ProfPotts' Legacy of Fire PBP

Game Master Alexander Scott


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The Exchange

Okay, so boiling it down into the boring basic categories (which are more about assigning results/rewards at the end of the year than anything else), we're looking at the moment like:

Bahram - Research
Rashid - Church
Keldar - Business
Lavender - Administration
Yousef - ????

The potions were two of bless, one of clairvoyance, and one of see invisibility - even though they aren't spells which can usually be made into potions.

The spells on the pillars in the ruined temple of Nethys prove to be: burning hands, colour spray, continual flame, grease, shocking grasp, and sleep. Both Bahram and Lavender get to add them all as bonus spells known - although they can't be traded out for other spells (they're fixed permanent bonuses). If you already have any of 'em as chosen spells known (i.e. not bloodline spells) then you could always trade out that choice for something different (if that makes sense).

I'll write an in-character post once we have an idea what Yousef is doing too, and detail any obvious mechanical bonuses the characters gain by the end of the downtime (some bonuses not being so obvious or mechanical...).


ProfPotts wrote:
The spells on the pillars in the ruined temple of Nethys prove to be: burning hands, colour spray, continual flame, grease, shocking grasp, and sleep. Both Bahram and Lavender get to add them all as bonus spells known - although they can't be traded out for other spells (they're fixed permanent bonuses). If you already have any of 'em as chosen spells known (i.e. not bloodline spells) then you could always trade out that choice for something different (if that makes sense).

Done! Great! Thanks!


Yousef will assist Rashid with churchly stuff during some of his spare time. He will also pursue a romantic interest with Yesper (the female mercenary) or Haleen (the swashbuckler from the battle market). He will avoid Nyx (the necromancer) like the plague.
Also, if Almah allows, he can also try working with the rebuilding and administration of the town, focusing on trying to halt, slow, or at least keep track of black market activities.

Lavender Leaf wrote:
She also assists the other PCs on their own tasks if they need the assistance.

I could say something wrong about helping out Yousef with one of his activities but I won't


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min
Yousef olan Ahmad wrote:
Lavender Leaf wrote:
She also assists the other PCs on their own tasks if they need the assistance.
I could say something wrong about helping out Yousef with one of his activities but I won't

Romance with Lavender is possible, but she ain't easy like Nyx and Yesper. Takes a bit of work to get with Lavender. :)


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)
ProfPotts wrote:
The potions were two of bless, one of clairvoyance, and one of see invisibility - even though they aren't spells which can usually be made into potions.

Would it be possible to get Father Zastoran to reverse engineer the construction process, given that he has finished products to work with, or is it a secret 'lost to time'?

Lavender Leaf wrote:
Romance with Lavender is possible, but she ain't easy like Nyx and Yesper. Takes a bit of work to get with Lavender. :)

Rashid is happy to try and curb (or at least re-direct) Yousef's... youthful enthusiasm... to other pursuits, if Lavender wishes the assistance ;-)

---------

@ProfPotts: Definitely *not* a romance, but, whilst working on restoring the holdings of Sarenrae in the region of Kelmarane (as his main project), Rashid would like to try to pursue a friendship with Undrella - although a Harpy, she has undoubtedly been misused cruelly over the years, and Rashid would like to see if he can rehabilitate (dare I say redeem?) her - it is the sort of thing a fervent devotee of the Dawnflower would try to do :-)


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min
Rashid al-Gahiji wrote:

Lavender Leaf wrote:
Romance with Lavender is possible, but she ain't easy like Nyx and Yesper. Takes a bit of work to get with Lavender. :)
Rashid is happy to try and curb (or at least re-direct) Yousef's... youthful enthusiasm... to other pursuits, if Lavender wishes the assistance ;-)

Nah, Lavender isn't looking for romance, but that doesn't mean she can't be wooed though. :)

The Exchange

Over the next weeks and months, scores of merchants and settlers arrive and the work of rebuilding the village begins in earnest. By the end of a year, Kelmarane is a thriving community of nearly five hundred souls...

Along with aiding in the construction of a new oasis on the trade route to Kelmarane, Keldar puts his mining expertise to good use, locating a rich vein of copper ore in the nearby mountains. Almah makes sure to assign him one of the shops in the battle market itself, as befits a Knight Protector of Kelmarane, from which to conduct business – selling raw ore to visiting merchants, as well as some choice arms and armour he also crafts. Thanks to the village’s prime location once more opening up the northern trade route between Katapesh and Osirion, by the end of the year Keldar’s business is booming, developing to the point where he has a small staff both operating his copper mine, and running his shop.

For the year, Keldar’s business enterprises make him a tidy 3,000gp profit – over and above start-up and running costs! Hey – he may be a druid... but he’s also a dwarf! ;)

Bahram throws himself into study, voraciously consuming everything he can about calling, binding, and generally dealing with genies in his efforts to learn how to bring his beloved Zaina back to his side. His studies lead him to learn a great deal about the complicated structure of genie hierarchies and society, and even more about the specific events in the Pale Mountain region in ancient times...

Bahram:
From half-forgotten oral histories, and fragments of dusty books and ancient scrolls you piece together the tale of how a renegade efreeti prince named Jhavhul struck on a scheme to transform himself into a true god of fire and destruction by abusing the powers of wishcraft and forming a cult of devoted followers, each of whom he would grant one wish of their choice... in return for their using the other two he could grant to help wish him towards his eventual transformation.

The legends tell of how, when Jhavhul was nearing the one-thousand wishes he needed to attain his dark divinity, his abuse of wish magic attracted the attention of the outcast djinni princess Nefeshti. With the aid of her human lover (a ‘reformed’ genie binder of consummate power and skill named Andrathi), her five janni lieutenants, and a small army of her own these Templars of the Five Winds sought out and attacked Jhavhul’s cult. The resulting battles are said to have raged across the Pale Mountain region as Jhavhul desperately tried to hold out just long enough to complete the one-thousandth wish... and he would have succeeded, if not for the sacrifice of Andrathi. Using a legendary artefact of immeasurable power known as the Scroll of Kakishon – said to have been created by the legendary god-wizard Nex himself – Andrathi swept Jhavhul and the greater part of his armies from the face of Golarion... but in doing so was forever lost himself...

... It was as part of Nefeshti’s army that Zaina first came to Golarion, but the loss of Andrathi devastated the djinni princess, and as time passed, the Templars drifted apart and went their separate ways. A loyal few chose to remain in the region – something in the Pale Mountain region had been a key component of Jhavhul’s attempted transformation, and these few dedicated themselves to watching over the area to ensure that an act of such apocalyptic proportions would never again be attempted – by Jhavhul or by any other. But time took its toll and soon only the templar Vardishal remained – Nefeshti’s wish magic making it impossible for him to completely die... even though he was killed... What remained of Vardishal’s spirit is now bound within your friend, Yousef, but through your research you’ve come to suspect that Zaina herself – no more than a minor scout in Nefeshti’s army of old – had likewise dedicated herself to guardianship of the area though, lacking the wish crafted powers of Vardishal, she had to resort to allowing herself to be summoned and bound by mortal wizards in the area... a tricky and dangerous prospect at best...

Bahram gains a permanent +2 circumstance bonus on checks involving genie-related lore.

Over the course of the year Lavender proves herself indispensible in the administration of the growing town, as the number of merchants coming and going steadily grow, public works have to be funded and managed, and commerce – the very life-blood of the great nation of Katapesh – once more begins to flow through Kelmarane. Though the mystic bolt implanted in his temple – the so-called Pactmasters Favor – suppresses Garavel’s emotions, over time his respect for Lavender’s talents grows until the major-domo could be said to count the sorceress as a true friend. As for the Lady Almah herself, next to Garavel, Lavender becomes her most trusted confidant and advisor – seen by most as the deputy leader of the community. There are even rumours, whispered amongst the merchants who travel from the far-off capital city, that the Packmasters themselves may well have taken notice of the fine works the young half-elf is performing for them in this, the most far-flung region of their lands...

Lavender now has ‘friends in high places’...

It doesn’t take long before it’s announced that Rashid has received the rank of Abbot-Protector of Kelmarane’s Sarenraen community, an authority second only to the high priestess (an elderly human woman named Durriyah who soon arrives from the cost). Between the two of them they begin the process of rebuilding both the temple and the congregation of the local community – and are much loved by the people for it.

Instantly friendly with Rashid, Durriyah happily gifts him with one of the church’s relics to use as his own (chosen from a phylactery of faithfulness, a headband of Wisdom +2, a necklace of fireballs (type III), or a lesser strand of prayer beads) as well as offering any spellcasting services he may require at cost (so he can get those restoration spells cast for just the cost of the diamond dust material components).

Yousef’s relationship with the swordswoman Haleen steadily blossoms as she chooses to stick around the area in an attempt to raise the money she needs to pay off her old debts by cashing in on the bounty Almah places upon gnoll raiders. At first limited to simple flirtations and pleasant evenings together, with Haleen constantly reminding Yousef that she’ll be leaving as soon as her debts are paid, things progress towards a more serious commitment... and by the end of the year Yousef knows for a fact that it’s been a good four months since Haleen had the gold she needed... yet she still hasn’t left...

Haleen, in effect, becomes a (DM-controlled) cohort for Yousef – a non-XP-draining extra sword to go on adventures with you! She’s a 4th level Fighter (Mobile Fighter archetype) to start, but will generally level-up two levels after Yousef (so she’ll level up to 5th when he hits 7th).

The 'extra-special' potions can't be reverse-engineered, no - and neither can the ability to grant sorcerers bonus spells! There has to be some unique benefit from the old shrine to Nethys to make it worthwhile, after all! ;)

Technically Kelmarane now has a 200gp limit, but over the course of a year enough merchants will pass through that you can probably get your hands on anything reasonable you can afford. So yeah - spend cash, make sure your character sheets are up to date, and then I'll do a (hopefully more interesting) in-character post to kick-off book 2.


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Very well; I revise my estimate of what each PC gains to 4775 gp, 7 sp, and 4 cp :-)

I will make a more substantial post later, once I have sorted out exactly what Rashid is going to do ;-)


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Right then. Rashid's purchase list is:

Starting Wealth: (5093.49gp)

MW Illuminated copy of The Birth of Light and Truth (250gp)
MW Portable Altar (300gp)
Upgrade MW Consecrated Scimitar to +1 (2000gp)
+1 Sanctified Mithral Heavy Shield (2120gp)
MW Alchemical Silver Warhammer (402gp)

Finishing Wealth: (21.49gp)


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min

Gah! What am I gonna spend all this loot on?! Prof, how does my 'friends in high places' bonus work?


Rashid al-Gahiji wrote:
Very well; I revise my estimate of what each PC gains to 4775 gp, 7 sp, and 4 cp :-)

Would that be on-top of what we have listed ourselves? 'Cause Bahram has 3232 gp, 3 sp besides his trade goods.

The Exchange

Quote:
... Prof, how does my 'friends in high places' bonus work?

It's one of those 'it'll crop up later on in the adventure path' things... so no real need to worry about it for a year or two, the rate we progress... ;)


Over the course of the year, Yousef experiences a whole new outlook on life. His life as an urchin is long behind him and his thug years are now over. He is more of an explorer than a thief now. For the first time, he finds himself in a position where people show respect to him instead of crossing the street when they see him. He has found a relationship, and not a night's distraction. People count on him for help, and in return, he has been helping them, not cheating them. He is no longer the 'lone wolf' merely looking out for number one. He actually does things for the good of it, not for the hell of it.
.
I figure this year would be a good time for him to transition to Chaotic Good.

The Exchange

Quote:
I figure this year would be a good time for him to transition to Chaotic Good.

Sounds good to me!


Purchases so far
start: 7728.61gp
+1 Cloak of Resistance 1000 gp
Handy Haversack 2000 gp
+2 Belt of Giant Strength 4000
end: 728.61gp


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

@Bahram: Sadly, that may not be in addition; there was a total mentioned (3292.3 per PC) after we cleaned-out Kelmarane, but before we went to the temple; however, ProfPotts said we did not have time to 'liquidate' the items concerned, so I simply kept a running total.

I would guess that Bahram has an additional 1483.44gp on top of what he previously had listed on his character sheet.

However, if ProfPotts wishes for us to have an additional 3,500gp each, I would certainly be happy to take it - a cloak of resistance +1 and a Handy Haversack would be nice :-)

So, just to be clear:

EACH PC GAINED 1483.44 gp FROM CLEARING THE TEMPLE OF NETHYS, HAVING PREVIOUSLY GAINED 3292.3 gp FROM CLEARING KELMARANE, AS WELL AS HAVING A SMALL AMOUNT OF TRADE GOODS LEFT OVER FROM ALMAH'S 'GIFT' BACK WHEN WE FIRST MET HER.


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min

Lavender had 5000sp and about 1500gp worth of trade goods before adding the amount you gave out. Ending up being about 6500 gp. does that sound right for Lavender?


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

The 500sp sounds like the bounty from Almah, which was included in the total I gave, but other than that, it sounds about right, given that Lavender had the 900gp 'Rich Parents' bonus.

The Exchange

Faris asim!’knight protector’ a small child cried out in delight before his mother pulled him aside, her gossamer silk veil failing to hide the appreciative smile on her own face as Yousef strode through the streets of Kelmarane. The market town had been revitalised since they’d taken it back from the gnolls twelve months previous – scores of merchants and settlers had arrived to help rebuild the community, and they now had a thriving population of close to five hundred. There was still work to be done, of course, but most of the buildings were restored, the battle market and slave market were both bustling (Lady Almah having enforced a rule that slaves could be brought from gnoll traders, but not sold to them – arguing that every slave sold by gnolls in the Kelmarane market was another life saved), and boats loaded and unloaded cargoes at the wharf daily, even as camel trains transported goods across the scorching heat of the desert.

Lavender had taken the duties of wharf-mistress on herself, along with numerous other administrative chores, and seemed to be doing a wonderful job of it, managing to keep rough, tough, barge captains and smooth-talking merchants alike in line – the title of Princess which little Zaina had so often referred to her with, having somehow spread from the members of Almah’s original caravan to the general populace and the visiting merchants. The sorceress worked closely with Garavel – the major domo of Lady Almah, the merchant princess who, by decree of the mysterious Pactmasters, ruled the town.

The good Father Rashid, of course, was the town’s official Abbot-Protector, having been confirmed by the new high priestess Durriyah as her first action when she arrived from the coast in the initial wave of settlers after the town was reclaimed. An elderly human woman who appeared to fluctuate between gentle absent-mindedness and razor-sharp insight as befitted the situation, Durriyah seemed content to take the role of mentor and spiritual guide, leaving Rashid great freedom in forming and expanding the town’s growing Sarenraen community as he saw fit.

In a remarkable transformation from the slave he once was to wealthy businessman, Keldar was making money hand-over-fist as the copper mine and generally smithy he’d set up as the very first of Kelmarane’s new businesses proved to be a great success.

Only Bahram – spending his days and nights with his nose deep in research into mystic arcana and the mysteries of genie-kind – sometimes seemed a little divorced from the new community as his continuing obsession with reuniting with Zaina drove him onwards.

A passing shadow caused Yousef to glance up as he reached the impressive bronze-studded double doors to the home he shared with the others – the grand wharfmaster’s manor – Undrella, the harpy alchemist, was alighting on the balcony above. Perhaps the strangest success story of the revitalised town, the harpy had turned her alchemical experiments in the tannery across the river to a successful business, with the help of the elderly priest of Nethys, Father Zastoran, who now ran the so-called infusium in the battle market where Undrella’s wares were sold. The pairs’ initial dislike for each other had been gradually overcome (with much mediation by Father Rashid) and, once the gold had started to flow from their successful partnership any earlier hostilities were quickly forgotten. Undrella herself had become something of a feature of the town. While many stilled feared her, Rashid had managed great strides in ‘civilising’ the bird-winged woman, and Katapesh was a land where gold was the best argument of all. Many of the local children had started to refer to Undrella as ‘their’ harpy, and even some of the adults had followed suit. She had her outbursts, of course – she was, after all, a creature born of chaos – but Rashid had long since learned what to say to calm her... and when that wasn’t enough there was always her pretty one, as she still referred to Bahram, whom the harpy appeared to have developed a lingering crush on. In fact, over the course of the year, Undrella had gradually improved her personal appearance in her ongoing efforts to win the sorcerer’s heart... or, at least, some part of his anatomy... to the point that she now made every effort to appear perfumed and pretty, her feathers groomed to perfection, and bedecked in the most expensive silks and jewellery.

The mansion’s servants stepped aside and bowed respectfully as Yousef entered the main entrance hall of the ground floor – decorated in a beautiful arabesque pattern mosaic which weathered the village’s abandonment well and had since been restored to its former glory. Kobad – the mansion’s head servant – quickly slipped to Yousef’s side, bowing his bald head briefly as he spoke,

The masters and mistress are gathered in your room,’ reported the plump, middle-aged, Keleshite man, ‘it seems you have a visitor...’ Noting the expectant look on Yousef’s face, Kobad shook his head,
Sadly Mistress Haleen has yet to return from her latest... hunting... trip. No, your visitor is Mistress Undrella and...’ the man appeared at a loss for words for a few moments – a most unusual occurrence for Kobad considering his professional background in etiquette and gentle diplomacy. Finally he settled for a rather un-informative, ‘... another individual...’ and seemed reluctant to expand further...

*****

... Heading up the marble stairs and into his room in the mansion, Yousef finds Lavender, Bahram, Keldar, and Rashid already gathered, with the harpy Undrella standing just inside the double doors of intricate wooden latticework which lead to the balcony beyond. Clad not quite in the finery she usually wears when Bahram is present, but rather in more practical (but still well-tailored and stylish) travelling clothes, with her satchel of alchemical odds and ends at her thigh Undrella, for once, appears to be smiling and fluttering her eyelashes at something other than the pretty one... in this case a small bundle in her arms. As Yousef enters the harpy glances up,

I’ve just had a very interesting visit with my old friend Nyx,’ she explains, failing to keep the amusement from her enchantingly melodious voice as she speaks, ‘and she wanted me to return this to you...’

With that, the harpy passes the bundle over to Yousef... a bundle which turns out to be an infant, maybe three months old, a cute little squirming thing with a distinct hint of orcish blood to its features...

Congratulations,’ beams Undrella, ‘it’s a boy!

And off you go! Feel free to finish up with the buying stuff et al of course. And no... no additonal 'accounting error' ca$h please! :)


"Oh crap."


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Rashid smiles warmly at Yousef.

"Well, I can see that it was unexpected, but congratulations are still in order; I am sure that you will make an excellent father!"

His spark may burn all-too-briefly in this world, but I have come to see the heart of gold, and courage, that he possesses...


"uh...shit." The half-orc nervously accepts the bundle of baby. "Shit! What do I do?" He remains silent for many seconds before turning to Rashid. "I guess I have to try. Nyx probably has no interest in raising our...gulp...son; being she has this quest for lichdom. Shit. Shit. Uh, Rashid. You know I need you to be my baby's godfather...." Yousef falls into silence, staring at the baby, then turning to Undrella. "Did she name him?"


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min

Ok, So Lavender should have 500 gp less, got it.

Hahaha! Wow. You Reap what you sow Yousef! :) Looks like you got some explaining to do!

Lavender beams at Yousef and son. "D'aaawwww.... He's sooo cy-ute! Hehe, He even has your eyes and your nose!" Lavender says, confirming the obvious resemblance.

She looks over to Undrella. "Undrella, I didn't know you knew Nix..."

The Exchange

Quote:
"Undrella, I didn't know you knew Nix..."

The harpy scowls at Lavender as she hisses her reply,

'Why is it no surprise that the Princess pays no attention to anyone but...' she glances towards Rashid, pauses, takes a deep breath, and manages a polite smile as she continues in a much calmer tone, '... That is to say - Nyx and I are the oldest residents of the area, we've known each other for years. I'm sure I've mentioned it before,' she takes a moment to look Yousef up and down, before adding, 'in regards to not being foolish enough to steal the necromancer's man, if nothing else...'

Quote:
"Did she name him?"

Undrella leans over the infant, cooing melodically to him as she gently tickles his chin with the tip of one talon, causing the little tyke to giggle,

'She refered to him as Aab-i-Hayat,' she replies, 'it means "the water of life". I got them impression that she didn't want the bother of looking after him... at least for the next few years...'

Knowledge (arcana)DC 26:
It may be pure coincidence, but you've heard that the so-called waters of life are one of the many components said to be necessary in the complicated and varied process of becoming a lich...


lols
Kn Arcana; 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 meeh...

Standing by the window sipping caff Bahram seems withdrawn and tired as he stares out at the bustling wharf. Having spent twelve months now with his nose buried in various tomes, obsessing over how to get Zaina back, his skin has grown paler and more drawn, his hair, once short and lustrious, has grow long and shot with grey and a full beard now covers his face. Although only a year has passed, the young sorcerer looks as if he has aged a dozen. How d'ya'll like the new profile pic?

Staring out at the wharf he appears completely oblivious the harpys advances, his heart and mind are set, he looks up and smiles as Yousef gathers his son in his arms, smirking at his reactions. "Congratulations my friend. He'll grow strong and tough if he takes anything after you." he offers in a way of congratulations, heading over to gaze at the babe. "Aab-i-Hayat." he repeats after Undrella frowning, his brow furrowing as a memory wriggles in the back of his head, refusing to emerge. "A good name, a name full of promise." he concludes.


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Rashid smiles warmly at Yousef.

"Of course Yousef, it would be an honor. How could I refuse to help guide and protect the son of a good friend?"

His gaze then focuses on the baby.

"Well met, Aab-i-Hayat ibn-Yousef."

@Bahram: Yes, I did notice; Bahram actually looks a tad healthier, albeit slightly grayer ;-)


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min
Undrella wrote:
The harpy scowls at Lavender as she hisses her reply.

Lavender rolls her eyes and lets out a tired sounding sigh. "Really Undrella? We've know each other for over a year now, and I'm probably one of your best customers... do you have to do that every time we meet?"

"Congratulations Yousef! And Congratulations on being the god father Rashid!" Lavender resists asking if he would actually be a goddess father, with the whole Sarenrae thing and all... "Ignoring the fact that it is really creepy for a necromancer to name her child 'the Water of Life...' Aab-i-Hayat is a really cute name!'

And without missing a beat, Lavender bluntly asks the question that is on everyone's mind. "So... What are you going to tell Haleen?" A seriously curious look on her face.

The Exchange

Quote:
"Really Undrella? We've know each other for over a year now, and I'm probably one of your best customers... do you have to do that every time we meet?"

'I don't know what you mean...' retorts Undrella in a haughty tone as she steps to position herself to cut-off the line-of-sight between Lavender and Bahram...

Turning her attention to the sorcerer, the harpy slinks closer to run a taloned finger teasingly down the man's chest as she pouts a little, looking up at him through her long lashes, the intoxicating scent of her expensive perfume in his nostrils as she says in a breathy voice,

'It's all enough to make one broody... What do you think, my Pretty One - should we make a baby?'


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Rashid attempts to calm ruffled feathers.

"I have not forgotten your long history here, Undrella. You are a valued friend and ally of this community; you must have noticed how many of the children here are quite fond of you."


Bluff to pass a secret message to Rashid 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"Psst. You know, it might not be a bad idea to ask Sarenae for a confirmitory divination tomorrow mornning." Yousef whispers to Rashid while he teases the baby with his fingers. "Coochee-coo little Hayat."


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29.

Rashid shifts slightly uncomfortably.

"Well, I can ask The Dawnflower for some confirmation today, but you may not like the way I need to ask it. I can ask whether it is a good idea for you to accept custody of this boy (Augury), and I can determine who he is, and what he is (Blood Biography), but I would need a drop of blood for that..."


ProfPotts wrote:

'It's all enough to make one broody... What do you think, my Pretty One - should we make a baby?'

"Yeah, Bahram. I think Hayat needs himself a buddy!" Yousef taunts before turning back to Rashid. "Naw. If he skins his knee sometime I'll come to you. In the meantime..." he turns to Lavender.

Lavender wrote:


And without missing a beat, Lavender bluntly asks the question that is on everyone's mind. "So... What are you going to tell Haleen?" A seriously curious look on her face.

"Just hope she takes it in stride I guess. Nothing I can do about it, though on a more pressing note I need to find him a nursemaid. Are there any new mothers in the camp? Kid this young can't eat real food...can he?"


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min

"Uhhh.... Don't ask me, I know nothing about babies."


Bahram recoils unconsciously from Undrellas touch, half-adopting a defencive stance, frowning, blinking at her like he's noticing her for the first time since she arrived. Drinking in her apearance he can't help but remember their first meeting, the stirring he felt at her touch, and Zaina's reactions to it. Feeling a pang of guilt he sees how she's changed, her preened feathers and her almost civilized manner. Sighing he glances at Rashid and his features soften.

"I'm sorry, it's not going to happen Undrella. I belong to another." he replies as curtly as he can, stepping around her to stand by Yousef. "Your childish enough for both of you, my friend. It seems a play mate has been found." he smirks.


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min
Bahram Zarishu wrote:
"I'm sorry, it's not going to happen Undrella. I belong to another."

Lavender quickly adopts a defensive stance. "N-Not me!" She says, not expecting that the Harpy will believe her.

The Exchange

Quote:
"I have not forgotten your long history here, Undrella. You are a valued friend and ally of this community; you must have noticed how many of the children here are quite fond of you."

'And I am fond of children too,' replies Undrella, then casts a wink towards Lavender as she adds, 'although it's been ages since I ate a whole one...'

Quote:
"Coochee-coo little Hayat."

The baby gurgles a smile then proceeds to grab Yousef's finger and suck it...

Quote:
"I'm sorry, it's not going to happen Undrella. I belong to another."

The harpy flinches a little at the emotional slap, but then smiles and sighs,

'We'll see, Pretty One,' she promises, 'we'll see...'


m dwarven page 18 druid 5th

Okay Lav I have covered your 70gold for the house. Does anyone else need help? I have no problem with Bahram taking a top floor room. I myself will convert the basement area into living and office space, if no one objects?


m dwarven page 18 druid 5th
jjaamm/Keldar wrote:
Okay Lav I have covered your 70gold for the house. Does anyone else need help? I have no problem with Bahram taking a top floor room. I myself will convert the basement area into living and office space, if no one objects?

WILL USE EARTH SPELLS TO FIX IT UP. Burrow it out some and seal it up better incase of water leakage. Also create an escape tunnel, just incase.


m dwarven page 18 druid 5th
jjaamm/Keldar wrote:
jjaamm/Keldar wrote:
Okay Lav I have covered your 70gold for the house. Does anyone else need help? I have no problem with Bahram taking a top floor room. I myself will convert the basement area into living and office space, if no one objects?
WILL USE EARTH SPELLS TO FIX IT UP. Burrow it out some and seal it up better incase of water leakage. Also create an escape tunnel, just incase.


m dwarven page 18 druid 5th

No problem Lav, we are friends after all. Im sure if I needed something you'd help me out too.

The Exchange

The plump, bald, head servant Kobad coughs politely to get the group's attention as he steps smoothly just inside the door,

'Masters, Mistresses,' he bows, 'there is a messenger from Lady Almah...'

Before the man can continue, a small, dirty and scruffy, urchin boy pushes his way past and into the room... where he stops suddenly, staring around wide-eyed as he takes in the heroes of Kelmarane... not to mention Undrella...

... Eventually the lad manages to snap out of his awe, taking his fez in-hand as he bows and stammers out his message,

'L-lady Almah, Masters... sh-she said you sh-should come to the t-tavern... in th-the battlemarket. Sh-she said there's a m-man there... a visiting priest who... who wants t-to sp-speak with you all...'


m dwarven page 18 druid 5th

Seems this day is full of messengers. Off we go than


Bahram Zarishu wrote:
"Your childish enough for both of you, my friend. It seems a play mate has been found." he smirks.

Yousef smiles, "You're right. I'm going to be such a cool dad." Then he looks to his little son. "Let's go, tyke, and see what this priest wants." Yousef then heads down to Almah carrying Hayet.


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Rashid nods his thanks to the Urchin.

"Thank-you, lad. If you go to the kitchen, I am sure that the cook will be able to find you something to eat."

He then turns to the others.

"Let's go see what this priest wants. I wonder which Faith he represents?"


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min

Lavender smiles at the kid. "Thanks for the message!" She says as she pats the kid on the head, and dust and dirt literally falls off of him. Prestidigitation! Here, this is for you. Once your done getting yourself some food, could you head back to Almah and report that we are going to go meet this priest?" Lavender asks as she hands a tip of 2 copper coins to the lad. Or more, if that is too skimpy, not sure what a good tip would be.

"Ok, Lets go meet this priest then."


Bahram frowns at the message and tusrns to the window to check on the position of the sun before slowly nodding. "Alright, I have time."

Putting down his caff he heads out with the party.

The Exchange

Exiting the manor the group emerge on the bustling wharf, where friendly local workers, stripped to their waists as they haul cargo to and from the river barges moored up, hail them with cheerfully yelled greetings and friendly smiles. A couple of the wharf officials hurry over to Lavender to try to get her signature on some documents, or to ask her to make a descision about some point of procedure as she walks by, while more than one of the visiting merchants and barge captains offer the 'Princess' flattering and flirtatious praise. A shadow briefly passes over the group as Undrella takes flight from the balcony above, winging her way back across the river to the tannery.

Heading along the main road which spirals up the village's hill to the battlemarket the group catch the wary glances of a small pack of gnolls over by the slave market - the leader of which appears to be arguing with one of the merchants, haggling over the value of the chain of slaves they've just brought into town. Almah's Packmaster guard are near at hand, but it's the appearance of the town's Knight Protectors which seems to settle the gnolls down, as they peer at you suspiciously before their leader grabs the coin purse being offered them, and they sullenly slink away...

A stableboy, his white linen tunic and turban dirtied by the day's chores, struggles with a rather stubborn pair of camels as the group make their way past the stables and the common house - from which drifts the aroma of spiced stew and strong coffee.

Proceeding up the road, work appears to be continuing at a steady pace on the lower gatehouse - once the lair of the great warthog 'Old Bonegrinder' - fresh-cut blocks of stone being hauled up the wooden scaffolding by teams of strong men who chant songs to help them maintain a work rhythm. The foreman calls out greetings to your group, briefly showing Lavender a scroll with the latest figures and estimates on it, and checking with Keldar on the expected delivery dates for some of the brass fittings they're awaiting.

Further up the hill the stately Trade Alliance Guildhouse also shows great signs of progress in its restoration - the Alliance having moved back in as soon as the reclaimation of Kelmarane was made known. A pair of heavily tanned orge slaves, clad in matching uniforms of loose blue silk trousers tucked into low boots with curled toes, with a red silk sash belt, and blue silk turban, and each with an oversized and highly polished falchion in hand, stand guard in a stiff, formal, posture either side of the Guildhouse entrance. Despite obviously being under magical control, both orges also sport heavy metal collars around their necks - to advertise their slave status (and thus the wealth of their owners) more than for any possible practical reasons.

The upper gatehouse - less damaged than the lower - has already been fully restored, the trumpeting statue of Sarenrae attached to it now cleaned and polished so that it catches the light of the sun in a quite dazzling display. The town guards on duty here stand to attention as your group pass, a couple of the more pious quietly asking Rashid for a quick blessing as he goes by... and one of the less pious quietly asking Yousef if he's interested in the game of knucklebones he's running that evening...

Reaching the battlemarket a glance at the palace beyond it - now Lady Almah's official residence (although she tends to spend most of her time in her offices on the highest level of the battlemarket) - shows more teams of workmen and architects striving to recapture the building's former glory.

Heading into the battlemarket is heading into the bustle of a bazaar - the intermingled noise of constant sales pitches and haggling, the scents of spices, cooking meats, and strong coffee mingling with those of everything from the most common livestock to the most expensive perfumes. The crowds aren't so large to be oppressive, but busy enough to show the town's growing prosperity, and - clad in silks and linens - produce a riot of colours everywhere one looks. Small groups of people are dotted about the seating next to the main stage, watching and listening to a troupe of veiled dancing girls - their outfits of gossamer silks and golden coins designed to tantalise with every calculated undulation of hip or flourish of limb, yet never reveal too much - and the musicians accompanying them.

As the group makes its way towards the raised platform which curves round a quarter of the battlemarket's ground floor and holds the tavern, one of Keldar's employees hustles over to give a brief update on how the day's business is doing.

Finally reaching the tavern it's not hard to spot the visiting priest. For one thing he's sitting with Lady Almah - she with two Packmaster guards unobtrusive, but close at hand; for the other, the man's appearance is striking indeed. A towering human, near seven feet in height, clad in flowing desert robes, accented with a few tasteful pieces of gold jewellery. His head is shaved bald, but he sports a white beard - square cut and tied into a 'pharaoh' style popular in Osirian. A sun tattoo adorns his forehead, almost appearing to glow as he rises to bow deeply and graciously as your group approaches.

Despite the presence of the visitor, Almah seems more interested in the baby Yousef is carrying as he arrives - her eyes lighting up and a smile leaping to her lips as she takes in the squirming bundle of cuteness. However, she manages to contain herself (although her raised eyebrows and inquiring glance suggests that she's keen to hear all about it), and introuduce your group. For his part, the tall visitor introduces himself as...

'Zayifid - a traveler of the sand and scrub, a student of all things Sarenrae sees fit to shine upon, and an unwilling bearer of bad news,' his tone seems soft-spoken, but reverberates with a charismatic power which borders on the intimidating...


hp 35 | AC 12 | T 12 | FF 10 | CMD 12 | F +2 | R +3 | W +3 | Init +8 | Per +8 || LL 8 || Sp ~/8/2 ||| SpC 8min

"Lavender - Nice to meet you Mr. Zayifid." Lavender says, trying to keep a upbeat tone despite the man's blunt statement of bearing bad news. "...Am I correct in assuming that the bad news has something to do with why we were summoned here?" Lavender says, looking back and forth between Almah and Zayifid.


Male Dwarf Separatist Cleric (Foundation of Faith) 7 (HP 59/59) (AC 26/12/25) (CMD 24) (Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +11) (Init +1) (Perception +18)

Rashid nods to the various townsfolk as the party strides through the streets of Kelmarane, pausing only to provide a brief blessing to those guards that request it.

When he arrives at the tavern where Almah and the priest are, he bows formally, and smiles in welcome, before warmly stating:

"A devoted follower of the Everlight will always be welcome here. I hope that you have not traveled far, but I trust that the Dawnflower has watched over you, fondly; She seems to take a special interest in those amongst Her Faithful who live in this region...

...but I digress. Please, what troubles you so?"


Wrapping his hair up in a urban before leaving Bahram remains in the back of the group as they make their way to the Battlemarket. Watching towns reactions to the passing Knight Protectors Bahram is pleased to see how well loved and how well integrated the group is to the town. It started out as a flight for survival but it turned out into wealth and fame for them. 'We have done well for ourselves.' he reflects.

As the Sarenrite towers over them and curtesies Bahram can't help but feel a little intimidated by his powerful presence, 'A man of conviction, a holy man like Rashid.' he surmises.

"Bahram Zarishu.." he introduces himself. "..sorcerer and follower of Nethys, the keeper of secrets. Welcome to Kelerane Zayifid. Please, tell us the news you bear."

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