For those of you selected for DM Drako's Coin of Attica, this is the complementary campaign thereto.
Previously on Coin of Attica:
The Attican Empire is a vast region bordered only by the great ocean that encompasses its west, south, and eastern coastlines, and the great divide to the north is made up of towering mountains. They stand thousands... some tens of thousands of feet tall. Completely cutting Attica off from the northern range of the continent, save for the very narrow and very treacherous pass near the center of the mountain range.
Ancient roads, laid down long before Attica, create the borders of the five provinces. The powerful roads provide great safety and speed to merchants' endeavors.
Naxos is the Provence of men humans. Even though the different races mingle, mostly with little trouble, there is a large amount of de fecto segregation from the separated cultures of old.
At the convergence of these provinces is the city/state of Attica. A most powerful city, where all government falls under leadership to. The Counsel guides all law which is watched over by the Emperor. Each province has a governor who watches over the mayors. The mayors look after each town, city, or large rural area. In social forums that are held in the honor of the people, citizens may contribute to how the Empire should respond to threats or modify laws. The mayors listen to the citizens and communicate to the governor who meets in council with the Emperor.
At the heart of the city of Attica is the massive tower of the Forum of Nethys. There, is where all arcane magic is monitored and governed. To study the arcane arts children are accepted at the age of 8 years. They then go through a process that directs them to one school of magic. No universal wizards. There is a head of each school called a Monitor. The head of each of each of the schools answers to the Grand Administrator, who answers to the council.
The Armed forces are organized so that the largest of the forces are under the council. Each governor and each mayor, though, has their own small assembly that is loyal to them, seperate fron the Attican army. Even some powerful aristocrats have their own militia.
Only citizens can hold offices of any status, join the militia, or be admitted to the Forum of Nethys.
Divine magic is held in high regards and is very common across the land. There is little to no visual signs to positive energy from divine magic. Arcane magic drapes the area in color, require intricate symbols, and strange and loud sounds. If someone who is not wearing the wizards garb is witnessed using arcane magic they immediately get placed under investigation and could be sentenced to capital punishment. Negative divine magic is still illegal.
Attica enjoys piece among it's people. There are sometimes poorly executed attacks from raiders and invaders that are short lived due to the superior Attican force. The non-citizens that contend with the class system are rarely given any notice, since there is much piece due to the union of the Attican arms. Non-citizens are not treated with the best respects, but they do enjoy laws that protect them.
In the southern region of Naxos are rolling hills. This is where you live. The rain comes often, but just enough to keep the land green all year round and not enough to make it a gloomy place to live. However, winter has been a bit harsher than usual, most everyone is grateful that it is coming to an end.
You live in a village about 50 miles away from Gilsi, a major port city. The town of Cleman herds sheep and exports them. This is the major source of it's income. Population is about 1500. Very quiet and most people get along very well. A center market circle is very active and there are few who are living in poverty. Except for maybe some ex-criminals.
Some inhabitants of Cleman have witnessed a blatant act of illegal magic, apparently used on another citizen, in front of a Puma-riding Leprechaun. Members of the Forum of Nethys came to investigate and have procured The Blurred Hearth for their interrogation of the recently revived victim.
Osmundus blinks. Something has changed, but what?
Wondering about it, he taps another mug of his new orange-almond ale.
Glad that there had been no problems with the Nethys Maelius sits on a bench exhausted by the events of the day.
Standing in the road outside her inn, Besh kicks the dirt, still in a bit of a huff that they've been escorted outside. The two guards have taken positions on either side of the doorway. Besh turns to the others and says quietly, "I'm not just going to wait here, who wants to go for a walk?"
Hold up Besh Maelius picks up his harp and runs after her. What's going on? Where are you going?
Huh?! What the blue blazes is going on, where are you guys going?! she wonders aloud as she follows the two.
Osmundus goes as far as the door...Someone has to mind the Inn. Please don't run off and get into trouble, but do let me know what's going. on. Ok?
He stands there watching, but keeps an eye on the customers.
After they make it a block Besh looks over her shoulder, then ducks down an alleyway, eventually leading her friends to a ladder leading to the roof of the Blurred Hearth. The town of Cleman looks even smaller from atop the inn the brown and beige and smatterings of green look more like a poor man's sandwich than a proper town, but it's home to them, and they love it.
Besh kneels down and put her ear up to the chimney vent, smiles, then waves her friends over to hear what she hears.
"It's okay," an older voice that they recognize as that of the Wizard says assuringly, "You can tell us, what happened?"
The victim's voice came next, "I...I was walking into town, and I heard my name," the wizard interrupted her there.
"He spoke? What did his voice sound like?"
"Just a man's, deep, gravely...anyway, when I heard my name, I turned and saw a white mask under a dark hooded cloak. I couldn't see his eyes, but there was something on the mask."
"What was it?" The wizard asked semi-impatiently.
"I'm not sure, a symbol of some kind." The wizard sighed, and the friends could hear rustling of paper.
"Did it look like [url=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Fleur-de-lis-fill.svg/350px-Fleur-de-lis-fill.svg.png]this?" he asked, presumedly handing her a piece of parchment with an image on it.
After a moment they hear an enthusiastic "Yes," from the girl, "what does it mean?"
"It is the symbol of a small rogue magical organization," he answered dismissively. "Thank you for your help, young lady, you've been invaluble," they hear the distinct clink of coins in a purse before he continues, "you'll understand that the Empire values your discretion on this matter, we'd hate to incite panic over something so insignificant."
The sounds of footsteps let you know that he's escorting the girl to the door, which you hear open. The wizard then calls the guards back inside to talk about what happened. Unfortunately, they do so some distance from the fireplace. Besh, peaks over the roof of the inn and, seeing there's no one guarding the door, waves everyone on before dropping down to the entrance and going inside.
Besh, what did you do? You don't want to mess with wizards. We could have gotten in a lot of trouble! Maelius says in a whisper as he follows her lead back into the inn.
Seraphina, listens to everything going on. She knows the wizard is holding back emotion, but doesn't want to press the issue. She is happy knowing the victim will recover.
If you are done questioning her, I think she could use some rest. If her physical wounds are better, even you cannot heal her emotional wounds. I would like to see her home, when finished
She starts to pace in a small circle, not to close to the edge but in the general area.
So, what now oh grand wizard she asks in a slight "jab" monotone.
Having followed Besh back into the inn, Sera sees the girl leaving of her own accord. The girl thanks Sera for the offer, but assures her that her home isn't far, and she can make it on her own.
The wizard and the guards cease discussions when Besh, Maelius and Sera enter the inn. Seeing them, they look at each other, shrug, and approach. The wizard answers Sera's question, "It's funny you should ask, dearie, we were just discussing how our own forces are otherwise occupied, and we could really use a team of locals to work on this issue for us." Letting the offer float a moment, the wizard continues, "You'd be doing the Empire a great service."
Just how valuable might this service be? Rogue organizations can be dangerous.
Osmundus wipes down the counter, watching the wizard.
"Quite valuable in fact," the wizard replies, "You would be handsomely rewarded. I'm prepared to offer you 200 gold each, plus expenses to go on a particular errand which would help the effort greatly." He puts his hand in his pocket, and wears a smug grin. You see, he knows that most people don't make that much 3 months at a menial job. He certainly had Besh's attention.
You have that on you?
Osmundus looks interested. 200 gold is a huge amount to him!
Origen's eyes shift before returning them to Osmundus "Of course not, dear boy, and I didn't say as much. I said I could offer you that much, you have my word as a Wizard of the Forum of Nethys, and these guards," he gestures toward them, "of the order of Ghazi, Commander of the Attican Armed Forces will keep me accountable." The two men nod in agreement.
Sera, eyes the man, questioning every word he says. He sees the man's lip alter slightly has he speaks, giving away his true motives. His men are not occupied, but he doesn't want to send them to do a proper job. Perhaps this "mission" is more dangerous than he wants to admit[i]
Her thoughts about his intentions and motives end short, as he hears the name Ghazi. The name itself, causes her blood to boil and seethe. Her eyebrow twitches, ever so slightly. [i]Ghazi, the wizard reports to GHAZI, she screams in her head. Hmph, I trust that man as much as far as I can throw him...NONE
After she recollects her thoughts and demeanor, she stares at the wizard. With a straight face, as much as possible,
Oh mighty grand wizard, I will agree to help on your endeavor on two conditions. First, don't try and deceive us anymore. I know that you have lied not once but twice. This mission of yours sounds to be more dangerous than you are letting on, and you want to have us do it because you don't want to risk your own people. Simply, stop lying. , she lets her first demand sink in. After a few seconds she continues,
Second, since this appears to be more dangerous than you appear to admit, I feel the pay should be increased s well. I understand that your offer is more than what we may see in many months, but the fact you lied to start off with, leads me to distrust you even further. I say the 200 gold pieces per each of us should be increased to 300 per person, since you feel the need to mislead or deceive us. I feel the payment should be more
Maelius is so completely awed by the wizard that he is willing to accept anything he says. He looks on aghast at Seraph's bargaining
The wizard's lower lip quivers a little, but he simply nods and says, "Fair enough," he continues, "But you should know that it isn't because the mission is dangerous that the Empire spares its men." He glances at the soldiers, but continues, whispering "It's because these men are Afin de Lys. If we send our men to track them down, we'll tip our hand. Our plan will be very clear to the enemy. But if a small group of unaffiliated adventurers goes, they may not think twice."
The wizard sits at the table behind him, and asks the guards to wait outside. As they exit and close the door, he continues in a normal voice, "I need to know which of you are in before I tell you what the mission is. I understand how unreasonable that sounds, but the less people know about this, the better. I'm sure you understand."
"I have a pair of questions first," Besh surprisingly speaks out, "How long would it take, and how far would we go? I have an inn to run, but I'm no fan of terrorists either."
Origen folds his hands under his mouth, thinking. "I suppose that's an easy question to answer without giving anything away. The quest will take you to Grimstad, the land of the dwarves, which is a day's ride on horseback."
"Also known as three days on foot, that's a week minimum." Besh gets her rag out and begins wiping down the bar, "I'm out." Tossing the rag into the kitchen, she adds "I'll be here for you all when you get back, or if you need anything before you leave, but like I said, I have an inn to run, and my parents can't afford for me to be gone a week." She then heads upstairs, and closes a door behind her.
"Right, sorry, I forget not everyone has a horse," he turns his head back from the staircase, "Anyone else?"
Maelius considers this 300 golds is a heck of a lot of money and he'd always wanted to travel the world. Why not do it while making friends with the Forum of Nethys?
Ok, alright. We are not warriors as you well know so the mission must be one that doesn't involve fighting. I'm in. Always wanted to see Grimstad.
I have a batch fermenting for two more weeks. If Besh doesn't need me for anything else, as long as I'm back by then...
Osmundus looks over at Besh, expectant.
Sera looks at the man, then awaits for his men to leave. So, whatever you have planned will be revealed later...but whatever it is has to deal with the ancient enemies of our empire. And you claim it is NOT to be dangerous or life threatening. If I knew that I would have demanded more compensation from you and Ghazi
Seraphina lets the information sink into her consciousness. She thinks about her responsibilities; to her mother, to her temple, but also to those few souls standing in the room with her that risked themselves for their fellow man.
I have a hard time, leaving my responsibilities at home and church. What are your plans for that?
Besh nods in approval at Oz. Hearing Sera's concerns, Besh comments, "I don't know much about healing, but I can help your mother between shifts. Gwen's a pillar of our community, I'm sure my parents will understand if my load around here has to be a little lighter."
Origen, hearing Besh's offer, looks back at Sera and adds, "Also, if it makes it easier, I'm certain the Forum would be happy to compensate your mother for lost time."
Seraphina, ponders everything for a moment. She lets out a sigh, as if she feels she should help out "protecting" her home against the ancient enemy. Besides, someone will have to heal them.
Okay, I will join in on your little escapade.
She gives Besh a hug, for offering her services to her mother. She stares daggers at Origen, to let him know that he better keep his word on helping her mother...or else nothing will stop her from reaching him.
"Wonderful!" The wizard exlaims, he turns to Besh, "This is awkward, but...if you wouldn't mind..."
Besh rolls her eyes thinking, again?! But she throws up her hands and walks out the kitchen door.
"Now," the wizard continues, "the goal of your journey will be to find the Bracers of the King in the Lost Temple of Torag."
"The first thing you must do is seek out the scout named Lore in Gilsi. He's the only man proven to have reached the Lost Temple in history. I hear he won't be hard to find, but we'll be happy to accompany you to make sure you do if you like."
The bracers are common enough knowledge. I never heard that Torag had lost a temple - that makes researching it out of the question. You had heard of it? He may be trying to scam somebody.
Osmundus suddenly looks quite skeptical.
If you wish to stay discreet then maybe we should start out by ourselves. Ah would you be able to help us with getting some equipment for our journey? We aren't quite geared up for an adventure at the moment I think
The wizard chuckles at Oz's comment, "Yes, the Forum had a similar impression when they'd first heard of the Temple...200 years ago. Since then we've seen enough supporting evidence not to doubt someone who comes back with a token of Torag that could only have come from the Lost Temple. Also, his tracking skills were already legendary from the days of the Imperial War, so it wasn't a far cry."
After Mael asks his question, Origen sighs and says, "I'm afraid any equipment we lend you would only be for your trip to Gilsi. Grimstad is outside my personal jurisdiction, and I'd therefore have to appeal to the higher-ups to grant you any further assistance. And being as this is a need-to-know operation, that is out of the question. I will however give you your 300 gp up front so you might procure this gear yourselves." His eyebrows are raised, he knows that might sound unreasonable, but covert operations are very rarely well-funded and he's hoping these down-to-earth Clemanites might understand.
At the mention of the war, Sera's eyes start to "daze" over, her mind thinks back to the war. All the good men lost, and the wives made widows, and the sons and daughters who lost their...fathers. Her mind wanders for a few seconds, and truth be told she didn't even hear the part about mission...funding...something or other.
Origen repeats himself, I will however give you your 300 gold pieces up front so you might procure this gear yourselves.
She nods at him, not trusting quite yet, but at least he stopped trying to pull a fast one as far as she could tell.
After everything is settled, she stares at the coin pouch of gold, and she cannot help but think how much good this could go for the temple and the needy people they see and tend to everyday. How am I going to conceal this? My mother, the temple, I feel guilty not sharing this with them.
She turns to Besh, Could you lock this in a safe place, the coin I don't use to ready myself. I feel unsafe walking around with it. Also, if I don't return...please give whatever is remaining to my mother at the temple.
"I'd be happy to," Besh replies, as she heads back into the inn to get ready for the dinner crowd.
Let's find this person and see what he says Maelius says.
"Is it settled? Are we all going to Gilsi?"
I suppose I'm in. Don't see a lot of chances for a little adventure for a middle-aged brewer.
Osmundus speaks clearly. He wants to make sure people don't have expectations he can't meet.
I suppose I am in as well. When do we meet this contact of yours?
"Ah ha..." Origen says uneasily, "'Contact of mine' may not be the most accurate term. Lore is, understandably, his own man; we'll equip you for the trip to Gilsi, either this afternoon, this evening or tomorrow morning, whichever works best for you all. We'll compensate Lore for his time as well, and I'll be there to help broker the deal, but you understand we didn't want to approach such an important man without a team ready to go." He stands up and addresses them all, "I'll leave you to make your decisions; I'll be outside when you have an answer for me."
When the wizard leaves Maelius turns to his friends with a smile Well... looks like we're stuck in it now.
I am going to save the coin given to me, see what this contact says. Perhaps they can give me an insight of what gear may be needed for the mission
Sounds good to me too. Always wanted to see the ocean
"All set then?" Origen says smiling. With a nod from the three unlikely agents of Attica, the wizard leads them to the local municipal building and outfits them with a two-horse carriage (seats four) with space on the back for their supplies, a driver, and a guard (seated next to the driver). None of these seem to be of high quality, but Origen holds out his hand to help Seraphina in none-the-less, following her up afterwards.
Maelius relaxes and smiles as they set off. It wasn't quite how he'd imagined traveling the world but seeing as he'd only had the desire to do so and no actual idea of how he'd accomplish it he was more than happy with how things were turning out. Gisli's huge right? Not nearly as large as Attica but I've heard a lot of exciting things about it he says excitedly.
Seraphina is taken aback by the wizard's gentlemanly thought. Even she is still weary of what she is getting into, she isn't rude and accepts his hand of help, nodding at the man when he offers.
She takes a seat, towards the back of the carriage, and places her simple bag at her feet, looks up to the sky, and wonders who and what she will see along the way.
So, I wonder what we will see in Gisli, I haven't left home...ever. I always stay at help at the Church or at home.
Not looking terribly sure of himself, but anxious nevertheless -
It's been ages since I've been anywhere else. I...suppose I'm as ready as I can be, for now.
Osmundus has a large, heavy backpack filled with his brewing kit - or that which is portable - and his basic needs. He's wearing the leather and carrying his spear.
Quite uncomfortably.
He climbs aboard, and watches the local scenery pass by.
As the carriage pulls out it hails briefly, causing them to pull into the causeway briefly. Soon however, the hail turns to rain, for which they are equipped. The driver and guard pull the canopy down over themselves, and the rain continues throughout the ride.
"Oh yes, quite large," Origen replies to Mael's question, "I've lived there for nearly five years now, and I still get lost."
A little over an hour into the trip, as the hilly landscape seems to be washing past them in the rain, Sera and Oz see in the distance a couple holding each other as they walk, hunched over to keep dry. As they near, the couple look up hopefully to the carriage.
to know if they are from Attica or Gisli or anyone Sera actually knows.
Maelius peers at the couple, trying to see what they look like.
Hey if they're heading in our direction then we might as well give them a lift. And, hey, maybe they know something about the weird stuff going on he grins at Origen. Might as well start our investigations with swapping some gossip