The plague doctor nods in acceptance of your request. From beneath his mask, he speaks, "To solve the first attempt at your life with words, rather than weapons... It appears you have some merit. If only all of your future struggles could be so easily thwarted." he said. "My name is Faust. Doctor Faust. My garb betrays my occupation, but for good reason." he says as he gestures to his equipment. "The land you have inherited from Vilger is blighted, diseased. I do what I can to ease the passing of others. The plague, specifically, has taken root here. There are also the Mercy men, as you saw, and the cultists. There are Drow from the Underdark, Cultists, Madmen, Sahaugin, Demons, Daemons... Be careful who you trust in the city." he says. "Whilst we ride onward, I could perhaps answer a few questions."
"Me ride on top too?" Eekz doesn't wait for an answer and climbs up, but not onto the seat but onto the roof of the actual seating area of the carriage... (assuming it has a roof, otherwise just on the back of the seat, rather than on the seat itself). "SOunds like very bad place... who NOT bad here?"
He chuckles to himself a bit at that question. "The nicest people in this land are those whom question their morals. Everyone else, however, ultimately believes that they are doing what's best for El'Da'Vaughn. The Mercy Men, for example, believe that by killing people, they will be free from this place. The cultists believe that the plague, too, shall free El'Da'Vaughn. The Drow, however, merely wish to rule this land... and if it weren't for the good Baron, whom rose to power so recently, well... They just might." he explains.
Climbing atop the carriage, Charles paid no attention to the Goblin and shook the Doctor's hand in a formal fashion.
As of this moment I find it difficult to trust anyone and perhaps even my own senses. This is an odd land. It carries a peculiar atmosphere and one that is far more ominous than my previous home of Ustalav....if you have heard of such a place?
He pauses for a second, but before Faust can answer, he swiftly moves onto his own introduction.
I would like to say it is a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Faust. My name is Lord Charles Iridian Bloodgrave. I was titled Lord prior to tonights events, but that story can be saved for another day.
Alas, the creatures you speak of are of great importance to me. The Demonic shall be purged, while the Undead cleansed. Though, any in-between shall receive a swift end.
Charles carefully observed his surroundings, turning back towards the Doctor at the offer of answering questions.
To mitigate the risk of catching such a disease myself, would you be kind enough to inform me of both the lowest and highest plague infected areas around.....and more importantly, perhaps shed some light on this situation we appear to be in? Where exactly is this obscure location in relation to Golarion?
He chuckles as he eyes the starving horses. "We are not in Golarion, Charles." he says firmly. "Wherever El'Da'Vaughn is, I can assure you that only those that lose their bearings can come here." he explains. "If you wish to avoid catching the plague, you'd do well to avoid the shanty town within the walls. It makes up the majority of the town, unfortunately, but only on the outskirts of the walls. Those with the plague are generally banished, for fear of others catching it, however... it is not that simple." he says with a sigh.
"You will not find Golarion back the way you came. Unlike there, if you get lost in El'Da'Vaughn, you don't have a terrible existence to look forward to. You'll likely just get killed." he says grimly.
"You'd do well to forget about your otherworldly possession for now, and focus on merely surviving this land."
I had thought as much, though it is refreshing to at least know you're aware of Golarion. I presume you too fell into this land of El'Da'Vaughn, not by choice, but chance?
Rubbing his lower lip, Charles frowned in thought.
Though I have little need for accommodation outside of this place, it at least puts me at ease knowing I shall have a place to stay while I gather by bearings.
Do you have any knowledge of what killed Vilger? The five of us have supposedly inherited 20% of his land each, though I can't say I have much faith in this situation.
If we are to rule this land, I would sooner help the diseased than banish them. Per chance, do you believe there to be a cure?
"I, personally, am just a fledgling Alchemist, however, I know for certain there exist potions and divine magic that could remove the disease. The problem is isolating the diseased... It is a matter beyond my scope at the moment. Just as well, it is yours. The plague is a disease that kills with respect to the afflicted's personal construction... As a result, it disposes of the weak of body. It is something you should merely go to great lengths to avoid." he explains properly.
"I was born in El'Da'Vaughn, however, yet, I know Golarion exists by new arrivals. This land is not new, to say the least."
He coughs a moment beneath his mask. "Vilger's death is confirmed, and it's widely believed he merely succame to old age. 317 years... for a Human, that's unnatural. As for how everyone knows, well... there were creatures that he commanded that no longer roam the land. Their disappearance, along with the news has everyone fairly sure..." he explains. "That was a month ago, however."
I suppose it is. said Charles, squinting his only visible eye a little as he stared off ahead into the distance.
As much as I wish it wasn't, I believe you're right. Until we have a confirmed cure for the disease, we must avoid the infected at all costs and so I thank you for the information you have given me in regards to that.
Tilting his head towards the Doctor, Charles furrowed his eyebrows with concern.
Have you always lived alongside such dark forces or was there once a time where only animals and non-outsider humanoids roamed the lands? I've crossed the path of several abominations myself and to live under such...circumstances. The mind boggles.
"El'Da'Vaughn and the Obscure Esoterica of creation have always been unpleasent bedfellows." he says as he gestures towards the cart for the others to get inside. "Vilger, damnable as he was, kept that evil at bay for the most part. When he died, people were terrified at what might bubble up. We were lucky in that respect that the good Baron took control of the land, albeit from the shadows." he mentioned.
With no space for him to sit with the driver, Eluvias reluctantly enters the carriage. He sits as close as he could so he could hear. Also, this Charles seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. Eluvias saw this as a good opportunity to judge the man based on his questions to see if such judgement was warranted.
Obscure Esoterica of creation? he asked.
I know not the duration of my stay, but if I have any part to play in gifting a better life to you and all those suffering here, I would gladly do so.
Faust took his hat off for a moment, and shook it free of various particles before putting it back on. You take a moment to notice it completely encloses his head. "Ah, sorry, that is one of Vilger's favorite lines... Or was, rather. The esoterica means eccentricities, and I'm sure you know what creation means. Basically, it refers to the things that shouldn't exist for any purpose, but, in fact, do, and for a very specific one at that." he described.
"Basically, weird things happen in this land. Often."
The party collects themselves in the carriage, and the conversation between Charles, Eekz, and Faust carries on admirably. The carriage rides for what seems like a good half hour at a leisure pace. Faust explains that he doesn't wish to run the horses hard because of their lack of stamina due to being poorly fed, an issue he blames on blighted crops.
Suddenly, the foggy forrest breaks, and in the distance you see tall, stone walls. Ramparts align the bulwarks and the gates lay open, and while you can't see much of the city, you make out what appears to be an enormous tree in the off-right center of the land.
"Welcome, my friends, to the City of Curses, Mortem."
Mortem...
How fitting, he sighed.
"The city of curses? Mortem? Somehow it seems like we are less lucky recipients of free land, and rather victims of a curse ourselves."
"Cursed city? Me thinks me got land with bad juju. Maybe me be better without land?"
He had laughed at Sibeesha threat over the books comment as it was amusing to him responding with only a phrase from his homeland 'You have what you hold' in response. Not a threat but a friendly warning. Though he made no effort to hide that he greatly enjoyed scaleless with fire in their belly, female or otherwise. It made things easier to understand, though it wouldn't deter him from learning as it was his only weapon.
He doesn't ride in the carriage, choosing instead to mount up and ride Chacta. Who continued to look at its surroundings and goings on with an unimpressed gaze. He did so after strapping on his wooden armor, cladding himself in the protection of his people. Each wooden plate had symbols etched into it by flame, symbols of a bright culture that raised the glory of scale and claw. But upon his back plates showed his oneness with nature in his draconic tongue.
He followed behind the carriage closely, Chacta and Tal keeping pae as he surveyed their surroundings warily. He was interested in the idea of power but he was not foolish enough to think that no one else coveted the same thing. You have what you hold. He continued to listen to the talking ahead of him, though most of which was distorted by the sound of the carriage wheels and the footfalls of hooves and claw.
Faust chuckles a bit. "Yes, it certainly is. The original name was lost, and, well... the likelihood certainly stuck." he explains. "You've certainly not been given a pleasant gift, and, now that you've traversed the witching fog, well, its your home now." he goes on. He takes a moment to fiddle about with his goggles, restrapping them to his mask. "But do you know what I think?" he asked. "I think it's going to be changing soon, at least since you lot are here. It's somewhat of a chance meeting, really. In the future, should you need a doctor's knowledge, please drop by the Sanitarium. In the time I'm not surveying the shanty towns, I am working there against the plague, and tending to the insane."
The carriage continues on the gravel as the conversation carries.
"Books are neither good nor are they evil. What is written inside can lead to many things, both good and bad... but that is up to those who read them to decide." looking down at the little man. "Pass any books along to us, and we'll be okay."
Teuni continues his ride on Chacta's back, the large horse easily carrying the heavy lizardfolk. Tal continues to lean in from time to time for reassurance, which equated to a scratch under the chin or caress of her head scales until she leaned away. He wore his holy symbol openly of the Mother of Hearth and Wall openly as he rode, a toothy grin on his muzzle.
That is very admirable of you. Does the fear of death not yet have a hold over you? Charles asked, following up with I will make sure to drop by every so often. If I happen across anything that could help on my end, we may even end up working together. I have no intention on staying here for long, but I will help the lands as much as I can during my stay. I cherish new-found knowledge and research anything that piques my interest. Outside of that, I hunt the Undead and other such monstrosities....or at least I did back in Golarion. Though, it appears those same skills are likely applicable here as well.
Faust goes silent for a bit of a moment. "Death is not something I fear. It is the twisting of that death that concerns me. People should be allowed to die, or be killed, without their corpses being twisted." he explains. "Everyone is in the face of death in this land."
Pulling out his Shield and resting it on his lap, the sound of metal hitting metal could be heard as Charles tapped his armoured finger on the symbol embedded within his Shield.
You see that insignia? That is the symbol of Pharasma - A Goddess of Golarion and one who sees all things Undead as unnatural abominations that should have never come to be. Her views are similar to yours.....and mine.
Putting his Shield away once more, Charles went silent as if paying his respects to the deceased.
Vampires are problematic and a primary enemy of mine, but those that shamble around, absent of mind, I bare no ill will towards. I see my actions as just. I exact Pharasma's will, simply returning the dead back to their everlasting rest, so that their peace may no longer be disrupted.
Another insignia is visible, though different, located on the Armoured Jet Black chest piece the Noble currently wears. This one however is in the design of a Longsword.
"Golarion's gods are not unfamiliar to me. Indeed, we have our own church here in El'Da'Vaughn." he says, with a bit of sarcasm in his voice. "It is called the All Sanctuary. It was something that Vilger designed so that any and all may worship their gods there." he says.
"And I do mean any and all. Alphabetically, even." he says with a bit of disdain.
From within the carriage Eluvias nodded. They weren't in Golarion anymore. He racked his brain to try and recall anything he had read about the planes to remember anything like the mists they had gone through.
After pondering on it, Eluvias decided that the answer must lie within the estate. Somewhere there would be the answer, and it was one that he would have to find. For all present. Because simply walking out of the mists was not going to work. But for the moment, he would bide his time, until he could get his hands on the knowledge hidden away within their estate.
Faust shook his head. "El'Da'Vaughn is a melting pot of faiths, and as a result, they're all well known for hating each other. Small surprise that the worshippers of Norgorber and Pharasma are so close to each other in the temple. Most statues go unprayed at, but, occasionally, you'll see someone at a... well... a statue like Zura's. Then the rumors start, of course."
Temple? Temple to Hadregash too? or just b&&%#-lady Lamashtu? Not that me care that much." He seemed eager when he first started talking, but his tone changed suddenly to practiced indifference.
He tilted his head slightly the talk of gods and such made him curious, Scaleless were hung up on these things. A trend that had made him curious enough to pursue his own goddess, instead of relying on just ancestor spirits like Veskat had. Tal leaned in as moodily contemplated and her distraction brighten his spirit greatly. Her reward was a soft rubbing of her neck scales as Teuni spoke to her in his native tongue. "Veskat ui vi hofiba, yth geou clax svabol jaci jilgic vur troth hesi xiekivi ik kear soon." Tal grunted loudly as she leaned away, the three of them keeping pace behind the carriage.
"Veskat is a fool, we will take what he holds and protect our people one day soon."
Sibee smiles to the big lizard guy and replies in thus. "はい、それはそ、けど私たちは気をつけていります。"
Impressed with Sibee's education, Eluvias chimes in
At Sibeesha's words Teuni's looked surprised, fluttering his frills as he listened. When Eluvias spoke in the dragons tongue he was even more elated but his wooden armor prevented him from spreading his frills completely. Prepared for battle as he was. Even though their annunciation's were different, the words were still similar enough for him to understand.
He pulls Chacta closer to the carriage then, giving Sibeesha a toothy grin as he mimicked scaleless smiling. He spoke then, nearly laughing because of this happy surprise. ["Very interesting! I had assumed from Oleg that few new the dragons tongue. I am glad to be proven wrong. I was right to pursue the knowledge of the scaleless!"] Tal gave a throaty cry at being forced to go faster as she peered nervously into the surrounding fog. Her long tail swung back and forth with her increased pace.
Seeing the toothy grin from within the carriage, Eluvias resisted the urge to shudder. He had read of the lizardfolk, of course, but to actually see such teeth! He was glad that they were on the same side...
"That shadowy kingdom at their behest, at the time, was nothing more than a plague-ridden city of disease, uncouth folks, and paranoid citizens. It wasn't a surprise that the streets were practically dead, given the circumstances."
The city walls loom some 30 feet in the air as you pass beneath them in the carriage, having finally cleared the forest. The city is relatively large, compared to most cities. The streets are unpaved. The structures that some call home are dingy, broken, and missing roofs even. The few houses or buildings that seem in peak condition are boarded up, and unwelcoming. At just a glance, it would appear all you've inherited is a ghost town, but a closer look reveals, in the windows, the faces of the populace. Looking at you, as if to investigate the new arrivals. Their gaze is daunting, and you feel a nervousness in the air.
And just like that. It began to rain.
The rain was refreshing until his reptilian eyes fell on the broken structures. He dismounted from Chacta, still clad in his armor and looked from one roofless building to the next. This was not a place you could live, this was a place where death would walk among the tribe. He spoke in the rough common he knew, the words Svetlana had taught him. "By Heart' and Wall... Who do this?" His holy symbol of Mazludeh dangled from its simple chain and he knew his goddess would not approve of this... this unwholesome way to live. He'd kill those who did this, his scales were flared in surprise and anger. He'd have his vengeance on those that hurt what was his...
It takes Teuni's a long moment to gather himself, his scales laying flat once more before he looks to the one in the strange mask. His tone was heavy, the anger was cooled but not gone. "How is dis place spread among us? Faust." He could not decide until he knew what was his. He looked from Faust to the more intact structures, once he knew who had what. He'd tear down the door for his people.
You have what you hold.
Faust stops the carriage for a moment to look around as well. "I am not familiar with the exact... partitioning between the lot of you." he says a tad confused, as he wasn't present for the contract shenanigans. "I'd imagine that what's whos would be settled between you all eventually, if you're not certain." he explained.
"As for who did this to El'Da'Vaughn, well, that would be everyone" He dismounts the carriage to walk a little ways towards the nearest roofless structure. "Vilger was many things in his time of rule, and sympathetic was most certainly not one of them." He'd say. "With all of the time he spent cooped up in the stronghold, he'd never ever touch upon quality of life issues. Always absorbed in whatever it was he was doing..." As he described this he was quite frustrated.
The rain that ran down his armor and scales cooled his anger, returning him to a more practical sense of thought but Faust's words didn't help him. At the explanation of Vilger he was decidedly unimpressed by the former Chieftain's lack of thought. "Bad Chief." Teuni snorted derisively at the poor treatment of the tribe. This is followed swiftly with him running his claws over his scales as he kept his impatience in check. "Den we needin' choose, den can fix... dis... tribe." He chose his words, common was still a difficult tongue.
Leaning to the window, Eluvias said
At Eluvias's words he flapped his frills as far as he could before nodding his head. "Axun, si ornla hefoc batobot zi kiarf!"
[spoiler=Draconic]"Yes, I would like that very much!"
The idea of showing these people he wasn't an enemy brightened his mood immensely. Looking back at the paranoid stares from the dirty windows and broken homes around him he knew he had a lot of work to do in that regard. Looking back to the mask wearing man, Faust, he asked. "So den... Dis place know hunger?"
Faust gestures towards his horses. "Yes."
Catching the hint Teuni ties Chacta to the carriage and joins the others if there is room in the Carriage. He gives Tal a reassuring pat before ordering her to follow. With that he gets in the Carriage tucking his tail by his feet.
Faust collects himself and begins to drive the Carriage once again. This time he keeps himself quiet as you pass through the city. As he does, he lets you take in the scenery, or at least what you can see as the rain picks up. The ride through the city takes a solid hour, albeit at a walking pace, as again, the horses do not go fast.
During the course of this straight proceeding you notice a few key places that seem as though they're staunch standouts amongst the dreary gloom of the city at hand.
- A distinct Brothel named "Redd's", evident by the female-shaped sign out front.
- An enormous tree with corpses hanging from it all over, and a dull buzzing noise going on as you pass it. Certainly a cause for concern.
- Various shops for potions, magical items, as well as a smithy.
- A rather large, ornate fountain depicting a statue in the center. It is dressed in robes, with a blackened, visageless hood.
The city walls pass over head again, and in the stark distance you see a tall tower up the hill, still some distance away. Faust brings the carriage to a stop, however. "I am afraid this is as far as I can take you. Travel is not permitted past the city gates, if only because it is dangerous." he explains.
Teuni looked comically massive inside the carriage, bowing his head and tucking his tail at is feet as he looked around curiously. He was still bothered by the idea of this new tribe and its poor conditions. Though he lived a hard life of survival of the fittest, his time with Svetlana and Oleg had softened is view. He didn't like the old Chief Vilger, the thought made him snarl quiet as it rankled his scales.
Redd's and the other buildings of note caught his eye, but he had no understanding of what they were. Unfamiliar with scaleless cities the entire ride was a curiosity and a disgusting moment for him. So many, crammed together in a rotting village. He shook his head and peered on until the tree of corpses. His frills fluttered in alarm, such a thing was vile to him. The corpses were both a waste and a declaration of conflict to come. He crammed his head out the window, looking around now and watching the tree disappear into the rain and curtain of drizzle.
The fountain caught his attention for awhile, he was impressed by the way the stone was crafted. Though he didn't know who it was depicting. He pulled his head back in, shaking off the rain as he mumbled. "kiarf ekess yor, kiarf ekess yor, ternock nuri tir throdenilt..."
As you pass by, you can't seem to make out anything of peculiar note except that, despite the dreary inclosures, people still come and go. The occasional person is hurrying through the rain. Whether they're running away from potential danger, or just trying to stay dry, is unclear.
Sibee looks at the tree. "There is some powerful magic in that thing... Don't know where it came from though."
Aside from mumbling to himself Teuni was quiet, contemplating the great amount of work ahead. When they exited the Carriage he untied Chacta's lead and proceeded on foot, though still clad in his wooden armor. Sibeesha's knowledge of the tree makes him turn to look at her for a moment. He gives a considering grunt before looking back at the gates. He points towards the distant tower. "Go there?" Chacta continued to be unimpressed and Tal was close to Teuni as the large scaled beast appeared uncomfortable in this Urban setting.
Eluvias nodded at Sibee. "Indeed you are right. I am not surprised, given that we are on another plane. Given the corpses and it's prominent position I would assume it was magically grown here to help intimidate the populace. But what concerns me is the statue to Nocticula. That is a demon lord of seduction, lust and darkness." The elf shuddered as he said that. "I don't know where we are, but with her statue here and the shadowy death all around us, we cannot rule out us being on the midnight isles. I would advise everyone here to be as cautious as possible and to stick together. At least until we can tell for certain where we are and what dangers we face."
Faust chuckles a bit. "Nocticula is the least of your concerns in this realm, my friend. All of the gods are worshipped. I meant all of them." he says with emphasis. "The tower in the distance is the tallest point of the stronghold. Please heed my warning before you enter there. No one has ever entered Vilger's hospice and lived whilst he reigned there. I can only imagine that something still rests in that place." he explains. "A new resident, traps, or awful memories. I do know for certain that lights have been witnessed from inside that tower lately..." he explains.