The knight is becoming more and more intrigued by the amount of knowledge you have about these strange occurences
Countess Sasandra is aawited in Karcau next week, I heartily recommend you meet her, your information could prove vital. As far as I know, these bands consisted mostly of mindless automatons like skeletons and zombies, yet we also heard that they were commanded by mightier monsters...I'm here to scout north of the Ridge and report what I've found out, once the countess arrives.
"There appears to be some divine synchronicity at work. For just last night I dreamed of a fortification deep within the Kronstein Ridge and an army of undead lead by some avenging angel of sorts. I believe that very soon, we may find ourselves exploring that same region ourselves. How long will it be before you depart the city? Will you be scouting before the arrival of Countess Sasandra, or will you depart after she has arrived?"
I was just about to leave the city and asked these good folks which way they would recommend. But since you were there just some weeks ago...what is your advice?
"Simply take the north gate out of Karcau and follow the road. It will lead you through some relatively safe forests to the town of Belfurth. After that, as you continue north, be careful of the Wyverns around the lake. We survived an encounter with them, but let us just say, we now have a mutual respect for each other. Before you depart, good Sir, may I have the honor of your name?"
Thanks for your advice.
He closes his visor and says with now muffled voice
The moment a knight enters the order, he becomes a raven, no need for names from that day on.
With that he turns his horse around and trots into the city proper.
Pitr yells after him, "There's a good guide up that way named Reindeer Ricca. We've worked with her before and she might be some help in the hinterlands."
"Raven...more like bird brain. Well, at least we'll get some good recon if he makes it back alive," Pitr scoffs.
He turns to the ladies, "Shall I see you two safely home? Unfortunately, I won't be able to stay long. I think we've got a little more work to do."
"I too thought of offering her services to the knight, but I was not sure that I wanted to subject her to him. He sounds so formal."
"Well my friends, I have some business to attend to back at the House of the Vigilant Flame. Where shall we meet next? I think we need to follow up on the missing children in the marble district, so I was thinking that we should probably regroup again first thing tomorrow morning. Shall we agree to meet once again at the Shark Pool and proceed from there together? Before we depart, though, I want to make sure the Chronicles of the Heptagon will be kept in safe hands. Johenric, are you certain it is safely tucked away? I will accept responsibility for the Amethyst Heptagon Shards and keep them with me for safe keeping. Any other thoughts before we depart ways?"
"What of that treasure chest?" Kirk inquires. "Shall we put that off 'til morning, or take a little time off right now and figure it out?"
Either way, when the group departs, Kirk beelines for his friend's alchemy shop, Hassard's Handy Things, to study and practice the night away.
"Good idea Kirk, save me hauling around all this gear, especially as I seem to be leaving so frequently without a bunch of good pack bearers and man-servants."
"We have some Chainmail here in which the magics align to Harl, Solaric, or Zahur. Solaric already has some nice armour, Zahur and Harl therefore are better fits."
Chainmail of Champion +1
"There is another nasty Dagger, bites somewhat like a spiders fang...aDagger of Venom, probably not wanted by Harl, Zahur, or Solaric..."
"35 arrows +2"
A large scroll containing:
- Bungle
- Sleep
- Stone Fist
--Acid Arrow
--Darkness
--Whispering Wind
---Vision of Hell
---Daylight
---Ape Walk
----Secure Shelter
----Share Senses
"And a sum of coin totalling two thousand gold"
"I too thought of offering her services to the knight, but I was not sure that I wanted to subject her to him. He sounds so formal."
Pitr chuckles, "Well, ain't that the dark elf calling the raven knight black!" Then he gives a shrug, "She may not be particularly interested in working with the boor, but she'll probably want to know what is happening in the Kronsteins if she doesn't already. If she does happen to want to check things out, I figure she's got a better chance of making it back alive and letting us know what she sees."
"I could take a dozen arrows and maybe some money to get a better bow if no one has something big they need."
"Perhaps my daily rounds might have to include an armourer, a weaponsmith and a bowyer. We have a fair bit of captured equipment from those cultists I may be able to exchange... or perhaps source some good prices from. You have a meeting with your paramour to attend, now is not the time to think of shopping. I must get to a scribe as well, I need a letter crafted of some weight, and would ensure it made a good impression"
"Well, my friends, as always, it has been an honor to serve with you. May this day bring you rest such that tomorrow we can move onward to face the evil at work! Johenric, good luck with your research. I do not wish to put undue pressure on you, but I hope by tomorrow you will have an idea where the next shard of the heptagon can be found. If any of you need me, I will be in prayer at the House of the Vigilant Flame. Fare well, my companions. I will see you tomorrow morning at the Shark Pool."
After the discussions are finished with his friends, Solaric mounts Dart and returns to the House of the Vigilant Flame. After returning to the temple he take some time in the central temple to pray and meditate. Following a period of prayer he will seek out Tanor Veredan to continue his ongoing discussion with him.
I think I will go to the academy, I need to look in the libraries and speak to some of the teachers. Some of the training that Johenric gave me made sense, but I have a few questions that he might not be able to answer.
"The armor 'd be no good to me, lass. Too flimsy fer my stout body, hahaha. I look farwerd to the day I'll be in the possession of a fine set of dwarven plate of stone of adamantine."
Victoria is busy scratching notes in a small journal..."A bow *mutter mutter* mithril *mutter mutter* Adamantite..."
After geting everything written she tucks it away. "Well then, suppose the mail will just have to go begging for the time being, no doubt there will some young charger heir or heiress at the Academy due for graduation with a head full of ideals and purse full of coin looking for just this sort of armour. Perhaps I can put in a downpayment on a few new sets..."
@ Pitr:
Swan grins and Samara just shakes her head, while she also has to smile
I'll think I find my way home on my own Mister Jendarne, yet I fear my daughter is still so excited that she could need a little help from such a generous cavalier like you.
@ Zahur:
@ All:
A stop by the Library again to identify the:
Unidentified Axe (Undead Knight)
Go and see if she can find a buyer for the:
+1 Chainmail of Champion
+2 'Hellknight' Armour
Newly Identified Axe
8 masterwork maces
4 masterwork chainmails
4 masterwork leather armours
...and boss enough people about until she gets a lead on where Mithral Breastplates and Adamantine plate might eventually be bought.
Whilst that is happening, she will be seeking out a top end bowyer to purchase a Longbow of excellent manufacture, "in Darkwood if you please" for someone strong as an ox.
After that is all done, she ensures a quaint little gift store delivers a nice bottle of perfume to Swan AND Samara labelled as being from Pitr (knowing he will forget such touches) and then has a scribe pen a letter to her father letting him know that she will be petitioning Countess Sasandra on his behalf that he be grabted title and holding over Jarovicha due to there being a recent opening.
Meanwhile her well meaning but absent minded party will probably just wander off to the pub thinking life is easy and high-fives all round...:p
The axe proves to be a very sharp and exact weapon (+2 greataxe), and on your journey past several stores, traders and merchants, you are able to exchange all the listed goods for a total of 14.4k gp.
You further find out that there is a warehouse in Karcau's east, the "Three Lions Trading-Company Post" where also very rare wares are traded, yet, they mostly sell assorted goods and not a large variety of mundane items. That will most probably also be the best option to find a bow as the one you're looking for.
The costs for the perfumes and the letter sum up to 10gp.
Victoria thanks her source for the lead on the Three Lions, and heads there...
The Three Lions Warehouse is a large building made of dark red clinkers which lies at the eastern end of Karcau. A large stable, housing about two dozen horses is next to it and two wagons are just unloaded on a small yard in front of the building.
You see several labourers carrying crates and barrels and a sturdy foreman who shouts orders.
Victoria wanders in, only momentarily pausing to watch the men at work.
With a slightly aloof air, she examines the merchandise to judge the quality of goods. With a well practiced eye, she notes the layout of the place, and the attitudes and quality of the staff before engaging them in polite conversation about general matters and the nature of business before asking after the proprietor, warming him up before the real business begins.
Soon you are spotted by the man in charge, who must not miss the possibility to meet such an extraordinary customer.
The nearly obese, rather small man wears a big black moustache and about ten golden rings on each hand.
Instantly you recognize his smile as that of a very skilled merchant (the ones who are able to sell their toothless moms as dangerous crocodiles).
Welcome, welcome to se Sree Lions Warehouse my dear lady, what brings you to our humble warehouse?
Solaric makes his way across the city to the House of the Vigilant Flame where he stables Dart and returns to his room where he removes his armor and prepares for prayer. Entering the main chamber of the temple, the dark elf sits in prayer.
"In Thy mercies, O heavenly Inheritor, Wilt Thou be the guide. In the study of the manifestations of thy will, even as in "Day unto day uttereth speech and Night unto night sheweth knowledge." So may the activities of my life, As a representative of Thy will, Be a manifestation in this realm.
"Open Thou, mine eyes, Oh Iomedae, that I may know the glory thou hast prepared for me!"
Following prayer, he enters a deep meditation where he listens for the voice of the Inheritor to speak to him.
Solaric, I will take the heptagon with me. I also want those spell books, of course only if the group agrees. But I do not see anybody handling the spells. So I take them with me....is this ok? I will do my research at the academy.
Ah, I also need to hand over my documents to the varisian Leader Andreanu Salvator. Pitr, do you know where I find him?
Johenric looks a little bit around and focuses Solaric.
Ah, Representative of the inheritor, for sure the required study time will take longer. Careful studies and research should not be done with rush! The key to understand the universe is in fact patient. Would it be a small disaster, if the concludes conclusions would lead us to the wrong point? Therefore I suggest to inform you about my findings in, lets say, two days? Should we meet at the Shark Pool then?!
Arriving at the academy, Zahur spends his time between Petoria and Vizyalesh academy; enquiring about the mixing of magic and mettle as well as asking around the acade,y again for any information about jarovich's nephew and his sister.
Diplomacy (Gather Info):
KNowledge(local):
On the following day, if not happens at the academy that is, Zahur will head to go see Swan and Samara to have his discussion with them.
Welcome, welcome to se Sree Lions Warehouse my dear lady, what brings you to our humble warehouse?
"Well then, I don't suppose I can spend your whole day educating me on the pleasantries of your trade, I am trying to track down a source of unusual arms and armour, and I have it on good authority that the Lions' is a veritable fountain of such finery..."
"I need a bow, a Longbow of excellent manufacture, in Darkwood, for someone strong as an ox. I also require a Mithral Breastplate. Not now, but some time in the future I will be requiring some plate fit for a Dwarven knight, I shall give you the specifics so you may procure it on my behalf..." Victoria gives him the request sheet.
Mithril Breastplate
Composite Longbow, 18Str, in Darkwood.
I saw the Adam FP was about 16k and almost choked :p
Zahur, what do you want with this spellbook?
Victoria, Zahur...I seek the knowledge written on those scroll we have found in the dungeon. As my intellect is a fact, my mind starves for this magic knowledge. Are you so kind and hand over those arcane webs to me?
Ah, I also need to hand over my documents to the varisian Leader Andreanu Salvator. Pitr, do you know where I find him?
Pitr looks up from his sweet talking of Swan, "Actually, Countess was closer to him, but I believe we're headed that way if you want me to drop them off for you. He often stops by the Shark Pool."
Retcon with Johenric
Ah, Representative of the inheritor, for sure the required study time will take longer. Careful studies and research should not be done with rush! The key to understand the universe is in fact patient. Would it be a small disaster, if the concludes conclusions would lead us to the wrong point? Therefore I suggest to inform you about my findings in, lets say, two days? Should we meet at the Shark Pool then?!
"I had a feeling that you were going to tell me that. Hmm. Very well, Johenric. I do not mean to rush you, but I guess I am just feeling the weight of the urgency of this matter. However, if you are in need of more time, there is nothing we can do about that. So, please do what you can. I am ever so grateful for whatever you can offer! Good luck with your research. I will see you at the Shark Pool in two days time. However, if you do get a break through, please come and find me at the House of the Vigilant Flame. Be well, my friend!"
Harl bids the rest of the party a good day and travels with Solaric back to the Vigilant Flame. Following much in the same steps as the dark elf, Harl too racks his armor giving each piece the care it requires and sharpening his axe. Upon finishing his maintenance he grabs his light hammer and heads down to the temple's forge. Prayers to Torag come in a different form than those most gods. Toil at the forge by dwarven hands are thanks given for being allowed to see their glowing embers again.
Harl discusses the finer points of crafting a fine blade with the local smiths for several hours before again returning to his chamber for rest and prayers.
IC stuff:
Kirk explains to the Countess, "I'm slowly saving for either an improvement on armor or shield: I feel exposed in all of these fights, fighting so close to such deadly foes. A mithral breastplate would suit me well, but I have benefited greatly from earlier rewards, so I'd like everyone else to be satisfied with their cut before receiving anything more." He grins, "Don't want to overstep any boundaries in this group of powerful killers."
When he parts from the group, he heads to his friend's shop, Hassard's Handy Things. When he reaches the old man he says, "Hello, Hassard. Remember me? Kirk, your benefactor. I assume our deal is still on the table, because you're really going to want to see this." He retrieves the ancient book from his pack, and places it on the counter. "Look here, it reads, the 'Grand Grimoire of Venoms and Poisons.' I lifted it from an ancient black dragon's hoard: it's a long story. Can you tell me anything about it before I delve in?"
After waking from a restful sleep, Harl gathers his things and sets out to find the dwarves who called for his aid in this foreign land.
Victoria also arranges the sale of the Dagger of Venom as it doesn't currently have a taker.
When Johenric did not receive an answer about the magical spells, he first seems to be a little bit disappointed, then angry and finally moves to the academy and studies the Heptagon book.
By Desna, does somebody see what I see?
@ Vicky:
The fat merchant looks at your list and the annotations you just made
Sat looks interesting, yes, I sink we got everything you need by tomorrow. But se prices, we surely have to speak about se prices my dear. I will also buy se dagger, but I demand anoser 4 sousand gold coins for se sree pieces you wanted, I hope sat is okay for you.
@ Zahur:
Several masters of Pettoria are helping you with the melee parts of your new profession, but since Vizyalesh is still used to house the Nethys priests, there is no one apt in teaching the magical abilities. St. Just gives you the hint to ask the witches of Noriski Academy if they might help you.
Following his advice, they are really very helpful and soon you get a grasp of your new abilities.
@ Kirk:
Hassard looks up from a tiny mechanical device he was repairing and takes a close look at the book, then he sighs and lets a longing gaze wander over the magnificient book
Oh boy, that is one of the pieces every man of our profession dreams of. This book knows every poison from all over Golarion. If you want to sell it, I will be your man, but I cannot recommend it, keep it and become a master poisoner my friend.
Hassard shows you how to use the book and explains some specialties of it.
@ Pitr:
As you wander with Swan through the streets of Karcau, speaking about this and that, you suddenly spot your father, standing at a street corner, a parchment in his hands, reading with concerned expression.
@ Johenric:
Since you are no member of the academies, you can only rent a room with access to the library there for 15gp per night.
Obviously that would only grant you access to the mundane books.
I will also buy se dagger, but I demand anoser 4 sousand gold coins for se sree pieces you wanted, I hope sat is okay for you.
"I've never sold so much for so little, my father would be shocked, though I see this as the beginning of a great relationship between you and I, an investment. I shall have your four thousand coins at the ready tomorrow, and you shall have those three items, neatly wrapped highly polished and beautifully presented awaiting my collection...as I would expect an establishment of your reputation would do"
Her day of trading done, Victoria gets to work back at the Academy, sorting out the allocation of funds and appointment of items, she scribes the following in her ledgers...
Distribution of treasure this 22nd of Calistril 4708.
Harl: Masterwork Full Plate, Armour spiked. and 400gp
Kirk: Mithral BP, unenchanted.
Pitr: Darkwood masterwork Compound Longbow, 18str and 1250gp coin.
Johenric: Coin 2050gp
Solaric: Coin 2050gp
Victoria: Coin 2050gp
Zahur: Coin 2050gp
Victoria, as I far as I understood your witchcraft allows you only certain spells to learn. Therefore I think, you should take the Vision of Hell Spell and the Bungle one for sure. Do not get me wrong it is very hard for me to let those arcane knowledge go. As you might have recognized my specialization is the divination magic. So in this we have an conflict, but if you let me all other spells you take this spell too. You would gain all spells related to witchcraft, whereas I take the rest. What do you think?
Johenric goes to Andreanu (Shark Pool) and hand overs the documents. By doing so his intention is to ask Andreanu if he knows a place to stay and study.
"Harl, my friend, you have fought bravely and I am delighted to have you accompany me to the Vigilant Flame. Most of my fellow comrades prefer to stay away from the temple if they can help it. I am delighted to walk and talk with someone so willing to embrace righteousness and goodness! Torag has always been a great ally to my lady, Iomedae. Are there any other followers of the Father of Creation nearby that you may pray with?"
At the completion of his prayer and meditation period, Solaric, dressed in his priest robes, and then seeks out Tanor Veredan.
I also note I have to put him on the Mith BP shopping list!
o.O
"Aye, elf, aye. What you say is true. The Mighty Smith an' yer lady have been fine friends. I am sure you aren't too surprised at eh fact I 'aven't seen many o' yer kind prayin' to yer goddess. But, af'er seein' ya go toe to toe wit' that skel'ton down thar I canna see yer far different than most of the drow I have had contact with.", rubbing his chin in thought he continues,"With all that has happened in the last day or so,I kinda forgot the reason I'm in the shrouded country in the first place. There is a small family of tradesman and merchants who have kin in our clan. They sent a request seeking our aid and I was dispatched 'ere to figure things out. You happen to know of any dwarves operatin' the area?
@ Zahur:
@ Johenric:
Tired from the walk and all the thinking about the heavy book in your pack you find the Sharkpool with Pitr's help at last.
The well kept building is close to Waterman's Quay and quite frequented around this time of the day. Several groups of dock workers, waiting for work, sit at the tables scattered all over the room, playing cards or other games of chance. In the centre of the taproom is a round water basin with a big catfish in it to whose back someone has stripped a large fin...
@ Pitr: As you wander with Swan through the streets of Karcau, speaking about this and that, you suddenly spot your father, standing at a street corner, a parchment in his hands, reading with concerned expression.
"Look, there's someone I know. Stay close though, I don't think I can trust him around beautiful young women, " he adds with a wink.
Pitr heads over and introduced Swan, "Hey pops, this is my girlfriend, the lovely and enchanting Swan. You look a little concerned. What's up?"
As soon as your father beholds the beautiful woman at your side, he's every bit the dahsing adventurer again
Oh ho, my son has at least inherited my taste for nature's delicacies.
After introducing himself to Swan he excuses himself for abducting you. He drags you some feet away to talk in private and gives you the parchment
Read this
Dear Vicenzo,
as I told you, one day I will return to you to even the odds. Through Desna's guidance I found out that your half-rotten corpse has made it to Karcau...right into the arms of your son. I'm very sorry but I will have to brings this family-reunion to an abrupt end quite soon. Calistril is just the perfect month for revenge, don't you agree?
Yours
Severino
Pitr crumples up the note. "Damn! It's not like I don't have enough going on already. What is this about? Who is Severino?"
Vicenzo kicks a nearby small pebble hard enough that it nearly hits the lake's surface 100 feet away
A bloodthirsty, hopeless duellist from Cassomir...someone I beat in a duel about twenty...TWENTY years ago. He lost an eye on this occassion and swore vengeance whatever it would take...I think you can imagine the rest? Bad enough he found out that I'm here, but he even knows about you, that isn't good.
"Son of a- Ok, what does he look like? So I can keep an eye out. I should warn everyone else as well and let me know first thing if when you see him. I don't want to lose you again, eh?"
"Now, I better get Swan back and expain that it may not be safe for me to see her until we end this a%+@#~*~'s vendetta. damn!"