Having left the Forest's Bounty, you find yourself together as a group in the market square. You have a few hours to kill before you're to meet at the Ranger's Lament for your initiation.
"If you need some extra money, I don't mind giving you some," Cotton says, tugging on Dyrm's sleeve. "Got nothing in particular I want out of this town just now."
"Would you? that would be of great help to me," The dwarf says pleased, "It would be 58 gold, unless this fellow will take the leather armor I wear in partial trade to knock say ten gold off?"
Should Cotton still be willing, Dyrm looks at the merchant to see if he's good with a trade in discount, and if not, pays full price though that takes pretty much all his gold and leaves him in debt to the good gnome besides.
"Here ya go," Cotton says, as she counts out 58 pieces of gold and puts them in Dyrm's hand. "Not a problem."
"I owe you, Cotton, and will repay. It may just take a bit," He admits.
Sa'sori sells the magic to a weaponsmith in town.
While there she also sells her .
Sa'sori purchases a Composite Longbow made for her strength ... one of the highest quality the Weaponsmith has available! The bow is perhaps of elven make and she buys it without question for a phenomenal 500gp!
Well worth it in her opinion!
She then heads for an Armorer... where she is fitted for a set of Silken Ceremonial Armor/Robes of the finest masterwork Quality.. red and gold trimming with fiery motif patterns in the silken robes. Purchasing these robes for 180gp.
Sa'sori leaves there and goes to an enchanter, handing the silken ceremonial robes over, she requests they be enchanted with minor enhancement magic . The cost of which is 1,000gp~
...again, Sa'sori is too honest to haggle..she pays good money for good work and is not cheap!
Commenting to Cotten and Dyrm,"...soon, I'll be able to enchant items for myself.. and on your behalf as well... though I'll only be charging you all crafting cost... which is half!"
"Enchanting items? How nice that might be, thank you for the offer of a discount, Sa'Sori."
Having spent the day shopping, you finally settle up and make your to the Ranger's Lament to be "recruited".
Sitting in the shadow of the Temple to Razmir, the Ranger’s Lament is a simple establishment. Made from solid wood timbers, the one-story building is comprised primarily of a large common room, with a bar and a kitchen off to one side. Although open for business, very few people appear to be inside, despite the fact that many of the other local establishments seem quite full. Once inside a human behind the bar welcomes you and tells you to take any seat in the house.
Shortly after you've found seating, a half-elven man enters and takes a seat in the corner. The bartender remains at his post behind the bar neither offering food nor drink.
While the group is on its way to the Ranger's Lament, Cotton speaks up to the group: "I still think it might be better if Dyrm and me sit separate from the rest of you. We're tricky to disguise either way, coming or going, on an infiltration mission. Might be best for us to trail after you as backup, or something."
The Gnome grins, elbowing Dyrm in the side.
"'Sides, can you lie to save your life, cous'?"
At the Ranger's Lament, Cotton sashays right up to the bar and orders herself two ales in an unusually shrill voice.
"I want two beers. And don't be fobbing me off with no 'pint-size' or somesuch rot!" she tells the barkeep. "I've heard all the jokes. No 'short', no 'special size', I want two workman's steins, full to the brim and no foam. Just beer. Cold as it gets."
Moving back to the table, Cotton sits down next to Dyrm and plunks one stein down in front of the Dwarf. "Drink up, cous'," she says.
"I tried to pretend I liked the same things other dwarves did," Dyrm confesses, "I don't think the ruse lasted long."
***
At the bar he takes the stein, "This, I do like." He admits,and takes a swig, "odd group we are as a whole, isn't it?"
Following Cotton's advice Vera will enter separately(probably with Moira as we were there together earlier) and take a seat somewhere apart from them. She won't order anything though.
The man behind the counter continues cleaning each of his glasses. "Dinners still cooking and I've got one of the kids heading down to get another keg for the tap. I'll get your drinks out as soon as I can."
Sa'sori purchases a very frilly and fine quality, if a bit scandalous Varisian entertainer's dancing outfit. The halter top is trimmed with golden tassets that shimmer with each move, bare-midriff with a ruby navel gem that catches the eye. At her shapely waist is a sash that holds her long slit skirt allowing her long dancer's legs freedom to move as well as show them off. Adding sandals that lace up her calves again with metal tassets that flash and give a sheening sound to her movements.
Adding some tasteful Jewelry in a single Gem neckless that draws one eyes to the enticing flesh of the plunging neckline of her bodice some silver bracelets and golden anklets to set off the varisian bright and varied colors that draw eye. She adds a fine hooded mantle/cloak/poncho made or royal purple velvet that teasingly cover her from head to mid-calve... allowing her to reveal or conceal enticing bits of the lovely dancing outfit beneath and women-flesh. The entire outfit comes to about 35gold.
AND of course Sa'sori goes and has her hair done... in a very tasteful and provoactive combination of flowing briads and curled hair that cascades down her back and for once... revealing the gentle curve of her elven ears... Another 5gold to a hair stylist!
She will purchase new weapon's belts and sheaths to don her weapons and gear in a matching tasteful combination so she does not look like some hodge-podge tomb scavenger. Basically, general shopping to outfit herself in clothing an apparel that indeed will distance her from any association with the town of Kassen. So another 10 silver for finishing touches of clothing apparel to give her a affluent adventurer look.
-----
So... when Sa'sori arrives at the Ranger's Lament... her friends almost do not recognize her save for her elven curve blade and familiar weapons she bears as~ a VERY lovely, young half-elven woman walks into the tavern... with a confidence and beauty that draw every eye! The purple velvet mantle she wears only revealing teasing glimpses of the feminine ..and slightly glowing arcanely tattooed flesh beneath. She draws back her hood shifting the shoulderstrap of the ornate... and familiar {to some} elven curve blade at her back to reveal a formidable womanly figure as the strap contours her breasts.
A lovely face with deep violet eyes is revealed.
As she walks magical effects are clearly in effect on her as she gestures and a chair at a chosen table {one unoccupied} slides back and her backpack she tosses to that chair land softly without a crash and the candle at the table lights itself.
Speaking to the tavern owner, "I would like a meal of chopped and peppered mutton and some hard cider with bread and sharp cheese."
She gestures and a gold coin floats from her belt pouch to land upon counter.
She comments, "...that is for additional fine service~ if you have such here, I'll pay for the meal after."
Without waiting for a reply she turns to take a seat at her table her reveling entertainer's outfit and shapely dancer's legs revealed briefly in the flowing dismissive motion. As she passes by to take her seat a scent of perfume is left behind that makes many a man hungry from more than just a meal...
A bit of an arrogant streak seem to be the demeanor she is trying to project...
Clearly to her friends... Sa'sori is playing the role of the arrogant adventurer sorceress... to the hilt!
Twenty minutes after you've all settled, a group of 6 masked cultists arrive. 3 dressed in white robes, two in gray robes, and one in black robes. The men in robes glance about the room then move toward the stage.
After stepping up onto the stage, the figure in the black robes turns to the audience, his face hidden behind an iron mask. With a strong voice, he calls out, “You have come here to seek the power and glory of Razmir, and I am here to tell you that he has found you worthy!” At that, all of the other priests chant in one voice, “All praise the Living God!”
“He is proud of you,” the black-robed figure continues, “for taking this, the first of 31 steps to enlightenment, the path of righteousness, the stairs to power and glory. Razmir is the one true god. What other god so richly rewards those who follow him? What other god lives among his people, guiding them with his wisdom and his might? What other god can lead you to true salvation? None of them! Only Razmir can offer you the power, the fortune, and the glory that you desire. Will you join him?” He folds his arms and waits for an answer.
Cotton looks at the iron-masked lunatic over her beer, then leans over to Dyrm and whispers directly into the Dwarf's ear: "Yeah, it's really better that we sit this one out and just sneak after the others. I wouldn't be able to stop myself laughing or stabbing this loser in the gut if we had to pretend to go along with him. How about you?"
Vera inwardly grimaces, but keeps it from showing. She will mimic the assent of the other people in the bar.
"Aye!"
Sa'sori stands throwing back her mantle to arrogantly pose before the assembled Masked Cultists, revealing her own sorcerers garb and weapon belts, the tattoos on her shapely form glowing as if in challenge...
"Power and Glory?!? Hell, I'll sell my own father for some of that! I'm not the religous type.. but if is willing to share Power and Glory ... not forgeting the wealth in that.. I'm game! At least until I figure out a way to become my own goddess.. like him ..er if that's not against your rules?!?"
The last spoken in a clear irreverent jest...
"I don't know, Cotton, I'm not sure we'd get past whatever defenses they might have by sneaking, else our contact would have mentioned that. I think we're supposed to play along but just act like we don't know them." Still, the dwarf seems unsure
Moira was apprehensive to say the least when going back to the Ranger's Lament. They didn't make a good first impression. So to avoid confrontation she changed clothes and put her hood up to hide her hair. Then Sa'sori walked in. I mean really, it could only be her. There was an audible thump as Moira's head hit the table. We are trying not to stand out here. But it was okay. She could pretend she didn't know her. Please don't let anyone die.
She says nothing in response to the cultist's evangelical speech. All of them said the same thing. He is powerful. He is among you. He is wise. Blah Blah Blah. How bad was his followers though?
The young halfelf in the corner seems to ponder his situation for a few minute before finally speaking up. "I will join."
The cleric's masked faces seem to watch those who have yet to answer expectantly. Giving you time to consider the situation, but clearly waiting for an answer either positive or negative.
Sa'sori.. did not notice the young half-elf boy in the tavern... she turns to regard the ladd with a wry smile and a look of curiosity... she has never met another half-elf in her life...
Is he cute?
Sa'sori smiles at the handsome young half-elf and boldly she walks over and sits at his table, "..hello, I'm .. what's your name...? Please don't send me away... I've never met another half-elf... and I'd just like to talk~ for now. Has your life sucked as badly as mine has?"
Then in a softer voice, speaking in elvish,
As she sits down the entertainer's dancer's outfit does not cover her very much and the Tattoo...upon her right breast declaring her an Ex-Temple Prostitute of CALISTRA is clearly visible for a brief moment as she settles into a chair opposite the young man...
Vera waits patiently and tries as hard as she can to not show that she knows the flamboyant sorceress.
The rest of you see the two half elves conversing, though its hard to pick out their conversation.
Cotton gently elbows Dyrm and whispers into his ear, grinning: "Sassy found a new plaything, sounds like."
Cotton gently elbows Dyrm and whispers into his ear, grinning: "Sassy found a new plaything, sounds like."
Dyrm shrugs, "Everyone gets lonely I suppose. Sides, maybe he's in need of a good...err decent... well, another an alright influence besides the church of Razmir.
"So, how long's it take to get enlightened, then?" Cotton asks out loud. "Are there uniforms? Hats? D'you accept applicants that aren't medium-sized?"
One of the grey robed priests will speak out, "Enlightenment is a journey. Each person shall set their own pace, and all are welcome in Razmir's loving arms."
"And you take all people? Dwarves included?" Dyrm asks curiously, "The gods of my people do not call to me." And there's truth in that.
"All are welcome, he has found you worthy master dwarf."
He rises, "Then I, Drek Piddlestone, will take up the path of the living god"
"I have heard all that before. What makes Razmir so different?" Moira asks.
"Razmir lives. In living breathing flesh. He guides the people by showing himself and living among the people. He is the only god who dares to guide his followers to intimately."
Vera whispers quietly, "I wonder if that means we can meet Razmir..."
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
The rest of you see the two half elves conversing, though its hard to pick out their conversation.
Sa'sori smiles brightly at the young Evlar, nodding in acceptance she continues in Common almost a whisper,
Her eyes go wide slightly at his gentlemanly gesture of taking her hand and her smile sparkles even more as she stares deep into his eyes...
She gently hold his hand just a little longer... clearly not really wanting to let go..but she does, {This one... he's a nice boy. Calm down... take it slow girl... do spook him!}
"I go where he goes," Cotton says, indicating Dyrm with her thumb. "But tell me - do we get daily meals and laundry done, or...?"
"All that is needed to reach enlightenment shall be provided to you." the priest answers, before turning his attention to Moira awaiting an answer from her.
The young half-elf speaking with Moira smiles lightly at her, "I find it unlikely that my face compares with yours. But I can certainly understand the difficulty of a half breeded life."
Moira hopes she looks the right amount of thoughtful before answering. "I am willing to learn. I mean meeting a god? How many can say they did that?"
The man in the black robes finally speaks again, "Congratulations on your wise dicision. Master Oggersmith, the Temple of Razmir will handle all charges of any food or drink our new charges request. Please ensure we have privacy."
The bartender hurries to the door as two barmaids enter from the back room carrying bottles of fine wine and glasses. A young man comes in shortly after with a barrel of ale and puts it on tap, quickly filling mugs and dispensing them. The bartender hurries table to table taking orders from each of you. The priests in the white and grey robes move off the stage, one in grey robes joins the table with the two half elves. A grey robed figure as well as one in white joins the dwarf and gnome at the bar. Two others in white robes move to join the ranger and the half-orc respectively.
Each of the figures begins with small talk once you've placed a meal order. Asking basic questions such as "Where are you from?", "What brings you to the Temple of Razmin", and "What you are hoping to gain by joining the temple."
Sa'sori's cheeks slightly in reply to , "..oh.. your sweet! And your selling yourself short.. you ARE quite the cutie~ I'm sure many a town lass has eyed you even if they just chuckle and hide from being warned away by their elders for mixing with half-breeds."
She smiles and reaches to touch his hand on the table with her own... looking deep in his eyes.
Then she regards the Grey robed Acolyte that sits at their table... slightly frowning at the intrusion.
Sa'sori, focuses her will.. and her tatoos glow briefly as she calls forth her Hawk familiar - REDWING.. visually the tattoos on her arm begins to move in a picturesque fashion and soaring hawk in flight mover down her arm in an almost animated movie grows in size as if approaching from a scene far away until it grows to fulls size and separates from her arm to appear and flutter to a perch on her shoulder.. clearly regarding the Grey Robed individual closely...
Suddenly, an oddly red feathered Hawk is perched upon her shoulder.. suspiciously eyeing the figure in grey robes...
Sa'sori slide her chair a little closer to Evlar's, to make room for their mysterious uninvited guest, but she's also partially grateful for the excuse to get closer to Evlar as clearly 'food and drink'.. are the last things on her mind right now!
She does answer politely if petulantly, "..I'm from .. sold by my jealous father for my mother's infidelity~ with the Mierani Elven ambassador, to slavers when she died of lung sickness when I was only 10 winters old... that's roughly age 6 in human years. I was 13, roughly 9 in human, when I managed to run away and escape them. The Temple of Calistra found me on the streets of beaten and starving around age 15 and took me in...", shows the Calistrian Temple Prostitute Tattoo on her chest, "..for 4 years I worked for them... they promised me I'd get training for my Sorcerous abilities, but they got WAAY more out of me than I ever got out of them! So I left and have been wandering ever since forging my own way by steel and spell!"
She shrugs, "...I know that power is all that matters in the world! The power to force your will and way through life. The weak get dominated or used and abused by the strong.. I'm through being weak! If can provide power .. I'm willing to try."
She turns to whispering in his ear, "..do you have a room here? We could speak... more privately there.. if you wish?"
Sa'sori orders nothing to eat or drink and the gentle hand she slips to touch Evlar's thigh below the table... leaves no doubt what she is 'hungry' for this evening!
Dyrm orders little in way of food, humble simple fare and drink. The questioning doesn't surprise him. But he does hope he isn't found out
Each of the figures begins with small talk once you've placed a meal order. Asking basic questions such as "Where are you from?", "What brings you to the Temple of Razmin", and "What you are hoping to gain by joining the temple."
"The Piddlestone clan is a small one," He explains, "And not much respected. Some of us try too hard to be 'good dwarves' , follow dwarven gods, be interested in only dwarven things. All to please other dwarves, or so it feels to me. I wish to be part of something so that I am not merely defined by my race and what other dwarves expect of me. Is that selfish?" There's a mix of truth in with the lie, best he hopes. And he hopes he makes it sound like the fictional piddlestone clan are seminomadic going where the work is.