Pavok Kor'tell |
Puzzled at what his dwarven brother found he looks back to Yamen, "Hmmm.. The anubinite's fort was made of wood, if your people don't wish to use it maybe we can scrap it."
Pavok keeps looking towards the door and wondering whats wrong with his Arik, "Yamen excuse me a moment I forgot something with the camels that I need to retrieve." Pavok searches for the where Arik went off too.
Perception:1d20 ⇒ 8
Catalina_Hakîm |
After discovering that the stranger in the village wasn't an immediate threat, Catalina instead decided to find the Torag followers. The team seemed to be settling in, and she didn't think this was the time or place for a slowed pace. She passed by just as Arik addressed the elder. She approached quickly, ready to make a move in the case Arik became manic. "What has come over you, Dwarf?"
Shanosuke |
Sorry for lack of posting. Lots of stuff caused me to have to acquire a new PC. After I got it I realized I lost a lot of material for this campaign. Recovered most of it so I may need to Improv a bit. Be okay though.
Frightened by Arik's outburst the elder panicks. "Ah help the litte man has gone mad! He's trying to hurt me help!" He runs off flailing his arms.
From Hakrad, Used to be a major. Quit when Shaitan abandoned the people. You?" Before you can answer you hear a commotion from outside. Someone is screaming for help. Gan stands up picking up his weapons. "Trouble."
Pavok Kor'tell |
Pavok run's between the two figures, "BOTH OF YOU CALM YOURSELVES, BY TORAG'S HAMMER STOP A MOMENT AND CALM DOWN." The paladin holds his hands up between the both of them. "Now both of you breath for a second and let's try this again. And Elder remember were here to help you not hurt you." Pavok's voice is calm and reassuring.
Diplomancy:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Shanosuke |
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The Elder points accusingly at the little man. "That monster came at me demanding I tell secrets for which I no not the answer! He has threatened to torture me! What are these little men anyways! Last time I saw others like this one they were just as much trouble. Almost hard to tell them apart from the anubites! Get it out of here before it hurts someone!"
Just at that moment Gan the Oread shows up. "What is troubling the village?" He looks to Arik and gestures with his blade. "Is this little man bothering you or your people elder?"
The elder nods. "Yes! It is threatening to torture me!"
Gan looks at Arik and Pavok. "Speak quick and true or I will let my sword do the talking."
Arik Bryn |
"I threaten no torture. I seek my brother Drugan; this amulet belongs to him and I found it the smithy. The elder has lost his wits and makes wild accusations. As for your sword talking, you'll find that Torag's servants are quite eloquent. I doubt such a debate would end in anyone's favor. Now, please, speak sense to this man so that I may get the answers I require."
Shanosuke |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Gan hardens his gaze at the dwarf. "Listen little man. You are a guest here. Your outbursts will not be tolerated. I do what I can to keep the peace, These people have suffered greatly and your exciteable behavior is not helping the situation any. If you have something important to say, then say it but in a calm and respectful manner please. The people around here are nice enough to indulge any inquiries you may have so there is no need to start a riot and scare folks." Gan sheaths his sword. "Now, calmly, what is your concern little man?"
GM DSP |
Arik's face boils red at such condescending words.
This arrogant bastard! I am a noble son of House Brynn...Drugan! The shame I have endured on your account...
The dwarf breathes a deep breath and masters the rage within. He then begins softly and without anger.
"I am Arik and "little man" is a term of great disrespect. I am the second son of the noble House of Brynn and, by Torag's beard, I will not be called that again. I have complied with your requests without ire. I require the same from you on this matter. You may call me Arik."
"I apologize if I have frightened anyone, but I have been seeking my brother for a long while. My honor requires that I find him before I can rejoin my people and I can tell you truly, Gan the Oread, I have no intention of dying away from the Stone of my people for 'from the Stone I was taken, and to the Stone I will return in time.'"
"Now, I found this amulet in the smithy. This means Drugan was here. As a party to the saving of this town from the anubites and the dominion of Senessees, I claim as my reward every scrape of information these people have about my kin. Further more, in accordance with our bargain and so as not to disturb these peoples' delicate sensibilities, I will wait at the smithy and they may come forward as they will."
Arik awaits the constable's response.
Shanosuke |
Without showing any expression other than a stern professional gaze, Gan looks to the elder. "The lit-er Arik? Has made a reasonable request. Tell him what you know and he should be calm."
The elder reluctantly and cautiously steps forward. "Your not the first of your kind to visit our village. Your not any less rude either. Yes, a band of your "kin" wandered through here a long time ago. They demanded resources and manpower. They took what they needed and left leaving these gold coins behind. To this day, this gold hasn't been of any use to us still. They took people, used up whats left of the forge, took a good amount of food and other provisions. Then they simply left. They did nothing for us. You at least helped us. Then you run a ill behaved riot. Are all your kind like this."
Arik Bryn |
"I am sorry that my brother and his companions treated you so. I, with Pavok, am endeavoring to restore your smithy, we have liberated your town, is there some other way I can make amends for my people?"
Arik awaits a response before continuing.
"I will do what I can, within the confines of what is right. Now, which direction did the Dwarves go? How long ago did they depart?"
Pavok Kor'tell |
Pavok watches the exchange of the Oread and the dwarf, holding back his comments and letting his Battle Brother Arik explain his actions to these men. As Arik talks to the Oread Pavok puts his hand on the dwarf's shoulder to let him know he is behind him whatever he chooses to do. "Any information on my friend's brother would be of help, it would be payment enough for all the deeds we have done for you."
After the the exchange about Arik's brother is finished, Pavok will ask the Elder "Do you want to use the creature's former fort or could we scrap it for its wood, so we fuel the forge?"
Diplomacy(if needed):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Shanosuke |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The Elder straightens up. "Humph. So your kind have a name. A Dwarv huh? Are all your kind this rude and obnoxious and demanding?" He shakes his head. "They went towards Umbab. It is the capitol of the lands of the Shaitan. Whatever you need to know can be found there."
He looks to Pavok with a somber expression. "I am sorry, I know you mean well but what good will restoring the forge do? We have no warriors, just a few farmers. Though many do not wish to believe it, there is not much left to this village. With the removal of Senesees and the anubites we no longer have a truly good reason to stay. It will only be a matter of time before we are overrun by the anubite threat. Many, myself included, don't want to loose this place but we truly have no choice."
Pavok Kor'tell |
Pavok responds to the elder, "You always have a choice, the fort we just took down is full of weapons that your people could use. We can show you how to use them since there isn't any warriors among you we can give you basic training on how to use them. That is if you would like to stop relying on others to protect you. I mean no disrepect, I just believe in teaching others how to defend themselves since I can't always be there."
After he recieves an answer to the question, Pavok will ask them "Also do you know of a seer that is among these parts, our caravan leader got seperated from us and we know he needed to see visit him but we have no idea where this seer is. As you can tell were not from these parts and any info on you know about this mystic would be helpful."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Catalina_Hakîm |
crossing her arms in agitation, Catalina rolled her eyes at the all too easily excitable elder, and the rash Dwarf. This whole thing was irritating. However, she felt it was time to step in, "Pavok, as much as I would love to help these people, teach them to fight and all that, this would take time we do not have. We have spent enough time liberating them, as it is. We have a mission to protect Yalandere and the longer we delay finding him, the more likely we are to fail."
"Aside from that, as much as these people may love their little village, it is not worth them risking their lives over. Do you honestly think a handful of farmers could even stand a chance against that swarm? They would all of them die before the day is out." she took a second to collect herself, "I do not intend to suggest your offer to help them learn how to stand for themselves is a bad one, but this is neither the time nor the place. If it will spare the lives of them and their families, then fleeing may well be the best option. No piece of land is worth the human life."
Pavok Kor'tell |
As Catalina's words soak into the paladin's head he starts to blush with embarrassment, "Your right Catalina we have our own job to do, Elder I must withdraw my offer of training but fill it with advice. My companion here is right you should move off this land and go towards a city, if you take the weapons held up in the fort they should be a good offering to the local militia and help you gain access." He steps back for a moment and then looking at Catalina says, "Seeing that Gan here is a local swordsman he might be able to tell you more about that finely crafted blade you found in the fort."
Mus'ad |
Mus'ad offers only "These people have little to offer, we should move on quickly and not linger. We should for Umbab"
To the Elder he offers bluntly "The anubites nearest you are dead. You can seek to build a wall to weather the coming storm, flee before them and buy time or sit idle and die. It matters not to me." moving away from the others and back to the companionship of Al Gasreed.
Shanosuke |
Excellent!
The elder thanks you all again and agrees it is time to go. He rallies his people with the help of Gan.
In the meantime you notice Jen is nowhere to e found. A search through the village shows no sign of her. Her trail leads in the direction of Umbab. She must've moved on without you.
After a good meal and check of your provisions, you head out towards Umbab.
The trip is long but unimpeded. It seems the anubites didn't make it out this far yet. Hopefully the villagers behind you will not have any trouble following.
Some time later you finally arrive at the city of Umbab. The first major civilization you have seen since coming to this miserable land. It is a big bustling walled city. It does not look as dingy as the places you've seen otherwise. This place is ripe with life and people who live without fear. Oread and Shaitan guards can be seen in bulk patrolling the streets. There are fountains and gardens and just a general sense that this is the life of Aradina. There are however, a lot of people sleeping next to buildings and living in alleys. These must be refugees. The great road leads from the gate to a small castle in the center of the city.
There are taverns, stores, smithies, stables, and all sorts of resources here for you to use. Shirley this is the place to find the information you seek. Only, so far you have found no sign of Jen.
Where do you go from here?
Congrats on making it to Umbab. FINALLY! Took some time but we are here, the first major stepping stone in this campaign. Book one is done! YOU ALL LEVEL! Raise yourselves to level four, congratulations you've earned it.
Pavok Kor'tell |
"Agreed, let's see what is open with this influx of refugees." As they pass through the crowds Pavok will kindly asks a few people what is a good place with a stable is, as well he'll ask if people have seen any dwarves in the city(He'll use Arik as in explaination of a dwarf.).
Gather info(Diplomacy):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Catalina_Hakîm |
Catalina nods, "Shelter would be preferable, considering our travels, although I do not see it being very easy with the sudden growth in population here..." the destitute seemed to seep into her memory and she turned from them with a small shudder "Pray tell you have some money in which to bargain with here."
Shanosuke |
People keep an eye on you as you enter with Samal in tow. She does her best to look non-threatening but for a Lamia that is a tad difficult. Still, people don't harass you about it.
1You all find a stable. It costs a Rupia per camel per day to keep them hear.
People mention that some "dwarves" had been in town some time ago but have long since moved on. They let you know that Jezab is the person to ask as he is chief of the city guard and monitors who comes and goes in the city.
There are quite a few inns but only the best ones more toward the inner city seem available.
Arik Bryn |
Arik curses as their informant walks away.
"Why is he never to be found Pavok? This endless chase is trying my patience to the limits. I can think of nothing else though I know it was different once."
"I used to laugh and drink and sing. Now all is soured and futile."
The dwarf looks up at his human friend.
"I must find Drugan. I want my life back. I am dying out here; slowly, but I can feel it..."
Pavok Kor'tell |
Pavok puts a comforting hand on the dwarf's shoulder, "Torag is watching over you my friend, you were able to pick up his trail within this vast foriegn land. These people have seen him so we know he is still alive and we will close in on him soon. At least we know he hasn't been turned into one of those vile creatures. Let us get over to this Jezab and find out where your brothers next stop is. Come on my friend let us make haste." He looks back to Mus'ad "Find a place with a stable with Catalina, Samal will come with us and we'll talk to this Jezab about Arik's brother." He starts to move the direction the informant said Jezab stayed, "Let's get moving my battle brother and sister."
Shanosuke |
Okay I was waiting on Catalina but she doesn't seem to know what to say so we'll move this barely surviving campaign on. You all should be proud. It is not often that campaigns on PBP make it this far. Every campaign I have been in has died out at level 2 at best.
So Mus'ad stays at the stable while the four of you head out into the city.
It takes some asking but you do find the city guard captain Jezab. Seeing you approach he personally heads out to meet you. He looks at you all closely with a ponderous expression and a bit of bewilderment. "Um are any of you...." He lists of a few names. They are all names of people from your caravan, yourselves included. "Are you any of those people?"
Shanosuke |
Jezab looks at the scroll in his hand and clears his throat. "Too any and all attendants to my, Yalandere's, expedition, I have left this note in the hands of the guard captains in eight major cities across the lands surrounding Aridia known as Aradina. We have been attacked by a nuisance that plagues these lands. I have escaped with ease but due to disclosed circumstances, I was not able to mount a rescue. I did my best to ensure some of you would survive to find me. I have gone to see and old friend and have included a map for you to follow. I will be waiting for here. I mourn for those we lost. To those who still survive, great riches and glory still await you so do not give up hope. Hope to see you soon, Yalandere." Jezab finishes and closes the scroll. "Thats it. Strange fella he was." Jezab looks around seeming quite embarrassed. "I do regret to say the map has indeed been stolen though. One of my men thougbt it was some kind of treasure map and took it. Both he and the map are long gone. Sorry bout that. Because we've been so short staffed, we've been taking any who are willing to work for us without proper training. It has made order very hard to keep."
Arik Bryn |
Arik's face flushes with anger.
"Torag's balls!"
Arik stals across the road and slumps down next to a wall in view of Pavok.
Torag, Lord of the Forge, I have served you faithfully my entire life. I have endured my shame as you decree. I've endured slavery and torture. I have begged and fought and stolen to regain the honor of my house with the tenants of your teachings.
And what have you given back? NOTHING! Dead ends and false hope.
Hear me now Anvil Striker! If I do not have tangible progress at the end of a week, I will forsake you. This is a vast and wealthy land. They haven't even heard of dwarves! If you do not aid me now, after all I've done in your name, I will seek my own fate.
When finished, Arik stands, fists clenched. Waiting for Pavok to finish his business.
If only I coulda punched that incompetent guard in his useless throat...
Shanosuke |
To simplify things, a single Rupia is a similar value to 5 silver. Anything cheaper than five silver if often bought with bronze coins which = Copper. Though they will except standard coin but everything else will have a 50% markup when bought with those. If you have acquired any loot, this would be the town to sell it in.
Pavok Kor'tell |
He looks to his friend as he yells and stomps out and gives a sigh then looks back to the captain of the guard, ”Excuse my friend, he has been through a lot and hitting another wall doesn’t help. So did you look at the map at all yourself? If you did it would help if you be able to point us in the right direction. As I said in the letter that all the major cities have one could you tell me how close we are to the next one and what the directions are? Finally I was curious people have told that you have seen a group of dwarfs like my friend that just left, come through here tell me everything you know about them and there whereabouts, and what you know about that guard that stole the map. Any information on that will be useful.” He stares looking a the captain hoping for any leads to help his friends and save there employer.
Diplomacy:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Sorry for so many questions I just wanted to get them all out there so we didn’t have to wait on a bunch of short posts.
Catalina_Hakîm |
Catalina chuckles at the sick irony that's befallen the group, "Ever so elusive..." She turns back to the guard, "I understand your lands have fallen on hard times, with the impending swarm and the increase of delinquency, it is admirable that you would find time to concern yourselves with a caravan message, and I thank you for your efforts. I apologize for all of our questions, but like my companion says, every little bit will help. I do have but one final question of which I seek the answer for. Know of you a seer, a fortuneteller, within the city wall, and would you be capable of pointing us in their direction?"
I don't know if I really need this, but I figure why not.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Shanosuke |
Jezab scratches his head at Pavok's questions. "Well I have to say no, I did not take a look at the map. As for the cities, there are two in each region. I am honestly not sure how your friend gets around as it would take more than a month to visit them all and that is by camel back and uninterrupted by anything. The next city is at the base of Aridia about five to six days travel from here. Yes we have seen these dwarfs. They caused quite a disturbance around here. Mostly complaining about the cost of our goods. We did talk with their leader. A fellow named Drugan. He said he and his men were going to find a way into Aridia. I told him it was a fools errand, that there is a terrible war going on in there but he insisted. That was less than a month ago. The way they sounded, they had already made several attempts to enter Aridia and failed. They are persistent."
At the question by Catalin, Jezab turns to her. "I have heard of the seer. No he doesn't live in Umbab. Speak with Gazeem in the library. I am sure he could tell you the seer's whereabouts. Way I hear it, the seer is Daiga's top Oracle and is blessed with the ability to see all in Aridia and Aradina. He could help you find whatever your looking for."
Catalina_Hakîm |
The dark skinned woman nodded her appreciation and leave of the guard. She made her way to the Library the guard spoke of. She took Tegan and sent him off to grab himself some supper while she entered the building. She scanned the area in caution of any potential danger and to see if this Gazeem would be easily found amongst the ever dusty books.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
Pavok Kor'tell |
Pavok gives the man a slight bow,"Thank you Captain, this information is very helpful. May the forge father what over your city." He moves towards Arik, "Good news my friend, we have a few leads. We know where your brother's destination and we have a lead on the seer." He looks towards Catalina, "Let us hurry to the library before something happens to Gazeem." He leads Samal and Arik towards the library. "I know it's frustrating my friend, but the harder the path the greater the reward. Torag blessed us with leading you hear to provide us your strength and spirit, I know I wouldn't I survived this desert without you at my side. And Samal here would still be wondering the ruins alone. You saved her like we all have saved each other, that is the true gift we were given were our bonds. I just want you to know I am with you no matter what happens."
Shanosuke |
Sorry for the neglect. You seem to have detached yourself from the party and I have just been having a bit of trouble folllowing. They do not make your weapon here but their blacksmith is good enough to improve the weapon you have. There is a 25% markup to the standard cost if you use traditional coin to pay. But you can tack on whatever upgrade you desire, even magic. It will take until tomorrow for the upgrades to complete. A new metal will require a week to wait though.