GM Mandarin |
"And I heard
as it were
The noise of thunder
One of the four beasts saying,
Come and and see, and I saw
and behold … "
- An excerpt from the Book of the Old One -
The large airship touches down on the sand, dust blowing away from the landing spot. The ship has three propellors in the back of it and a large air bag on top.
As the ramp slams down from the side of the ship, telescoping until it reaches the scorching ground.
Erisam, a city of tents, one of the largest cities on the largest discs in the system, Shkhari, home to many peoples of many races, including the bovine minotaurs, the ibis-like Fengari, and a multitude of others.
People flow out of the ship like water, six of particular interest ...
Enjoy your intro. In one post, say what you do up until you get to the Tainted Toe Tavern Tent
Gonzo the Mad |
Gonzo had wandered Shkhari for most of the last couple days. Aside from providing a few people with alchemical items, he had been switching between search for his teacher Misa during the day, and practicing his alchemy by night. Tomorrow, he was going to visit some Taverns, for Misa always performed her craft with ale in hand.
Cilla |
Cilla was feeling grumpier than usual after just a day on Shkhari. However many stories she had heard or read about it, they were no preparation for the desert heat. She missed the forests of Anteleuse or even the familiar plains of Ingal. At the same time, the novelty of the desert was exciting. And surely there would be plenty of taverns to offer some respite from the heat. After some time exploring Erisam and acclimatising herself and her horse, she made her way towards the Tainted Toe.
Aisling Frost-Wing |
stopped paying attention for a little while, my bad
Aisling could tell, most of the other's were uncomfortable with the dry heat. Not that the heat bothered her at all.
She spent most of her time learning about her new surrounding, she wasn't exactly hurting for gold right now, still living off the money from her last kill.
The desert was not her terrain of choice, rolling dunes of sands made for poor platforms, she greatly preferred her old city habitat.
She sat down in the Tainted Toe Tavern for most of her time, polishing and cleaning one of her many daggers and throwing knives. It's no surprise many older people would question why a young person like her carried so many weapons, the answer was always the same : for protection.
When not in the tavern she spent time setting up and staying in her own tent near the edge of the settlement. the cold nights that came with staying in the desert never bothered her, she would stay up around a fire and dance once she got used to the shifting sands.The feats of acrobatics she performed attracted the bored citizens of Shkari. it made her smile to see people watch enjoy her perform. flipping and dancing about.
GM Mandarin |
As you push aside the flaps of the tent, the smell of hooka smoke infiltrates your nostrils. The bartender sits on a patterned rug with an assortment of alcohols by his side.
Otherwise, there isn't much of interest. Bar patrons have discussions with each other as they drink and eat together, dressed in robes of blue and red, some with too many pockets, some with too little
(objects stick out of them at awkward angles all around them).
On one side, there is a cork board with pieces of paper pinned to it with knives and pins. A man with a mask over one side of his face and a scar over his nose on the visible side of his face.
Despite his menacing demeanor, the man waves people over to talk to him.
I know this isn't everyone that's playing, but I just want to make sure everyone understands everything
Walter Sadsong |
Walter was unhappy about being in the hot desert. At least he could get a drink, or two, or three at the tavern. As Walter entered the tavern, his lungs were penetrated by the Hookah smoke. He coughed for a spell and continued into the bar.
He noticed a frightening looking man and he slowly moved toward the man. Walter tried to give the impression of being a tough bastard, but his hunched and solemn disposition, betrayed him.
Fillion Rafael |
Fillion loved coming to new places. New mysteries to solve, new places to explore, new things to learn. Here, in a land of minotaurs, Fengari, and a multitude of tents, there were bound to be some great things to find. He'd already identified two pick pockets, a gold digger, 3 couples quietly quarreling, and a minotaur hoping no one recognized that one of its horns was actually fake.
Now, entering a tavern, the elf began coughing. Smoke. Why must people fill their lungs with this nonsense? He noticed the half-elf beside him also felt the brunt of the smoke. Fillion gave him a nod of acknowledgement. He could see that the half-elf was trying to act tough, but not quite getting it right. Ah well, Fillion always found attentive preferable to tough.
Aisling Frost-Wing |
As Aisling entered the Tavern that day, the smoke was particularly pungent. Knowing full well she would need to wash the smell out of her clothes before her next job.
A man most would consider frightening waved her and some others she recognized from the ship. She wasn't frightened, fear wasn't something she felt very often anymore. She had her favorite purple cloak drawn up over a black top a morning star strapped to her side and a single light blue dagger strapped on a belt across her chest alongside several other smaller daggers.
Is there something you need sir?
She asks a coldness in her voice
GM Mandarin |
Noticing he has people that will actually listen to him (customers, it seems), the man stands up.
He is much taller than a human being, maybe pushing 7 feet tall. As he stands up, the cloth that was covering half of his face droops a little, revealing a glowing green light.
"Sorry 'bout that. I sick."
He introduces himself in a deep booming voice, "I am Gi-Backa. You may call Gi-Backa the Master. Gi-Backa has task for you all. If you would please follow Gi-Backa ... "
Fillion Rafael |
Following a random stranger through a strange place? Sounds like an ideal way to find some adventure, Fillion thinks to himself.
However, other thoughts were also filling his mind. As he entered the tavern and even as he's following the large fellow, the elf is search subtly.
In each town, village, or hamlet he enters, Fillion knows one thing is always his most valuable resource: information. Therefore, he is looking for someone. A particular type of someone.
She'll be a young female, preferably a barmaid, pretty without being too gorgeous, and most importantly, needy. A needy, clingy girl whose affections are easily won and freely given is an obvious target for men in power. Men with important secrets. Exactly the types to brag to such young ladies.
If Fillion could be close to such a girl. A companion, even, he could get her to share that information. Now, surely she's here, but where is she...?
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
GM Mandarin |
Oracion
"Pretty lady, Gi-Backa is a giant, and proud to be one. He gets to go to giant parties and be strong like lion!"
Fillion
As you look around the tavern-tent, you see many ladies. Most of them are butch girls who seem to be able to care for themselves. Your stares and glances get you a look from them, almost like, another pig of a ... man?
Your ears give your Alabast heritage, and it seems like they aren't used to seeing one.
Fillion Rafael |
Most of what Fillion sees are butch looking girls. He makes note of those few who are more comely and makes a mental note to come back later to make some acquaintances.
Noticing that the locals seem a bit interested in his obviously Alabast ears, he smiles and gives them a quick wiggle and adds a wink for the onlooking ladies. He continues moving along following the giant.
Might want to keep that greatsword handy,he says under his breath to the half-elf who was also following the giant, just in case..
Wonder what this giant is up to?
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Cilla |
After picking up a refreshing pint, Cilla headed towards the giant in front of the corkboard, sizing up the other assorted strangers who had gathered around him. He wasn't off to a good start. I call no one "master", she thought, and he'd better not try a "Pretty lady" on me. But the lure of adventure was hard to resist.
Aisling Frost-Wing |
Looking around at the others, At least she wasn't surrounded by adults this time, surprisingly one of them at least looked younger than her.
What does this task involve? The young white haired assassin asks the giant. She was confident enough in her abilities to follow the giant while talking, giving little thought to the others.
GM Mandarin |
Gi-Backa gasps. "Two pretty ladies!"
He seems just plain dumb to you Fillion, but you get the feeling that Gi-Backa is going to tell you something very interesting when you do follow him.
"You will find out task when Gi-Backa tells you. If intrigued adventurers will now follow Gi-Backa: Gi-Backa on tight schedule"
Gonzo the Mad |
Gonzo's curiosity had gotten the better of him. The giant and the crowd around him seemed interesting, so the little fengari pushed his way to the man. "Gonzo is curious, may Gonzo follow?" The apprentice brushed hands inside his robes, checking that his "crafts" were not spontaneous combusting and ready for action.
Sorry about lateness, got off work to see lots of action
GM Mandarin |
The awkwardly tall man leads you all out of the tent, nodding to people as he exits.
You wind through avenues, more like areas of deserts with no tents, with dust spewing up from the ground. The tent-less run across the "streets" with cloth covering their faces to offer as much protection from the erosive biting wind.
You all realize that you are heading towards the edge of the metropolis (mainly because of the signs).
This is your last time to visit any shops before you leave.
Fillion Rafael |
While traveling on the airship and since entering town, Fillion has been making observations about his companions. What strengths they might have. Who might be more reliable. Or less.
These are important things to know if he finds himself and these others led into a tight spot by the giant.
He subtly moves closer to the human woman he's seen sharpening and polishing knives and moving with a confidence that suggests capability.
"If things get tight in whatever the giant's walking us into, I'll watch your back if you watch mine."
He then added to their guide, "Hold up a moment, mister master fellow, I need to buy a thing or two before we head out and I think a few of my fellows may have similar needs."
Good gracious! I just realized Fillion doesn't have any gear. Thought I'd already done that!
Aisling Frost-Wing |
Aisling glances over at the other briefly, keeping her face covered by her hood.
I don't see why they are worried, this giant is clearly to stupid to be a threat. Poor vision...I'll keep notes of that for the future.
If we are going to be working together you all can call me Ash.
the small woman keeps her statement short and concise, her voice cold and distant.
Fillion Rafael |
"Fillion," he replied, then moves on.
A nervous half-elf, a vision-impared girl and her seeing eye bird, miss-distant-but-deadly, and the girl who isn't talking. An interesting group for sure.
Fillion began deciding what shops to visit. An alchemist's shop would be ideal. And maybe he could find a minute or two to find a good local source while he was at it.
Aisling Frost-Wing |
Gi-Backa, i am an As...Mercenary my prices aren't cheap. She hesitated slightly while speaking pausing in the middle of her sentences.
I'll need to know more about what you want before i accept the mission or go anywhere
She turns to Oracion How bad is you vision? She asks her hand moving to her hood holding it waiting for an answer.
Master Gi-Backa Al-Wazir |
Wow came back for a lot of gameplay!
"Now Gi-Backa know your names, he let you in on little secret." he clears his throat, and says, if it's possible, in a deeper voice, "Sorry for the stupid man act. I am the leader of a secret organization that stops people who abuse magic. Don't worry, you will be safe, those of you that are ... gifted. We only take out those who are, how do I say it ..." He scratches his head. "I guess evil.
For you, beautiful Cilla, the desert is about an hour away. Once we reach the Sandbox, you will have wonderful food."
Fillion Rafael |
"I am an as...mercenary" she had said. Slip of the tongue. Hiding something. Not a mercenary, but a...what? Assailant? No, that's not really a job. Assistant? No, that doesn't make sense. Assassin? Could be.
Speaking of hiding things, this mister master fellow was hiding behind a "stupid man act," now he only offers vague details. What more is he hiding?
And where can I find a good informant? I usually have one by this time.
Oracion Lore |
Oracion turns to Ash, Well my eyes have always been bad but when i became what I am... an oracle, my curse made my vision worse so, I can see in the dark perfectly but in the light it's very blurry. I can make out male vs. female and such but that's if they're really close.
Aisling Frost-Wing |
The young girl pulls back her hood and odd infernal rune inscribed behind violent eyes, White hair and pale skin like snow.
she smiles slightly getting closer so Oracion can see her a little more clearly.
I welcome you then as one of the cursed myself. I've never seen another one of us until now. We should talk more about this later, but thank you for indulging my curiosity. She backs away, waiting for her comrades to finish their shopping.
Master Gi-Backa Al-Wazir |
"Do what you wish, but meet me at the city gates." He chuckles.
"You'll know where to find me," winking at you all.
His part of his face that has the cloth over it glows with a bright green light. Gi-Backa's molecules separate from each other, then form a spiral. With a grand finale, they all come together in a little ball of light and fly towards the gates.
Fillion Rafael |
Well, our giant guide seems to have magic powers. He's a member of a group that keeps those who abuse magic in check, so that's to be expected. The real question is how powerful of a magic-wielder is he, and if he's incapable of dealing with whatever threat he hired us for, how much trouble have we gotten ourselves into?
Ah well, Fillion concludes his thought, more trouble usually just means more fun.
Fillion then heads off to the alchemist's shop to get some supplies. Along the way, he searches for an informant, though now he's really curious to know what said informant might be able to tell him about this mister master fellow and his organization.
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
GM Mandarin |
After nosing around a little, you discover their is an informant near where you are: Diana's Divination Destination. You head towards the tent with a sign out front that corresponds to what the stranger said.
As you near her tent, you feel weak, as if your natural magical powers were drained out of you like a tapped tree.
On the interior of the tent, there is a circle with a table at the center of it. A stunning woman with black, almost blue, hair, like midnight, sits on a chair at the table. The circle has a seven pointed star touching the edges of the circle.
As just a casual observation, you also realize that the tent has seven stakes for seven points.
You can make a Knowledge(Arcana) check to remember/learn what this means.
She opens her eyes and says, "Ah, Fillion Rafael. I've been expecting you."
She opens her eyes. They are a deep green with a yellow ring around the pupils. "How may I help you?"
Fillion Rafael |
Wasn't sure if this should be hidden or not, but as none of the other party members are with me, I suppose it makes sense.
She greets him by name and says she was expecting him."Expecting me? Yes, of course you have been. No doubt you're Diana? Either that or you need to update your sign."
While chatting, Fillion scans the room noticing the allure of Diana (if that's her name), the interior décor of the tent, and the obvious arcane symbols on her table. However, the tent seems to have seven specifically positioned stakes. Fillion quickly scans the files of his brain for the meaning of that.
Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
"Diana, my dear, darling girl, I'd like to know what you might be able to tell me about a Master Gi-Backa Al-Wazir and his organization."
He then adds with a smile, "And I'd be interested to know if you'd be free for dinner when I return from whatever mission Gi-Backa has for me."
Flirting? Not entirely. Simply a matter of keeping your enemies close and your informants closer.
GM Mandarin |
"Why yes dinner would sound fabulous, 'dashing hero'. How is the brothel you work at? I have a friend there."
She stops, and smiles. "Yes, I know all about you Fillion. My premonitions have revealed much information about you," she purrs in a strange accent.
"And, let me make it a ... condition ... that I'll give you the information about that stupid Gi-Backa, if you will go out to dinner with me."
Fillion Rafael |
did I learn anything from the knowledge (arcana) check?
Hearing Diana's response reveals a couple of interesting things. One, prices for her services seem very reasonable. Pleasant, even. Two, she may not be quite the seeress she presents herself as being. She claims to have learned about him through premonitions. However, she also let it slip that she has a friend at the brothel.
Looks like Diana makes good usage of sources just like Fillion. Again, she is clever enough to be very helpful. And possibly dangerous.
Still, dinner with a beautiful woman in exchange for not rushing blindly into an adventure does sound like quite the fair deal.
"Things are exquisite as always at the brothel, so kind of you to ask. Chi'Quia keeps things running ever so smoothly.
But back to the business at hand, Diana my sweet, I believe we have an accord. Info before I set off, dinner when I return."
Now that acquiring information is secured, Fillion sets to work ensuring that the information he is given seems valid.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 done as she gives the information. Specifically focusing on whether she seems honest and/or has a hidden agenda.
GM Mandarin |
Oh right:
You remember the seven pointed star is a teleportation rune, often linked to a conjuration rune.
"No, dinner first, information later," Diana says sternly. "Don't want to have you running off with information without a meal first."
And "Inside" was just for the inside of the tent