"Well i can certainly take a look, i know a thing or two about curses. Come on in, You want some tea?" The young Man leads the group inside the temple. the inside lowly lit by a few torches along the walls. a long scarlet red carpet leading up to a pedestal, the room itself is filled with a few seats.
Further leading into a small room, with a small table and fireplace. Please take a seat He motions toward one of the various chairs around the room
"Tea would be good, thank you. My apologies, but what is your name?", Seka asked as she took one of the seats near the fireplace. She motioned to her two companions to take out their respective shards, ready to show the priest.
The priest wanders over to the fireplace, removing a small kettle hanging over it. He puts put the kettle and a few cups on the table. Pouring the hot water over a small bag of tea leaves, he hangs the cup to Seka. Let the leaves steep for a moment He sits down holding his own cup. Kryas Azrin, former son of Katapesh, Worshiper of the Dawnflower and chosen child of the Eldest. How about yourselves?
" I am Jokulmorder Zheng, son of the blacksmith Jian Zheng, currently seeking your wise counsel." Zheng introduces from the back
Targan doesn't have anything to say, so he's just chilling, waiting for the house to be ready so he can crash.
Seka accepted the offered cup of tea and allowed it to steep as advised.
Noting the present quietness of her remaining two companions, she added, "My other companions here are Targan and Ikkit. We've had a long journey this day, so please excuse our weariness." She smiled politely and then quietly prodded Zheng and Ikkit to show the shards to the waiting priest.
Well then, you can leave the shards for me to analyze and i can find you all a place to rest, how does that sound? I can tell you about whatever i find in the morning The brown haired priests suggests, he briefly brushes his long unkempt hair back with his hand.
His action is brief but you notice the priests ears look pointed, almost elven, his hair quickly covers them before you can get a good long look.
"A place to rest sounds good, Priest Azrin, thank you. However, I do not believe my companions want to be parted from the shards, so if you would be kind enough to examine them now before we retire for the night? We would be most grateful."
It is not that easy, it will take time for me to talk to a friend of mine, and do the proper research. I will only be able to give you whatever i can gleam at first glance, proper information requires study. Basically i can tell whther it is cursed or holy. If cursed what that curse is, if holy i can tell you who blessed it. If given the time to research, i can tell you more. The priest explains
Collecting the various shard pieces, Seka gave them over to Priest Azrin but not before warning him, "Be mindful of these shards. They came from a sphere we destroyed which raises the dead. There is a voice that comes from them, which speaks, whispers into the mind of the handler. How much time will you and your friend need to study and examine the shards so we know when to expect them returned?"
a day at the most, it shant take too long. the man takes out a small silken sack place them in here, carefully. don't touch them with your bare hands with that task done the man then places the sack in a small silver box before turning back to the group, i'm going to get started, feel free to stay as long as you like. we have free cots across the hall, we've had little to no visitors of late. so they've not been used
"Good, thank you," she replied to it only taking a day.
Seka does as bid and barely touched the various shards and carefully placed them inside the silken sack before Azrin placed them inside the silver box.
At the mention of cots, Seka inclined her head at the offer and looked to her male companions, "We could do with some sleep for the day has been overly long. I am fine with sleeping on the cots here in the church. What say you?"
Targan shakes himself awake from where he has been slumped against the wall. "Aye, sleeping looks good now, anywhere but the floor is sweet."
"Aye, I hear you. We will talk some more in the morning." And with that, Seka moved to one of the cots, removed her boots, weapons etc and placed her pack by the bed, and then promptly lay down to sleep as morning would come too soon and with it her prayers and preparations for the day.
If there's a door that is used to enter the room with the cots Targan will set a small noisemaker in front of it to wake him if the door opens.
Then he removes his boots and stretches out on the roomy cot to sleep.
The passes, you two finally getting sleep after all this time. The cots are nothing special, but hey they're free.
In the morning you find yourself waking up to the sound of Targan's noisemaker, it's the priest. he jumps at the sudden unexpected noise, kicking the thing aside in frustration What the... who does that. Wake up, There are some people here who want to see you, including guard captain Gnashbone
For one reason or another you find yourself in Greywater hollow, Varisia. The village seems a bit torn up, as if it was attacked. piles of bodies line the shores of the port city, burning.
a large Gnoll, dressed in clean armor is walking about directing who you assume are the guards of the city.
The three of you arriving with the same merchant caravan hired on as bodyguards for this trip to the city.
You all end up, for your own separate reasons having the guard captain lead you to the town church. They should be in here, i think the smith left though, and if anyone knows about the sphere your looking in on it's them, i mean they destroyed it. your lead into the church to meet a rather tan and lithe man sporting long black hair and bearing the symbol of Sarenrae and another unfamiliar one. the captain and the priest speak briefly
You all meet in the main room, the guard captain leading a group of three people. by the way if you lot are gonna be staying in the town doing work, i recommend teaming up, otherwise i cant let any of you take contracts, to dangerous for any less than a team of four . with that the guard captain depart leaving the five of you alone with the priest and eachother.
Alata stands among the rest of the recruits. The Gnoll captain had entertained her questions about the sphere she was warned about so she had agreed to meet with the others. She felt awkward and out of place in the Hall of the Great Spirit known as Sarenrae. Perhaps, she figured, she should inquire about what people wear in this town rather than wear her hide armor.
"I am Alata of the Faelindr. I greet you, keeper of this sacred ground and you who I have not met before," Alata said stiffly with a formal bow.
The first through the doorway is an extraordinarily overdressed man of a very dark complexion. He has hints of elven features. He carries himself with a degree of confidence bordering on arrogance. He;s certainly willing to stand tall amongst his company.
"Well well. So these are the folks who have dealt with this orb? I shall address you. I am the lord Akkad Min-Alqadima, of former Qadira. It is a pleasure to make your aquaintance. You may know my land as a distant one. I do have to ask, were there remains of the item in question? Have you kept them?"
As Akkad goes on, a creature with a feline, fully skeletal body and the skull of a human walks in behind him without urgency. It's eye sockets glow a pale blue.
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
The absolute last through the church's door is a Chelish man wearing banded mail and a wide-brimmed hat, the latter of which he removes out of respect (or simply out of manners or habit) as he crosses the threshold. He doesn't usually go into places like this, so he looks around as he meanders over to meet the other members of this newly formed team, offering everyone a firm handshake before introducing himself.
"Call me, Gene."
Alata cocks her head to the side when the Chelish man offers his hand to shake. She tentatively copies the others and shakes his hand.
"Is this how all humans greet?"
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Seka had risen well before dawn, with the merest trickle of light coming in through the gaps of the old shutters. It did not matter that it was still dark, for her eyes could see well enough. She dared not try to pass Targan's installed noisemaker and wake the dwarf, whose snores even now filled the chamber. So, she moved to the window, opened the shutters and sat down upon the cold stone floor, cross legged. She began her meditations first, contemplating the mysteries of nature and felt the cool/fresh air upon her face/skin connecting her to the spaces outside. Once she was done with preparing her druid spells for the day ahead, she sent out her whispered prayers to the Walker of Worlds, gently brushing the symbol of the emerald trumpet and road around her neck, preparing her cleric spells for the day. She lived between both worlds and yet as a World Walker herself felt they were connected. She rose and left the shutters open. There was an urn and bowl on an old dresser by the wall. She quietly spoke the words, gesturing toward them with her hand, and filled them with water. Pulling her grooming kit from her pack, she partially undressed and washed/wiped the grime from her body and face - she showed signs and the smell from their excursion into the swampland the previous day. She used the soap and cloth and sponged her body and wings down. When the water was dirty, she carefully tossed it out the window into the small garden/rockery below, careful not to hit any passing priests for they were up and preparing for their day ahead (she could see dim lights in the various chambers below). She refilled the urn and bowl and quickly washed her hair and the feathers at her temples, glad for the freshness of the water and the cleanliness of her person. Once done, she dressed, brushed and braided her long, thick hair in a single plait, tossed the dirty water out the window again and put her kit back inside the pack. She lay down on her side on the cot and closed her eyes, resting a little more until she had to get up and speak with Father Azrin.
It was not soon after that she heard the movement and sound of the door and noisemaker and swiftly sat up to Father Azrin's annoyed voice bidding them to meet with Captain Gnashbone and some others below. Seka rose, straightened the blanket on her cot, collected her belongings, placed her weapons on her person and then noted the absence of Ikkit and Zheng. Strange she hadn't noticed before - perhaps too occupied with her prayers, meditations and ablution. There was no time to query it now and made her way downstairs not to keep the captain of the guard waiting.
You all meet in the main room, the guard captain leading a group of three people. by the way if you lot are gonna be staying in the town doing work, i recommend teaming up, otherwise i cant let any of you take contracts, to dangerous for any less than a team of four . with that the guard captain depart leaving the five of you alone with the priest and each other.
Seka greeted the Captain and looked upon the three err four strangers, listening to the officer say they would now be teamed up and working together. Her eyes took in the particular feline skeletal form of the creature behind the one named Akkad Min-Alqadima. She heard his title mentioned beforehand but it did not matter much to her if he was noble-born or one of the common folk. Is this creature his pet? It did not seem to be wanting to harm them so she did not react to its presence.
"Well met. I am Seka of the Silver Wings." The druid-come-priestess bowed her head respectfully.
Turning to the departing Captain, she asked curiously, "Captain Gnashbone, a moment please. What has happened to Ikkit and Zheng? Have they been assigned elsewhere? They left without word."
The grizzled gnoll turns as he is leaving, oh yeah, i knew i was forgetting somethin. Zheng left with an outgoing merchant caravan last night, got hired on for a pretty sum from what i hear, as for Ikkit i don't know, i have a few reports of suspicious activity in the northern swamp area but i don't think that has anything to do with him.
The priest lets out a laugh, Keeper of the sacred ground? Just call me Kryas, no need for such formality with me. next acknowledging the the noble Qadiran, Not so distant if you know the right shortcuts, im from Katapesh myself. as for the items, i have a friend looking at them now, he's in the study. he points to a large wooden door to the side
"But you speak to the Great Spirit, how could I not be formal? Is it forbidden?"
"I see. Thank you, Captain." Ikkit causing mischief by the northern swamp? That didn't sound like him ... Aye, he was curious, but suspicious behaviour? Had the shards corrupted his mind? She hadn't seen any of sign of it the previous day, but who knows what transpired over the course of the night. She was sorry to see them go, especially Ikkit, but there was nothing to be done about it now. She only wished them both well.
She watched the Gnoll Captain walk out of the main chamber and the Aasimar turned her attention back to the head priest and the new folk.
Composing her features, she addressed them, "It is true, we have possession of the shards. And as Father Azrin has said they are being examined by a qualified companion of his as we speak. We shall know more soon enough." She smiled and continued, "Have you been in Greywater Hollow long?," the question was posed to all the newcomers.
You notice a few oddities about the priest. First his two symbols, one Sarenrae most people know her goddess of healing , redemption, honesty and the sun.
The other is a little more esoteric. but you do know who it represents. it's the symbol of the fey gods The Eldest. you don't much beyond that.
tne man is no human, you can the signs despite his trying to hide them. he is half elf.
lastly his hair while dark has an odd greenish tint to it, and he smells of the forest.
Alata cocks her head to the side when the Chelish man offers his hand to shake. She tentatively copies the others and shakes his hand.
"Is this how all humans greet?"
Seka quietly smiled at the question, wondering if the Elf had spent much time around humans. She answered in a quiet manner, " Alata? Some, not all. As you will discover, each person has their own way of addressing and connecting to others."
"Learning them all sounds exhausting. Thank you for your words, Seka of the Silver Wings." Alata nodded respectfully. "I have only recently arrived. The one called Gnashbone said this is where I would find those who speak to the spirits. One as touched as you must who I am looking for."
Alata looked wide-eyed at Seka's wings as she spoke to her.
Kryas continues enjoying his conversation with the curious elven woman, it's not forbidden, i'm just not used to it, heck being called Father Azrin is a bit much sometimes...
Grumbling to himself Targan rolls off the cot and stretches with a few painful sounding pops in his joints. "Why do tall folk make the beds too soft?" He mutters.
Straightening up he drags his hand over his face to clear his head of sleep. looking over the new arrivals curiously. ""Ikkit's run off? That's not good."
Wandering over he shakes Gene's hand firmly. "Targan Blacklock, good to meet you."
Looking at Alata, Akkad and Vimana he blinks. "The circus in town or something?" He remarks tactlessly to Seka.
Hearing Targan's clumsy/indelicate question, Seka discreetly shook her head and quickly made to smooth any wounded feelings, "These are our new companions, Targan. They have come from outside of Greywater Hollow. Please help me make them feel welcome." It wouldn't do to start off on the wrong foot with their new companions.
"...One as touched as you must who I am looking for."
Alata looked wide-eyed at Seka's wings as she spoke to her.
Looking back at her silvery, feathered wings, Seka smiled and replied, "They are more decorative than functional, unfortunately. However, I will help any way that I can." Then changing the subject, she asked, " Are you tired? We have yet to break our fast, perhaps you would all like to join us?," casting her gaze about all in the group.
"Oh?" Targan stares blankly, clearly still half asleep. Then shrugs "Welcome then."
He perks up at Seka's remark. "Aye! Food is what's needed, then we can see about a cart."
He gathers his pack. "Wonder if anyone does a good breakfast fry up around here?"
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Gene is surrounded by elves and half-elves and he isn't sure how to feel about it. He had heard stories, lots of stories, especially from his magic teacher back home, about how the elves had 'broke' the world. It was troubling, to say the least, but he does his best to not show this on his face while around his new teammates. After all, they were going to be working together for a time, perhaps a long time.
Out of all the elves though, he felt a bit more at ease around Akkad. Gene knew an eidolon when he saw one, and he was quick to welcome any fellow worker of the arcane, despite not knowing much magic himself. And he did like magic, even though he was forced to learn it while he was younger. Hopefully, the two of them could chat later.
Alata cocks her head to the side when the Chelish man offers his hand to shake. She tentatively copies the others and shakes his hand.
"Is this how all humans greet?"
"Uh." Gene doesn't know where to even begin to start with Alata's question. Thankfully, Seka answers for him.
They were... quaint, which is about what he expected from an elf and whatever the winged-one was. Both girls were about the same height, and would be the tallest of the group, if not for Gene, who stood a head higher. They were also kind of pretty, or charming maybe, in a weird barbarian way. He'd have to think about it.
"Captain Gnashbone, a moment please. What has happened to Ikkit and Zheng? Have they been assigned elsewhere? They left without word."
Gene had actually come here looking for Zheng, so he listens to Seka and Gnashbone's conversation with care. Just as he thought when he first arrived, the wandering blacksmith had already left town. Which was a shame really, Gene was looking forward to seeing him again. But he guessed it just wasn't time yet. Though, that wouldn't stop him from asking around town at some point to get an idea of where Zheng had gone.
"Have you been in Greywater Hollow long?"
"About a day or so," says Gene, waiting for the others to say how long they've stayed before speaking himself. He had spent the last 24 hours searching Greywater to find Zheng, but he didn't want to admit it. Gene was a Shadowhunter, and he doesn't want to make it seem like he's some kind of bounty hunter looking for him. Maybe he'd ask about him later, once they all trusted each other.
Wandering over he shakes Gene's hand firmly. "Targan Blacklock, good to meet you."
Looking at Alata, Akkad and Vimana he blinks. "The circus in town or something?" He remarks tactlessly to Seka.
"Likewise!", replies Gene, enthusiastically. Finally someone normal. He had a feeling they would be fast friends.
Gene grins and nearly chuckles at his remark, but he stifles it by pretending to be thinking, stroking his beard with his gauntleted hand. Yes, they would definitely be fast friends. He tries to compose himself and return to his professional demeanor, something that's helped by Seka's next question. She seemed to have knack for chiming in at the right moment.
"Are you tired? We have yet to break our fast, perhaps you would all like to join us?"
"Thank you. That would be nice."
"About a day or so," says Gene, waiting for the others to say how long they've stayed before speaking himself.
Seka nodded her head and gave him a friendly smile. "We have not been in town much longer than you. It seems we all have much to learn about Greywater Hollow and the wilds beyond its walls and gates."
Least Targan seemed happy to greet the one called Gene.
it's not forbidden, i'm just not used to it, heck being called Father Azrin is a bit much sometimes...
Having heard what the priest had said to the Elf, Alata, Seka was unsure of how she should address the holy man now as she had been referring to him as Father Azrin. Still, Targan sought wholesome food and Gene concurred so she asked the local priest,
"Err, Kyras, can you direct us to a reasonable tavern where we may find hot food to break our fast?" The Aasimar smiled politely and then waited for his answer.
Looking back at her silvery, feathered wings, Seka smiled and replied, "They are more decorative than functional, unfortunately. However, I will help any way that I can." Then changing the subject, she asked, " Are you tired? We have yet to break our fast, perhaps you would all like to join us?," casting her gaze about all in the group."...One as touched as you must who I am looking for."
Alata looked wide-eyed at Seka's wings as she spoke to her.
"To have wings at all is a sign of a blessed bloodline. Ancient legends speak of people directly blessed by the spirits. There is no higher honor," Alata says reverently.
"I would very much like to know what people eat around here."
Having made sure his axe and crossbow are in place Targan nods his thanks to the priest for the cots. "Very kind of you Kyras. Once we're settled let me buy you a drink or two."
Cracking his neck he waits for Seka to handle all the diplomatic fuss before setting off for the recommended eatery.
Muttering aside to Seka. "Zheng vanishing doesn't surprise me, but Ikkit making trouble in the swamp is a concern. He was acting strange about those voices he heard.."
acknowledging the the noble Qadiran, Not so distant if you know the right shortcuts, im from Katapesh myself. as for the items, i have a friend looking at them now, he's in the study. he points to a large wooden door to the side
Akkad responds by way of a flamboyant bow, arm outstretched. "All too true.
And not to worry, my dear lady Seka. Vimana is quite well behaved. Though, perhaps the glory of a creature brought forth by a master conjurer is a bit to take in? Of course it's understandable. You may have a moment to bask in our presence if you like." He stops for a moment to adjust one of his several clasps. for her part, the skeletal creature seems content to sit and wait for the others to speak.
"Though since you mention it, a meal would be fantastic. I haven't the pleasure of the local cuisine yet."
"To have wings at all is a sign of a blessed bloodline. Ancient legends speak of people directly blessed by the spirits. There is no higher honor," Alata says reverently.
"I am descended from the noble Garuda. Their celestial blood flows through my veins, so I thank you, Alata."
And not to worry, my dear lady Seka. Vimana is quite well behaved. Though, perhaps the glory of a creature brought forth by a master conjurer is a bit to take in? Of course it's understandable. You may have a moment to bask in our presence if you like."
Seka's silver brow shot up at the Half-Elven male's words. Surely he had said this in jest? Bask in their presence? Seka was taken aback by the man's haughtiness. Her next words were measured as she replied, "I am familiar with summoning, Akkad. If you say you are a master conjurer, then you and Vimana will be of benefit to the party." Seka wondered how Targan had taken the Half-Elf's words for the dwarf was not versed in tact and openly admitted to it.
Since it appeared all were eager to eat, Seka took note of the priest's recommendation and gave notice they would be leaving presently.
"Kyras, thank you for giving us leave to rest here, last night. We look forward to hearing your determination on the shards. Please keep them safe. We will return soon."
And with that, they began to move out of the temple.
Muttering aside to Seka. "Zheng vanishing doesn't surprise me, but Ikkit making trouble in the swamp is a concern. He was acting strange about those voices he heard.."
Turning slightly and looking down at the dwarf, she replied discreetly, "Agreed. I hope Ikkit was not corrupted as the holy blade was. We will learn more once Kyras' friend has finished studying the shards. The sooner we know what we are dealing with, the better."
Akkad returned the eyebrow with an amused one. On second thought, it isn't bordering. It's definitely arrogance.
"You mention someone studying the orb already? This interests me. Who is this? I should like to speak with him when we return."
Kryas moves out of the church with the group, but not before peeking into the door to the Study. hey going to wander the town a bit, you need anything? you the voice of an younger man respond though you can't quite make out anything.
i'll go with you, show you the best eatery in town, The Silver Spoon. i'm heading in that direction anyway to pick up some pastries.
Kryas shows the group into the Merchant quarter, along the way Whatever happened to your friend i'm sure it's fine. Gnashbone doesn't usually give information he isnt sure about, if he say's it's probably not him then i'd trust him. the priest says making an attempt at comforting. well here's the place, it's a bit more expensive but it's worth it. i'll see you all later hopefully with that the priest gives a quick bow before heading to a small pastry shop across the way, an odd smell of sweet cakes mixing with the salty see air. whereas you all find yourselves at the Silver Spoon, the outside seems pleasant enough, the eatery much like everything else it's built of wood though whoever owns the restaurant clearly goes through great lengths to keep the outside clean
Akkad returned the eyebrow with an amused one. On second thought, it isn't bordering. It's definitely arrogance.
"You mention someone studying the orb already? This interests me. Who is this? I should like to speak with him when we return."
Before leaving the group, Kryas answers Akkad, Go eat, look around town. Garidan has his nose buried in books and study again, if anyone could give solid answers it's him.
Before the group left, Alata approached Vimana. She stuck her right up with her thumb pressing against her forefinger which was, along with her middle finger, pointed straight up so that the tip of her finger was parallel to top of her forehead. Her other fingers were curled down into her palm. Keeping the same hand gesture, she brought her hand down in a half circle so that her hand was around the middle of her abdomen. She then brought straight up until her fingertip with parallel to her nose. The gesture was completed with a small bow towards Vimana.
The bony creature intently watches Alata's peculiar bow before standing to leave. She follows Akkads lead as she responds.
"It has been many years since I have heard that name. You speak to Vimana. Servant to the Lady of Graves and the Mother of Souls. And also, servant to the Alqadima family. It is good to meet you Alata. As well, I hope to enjoy travelling with the rest of you."
Her voice is clear, and somewhat demure. A quiet echo follows each word.
"The honor is mine, noble spirit."
AC 20 (T 11, F 19) / HP 32/32 / Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +5 / CMB +7, CMD 19 / Init +2 / Per +1 / Spd 20 ft.
Being the last one to enter the church, Gene is the closest to the door and the first to step out. On his back, besides his pack and quiver, is a large bow, an unusually long curved sword (the blade alone is 4 ft. long), and a glistening, silvery shield that catches the light brilliantly.
Despite being the first out though, Gene's armor still makes him the slowest of the group, and he soon trails behind. He doesn't say anything on the way to the Silver Spoon, and he wordlessly follows the rest of the party to their table. The Shadowhunter would save conversation for when they were all comfortably seated.
"So then, would someone fill me in on this business about shards and orbs? I didn't have the opportunity to discuss it with Gnashbone."
Akkad takes the trip with his arms folded, answering quickly.
"A thief with a deathwish had the gall to take what rightfully belonged to me. In the halls of our lands my family holds several curiosities. A ring that becomes invisible when it is worn. A living and voraciously carnivorous book. And among them was a glass shard of obvious power. We had been trying to identify what this puzzle piece went to the time it went missing. I would deduce that the fragment was a part of either this orb that was being spoke of, or the sword."