Daniel Smiles at the woman, knowing well the game, after all, its been like this for quite awhile. He ignores her statement for the most part know that that's the best way to get at her.
Ah, Vel, good to see you again. I had heard you hadn't been selected to come shame that. By the by, these stick-flingers appear to be future companions for my mission. stick-flingers, Venelopy, Venelopy, stick-flingers. You can call her Vel for short if you like, she won't mind.
He smiles the entire time, making sure to emphasize her terms for his new compatriots. He also motions for Thanephos not to worry about it and nods for Alexis to keep going. Hoping Vel hadn't noticed a teifling amongst them.
"Mission?" the young woman scoffs. "So they've finally managed to send you packing, make room in the order for a real warrior, you know, one who fights his enemies within fifty feet."
Whats the matter Vel? no one ever teach you how to shoot a bow? I could if you wanted. He smiles in a friendly manner. Though I'd wager it to be a tad difficult in the armor you normally stumble about in.
After a moment he finally speaks.
but no, Sir Tolion saw visions of evil before his passing. Tomorrow we are going to investigate it. I feel we all glimpsed sparse images of his great vision.
Alexis takes a few steps backwards and curls her around her waist to hide it under her loose shirt.
"Of course. Visions of evil. Riiiight. Have fun with your friends, then, and try not to shoot each other in the butt."
The young woman chortles, muttering, "Archers. Loser," before heading back inside the church.
It looks like Alexis needn't have bothered...the rude young woman hadn't even bothered to lower her nose enough to take in the group.
Oh, you mean like sir Barien did to you that one night!? He calls off as she leaves, Daniel had always been known as a more.. crude knight.
He turns to the group. Sorry for that. It really would be best to keep out of her crosshairs though. She has family in her order, and they have much sway in many churches and temples. Though, so does my Mentor.
He beckons Alexis back and changes the subject. Would you care for a meal? He gives a quick glance. Um, all are welcome of course. heh.
You hear a small shriek of outrage from within the Church, but apparently Venelopy believes running another knight through on the steps of the church is crossing the line, and doesn't return.
As you continue to mingle, however, a feeling of being watched comes over you. A halfling in full plate armour bearing the sigil of the Knights of Ozem, stands watching you from behind the far pillar. Confusion and disapproval march in turns across his features.
Daniel turns towards the new comer hiding behind the pillar
And you are welcome to come as well! Does something bother you my friend?
"I suppose getting to know those I'll be working with and their talents and tactics wouldn't be an unwise use of my time."
"Well, I am a little hungry," Joneth admits, his smile a little wider than usual, a sure sign of amusement, probably at the exchange between Daniel and the woman. "Rey will just have to wait for the story."
Moving close to the aasimar and the tiefling, he steps between them, putting an arm around each one's shoulders. Turning from one to the other, his smile appears not diminished in the slightest by any signs of awkwardness his forward manner may or may not have elicited by the pair of what seem to be his new comrades-in-arms.
"So, lunch, huh? What did you have in mind?"
The armoured Halfling doesn't respond, and disappears back inside the Church.
The new group of (hopefully) soon-to-be friends make their way down to a cozy public house Alexis knows, and feast well on mutton stew, crusty bread, and peach cobbler.
While the group is eating and getting to know each other, they can't help but notice a balding, middle-aged man sitting in the booth across the aisle. His food grows cold as he sits and stares at the heatless flame dancing in his cupped hands. He was staring at his flame when the group first sat down, and continues to do so.
At the arm fling across her shoulders Alexis would have gone very tense but clearly forces herself to relax.
The next day, you return to the Seventh Church, and are immediately ushered back to the chapel. Albar Tolion has been prepared for burial, lying in state in an opened coffin, dressed in a beautiful (if outdated fashion-wise) priestly robe, with a silver holy symbol of Aroden lain on his chest. Lit candles flank him, giving the room a warm, cheery glow. A young acolyte kneels in front of the altar, keeping vigil over the body. As you enter, the boy nods to you (well, to Daniel), and leaves you alone.
A few minutes later, Genedair arrives, with only Valla helping him to walk. A large sack hangs off her shoulder and clinks as she gently sets it down. He bids you a pleasant greeting and thanks you for returning before getting down to the business at hand.
Casting the spell takes ten minutes, and the process seriously winds the old man, but (with the help of a bear's endurance spell) he manages it. Alexis poses her questions, which Genedair puts to the slightly animated body.
What evil has corrupted the Starstone?
An ancient one, full of pride and hubris.
How do we cleanse the Cloak?
Save it from the evil that has claimed it.
Is that man truly Aroden or an imposter?
Neither.
What was done to us?
The divine of Aroden has touched you all.
What did the vision mean?
Memory.
Genedair turns to you and says, "You can have three more."
what name is this ancient one, this evil known by?
He turns to the others.
do any of you have any other questions?
"I don't know," Tolion replies.
Not trusting himself to determine if his is a worthwhile question, Ty merely states, "Ask him what Masoumi did to the people in the square."
"I don't know," Tolion replies.
"One more," Genedair reminds you. "Take your time. The ritual will last another ten minutes or so, but I won't be able to recast this."
Sir Tolion, do you know of anyone, or anything that could potentially aid us in this?
Daniel asks when the others seem less than willing to put forth questions.
"Collect the lost relics of Aroden."
"Well," Joneth comments as the last question is asked and the last answer is given, "this actually deepens the mystery and creates more questions than it answers, I think."
Turning to Genedair, he repeats Tolion's last words. "The lost relics of Aroden? Can you shed some light into what they are?"
Genedair shakes his head. "There are no specific artefacts, at least, none that I'm aware of, that would collectively be called the 'Lost Relics of Aroden'. There are artefacts still in the world, that were dedicated to, or created by, Aroden, and some of them contain his divine essence. The Pathfinder Society recently made a discovery in a cave in the Kortos mountains of a pool and some carvings that still seem to contain some essence of Aroden. There are probably others."
"In a way, the cloak of the Inheritor could probably be considered a lost relic of Aroden. While historically we have connected it to Iomedae, it was her faith in Aroden that first charged the simple wool cloak with its legendary powers. If it still has power now, after Aroden's death..." he trails off, allowing the thought to reach its natural conclusion.
Genedair motions for Valla to take the sack. It clinks as she picks it up. "Assuming you still intend to undertake this quest, I took the liberty of assembling a few supplies that may come in handy." Valla hands you each four vials, three with a sky blue liquid, and one clear. "The blue ones are healing potions, and the clear is a flask of holy water."
Valla also takes out a large brass key. "This locking key, if attached to a door or chest, will magically hold it shut and locked for twelve hours, or until the one who placed it takes hold of it. Once used, it loses its magic, even if the full twelve hours have not expired."
[b]"I took the liberty of speaking with the City Watch concerning the area you will venturing into. A small patrol reported a small earthquake out in the Cairnlands yesterday morning, very small for us not to feel it here in the city, but it may have compromised some of the more rickety siege towers and other refuse. Also, bands of brigands and thieves have been known to take up residence in some of the accessible towers, so be wary.
Brigands? perhaps we could help safen the country side while on our quest. And thank you for your aid.
Alexis bows deeply to Genedair Thank you Genedair for allowing us to speak with Tolion and for the items
Thanephos nods his appreciation, gladly taking the vials, and tucking the key into a belt pouch upon seeing no one else claim it.
Thank you for your help, we will do our best to uphold Tolion's wishes and protect your items of faith.
Athar mulls over the answers Tolion provides, regretful that he didn't sooner think to ask whether the divine spell Tolion cast before his passing was granted by Aroden or Masoumi. Then again, such an answer, in the end, would have been less useful to them than the one Sir Rose asked, and Athar can live with his idle curiosity unsatisfied.
Still... to have been touched by the divine of Aroden? How? Was the god no longer dead? Or had Aroden become something else? Could a god become... undead? Or was it some lingering divine magic of Aroden's that had persisted beyond his demise?
Whatever the case - and whatever his reservations about the clergy of Iomedae - he accepts the potions and holy water, even offering a polite, "Thank you."
"While you six are investigating the Chelish Citadel, and try to gain access," Valla says, "I'll be here in the city researching the cloak of the Inheritor, and what possible connection it might have to stopping the slavery of humanity. I'll also look into the accounts of those few people who have emerged from the Starstone Cathedral without attaining godhood, and see if there are any insights there. Hopefully, I'll know something by the time you return."
"May the blessings of the Inheritor be on you all," Genedair says, pronouncing a benediction.
Valla escorts the party back out of the church, says her own good-byes and wishes of luck, and disappears back into the church.
As Valla disappears, a Halfling in full plate mail, and bearing the symbols of Iomedae, strides up the front steps. He stops short upon seeing the party and regards the group with a mixture of suspicion and puzzlement, which he quickly covers over with a forced smile.
"Good morning, friends. The blessings of Iomedae be upon you all this day. I am Sir Rollynd Thrush, a Knight of Ozem." He nods to Daniel in a familiar manner. "You have the look of a group about to set out on a grand adventure. To where do you journey?"
Alexis's tail moves into her palm and she turns to look at Daniel You know this person?
ninjaed
Hail, sir Rollynd. Yes, we are. we go to find the lost relics of Aroden, and to retrieve the inheritors cloak from the Chelish citadel that keeps it. Though how we will be getting in is, as of yet, unseen. I also noted you did not join us for supper last night. what would be the matter?
Daniel responds cheerfully.
"Are we going to tell everyone who comes along what our plans are?"
Sir Rollynd looks more shocked and surprised as Daniel lays out all their plans. By the end, he shakes his head in denial, turns about, and flees.
Indeed, not to any one persay, but he is a member here and, if we tell them or not, most everyone here will eventually know anyway. Not like it's a secret around this church. A hushed tongue will be needed once we leave though.
Alexis frowns and stares after the Halfling. Odd little man. I am going to have to agree with Sir Ty and keep out goals to ourselves unless the person can be vouched for. What do you know of the that Halfling Sir Daniel. Should we be making chase?
"I should think not," Joneth remarks with a shrug, looking at the armored halfling's back as he is leaving. "He is a member here, yes? Even if we did chase him, what would we do with him were we to catch him, pray tell?"
Alexis sighs and turns her gaze to the ground and she rubs the nubs on her foarhead while speaking I know nothing of his personality and morals that is why I asked not because I want to accost a Knight of Ozem.
Daniel shakes his head.
no, there is no need to worry. He has been through a lot lately and hasn't taken it well. Worse still he doesn't handle the vixen of a she knight's advances as well as I do. And because of a mistake the order he belongs to doesn't really care, even though I hear he out ranks her. I've tried to be friendly but I worry for him
"Have to say I'm not too impressed with the Knights of Orzen. Let's see if you and your bow can make a showing on behalf of your order, Sir."
Ty lead the way towards their destination.
now, who ever said I was one? I have ties in the order? Assuredly, friends? Yes, my mentor? Yes. And because of this I have spent much time with the order. Never said I was one.
Daniel remarks, a grin on his face.
and don't let them hear you say that, you may cause some of them to run off looking for some great evil to slay, or some people to free. Not that that is a bad thing in itself. Just the last time that happened things... Went badly, so I've been told. Besides, you haven't seen the older knights. Have to say, I saw their strength first hand as a child, it was, impressive to say the least. Me and my sister have lived with my mentor and so, the order since that day..
Thanephos immediately perks up, Really? What could they do?
Having decided not to pursue the fleeing holy warrior, the party makes their way towards the western gates of the city, and out into the countryside.
The weather is bright and clear, a perfect day for travel and exploration. As you move inland, the coolness of the ocean fades, and you can tell that it will be a scorcher by the heat of the day.
The Cairnlands consist of low rolling hills, scattered copses of trees, occasional farms and homesteads, and a sprinkling of ruined structures scattered here and there.
Perception
After walking for half an hour, you leave the cart path, as per the directions you received, Thanephos and Ty both hear a man's cry for help, and Thanephos thinks he can hear the sound of growling dogs. The sound is coming from a small stand of trees due north.
"Trouble. Beasts."
Ty hoists shiels and spear, and moves rapidly towards the growling.
Thanephos elaborates, moving after Ty, I think I hear someone yelling for help, and growling animals. We need to help them!
Then to their aid we will go!
Alexis draws her short sword and a kukri. Looking at the others she says Lead the way.
"By all means," Joneth readily agrees, drawing his curved sword and joining the rest in going to the unseen man's aid.