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Garr gives a low bow and salutes the sentient blade with his own
"Well met Soldiers Glory! Im still not sure if your a hallucination from the blow I took or if this is real..." Garr scratches his head as if in contemplation and then pinches his thick orcish hide to ensure this was indeed not a dream...
"So this indeed is real.. In that case, im curious what a talking sword may need with us if anything? But im pleased to meet your acquantice, the names Garr. Garr nesteruk, warpriest and arm of Gorum"
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Ugh...now we have to deal with a talking sword? Have mercy on me Gozreh, such an unnatural thing should not exist!
"Um, hello Mister Sword." Naruda pauses and awkwardly stares at her boots. She grinds her teeth audibly. "So, what's it like being an inanimate object?"
I can't believe I'm actually talking to it. I hope that thing doesn't stammer away the whole voyage back. Just my luck, it happens to be a "chatty" talking sword.
"Tis an honor to meet thou, adventurers! I look forward to hear thy tales of heroism on the way back to Aayef's home. For now, seeing we are still in the desert, please all introduce yourselves to me. Remember that I can hear but not see, and I hear more voices than I can count names so far: I now politely await the rest of your introductions and speak no further until all of you have identified themselves by name."
As if on cue, the sword fall utterly silent.
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Perrin rises to her feet, and tells he sword the names of all of the group. ”I’ve never met an intelligent weapon before. How neat? What’s your purpose, Soldier’s glory? Maybe we can help you with it...”
”I’m Perrine. I was the one that asked you all the questions earlier. I’d like to know more about you.”
"Thank you for introducing yourselves to me. What tales of heroism can you bring to my ears, adventurers? what personal obstacles of note have you faced?"
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This is my first mission with these people. I am still very new to this land, having traveled from Nagajor very recently. In Nagajor I was in the military in a unit known at the First Mother's Fangs. That is where I met my companion here Kokina At this point he pats her on the neck.
My stories are all quite mundane. Military campaigns are generally long marches and lots of waiting, as I am sure a weapon of your experience knows well.
[dice=Diplomcay] 1d20+
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This is my first mission with these people. I am still very new to this land, having traveled from Nagajor very recently. In Nagajor I was in the military in a unit known at the First Mother's Fangs. That is where I met my companion here Kokina At this point he pats her on the neck.
My stories are all quite mundane. Military campaigns are generally long marches and lots of waiting, as I am sure a weapon of your experience knows well.
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Magdalyn stands at attention to the sword, taking a deep breath. "My name is Magdalyn Varus, born to Sargava. While there I served as a colony guard, defending our village from both violent Mwangi tribes and members of the local pirate gang, The Shackles. My home was eventually razed by those pirates, and I traveled to Rahadoum where I served as muscle to protect local businesses. After my husband was slain by a corrupt official, I gave my soul to Pharasma for one last chance to see him. I have spent years in her service, hunting down undead and necromancers. On a journey that took me to the Negative Energy plane, my body was trapped in a crystalline prison where I spent an unimaginable time trapped in a stasis of negative energy: resulting in these powers."
There's a hint of pride in her voice when she finishes. While the skills she acquired in her travels have long since dulled, she still regards her experiences with a sense of accomplishment.
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Diplomacy
The little gnome folllower of Desna explains some of her travels. ”Well, as a follower of the Song of the Spheres, I enjoy traveling. The time spent at the Lodge in Absalom took so much time, but before then, I’ve been around several countries in Golarion. I’ve travelled to Taldor and most of the Inner Sea area. You don’t know Heroism, until you are surrounded by six goblins, and if you don’t outrun them, you are going to be dinner. Putting up with followers of the less relevant deities of this world is a bit of a struggle, but I’ve been ordered to cooperate. Sometimes, it’s difficult.”
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"Just recently we have journeyed many miles on a quest to restore prestige to a noble family. We have battled some druids and their ferocious pet bear and managed to defeat them without taking a single life. We have spoken to a talking tree,"
Things talking that that shouldn't be talking seems to be happening a lot lately.
"And we also battled a gang of cunning ratfolk and retrieved the artifacts they had stolen from a temple of Aroden. Oh, and just recently we almost died fighting a giant scorpion."
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Garr nods to Soldier's Glory, taking a moment to absorb the sentient blade's words and fathom the fact such a powerful relic of the past is right in front of him.. talking no less!
"My exploits are none noteworthy, my childhood was spent mostly just trying to survive the harsh entrapping's of growing up in an orchish tribe. When I was old enough to survive on my own I spent some time in the wilds, letting the harsh, forgiving lands raise me from a whelp to a man. I occupied my time mostly after by working as a government enforcer and dealing with those that run afoul of the local magistrate. Other than that, my only exploit worthy of a bards song
would be helping our current employer reacquire his families good name and honor. And so far in doing so I've proved to myself, and to my fellow pathfinders, that not even the prospect of DEATH itself will stop this orc from being there when hes needed most."
Garr looks approvingly over to his team of pathfinders, proud of the short, but tenuous journey they have had so far..
That young noble is going to get himself killed, he should take a lesson out of my book and learn to crawl before he walks. Typical human.
We hope our most recent encounter against the giant beast engaged with young Aayef, is one worthy of such to allow even a blade as sharp and as clever as yourself to be impressed.
Naruda also reminds you Aayef once again of all the trouble he caused his mother and the fact that she is worrying to death about him.
"Naruda is right young man, you should quit this foolishness at once and return home to see your mother! The poor woman is worried sick about you, and I would sooner be out of this desert than later."
When Naruda berates Aayef a second time for his outing in the desert, he clenches his fist visibly on Soldier's Glory's pommel. After taking a long breath, he says to the group in general, "Whatever the reason your master sent you, he sold his blade to my family, and thus he must have had his reasons. But yes, let us discuss in front of Mother and see what she says." says the young Aayef, diplomatically before the sword cuts in, answering Naruda directly. "Ms. Burada: Aayef has more backbone than some generals I’ve known. Why should I care about Honaria's descendant at this point? do you find him worthy yourself? if so, what are your arguments for his worth, other than having been ordered by your tomb robbing organization to go fetch yet another relic for your masters or their benefactors???"
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A little bit of crimson color appears on Naruda's blue cheeks when Soldier's Glory refers the Pathfinder Society as a "tomb robbing organization." "If us tomb robbers had not shown up just in the knick of time to save Aayef, that scorpion would be chewing on Aayef's precious backbone as we speak. And you'd be rusting away in that scorpions pit; the gods only know who would eventually end up stumbling on you! It should be clear that the boy's not ready for battle. Having a magic sword is just going to encourage him to continue making foolish decisions."
Gozreh save me, I'm debating with this pompous piece of iron!
Aayef's anger is now plainly visible. "Ms. Burada, call me boy one more time and I will be glad to teach you what happens when a foreigner breaks customs in Qadira."
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Magdalyn steps forward, her voice cool and calm, but authoritative. "Aayef, look at the beast slain at your feet. Do you know who slew that creature? Naruda did, she threw herself into battle to save your life. Two of our allies nearly died saving your life. Your actions this day were rash and dangerous and nearly got yourself and others killed, and now you're threatening violence against the woman who just saved your life. Over your pride?"
Magdalyn crosses her arms in front of herself as she continues. "A true warrior shows honor to the people who come to his aid. A knight is humble enough to see when he has erred. You have the chance now to be a respectable man, what are you going to do? Face your mistakes with head held high, or refuse to admit you have done something wrong?" While her words are harsh, she seems to be trying to lead him to seeing a better way to resolve his conflicted feelings of pride.
Aayef leaves the group, heading back home.
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Kinshasa gives Naruda and Magdalyn a meaningful look, mounts Kokina and rides off after the youth.
When he catches him he will attempt to reason with Aayef.
Aayef, do not allow my companions to get to you. The battle has only recently ended and feelings are running high. Their words were poorly chosen. Please allow us to accompany you home.
You all return to the Ghazali estate with Aayef, and his mother greets him affectionately. The boy motions to his mother to follow him. After several minutes in the receiving room, a servant appears and instruct you to relax and wash up: you have been provided guest rooms and you have been invited for dinner.
During the dinner, Lady Ghazali thanks you profusely for saving her son. She is willing to hear your arguments for borrowing the sword away from Aayef, and indicates that the sword will have the final say, and that she no longer considers the sword her own property, but a person in its own right. Aayef arrives at the dinner dressed in fine clothes, draws Soldier's Glory, and carefully places it on a weapons display frame on the wall located in the middle of the room. In the direction of the sword, three chairs have been removed along the long table, as if to give the sword a place of honor at the table.
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Kinshasa makes polite conversation during the dinner. Thank you Lady Ghazali for your kind hospitality. This meal is excellent, and certainly much better than the trail rations we would otherwise be eating this night. Speaking of trail rations, Aayef, you seem intent upon becoming an adventurer. Have you considered joining a group of adventurers? As a private in my legion I learned much from my comrades in arms. Not just the art of swinging a sword or axe, but also of tactics and survival and also about yourself. Our own Society offers a great many opportunities to folk such as yourself.
Kinshasa next addresses Soldier's Glory.
Soldier's Glory, I have just met Aayef but you know him better. What do you make of him?
LOL - and there might be a fictional price to pay for that hate! :)
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LOL - and there might be a fictional price to pay for that hate! :)
At the dinner, Magdalyn opts to let Kinshasa lead the conversation, it seems he has experience in dealing with nobility and she follows his example.
"He's right Aayef. If you seek proper training, there's surely many who would welcome you. You've proven your bravery by seeking out such a fearsome foe, and that is the first step to being a warrior."
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"Warrior *and* polite... well then, I believe we have found common ground between you and Aayef, dear Kinshasa! if you are also valorous in battle, and not willing to let fear dominate you, then you will be the more closer to Aayef. He is a fine young man who has honored his mother's wishes all his life. However, every mother must let their baby birds stretch their wings and fly one day. Aayef should have joined the War Academy years ago, but respected his mother's distrust of the military and honored her wishes to stay home with her. Aayef is now becoming a man, however, and while it is too late for the military, why yes, something like your Pathfinder Society would be a great proving ground for him... that is of course if they don't constantly use it to break into tombs. Now, why do you think I should devote any time helping Remaio Alcasti instead of this fine young man?"
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Naruda crosses her arms and frowns while Soldier's Glory speaks.
Ugh...I can't believe that they are going along with treating that overgrown piece of cutlery like it's a real person. Alright, Naruda, you need to put your feelings aside for a minute so that you don't jeopardize the success of this quest.
Naruda stands and forces herself to smile. She seems uncomfortable addressing Soldier's Glory and unsure of where to look she ends up delivering her speech to Aayef's mother.
"Aayef might make a fine Pathfinder one day; perhaps when experience has tempered his courage with wisdom. I do think Alcasti is worthy of your consideration also. The blood of his ancestor Honoria flows in his veins and I can see this in his actions. I believe that he is genuinely interested in reconnecting with the spirit of his ancestor. He has sent us other tasks and those tasks were not to retrieve valuable magic items but to find out information about his ancestor's past. If he was just interested in acquiring you for your monetary value, I think he would have sent us here straightaway."
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At the sword's question, Magdalyn also quips in. "You'd be doing a service to more than just Remaio. He's seeking information to help prove the validity of Honaria's legacy. When she criticized the crown's poor strategies and tactics, they used her as a scapegoat for the loss and stripped her of all nobility, forcing her and her ancestors to live as commoners, denying her the well-earned glory and honor she deserved. Your aid would do wonders for proving Honaria's deeds to be true."
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Garr sniffs the air, going back in for a second helping of the fine and bountiful spread of good home-cooked Qadiran food. After filling up an overflowing second platter the half orc plops down and turns to Aayef "We honestly meant no disrespect lad, there be no confusion of your age mirroring your skill. Nay.. the pestering on our part have been more.. due to our haste to prove OURSELVES than to squander your act of chivalry." Garr pounds his thick chest as he delivers the last words, causing a bit of meat from the drumstick he was holding in his hand to go unceremoniously flying across the table. He sets the food down and finishes by giving young Aayef a firm handshake, gripping the mans forearm as he does, a symbol of mutual respect in Garr's tribe.