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The Osirian city of An acme to the Pathfinder Lodge lead by Norden Balentiir. It is in this sandy city that we pick up the trail of our adventurers...
Venture-Captain Norden Balentiir inclines his head in welcome as he opens the door and welcomes everyone into a modest office. “I’m glad you are on time—and with little to spare,” he says as checks outside and then closes the door. “Your ship leaves soon, and I’ve taken care of the details.” He places a neat stack of travel papers on the small desk and sits down.
“I’m pleased that you volunteered to visit the remote monastery of Tar Kuata on the Society’s behalf. As you may already know, the Society seeks pieces of the Sky Key, a strange relic broken into multiple pieces by dwarves long ago. It seems one of the descendants may have found her way to Tar Kuata, and we believe the Ouat monks that also reside there still have a piece of the key. Travel there, meet with them, confirm our intelligence, and barter for the relic as needed. Do aim to be respectful; few Pathfinders have traveled to Tar Kuata, so you’ll need to earn the monks’ goodwill—and perhaps even pave the way for future collaboration.
“To that end, I am sending you with this.” Balentiir lifts a heavy bag and adds it to the desk. “You may be familiar with bags able to hold more than seems possible, and this one is filled with grain. I understand Tar Kuata has had a poor harvest this year, and this should help you get off on the right foot in negotiations. Any questions?”
Bones, Ouroboreia, the Venture-Captain addresses the followers of the Scarab Sages, I have received a message from Amenopheus. He insisted that you be provided with this letter, as he hands a piece of parchment. ().
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The tall and well built Tian has a sense of otherness about him. Clad in a burnt-gold kimono matched with dark crimson hakama pants - he almost resembles a walking sunset. A large stylised sun has been boldly embroidered on the back of his kimono, and equally stylised dragons detail the front. A fine looking katana is sashed at his waist.
The servant of the Empress clasps a finely made wooden flute as though it means a lot to him. As the briefing continues he passes around some finely crafted lacquered cups containing green tea. He introduces himself to any people he hasn't met "Takahiro, servant of Shizuru" his face remains a serene picture of tranquility.
Diplomacy
Know:Rel
"I shall be honoured to do as you ask, but my knowledge of the Osiriani people is meager, and I have only recently toured their lands and have much to learn. I will deal with honesty and respect, as my customs and beliefs dictate and will bring honour to the Society"
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A young woman of otherworldly looks stands in the room, her gaze lost in the vague as if she was contemplating something invisible to the eye. She doesn't acknowledge your presence at once. Her physical appearance is weird to say the least. Despite her typical Varisian traits, her skin is ebony black. Her hair is medium-length and white with purple shades and wisps of longer hair. Yet the strangest thing about her is her eyes - purple iris surrounded in pure black. The young woman's clothes are Varisian in style, despite a few Mwangi lucky charms around her neck or wrist. A small dinosaur can be spotted in the folds of her kapenia scarf, curious and much more wary of the surroundings than her mistress.
"Thank you, Venture-Captain Balentiir. We shall attend to this matter at once. I'll be glad to act as diplomat on behalf of the Society once more."
Merchants are refusing to travel into the Footprints of Rovagug, the region surrounding the monastery. The most recent two caravans to return from there were both attacked by bandits.
A Sothan priest of Irori named Narmek Tar Kuata founded the monastery more than 3,000 years ago. It is among the oldest continuously used schools in Osirion.
Most people in Tar Kuata are humans of Garundi ancestry, but the monastery also houses the Ouat monks, an order of dwarves that shave their heads and beards and eschew dwarven traditions in favor of discovering their own path to perfection.
Weeks ago, a priest gave a passionate sermon praising the church of Sarenrae for dismantling an illegal cult of Rovagug. Despite this sermon being old news, many people still talk about it.
Not all citizens of Tar Kuata are monks; pilgrims who fail admission to the monastery often settle in the village and take up everyday occupations.
Ouroboreia and Takahiro relate their knowledge, and Bones confirms that what they say is true...
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"I am often saddened that so many people we encounter along the path only consider hearing of our concerns and our kindnesses after being negotiated with by greatswords rather than our great words - such is the way of things" the Tien swordsman contemplates the thought for a moment then finishes his tea and begins packing up the lacquered cups. Not long after, now changed into his red and gold O-Yoroi with sunburst and dragon motifs, Takahiro announces his readiness to travel.
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Holman smirks at the exchange between Grimaldus and Takahiro, "Sure, but seems to me that, whether you're swinging a big sword or using big words, either way, you're compensating for something." He smiles broadly, confirming that he speaks in jest. "Anyway, there's some that think it's us little guys, those that slip in and out unnoticed, that implement the big changes."
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"Spoken like a true illusionist," Cacumattus agrees, highlighting his point by making a flamboyant gesture with one hand, culminating in a burst of flame - then with the other, handing Takahiro one of his own fine tea cups.
"Hopefully we won't need to be so deceptive on this mission, though; monks are usually a pretty trusting lot."
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"I grew up in a monastery surrounded by Monks, they act trusting, but everything is a test. 'Takahiro! Sweep the floor!' a test of humility, 'Takahiro! Go bring us back the moon!' a test of wisdom...tests, always tests, always looking disappointed, never just 'Good job Takahiro, happy with you now' no, no, always 'Hmmmph we see you in the morning, have new job' and back to contemplation. Never happy, always tests, much contemplation, meditation, and frustration - now it is 'Takahiro! You must leave the monastery and wander the world, find wisdom in the far corners' - ha very funny, the world is round" he clucks audibly and then starts muttering to himself in Tien, something about 'Death being a feather, duty being a mountain'.
After a tiring, days-long journey, the adventurers reach Tar Kuata in the morning. At the base of a high mountain valley, the monastery of Tar Kuata perches atop a rocky outcropping that overlooks a tiny village and terraced fields. The steep cliffs to either side shelter the small structures from the wind, and a tall, thin spire towers over the settlement.
A dwarven monk introduces himself as Menkha Helg, and is clearly the leader of the Ouat monks. Welcome to Tar Kuata. I hope your path has been clear of troubles.
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Ouroboreia moves forward and returns the salute in the same manner. She chooses her words carefully before answering.
"Ouroboreia of the Pathfinder Society. I thank you for your welcome, our journey was blessed with Irori's peace of mind and body. We have come as scholars, wishing to examine one of your relics of yore, seeking wisdom from this study."
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Assist Ouro - Diplomacy
"Such kind wishes Brother Helg, but a road without hardship or troubles is a road without opportunity to work divine mercies, nor gain wisdom from overcoming misfortune and adversity... I once remarked on a rough voyage that I found the harsh waves to be very concerning, and a wise Varisian captain told me 'Smooth seas do not make good sailors'...or something like that. I thank you for your kind welcome" Takahiro bows.
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Bones bows with respect "As my companions have mentioned, the road presented little in the way of tests other than enjoying the peace and beauty of the land. We humbly seek permission to learn from your monastery the history of groups that may have visited long ago. "
The dwarf tries to read Menkha Helg body language.
The power of a wish increases as its likelihood diminishes. Helg responds to Takahiro, clearly implying that the roads are dangerous.
You've travelled far to talk to me, and yet you want to travel further? Here we are talking, we are not talking there. You talk about travel, but is that where you steer the conversation?
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Grim rolls his eyes as the dwarf spills the beans on their actual mission. Did the man have no idea of operational security?!!? But still the giant man holds his tongue, standing behind his comrades in his calm, but combat-ready, stance. His 5 foot long adamantine greatsword rests point down in front of him, its magic glow visible even in the daylight.
You travel and you seek. the Monk smiles at the uncomplicated words of the dwarf Have you reached the right place? That is for Itephta to answer. Itephta is busy, but can receive you after the sixth bell (
How to pass the time? Time is such an intangible thing, it passes you by so easily. Come, travel in the village with me and join me in the heights, so that we may observe the time.
The monk invites the party to explore the village, and eventually to join him for a modest lunch. All the while he is striking up conversation and observing the behaviour of the pathfinders.
[ooc]I need a Bluff, Diplomacy or K(Nobility/Religion) check for your interactions with the monk.
Cacumattus - 18
Bones - 24
Takahiro -??
Grimaldus - ??
Holman - ??
Ouroboreia - ??
Cacumattus manages to uphold something of a proper decorum, while Bones digs deep in his memory and fiends some pieces of religious wisdom. The mind of the monk is hard to read, but at the very least he is not obviously disapproving.
Cacumattus - 18
Bones - 19
Takahiro -11
Grimaldus - ??
Holman - 26
Ouroboreia - 34
Though Menkha Helg doesn't seem to agree much with the staunch presence of Takahiro, nor the blatant attempts of wisdom of Cacumattus, she does seem to appreciate Bones' knowledge, and the sweet talking of Ourboreia and Holman. After a brisk walk and a light meal, a bell rings out.
Menkha guides the group to the monastary, where a Garundi human awaits them. Welcome to the home of the Ouat order. My name is Itephta, head of the monastery. the man says, then turns to Menkha Helg: Are these the ones inquiring about the dwarven relic? What is your impression of these travellers?
They cherish the road, and wisdom enlightens their manners. Their presence is approved. Menkha replies
Good, the head of the monastery answers, You seek something we would give freely, but the relic is one heavy with the weight of history. Just as I would not ask a neophyte to lift a boulder before he can lift a stone, I cannot in good conscience burden you with this bauble without knowing your capabilities.
When our students request greater responsibilities or greater challenges, we first ensure that they have mastered what they have learned before. I propose you experience the same courtesy I would extend to a student by undergoing a small portion of our training. It shall strengthen your body for the return journey and prepare your mind to weather your future trials.
As of now, I have other business to attend to, but I shall leave you in the guidance of Aeotsep., the head says, gesturing to a monk whose sun-weathered features and kind face are traced with a network of wrinkles.
With a kind smile on his face, Aeotsep leads the party to one of the study rooms, which
contains several bookshelves, a small table, and a lectern on which a book lies open. It is a copy of Unbinding the Fetters, the principle holy text of the Iroran faith.
Please waits here, for I need some time to prepare the trials, the old monk says patiently, then scuttles off.
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Grim catches the meaning of the conversation - a test of skills for the group. And he had trained under enough old men to know they were the most skilled warriors and were to be respected and watched. He settles himself into a corner and begins his mind and body calming exercises, sitting perfectly still, slowing his breathing, and clearing his mind...
From Aostep's request, and his long absence, one could get the suspicion that there is more to this delay than Aotsep claims.
Both Takahiro and Bones investigate the holy text, but can't seem o grasp any significance form it. The book lies open on a passage that compares self-perfection to the creation of the world.
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Bones comments, "If this is a test then are we to be patient waiting or take initiative to discover the test.?"
The cleric searches the room for anything over looked.
-Posted with Wayfinder