Pavok Kor'tell |
Sorry about that surprise visit from my sister and nephew wasn't able to make it to the computer too much these past few days.
"I agree let us proceed inside and get some food. We could try and gather some information about the area." Pavok walks with Joe to the Tavern.
Catalina_Hakîm |
Sorry, I've been cramming in some last minute work on a project for this weekend. Speaking of which, I will be going out of town starting Thursday and will be back Monday. I'm may bring my computer, but I'm not sure, yet..
Fed up with the shenanigans from the halfing, "Listen up little man.. I'm not interested in playing with you, let alone anything on you. You are wasting your breath, now will you please be so kind as to remove yourself from my presence before I strike you down with one of my arrows!" At that she storms off, slightly flustered, with the rest of the company.
She follows quietly observing as they are granted access and giving passes to go through the fortress. As the gatekeeper mentions Arik's kin, she turns to Arik, "It seems we are always but a step behind them." trying to sound sympathetic, "If it helps, I too experienced a similar quest to find someone.."
At that she falls silent, but decides to lag behind a bit. She groomed Tegan just outside the pub as she sat with her throughts.
P.S. I quite enjoy roleplaying, even though it seems I haven't done much.
Ricdak Soulaxe |
Sorry, I've been kinda dazed lately. I've been trying to find a job, and with this summer heat, I've been exhausted. Sometimes, i stop in and post on PBPs, but I guess I haven't done so on this one.
Also, i enjoy RPing Ricdak, especialy if he gets mad, which I'm sure he will at some point.
"Thank ye kindly, lads."
Ricdak, at some point later, pats Tam on the back, laughing. "Ye're gonna find yerself in trouble with the womenfolk one of these days, and it'll be a right pain to get out of it."
Aye. A bite sounds excellent right about now. A drink don't sound too bad, neither.
Pavok Kor'tell |
Pavok chuckles at the comments of his new friends and proceeds inside the tavern. Where he orders a cheap ale with a simple meal as he surveys the locals in the bar.
Perception:1d20 ⇒ 15
Looking for more outsiders or someone that looks like they came back from some travels.
Shanosuke |
I will need you guys to pick a route. You can either take the road to the queen's capital as you are permitted, Or you can take the faster route and continue directly to the east side.
Once you have settled on a destination I will continue you trek. Y
You guys have been doing well. Pace is slow but moving. I do not plan to stop any time soon.
Mus'ad |
"Considering that the Queen's first and only action towards you has been bleeding your purse... I'm surprised that you think she could be an 'ally'. We are only here to seek the seer, and little else."
Despite statement, Mark the player is happy to go see the queen. Mus'ad the Grumpy is less so.
Shanosuke |
Okay we will move along from here. There are enough votes for seeing the queen
You all finish enjoying the comforts of the tavern for the time being. Each of your drinks and meals cost one Rupia each or 7sp. Once you finish you decide to head to the capital.
The road is an easy one and along the way you see several thriving farm villages along the way. One you pass through seems at peace and the people living there seem the happiest you've seen anyone since arriving to Aradina. You continue through stopping for dinner a and a night stay at a roadside tavern. Here Rooms, food, and Drinks, cost 2 Rupia per person or 1gp and 5sp.
It is midday the next day when you arrive at the Queensland's capital. It is a walled and well fortified town, not near as big as Umbab but far better fortified and militarily prepared. Approaching the gate you show your documents to the guards and are permitted to enter. They do not stop your beasts from entering either so Al Gasreed is permitted to go with Mus'ad.
In the town there are a lot of people moving about. Mostly human but a good amount of genie half-breeds are also running around here too. These half-breeds seem to come from all over, Oreads, Uidines, Sylphs, Ifrits, there is a nice abundance of them.
As you approach the castle you will be able to note that it and the wall seem much newer than the rest of the town. You pus your way through the crowded streets to the castle.
Arriving at the castle gates, you are given permishion to see the queen. However, the beasts of burden must be left outside. Once you have done so you follow the guards into the very well constructed castle.
The construction of the castle and walls is very uncharacteristic of these lands. It is made with far better stonework than you are accustom to seeing.
Unlike previous structures, this one is incredibly more stable than those you have seen prior.
The build of this place could stand tall against fire attacks of any kind and even stand against more than a few catapult hits.
This castle and the wall are dwarf make. No doubt about that.
As you progress down the grand hall to the main throne room. Once in the throne room you see a beautiful Sylph woman sitting on an extravagant throne. Her skin is a pearlecent white green and allows her vibrant green eyes to stand out boldy. Her long misty hair flows about around her head. She stands as you enter, her translucent silk robes flowing about her conforming to her perfect figure. She takes a step forward as you stand before her throne and she leaps from the podium and gracefully descends to the floor in from of you now standing before you. By far she is the most beautiful creature any of you have ever laid eyes on. She speaks in a mellifluous voice that could rival angels. "Greetings and welcome to my dominion outsiders. You have traveled far and have done much in your short time in these lands. Now your travels have brought you before me. I am Queen Aiessa, ruler of these lands. And who might you be?"
Mus'ad |
It takes much convincing to part Al Gasreed from Mus'ad, he extracts a promise from the guards on pain of death that he would be returned unharmed. Unless challenged he keeps his tagelmust wound and peers out imperiously from within it's folds.
He is surprised that they are allowed to bear arms into the throne room, but it does not outwardly show. Indifferent to the queen's beauty a simple reply is offered to her question "I am Mus'ad"
Joe "Mac" MacGillicuddy |
Joe leans just a bit and whispers a bit too loudly. "Don't mind Mus'ad, he's a bit of a crank! I think he's actually smiling right now." He turns his vision toward the elf and is unable to make out anything except for the concentrated look of his eyes, due to the rest of his face being covered. Turning his attention back to the queen, he smiles, shrugs and winks. Joe then points out the others to her. "That there dwarf is Ricdak; that fella right there is our little buddy Tam; and that purdy little lady right there is Catalina." Actually noticing her for the first time, "Well heck! You are a might purdy ain't you, Catalina? I never even noticed." He says as he scratches his chin. "Anyhow, there you are Queen person lady, that's the lot of us!"
Had no idea you were wearing that. Thanks for the heads up.
Shanosuke |
She looks to Arik with a smile. "Oh more dwarves. Yes your kind helped me build this castle. One of them, Wroki, stayed behind to oversee the wall and maintenance on the stonework. I am sure he would be happy to see you since your the same."
She turns and acknowledges the rest of you with a simple "Nice to meet you."
To Pavok she ponders a bit and then nods. "The tall man with the red stone in his eye? Yes he came through here a few days ago. Said he was on his way to see an old friend. He only stopped in for a day though. He said others may be coming through looking for him. Are you them?"
She seems quite sincere.
Shanosuke |
She shakes her head. "Only that you would most likely be looking to join him at his destination and to treat you with the same respect he sought. You are apparently powerful and important people." She snaps her fingers and a servant comes bearing a chest. Opening it he moves to each of you giving you each 50 rupia. The queen speaks. "Here, this is reimbursement for what should have been initially gifted. You are permitted to stay in this city and can move through my territory as you please. Is there any other aid or information you require? Within reason of course. I may be queen but I am not so wealthy as to be able too meet all your needs but I will spare what I can."
Pavok Kor'tell |
He looks at her offer and gives the queen a quick nod, "Thank you for your generosity, but I may need to ask more of you. What do you know of the great seer?" After he hears a response he asks another question. "On an other note, do you know of the movements of Anubis and his horde Anubinites? We have defeated many of them but I can't see any set plans or strategies besides just using there large masses to overwhelm there enemies. Your kingdom seems quite peaceful, do you hold any secrets in repelling the enemies? Finally thank you for all your help."
Pavok will just take 50 rupias and will motion to the group to take the same share. Sorry for the late respond.
Catalina_Hakîm |
Sorry for the lack of posting, I have been keeping up, just haven't been sure what to post.
She'd felt her blood begin to boil the moment Queen Aiessa presented herself and addressed the diverse company. The 'woman' was beautiful and Catalina desperately bit back her tongue, letting Pavok and Joe take the lead.
Catalina doesn't object to receiving her share even though she hadn't paid. She figured that the money of the group was relatively fair game, and that if Pavok needed it later, she would considering sharing a bit from her pocket.... depending on the situation, of course.
She turns to the others in her party whispering in a low voice, "May we go, now?"
Shanosuke |
Aiessa crosses her arms and lowers her head. "My knowledge on the seer is lacking in great detail but I do know the stories. He is a high priest of Daiga, this lands god. So he supposedly possesses great power. However, I am not even a hundred percent sure the man, or woman, even exists, let alone Daiga. If these two cared about this land then they would have dealt with the Anubites the same way they did in the old stories of the first invasion. On the note of the Anubites, Anubis their creator is dead, said to have been slain centuries ago by Daiga himself. Anubis's apprentices, Horis, Bast, and Set, have picked up his work and are now the ones leading the anubite armies. Also, I hear they've added birdman to the mix, calling them Horisites, then a breed of catfolk known as Bastites. Their tactical force is pitiful at the moment but the more intelligent chieftains they add to their force, the deadlier they become. At the moment we possess superior tactics to them. Right now they are little more than rabid animals. Soon however, they will become more organized and more stratigic in their attacks. Their numbers will continue to grow and when they reach a certain point in their evolution, not even the genies of Aridia will be able to stop them. We will ALL be killed or enslaved and both Aradina and the land of plenty Aridia will belong to the three apprentices. Our secret to beating them back is an obvious one. We have a trained military. It is that simple. Very few places in Aradina have fortified positions, trained soldiers, or organized and tactical leaders. At this point, the only thing we lack to put down the anubites before they get worse, is sheer numbers. Though trained, we are still too few to get the job done. We can hold our own but that is about it. It is only a matter of time before we will be overcome but at least I can try. If I can find a few thousand more well trained men then maybe we could launch a successful attack on the anubites before they become stronger and more organized but with the genie war going on, that is unlikely. I wish we could get into Aridia and get some of our men back. Those genies have no right to pull ALL military forces for their stupid war. At least keep it a fight among genies and leave the humanoids to defend themselves. If I and my men weren't criminals, we'd have been drafted too. At any rate, that's the big secret. Really nothing more too it than that. At anyrate, It was nice of you to come see me. I wish you luck in locating the seer. See if he or she can provide any assistance with this anubite issue. Also, if you happen across any combat capable people or groups, send them my way. Try and make sure they're a cut above common thugs. Enjoy the city and have a safe journey."
You all take your leave and wander about the city. It is remarkebly well supplied. Here you have a chance to by and sell if you desire. Most minor magic items will be available for purchase if you wish. When selling items, assume you get Rupia, it will make buying things easier.
Aiessa stops you just before you leave. "You can find Wroki at the blacksmith shop near the east wall. He will probably be happy to see another of his kind."
Pavok Kor'tell |
"Believe it or not my lady I am a criminal as well, but I strive for good as much as you and will be happy send you anyone lost soldiers we come across. You have helped us most graciously and I hope we meet again." He does a slight bow and backs away from her.
As he gets to the door he says a small prayer of protection for the queen and her lands.
Shanosuke |
Okay, I am going to assume that the group has bought and sold everything they need to. Awful quiet bunch you are. I understand Mus'ad but the rest of you are just so quiet.
You head to the smithy where Wroki is said to be. Once there you see him. You would recognize him as one of your brother's cohorts. "What can I do to help.....A dwarf! Well hello brother. Where's yer beard? What brings you to these harsh lands? Treasure, Adventure? Wanna beer and tell me all about it?"
Had a tough week. Had a bit of trouble trying to get motivated to run games, even my RL games.
Shanosuke |
Wroki seems a bit put off by your show of agitation and accusation. He responds in dwarven. "So ye know Drugan? I didn't abandon him. He told me to stay here and help until he returns from trying to get into Aridia. Last I saw he was headed to see some seer guy. That was several months ago, been waiting for him to return ever since. Now calm down there. What's got you so upset?"
Shanosuke |
Wroki looks stunned. "Wait, yer Arik? Wow I am sorry I had no idea you were Drugan's brother. No wonder yer so upset. I hate ta say this but yer brother is not the same fella who left home all that time ago. Lately he seems possessed, half mad even. When he first heard of the riches of Aridia, his only thought was rebuilding his own dwarven empire with his family at top. It took a while but we finally made it outhere. There were close to fifty of us back then. Drugan gots em from all over. Our trip was costly even after we made it to Aradina. So many died. Last I was part of the group, there were twelve others plus Drugan. Drugan stopped caring for losses and be came obsessed with getting into Aridia. We visited so many places and lost many men in the process. Finally we learned of the seer. Supposedly he knew everything and would even know a way into Aridia. I haven't seen your brother since he left me here. At this juncture, I am content to love out the rest of my life here."
Catalina_Hakîm |
Happy to leaving the presence of the queen, Catalina tags along with the group as they wander through the town. She hangs back with Mu'sad who seems to be aloft, as usual.
"You and Al Gasreed seem pretty close.." she ventures, "where did you meet him?"
Mus'ad |
Mus'ad looks down on the woman beside her before returning his gaze to the path ahead. Replying simply and in a matter of fact tone "I did not meet him. I have known him since his birth... and we have walked our path alone and together for years. We are not close, we are kin... he the legs and I the arms."