He chuckles then, a sound like a spider laughing. "I am Blood Lord Veldrin. You seek much, for one who is newly returned, and lacking some in personal power. Yet, you have ambition, and I like that. Know that you have piqued the interest of the Blood Lords of Geb, but know also that we are not on the side of mortalkind. Though the demons are vast, the petty gods potent, even the accursed spawn powerful, they all pale in comparison to necromantic might we wield."
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"I know that well. All will become puppets to my ambition after all. Every demon I slay along with my party will simply add to our strengths. I appreciate the gesture and know I am always willing to assist if it means advancing my own goals. I too wish to achieve lichdom, and even beyond. Who knows, maybe after this war is over I will discover if it is possible to reanimate a god's corpse. Now, is there any service I am able to provide for some one as distinguished as yourself Lord Veldrin?"
"Matsuoka, I suggest you put our official request in and get on the list. Say you are the bodyguard of the ambassador of Touvette- that's me- and request an audience. The fact you look formidable and I am not appearing myself will suggest to them that I am rich and powerful enough to be worth attention."
"I will ask the others to find out who is scheduled to have an audience in the next day or two, especially those who may have problems. If we can solve a problem ourselves, that will give us an opening."
[ooc]If anything happens on the next day, I will re-assign Lem's evolution point to a skill away from knowledge: religion and swim to knowledge: local and nobility to gain a +8 on each.
Also Lian is willing to use Suggestion or charm spells on minor sources- if some random person appears knowledgeable but reluctant to talk, for example. If a guard is considering letting us pass, Suggestion that it'd be reasonable to make a minor exception, etc..
Veldrin holds Loc's gaze for several long moments, his burning gaze seemingly searching the reborn necromancer's soul. Finally he speaks "Establish a foothold for the Blood Lords on this continent, a safe haven for our minions to work from. We could come here ourselves, but there's far too many holy warriors thanks to the Tyrant and demons. Plus, this is a good test of your loyalty. Set up a base of operations for us, and we will award you richly."
Lian returns to the Blessed Cup to discuss advancements with the party
Veldrin grins wickedly, and he reaches out his skeletal hand to touch Loc's chest. There is burning, freezing sensation and suddenly there's a tattoo of black sun marking the necromancer. "You are now marked by the Black Sun. Go forth and carry out our will on the main land."
"Welcome back guys. were you able to secure us a ship?"
Lian nods, "Captain Anevia Tirabade is willing to take us, if we're willing to search for information for her wife, Irabeth Tirabade. This sounded reasonable to me and I tentatively agreed, but she does want us to go soon. I did speak for the group, which may be presumptuous of me, but seemed the sensible call to make.
"Another possibility has come up of visiting the embassy of the 'Inner Sea Alliance'- that's Cheliax and it's allies- and getting an official pass there and maybe some support. But it is known to usually take awhile and our captain doesn't want to wait. I thought it worth investigating, but only if we can cut the time down. This would preferably require us bringing together multiple talents on the task at once, if I could get a meeting within two days that'd be ideal."
"I don't know how comfortable I am working with Cheliaxians. They own slaves and make literal deals with Devils. I can't imagine that changing as a result of everything that has happened. If anything, I imagine that such practices would only have increased."
"I don't want to ally with someone whose actions might force me into a confrontation with them. You all don't know this, but Loc and I had several confrontations that nearly became physical battles over his use of the undead. Over time, however, he has earned my trust that he is not just randomly unleashing the undead into the world, but using them as a temprary resource. He also knows that should the opposite happen, I would go out of my way to stop him."
As she has been speaking, Karen rolls up her maps and stows them into the case she also acquired for them.
"Cheliax is a nation of people, and while there have been some Cheliaxians who have earned my trust, a great many of the people in power in that country seem to revel in their awefulness."
"If it comes to allying with the Cheliaxians, I'll more than happily go my own way and allow you to do that, but I honestly don't want any part of such an alliance."
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Loc will walk into the bar all smiles as he goes to sit down with the rest of his group. "Anyone have a nice drink? I got a bit of a chill in my bones right now. I'm game for cutting things short here and going right to the main land. If we want to go for the Inner Sea Alliance though I could help by writing up a quick document with our goals in mind for them. They will trust a party with a clear mission in mind after all. It would also be nice to meet the people in power to get a idea of the situation the alliance is in. I have all the time in the world personally so I will assist with either idea."
"Andoran and Taldor are in the Alliance as well," Lian informs. "Dark times have made for strange bedfellows. And while I hold no interest in friendship with the church of Asmodeus or Thrune, the Hellknights have long stood for order and civilization even when it conflicts with the church.
"If you are set on this, so be it, but I believe we can gather allies here without compromising your principles."
Lian pauses, and adds, "You should also be aware I would have little trouble extending a hand even to enemies if I believed it would help. If a Devil can be convinced to stand in front of a Demon, far better than an innocent."
"Sometimes you must ally with strangers, at least for a time." Matsuoka smiles as he reflects on his own situation. "And even those you despise should be respected. Do you not destroy your enemies when you make them your friends?" He shrugs and pats his katana. "Never compromise what you believe, but it is good to have support. They will earn your trust, or they will not, but for now, their help would be a great boon."
Lian nods.
"That is our stance. I know it's not what you may want, but will you accept this?" she asks Karen, and any other party member that is reluctant.
"If so, Loc can write up a proposal as offered, and I can, with help, try and find a way to shorten the wait."
"As I can't standing sitting here for potentially days waiting to talk to Chelaxians, I will find and take a ship to the mainland. I will go see the situation on the ground in the Worldwound and then contact you via sending to provide you with updates as to my location, what I've discovered, and so on. Once you've dealt with them, You'll be able to join me and we can begin our campaign in earnest."
Karen looks around the room at the others and adds "Of course, any of you who wish it may join me."
Lian tilts her head, "No delays will be necessary. Our ship will be ready to depart in days. Either we will have a deal by then or not- we will leave then regardless. I merely want your blessing, or acceptance, for us to pursue these ties that may aid us upon our arrival."
"That is fine. Just know that I will resolve issues as they arise."
Lian lowers her head, "Understood."
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"Sounds like a plan. I will begin writing up the document now." Loc will pull out some parchment and get to work. The document will state the groups intention to head to the main land and engage the Worldwound as well as the Whispering Tyrant after stabilizing the civil war in Cheliax. The next goal will be to push up, taking out the Tyrant before he can raise any more of the dead for his army. After securing the country of Ustalav The next goal would be to construct a final crusade with the Inner Sea's remaining forces to crush the demons for good. The document will include the group's names, main professions, and a general over view of their powers. The document intends to give the party authority in the alliance and the power to set up command posts and to lead armies. Finally he will put in a small clause giving him the right to set up embassies on the main land in the name of Geb with the promise of support from the country in return.
A mug of ale slops onto the table at loc's elbow, miraculously, none of the ale sloshed out. If'n you be writing a letter of introduction, gaining the patronage of Master Validk would be, adv- adat, good for you. She looks over loc's shoulder at the document, pressing her own advantages against his arm as she reaches a scarred hand over and points a claw tipped finger at one word, you spelled that one wrong.
Lian makes a B-line for the embassy itself, as part of an info gathering expedition this time.
Those who go to the Inner Sea Alliance embassy are able to talk, convince, bribe and otherwise maneuver past the lines and waiting, until they are able to speak to a minor official.
Unfortunately, there is a major delegation from the Alliance of the Undying Sun(Qadira and Jalmeray) who has just arrived, and thus the group from the Blessed Cup can not been see any earlier than eight days hence, when the dignitaries depart.
"Hm, troubling... but expected."
Lian goes to the Alliance of the Undying Sun. If they have an 8 day meeting, 'all' she needs to do is deal with them. She tries to scope them out and see if they have any particular major needs that may be answerable.
This embassy is just a small building nestled between two others. The exterior matches the architecture of Absalom. Inside is another story. Light and airy, a warm breeze flows through the building, the dusty smell of the desert floats through the air. Incense burns from several braziers in the corners. A line of supplicants winds into the first room towards a desk staffed by two humans. Behind them a jinn stands guard.
A young functionary holding a small board with a sheaf of papers, a swinging holder for a small ink bottle and a pen, walks down the line of individuals waiting in the foyer. To each person he says State your business. After listening to a quiet response he makes a note on the clip board and hands over a small token.
Lian is able to catch that the couple two places in front of him were just married and are traveling to join family in Sedeq.
Lian hears the elf in front of him state that he is here to seek a trade agreement with a trade house in Katheer.
Soon he gets to Lian, State your business.
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Loc will slowly scoot away from the woman, looking visibly uncomfortable before looking down at his note. "Ahh you are correct. Thank you for that. While I correct it does anyone have any ideas on a group name. I'm rather partial to either the Inner Sea's Reclamation or Death Heads Hunger. The later simple sounds appealing to my senses I admit."
Lian- currently in Kitsune form with 9 tails on display- smiles at the guard, and speaks in Kelish, "Your representatives are soon to be involved in a meeting with the Inner Sea Alliance. I am the Ambassador of the lost city of Touvette, and I represent interests that desire stronger relations with both parties. Working with your representatives in this would be ideal."
The embassy staff has seen all sorts of beings, and seems un-phased by Lian's display, lost city? And where exactly is that?
A notation is written on the clipboard, a small tablet is pulled from a pocket and handed to Lian. This tablet is made of a hard substance similar to metal, but lighter. A rune is carved into the surface. Take this to the man on the left. He'll direct you.
The staffer steps past Lian to the dwarf behind him. State your business.
"One of the great cities of the River Kingdoms. Lost only of late," she informs the staffer, not expecting sympathy, before following the instructions and presenting the tablet to the man on the left.
"Why don't we go with something simple, like Harbingers? It's as martial as it can be while still being vague enough to allow it to apply to a great number of different ideologies."
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Loc seemed to be about to say something before his face lit up with a bright grin. "Ohhhh. Oh I like that. I'll gladly agree to that name. Unless there are any disagreements I will title our group that. I will send this document with Lian when she goes to speak with them and remain outside in case she needs anything from me."
"I will see about gathering us supplies. Does anyone need anything in particular? Also, if we are going to be travelling together, we should look at pooling our resources so that we can have enough money to afford a raise dead, at least for now."
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Why, I was instructed to. We don't want to upset our hosts, do we? We could both get in trouble, she manages to say in a way that implies it's not her that needs to worry about getting into trouble but he should be.
Lian continues on to present the rune tablet.
The jinn glares down at Lian as she approaches, his lower body a whirlwind that curls under him like the coils of a snake.
The gentleman at the table had watched Lian since she was handed the tablet. An ambassador... It has become uncommon to receive such without much fanfare. Come and tell me your story.
The older gentleman, a human, stands, My name is Griola Fijhn, I am a senior advisor for the Alliance. Griola walks towards a hall leading further into the building. The hall is short, with only a couple of paintings on the walls. Four arches along the hall lead into small meeting rooms. Two of which are occupied though Lian can't hear what is said.
The end of the hall is another arch, this one strung with a curtain of beads hanging to the floor. Griola pulls the curtain to the side and motions for Lian to enter. Please, be seated.
The tiling of the floor looks like a mosaic of bits of precious stone and metal, some of it looks like it was poured in place. Two comfortable chairs flank a small curved table between them. The curve of the table indicates that the chair on the left is for guests.
Auran, softly, "There was much to be gained in death."
Lian gives Griola a small bow, and takes the offered seat, "Since you have asked my story, I shall cut to the chase. I am Lian Brook, of the Kingdom of Touvette, which has fallen in the recent chaos.
"Regrettably, I also fell in the process, though I am pleased to say I returned with the aid of powerful magics. I have joined an association of experts, who similarly have had first-hand experiences against several of the threats that face our world. Given that, we've come to the conclusion more power, and alliances of forces are needed. We seek allies, and seek to aid others of making alliances with each other, the latter with or without our own involvement if needed," she completes her stairway pitch.
Griola walks over to a side board. Several bottles and glasses are arrayed on a tray. Flipping two of the glasses over, he drops a couple of ice cubes from a small silver bucket into each crystal goblet. He lifts one of the crystal bottles and pulls the stopper. Waving the opening under his nose he breathes in the vapors before pouring some of the golden amber liquid over the ice. Touvette... Wasn't that one of the river "kingdoms"? Lost ot the First World incursion, if I recall my histtory.
Griola turns his head to look at Lian, and walks to the other chair, handing out one of the glasses he holds his own up and looks at the liquor before savoring a sip.
I'm Kaija. I'm off shift soon, if you'd like some... company. Her attempt at a seductive wink looks like she's about to rip your throat out.
Lian perks her ears at the Djinn speaking a language she doesn't know, but shows no other response.
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"Touvette was indeed one of the River Kingdoms, a proud land, and yes, it was the Fey of the First World who brought our end," Lian confirms, and takes the offered glass casually. "I'd like to return and reclaim it someday, but that can't be a priority."
Neither Lian nor her familiar pick up on anything, though even if they had it'd likely be beyond Lem's arcane knowledge.
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In these times everyone has needs, and priorities. Some, like those displaced refugee's in the streets, may only be thinking of today. Others may only be thinking of this year. Some, well, those rare ones are thinking of their children's children.
Griola takes another sip from his glass, it's called bourbon. Not something we have here. Which is a travesty. It's made from a secret recipe by Ken Tuky. Apparently a family secret. I haven't been able to figure it out.
Griola sighs and sets his glass on the table as he gives Lian an appraising look. What is your priority?
"Initially, we, the Harbingers as we call ourselves, intend to go to Avistan, where we can act more directly in the Worldwound and Runelord situations, with our initial operation being front line factfinding. We've secured transport, but ties with the Inner Sea Alliance would make our next moves easier.
"Long term, and more important than any short-term support, is we want to strengthen anyone who can hold against the coming destruction, and build something resembling a united front."
Lian decides to take a sip of her glass, paranoia more than likely being unwelcome, matching his own.