It has been about ten years since Cordell and the Golden Legion crossed the Trackless Sea and carved out a niche in Payit. This niche is called New Amn and its capital is the dual settlement of ULATOS/HELMSPORT:
These two locations are growing together with each passing day. Helmsport is a great earthen redoubt, rectangular
in shape and housing armories, a blacksmith shop, stables, barns,
granaries, and about 300 men-at-arms living in tents. It
commands the shore of Ulatos Lagoon, which is a splendid
anchorage, a natural harbor for the ships that come with increasing
frequency to these shores.
An expanse of grassy plain, perhaps five miles long, separates
the fortress from the Payit city. This plain is now crossed by several roads, and the savannah itself is being farmed intensively.
Ulatos itself is a city of grandeur. It boasts many tall pyramids, though some of these still show the damage inflicted by Bishop Domincus and his faithful followers upon the
Legion's entry into the city. The pyramid of Qotal is the highest, and bright gardens and splashing streams cascade down all four of its sides Several broad canals give access to the city, and serve as avenues from the central market to the outlying areas. The tallest pyramids surround this plaza, together with the palace of the Revered Counsellor. This is, once again, Caxal,the counsellor who presided at the time of Cordell's arrival. Now,
however, he is little more than a figurehead, and his people know
this.
Gardens, pools, and fountains are common throughout this city, with
its many buildings of stone.
Meri had travled across the Trackless Sea on the Varavan headed to the new land of Maztica. She had crossed all the land from the dwarven kingdom of the Great Rift.
Her father a War Prince of Clangeddin Silverbeard had died during the initial exploration. He was leading the first foray of the dwarvenkin into these land looking for the lost dwarven citadels. During the Rockfire Cataclysm of 987 DR, Underdark passages between Maztica and Faerûn were destroyed and the dwarves were isolated in Maztica. With the opening of the Cordell's sea route he had embarked with a dozen of sturdy dwarves including Knight of the 3rd rank Argalor "StrongWind" Drumathor her brother. Only half of the party, including her brother came back. He wouldn't disclose anything to her, only to the king. After a week of counsel he finaly came out of the Council hall. Appointed to serve in their father's capacity until someone else was chosen he still wouldn't discuss anything with her, but something in him had changed or broke
Steeling her resolve, Meri had decided that she too would head there. She had received an omen from the Brightaxe that after some researched showed her in this new land. Meri had finish her initiation a few years ago and now was able to hold her ground, in fact the was better then most. As she knew her brother would disagree she pretexted a visit to the temple fortress of Endar Aglandtor, the Sword Grotto in order to slip and start her voyage. She paid for her way working as an weapon smith to different merchant caravan on their way toward Amn.
And from there she sailed for a bit more than 50 days to the new city of Helmsport.
With some gold in her pouch (under her armor) she strolls down the street of theis brand new city on her day of arrival. Wearing her armor, her twin dwarven Battle Ax on each side and her backpack she takes the sight of the new culture of the new scene and sent.
Orren grew up in Baldur's Gate. As a young frail child he was to ill to play in the games that most boys enjoyed in the streets of the big city. Orren was a smart lad though and his work with his father copying tomes allowed him to be recognized by a local mage who uncovered his talent for magic.
Orren was apprenticed to the mage, Therus the Red, as a young teenager. His skills improved though his frail form did not.
Still the Flaming Fist mercenary company sought all takers who were tough enough to stand against threats, if they fell down in the line of duty so be it. Orren took a chance and joined the company as a young mage. Leaving the teachings of Therus, perhaps too soon.
In a skirmish at the western border of Cormyr, working for a Noble family seeking to protect the realm from the death DRagon, Orren nearly lost his life to a Goblin's spear. Luckily, the tide of battle turned and a cleric of Helm was able to seal Orren's wounds.
As he was nursed back to health over the next week, the cleric, Myr stopped by to check on Orren.
"Boy, you are not suited for the battlefield. Still, you are smart and courageous. Those things we have need of in the Company. Duke Eltan is considering a trip to the lands to the far west, Maztica. Would you set sail on a ship from Amn and give your impression of what if any opportunities exist for the Company in these new lands?"
Orren jumped at the chance and once his healthw as fully restored took a caravan to Amn, booking passage on the next voyage to Helmsport....
As Orren lands, he begins to walk about the strange city staring at its majesty. "I must keep my mind on the task at hand. But this place is so grand it is as if I have landed in an entire new world...
A young Payit woman places a few bright parrot feathers and a piece of corn at the base of the temple steps. She raises her hands to the sky and voices a blessing to Qotal, the feather god, for his gifts.
She turn her eyes back to the earth and drinks in the sights. The city is a strange, open place, without the closeness and life of the jungles in Far Payit. She still wasn't sure what she was doing here, exactly. A skilled healer, she left her village to find her way in the greater world. Her mother, Kabal Xook thought her her made, but stepped aside for the strange callings of those touched by the True World.
Birds taught an important lesson: No chick remains in the nest forever. All must fly (and perhaps fail) eventually. As a follower of Qotal and a worker of pluma, Ik' Skull realized that her travels were merely a natural extension of her free and soaring spirit. She would gaze upon the invaders, the Easterners, and know the wonders that Cordell brought to this land.
The young Maztican warrior was of average height and average build, making it all too easy for him to blend into a crowd. It was a story he was all too familiar with: always described as 'steady' or 'solid', Otzali had done little in his life to make a name for himself. To truly stand out. Maybe that is what drove him to learn the language of the newcomers, to step forward when the call went out for someone to represent the Jaguar Lodge in the growing duality of Amn and Ulatos.
He made his way across the plain from the Lodge to the harbor. Part of him marveled at the newly cultivated fields and worn roads, a true testament to the prosperity of his people. Yet he could not help but wonder if the plain would have been better off untouched by Realmsian influence, if The People could ever be the same after these two cultures were slammed together in this place.
With a measured balance of curiosity and suspicion the young Jaguar Knight followed the road toward his new destiny.
Realmsians:
An excited young Payit comes up to you holding out a
wax-sealed letter (with no address). It reads:
You are cordially invited to the
Drakosa estate this eve, after
vesper bells are rung at the
temple of Helm. Lord Drakosa has
need of your services, and you
will be well rewarded for your
efforts."
Maztican
way: a giant Amnite with a
cropped black beard and scarred
face scowls at you. He is armed
with a sword, and flanked by two
other armed men. One holds the
leash of a pair of hounds. A Payit,
whose earrings identify him with
the Revered Counselor.s
household, follows.
.You there!. says the huge man
in common. .You.re coming to
Drakosa.s house. He has work!.
The Payit translates. .Lord
Drakosa strongly invites you
immediately to assist him in a
matter of extreme importance."
The Amnite continues ".Move along, or I.ll feed you to
the hounds!. bellows the huge
man, gesturing at the panting
dogs.
"Speed is essential, and you will
be rewarded for compliance,"
says the interpreter.
Seeing Otzali walking by their path the Amnite says "You cat man, the Lord demands your work!" in common
The Payit translates Lord Drakosa would like you to meet with him in his villa for an important work assignment."
For a moment he considers resisting but thinks better of it. This is, after all, what the Lodge wants him to do. He also briefly considers a deception, wonders what he could learn by hiding his knowledge of their language, but his ego gets the better of him as he turns to reply not to the Payit but to the Amnite.
"I will go." Otzali says slowly in common tongue of the east, making sure he gets the words and inflections exactly right. "For the work, not because you demand it. Or because you threaten."
Meri will ask for direction to the estate and then will return at the appointed time.
Altough she didn't bring any finely laced dress with her in the new world she did bring one made from blue silk.
Orren reads the letter and must keep himself from being excited!
After a quick bath he gets dressed in his best robe and makes his way to the Estate making sure that his timing brings him there just after the bells ring.
She turns to the man. (Commons)"I will come to this Droksa's house and and hear his offer."
Mazticans
The Amnite says, [b]"I could care less why you are coming." and then he spits on the ground with some red juice from his mouth.
Realmsians are afforded all the respect is due adventurers in their homeland the guards to the immense tobacco plantation are pleasant and allow them with a quick shrug and retainers bring you into the courtyard.
Ik'Skull and Otzali are almost pushed in by the men and the dogs, the guards sees the leader of the men you are with and also shrug and move you to the courtyard.
Inteligence DC 12
The meeting with Drakosa takes
place in the open court in his home. He appears in normal
robes, with the two men who summoned you by his side.
To the Realmsians he says, "Lady and Gentleman, it has come to my attention that you are newcomers, as am I. I have heard
wondrous tales of this land at the table of Governor-General
Cordell, and I would much like to impress and help His
Governorship.
A flying cape called the Cloak of One Plume was said to have
been destroyed in a battle between the savage gods Zaltec
and Qotal. I have found this untrue. The cloak survived,
hidden away in the ruined city of Nexal. Where it is within that city I do not know, for Nexal is
overrun with evil creatures. You are new here, and will be
unknown to the creatures. Even in their changed state they might
recognize an old soldier of Cordell's, and attack. Also, evil
men from the Realms have fled into Nexal; they might recognize
all but the freshest faces. Stealth and cunning are called for. Go there, rescue this cape for me, that I may offer it to the
governor-general.
Tomorrow the good ship Helm.s Choice is sailing up the
coast to the gulf of Kultaka, seeking to map safe harbors. The
ship will get you halfway to Nexal.
My loyal servants Hasoctl and Ironspike will help you in your
mission. If you return, you may retain all treasure you find other than the cloak. Serve me fairly, and land in this new world is yours as well. Do you accept?"
He then walks over to the Mazticans and says with Hasoctl in tow, "I am told you are brave and worthy. Prove this to me. In Nexal is the great magic Cloak of One Plume. You will be rewarded with gold, land, and freedom if you bring it back to me. In the
morning one of our moving mountain-ships sails. Be on it;
Hasoctl and Ironspike will lead you. Bring back the cloak and I
will reward you."
Hasoctl translates it accurately into Payit for you.
This prospect sounds interesting Lord Drakosa. A few questions perhaps before. Would you mind defining: Evil creatures ? their abilities, their appearance ? Evil men from the realms ? how many of a population in this city are we talking about ? How are we to return from Nexal if the ship is continuing forward ? she ask politly
Intelligence
"Thank you for the opportunity Lord. I shall not fail you". He listens to Merisiel's questions with an approving nod.
Ik' Skull smiles meekly. "Oh, so very kind of you sir. Gold and land; your generosity is great. This warrior and I would be pleased to serve you in this task." She sidles close to the Jaguar Knight and places her hand around his bicep in a show of unity.
Otzali is fuming by the time the meeting starts, but all thoughts of the insults from these outsiders are forgotten when Drakosa mentions the Cloak. Otzali does his best to hide his excitement at the prospect that not only is the ancient wonder still out there, but that he might be the one to find it. He turns his gaze starts to wander the room, evaluating the others that will make the trip, when his thoughts are interrupted by the plumaweaver's touch.
"Of course," he says, dragging his focus back to the conversations around them. Which also brings the memories of his recent treatment back into focus as well. You talk of freedom as a gift to give, but you were the one who took it in the first place........
Drakosa responds to Merisiel and says, "After your mission you could choose to march across land back to Helmsport-Ulatos or charter a boat from Kultaka City, that would be up to you. Some of Cordell's traitors split after the battle of Nexal and remained. I do not know their names. I do know that the Viperhand orcs are operating in that area and are very dangerous. There are a few cities in the valley of Nexal. Most of the inhabitants are monsters, ogers, troll and the like. When you get to Kultaka they will probably have better information."
"Trolls? We will need to make sure we have plenty of torches on hand, they are the most dangerous of the creatures you have mentioned my Lord".
The viperhand ?
Drakosa chuckles and says, "You are fresh off the boat itn't you? The Viperhand is the name of the followers of Zaltec."
He then says to Orren,"I think your preparations for the trip should be discussed amongst your group, not I"
Fresh indeed, not even a week old. Can you provide us with a description of that Cape ? Can we get some gold coins that are rather non descriptive in order to use them in that valley ? is there any contact we should visit in Kultaka ?
Drakosa says, "Outside of Helmsport-Ulatos people trade in commodities. The two most common is cocoa beans or ears of maize, but of more value is blades of copper. Maztica is a wild place and as such I don't have any further information for you. You could ask local merchants or something but these two"
He points at Ik'skull and Otzali and continues, They should have more info than I. So my dwarven friend, do you accept?"
"So we will be traveling with locals then?" Orren holds back a slight grin as he finds out the news.
Indeed i shall accept. I suppose the locals also have a good idea of what the cloak looks like
Otzali remains silent as the others talk about him and around him. The Lodge said he needed to integrate and become part of their world, they never said he needed to be their lesser.
He nods as the conversation refers to them, then leans in to whisper in Ik'skull's ear.
"Eles não há nada de bens e comércio de base. Mas nós somos os "selvagens". Eles não vão sobreviver muito tempo no Verdadeiro Mundo sem nós. Mas a verdadeira questão, tecelão, é o quanto você vai realmente dizer-lhes sobre a Capa?"
Hasoctl raises an eyebrow at what Otzali says but does not say anything.
Drakosa says to Orren and Merisiel, "Splendid! If that is all, Ironspike will escort you to your lodgings in the city and then pick you up and bring you to the ship."
He then turns to Otzali and Ik'skull and says, "Hasoctl will take you to the natives' quarter."
Hasoctl then translates it for you.
Orren walks towards the natives before heading off with Ironspike, "I am Orren Patrizi, please to make your acquaintance. I am looking forward to spending time with you and learning about your wondrous land".
Ik' Skull giggles shyly.
"O que eu digo a eles ? Meu senhor , você sabe tanto quanto I. É um tesouro do Qotl , um dos sinais de seu retorno . Ele é conhecido por muitos, se eles têm inteligência suficiente para perguntar."
She turns to Orren and bows. She answers him, answering with exaggerated slowness. "Pleased to meet you, Lord."
Orren grins, "My Lady, I am no Lord. I am here to see this wondrous land in all of its beauty. An opportunity such as this to see more of it and thwart evil is an offer I could not resist".
Drakosa says, "Good luck!"
You leave the estate from different entrances and you feel there will be plenty more time to get to know each other aboard the ship.
Realmsians
asks, "So, what do you think?"
Mazticans
window high up in one wall, secured by bars. A sentry is posted
outside the door, and a second sentry is placed directly across. Both are Payits, armed with macas.
About an hour after your arrival, Hasoctl returns and you hear a few
coins being exchanged, and the door opens. Hasoctl motions to you to stay quiet and accompany him.
Merisiel extend her hand as she introduced herself to those that will be part of her next adventure
And i am Merisiel Stormwind, but you can call me Meri for short, i am the new gal in town not even a week old in town. And who might you both be ? she says with a genuine smile.
Ik' smiles. "Come to Far Payit; stargazers and scholars are welcome there."
Ik' Skull retires with the other Mazticans.
------------------------------
After Hasoctl's arrival
She turns to Hasoctl, curious, and looks to Otzali to see his reaction. Giving in to that curiosity, she grabs her shoulderbag, quiver and bow and makes to accompany Hasoctl.
The Payit warrior keeps a stoic face but does not hesitate to take the proffered hand and shake as per the Realmsian custom. "I am Otzali. I am new to this place, but I was born across the plain in grand Ulatos. It sounds as if we will be traveling to many beautiful sights here in the True World."
Otzali is confused by the man's reaction but is more than happy to comply, checking that his maca is clear if needed before nodding to his companion and moving toward the door.
Ha the plains, so have en good evening and see you on the boat. she replied with a smile
Realmsians
"He.s giving you a ride. Care to make some real money?"
Maztican
Ulatos, to the twelve-room palace of his mother.s uncle.Revered
Counselor Caxal. Otzali recognizes him at once
Caxal waits for you in the alcove overlooking the patio. A low
brazier burns before him, lighting his face from below. He sprinkles a few aromatic herbs on the brazier and says, "Ah, the brave heroes Drakosa would send into the jaws of death... I am Caxal, the revered counselor of Payit the highest Payit authority in Helmsport Ulatos. May I have the honor of your names, jaguar knight and sorceress of the plume?"
"You honor us, Revered One. I am Otzali, son of Utsav, and while I follow the path of the Jaguar I have much to learn before earning my armor."
He opens his mouth as if to continue, to begin asking the myriad of questions swirling around in his mind, but he manages to stop before embarrassing himself.
Realmsies
Inside is a simple room, with a single table lit by a lone candle. The candle illuminates a portly man sipping on a mug of octal. He smiles and says, Ah, these are Drakosa's brave adventurers, out to seek the Cloak of One Plume. My name is Major Danosta, leader of the Helmsport Garrison. I am delighted to make your acquaintance."
Mazticans
Mazticans
Mazticans
Realsmies
Realmsies
He just scratched his head and says, "We have heard word that it is in the valley of Nexal. You do know that they speak a different language there than is spoken here in Payit, they speak Maztican. Ironspike has a few connections in the valley"
"...However, if we are going to be on this quest for some time we may be far from needed resources. Perhaps...some traveling food, and maybe some tools for working Obsidian? We will want to make sure our weapons are ready if the time comes to protect the Cloak."
WHEN the time comes...
Realmsies
Mazticans
Realmsies