The Winter of Discontent

Game Master Cardboard Tube Knight

A strange new cult has sprung up in the land with mysterious fiendish ties and with it, children have started to disappear from small settlements around the City of Cyphers, Riddleport.


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Scarab Sages

Tread quietly in Riddleport, they say, and don’t look anyone in the eye. Tip-toe past the silent cathedrals of the Rotgut District with their heavy doors guarded by gurning gargoyles. In the poverty stricken streets whispers of a werewolf crime lord who devours children and the gnome sorcerer who is looking to unseat him. In docks that edge their way into the center of the City of Cyphers it’s night an uncommon sight for bodies to appear floating face down. Nobody expects the town guard to ever acknowledge their presence and they merely dispose of them. Another death un-mourned…

A one hundred year storm, the old, sightless mystic in the skip had called it. The streets are mostly empty this time of night anyway and so very few of you have taken shelter in this temple of Callistra.

Thunder booms outside shaking the glassware on the tables and the framed paintings of the goddess that dot the walls. There’s a small bar set against the far back wall of the room, wedged between two ornate, curved staircases where a beautiful, dark-haired Elvish man serves win and cider.

Half melted candles cover the other surfaces in this front area of the temple painting everything in golden, flickering light. A gnome and a Tiefling converse at the bar, her tail making lazy trails down the lower half of his leg.

Another crash of thunder outside.

“Would you like a drink?” the Elf’s voice echoes through the room. “I don’t think this is letting up for a while,” he smiles.


Male Human Paladin (Shining Knight) L7 | AC25 (T11FF24) CMD23| hp 32/71 | Saves: F10R7W7 | Percep -1 | Init +2 | Channel 3/3 | LoHands 5/7 | Smite 3/3 | Status: Aura of Courage +4 (10ft.r. ), Haste, Prayer

Sir Rhaym stepped through the doorway into the temple of Calistria and out of the rain. Gripping his warhammer, he scanned the interior, looking over those present one at a time.
Relaxing somewhat, he let go of his hammer and swept his sopping wet cloak off to hang it up.

He strode to the fire and took his gauntlets and helm off; revealing the face of a hard bitten warrior, perhaps in his twenties. You arent sure why, but you feel that he was... trustworthy somehow. Reaching out to the fire, he rubbed his hands together to warm them.
Observers would note that the knight's armor was of Chelaxian in origin, but any marks of house affiliation, knightly order or rank was blank, even to the point of being scratched off.

Looking around, his face expressed bemusement.
Calistria; why did it have to be a temple dedicated to Calistria of all goddesses?
Realizing the voice was addressing him, he looked up and nodded.
"Yes sir, I believe I would at that." He answered, surprising himself. He idly wondered who else sought refuge here in the storm...


Human fighter 1 AC-18, HP-10, Perc: +1, Init: +5, F: +2, R: +5, W: +3, CMD-varies alot

Sarmonia ducks into the temple as he is pelted by the rain. It is only after he enters that he realizes which temple it is.
"Well, not as good as Cayden's temple, but at least I got one with a bar." He thinks to himself with a wry smile.
He glances around quickly, assessing the patrons. After all Callistrian temples are usually filled with jilted lovers, betrayed friends and the like; people that are just itching to take offense at anything to get into a fight.
"Perhaps I should hold my tongue in here." He reminds himself, but he knows from experience that will only last until someone says something stupid.

Sarmonia is not tall or short, brown hair and brown eyes, in fact he looks so average as to be almost invisible in a crowd. However, from the well worn grip of his sword to the callouses on his right hand, a trained eye could tell he has much experience with the weapon.

"Well, lets see if I can avoid a bar fight for a change." He says to himself as he steps to the bar.

"Some hot mulled wine would be perfect right now." He says to the Elf at the bar.


Retired

Koayi sat cross-legged in front of the altar to Calistria. She’d finished her devotions some time ago, as the storm broke, and now she worked a small puzzle-box, trying and failing to solve it. I suppose it won’t open today, either.

As the door creaked open, her head snapped around to examine the newcomer, and one hand hid the puzzle-box beneath her cotton robes. Her other hand went to her waist, groped around as if searching for a weapon, then stopped as she saw the man’s armor. Not Ziphras, then. I suppose even HE wouldn’t be so bold as to attack me in a temple. I have GOT to remember to stay armed, though.

Koayi adjusted her braids, stood, and glided over to the bar. “Greetings, traveler. You look like someone trying to hide to save your hide. Are you looking for enlightenment?” She reached out to touch the man’s shoulder, but stopped herself inches away. Something didn’t feel right. He was too uncomfortable, even out of his cloak. Her face took on a concerned look. ”Or perhaps… you are here for some other purpose? You do not look like a local, so you must have come from far away. You are not proud of your past; the scratches on your armor show that. Who are you?”

She folded herself on top of one of the barstools, reached for her puzzle-box, and began to fiddle with it again. She glanced up at the elf behind the bar. ”Tonight is a brandy night for me.” The sound of more footsteps approaching the bar startled her, and she looked over to make sure it wasn’t Ziphras, and made a slight bow as the newcomer stepped to the bar. Maybe these are the ones I’ve been waiting for. Maybe they’ll help me find my family. Maybe my fortunes are turning.

What do I know about the elf and the gnome? I'm not as concerned about the tiefling for the moment, since I think she's probably a co-worker.
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19


Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

A hulking form fills the doorway, then mutters in Skald in a harsh tone that could only be curses as he ducks his head and turns his shoulders to fit through. He looks around, somewhat surprised at the surroundings, then chuckles to himself, I was thinking of Calistria as the goddess of revenge -- I mean, why else would Grakk hide himself here. Apparently, this temple is more dedicated to .... other pursuits.

Out of the rain, he removes his hooded cloak, revealing strong Ulfen features over slightly ashen skin, just, barely, enough to mark his orcish blood despite his massive size. A deep crimson tattoo of a diving raptor covers his right eye, cut in half by a hanging auburn blade. He gestures to a hook by the fire, raising an eyebrow questioningly, then hangs the garment to dry.

His grey eyes pass over the room and he sighs as an old frustration returns, I'm thinking that Gnome who sold me the information was just lining his pockets.. This place seems too nice for the likes of an old, cursed orc. Still, never hurts to ask..

He smiles at the elf's question, revealing small tusks that make his heritage clear, and says, "Aye, I'll take a mead, if you have it. And maybe some information?"


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |

Over the sounds of driving rain and thunder, a baritone voice from the front porch of the temple of Callistra says, "Okay then, let's get you dried off before we go inside. ... Splash! Quit playing in the puddle! Come! ... Yes Chessie, I know you hate being wet. There's a fire inside, I reckon. You can clean up in front of that. ... Rogue, I'll give you something to eat inside, okay?"

Presently a tall man steps into the welcoming shelter of the temple. As he removes his cloak and hangs it on a hook near the door he says, "Uff Da! It's a wet one out there and no mistake. It's raining cats and dogs." He then sets a large wooden shield on the floor, sets a bulky pack next to it, and removes a morningstar from his belt. A longbow and quiver of arrows are deposited next. Finally unburdened, he looks back out the entrance and says, "Come on in! It's okay." Four furry creatures and one feathered one tumble into the room: a black and white collie, a ginger tabby cat, a raccoon, and an otter, as well as a raven. They gather near the feet of the stranger, sniffing the room and looking about. "It's even raining otters and raccoons!" the man says with a chuckle. "I hope it's okay for the me and the family to gather near the fire. They won't be any trouble and I'll clean up anything if it comes to that. They're well behaved. I wanted to find an Inn but it took longer to get here what with the rain and all and now I can't figure out where anything is in this maze of a city. Hope we can get our bearings for a spell."

The man looks around the room for a few moments. His face indicates he is not sure what to make of the place. "This is a temple?", he mutters. Then he leads the menagerie to a spot near the fireplace. "Stay!" he says sternly to the lot and offers to shake hands with the knight warming himself by the fire. "Father Emil," he says and gives the man a warm smile.

Emil is tall and lanky with short dark hair dusted with some grey at the temples. Clearly a man past his youth, laugh lines sprout from the corners of his blue eyes and around his mouth. His face and hands show signs of having worked many hours in the sun. A wooden circle with a brass bow and arrow pointing down is pinned to his well-worn shirt, the holy symbol of Erastil.


Male Halfling Druid

A thud sounds from outside of the temple over the roar of the storm. A few seconds later, a small figure moves through the doorway of the temple. In a flurry of wings, a large, dark shape soars through the doorway into the shadows by the ceiling. The candlelight reveals the newcomer to be a halfling, small even by the standards of his race. He peers around, startled. "Oh. I didn't realize there were...I mean...I was just...the storm," he mumbles, before stepping quietly into a corner and sitting.
Pelner is apprehensive about the presence of others in what he thought was an empty temple. He tries to remember if he's heard of any of the other people there.
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Scarab Sages

[Spoiler =Koayi] The Elf is Aoefol. That's the only name he's ever given and he's a bartender for the Temple, so he's a co-worker too. What you know about him is that he's in a relationship with a young man you've seen come in the temple from time to time, but whose name you don't know. He doesn't speak much, but is usually friendly.[/spoiler]

The Elvish man pours the brandy and wines as requested. He pours an extra glass for Yverstrix before he says, "Don't have mead, friend. The, uh, goddess she's not to fond of it. Jilted by a lover who practically lived off the stuff and all. It's just wine and brandy here...but we've got some Chelish stuff--Elvish grape stock. Very strong." He says the first part almost apologetically. "What kind of information are you looking for?" he asks.

The Tiefling woman leaves the side of the Gnome at the sight of the small animals. She makes her way out to where Emil let them down, her heels clicking on the stonework floors. She glances up into his Emil's face, her eyes awaiting and answer and then she opens her mouth to speak.


Female Tiefling Bard - 6

"May I pet one?" she asks, her hand hovering over the head of the otter. "They're just so precious," a smile works it way across her purple, stained lips.

Scarab Sages

Pelner Marmiat wrote:

A thud sounds from outside of the temple over the roar of the storm. A few seconds later, a small figure moves through the doorway of the temple. In a flurry of wings, a large, dark shape soars through the doorway into the shadows by the ceiling. The candlelight reveals the newcomer to be a halfling, small even by the standards of his race. He peers around, startled. "Oh. I didn't realize there were...I mean...I was just...the storm," he mumbles, before stepping quietly into a corner and sitting.

Pelner is apprehensive about the presence of others in what he thought was an empty temple. He tries to remember if he's heard of any of the other people there.
[dice=Knowledge (nobility)]1d20+6

Pelner:
No one in the temple seems to be of noble blood that you've heard any tell of. Though this one guy does have rather fancy armor...

Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

Yverstrix scans the room, Aren't we just a rag-tag bunch... I imagine the other temple-workers will be in for a shock if they come out here to find a new client... He nods his head in greeting to the tiny halfling, Between the two of us, it's like a joke that writes itself..

He turns back to the bartender, hiding his disappointment with an affable smile, "Well, of the two, I'd prefer the brandy.... "

He heads toward the bar and slides a few coins towards the elf, while leaning in to say, "I'm looking for an old, scarred orc. He must be in his mid forties by now... which'd be about 70 for you and I. His left tusk was snapped off just above his lip, and he wears an obsidian cap, and his hair is thinning. A gnome calling himself Zarzu-something-or-other told me he was here."


Retired

"Thank you so much, Aoefol. I prefer the brandy as well,"Koayi says to the hulking figure as she takes a drink from her glass. "Very strange. I do not believe I have ever seen such a strange crowd here. Not one of you looks to be from around here, and who travels with that that many animals? Do you think they know any tricks?

Suddenly, a look of panic flashes across her face before being replaced with a smile and an expression that manages to look serene and flustered at the same time. "Shorafa would be so angry if she had seen that... I have forgotten my manners. My name is Koayi. I am, I guess you could say, a devotee of Calistria. Truly, it is a pleasure to meet you." She offers Yverstrix her free hand and then turns in her chair to see how the old man and the otter react to "Lavender Lil's" attention.


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |

Emil studies the strange lavender skinned tiefling, trying to detect a reason to distrust her besides her bizarre appearance. He had not interacted with such as herself during his years in Lake Trinity, nor had he known any followers of Calistra, but he had read enough to know they enjoy trickery.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Uncertain of whether to trust her, he touches his holy symbol, softly says an arcane word, followed by a short sequence of grunts and squeaks. He looks directly at Splash, his pet otter, as he makes the strange sounds.
Otter Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
The otter makes a few similar sounding chirps as if in response to his utterance. Emil smiles and looks back at the woman. "Splash says it's okay. He also asked if you have any fish."


Human fighter 1 AC-18, HP-10, Perc: +1, Init: +5, F: +2, R: +5, W: +3, CMD-varies alot

"Well it sure is getting crowded in here."

Sarmonia watches the interplay trying to figure out who is who. The large warrior in the defaced armor is obviously not a devotee, but does appear to be here for a reason, but the Halfling and older man are definitely out of place. As for the women, who knows. Either they work here, which means it will eventually lighten his purse, or they could be here for vindictive reasons. Either way, he would keep his distance for now and see if anything else develops. At least there is wine!


Male Halfling Druid

Pelner walks closer to the fire and sits by the man with the animals, gaining confidence as he gets used to the presence of others. "Say, that's a nice looking raven you have there, sir. What do you call her?"

Wild empathy on raven, take 10+3=13, raises attitude from indifferent to friendly.


Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

Yverstrix smiles at the small, furred woman, "Depends how far a ne you're casting. I'm not from Riddleport, but I am Varisian by birth." He tips his glass in her direction and then says, "I just hope they're well trained. I'd hate to think how much work goes in to cleaning up after them."

He chuckles, takes a drink and then bows his head to her by way of introduction, "I am Yverstrix Halfbloodsson, originally of Urglin... and while I can revere the Unquenchable Fire's for both lust and revenge... I am more a follower of Gorum's ways."


Male Human Paladin (Shining Knight) L7 | AC25 (T11FF24) CMD23| hp 32/71 | Saves: F10R7W7 | Percep -1 | Init +2 | Channel 3/3 | LoHands 5/7 | Smite 3/3 | Status: Aura of Courage +4 (10ft.r. ), Haste, Prayer
Koayi wrote:
"Greetings, traveler. You look like someone trying to hide to save your hide. Are you looking for enlightenment?”

Sir Rhaym looks briefly astonished before he stilled his face again.

How could she know this? He thought, glancing briefly at the entranceway.
"Ah, yes, in a manner of speaking. You could say that my former employers had a problem with my resignation."
He drew himself up.
"But where are my manners? I am Sir Rhaym, late of Cheliax. I am honored by your hospitality and am at your service. I'm afraid that, as for enlightenment, my only desire is the whereabouts of my father. His disappearance in this area has our family deeply concerned."


Retired

@ Sir Rhaym:

"Charmed. You can call me Koayi. Your father as well? Mine disappeared out in one of the villages near here a week ago, along with my brother. I was ready to rush out and try to find them when my high priestess told me I should wait here for others." Koayi looks around the room again, noting the weapons and armor throughout the room. "I suppose that would be the present company. I wonder if anyone else is missing family."

@Yverstrix:

"Urglin? Quite a dangerous journey, that is." Koayi continues to watch "Lil" and the man with the animals. "I suppose I should respect a follower of Gorum, Although I prefer my vengeance a bit more subtle.Nothing against axes, but I would not survive ten seconds fighting like that."

She drops a hand to her hip, where her sword would be resting, cursing when she realizes, again, that it's not there. "Why can I never remember to keep the cursed thing with me? That blade is no good to anyone in my room, certainly." She shakes her head, disappointed with her carelessness, and finishes her glass of brandy.


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |
Pelner wrote:
Pelner walks closer to the fire and sits by the man with the animals, gaining confidence as he gets used to the presence of others. "Say, that's a nice looking raven you have there, sir. What do you call her?"

"That's Scarlet." After a pause, as if he knows the next thing the Halfling will say, Emil adds, "As in the character in the fairy tale, The Princess and the Murder of Crows."

Father Emil points to the dog, cat, and raccoon and says, "And that's Ranger, Chessie, and Rogue. I'm Father Emil. What is your name?"

Yverstrix wrote:
Yverstrix smiles at the small, furred woman, "Depends how far a net you're casting. I'm not from Riddleport, but I am Varisian by birth." He tips his glass in her direction and then says, "I just hope they're well trained. I'd hate to think how much work goes in to cleaning up after them."

As Yverstrix says this, Father Emil walks over to his pack and pulls out a blanket and a couple of towels and returns to his family. He places the blanket near the fire and the animals not enjoying the attentions of Lil and Pelner gather on the blanket, watching the room with bright eyes, if not bushy tails. Emil says, "Zoetraling," and then address the group. It sounds as if he's speaking common but with a strange accent in which the R sounds resemble quick growls and the S sounds are drawn out into a soft hiss. "If anyone hasss to void, you go outside, underrrssstood?"

Chessie, the cat, gives a plaintive sounding meow, to which Emil replies, "I know it's rrraining, but go outside. I'll drrry you offff."

Turning back to Yverstrix, Emil adds, "We have an understanding, I believe. There should be no messes. We're all from Lake Trinity. It's a quiet little place a day's journey east. I grew up there and never left except for a few trips to Riddleport and Roderic's Cove for supplies and excursions to study the ruins around the area--kind of a hobby of mine. But lately, some of our neighbors in Melnor and Trebick's Bluff have had some children vanish, so they asked if I could travel to Riddleport to see if I might find them. They fear there is a slaver kidnapping children to sell abroad."

Emil fishes in his pouch for a pipe and tobacco and busies himself with preparing a smoke. He doesn't tell them about the recurring dream in which Luanna, his childhood sweetheart whom he hasn't seen since she left town to become an adventurer 25 years ago, was captured by some evil necromancer. He only discovered the missing children on his trip from Lake Trinity.


Human fighter 1 AC-18, HP-10, Perc: +1, Init: +5, F: +2, R: +5, W: +3, CMD-varies alot

Sarmonia's ears perk up at the mention of slavers. If there is one thing that can get him committed, it is the hunt for such scum.

"Do you have any signs that it is slavers that are responsible? If so, I would gladly lend my aid to your task." Sarmonia says in response to Father Emil.

"I am Sarmonia Tarn, also of Varisia, and you have definitely come to the right city if slavers are involved."


Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

Yverstrix takes a pull of the brandy and laughs, "Subtle kind of stops after six foot six, I think."


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |
Sarmonia Tarn wrote:

"Do you have any signs that it is slavers that are responsible? If so, I would gladly lend my aid to your task."Sarmonia says in response to Father Emil.

"I am Sarmonia Tarn, also of Varisia, and you have definitely come to the right city if slavers are involved."

Emil exhales a lungful of aromatic tobacco smoke and says, "I only know some children went out to play near dusk and were not seen again. Riddleport is notorious for its willingness to deal in any cargo, including slaves, so it seemed the logical place to start, but I have nothing more to go on then that. Have people been going missing here of late as well?" Emil directs the last question to the room at large, making eye contact with Sir Rhaym, since he mentioned a missing relative.


Retired

They DO seem to be having the same problems as I am. "Yes, Father Emil. My father, Taiki, and my younger brother, Arata, both went missing a few days ago. I have no clue where to start searching, since they went missing so long ago, except that it was in one of the settlements near Riddleport. You seem a little lost as well, Father. Perhaps the time has come for some investigative work!" Koayi reaches down for her swordgrip again, but stops herself. "I need to collect my gear! Be back in a moment.
She rushes up the stairs and returns wearing leather armor, a dull yellow silken tabard with Calistria's holy symbol on it, and breeches. A simple rapier hangs from her belt, and half-a-dozen daggers are shoved into sheaths scattered across her back.

"Alright, ready! Do we know anything about the missing people or the slavers? Anything at all? She says this last with a hopeful look on her face.


Male Halfling Druid

Pelner has been observing this conversation with intense interest. He says, "I'm sorry about your family, but I don't think there's much we can do until the weather changes. I've met slavers before, but not around here. I'm sort of new to the area, actually. Where are these slavers from, and where are the slaves taken? That might be a start."

Scarab Sages

Aoefol pours the brandies and downs the wines for himself in quick succession. "Here you are," he says to the pair. "Not often that someone turns down free wine," his face looks slightly distressed but there's a smile in his eyes.

The storm outside deepens. The thunder becomes more and more frequent and the lightning flickering through the windows paints the temple in white light for a few short seconds.


Female Tiefling Bard - 6

Lil stoops down to pet the otters head and her long slender tail swishes back and forth happily as she strokes the creatures small head. "Otter. I've heard of one of these," she says tilting her head to one side.

For Emil:
You don't get the impression Lil wants to hurt anyone and by her dress and her actions when you came in its somewhat obvious that she's a Temple Prostitute. They're not known for hurting others.

Scarab Sages

"I see that we have guests because of the storm no doubt," a matronly woman with a purple dress tightly buttoned p to the middle of her neck stands at the top of one of the staircases with one hand resting on the banister and the other clutching the a shaw around her thin form.

"I'm Konstantine, the High Priestess of this Temple. Make yourselves at home, take advantage of our wine and some warm bodied company. I just ask that you remain peaceful while within these walls," she says from her perch above everything.

"The threat of this rain really has dried up any chance we might have had to see anyone in here for worship tonight."

There's a scream from down the hall and an excited Halfing girl runs out. "Are they just here to hide from the rain. Pity," she looks over the group. "I like the tall one."

"They're all tall to you," A man who looks human but has an unsettlingly beautiful aura about him follows close behind her along with an assortment of others who observe the new comers, Koayi and Lil from up high.

"Look, Lil and Koayi are hogging them all to themselves," says a short haired redhead.

"Oh, now you've gone and riled up the others," Konstantine says, her nose turned up and her eyebrows jumping at t he word 'riled'.


Male Human Paladin (Shining Knight) L7 | AC25 (T11FF24) CMD23| hp 32/71 | Saves: F10R7W7 | Percep -1 | Init +2 | Channel 3/3 | LoHands 5/7 | Smite 3/3 | Status: Aura of Courage +4 (10ft.r. ), Haste, Prayer

Sir Rhaym looks up, startled at Father Emil's statement of a missing person.
"Your Eminence. I must confess, what brings me to this city is also a missing person. My father. Lady Koayi also seems to have the same kind of case. Could our problems be... related?"


Retired

Koayi approaches Pelner. ”*sigh* That is…certainly true, little one. I just worry so much for them. Each day, I hope they still live, but nearly a week has passed. Without action, I fear hope will wane for them-“ Her sentence is interrupted as she hears the playful commentary from the other Calistrian Courtesans at the balcony. She whirls around to face the balcony and shouts back, her voice an indignant squeak.

HOGGING!? I would never! Aoefol? Konstantine? Someone explain to Miss Strawberry-Hair that I am NOT a hog. Saying I hog, they are not even worshippers… Her outburst trails off into an angry grumble. Returning to the halfling, she recovers her composure and continues. ”In any case, your suggestion to start with where the slaves go could be useful. I thank you… I apologize; I think I do not know your name.”

While her mind struggles to recall any information about slavers and slave-markets in Riddleport, Koayi’s hands find their way into her backpack and fetch her puzzle-box. She rotates the sides absently.
Knowledge (local) for Slavers: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

DM CTK:
Do you need a roll for me to know my collegues’ names? If so, here’s my roll:
Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |

Just before Constantine addresses the group, Emil takes in the comments from the others and says, "It appears the gods--at least Erastil, Gorum, Abadar, and Calistra--have conspired to place us here tonight, ..." his next words are drowned out by a colossally large thunderclap an instant after a bright flash of lightning paints the room with yellow-blue light. "Obviously," Emil adds after the noise abates, "Gozrah wants us to remember her part in the conspiracy. But we are perhaps fated to join forces in a quest for that evil which robs us of our most beloved family and friends."

DM CTK wrote:

"I see that we have guests because of the storm no doubt," a matronly woman with a purple dress tightly buttoned up to the middle of her neck stands at the top of one of the staircases with one hand resting on the banister and the other clutching a shawl around her thin form.

"I'm Konstantine, the High Priestess of this Temple. Make yourselves at home, take advantage of our wine and some warm bodied company. I just ask that you remain peaceful while within these walls," she says from her perch above everything.

"The threat of this rain really has dried up any chance we might have had to see anyone in here for worship tonight."
...
"Oh, now you've gone and riled up the others," Konstantine says, her nose turned up and her eyebrows jumping at the word 'riled'.

Seeing the newcomers emerge, Father Emil assumes a deer in the torchlight look until something seems to dawn on him and he smiles slightly and relaxes, amused at the youthful enthusiasm of the group. Shaking his head, he avoids looking at any of the temple prostitutes as he goes to his pack and pulls out a few small sacks. He busies himself giving food to the animals. He hands a pouch with some dried fish to Lil, saying "Splash prefers fresh, but he'll eat these."

He sits with his back to the wall next to the animals, draws a puff from his pipe and says, "I guess we can continue this discussion when the weather clears."

GM:
will: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 Emil lives a celibate life, not out of firm religious conviction as much as because he thinks it best when people save sex for marriage. He's gotten used to distracting himself whenever tempted by a woman, particularly younger women. So this is just to gauge how much he is tempted by this situation. Just curious, how "matronly" is Konstantine? If Emil can be tempted by anyone, it may be her. He's more likely to engage her in theological discussion unless she turns up the heat on him specifically.


Male Halfling Druid

"My name is Pelner, ma'am." Pelner moves back to the corner and lays out a bedroll, but doesn't sit down. Instead he just stands and stares toward the fire.


Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

Yverstrix shrugs, taking another pull from his brandy, "I don't be knowing that it was the gods that led me here, rather than a false tale from a greedy gnome..." He puts down the glass, and then growls, "Still, I don't much be caring for the idea of people thinking they can own each other... or that kids be going missing."

He turns to the window after two rapid peals of thunder, then chuckles and takes up his glass again, returning to a relaxed position of leaning against the bar, tipping his glass at the old man, "Aye, I be thinking you have the right that... probably better to plan when thunderclaps aren't cutting us off... and, for that matter, to see if people's desires to act last until the light of day and aren't just tales told to impress in the night."

He turns towards Konstantine and asks, "I don't be supposing there's a bed quite long enough for the likes of me?"

Scarab Sages

Sir Rhaym wrote:

Sir Rhaym looks up, startled at Father Emil's statement of a missing person.

"Your Eminence. I must confess, what brings me to this city is also a missing person. My father. Lady Koayi also seems to have the same kind of case. Could our problems be... related?"

"It's been many a long year since I got involved with such exciting matters as those of missing persons and adventure. I can tell you that the city takes a lot from us and it gives very little in return and this city sees more than it's fair share of disappearances, though usually not of able bodied adults," Konstantine descends the stairs part way, a silent flash of lightning marring the wall with her shadow briefly.

Koayi Aimaina wrote:

Koayi approaches Pelner. ”*sigh* That is…certainly true, little one. I just worry so much for them. Each day, I hope they still live, but nearly a week has passed. Without action, I fear hope will wane for them-“ Her sentence is interrupted as she hears the playful commentary from the other Calistrian Courtesans at the balcony. She whirls around to face the balcony and shouts back, her voice an indignant squeak.

HOGGING!? I would never! Aoefol? Konstantine? Someone explain to Miss Strawberry-Hair that I am NOT a hog. Saying I hog, they are not even worshippers… Her outburst trails off into an angry grumble. Returning to the halfling, she recovers her composure and continues. ”In any case, your suggestion to start with where the slaves go could be useful. I thank you… I apologize; I think I do not know your name.”

While her mind struggles to recall any information about slavers and slave-markets in Riddleport, Koayi’s hands find their way into her backpack and fetch her puzzle-box. She rotates the sides absently.
[dice=Knowledge (local) for Slavers]1d20+6
** spoiler omitted **

Konstantine pauses at the foot of the staircase. "Ladies and gentlemen," she narrows her eyes back up at the gathering near the railing. "These people are our guests and Koayi is a welcomed worshipper, you will regard them as such. And I hardly think Lillian meant to get anywhere leaving her paying client behind to play with this man's ferrets." Konstantine points to the gnome at the bar sipping his wine whom Lil left behind.

The slavers operate in secret and are hard to get in contact with, even if you mean to buy.

More to come...


Female Tiefling Bard - 6
Father Emil wrote:

Just before Constantine addresses the group, Emil takes in the comments from the others and says, "It appears the gods--at least Erastil, Gorum, Abadar, and Calistra--have conspired to place us here tonight, ..." his next words are drowned out by a colossally large thunderclap an instant after a bright flash of lightning paints the room with yellow-blue light. "Obviously," Emil adds after the noise abates, "Gozrah wants us to remember her part in the conspiracy. But we are perhaps fated to join forces in a quest for that evil which robs us of our most beloved family and friends."

DM CTK wrote:

"I see that we have guests because of the storm no doubt," a matronly woman with a purple dress tightly buttoned up to the middle of her neck stands at the top of one of the staircases with one hand resting on the banister and the other clutching a shawl around her thin form.

"I'm Konstantine, the High Priestess of this Temple. Make yourselves at home, take advantage of our wine and some warm bodied company. I just ask that you remain peaceful while within these walls," she says from her perch above everything.

"The threat of this rain really has dried up any chance we might have had to see anyone in here for worship tonight."
...
"Oh, now you've gone and riled up the others," Konstantine says, her nose turned up and her eyebrows jumping at the word 'riled'.

Seeing the newcomers emerge, Father Emil assumes a deer in the torchlight look until something seems to dawn on him and he smiles slightly and relaxes, amused at the youthful enthusiasm of the group. Shaking his head, he avoids looking at any of the temple prostitutes as he goes to his pack and pulls out a few small sacks. He busies himself giving food to the animals. He hands a pouch with some dried fish to Lil, saying "Splash prefers fresh, but he'll eat these."

He sits with his back to the wall next to the animals, draws a puff from his pipe and says, "I guess we can...

Lillian takes the pouch of dried fish and rolls it around in her palm using her fingers to jostle the contents of the bag. She takes a bit of the dried fish out from the sack and feeds it to Splash, rubbing the small creatures neck and chest after it takes the bite. She ignores the rabble in the rest of the room.

"I'm sure that Konstantine will allow you and the others stay here for the night."

Emil:
She looks like she was a very beautiful woman some years ago and she's more attractive than most human women her age. Her hair appears to have been once blonde as it's gone that ashen color and she seems to be in decent shape as she walks and gets around well.


Yverstrix Halfbloodsson wrote:

Yverstrix shrugs, taking another pull from his brandy, "I don't be knowing that it was the gods that led me here, rather than a false tale from a greedy gnome..." He puts down the glass, and then growls, "Still, I don't much be caring for the idea of people thinking they can own each other... or that kids be going missing."

He turns to the window after two rapid peals of thunder, then chuckles and takes up his glass again, returning to a relaxed position of leaning against the bar, tipping his glass at the old man, "Aye, I be thinking you have the right that... probably better to plan when thunderclaps aren't cutting us off... and, for that matter, to see if people's desires to act last until the light of day and aren't just tales told to impress in the night."

He turns towards Konstantine and asks, "I don't be supposing there's a bed quite long enough for the likes of me?"

"There are indeed beds away from any prying eyes and troubles. When there's festivals and travelers we allow them to stay in a set of rooms down the hall here," she points up to a hallway that leads off to the side of the hall at top of the stairs.

"You all may stay," she adds.

She glances towards Pelner. "No need for sleeping bags..."

Scarab Sages

There's a loud crash like thunder and the doors of the temple fly open. Cold, damp wind shoots through the room and the candles are snuffed out in a sizzle. Everything goes black and the line of temple prostitutes at the top of stairs shriek.

The room goes pitch black.

Anyone have dark vision.


Male Halfling Druid

Pelner is jolted out of his thoughts by the sudden noise and fumbles for his backpack at his feat, reaching for his flint and steel and a torch and attempting to light them.


Male Human Paladin (Shining Knight) L7 | AC25 (T11FF24) CMD23| hp 32/71 | Saves: F10R7W7 | Percep -1 | Init +2 | Channel 3/3 | LoHands 5/7 | Smite 3/3 | Status: Aura of Courage +4 (10ft.r. ), Haste, Prayer

Sir Rhaym raises his hand to protect his eyes from the wind and rain as he attempts to see anything at all.
Perception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (3) + 0 = 3


Retired

What in Calistria's name is going on? Koayi thinks, as the lights go out. She snaps her fingers and whistles a quick melody, and four small, torch-like lights begin spinning clockwise above her head.

She draws her rapier and looks around, trying to figure out what's happening.

Dancing Lights spell-like ability, 1/3 uses today, acting as torches, 1 minute duration.


Human fighter 1 AC-18, HP-10, Perc: +1, Init: +5, F: +2, R: +5, W: +3, CMD-varies alot

Sarmonia's hand flies to the hilt of his sword, but he doesn't draw quite yet.

With my luck it'll be the city watch and they will see me, weapon drawn. I'll wait to see who it is first.

The sudden darkness is disorienting, but the appearance of the soft floating lights dispels the darkness quickly. And.....


Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

Yverstrix curses his weak blood almost by reflex as the darkness takes him, reaching a hand into a pouch then cursing again, Used my last sunrod in that blasted cave...

He turns his head toward the stairs at the sound of the screams. He grumbles out a warning, then reaches for his axe, "I be thinking there's more to that scream than just being 'fraid of the dark. Be wary."


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |

All the animals have low-light vision. Emil does not.

Emil assumes the wind blew the doors open and casts a light cantrip on his holy symbol. "Lux Arcanum."

He remains seated and looks toward the door to see if anything besides wind and rain can be seen.

This spell causes a touched object to glow like a torch, shedding normal light in a 20-foot radius from the point touched, and increasing the light level for an additional 20 feet by one step, up to normal light (darkness becomes dim light, and dim light becomes normal light). The effect is immobile, but it can be cast on a movable object. Duration: 10 minutes.


Male Human Paladin (Shining Knight) L7 | AC25 (T11FF24) CMD23| hp 32/71 | Saves: F10R7W7 | Percep -1 | Init +2 | Channel 3/3 | LoHands 5/7 | Smite 3/3 | Status: Aura of Courage +4 (10ft.r. ), Haste, Prayer

Cautiously, Sir Rhaym put his hand on his warhammer as light reappeared in the temple.


Skills:
(Acro +8[+12]; Climb +9[+11]; EscArt +1; Intim +10; Kn(Nature) +5; Ride +1; SenMot +0; Stealth +1; Surv: +5; Swim: +7[+9])
Male Half-Orc (Ulfen) Barbarian (Hateful Rager) 4
Vitals:
(HP: 45 [57]/45[57]; AC: 17[15]/12[10]/15[13]; Percep: +7; Init: +2; Fort +9 [+12], Ref: +5, Will: +4[+6]; CMD: 20[22]; CMB +8[+10] (+2 bull rush); Speed: 40)

Yverstrix looks around in the new light, and if nothing is obviously amiss, he runs up the stairs toward the source of the screaming.

Scarab Sages

The darkness is milky and black before Koayi and Emil cast their spells. The dull illumination leaves deep shadows at the edge of the cavernous room. Four moving lights come into being around Lil and the animals as she whispers something under her breath.

Everything is silent for a moment except for the rain coming down outside.

Sir Rhaym:
You don't hear or see anything, there's subtle light pouring in through the door outside.

Yverstrix can make his way to the stairs in the low light, being careful of the small animals near Emil and Lil. The matron is on the bottom of the stairs, but says nothing.

As he gets to the top of the stairs the temple prostitutes are talking among themselves in frightened, hushed tones.

One of them, he can't tell which in this darkness, speaks up. "I'm sorry," she says almost as if disappointed, "I screamed...I don't much like the dark," she admits.

There's a chill in the room and everything falls still again.


"Can everyone please attempt to remain calm and act like adults," she makes a disapprovingly annoyed sound as she takes a few short steps away from the staircase.

Scarab Sages

There's a crash and glass breaks. Aoefol yells out. "Get away from that you little bastard!"

A small creature hops up onto the bar top cuddling the bottle of brandy before dousing itself in the spirit. It lets out a throaty, gurgling laugh before attempting to run away.

When Aoefol grabs for it, it bites him. He yelps.

There's a sound like small feet in the darkened corner and something heavy sliding across the floor.


Male Halfling Druid

Pelner whirls around, startled by the strange arrival, but unsure what to do. He gestures towards the creature and calls out, attempting to call his roc Enel down from his perch by the roof and direct him toward the strange creature.
Handle animal: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22


Portrait Male Human Cleric of Erastil 6 | hp: |

Emil stands as he checks to be sure all his animals are on the blanket and then orders them to stay.

Handle animal details:

GM: I'm not sure how you want me to roll when giving the animals a command. I don't want it to be a big distraction. I'll make a single roll, since it's one command for all the animals. The DC is 10.
handle animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

On his next turn, as he hears the commotion at the bar, he draws his sickle and looks to see what is taking brandy from the bar, etc.
perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13


Retired

"We are not misbehaving, Konstantine. That...thing, however, is."

Koayi moves toward the bar, rapier still in hand, and cautiously speaks to the elf.

"Aoefol, are you alright? What IS that thing?"

She slips into a defensive stance as she moves around the bar counter, ready for whatever the creature may do.

Fighting defensively, -4 to attacks, +2 to AC (AC 18/16/14)

If it tries to flee around me:

Koayi attempts to strike the thing on the head with the pommel of her rapier.
Nonlethal Attack of Opportunity!: 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 - 4 - 4 = 0
...But the thing is too fast, and she misses!

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