Godwyn took a seat. Necromancer. Great... It made sense now. Such magic was by it’s nature evil, or so the Pharasmaites said. He had heard some say that indulging in such magic for too long could taint one’s soul. He wasn’t completely convinced as to all of the arguments, though. He had also heard a crusader argue that magic was just magic, and it was what one did with it that mattered. There was a certain logic to it. What stuck out though was that there was apparently another necromancer to slay. One more powerful. But again, what was the no-life king’s motives? What were Loc’s?
”You heard correct. I am Sir Godwyn. This is Sir Drystan. We are Paladins of the most holy Mendevian Crusades. I assume that we have been brought here for a purpose?”
"A purpose, uh?"
Ametist takes a sit and completely shows his face. A hobgoblin archetypical face, with long ears and no hair, but quite dark coloured.
He doesn't feel comfortable, but given that he has no way of going anywhere else, at least he thinks he can learn about the reasons he's not under a giant boulder.
"Well, as I think I said already, I come from a place called Storval Plateau, in a country you would call Varisia. We were attacked by some giants."
He stops there, as if this should be enough to understand the consequences.
"So we've all been revived. Do we know why?"
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"As far as I can guess to to avoid the end of the world. Between the tyrant, the demons, and those mad wizards along with every thing else going on things are looking a bit dire for everyone. Why else would we have been brought back? We were all killed while actively fighting these threats from the sound of it. Even if that is not the reason I'm still going after the Tyrant. I simply can't abide by the Whispering Ways Philosophies. To self absorbed for my tastes.
I for one do not remember much of what happened after I died. All I do remember is not wanting to die again. How about you? Any near life experiences?"
"Sir Godwyn and I both fell during a demonic incursion at Kenabres. From your mention of "the demons", should I take it that containment of the Worldwound more generally has failed?" Drystan asks, frowning.
"Correct. Let me explain the current state of affairs, as best I understand them." Karen proceeds to roll out a set of maps with notes on them in a small, neat hand, and explain the geopolitical situation of modern day Golarion.
The Stable Boy offers a simple summary of Karen's presentstion as soon as she's done. Basically, you're f'ed.
He's sitting on the bar with a small cup of something that steams.
After Karen finishes her presentation, Drystan sits quietly for long moments, staring off into the middle distance. You will not cry. You have more discipline than that. Mourn privately later. he nods once, seeming to come to a decision. "Then" he swallows hard, once, words seeming to fail. "Then my family, and in all likelihood everyone I ever knew, is dead." he says, before pausing and looking away for a moment. I won't. Not here, in front of strangers. When he looks back a the group, there's a fire in his eyes, fury barely restrained by discipline. "More crimes for the demons to pay for then. Their time will come." He slams his gauntleted fist on the table, hard enough to leave a dent, and cause a couple of glasses jump and fall over. Fishing a few coins from his belt pouch, he says "Apologies. The next round's on me."
"It's not just demons or devils. Basically, evil is having a field day, but hopefully with your help we'll start to turn things around."
I fell to the Fey, Lian says, and takes a small sip of drink, Though even they are not doing well.
As for purpose, we have received no commands, no proclamations. What we have to go by is what has happened. I intend to go forward and form alliances that can save the people of this world and stop the incoming tides through whatever deals I can strike, whatever means I can.
Perhaps the clearest message is the return of driven people such as ourselves, and providing us with power, seemingly to do as we see fit. That, itself, could be taken as a statement of purpose, the diplomat concludes.
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"I will have a glass of milk Drystan. Builds strong bones you know." Loc will chuckle at his little joke as his little cooked undead chicken hides it's non-existent head under it's wings from the sudden slam on the counter. "Lian is right. We will need to get as much support as possible from various nations and such. We can't take on entire armies by our selves. I do think we need to make a name for ourselves first if we want to make any connections though. No one will support us with out a couple of feats under the belt."
Godwyn took a deep breath, and stayed quiet. This was much to take in. Growing up in a family of crusaders had prepared him for inevitable loss, but the blow was still painful. At length he said ”Our duty is clear. But to whom do we owe our current...lives?”
"So, someone has conquered the world with an army of undead." He takes a look at Loc. "Yes, I agree we need some contacts, and to build a name. Have you got access to any kind of library or similar? I was studying the tongue of the earth creatures when my life ended, and it could be something useful if we could gather the elemental dwellers to battle for us."
Penshi chuckles at Drystan's offer to buy the next round "Nonsense my boy. Your drinks and meal are on me. As you were already told, the world is more or less ending. I can fill you in on what they forgot."
"To your other questions, you are in Augustana, in Andoran. I do not know who or what brought you back to life, but I believe your return is due to divine providence."
That's far too cautious, Loc. Sure, it helps to have done things, but all that matters is convincing someone we can do things. I also have a few... tricks some may consider exceptional valuable that I can use for trade.
The Kitsune adds to Ametist, And that is just one of our problems, the World Wound yawns ever wider. Undead and Demons clash too. But one thing at a time and all that, yes?
Godwyn took a deep breath, forcing himself to think analytically about this. "If everything we are hearing is true, we need strong allies. No matter what our respective strengths might be, we cannot save the world alone. And that raises the question, of whom might be steadfast allies?"
After a moment's pause, he continued. "I believe...we should begin in the Five King Mountains. You say that the dwarven realms have been flooded with refugees, but are being assailed from below by the drow? Well, if we were to relieve the pressure on them, then there would be fortified cities to operate out of. And the dwarves are known not only for their stubborn resolve, but also their loyalty. And grudges. This would also allow refugees a safe place to flee to. I can't think of any place more dependable for starting a reconquest."
Drystan nods ”The mountains also have the benefit of being nearby. They would put us closer to Lake Encarthan as well, able to move toward the Tyrant or Worldwound after we contain or eliminate the Drow threat.”
"I used to live in the mountains. Maybe I could help... or maybe the dwarves will attack me on sight. But we'll never know if we don't try, right?"
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Loc was obviously rolling the idea around in his mind before nodding. "Yes I can get behind that. If memory serves the drow did some research that could help me out a little bit with my own magics. The mountains would be a wonderful base to begin things as well, and it's located near the lake so we can use that for supplies as well. Yes I rather like it. I will go along with that plan. Do we know if they have moved mostly above ground or are their strong holds still buried in the earth? Either way I have a shovel but I can always grab more. In the mean time I'm going to go and buy a nice large carriage to set up shop in. If anyone would like to come shopping with me after our planning session I will welcome the company."
"Given the current climate, It's likely that Dwarves will not kill you on sight, given that you'll be travelling with one." says Karen as she nods.
"We should probably all introduce ourselves though; I'm more than happy to start. My name is Karen, and I am a priestess of Irori. Since my return I have discovered that the powers of healing I can draw on are significantly improved."
"As far as going to the mountains goes, I would think we would want to get out into the world and try to link up the surviving 'good guys' and offer our services. Holing up in the mountains is not going to help that goal."
"Well, I guess the plan is linking up the good guys in the mountain, then the others, rather than just staying in the mountains, right?"
My question is who would we link them up with? What more uncertain forces could we bend to our goal? Or, hm, have the Holds not committed themselves...? Lian speculates.
"My suggestion would be to seek out the Hellknight embassy here, and see if they can aid you. I know they provide writs to allow travel within the Inner Sea Alliance's borders. As their organization is leads the ISA, it would be beneficial to get on their good side." Penshi interjects, hoping to direct the reborn heroes to help accomplish their goals.
As opposed to their 'target' side. Do try not to mess it up. They get super cranky.
"If we can relieve pressure on the Dwarves, the victory itself will provide a much-needed morale boost. Beyond that, if dwarven troops are not needed to defend their own lands, they might be able to aid other forces elsewhere. Finally, dwarves are skilled and industrious craftsmen without parallel. If they aren't worried about surviving the next few days, that industry could supply much of the military equipment needs of much of the allied forces."
"Seems a sound plan to me. I guess we must start low, though - my head still aches as if a giant just stomped on me. Haha!" Of course, no one will laugh at Ametist's joke, but well... his first attempt at humour after his demise couldn't be a total succes, right? "So, who should we speak with here in Augustana?"
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"Well it sounds like we are going to be in need of travel papers. The Hellknights should be able to get us some as well as some information about what is going on around here right now. Than we can start our journey."
With a snap of his fingers the chicken would fall over, dead once more. "Lets get a move on right now. Penshi who would be best to approach in the organization about this?"
"I'll let one of you talk to the hellknights. I'm not over fond of them."
"As I said, seek out the embassy here, which is located in the Arsenal District. I am sure somebody there will be able to assist you."
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Loc will down the rest of his milk before standing up, putting his white gloves on and heading towards the door. "Great. I am heading out now. I'm itching to get going. Research waits for no man and I need to get my hands dirty. Lian I know you are the best talker. I can help butter them up."With his black top hat and cane with a small skull on the tip he would head out
"I'll come along as well." Drystan says, somewhat grudgingly. He doesn't particularly want to spend any time around the necromancer, but the Hellknights as a group have always interested him. An order which took inspiration from Hell, but nevertheless were dedicated first to Law (and many of whom were not evil at all) intrigued him.
”As will I.” The last thing Godwyn wanted to do was leave his comrade alone with the necromancer.
"Count on me, I also want to do some things." Ametist is aware that he may rise some eyebrows, but he can't just stay hidden doing nothing. He has been granted a second chance and some extra power - he can feel it - and it would be a waste not to use it.
He walks beside the necromancer. "Can you show me where is the library here?"
Lian sizes up the volunteers, working on a negotiation strategy. Some obviously lawful and orderly- or at least by stereotype- some not. Yes, she could work with this.
Yes, I believe we can do this. I do have a request- Hellknights can be touchy at times, so I may make a hand signal as warning if I fear a line is being neared. But they are also sticklers for order, and that, I believe we can make an offer on.
Sir Drystan nods. ”Yes, that was my thought as well. If I may make a suggestion, perhaps a signal with one of your tails instead of a hand. They are more likely to notice, and possibly misinterpret, a hand signal than one with an appendage they themselves do not possess.”
OH! Clever, Lian nods, I will confess they're new to me, I would not have thought of that. Just the tail thing, not the signally during negotiation thing, of course.
With that, Lian joins everyone in heading for the Hellknights.
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Penshi smiles "Excellent, I've helped the Hellknights a lot in the past, so I might be able to assist you at least getting in the door, so to speak." He dips into a pocket and hands Lian a silver token with a cup engraved on it. "Show this to the guards once you get to the embassy. I'm not sure how far it will get you, but it will at least bypass the lines."
Turing to Ametist, he asks "There are a few libraries here, what specifically are you looking to research? I can direct you to the best one."
Caught by surprise, Ametist needs to think a bit before answering. "Well, if we're going to go to the mountains, it would be good to know a bit about the dwarves, but my real intention is that we gather some elemental allies." Ametist seems to be pondering the possibilities while speaking. "I guess I would need to learn Terran, and some lore about creatures native to the plane of Elemental Earth. They should be easy to find in the mountain ranges, or so I hope. Their natural capabilities should be useful, and in the future we could make use of creatures frrom other elemental planes. I guess." At least, mastery of the elements is what Ametist was supposed to be learning back at the Tass enclave.
I've always disliked earth elementals... The Stable Boy muses. He is sitting on a rafter above the new guy's table. You didn't see or hear him get up there. He's currently lounging against an angled brace and picking at his fingernails with a knife you didn't see on him when you first met. They're not the sharpest of creatures.
"Oh, some stones can be very sharp, believe me..." Ametist smiles at his own joke. "Very sharp. Dig it?"
Godwyn shook his head. After hearing the news that his entire family was most likely dead, he wasn’t in the mood for levity. Rather, he looked at the stable boy and said ”Who are you? Or rather, what are you, and why have you chosen to take this form?”
The Stable Boy raises an eyebrow. Look out, Penshi! You've caught a lively one! He sits up on the rafter, his legs dangling like a child on a tall chair. He leans over with his elbows on his knees and ticks your questions off on his fingers, Let's see... I'm the Stable Boy. A Stable Boy. I didn't. It was chosen for me and I happen to like it very much. His eyes twinkle with mischief.
Godwyn sat back and eyes the stable boy coldly. ”You aren’t gaining any trust like this. If you wish to remain secretive, so be it. Though it does show a troubling lack of respect. All that I know that I may or may not have died, and someone or something has brought me here. While I will of course always do what is right, I do not appreciate being left in the dark about who is pulling the strings here.”
The boy, though his eyes still twinkle, adopts a more serious tone. Look, Crusader, there are things your mind can't handle right now. As you said, you just came back from the dead. A lot has changed. If you don't get up and go DO something there is a good chance I'll find you curled up in the corner muttering to yourself in a pool of your own excrement, and not even the Bar Maid wants to deal with that. Being brought back after so long would be a shock to a demi-god, much less mere mortals. So, pardon me if there are some things I don't tell you, little crusader. I'm trying not to shatter your soul.
A chill sweeps through the room at his words, though no breeze is felt.
”And telling me which god you serve would shatter my mind? Fine. Let’s get on with it then. This armor would be mighty hard to clean should my mind shatter, causing me to shat myself. If nothing else, it’d make a poor impression on the Hellknights.”
What God I serve? Oh THAT'S all you wanted to know? Goodness me! I thought you were asking something much more personal! I serve Iomedae on Mondays and Wednesdays; Ragathiel on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Friday (he is a demanding one); Pharasma every other-other Friday, and Groteus on Saturdays.
Looking at Godwyn, Karen will say "Oh, he's one of those Paladins." to Loc.
Godwyn rose to his feet, and to Karen said ”And by ‘those Paladins’ I am going to assume that you meant ‘rationale.’ Many a crusader has been led into darkness by the wiles of the demonic. Sadly, this has come from blind trust in those who pretended to have all the righteousness in the world.”
He glanced at the boy again. He wasn’t used to being talked down to by children, though he reminded himself this wasn’t a child. He’d have to figure out what he was in time. He was also still wary of this Loc. ”Shall we go?”
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Loc will place his hand on Godwyn's shoulder and give it a gentle pat. "It's ok. I hate him to. I was going to craft a corpse to look like him just to give it a swift kick to the ass. Your welcome to take part in that as well my friend. Now worries either, I can just make any old corpse of a enemy to look like him. Magic really is great.
Now I usually draw up a contract to go over how I operate. Karen and I have already reached a agreement. I made a promise not to raise any intelligent undead from the corpses of innocents. Enemies are fair game. By enemies I mean the drow, other undead, demons, mad wizards, etc. Any one we are working with will not be touched unless they wish to be raised as something a bit more powerful. I hope we can get along well."
Loc will offer his hand, clad in black gloves with a skeleton finger stitching along it.