn them into a magical doorway to the heavens. Whether it would work or not was unknown to him, but it was worth a try in his mind.

With enthusiasm and gusto, Jaffart grabbed the helm and put it on. His eyes immediately crossed and he fainted as all of the gemstones embedded in it exploded, leaving the shining helm pockmarked and gemless.

The party was left to discuss with their newfound companion, and await whatever trials awaited them next.

After the action on the mountain top and the ascension of the new Frost Giant Jarl, La'asya graciously accepts the invitation to come down to the frost giant's steading. Contrary to the savagery Frost Giants are reputed to have the steading was both well fortified and well built. In the center of the steading there is a foul mouthed filthy dwarf in a cage yelling threats and vulgar invitations to anyone and everyone that comes near. The giants treat this in kind, snowballs, spit and even one that bared his backside to share the hot winds with the dwarf! Asking Urziak "Why is the dwarf here?" she is told that he had been hunting and murdering giants with a kind of gun. Impassive, La'asya wonders, Maybe he can help us. After being shown to the guest quarters she asks Sleestak to stay and guard their belongings, he hisses his answer, Yesss, Misstresss. Far to coldsss for me in this mountainsss"

Back outside the princess finds herself walking back towards the crude dwarf prisoner. The conversation was hardly worth noting, except that apparently dwarven heiresses are impressed by beards and are expected to eagerly stroke any strangers that come along. Who knew dwarves were closet Calistrians? Without comment, La'asya turns and walks away from the pathetic pestilent prisoner.

Jaffart has a different idea. He talks to the dwarf, who knows, who cares what was said but the flappy fleshed fool agreed to be the dwarf's champion in a trial by combat. Needless to say the fight was brief. At least Jaffart finally showed some good sense by not marring the giant champion at all. Not even once. La'asya says to the Jarl, "Your majesty, a truer demonstration of a murderer's guilt has never been displayed. Congratulations to your champion."

While the crowd is dispersing La'asya asks the Jarl, "Your majesty, may I suggest something different be done with the Orb that the fool carried?" She waits for the Jarl to nod before continuing. "There is a war coming. One that will bring your tribe great honor, I assure you. But as you know when conflict is more than one tribe against another the friends you have the greater your chances of victory. Do you think there might be some dragons that would trade the Orb for their friendship?"

Diplomacy? Diplo!: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21