A place to train.
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"If history is our collective memory, we could be considered, as a people, amnesiacs. For what is known about our past is eclipsed by what is not. The implication is, of course, that ancient societies failed horribly. Not only do they cease to exist currently, but they are all but forgotten. The great irony of such a forgotten heritage is that to prevent our own slide into oblivion we must somehow learn from their mistakes."
-Vedra Vega, Deputy Director of Antiquities at the Great University of Amasia
"Right away, Sir!"
-Derrick Settagon, Escort Guard Captain, 1st Class
Oogey boogey!
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"To be honest, I never really know how to answer that question. My profession is ominous, eclectic, and bountiful. There simply is no title for it. I go where I please, and wherever I am, I offer my services to those that would rather pay someone else to do them. My employers are the lazy, rich, and greedy, and I'll gladly suck at the t+&+ of their purses if it gets me to the next horizon. So if you'd like a name for my profession, sir, I am an adventurer. Plain and simple.... I suppose I could have said that to begin with." ~ An evening chat with a stranger at The Den.
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"You overestimate yourself, Mr. Vane. As capable as you are, there will always be a predator above you, and a stronger predator above the one to which you are prey. Your extraordinary biology will only take you so far, for it is just that - biology. Science and the Weave are the ultimate predator, for they prey on nature itself. With it, it will carry the sentient to a super biology, one that is above our cosmos. So, with all do respect, get over yourself because your ego is spilling into my wine." ~ An annoyed response to Lander's gloating.
"Yup. F%&%ed her, too." ~ Lander gloating to his colleagues.
Our Story begins...
It's approaching midnight on Jubuth 17th, 1997AK (June 17th, 1,997 years after the founding of the now extinct Karu Empire), the air is hot and moist. Young Kalyna Shadrova, renowned Adventurer, is entering Amasia City, Capital of the Principality of Amasia, after a long and perilous mission.
She has just raided an overgrown ruin 40 miles northwest of the city on a commission from Earl Benedict Thassleston XVII to obtain a rare jade figurine. Inside, she found a dank and derelict Temple Sanctum overrun with dozens of skeletons, zombies, and other undead abominations. She ably bested these mindless foes, while overcoming rudimentary traps. She was able to solve a seemingly complex puzzle, opening an Inner Sanctum where the fabled treasure was rumored to be hidden. After all the troubles she faced obtaining it, she now understood why the Earl was willing to pay her a fee of 5,000 gold for the long forgotten relic.
She is to meet the esteemed Earl in the raucous halls of The Den, a seedy inn, tavern, and brothel located in Amasia's Adventuring District on the South East side of the city. He's rented a private meeting room for their exchange. 5,000 gold for a shoddy old artifact, not bad at all.
The Earl sits at a small bar in the room with his back towards you. There is no barkeep, just an empty bottle of red wine, a stained chalis, and the foppish Earl fumbling in his attempt to open a new bottle.
"Hmmph! Oh bother, why did we insist on having no servants present? Ohhohhh, this is SO beneath me!"
The overweight nobleman is a caricature of his class. Donning brightly colored robes and excessive jewelry, there is no mistaking this man's station. So much for discretion. His fat, bald head sweats profusely, and he takes a break from the tedious task of opening a new vintage to lightly pat his sweaty pores with a dainty handkerchief. He then unfurls a small hand held fan, and whisks the air around him. Unaware of your presence, Thassleston continues his pointless musings.
"I do say, where is my little sparrow? She was due here a half an hour ago!"
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"A half hour is hardly any leeway for a fetching quest involving soul-hungry corpses," says Kalyna as she enters the private area silently. "Nonetheless, let me make up for lost time and open that bottle for you. It's taking you so long to open it that time is beginning to move backwards."
She walks over to the bottle. "May I?"
"AHHHIEEEE!!!!
The fat Earl shrieks like a small child as he jumps out of his skin, startled by your seemingly abrupt arrival. He quickly regains his composure.
"Ahem. Yes... of course, forgive my musings. I tend to carry on with myself when there's no one else to listen to me."
He holds his chalis out, now expecting you to pour for him. Clearly, this fop ain't used to helping himself.
"Ahem..."
He clears his throat and awaits awkwardly.
Kalyna raises her eyebrows and stares at the Earl with a look on her face that most egalitarian people would understand as "Is this guy f#%%ing serious?". She grudgingly pours the wine anyway, making sure to twist the bottle as she stops pouring in order to prevent dripping. For 5,000 gold, she'd do a lot things she normally wouldn't.
She sets the bottle on the bar but still keeps her hand on it. She twists it and reads the label....
The label reads: Jhauston Estate - Raven's Red 1979 - Cienna, Amasia
This vintage is considered fabled by wine enthusiasts in Terrato. Cienna is a lush river city to the south of the capital, and its country side is riddled with many vineyards and wineries. Jhauston Estate is one of the oldest and most celebrated wineries in the region. Raven's Red is a proprietary blend, but it's probably Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc... not that those grapes exist, per se, but you know... In any event, this bottle a rarity these days, a true collector's item. It's probably worth as much or more as you're getting for the Jade Figurine!
Going against everything her parents taught her, she presses the bottle to her seductive lips and swigs a gulp of the exquisite wine.
"Spared no expense I see.... speaking of expenses. I have your jade doll." The rogue swings her backpack off of her shoulders and onto the bar, retrieving the jade statue and standing it up on the bar, still retaining her grip.
"I'll take that large sack of shinies you promised." She gives the Earl a flirtatious grin.
The Earl's jaw drops at the sight of this Tomb Raider swigging his prized wine.
"...Uh...err..."
He stops himself... No Benny, no... this Figurine is worth far more than the pebbles you're paying for it. Just let the pleb have the wine.
"Ahem... Yes, right here."
The Earl pulls out a small bag of holding, presumably filled with the 5,000 gold.
"There you are, Sparrow. A veritable fortune for one such as... um. That is to say, for most people. Oh, and uh... PLEASE, take the wine as a, uh... token of my appreciation! Yes, yes... consider it a bonus for braving such odds! Now, I do insist you hand over the Jade Figurine!"
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Her eyes widen to the point of bursting. She then gives him a look... a look of mistrust.
"The wine is a lovely gesture and all..."
The Jade Figurine is a handheld statuette of Thrall, the Green Karu. He appears as a humanoid cat with his arms crossed. The eyes are small orbs containing mercury that is dyed green, giving them an eery appearance. The material value of this artifact is surely lower than 5,000, but the historical value is probably worth many times what you're being paid.
".... but I think you are underestimating me. I realized just now that this job is too good to be true. Well, the money isn't 'true' anyways. This isn't the first hunk of ancient treasure I've come across. I unearthed a statue of Thrall from a Karuvian ruin that was infested with undead. Singlehandedly. This is worth more to you and I think you're willing to pay more for it. It would never be in your possession if it were not for me, and not to mention the legal consequences I could face if my 'burglary' were uncovered. So at the very least, I think you owe me some insurance money, and the wine won't bail me out of jail..."
Bah! Well, I NEVER! Ungrateful common THIEF!
The Earl has lost his temper, his fat face bright red.
"Oh my lands, you're attempting to extort a ransom from me now? After my gracious gestures of good will!?!? ::scoffs:: It's not like I have the gold on me, madam! Here, you wants these?"
The fat Earl starts pulling his rings off and throws them on the table.
"Or what about these? Good enough for you?"
He takes off his necklaces and throws them down as well.
"Or do you merely want the clothes off my back?!?"
Always possessing a flare for the dramatic, the fat Earl removes his robes, revealing a pasty cream puff physique.
"ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?!?! I MUST HAVE THAT ANTIQUITY!!!!"
The jiggling mound of flesh lunges for the artifact. Suddenly, you hear a crash. The door is kicked in violently and many city guards pour into the private room.
"Kalyna Shadrova, you are under arrest for High Crimes against the Crown. You have the right to... oh dear, by the worlds! What in the hell is going on in here?!?!"
The naked Earl blushes to a deeper shade of red as he attempts to weasel out of this predicament.
"Oh thank Heavens you've come! This foul trollop is attempting to force me to purchase stolen goods! She's robbing me blind, Officer!"
"For the sake of the Prince, put your damn pants on and begone, you perverse noble freak! Consider yourself lucky I'm not taking you before the Royal Court like this! NOW GET OUT!"
The Earl attempts to take his gold and the figurine but is stopped by the officer.
"Get your slimy hands off of that! This is EVIDENCE, you clod!"
"Eeeieeee....!"
The Earl, with his robes barely tied around his waist makes for the door sans his coin and his prize.
"Now, where was I? Oh yes, you're comin' down to the barracks, missy. You've got some 'splainin' to do!"
"I do not believe my rights have been read. Nor am I aware of what crime I have committed. The Earl offered me 5,000 gold and this worthless figurine in exchange for sexual favors. Seems like a steep price, but the Earl is not lacking in wealth, nor is he lacking in fetishes. Most courtesans refuse to 'perform' for him, but my standards are downright abominable. Regardless, my work is done and the Earl paid for me fair and square. I'll be taking my pay, then we may head to court where I will receive a fair trial."
She picks the bottle of wine off of the table and begins drinking it, then sets it down and starts putting on the jewelry that is much too big for her fingers.
Unimpressed, the Officer continues.
"Nice try, Kalyna, but we know who you are and why you're here. The jig is up.
The Officer realizes he's being too aggressive. Perhaps a softer touch is needed in this case.
::sighs:: You've pilfered Crown property to sell to that disgusting disgrace of a "noble".
Disgusted with the thought of the Noble who reigns above the law, the Officer takes pride in expressing the Rights of the Commoner to this suspect.
"Your rights, of course, my lady.
1.) You have the right to deliberation with a barrister, lest anything you utter be used against you in court.
2.) You have the right to shelter, food, and water and the promise no obscene, cruel, or unusual punishments will be inflicted upon you during your stay in our custody.
3.) You have the right to appeal a Justicar upon conclusion of your interrogation.
4.) You have the right to privacy in these matters, and will be rendered invisible during our trip to the barracks.
Now please, come with us willingly."
"That's what I like to hear, constable. You say them so adamantly. Quite sexy, indeed. Alright, babes. Take me away. Make sure the bonds are tight.... really tight."
Under the guise of several Invisibility spells, the entourage of Officers and City Guards take their willing suspect to the City Barracks in the Administrative District, right in the heart of the city.
The spell is removed and Kalyna is deposited into a plain room in a basement of the barracks. The room has dirt floors, no windows, a small wooden table with two wooden chairs, and a large iron door.
A man walks in with a very serious look on his face. He's wearing more civilian style clothes rather than armor like the Guards. His demeanor is more akin to how the Officer treated the Earl.
He stares at Kalyna intently, shaking his head in disapproval. After several minutes he speaks.
"Kalyna Shadrova. Says here your from the Outlands? Talrania, eh? Also says you reside in Tritoch..."
If Kalyna attempted to speak, she'd be cut off by this man's monologue.
"Look lady, I've been Chief Inspector for two decades, and I gotta say, I've never seen a case so blatantly cut and dry.
He takes a deep breath and rapidly lists Kalyna's crimes.
"We've got you on trespassing on Royal property, larceny of Royal antiquities, attempting to fence stolen goods, possession of illegal firearms, discharging of illegal firearms, attempting to corrupt Nobility, and soliciting "companionship" without a permit.
Needless to say, these crimes are severe. I'm not going to mince words, you could very well be executed! At the very least deported...
He slams his fists on the table and grinds his teeth at his prisoner.
Do you have anything to say for yourself, Ms. Shadrova?"
She gives the inspector a fearless grin, fully knowing that they must have a witness if they are to present no evidence.
"Seems I was being tracked. Also seems like I'm losing my touch. I guess I do have one thing to say; one regret I wish to share before you disintegrate me or turn me into a platypus or whatever you mages do..."
She sits back in her chair and takes a deep breath.
"I've never done anal. Not once. I'm positive I would DESPISE it. Sure, we all enjoy the sensation of a smooth flowing s~%!, but it's a one-way trail. I want to do it less for pleasure, and more to satiate my curiosity. Now I'll die wondering...."
"Please, inspector. Just this once! Plug up my fart-box with your throbbing seed spitter! Who knows? You may find your evidence up there..."
For such a beautiful woman, her choice of words and mannerisms are a stark contrast to such elegant features.
"Ah. Foul mouthed little HARLOT! You dare mock me?"
The Inspector is taken aback. How could she be so coy and irreverant when her life is on the line... despicable. She's behaving like her life is already over... yes, of course!
"You're a foreigner first, then a thief. Ha ha ha... yes, it's so obvious now. Tell me, who do you really work for?!?"
So pleased with him self and his superior intellect, the Inspector shines a proud grin.
"No, no... let me guess. You're a Ramisarian Agent, sent to steal Crown secrets? Ha ha, so obvious!
His smirk is wiped clean as the iron door bursts open.
"What the hell?! There is to be no intrusion on this interrogation!"
An old man draped in a flowing blue robe steps forth. He seems to have an odd aura about him. The irate Inspector turns his wrath towards this intruder.
"Declare yourself! How DARE you enter this room! Who are you?! Another foreign agent, no doubt! Delc..."
Amused yet clearly annoyed, the old man holds his hand out toward the Inspector.
"Silence!"
With that, the Inspector is cut off and cannot speak. Confused, he looks menacing toward the intruder, perhaps ready to harm him.
"Leave."
The old man points toward the door. Without incident, the Inspector is compelled to exit the chamber. The old man in blue turns toward Kalyna.
"Ah, Kalyna!"
He smiles and gestures as if to embrace and old friend.
"You've been through much, but you've far exceeded our wildest expectations!"
She is taken aback by the use of force on the inspector. Fear finally set into her. The inspector, the guards, the earl... all pawns. But this person has true power.
Her demeanor completely changed toward submissiveness.
"Please... whoever you are.... don't play with my head. I'll cooperate. Take the statue. Take the gold. I'll do my time, just please don't.... don't puppet me like you did the inspector."
Despite the man's warm attitude, she still feared his ability to control her in an instant.
"Oh, my child!"
He has a warm demeanor. He looks upon Kalyna with empathy and regret.
"I mean you no harm, my dear. And we certainly have no need for the trinkets. In fact, we've already secured both the figurine and the gold from the guards. The gold is yours, of course, but the figurine does rightfully belong in the Royal Museum.
Come with me, we have much to discuss!"
He throws some dust on both of you, and POOF you're invisible again.
Kalyna remains silent. Curiosity replaced her fear; wondering just who this man is and what he meant by we. She follows the man and cooperates with him entirely. Her immediate future is unknown to her, but somehow she feels that a new adventure awaits.
You travel through the moonlit streets of Amasia City. Scores of brilliant spires and towers grace the background. Close to the City Barracks there is a large white and gold palace; this is Crown Prince Jordan III's residence, called the Palace of the Sun. Not too far from the Palace you see another imposing structure, the High Halls of Magick, where the Council of the Magi convenes.
The old man takes you to a small tower at the edge of the Government District. Your cloak of invisibility is dispelled and the old man silently invites you to sit down. The room on the ground floor surrounds an enclosed spiral staircase, and you notice a small brown love seat... it's insanely comfortable.
Still not speaking, the old man fills a pipe, lights some incense, and sighs. He looks at you for a moment and then speaks.
"Kalyna, allow me to introduce myself: I am Alaxador, Seventh of that name..."
He stares again as an awkward silence sets upon the room. His warm demeanor masks a cold and calculating mind. He's analyzing you, waiting to see how much information should be revealed. One thing is for sure, he holds his cards close.
Kalyna returns the favor and analyzes him back. A silent, esoteric game of psychological chess emerges between the two.
"It's nice to meet you, Al. I'd introduce myself, but you seem to know everything about me. Before we get to far away from the ordeal, I'd like to thank you for releasing me from the city guard. My only question is: why'd you do it?"
Inspired by Alaxador, Kalyna also retrieves her pipe and enjoys a smoke with him. Unfortunately, her pipe medley is dry and not fresh.
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Amused at Kalyna's nonchalant demeanor, "Al" chuckles.
"Ho ha ha. Ah, Kalyna, alas, we do not know EVERYTHING about you. What we do know is that you have accomplished the impossible. Something that has eluded our best mages, engineers, and scholars for centuries."
Alaxador draws on his pipe. Noticing Kalyna's disappointment with her own stash, he offers her some of his. The finest blend of Dowlandish Puff.
Sensing your curiosity, he pulls out the Figurine and twirls it around the table.
"Yes, yes... oh this figurine? It is absolutely worthless to us. Granted, it is priceless to a collector or historian, but it has no practical application. The remarkable thing was that you opened the Inner Sanctum."
He sighs again. Something is troubling him.
"I'm going to be blunt. We need you to lead an expedition back to the Black Temple and retrieve an artifact from the lower levels. It's a shard of the Black Crystal which once gave great power to both the Temple and the Black Karu, Ex. Now that you've opened the Inner Sanctum, the lower levels are accessible to anyone and it's only a matter of time before..."
He stops himself. He is revealing too many details. Perhaps state secrets. He recovers...
"Uh, before the Crystal falls into the wrong hands. It still holds great power after all, even its broken state."
Alaxador realizes he's been yapping without letting you get a word in.
"What say you, Sparrow?"
"I seldom turn down a job. But it would be unwise to work for someone I do not know. A name is label, nothing more. You're holding information back from me; I can tell. What organization do you represent? I doubt you're a mere collector of arts."
"Oh, and thank you for the smoke. It has a very decadent flavor and a smooth intake. I'll have to switch my brand, which is more akin to mulch rather than a respectable herb."
"Oh no, we are not so preoccupied with the arts, as such. Though we do work closely with the Great University and the Royal Museum. No, you'd be working for the Escort Guard, an organization I am proud to both administer and oversee."
You are aware the Escort Guard is Amasia's security and intelligence arm.
You know they are bound to serve the Council of the Magi above all else, sworn to protect the Prince, spy on foreign governments, offer intelligence, logistic, and material support to all branches of Amasian government, provide protection for agents of the state, and lately have been contracting their services for various industrial interests. They are also known to hire outsiders, who have no formal Escort Guard training, to do specific jobs for them. These outsiders are referred to as Freelancers.
You know that the Escort Guard serves the Council of the Magi. If Alaxador says he "administers and oversees" this organization, the implication is he is not only on the Council, but a high ranking member.
"I have with me a Contract of Association. It details the rights and responsibilities of all parties, grants you various forms of immunity to Amasian law, and provides the terms of your compensation."
"As a token of good faith, we have already expunged your record of those recent allegations of High Crimes Against the Crown. As we speak, Official Council records are being amended to show that all your actions in this matter were legally sanctioned by us for the sole purpose of completing the "Figurines of the Karu Pantheon Exhibit" in the Royal Museum. We suspect that Earl Thassleston hired you so he could deliver Thrall to the Museum himself, and curry favor with his cousin the Prince. He's a notorious social climber, and though he has voracious appetites, he lacks the refinement to appreciate an artifact like the Jade Figurine of Thrall."
Alaxador puffs his pipe and flashes a sly smile.
"So, legally speaking, Kalyna, it would seem that you are a hero of the Crown."
She draws another puff of her pipe and feels completely safe around her new friend. An overwhelming sense of pride surges through her at the thought of doing good by the higher orders.
"I must be pretty slick to have grabbed your attention. Needless to say, you have mine as well. If you can satiate, and fund, my unending thirst for adventure and the thrill of danger, then I agree to your outstanding offer. I only hope I can live up to your.... well, never you mind; I'll guarantee your expectations will be met. I'm a professional and all. All I want to know now is when to start and who my colleagues are."
She draws again on her pipe and realizes a slight concern of hers.
"Oh, and just a heads up. I hate being kept in the dark. No doubt the council holds many secrets and I understand the logic behind secrecy from the common public. But if I am to perform adequately, I must have transparency."
Alaxador smiles politely as he carefully selects his next words.
"I can promise that you will always be given all relevant and necessary information to complete your missions. Do you have any questions you'd like me to answer for you?"
"Yes, boss. Just one. The guards presented no evidence, yet still arrested me. Which leaves me to believe they had a witness. What I want to know is, who's the tattletale?"
Alaxador clasps his chin, and ponders for a moment.
"Well, it's a complicated matter, but I think I know exactly what happened. You see, one of our operatives has been working on site to unlock the Inner Sanctum. When he saw an unauthorized person enter the Temple, standard protocol required him to alert the Royal Museum. The Museum then contacted the Crown Marshalls, and working with the City Guard they were able to determine your identity. To their credit, they did so without our aid."
Sensing that you may now blame the Escort Guard, he explains.
“I can say that the Escort Guard was aware of the trespass, but we had no pressing interest in the affair. It wasn't until after you left for Amasia City that Dr. Polas investigated the Temple himself and saw the Inner Sanctum had finally been unlocked. Needless to say, I was made aware immediately. Unfortunately, the Marshalls were already mobilizing for your arrest. Curious as to hired you, they allowed you to enter the city unmolested. We agreed not to intervene until your patron was revealed. Initially, we suspected you were leaving with something more significant than the Figurine, so we wanted to see who was behind such malevolent machinations."
"Turns out, we were wrong. Unfortunately for the Marshalls, Amasian Law protects Nobles from prosecution. The Crown Marshalls and the City Guard were not able to act against the Earl when it was determined he commissioned the burglary.”
Nobility was given exemption to criminal prosecution from secular institutions when the Principality was founded 312 years ago. Originally part of a compromise to keep society functioning smoothly, the Council has ever regretted this provision, as it allows the Nobility to act above the law. Special Royal Tribunals, or Royal Courts, can be established to essentially strip a Noble of their titles, thus subjecting them to Common Law. However, this is extreme. In the specific case of Earl Thassleston, a special division of the Royal Guard (separate from the City Guard, Escort Guard, or Crown Marshalls) would have to get a warrant for his arrest from the Council, the Royal Assembly, or the Prince. For comparison, your arrest warrant was practically rubber stamped by a local Magistrate. Instead, they are often punished for their misdeeds by the Royal Assembly, a non-binding governing body of Nobles. Though, for a Noble like the Earl, the humiliation of being involved in a scandal is punishment enough as it would hurt his standing among his peers. Though you have no reason to believe anyone has heard of this yet.
”Now keep in mind those who arrested and interrogated you had no idea what was going on behind the scenes. The Escort Guard enforces the will of the Council's highest echelons. The other branches of government, even the Prince himself, are powerless to impede us. However, the Council does not wish to seem overbearing or tyrannical. We offer our sincerest apologies for allowing you to be subjected to arrest and interrogation, but decorum dictates that we allow the other branches of government to operate with some degree of autonomy."
“My final intervention was a bit dramatic, but to be honest, I grew tired of waiting for the Inspector to finish his interrogation. The theft of a statuette of Thrall posed no existential threat to Amasia, so it was time to end the charade."
"But now we have a real dilemma. With the Inner Sanctum open, the Black Crystal Shard is exposed. Also, remnants of Ex may still linger. The Seal on the Inner Sanctum didn't just keep us out, it kept him in! If he exists at all, he's just a shadow of his former self. But we don't want to risk unleashing something so devious upon our world. Even in a weakened state, he could still do serious damage..."
He takes a long breath... Well, she asked!
Kalyna has an intrigued look on her face. She always knew politics are deeper than they seemed, but it was something else entirely to have it confirmed before her. Layers and layers of governing bodies became revealed, and she couldn't help but feel excitement for the opportunity to be apart of the top tier.
"That's quite interesting. If I had known the repercussions, I would have left the seal alone. Though it seems you want the Black Shard anyways."
She draws again on the tasteful herb and then cuts right to business.
"I'll need full dossiers of whom I'll be working with. I should warn you, I'm not one for recognizing rank. You'll have my loyalty as long as you fill my purse, but don't expect me to respond to my colleagues with any submissive tones or 'yes sirs'. I'm not an ass-sucker, you see."
She draws once more on her pipe and burns out the last of the herb.
"Of course, glad you're on board, Kalyna!"
Alaxador is pleased. Everything has fallen into place.
"Here is that contract..."
.
In addition to a monthly stipend of 500 gold, Kalyna gets first pick of what is termed "Non-Essential Material Acquisitions". Essentially, she gets dibs on treasure! It does reconcile the fact treasure will be shared among the Expedition Company.
"Now, you'll be working with four others. First is Dr. Sirian Polas, a Professor Emeritus of the Great University and the leading expert in the field of Necromancy and Necrotic studies. He has studied this particular Temple for many years, is intimately acquainted with the nature of the undead, and perhaps holds the key to deciphering ancient secrets."
Next is Dr. Vedra Vega, a world renowned Historian of Ancient Studies and Antiquities at the Royal Museum. Her vast knowledge of the Karu and other Ancient Societies will be invaluable for this mission."
"Considering the danger presented by this expedition, we've got a highly decorated combat veteran of the Amasian Royal Army, Lander Vane, Elite Major, 1st Class. Lander possesses... shall we say, a unique biology. He's a bit of a loose cannon, but he is the best at what he does."
"And finally, from the Escort Guard's own ranks, Derrick Settagon, Captain 1st Class. He'll act as our direct liaison in the field. He's eager and highly trained in Dervish Dancing sword techniques."
He looks at you, thoroughly impressed at how events have unfolded. He's damned proud of the adventuring company that has emerged before him.
"Anything else, Sparrow?"
"'Unique biology'? Must be well endowed..."
The rogue chuckles with a slight blush on her cheeks.
She extends a hand and gives a firm handshake. The deal is sealed and she eagerly signs the contract.
"As much as I'd love to begin this venture, I am in need of some much deserved R&R. Will I receive word on where to meet on the morrow?"
"Yes of course, a Hero of the Crown deserves only the finest accommodations. We have reserved the Queen's Chambers at the Eldritch Inn under your name.
This is one of the oldest and most luxurious destinations in Amasia City. It is located in the Government District right on the West Bank of the Deep River. Its clientele include visiting dignitaries, out of town Guildmasters, and insatiably wealthy tourists. The Queen's Chambers is basically a highly furnished, spa-like apartment. Get ready to pamper yourself, girl!
"Our entourage will meet at your room at 10:00. We will have a catered brunch, where the group will be briefed. I'll see you in the morning, Sparrow... Oh, and check out's at 13:00!"
He smiles and pours more of his magick faerie dust of invisibility... just like that, Alaxador, Seventh of that name is gone from your sight.
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Kalyna empties her pipe and gives herself a subtle, but extremely happy grin. Life almost turned for the worst, but then quickly turned for the best. She always knew she was destined for great things, but none of it would have been achieved if she stayed at her family's vineyard. With much glee, she loaded her pipe with her own medley and made way to the Eldritch Inn.
As exhausted as she is, it would be inappropriate to go to bed without celebrating her new employment. She entered the inn and found an empty seat at the bar. With a fat sack of gold, she quietly called the bartender over and offered to buy the house a round of ale.
The morning sun shines in Kalyna's room. She finally wakes, and after her ordeal she's probably wondering if it was all some bizarre, Puff induced dream. Well, she is indeed in the Queen's Chambers, so probably not.
10:00 rolls around and she hears a knock at the door.
"Yoo hoo, Sparrrow!" says our blue robed friend.
She opens the door and six caterers pile in. The rich aromas of pan fried eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, pancakes, onions and peppers fill the Queen's Chambers. Behind Alaxador and the caterers are three more people, presumably the Expedition.
A bookish High Elf approaches Kalyna first. Her pretty face is hidden behind oversized glasses and poorly styled hair. She extends her hand.
"Good morrow! I am Dr. Vedra Vega of the Royal Museum. Kalyna, I presume? An absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance! I cannot wait to get this mission underway. Oooh, look, croissants!"
A young man steps forward and assumes a military style pose, saluting our Sparrow.
"Captain Settagon, First Class, at your service, ma'am!"
Lurking a bit behind the others, a hairy muscular man makes eye contact and nods.
"Hey."
The group sits down to the large dinning table in the room. Breakfast is set up on a nearby table, buffet style.
There are dozens of pastries from danishes to doughnuts, and of course croissants. Arrayed in beautiful patterns are three kinds of melons, grapes, strawberries, starfruit, apples, and kiwi. A massive tub of fried eggs with onions and peppers sits next to three hot plates of bacon, sausage, and ham. Pancakes, waffles, and french toast are served with fresh butter maple syrup.
Next to the food table lies a spread of coffee, tea, and the fixings for mimosas! Fresh squeezed blood oranges from the Dowlandish Coast are mixed with... Kalyna stops. They are using Chateau Varentine Ventos !!! This could be no accident.
"The vintage is your birth year, Kalyna. One of the finest bottles ever produced." Alaxador must have access to a cellar rivaling the Earl's. That ain't cheap! (And quite frankly, it probably is too expensive for a mimosa!)
The caterers take their leave and the group digs in.
"Now, on to business..."
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"You've all been informed of our mission, but I'll present the summary. You are to travel to the Black Temple, reach the lower levels, secure the active Black Crystal Shard, and eliminate Ex, if he's present."
"Ms. Shadrova has already opened the Inner Sanctum, where she encountered a number of undead monstrosities. So, in addition to your standard provisions, you will be provided with Holy Water. Destroy any undead you encounter. If they escape into the countryside we'll have a full blown crisis on our hands."
"Now let's be clear, information travels fast these days. We have every reason to suspect others are already attempting to plunder the Crystal. If you encounter hostiles in the Temple, be they foreign or domestic, you have the full authority of the Amasian Grand Council of the Magi to deal with them as needed."
"I will now turn the floor over to Dr. Vega for a detailed description of the Shard.".
He sips his tea and sighs. Alaxador looks preoccupied and worried.
The good Doctor stands, adjust her spectacles, and clears her throat.
"Ahem. Thank you, Councilor. Let me start by giving a brief history of the Karu Civil War..."
Everyone groans.
"Hey, I'll keep it very very short, ok! Now, we all know Ex was the Black Karu. He tricked ten of his fellow Karu into turning against their leader, Zod, the Chromatic Karu. Only Lunazza, the White, remained behind their leader..."
Alaxador, usually fond of this sort of historical exposition motions Vedra to move things along.
"Uh, right. So, the Eleven moved against Zod and destroyed his Temple. They discovered they could kill him by smashing the Chromatic Crystal. When they did this, only a small portion of the Crystal retained any of its power. The rest were useless fragments. The remnant with power is called the Shard. Now, it lacks the power to transform humanoids into demigods as the intact Crystals did, but it can be harnessed to power magick, and as we've recently learned, technological weapons. Ex was the first Karu to realize the power of the Shard, and claimed the Chromatic Shard for himself, ushering in the Dark Century, when the Karu virtually annihilated themselves. But because..."
Alaxador interrupts. "Brief! Remember, my dear?"
"Ok ok... So, for this mission, to determine which fragment is the Shard, we have to use Detect Magick. I know not this spell naturally, but my Ring of Spell Storing has been filled with 2 instances of it. Should I fall, it is up to any survivors to use the spell to locate the Black Shard."
"Uh, I guess that's it. Thank you."
Well, that didn't take long.
Thoroughly relieved Vedra finally got the hint, he speaks.
"Thank you, Dr. Vega. Now if any of you have any further questions, please ask them now. Otherwise I'll turn command over to Captain Settagon and your mission can commence!"
He looks at Kalyna, suspecting she has a couple of questions. He purposely avoids eye contact with Vedra in the hopes she won't say anything else.
You notice a change in Alaxador's eye color from last night. Today they are light blue, but you swear they were dark brown when you first met.
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"Seems simple enough. Well, as far as my end goes. I have to admit, this is all very overwhelming but I am thoroughly intrigued. We'll have to chat more about this, Dr. Vega. I'm no novice to history, though I'm sure your clearance grants you knowledge otherwise retained from me."
Kalyna gulps down the few remaining sips of her coffee. Her body language suggests she has no further questions, comments.... suggestions.
Lander could not take his eyes off of Kalyna during the entire briefing. His brunch plate consisted of nothing but meat and eggs, and as he ate he still didn't take his eyes off of her. She of course noticed this. At first she was flattered, but now she felt a little uneasy.
He composed himself and thought of a very articulate comment.
"Cute speech, doc. More importantly, how the f*+# do we destroy it? Do we have to unearth some ancient magical Karuvian dildo to ram it to smithereens?"
Kalyna let out an abrupt and obvious chuckle at the comment. Though she quickly quieted herself in order to remain somewhat professional.