"We take things in the order they come up, Anesti. The spectre spoke of the tooth, and we are finding it..." She says absently, still feeling for the vibrations...
Once she finds the source, she'll put it in her pack without looking at it.
"Search for what you want first," hisses Anesti.
"But I can see the Uraadunsiaa."
The reptile moves over to another shelf and pushes things around, before drawing out an old, tattered scroll.
perception 25 near the 2-o-clock noise source:
The only immediately visible thing here is a heavy black book, engraved in Old Sarlonan. Behind that book, however, lies a picture engraved into the shelf. It shows a giant mouth in the ground, and a passage which goes down but then loops back upwards above ground. Also, underneath where the book was, a dark purple rune in no particular language is glowing: you recognize this as a piece of the draconic prophecy (but you don't recognize its meaning without further checks.)
perception 25 near the 7-o-clock noise source:
The only immediately visible thing here is a heavy black book, engraved in Old Sarlonan. Behind that book, however, lies a picture engraved into the shelf. It shows a tooth being shattered with a hammer, three times. Also, underneath where the book was, a dark purple rune in no particular language is glowing: you recognize this as a piece of the draconic prophecy (but you don't recognize its meaning without further checks.)
perception 25 near the 11-o-clock noise source:
The only immediately visible thing here is a heavy black book, engraved in Old Sarlonan. Behind that book, however, is the source of the noise: a hammer that appears to be made of pure basalt. The hammer is vibrating magically of its own accord, generating noise as it batters lightly against the shelf and books.
You can also try to decypher a piece of the Draconic Prophecy with Knowledge: Religion, Knowledge: Arcana, or Spellcraft. One rune on its own is unlikely to make sense, though.
Over here, behind a book, there is apicture engraved into the shelf.
Nik'o projects, standing in front of the 7-o-clock shelf It shows a tooth being shattered with a hammer, three times. Also, underneath where the book was, a dark purple rune in no particular language is glowing, and I think it is a piece of the Draconic Prophecy.[/i][/b]
Ah, to speed things up (out-of-game time), let's just say Nik'o takes 20 looking at the other two.
After studying the other two locations very carefully, Nik'o continues projecting
The shelf at 2-o-clock also has a Draconic Prophecy rune, and a picture carved into the shelf. This picture shows a giant mouth in the ground, and a passage which goes down but then loops back upwards above ground. The last place has a weird black hammer. It looks like basalt, but it is vibrating, and I think the vibrations are what is causing the noise. At least in this spot. Maybe the pictures are clues as to how to get out of here, or find the tooth.
Kiana has none of those skills though, so History is all she has
Three vibrations, a tooth broken by a hammer three times, and a hammer. A passage through a mouth underground. Hammer broke the tooth into three pieces maybe? And maybe the way back out of the chamber is through the mouth of the dragon? We may need the hammer to put the tooth back together again.If I remember correctly, the description of the chamber was it was a dragon's skeleton forming it? So there should be a dragon mouth somewhere nearby.
Kn(History), now that all runes are available:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
The ghost, sensing your indecisiveness, says to the group
Riedran:
"Goooood, thou hast found thy hammer. That tooth bust, the 17th, doth hold the true Tremble Tooth."
The ghost king gestures to one of the teeth encircling the mouth.
Meanwhile, Anesti has been rummaging around the shelves and has found a small, obsidian wood-pipe.
"I have found what I need, now just find the Tremble Tooth and a way out of here," states the living yuan-ti.
Gah, I had a much longer post and my internet crashed.
Seeing that Helac remains silent, Charivia relays the yuan-ti's message telepathically
He hath said "Goooood, thou hast found thy hammer. That tooth bust, the 17th, doth hold the true Tremble Tooth." It doth seem the vibrating hammer must be used, unless the ancient king speaks untruthfully.
As Kiana's swing strikes the tooth, it shatters into hundreds of tiny fragments. The entire cave shakes, and after a moment a stone door drops from the ceiling above where you came in, sealing you in this chamber. At the same time, every other tooth circling the pit shatters just as the first did, except one. The tooth directly opposite Kiana across the pit remains, and now gleams with an eerie gray light.
The ghost king abruptly begins to flicker in and out of visibility, though his voice remains just as strong:
Reidran:
"I see at last it is true, thine time hath come. The Teeth of Khyber, all of them, shall arise. The Tremble Tooth, the Death Tooth, the Shadow Tooth, the Tyranny Tooth, and the others. Take ye the Tremble Tooth, chosen Winged One. Look not into its heart, or thine deepest fears shall become reality. Guard thy treasure well and ensure the Teeth of Khyber are not used to bring Evil unto the world, for he who is master over dust shall cause thee suffering. "
As he flickers in and out more rapidly, the King finishes
"Ah, mine time on this plane ith ending, mine purpose nigh fulfilled. Would I could tell thee all I know of thy coming journey, but my time removes itself."
Charivia quickly projects the ghost's message to Kiana:
He said something along the lines of "I see at last it is true, thine time hath come. The Teeth of Khyber, all of them, shall arise. The Tremble Tooth, the Death Tooth, the Shadow Tooth, the Tyranny Tooth, and the others. Take ye the Tremble Tooth, chosen Winged One. Look not into its heart, or thine deepest fears shall become reality. Guard thy treasure well and ensure the Teeth of Khyber are not used to bring Evil unto the world, for he who is master over dust shall cause thee suffering. "
As he flickers in and out more rapidly, he said
"Ah, mine time on this plane ith ending, mine purpose nigh fulfilled. Would I could tell thee all I know of thy coming journey, but my time removes itself."
The king is still visible but fading fast, and his voice grows fainter.
Kiana bows toward the ghost. "You cannot understand me, but you have done your duty. This is more than most do. Go to your rest, and thank you for your diligence."
Without looking directly at the tooth, she wraps it in a spare shirt and then stuffs it to the bottom of her pack. She seems singularly incurious about the tooth. Looking at the changling, she shrugs. "So, tremble tooth? Death tooth? Any other teeth? Doesn't look like there are any others in here, and since this one was vibrating, it must be the tremble tooth."
As the reptilian specter fades away, the living reptilian responds to Kiana's question:
"No, no other Teeth of Khyber are here, or anywhere else in Adar. There are 19 Teeth of Khyber in the world, from before the Age of Demons. My mistress shall be...disappointed that I allowed you to carry off with this one, but I shall honor my end of our bargain. Now, the locket...."
Anesti grins slyly, holding out his hand.
Though he is no longer visible, the specter of King Fremaryllis is still audible, though his voice starts to grow fainter.
Reidran:
"The mouth of Khyber opens, and two shall arise. The door beyond Dolurrh closes, time for me to die."
His voice fades to silence, and Charivia translates once again,
He said "The mouth of Khyber opens, and two shall arise. The door beyond Dolurrh closes, time for me to die."
Right, now that everyone's checked in and we appear to be up to a group of seven, let's start. Currently the group is split up, so I will use spoilers until y'all meet. Kiana is still in Adar, but she is roughly one week in the past from the rest of the group. Everyone else is in or around Ardhmen.
Kiana:
Kiana and Helac make it out of the Tomb, but an invisible barrier prevents Nik'o, the Living Key, from leaving. Once you are out, Anesti quickly hurries off on his own towards a secret destination.
Qara contacts Kiana mentally, just as she did before you entered the Tomb:
"Kiana, by the Path of Light thou live! The Tomb of King Fremaryllis was warded against all my remote viewing powers, and I couldst see not thy doings inside. Whilst thou sought to recover the Tremble Tooth, a striking development has occursed in Syrkarn. The Shaaral tribe of northeast Syrkarn have abruptly begun tactical strikes against both the Prugsuun and the Haarzuun tribe, and the Shaaral seem to have help from the Harmonious shield. While it hath long been believed that Riedra had some influence over the Shaaral, this event is the first time Riedra has directly involved themselves in Syrkarn. I fear they plot something concerning either the Lords of Dust's workings in Syrkarn, or about the Teeth of Khyber. I beg of thee, travel to Ardheim with the Tremble Tooth to meet others I have arranged with to aid you. But only thee, Kiana. For the Elan, I need his aid along the border of eastern Adar, to help foil an infiltration by the Thousand Eyes. I canst see what hath befallen Revion or Nik'o."
Pierce:
Sarlona may have been the birthplace of the Sovereign Host's following, but you wouldn't be able tell from looking at Ardheim. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city. The huts are nigh-indistinguishable from each other, at least from the outside.
After a few minutes, however, you notice something just slightly out of the ordinary. A pair of people, one human and the other an eneko, are tip-toeing accross down, huddled together as if hiding something they are carrying, and whispering to each other in Reidran.
Tawk Askéat :
Ardheim. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city. The huts are nigh-indistinguishable from each other, at least from the outside.
Something odd does catch your eye, though: whilst warforged were all allegedly created an deployed in Khorvaire, you catch a glimpse of a warforged and a xeph whispering about something as they hurry out of sight into a hut.
Lore Militain :
Ardheim. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city. The huts are nigh-indistinguishable from each other, at least from the outside.
After staying the night at an in, Lore is approached by a kalashtar with a determined expression. Her eyes dart around the room even as she speaks to the tiefling.
"Lore Militan,"
her voice drops to a whisper as soon as she has his attention,
"creation of Lorcras Militain. Do not be alarmed by my knowledge of your true nature. My Master knows what you truly are, and he holds nothing against you, but seeks your aid concerning dangerous dealings with Reidra. I beg of you, if not for the sake of my Master, than for your own sake, follow me somewhere private."
She gestures towards another hut.
"My Master whishes to speak to you, come this way."
Atsu Tzolotl :
After an arduous journey accross the ocean, you have finally arrived in Ardheim. Supposedly, this place is the greatest port town in Syrkarn (or, for that matter, in non-Reidran Sarlona). You wouldn't guess it could gain such a reputation at first glance, though. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city.
Shortly after arriving, a young changeling approaches Atsu with a determined expression on her calm, blue-ish and pale face.
"Atsu Tzolotl. You may not know me or my purpose, but my employer whishes to speak to you. He bade me inform you that it concerns the security of the Raja overlords. Come, if you value the coautl's power."
She gestures towards a nearby hut, whilst her face becomes expresionless and her eyes stare firmly at you.
Shatter:
Another day in Ardheim. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city. The huts are nigh-indistinguishable from each other, at least from the outside.
"You do not know me, Shatter of Cyre, but I must tell thee something which concerns thee greatly."
Abruptly, a slender, green-eyed humanoid materializes directly behind you, and whispers into Shatter's ear-equivalent.
"Come, it's too open out here."
The xeph gestures for Shatter to move towards a nearby hut, and the xeph then enters that hut himself.
Viktor D'Deneith :
After an arduous journey accross the ocean, you have finally arrived in Ardheim. Supposedly, this place is the greatest port town in Syrkarn (or, for that matter, in non-Reidran Sarlona). You wouldn't guess it could gain such a reputation at first glance, though. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city.
Once you have arrived, Qara projects a message into your mind telepathically.
I thank thee, Viktor, for thy willingness to aid my cause. I cannot be in Syrkarn to greet you myself. I request that thou make thy way to the hut on the far side of town, where my partner, S, shall meet thee along with others I have recruited towards this secretive cause. S will fill you in on your task.
Atsu is momentarily suspicious when approached by a strange changeling, but he quickly weighs his situation and recognizes that if it's not a trap, he needs to follow it, and if it is a trap, the only way he'll get a lead is to follow it, so he nods once to the changeling and says, "I understand." He does his best to keep his thoughts on track, painfully aware that he lacks defenses against even the weakest of the nightmares of Sarlona, and that relying solely on personal discipline is risky.
Psion Shaper 5 | HP 28/28 | AC 15/T 12/ FF 13 | Fort +5 Ref +5 Will +8 | Int +7
Lore looked up from his lunch of cooked chicken, cheap vodka and a baked potato, regarding the cloaked figure for a moment as it addressed him. It was the same cloaked figure that had approached him before when he first landed in Ardheim, but now it knew that he wasn't a Tiefling in the traditional sense.
The hulking slab of dark green skin that looked like a cross between an Ogre and an Orc that was sitting beside him, seemed to bristle in reaction to Lore's tensing up at this murmured sharing of knowledge. He gestured for the creature to calm itself, and downed his glass with a wince and shake of his head.
"Gods that's terrible. Feel it all the way to the tips of my horns." he muttered under his breath, standing up and leaving a few silver for the meal.
He wasn't terribly thrilled to find the reason why this same cloaked figure had approached him again, and seemingly knew about him personally and his Creator. But he and Slim were going to find out why exactly he was being called upon again, and why this figure chose to show its hand now.
Pierce's eyes would narrow if they could, while the Inquisitor is here for a spiritual quest, the Wandering Eye and the Sharn Watch expect him to root out these Dreamlilly dealers. If these beings are not drug dealers at the least they are suspicious.
Pierce casts Heightened Awareness (+2 Perception & Knowledge checks) on himself and he moves to follow the beings from the shadows.
I need to find a way to comprehend other languages while operating in this strange land... Pierce thinks to himself as he cannot understand a word these two are saying to one another.
M Arcane Overdrive 7/7 Eldritch Burnout 0 AC 15, touch 11, flat-footed 14 hp 14/28 Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +4 Human Eternal Mage 5
Viktor:
After feeling slightly violated by the telepathy, Viktor casts Conjurer’s Toolbelt, summoning a compass to guide his way. He's always been a little directionally challenged, especially in a land as foreign as this one. He makes his way towards where S requests his presence.
Human Male Direlock 5; HP 34/34; AC: 20/T 12/ FF 18; Fort: +5; Ref: +4; Will: +3; Init: +4; Per +9; Spd 30 ft.; Dire Pool: 2/5
Tawk:
Tawk's ears warm, as if a spirit were chiding him. Here but a few hours, and already a quarry.
His orders were...unclear - locate and/or neutralise. But how? Or more to the current point - why?
Tawk decides a small amount of chicanery is in order. He makes a show of tripping/stumbling noise, and then falls backwards into the hut.
Bluff:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
"My apologies - I was looking for someone and I think they may have found me." he says cryptically, his doom-visaged mask somewhat deepening and muffled.
A not particularly stealthy human comes up behind you as you are moving.
"My apologies - I was looking for someone and I think they may have found me," he says cryptically, his doom-visaged mask somewhat deepening and muffled.
The xeph that approached Shatter halts and turns around, apparently recognizing the human.
"Ah, just the next person I was looking for, how convenient!"
In a more hushed tone, the xeph continues
"You are Tawk Askeat, are you not? Come, follow us to my hut, for this is a grave matter which concerns you as well."
Henceforth, Tawk and Shatter are in the same place, so after this post they get to share spoiler boxes.
Tawk:
The xeph that had been speaking to the warforged halts and turns around, apparently recognizing you.
"Ah, just the next person I was looking for, how convenient!"
In a more hushed tone, the xeph continues
"You are Tawk Askeat, are you not? Come, follow us to my hut, for this is a grave matter which concerns you as well."
[ooc]Henceforth, Tawk and Shatter are in the same place, so after this post they get to share spoiler boxes.
Lore:
As Lore follows the kalashtar, she explains in a hushed tone
"My master has the power to view others from a great distance, and he had seen you before you came to Sarlona. He believes that there are other...artificial...creatures like you here, though they are all somewhat different from you. Come this way...
She leads you to a small cottage on the outskirts of the "town." The door creaks open, revealing a modest room filled nigh to capacity by bookshelves. The books range in size from 1-inch square pages to books with four-foot-long pages, and their titles all appear to be in ancient Sarlonan runes.
"[b]We must wait here," she says, "for my lord shall return here shortly along with some others."
Atsu:
The changeling leads you a small cottage on the outskirts of the "town." The door creaks open, revealing a modest room filled nigh to capacity by bookshelves. The books range in size from 1-inch square pages to books with four-foot-long pages, and their titles all appear to be in ancient Sarlonan runes.
Also inside are a kalashtar and a tiefling. The tiefling looks unsure of what he is doing there, as if he has just arrived as well. By contrast, the kalashtar looks happy to see the changeling that lead you here.
"Ah, Aali!"
"Harva, you have found your charge I see."
"And thee thine."
The changeling and the kalashtar exchange hugs of familiarity, before the kalashtar, "Harva" turns to the other two
"Atsu and Lore, my Master has brought you two together to fulfill an important purpose, which he shall explain when he arrives momentarily."
[ooc]Atsu and Lore are now in the same place, so after this post they will be sharing spoiler boxes.
Human Male Direlock 5; HP 34/34; AC: 20/T 12/ FF 18; Fort: +5; Ref: +4; Will: +3; Init: +4; Per +9; Spd 30 ft.; Dire Pool: 2/5
Tawk/Shatter:
Tawk gathers his self and belongings, and straightens his mask. He looks at the war forged very briefly before noticing the strange utterance made by the xeph.
"Uh. Yes, Tawk. How did you kn...Wait a minute. How did you...?"
Leaving room for Shatter, though I'm sure he'll be suitably inscrutable...
The hefty reddish-skinned man glances at Lore impassively, and occasionally his eyes stop on some detail or bit of color - as if he might learn some valuable clue by looking at brooches and buckles and how knots are tied. Then he shifts slightly, his armor creaking as he adjusts his weight, and rests his hand easily on the butt of his odd terbutje, essentially a wooden club studded with chunks of violet and deep blue crystal. Yet he says nothing so far.
Psion Shaper 5 | HP 28/28 | AC 15/T 12/ FF 13 | Fort +5 Ref +5 Will +8 | Int +7
Lore/Atsu:
Lore observed the pair that embraced and chatted like old friends, noting the other person that had been brought it him/her. He couldn't quite tell. This other figure was certainly a good deal broader than himself, and carried some studded club with..crystals?
The hulking green Orc seemed to take a half-step in front of Lore, until he gestured up at him, saying,
"That's alright Slim. I'm in no danger here. I'll call upon you if I need your help."
The figure nodded, and with a gesture of his hand, it quickly turned into a featureless mass and rapidly dissolved into the air. Making eye-contact with the human again, he tried putting on a friendly smile and said,
"A helpful ability to know. Especially when one travels alone. I sense.. that you and I have a similar pool of power. Yours is.. different. I can't really put it into words..."
He offers his hand to the silent figure, adding, "Lore."
Psion Shaper 5 | HP 28/28 | AC 15/T 12/ FF 13 | Fort +5 Ref +5 Will +8 | Int +7
Lore/Atsu:
He let his hand fall and slowly pulled up his hood, suddenly feeling very self-conscious when he was lumped in with 'the fiends below' and covering up his face.
"W-Well... I just, kinda look like a Tiefling. But.. But it's in appearance only. No demon blood or curse or stuff."
There was an awkward pause, Lore feeling as though he was being intently watched by this man. He tries to busy himself by taking one of the regular-sized books off the shelf and starting to flip through it.
"S-So, what brought you here? Same reason as m-me, I take it? Approached by some figure wanting to meet his/her 'master'?"
Kiana complains to her employer about leaving Nik'O behind, and gets a promise to send a rescue mission for him (assuming he's ok with being left behind, if he's not, she stays).
Assuming he's ok with waiting for rescue, Kiana will escort the Halfling and Helac along to the next waypoint per their employer's instructions.
"I am an historian as well as a soldier. I am here to learn more about the ancient history of Sarlona and some of the foibles of its political systems," says Atsu unceremoniously. "I did not expect to be so rapidly approached for... as yet unknown purposes, but as I have limited connections in this society, one must follow leads as they present themselves."
The human and eneko enter a small warehouse built from mud, whilst neither seem to notice Pierce. What you see in the warehouse is a big pile of boxes, all packed for shipping over-seas. The contents of the boxes are not visible, but from a distintive smell in the room you can tell what is in them: Dreamlilly. Lots and lots of dreamlilly, ready to be shipped to another continent.
Knowledge (Local) 20
Spoiler:
The dress and appearance of these two suggest that they are Reidran, not Syrk.
Knowledge (Local) 25
Spoiler:
The two you were just following may be connected to the Thousand Eyes of Reidra.
While you avoid the eye of the human and eneko, a strix does seem to have followed behind you.
Barring something unexpected in Kiana's next post, Kiana and Pierce will end up near each other and will be sharing spoiler boxes in future posts.
Kiana:
"Yes, yes, a follower of mine shall aid Nik'o in his escape," comes Qara's reply.
Charivia also decides to go her own way, as she mentioned she would do back in the Tomb. With the Last War over, her reason for being in Sarlona no longer remains, and Charivia will therefore return to the Talenta plains to find what remains of her family after 100 years.
Kiana has no difficulty getting to Ardheim. This run-down collection of mud huts scarecly deserves to be called a port city. The huts are nigh-indistinguishable from each other, at least from the outside.
Upon arriving, you notice a pair of people, one human and the other an eneko, are tip-toeing accross down, huddled together as if hiding something they are carrying, and whispering to each other in Reidran. Also behind them is a warforged, following and apparently trying to remain stealthy. Its appearance is odd given that no warforged were manufactured in Sarlona.
[ooc]Assuming you follow,
The human and eneko enter a small warehouse built from mud, whilst neither seem to notice Pierce. What you see in the warehouse is a big pile of boxes, all packed for shipping over-seas. The contents of the boxes are not visible, but from a distintive smell in the room you can tell what is in them: Dreamlilly. Lots and lots of dreamlilly, ready to be shipped to another continent.
Knowledge (Local) 20
Spoiler:
The dress and appearance of the eneko and human who are whispering to each other suggest that they are Reidran, not Syrk.
Knowledge (Local) 25
Spoiler:
The eneko and human who are whispering to each other may be connected to the Thousand Eyes of Reidra.
Also, assuming you follow, Kiana and Pierce are now near each other and will share spoiler boxes from here on out.
Lore and Atsu:
As you are speaking, another person enters the room, this one a human. He is quickly followed by three others: a warforged, another human, and a xeph.
The xeph is the next person to speak:
"Ah, the group has assembled. I am known as Sidrian, or simply S, and through the workings of my partner and I, we have brought you all here. My partner is aligned with the Summit Road, and desires your help in thwarting the Dreaming Dark as they attack Syrkarn as we speak. I shall endevour to explain...though two of this group have not yet arrived."
[ooc]Everyone except Kiana and Pierce are now in the same room, so they will share one spoiler box after this post.
Viktor:
Following Qara's mental requests, you arrive at a small cottage on the outskirts of the "town." The door creaks open, revealing a modest room filled nigh to capacity by bookshelves. The books range in size from 1-inch square pages to books with four-foot-long pages, and their titles all appear to be in ancient Sarlonan runes.
Also inside the cottage are several other humanoids. There are a kalashtar and a changeling, both of whom look comfortable in their positions and seem to understand what is going on. Also present are a human and what looks like a tiefling, both of whom seem to be confused as to why they are there.
Shortly behind you, three other figures enter the building: a warforged, a human, and a xeph.
The xeph is the next person to speak:
"Ah, the group has assembled. I am known as Sidrian, or simply S, and through the workings of my partner and I, we have brought you all here. My partner is aligned with the Summit Road, and desires your help in thwarting the Dreaming Dark as they attack Syrkarn as we speak. I shall endevour to explain...though two of this group have not yet arrived."
Everyone except Kiana and Pierce are now in the same room, so they will share one spoiler box after this post.
Shatter and Tawk:
The xeph ushers you to a small cottage on the outskirts of the "town." The door creaks open, revealing a modest room filled nigh to capacity by bookshelves. The books range in size from 1-inch square pages to books with four-foot-long pages, and their titles all appear to be in ancient Sarlonan runes.
Also inside the cottage are several other humanoids. There are a kalashtar and a changeling, both of whom look comfortable in their positions and seem to understand what is going on. Also present are two humans and what looks like a tiefling, both of whom seem to be confused as to why they are there.
The xeph is the next person to speak:
"Ah, the group has assembled. I am known as Sidrian, or simply S, and through the workings of my partner and I, we have brought you all here. My partner is aligned with the Summit Road, and desires your help in thwarting the Dreaming Dark as they attack Syrkarn as we speak. I shall endevour to explain...though two of this group have not yet arrived."
Everyone except Kiana and Pierce are now in the same room, so they will share one spoiler box after this post.
Kiana wonders why she bothered following the trio, but guesses she's really bored with nobody else around to talk to anymore. She shrugs, and flies up to the roof of the warehouse, looking for a hole to peek through. The smell is not familiar to her...No knowledge local, and she doesn't do drugs, so not sure she'd even recognize it as such
The warrior-scholar shifts his inquisitive eyes to each person in turn, then finally says, "Welcome to the conspiracy, I suppose. Does anyone know what this is about?"
Pierce sticks to the wall as the Strix follows in behind him placing a hand on a small crate in case he needs a make shift weapon to throw at it. He turn back to see where the Strix is when it appears to have disappeared.
Pierce would be breathing heavily if he breathed at all Not good, an unknown variable the appearance and disappearance of that being. Well, if it wished to give me up it could have, for now I must continue as if it was not a foe.
Pierce considers the situation at hand: Knowledge Local 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 = 23
Even if these two are the dealers they could not have produced this many crates, perhaps they are something else entirely. I must learn more.
Pierce casts Invisibility and dares to get even closer to hear what the two are speaking about...
The two Sarlonan natives' whispering abruptly changes to the common (Galifer) tongue.
"Hush, speak in a language less likely to be understood by eavesdroppers."
"Why--"
"To destabilize Breland's market, encouraging them to lash out at other savage lands, like Droamm, with all its fiends like strix and those who think naught of the Path of Inspiration."
"How do--"
"Do you ever pay attention? Just let us get it on the boat, past the warehouse. "
Kiana only:
Spoiler:
Their accents sound Riedran, and their dress vaguely matches that of the Thousand Eyes agents you encountered much earlier.
Everyone else:
"Nay,"
the xeph turns to Atsu,
"None of you know to what purpose you were summoned here, save me. Know thou of the Harmonious Shield, the enforcement of Riedra? For centuries, Syrkarn has remained untouched by the forces of Riedra. None know why, for surely the Harmonious Shield has the power to conquer the land with ease, and it lacks Adar's protections. For many decades, the Shaaral tribe of northeast Syrkarn has been suspected of being under indirect Riedran influence, though it was never overt. In the last few days, however, the Shaaral have struck out violently against their long-time neighbors, and this time Riedra seems to be providing direct support. The Shaaral have long fought other Syrk tribes, particularly the Prugshuun and the Haarzuun, but never hath Riedra involved itself directly in Syrk affairs, and we know not why they have acted now for the first time. Mayhaps it hath something to do with Riedra discovering the Prugshuun's connection to the earliest yuan-ti, or perhaps it ith something else entirely. My partner and I want you, all of you, to venture into Shaaral territory and discover why the Harmonious Shield is so suddenly involved here, where they had let alone for five hundred years."
At Viktor's inquiry, the xeph responds
"I do hope it shall be soon...."
before smiling coyly.
Human Male Direlock 5; HP 34/34; AC: 20/T 12/ FF 18; Fort: +5; Ref: +4; Will: +3; Init: +4; Per +9; Spd 30 ft.; Dire Pool: 2/5
Crowded Hut:
Tawk had entered with Sidrian, the xeph and Shatter the warforged. Tawk's doom-visaged mask hides his face, but his eyes are clear - eyes that take in the assembled personages, though perhaps with slightly less humility than Atsu. Dressed in the baroque armor and raiment of the direlocks, he listens with growing impatience as Sidrian explains...something.
"Hmm. All...very interesting. But how exactly are we to be enticed to embark upon this errand? I have mine own mission that will necessarily.... be delayed...
He pauses in thought as something occurs to him.
"A moment please Sidrian. How did you come to choose me?"
Pierce has heard enough to know that even if these are not the dealers he is looking for, they know enough to be guilty. Still, if he lets them load the drugs now, they will reach Breland and as much as he would like to further investigate, they have given him little time to make a decision.
He steps back into hiding infusing his Quarterstaff with the power Lead Blades - Melee weapons damage as if one size bigger and casting a spell upon himself True Strike.
He then pads closer again still invisible and strikes the human unawares.
As Pierce strikes, the human falls immediately to the ground unconcious, and the eneko whirls around to face the attacker.
"Wha--to what power am I to surrender? No, the Path of Inspiration is my guardian, and I shan't fear you."
Pierce Only
Spoiler:
No alignment is detected.
Kiana only
Spoiler:
Kiana can sense that the human and eneko knew they were being eaves-dropped on, and possibily meant for their words to be heard by you and/or mislead you.(I did a secret sense motives roll for you and Pierce, and you passed by he failed, so Pierce doesn't know this.)
everyone else:
At Tawk's initial question, Sidrian smiles.
"Other mission, yessss, concerning the recapture of escaped warforged? I daresay you may find what you seek along the way--it was by the knowledge of the ancient Prugshuun that warforged became possible, and some speculate that it was the power of Riedra that made some modern warforged rebellious against their creators. Syrkarn is a common destination for those fleeing oppression, so the specific warforged you seek may be nearby anyhow.
If you do as I request yet get no closer to thy prior mission, my partner or shall provide you assistance as compensation. Is it truly what you desire, though, or is it merely what your house elders have threatened you into seeking? "
"I did not pick you myself, it was Qara's decision. Thou doth possess, in her view, the power to accomplish what we require of thee, and the integrity to do it without betrayal. That goes for all of you."
Human Male Direlock 5; HP 34/34; AC: 20/T 12/ FF 18; Fort: +5; Ref: +4; Will: +3; Init: +4; Per +9; Spd 30 ft.; Dire Pool: 2/5
Crowded Hut:
Tawk blushes under his mask, and hopes Shatter is not following the fact that Tawk seeks errant warforged. Tawk makes no sign he disagrees or agrees with Sidrian's estimation of Tawk's reasons or motivations.
When Shatter speaks Tawk clears his throat, and interjects.
"Uh, I too, wish to hear more of... this business that is...the thing you are telling us....about."
As you are speaking, the changeling exits the hut cottage quietly.
"The Haarzuun have long been neutral in the struggles between Adar, Reidra, and the other Syrk tribes, but you may find them to be potential allies. The Shaaral have long performed psionic experiments on warforged and other constructs, whilst the yuan-ti of the Prugshuun tribe have also tampered with warforged, though in different ways. There experiments have even clashed on occasion to devestating unexpected consequences, many of which occured roughly four years ago, after which the yuan-ti ceased their experimentations (publicly, at least). Those friendly to the Quori, Reidra, and the Dreaming Dark are eager for artificial creatures to be given the ability to dream, in order that their dreams might be used by the Inspired for sinister purposes. Some of their...experiments...have spread to other continents as well."
"The Prugshuun have underground tunnels under much of central Syrkarn, making them difficult to observe compared to the open planes covering the rest of Syrkarn, hence I know little of their secrets."
"The remainder of thy group ought to arrive very shortly...."
Kiana, Pierce:
Pierce's target also falls down unconcious, but almost immediately, their body starts to disintigrate in an orange glow.
Detect Magic
Spoiler:
The glow has a moderate Transmutation aura and a moderate Evocation aura.
Spellcraft, 25
Spoiler:
Striking the Riedran activated a contingency teleportation effect to take him somewhere safe.
As that happens, the door opens once more and another person enters: a changeling.
"Kiana, Pierce, there you are, what have you gotten yourselves in to?"
Kiana only
Spoiler:
The changeling is Aali, from before you entered the Starlight Tomb.
"Pierce, thrall of the Sovereign Host, you may know not who I am, but I know of you through an...employer. He knows of your concerns with how Reidra has plotted to destabilize Sharn, in part using dreamlily, and he can tell you more than you could learn from these Eyes of Reidra you stumbled upon, as one is nigh dead by thine own hands and the other had an esape route. Come, to a cottage over there, where my partner and her empolyer are assembling a team of which they want you to take part."
Turning to the strix, she says
"Kiana, you ought to come too, for Sidrian is waiting."
Sorry I haven't been posting, I've been working 50+ hours a week, plus travel, plus being exhausted and/or sick on the weekends from overworking. Things should start to return to normal again next week.
Pierce/Kiana:
Kiana drops down through the skylight in the roof of the building, and lands lightly on a crate next to Pierce. "I have gotten myself into nothing, I have been watching the humans play at intrigue and theatre, putting on shows for mechanical devices with some particularly bad acting skills. Then they let the metal creature beat on them, as humans are insane, and do dumb things. It was all rather pedestrian entertainment, but it did pass a few minutes. Who is this Pierce? And where is he or she?" She looks around the warehouse curiously.
Pierce kneels to inspect the area where the two foes only moments before lay prone. Detect Magic.
Spellcraft Guidance1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21If a natural 20 is always a success, then a success I have, will wait for you DM before opening the spoiler.
Odd.
Pierce stands up as Kiana lands next to him addressing her, "I am Pierce, Agent of the Sovereign and for the moment, Breland. I did not attack these men lightly, they seek to carry a dangerous substance, the contents of these boxes to Sharn, I am here to stop that".
Pierce then turns to the creature that addressed him, "You are right I do not know who you are nor do I know how you have divined my intentions for being here but you do certainly have my attention. Are we certain these goods will be safe here? I do not wish them to be anything but destroyed before I leave here..."
I assume the changeling will give Pierce assurances, warranted or not.
Pierce nods to the Strix who it seems was not there as a threat to him and may well have some impact on his existence soon enough. He then heads to the "cramped hut" entering...
Those already arrived see a Warforged standing 5'6" his body modified Darkwood armor not traditional steel. His eyes glow green. His clothing is nondescript a, flowing cloaks and clothing which allows him to hide his nature though less so in the light of day. On his head sits a fedora which is ill fitting on him.
Natural 20s are not automatic successes on skill checks.
"No ships leave for Khorvaire in the near future. I do not know who told thee any boxes were being sent there, but you might have been decieved. It's popular around here, deception is. I do not believe there is a danger in leaving it here."
Speaking to Pierce, the changeling explains,
"Those people you struck were Reidran agents, here for a purpose unknown to me, but they are enemies to my current employer. Come, there is more to be explained, in a more secure location."
She gestures for Kiana and Pierce to follow her to another building.
