Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
Ahh well, enough waiting for Meriui
Arranging to reconvene in a few hours the party goes it's separate ways in an attempt to track down the mask.
Gather Information: 1d4 hours: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Wow, that's some unlucky rolls...
"Desert child..." a feminine voice whispers in your ears, full of the crackle and pop of flame, you feel a presence, a great heat surrounding you, enough to burn even your scorched skin... and yet you sense no hostility, there is no pain, you feel the unfamiliar sensation of sweat as the invisible flame surrounds you. "What brings you to this place, so far from your home..."
Diplomacy to assist: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
It takes another 20 minutes before you're finally able to get away from him, and stumble out of the bar, wiping your forehead in the rising heat of the day. Looks like you might be late for the meet up.
Diplomacy to assist: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6
With nothing better to do for several hours Zanos ends up poking his nose around anyway, asking about funeral masks, ending up back in the bazaar in a semi-permanent structure, wooden-frame sunk into the ground, but cloth walls which make the inside dark and dingy. It currently seems to be housing a small tavern, and the last guy you spoke to advised you to ask for Aliik here. You've been waiting for a few minutes, but the dirty, scrawny looking fellow who just entered from the back would seem to fit the bill. "You ask for Aliik?" he asks, nose twitching as he sits down across the table, looking around nervously.
Zanos |
Thanks for the guidance, I think we all needed it! :)
Zanos smiled. "Yes. Would you like a drink?" he asked, summoning a server.
While he waited for someone to arrive to take their order, the sage asked, "I'm inquiring about old funeral masks. You wouldn't by chance know where I might acquire one?"
Algharud N´Butu |
Algharud cannot refrain from answering Lanialiar. Yeah, go. I smelled your stench too when I tried to teach you manners. Good thing that you realized it and try to get rid of it.
Although Algharud isn't very friendly or emphatic, he tries his best to help Halistar:
1d20 - 2 ⇒ (20) - 2 = 18
...and succeeds!
Lanialiar Redtear |
Turning towards the flame that does not consume, Lanfear knelt down.
Mother...these citydwellers you asked me to accompany...its too hard. They do not understand, it seems like they seek this abomination like they seek treasure. They do not understand it is killing Mother..But for your sake, I Will listen and obey. Aid me Mother! For I have heard of the taint, tell me what should I do now?
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
As you are considering your options, a voice interrupts your thoughts. "What interest do you have in this item?" the voice is strong, and you sense used to being obeyed. As you turn towards it you spot a man, not so large as you, though still of powerful stature despite his advanced age, wearing the ornate robes of a senior priest of Nethys.
The voice sounds again, from a distance this time. "When it has passed, remember the name Aridiea." and it is gone, despite the mid-day heat you feel chilled in comparison to the pure heat of that being.
Zanos |
"Perhaps... but the mask that I'm interested in is fairly unique. It has gold inlays and is adorned with a headdress of feathers, dyed red and black. Sound familiar?"
Not my strong suit, but Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
Lanialiar, I edited in a reply above for you :)
Kn (local): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
"Ahh, you seek information." he says, his gaze finally settling on you for more than a second now, a sly smile on his lips. He leans back in his chair, and as a woman delivers two mugs of foul smelling ale he reaches forwards without looking, picks up a mug and takes a swig, sloshing the swill between his cheeks as he stares at the ceiling.
"I fear you are out of luck. This mask, it is beneath the Black Dome, in the Sothis Exhibitory..." he leans forward, looking at you once again, his ratty looking mustache twitching slightly even when he focuses on you. "If you are still interested..." he trails off, a smile revealing crooked teeth.
Zanos |
Beneath the Black Dome at the Sothis Exhibitory, eh? Now to ditch this guy.
Aloud he said, "I guess I'll just have to study it there. Means there won't be any 'hands on' with it, but my research paper should turn out fine."
Standing, Zanos dropped a gold coin and four silver pieces on the table. "Thank you for your time."
Lanialiar Redtear |
Aridiea...is it the name of my witch mother?
Things are getting very strange around here.
Lanialiar realised she is sweating. She never sweats...shaking her head and with a troubled heart and mind she walked down the stairs seeking her companions.
Mother why have you forsaken me...
Lanialiar Redtear |
Walking aimlessly, she spot Halistar standing alone in a clearing.
Greetings Halistar, I just want to say I am ashamed of behaving like wild coyotes at the tent just now. It's just....that...it's hard to know something to do something correctly when no one has taught you before...I know it sounds ridiculous and I am a rabid baboon babbling here but..
Lanialiar shakes her head place her right hand on her forehead.
Algharud N´Butu |
Indeed, Algharud was so focussed on fullfilling his guard-duty and caring about "black" magics, that he didn't fully comprehend all the information about the mask. So when I am "forgetting" some points this is fully intentional and hopefully acceptable for you. Algharud is really often not interested in the talk going on.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
Just a heads up since you seem to have missed it Lanialiar, 'just now' at the tent was about 4 hours ago, it's well into midday :p The same will apply for anybody else once they reach the meeting spot :)
"... You may." he agrees, nodding his head absently, looking past you. "Come, tell me about those you guard then; and about yourself."he doesn't bother to see if you agree, before turning and walking away at a relaxed pace, clearly expecting you to follow. The acolyte looks at you nervously for a moment, before bowing, excusing himself, and hurrying away, glancing over his shoulder at you several times before he turns a corner and disappears from sight.
"That is... disappointing." Aliik replies, letting out a sigh, looking down at his stomach for a few moments, until the clink of coins grabs his attention again. He looks at the coins for several moments, before looking up at you. "That was all you wished...? There is nothing more Aliik can do for you?"
Zanos |
Definitely not drinking that stuff! :P
"No, no. I'm sorry to have wasted your time. Enjoy the drinks!"
With that, Zanos swept out of the building and jogged off to find Halistar and the others.
Wheh! That was a close one! What was I thinking trying to help out with the social stuff?
Just let me know when I make back to the others! :)
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
As you head back through the winding, crooked streets of the bazaar, a nagging sensation plagues your thoughts, and after several 'casual' looks around as you head for the rendezvous point, you confirm that there are at least two men following you, one of which you recognize from the bar.
Zanos |
Ah, this will be fun! thought Zanos as he ducked behind a vendor's tent.
He then cast invisibility and made his way a few streets over, taking care not to get in anyone's way.
Once he was sure to have lost his tail, he found a secluded area to dismiss his spell.
Zanos then continued on to his rendezvous with his fellow Pathfinders.
Zanos |
"Ah well, you know, my attempt at finding out something about the mask netted me the knowledge that the mask is in the Sothis Exhibitory. Under the Black Dome to be precise."
The young man smiled. "Of course, several individuals from the seedy bar that I got the information from decided to follow me--" he paused dramatically before continuing, "--so I had to disappear!"
"It was quite fun!"
Appraising her demeanor, Zanos added, "And you seem to be more centered yourself."
"Now let's hope Algharud is feeling less belligerent. For a man who supposedly worships the god of magic, he sure doesn't like it very much."
Lanialiar Redtear |
A Mistress do not concern herself with lesser creatures such as Algharud. It's just that I am unsure of myself...alot of things happened recently that does not make sense..
Lanialiar smiled slightly.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
The black dome isn't really a precise location. For those who are not aware (and anyone who's lived in the city for a couple months, so everyone but Lanialiar, would know this), the Black Dome is the name of the giant beetle exoskeleton that Sothis was founded around, originally the shell of an enormous Spawn of Rovagug. It now houses the palace, and mostly nobles and other important buildings, such as the museum. The Sothis Lodge is probably not too far from it.
Halistar Goldentongue |
"Ah well, you know, my attempt at finding out something about the mask netted me the knowledge that the mask is in the Sothis Exhibitory. Under the Black Dome to be precise."
"Yes, I have heard that myself. Of course it does sound almost too easy. We will have to see what Algharud and Merui have to say when they finally get here."
"Oh, and you said they someone was following you Zanos? I hope that there was just one layer of them, not multiple, with one being much easier to spot than others."
"Yes, I am a bit paranoid about things right now."
Zanos |
Zanos gave Halistar a mischievous look.
"Unless they were capable of seeing the unseen, then no, they couldn't have followed me."
"I ducked behind a vendor's tent, turned myself invisible, and slipped away until I found a suitable location to end my spell," he said with a smile.
Algharud N´Butu |
Referring to the priest's answer, Algharud asks: So why are you so interested?
About his comrades: I don't know anything about them. They are a bunch of treasure-seekers, I guess. It's just a job. I'm not interested in anything but doing my work for the money.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
The priest stops as Algharud replies to his own question, looking at the powerful warrior. "You are happy then? Living your life as a mercenary?"
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
The last thing Zanos saw of the thugs was them hurry after him, and then standing around confused when he seemed to have disappeared. Halistar certainly cannot see anyone paying them extra attention.
Meant to post this last night, but got distracted :s
"Ahh, very well." he says at last. "I urge you to consider what it is you want from this life. I sense much conflict within you, and if you continue upon this path, it will tear you apart. If you wish my help, then send word to me here. I am Nateki Uncarr, and I will make myself available to you."
He seems almost bored as he continues now, the deeply serious attitude lifting. "The man you seek is commonly known as the Crook Bearer, he holds the mask you describe within his collection. If you mention my name he may be willing to see you..." he pauses, reaching into his robe and pulling out a small item, holding it out to you. "You may use this as proof, but do not abuse it." some of the steel of earlier reenters his voice momentarily.
The item he hands you is a simple token, an Ankh approximately two inches long made of a gray-white metal, with Nethys' mask held within the loop of the Ankh.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
About 10 minutes later Algharud and Meriui finally arrive back at the rendezvous point. Meriui seems to have gotten the same information as the rest of the group, but perhaps surprisingly Algharud has a different tale to tell.
Algharud would you like to tell everyone in character what Algharud found out :)
Zanos |
"Uh... okay," Zanos said in response to Lanialiar's statement.
"How about we just talk to people while we're in Sothis. Let's save the destruction for when we're in the wilderness."
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
Hmmm, what did you guys roll for your Kn: local on him... Ahh, a 26 from Halistar... stalker :p
With Algharud's new information you resolve to go and pay a visit to the antiquities collector, Halistar able to remember where he lives in a small, private compound towards the Eastern edge of the city in a neighbourhood of similar, 'well-to-do' houses/compounds. The five of you set out--stomachs rumbling slightly--while the sun beats down on you, sucking the energy from your bones. You arrive 20 minutes later at the wall of the residence, an imposing, 10 foot tall structure that stretches a hundred feet to the left, and a hundred and fifty to the right of the large gate. A large stone knocker rests idly against a plate in the door.
Venture-Captain Norden Balentii |
Lanialiar seems to have turned a bit violent :p
There is a resounding knock as Halistar hefts the heavy ring, and brings it down onto the plate. A relatively short time later (not quite a minute) you hear footsteps approach, and a rectangle in the door at head height slides open to reveal a helmeted face.
"Yes?" the guard asks, sounding faintly bored as he takes in your varied appearance. More sensed than heard you can tell there is a second guard behind the gate as well.
Zanos |
While Halistar talked with the man on the other side of the door, Zanos whispered to Algharud.
"I'm not a 'social' person in actuality. I much prefer being in the field looking for antiquities or in a library researching my next expedition."
Shrugging, he added, "My mother handled all the interpersonal activities. I don't have the knack for it."