Aref Sami Shahrokh |
Cool, looks like we're back rolling. I may have some problems posting for a few days but I will get back on ASAP, some personal issues, see the False Hope discussion for more details if you wish. I am trying to keep pace with my PBPs and hell/life so just bear with me a bit.
"Dis is a lovely place!"
Aref |
Hehehe. Fakey. I'll cover for you.
<Aref pulls the Eye from his backpack and places it in the middle of the table.>
"I learned of dis gem in conjuring texts. Dat it had powers of demon containment, dat it was created in a Temple of Aroden, but de references were obscure and gave no indication of de exact purpose. We have here also some pages of a book Vass tried to destroy. It bears his image, and de names of some of his brethren."
Primarch Pangloss |
The Primarch? Warhammer 40K?
"Primarch, this is my first time to visit this city. Would you know if there are temples to the Lady Fate here?"
Warhammer took 'primarch' from the history books I suspect, and the name Pangloss I got from Voltaire's Candide.
"Why yes, you shall find the Hall of Pharasma on the eastern cliff. On the sheer face below it the people of Katheer have been interring their dead for ages. It's quite a sight."
"The guards who walk the walls above, however, would probably disagree. Night watch in the District of the Dead is not a duty for the faint of heart, so they say. When you have time for sightseeing I suggest you see the natural towers around the East Apron Wall. Very beautiful. We call them the Soul Towers."
<Aref pulls the Eye from his backpack and places it in the middle of the table.>
"I learned of dis gem in conjuring texts. Dat it had powers of demon containment, dat it was created in a Temple of Aroden, but de references were obscure and gave no indication of the exact purpose. We have here also some pages of a book Vass tried to destroy. It bears his image, and the names of some of his brethren."
"That is quite a gem. Although I suppose its value is overshadowed by grim purpose. Possession of such is more than seems."
<He chuckles like a guinea pig.>
"Pardon the pun."
<Looking the Eye over but not touching it. Looks at Aref.>
"Yes, Vass. We also know he is not the only one. I traded in a big favor from far back to look through the Pathfinder's library yesterday and apparently Vadatajs and his brothers enjoy some timeless infamy - although they were thought all destroyed or imprisoned. Now we know for sure that at least one is not."
<A few mouthfuls of food.>
"You'll see the clergy in the temple are largely absent today, we've sent out a team to secure the Temple of Aroden and the library vault within. Perhaps this will yield us additional information, who can know? In the meantime we know enough to begin moving against this creature."
Primarch Pangloss |
How close we are not sure. And identify does not function on an artifact.
A paladin or cleric of Aroden versed in rituals of its use is needed to operate the Eye, so the historians write, but the only one known in these parts is said to be an insane elven hermit in the Zho Mountains. The Iomedeans call him Ka. He is desert blooded, from the old elves of the Osirian sands. He has become something of an oracle for the clerics here in the temple in recent decades. I have travelled there myself twice. It seems it is time to consult with him again, although I am getting rather old myself
From the readings I’ve found in the pathfinder hall, this gem artifact was created for hunting only a certain kind of demon, your kind obviously, and its brethren. It is said to empower the hunters, restrain the demon, and seal the prison.
Although it is divine, from its current state we may guess that it does not rely on Aroden living, we think that it may contain a splinter of his divine being, and this is also suggested by the histories. We are quite sure that it also contains being of one of Vass’s brothers. Hopefuly it will not be broken.
I think that at the same time that Rohit seeks a man of Aroden, he might also try the litanies of the Order of the Holy Sentinel, as many of them were passed down by paladins of Aroden. I am assuming of course that you will put the Eye in his care, as well as join him in this task…
Well, indeed, it might be suicidal for you to stray too far away from the gem considering the reputation of the abomination you have awoken.
So, is everyone to be dealt in?
Primarch Pangloss |
"I am not, honored sir, a great warrior, but I will lend my body to this task, though I pray I do not lose my soul!" Brother Domo pipes up from the back of the room, where he was listening rapt.
"I thank you young man. Ever have I found the followers of Irori welcome beside us. And I hope you will see that greatness at war is not necessarily what we need here."
Primarch Pangloss |
<Reaches out and picks up the large emerald orb, after examining it for a while he begins speaking again in serious tones.>
"The Eye of Aroden. Histories write that it protects against possession. Not entirely, but that it weakens the abominations."
"If you know them, know their names, it can detect them in several ways. First, when they approach, it responds. Second, when they are at a distance they can be scried, but they can see back through it, through their brother inside."
"And they are drawn to it. They can flee from you, but sooner or later they will come back, come looking for it, so that they can destroy it."
"The writings also say that the gem can empower those who fight against the demons, how this works was not explained. The gem can enclose them, and prevent escape. And it can bind them."
"This is all I know. I have already told it to Rohit."
<He sets it down and quietly resumes his eating.>
Rackham Pulsifer |
Rackham Pulsifer wrote:The Eye of Aroden, you know, the capstone of the demon prison? The one pulsifer SHATTERED... hehe. It's an emerald orb.Jon Qiang wrote:Eating with his mouth full. "Aref has the green ball. Let's show it!"The what?
Yeah, figured that one out a bit late... Very tired.
Rackham steeples his fingers in contemplation.
"We know the demon's name, and possess the Eye. In theory, we should be able to trap the fiend's spirit inside as we search for its mortal body. Is this correct?"
Pharasma |
Before Sunrise – Pharast 29th, 4708 - The Temple of Iomedae
A tonsured boy wearing sack-cloth opens the peephole of your door and shouts in then moves on, candle in hand, to wake the next. You gather, eat an ascetic gruel, and receive instructions on where to meet a gnome who will bring you to the ancient elf Ka.
Then you are on your way.
The morning sun is still just a thought on the horizon. The streets are dark except for the occasional continual porch light or torch wielding nocturnal. Here and there a few early risers stir and watch you march by. The odd thief slips by after a hard night's work.
Pharasma |
Finding the gnome takes you to the Hall of Pharasma.
The eastern inner wall cuts so close to the cliffs that you must descend back down to the middle level of the city, where the Bazaar sits. The ogres who haul up and down the steep road lay sleeping in a heap at the bottom. Street traffic is heavier toward the Bazaar, west of the road, but you turn east.
Then back up a tomb riddled cliff on a steep, narrow road.
A long, rounded stone building painted bone white and decorated with skulls and bones sits on the cliff side at the top of the road. At the far end of it a white tower reaches up into the sky.
A bald gnome fitting the description of Thelonius Thistlecrit, your 'guide', sits in front of the temple picking at something on his arm with a dagger.
The Herald of Death |
A bald gnome sits in front of the temple picking at something on his arm with a dagger.
heh, better make sure to add a Dagger to his equipment... :)
Was there anything in the Background dealing with Ka that you need changed? Once I got in the groove I just kept typing and that's what came out. If it doesn't fit your vision of him just let me know and I'll fix it.The Gnome glances up at you as you approach, gives a snort and then goes back to calmly picking at what you can now see is a fresh scab with the point of the dagger.
Pharasma |
Herald of Death:
Last night a messenger requested that you act as an intermediary for the party, and understanding how loopy the old elf was last time you were together, you deem this a necessity. The delivered request came from the chief cleric of the temple of Iomedae - I suppose you must have had some dealings with him - and your mutual acquaintance of Ka came up at some point.
The messenger also murmured something about killing a pirate first, your work and trade. Although now that you look at these guys you wonder if the pirate is getting a fair fight.
Hoktsumisso |
Hoktsumisso beging to speak excitedly in gnome
Oh ! Poor guy ! What happened to you ? don't worry , Hoktsumisso will help you! This group is great for adventure ! They want to capture a demon with a big green gem and kill a pirate book ! They are a bit green yet , Hoktsumisso guess . They have just made the big NONO of adventurers ! They just picked up a paladin ! But don't worry , we'll still be able to have fun. The paladin who will have the better of gnomes is not yet born , he ? Guess they had to pick him up , I joined with them only yesterday and they already lost two people and picked two others . And you want to know the best ! they don't want to loot their enemies .
The Herald of Death |
Thelonius looks up at the Gnome and shakes his head.
<Gnome>
"Ain't nothin' wrong with me that a good dose of killin' won't fix Hockeymishi son. Demon killin' sounds like my kinda work, although I think you're gonna be needin' a Wizard if you're plannin' on killin' a book 'bout pirates."
"Paladin huh. Used to run with a Paladin once. Least he used ta be a Paladin 'fore Aroden went and got himself killed. Bit stuffy 'bout the rules, but handy in a fight."
"If they're droppin' dead then sounds like a place I'm happy ta be. Long as the replacements aren't all chirpy friendly like."
He finishes his talk with the Druid and slowly tucks his dagger away. He rises to his feet and gives the party a once over before offering what you assume is a greeting. "So I 'spose you're the lot 'ole Pangloss mentioned. You sure you be wantin' to see Ka? Last I saw 'o him, he weren't in much of a state to be receivin' visitors like. You wanna hope I can get him ta help ya."
"Thistlecrit's me name, although most folk 'round here call me The Herald. Pharasma's personal little Herald 'o Death, on account of the ones I sent to see her an' all."
He hesitates, appears to raise a fist encased in a wicked Spiked Gauntlet for a hand shake, thinks better of it and simply stands there awaiting your reply.
The Herald of Death |
Perception (Listen) Check. (1d20+1=3)
Thelonius doesn't notice the exchange between Jon and the others.
Pharasma |
Perception (Listen) Check. (1d20+1=3)
Thelonius doesn't notice the exchange between Jon and the others.
Although he probably does notice the biggest Tian he has ever seen.