Many hundreds of years ago, the forces of good allied to destroy the main Temple of Orcus in the ancient city of Tsar. With their temple in ruins, the surviving high priests of this accursed demongod fled the city with an army of enemies on their trail—an army of heroic fighters, clerics and paladins—led by Zelkor, a powerful wizard. The exact fate of these evil priests was then unknown, for not only did the remnants of the followers of Orcus disappear from all human reckoning, but so did the army of light that followed after them disappear as well. Some said that in the eternal scales the loss of so many good men was a fair price to pay to rid the world of so much evil.
The evil cult, however, had not been destroyed. The surviving priests and their followers instead settled on a hill near the Forest of Hope, a sylvan woodland near the Coast Road. There they found a vast underground complex of caverns and mazes, carving out a
volcanic intrusion beneath the hill. There, the priests of Orcus found the perfect lair to continue their vile rituals. For many years, they carried on in secret, hidden from the light and from the knowledge of men.
Many years later, their underground delving completed, the evil priests erected a hideous mausoleum and a sunken graveyard atop the hill. It is believed that these graves are in fact the final resting place of the pursuing army of heroes that had been destroyed to a man. Soon after the mausoleum was erected the peaceful creatures of the wood began to disappear. Though many rangers and druids investigated these happenings, the cause of the creatures’ disappearance was not immediately determined. Some years later a powerful group of adventurers, led by Bofred, a high priest of Thyr, investigated the evil happenings and found the sunken graveyard leading to a labyrinthine complex. Bofred and his companions found great hordes of evil creatures in the complex. Though some of his companions returned from their expedition, telling tales of fantastic treasure and ferocious monsters, Bofred was never seen again—lost in the catacombs beneath the cursed mausoleum. For the last one hundred years, ranks of adventurers have ventured to the newfound dungeon. Many fell prey to bandits and monsters in the surrounding wilderness. Rumors suggest that of those who survived to reach the mausoleum and sunken graveyard, most were slain by guardians of green stone or perished on the very first level. Those rare few who return from deeper treks speak of horrible undead and creatures that cannot be slain. All who have explored Rappan Athuk offer this one universal piece of advice: “Don’t go down the Well.”
The town bustled with more day to day business and activity than usual. The market, situated off the centre square of town was open and trading in full swing. Merchants cry out their goods for sale and haggle with prospective buyers. Down at the docks workers unload cargo into warehouses. One man drops a crate, spilling its goods into the dirty alley and is cursed at by the overseer. A ship sets sail headed north to Oppara or Almas, hundreds of miles away. The rumours spread throughout the Inner Sea and even further over Golarion. All but forgotten, Rappan Athuk comes again to ear in whispers and rumours, true, imagined, stories told to children to make them behave, drawing hordes of adventurers of all sorts to investigate. Zelkor's Brew is a busy tavern just off the main thoroughfare where most out-of-towners stay. You arrived some time yesterday and were guided here to rest from your travels.
Inside Zelkor's Brew a couple of the Town Guard have come for a drink after their shifts. Breakfasts and strong drinks accompanying are served by the aging owner's wife and her attractive daughter. Merchants and other locals are here after a hard early morning's work to quench a thirst and regain energy for the afternoon. Several Qadiran travelers arrive, dusty from the road, yelling at a servant to see to their horses. Other obvious foreigners sit alone, some together, discussing plans, swords already by their sides. They are speaking to the Innkeeper and you hear them mention the cult of Orcus and Rappan Athuk. "I cannot recommend it. My brother was just like you lot. And he never returned. Nothing good comes of poking around down there. You shouldn't believe every rumour you hear."
A terrible dragon called Gath the Ravager was sealed long ago deep within the dungeon by powerful priests, whose spirits still guard his restless sleep.
A potent artifact called the Seal of Power was carried into the dungeon long ago by the mage-priest Donov. He hoped to use it to seal away the evil, restless spirits of the dungeon.
Orcus put a curse on the complex when he built it. Any that disturb his temple will become slaves of darkness, never to return.
Deep within the hill lies a pool of lava guarded by demonic lizards. If one can defeat them, pure gold can be distilled from the liquid rock.
It is said that the great paladin Bannor was overcome by a horde of enemies in the dungeon. His mighty holy sword, Gurthdurial, is rumored to have been lost in the Hall of the Cyclops King.
The monks of the small shrine of the Coast Road are helpful to passersby.
A powerful adventuring group called the Dancing Blades was slain in the dungeon. Their restless spirits now wander its halls, attacking anyone they come across with their phantom weapons.
One hot, sticky summer a score of years ago, a terrible beast came out of the wilderness and fell upon the surrounding lands, razing towns and ravaging farms. It killed many of the finest warriors and baffled the most potent wizardries before finally being slain by the adventurer Mailliw Catspar and his comrades. Triumphant, these brave souls tracked it back to the Dungeon of Graves—and were never seen again.
Erianna had been up and about the whole day - now, more than ever, she felt she was in the right track to avenge Talian. As her investigations had proceeded, so her dread has grown - not fear, but a shock that such a place as Rappan Athuk could even exist, if the rumours she had heard were even anything but half-truths.
She had taken her time to stroll around town, getting to know its inhabitants and daily routines - mostly she looked for information, but she also reveled in watching others going about their common life, chores and relations - she found beauty in a man unloading a crate of fish, in a mother taking her son to school, or a cat chasing a mouse, so she took it all in.
The sun bounced off her light toned skin and blond hair, and sometimes gave the half-elf an almost celestial look, but the well used and polished breastplate covering her torso, as well as the sharp scimitar at her waist left no room for doubt - in spite of her beauty, she had seen her fair share of scuffle and combat. And when the glow is gone, her many tattoos and piercing blue eyes only deepen her ferocious look.
Returning to Zelkor's Brew, she greeted the innkeeper with a melodious voice, and took a table by the window, staring outside, and enjoying the afternoon sun - "An ale please, as cold as you can muster" - she smiled at the serving girl as she came to get her order.
"I cannot recommend it. My brother was just like you lot. And he never returned. Nothing good comes of poking around down there. You shouldn't believe every rumour you hear."
"If half of what I have heard is true, then I fully agree" - Erianna simply interjected, still flashing that disarming smile of hers - "Sadly, that is also the reason some of us simply cannot avoid going there - I know not all are roses, but towns and other places like this one you have here make me feel alive" - she raised her glass to them - "And should always be safe from whatever lurks in dark holes" - the tattooed half-elf nodded - "The next round is on me" - and finished with a wink.
A strange sight sits along the wall in the tavern--a cat-person with leopard spots, solidly built but still lithe and light on his feet as he stands. He bears no weapons visibly, but moved with the cautious grace of a trained warrior.
"Hear hear!" he cheers as he walks over to Erianna, his voice deep but with a slight, hard-to-place accent to it. "These words I would speak, too, for evil should not be left to fester and grow strong in the darkness, but rooted out and valiantly slain!"
He reaches Erianna's table. "I am Mwenye," he states, waving at the chair opposite hers. "Perhaps we might speak?"
That no one blinks an eye at the sight of a catfolk is testament to the number of strange things that pass through Zelkor's Brew on a daily basis. The Innkeeper shakes his head. "No one ever get's out of that place alive." It is clear he is tired of the subject and moves on to check the other tables and patrons.
A rugged, but handsome half-elf stands from his chair in a corner at the arrival of these two new comers. He deftly moves over the them and lowers the cowl of his cloak.
Well, you don't see folk like this everyday. He glances towards the catfolk. Ahem, so, exotic, and strikingly beautiful.
He looks towards Erianna with a smile as he finishes his sentence. He rests his right arm on Mwenye's shoulder.
A toast, to the routing of evil, and the reclamation of great treasures!
As he says this, he attempts to swipe a minor item from the catfolk, just a piece of soap.
He then backs away suddenly Ah! where are my manners, my name is Derick, Derick Velen. But my friends call me dart, and I couldn't help but overhear that you folk might be planning to go down the well? If so, I gladly offer my services to you. He takes an exaggerated bow. before glancing back towards Erianna.
To be in such fine company, would be an honor in itself. Might you do me the honor of giving me your name fair lady?
at the barkeeps remark, Derick merely smiles and boasts. That, my friend is because those poor sods didn't have Golarion's greatest tomb-raider to aid them.
Ryoken sits by himself in a corner, nursing the same, still mostly full, mug of ale that he'd had since he'd entered. Though he's human, his exotic dress makes him stand out almost as much as the nekojin. Though perhaps not as much as if he'd been wearing the full o-yoroi instead of his simpler tatami do. He had always found it easier to move in while offering almost as much protection and it wasn't quite as showy. Sitting on the table next to him lay his kabuto helmet with its face mask-- a laughing kitsune-- in place.
Without the helmet, you could see that his long black hair was pulled into a neat topknot. You could also see that one eye was the dark brown you'd expect of one with his tanned complexion, the other was a light blue, possibly related to the scar he sported in that area, though there were no signs that his vision was impaired. At his side hangs what at first appear to be the traditional daisho of a samurai, but on closer inspection, it's clear that the katana has been replaced with another of the shorter wakizashi.
"No one ever get's out of that place alive."
His mouth twists upward in a smile at though, though it's not a gesture of amusement. He touches the hilt of one of his blades absently. Hear that brother? I might soon be joining you. His mirthless smile turned in to a frown. [i]Though if what I hear is true, perhaps I may not be able to move on. Will you then continue to watch over me as you have if I'm stuck in that accursed place for all eternity?[/ooc]
We watched with what nowadays passed as mild interest for him as the group of loud people gathered together, apparently all planning on entering that dark place. Should he consider likewise finding a group to explore with? It might improve his chances of survival. But then, is that really something he wanted? His eyes glazed over slightly as he remembered some of the adventures he had gotten into with various members of his clan. And in the end, it was the pang of loneliness that set his feet in motion.
Placing his helmet under one arm, he stands and walks over to the group, bowing formally to them. "Excuse me, but I could not help but overhear your words. I am--" He seems about to say one thing before catching himself, a brief look of sorrow flickering over his face before continuing "Ryoken. I was also considering entering the Rappan Athuk. Perhaps we might share what we know of the place? As they say, if you do not break down your plans, you plan to break down." His words are soft spoken but clearly and precisely said.
He reaches Erianna's table. "I am Mwenye," he states, waving at the chair opposite hers. "Perhaps we might speak?"
"I am Erianna" - the woman nods back at the cat man - "Well met Mwenye, you are most welcome to join me of course" - she pushes the chair with her leg under the table - "What would we talk about?"
A rugged, but handsome half-elf stands from his chair in a corner at the arrival of these two new comers. He deftly moves over the them and lowers the cowl of his cloak.
Well, you don't see folk like this everyday. He glances towards the catfolk. Ahem, so, exotic, and strikingly beautiful.
He looks towards Erianna with a smile as he finishes his sentence.
Erianna bats her eyelashes, and courtseys gracefully.
A toast, to the routing of evil, and the reclamation of great treasures!
As he says this, he attempts to swipe a minor item from the catfolk, just a piece of soap.
He then backs away suddenly Ah! where are my manners, my name is Derick, Derick Velen. But my friends call me dart, and I couldn't help but overhear that you folk might be planning to go down the well? If so, I gladly offer my services to you. He takes an exaggerated bow. before glancing back towards Erianna.
To be in such fine company, would be an honor in itself. Might you do me the honor of giving me your name fair lady?
at the barkeeps remark, Derick merely smiles and boasts. That, my friend is because those poor sods didn't have Golarion's greatest tomb-raider to aid them.
"My name is Erianna, and this here is Mwenye" - Erianna chuckles at the man's exaggerated behaviour - "I am no lady though - more a wanderer and a traveler, hoping not to be so anymore" - she comments - "And I must say I am quite surprised that 'the greatest tomb raider in Golarion' would just simply 'offer' his services" - the half-elf keeps on smiling.
Placing his helmet under one arm, he stands and walks over to the group, bowing formally to them. "Excuse me, but I could not help but overhear your words. I am--" He seems about to say one thing before catching himself, a brief look of sorrow flickering over his face before continuing "Ryoken. I was also considering entering the Rappan Athuk. Perhaps we might share what we know of the place? As they say, if you do not break down your plans, you plan to break down." His words are soft spoken but clearly and precisely said.
"Well spoken Ryoken - it is a pleasure to meet you, but there is no need for such formality though friend - pull up a chair and join us" - she bows shortly - "I am buying the next round, so you can pick your poison - I am Erianna, this is Mwenye, and over here to my left is... 'the greatest tomb raider in Golarion" - she chuckles again.
Mwenye eyes Dart suspiciously as he takes his seat, but smiles as Ryoken introduces himself. "Ah, so quickly are we four, yes? It seems a good number for a dangerous road to a dark place, does it not?"
He considers the other three for a moment. Dart he does not trust--such a showy introduction must hide something. Erianna seems a solid warrior by her gear, as does Ryoken... but he admits to himself that he does not seem at all like what he is, either. And they shall have need of a "tomb raider's" skills just as much as a warrior's in days to come, he suspects.
"Now, for what we would speak of? Anything that shall improve our chances of success. Perhaps we might pool our knowledge of this place, since those dwelling here seem so... determined to deter those who set out to it." Mwenye deliberately does not look over at the man who spoke earlier. "I myself know little, I fear, save that a great paladin was felled in its halls--a warning to us that we must work together and always be wary, yes?"
Dart merely grins and bows at his introduction.
Ah, Erianna, a fitting name. And as for my offer, well, I would of course expect more than my fair share of any treasures within this place, for there are bound to be many. Besides, if you plan to enter, I couldn't stand idly by as you went off to what apparently is assured doom! What a loss it would be! As such, I accept your purchase of my services for a few drinks.
He slyly takes out the stolen bar of soap and tosses it to Mwenye, Besides, if you truly are planning to enter, you may need someone to keep an eye or two out for ya. Especially considering that tale. He gives a wink to Mwenye.
He finally takes a seat, sitting reverse in the chair and resting his arms on the top of the back rest. As for what I know? I know we should be cautious, and quiet. I've heard of a powerful dragon sleeping in the depths of this tomb. If that is true, I can only imagine how large this place must be. A slight hint of excitement can be seen in his eyes for a few moments before fading. You know see several daggers fastened and sheathed around his legs, along with a few starknives of the smaller variety hanging from his waist.
Mwenye snatches the soap out of the air with appropriately catlike agility, but looks rather surprised when he realizes it's his soap. The look he gives Dart afterward is... guarded.
"I have little doubt such talents will be useful... so long as they are applied properly," he comments, slipping the soap back into his pack.
Ryoken pulls up a chair from his former table, bringing his mug with him. "I am fine with just this." He nods his thanks to Erianna as he sits down. Truth be told, he had already done enough drinking to drown a small country right after he had left, or rather been kicked out of, his home. Between that and the strangeness of this odd wheat-drink, he had lost his taste somewhat.
"Ah, so quickly are we four, yes? It seems a good number for a dangerous road to a dark place, does it not?"
He looks at him, considering. "Four is...an unlucky number. Representing death," he finally says flatly. Ha, even when you seek to increase your odds you stack the deck against yourself. "Seven samurai would be more fortuitous number."
"I have heard that a group of great warriors were slain and their spirits now haunt the halls. Even if the details are just speculation, with so many dead, some are bound to rise again."
Dart merely grins and bows at his introduction.
Ah, Erianna, a fitting name. And as for my offer, well, I would of course expect more than my fair share of any treasures within this place, for there are bound to be many. Besides, if you plan to enter, I couldn't stand idly by as you went off to what apparently is assured doom! What a loss it would be! As such, I accept your purchase of my services for a few drinks.
Erianna smiles at the continued compliments - "Hmmm. No. I accept your offered services. Stop. AND I will pay you a drink - the two are unrelated" - she adds.
Mwenye snatches the soap out of the air with appropriately catlike agility, but looks rather surprised when he realizes it's his soap. The look he gives Dart afterward is... guarded.
"I have little doubt such talents will be useful... so long as they are applied properly," he comments, slipping the soap back into his pack.
"I am sure The Dart will know when to correctly apply them, or not" - Erianna raises an eyebrow, but does not push the matter any further.
He looks at him, considering. "Four is...an unlucky number. Representing death," he finally says flatly. Ha, even when you seek to increase your odds you stack the deck against yourself. "Seven samurai would be more fortuitous number."
"I have heard that a group of great warriors were slain and their spirits now haunt the halls. Even if the details are just speculation, with so many dead, some are bound to rise again."
"Believe me I can understand the nature and strength of portents and omens, but I'm sure this time it will be different" - she nods at the man, but then laughs - "Well, I guess I am assuming we are doing this, but I haven't even asked - why are you all here? Why go into this most damned of holes?"
"Seven samurai would be more fortuitous number."
Mwenye nods as he listens to what the others know. "Could not the death represented be the death of evil?" He asks Ryoken, then turns back to Erianna.
"I go for the reasons you stated yourself--that evil may be slain while it dwells in dark holes, rather then trampling fields and burning homes in full war before it is struck down. It cannot be left to fester and grow strong."
Ah, As I've already said, I want to get at the treasures hidden away in there. Besides, I find stuff like this, well, rather exhilarating. Much better than the tedious boredom of a "normal" life.
He ponders a bit. While I am quite skilled with my blades, I fear I do not have much ability to deal with ghosts or spirits. I can do many things, so far, killing a ghost has not been added to that list.
No need to let them know I have another reason.
However, since you two seem so content with the destruction of evil, I think I'll take a larger share of the treasures lost in this tomb. He flashes a grin towards both Mwenye and Erianna.
"Could not the death represented be the death of evil?"
Ryoken shrugged, unconvinced but unwilling to push the matter.
However, since you two seem so content with the destruction of evil, I think I'll take a larger share of the treasures lost in this tomb.
But then how will they protect you if they don't have the money for proper equipment? quipped the old Ryoken. The current Ryoken, however, chose to remain silent. At least until he realized that Erianna had asked a question and all but him had answered.
There were both too many and not enough answers to the question of why he was interested in going down. Death. Redemption. Both were vague and would only beg more questions. Besides, he had no idea if he'd find both, one, or neither of the two below. In the end, he supposed it came down to a vague tugging feeling in his gut. "Why not?"
Mwenye's first instinct is to glare at Dart for such a suggestion... but something in his grin suggested the human was just trying to pull his tail. And so, he grins back, but then more seriously replies, "If we are to survive, each of us shall be weapon and armor to all. Weakness in one of us will threaten the whole group. As such, we should share whatever valuables we find equally, that we may be equally prepared. As for any equipment or magic items we find, I propose that those who it would be most useful for be allowed to take it, and anything remaining be sold and the proceeds equally split. Is this agreeable to all?"
"Makes sense to me" - Erianna smiles at the cat man, taking another sip from her drink - "Do any of you have an actual idea of where and how to exactly gain access to Rappan Athuk then?"
Ryoken blinks as the nekojin gives voice to pretty much the exact thing he had been thinking and nods. "Sounds fair to me." That sounds like something we'd be told back home. The realization raises mixed feelings in the man.
"If we are agreed on the terms of our alliance, should we head out soon? I have just this day finished my final preparation for the journey."
"We can head out soon - but we still need to know where we are heading" - Erianna winks at Ryoken.
Mwenye glances back over at the innkeeper. "Whichever way we are told not to go, it would seem," he says with a hint of a grin.
"You want to go down the well." Someone seems to have been eavesdropping and has interrupted your conversation. A human man in dirty but durable clothes who was at the table behind yours enjoying a hearty breakfast. He has red hair and an old scar on one side of his face, a sack on the floor with an empty weapon scabbard. "Perhaps you want to buy my map." In one of his hands he is holding a folded up sheet of paper. "Won't be needing it for myself anymore, seeing as I'm the only one left. But if you're foolhardy enough to go searching for the treasure. I could at least recoup some of my losses. 50 pieces of gold and it's all yours to go getting yourselves killed over. what do you say?"
Dart Eyes up the man offering his "map" of the area, trying to determine whether or not he is just trying to make a quick gold piece.
Well, that's very generous of you friend. However, 50 gold seems a hefty sum for a map of a place that few would enter. Indeed, I'd like to know exactly how one comes by a map of a place few, if any, ever return from. Tell me, what befell your group in this tomb? I'd like to have all the information I can before going down if its half as bad as folk here make it out to be.
You don't get any feeling of duplicity coming from the man. He seems worn out, evident from the wear and tear on his clothes and as you look a little closer you notice bandages around his waist. "It's not a map of the inside. It just shows you the entrance. There wasn't enough time to make any other maps. I was the only one that survived. Even lost my sword. I need to get as far away from here as soon as I can so I'll give it to you for 40 pieces."
"I am afraid I at least do not have spare cash for such a map; as I am sure you are aware, gold would not be as useful as items in such a place as the Rappan Athuk. Perhaps though, I could trade some healing instead?" Ryoken indicates the bandages around the man's waist.
"I can pay," Mwenye states. He spends a few moments counting out coins, then pours them into the man's hands... doing his best to hide the fact that he's paying the full 50 gold pieces. "Perhaps we might be able to avenge your comrades. What did you face at the entrance?"
The man accepts the coin, stuffing them into his own coinpurse pulling the strings to close it tight and hiding it away under his shirt. "Thankyou. I'll be ok, it's mostly just a scratch." he says in regard to his bandages.
He stands without a problem and moves over to your table laying down the map and smoothing out the folds. His finger comes down on the 'X'. "It's there. 100 miles or so south of here down the coast road about 15 miles off the road. I don't recommend getting to it by boat. The reef is too dangerous. The guards patrol the road and have checkpoints at each bridge, the third is Qadiran controlled. They mostly stick to the road so you should be careful of bandits if you stray from it. As for the entrance, when we opened the door zombies and skeletons swarmed out. There were ghouls too I think." As if remembering a terrible memory his head sinks and his voice lowers, "They surrounded us. I'd be dead if I didn't drop my weapon and run straight away..."
Dart wraps his arm over the mans shoulder, for a moment thinking about lifting that gold off him before thinking to himself. No, no, I suppose this man has been through enough.
Well, I thank you for your aid friend. Its more information about the place than I've heard yet combined. While we can't bring your comrades back, be assured that those creatures won't survive to harm others for much longer. He pats the mans shoulder as walks back to take his seat.
So then, we have our destination. Do we leave now, or in the early morn? Personally I'd prefer the later, I've always preferred traveling at the break of dawn. something peaceful about it. Refreshing even.
he glances to the rest of the makeshift group. I just hope these guys are good. For their own sakes.
"Zombies and skeletons I have faced before, and only grown stronger since," Mwenye boasted, "Ghouls in numbers with other undead would, indeed, be dangerous, but I am confident we can face them, yes? Worry not, friend. Your comrades shall be avenged!"
He looks back at his new companions, nodding at Dart's words. "It seems we must pack for a journey of some length, yes? Perhaps additional supplies of food would be wise, though I know not how much you already have. Then we could depart."
"It is good to know that we may be ambushed immediately upon entering. Two warned is two armed, yes? It will give us chance to set up our own ambush. As for bandits, perhaps running in to a few would not be so bad. A warmup for what is to come as we adjust to each other."
"As for supplies, I have already finished with my shopping. I do not know what the inside of the Rappan Athuk will be like, but we should be able to perhaps do a little hunting on the way there."
The man accepts the coin, stuffing them into his own coinpurse pulling the strings to close it tight and hiding it away under his shirt. "Thankyou. I'll be ok, it's mostly just a scratch." he says in regard to his bandages.
He stands without a problem and moves over to your table laying down the map and smoothing out the folds. His finger comes down on the 'X'. "It's there. 100 miles or so south of here down the coast road about 15 miles off the road. I don't recommend getting to it by boat. The reef is too dangerous. The guards patrol the road and have checkpoints at each bridge, the third is Qadiran controlled. They mostly stick to the road so you should be careful of bandits if you stray from it. As for the entrance, when we opened the door zombies and skeletons swarmed out. There were ghouls too I think." As if remembering a terrible memory his head sinks and his voice lowers, "They surrounded us. I'd be dead if I didn't drop my weapon and run straight away..."
"I am not surprised such place is packed to its brim with undead" - the woman steps forward - "I am Erianna, please to meet you and I regret to hear about the woes you have faced" - she nods - "I did not get your name friend"
"Zombies and skeletons I have faced before, and only grown stronger since," Mwenye boasted, "Ghouls in numbers with other undead would, indeed, be dangerous, but I am confident we can face them, yes? Worry not, friend. Your comrades shall be avenged!"
He looks back at his new companions, nodding at Dart's words. "It seems we must pack for a journey of some length, yes? Perhaps additional supplies of food would be wise, though I know not how much you already have. Then we could depart."
"Yes Mwenye, I do require a few additional purchases, but these should not take long to acquire"
"Perhaps you will fare better than I. Good luck to you all. I have some traveling to do." He takes his coin and finishes his breakfast before leaving. Headed wherever his fortunes might take him next.
As you finish your gathering of supplies a shopkeeper asks you, "You're not going to Rappan Athuk are you? Have you seen the Mayor yet? He doesn't like private enterprises going south. The guards won't give you trouble at any of the checkpoints if you have his official signature. Though if I guess true at the nature of your business I must say it's not the wisest of ideas. Things are changing around here, it's not like it was when I was a little girl. No sir. Why even the farmers nearby are having trouble with bandits now. They've come more and more north, there aren't enough guards to protect everyone. Why last month the Mayor requested even more reinforcements. If that happens who knows what Quadira's reaction will be. I never thought it would come back to it but if a war happens because of this blasted Rappan Athuk activity I think I'll just move across the sea thank you very much. I'll just pack up and go, me and my husband and settle somewhere quiet." The shopkeeper seems to rattle on like this for a while, talking but with barely anything of real substance to say.
Mwenye glanced at his companions. "It seems it would be useful to have the Mayor's approval. If none of you see any reason not to speak with him, let us go."
it would likely just delay us with paperwork. I've done this several times before, hardly any of which involved needing me to get permission. Normally I was thanked for putting to rest old tales or creatures from the places. Dart states, clearly not particularly fond of getting involved with official work and the like. Besides, he will likely ask for a fee, or share, or something. Not like he can really offer much to aid us anyway.
Not convinced with Dart's braggart nature, Ryoken expresses his disagreement "Going through official channels is normally best. I do not know how many guard posts are between here and our destination, but might we not be slowed down even more if we must stop at every one to convince them to let us continue without the proper papers? Besides, might there not be a good reason, one not financially motivated, for the mayor to want to keep track of who heads South?"
Dart smiles at Ryoken. guard posts never slowed me down before. Besides, like the man says, they normally stick to the roads, not the forests. Should be simple to merely skirt around them. If we run into bandits in so doing.. well, as you said, it's a good warmup. We aren't going to be doing anything illegal, actually, in fact, what we are planning is likely a big boon to people around here. Actually, you know what, maybe it's about time tales of my heroism got circulated more. So. While I still disagree with going to the mayor. I won't resist if you guys, and charming lady, decide to be hero's. [/B]
A clerk behind a desk greets you as you enter the building. There are already a few others waiting or talking together while they wait. Several businessmen, a merchant, even a farmer and his daughter who look a bit worse for wear. "How can I help you?" the Clerk says as you approach.
"Oh excellent. With more and more adventuring types such as yourself around the Mayor has taken it upon himself to ensure fair dealings between you and Taldor. Any treasure that you may find we will purchase directly from you here, freeing you of the burden of finding buyers on your own. Our soldiers can take security of items of value for safekeeping at any of our established checkpoints. For your security we suggest travelling on the road as much as possible as this is the only place secured from the occasional bandits. If you could give me all of your names I will have the document ready and signed by the Mayor before the end of the day." The nature of the deal seems to aid you in taking away some of the hassle of turning unwanted treasure into wealth but also to keep track of those moving through the land. The fine print mentions that in the event of an untimely demise all held items and wealth shall belong to Taldor. Though the deal technically benefits both parties, the amount of stories of people returning from Rappan Athuk reveal that the majority of riches have been going to the state. Later that afternoon you pick up the document holding the seal of Taldor and are instructed that you can show it at any time to the guards on the coast road to have them aid you.
Also having done finished shopping and preparing for your travels you all enjoy a final meal at the inn and a comfortable bed, for you can not be sure if you will ever return to such again...
With the sun barely up you prepare to leave this town behind. You are not the only ones that get an early start around here. Already merchants are beginning to fill the streets and guards patrol ever on the lookout for trouble. The smell of the sea permeates the air still as other smells are yet to be awoken. "Good luck to ye." the Innkeeper says with a final wave, expecting you to never return.
Where the town ends and the rolling plains begin you see the guard's outpost. The final building before leaving Mistthorne behind. Two guards on duty wave to you as you approach. "Greetings travelers. Where are you headed this early in the morning?" When you show them the papers they nod. "Haven't seen too many of those in a while. The policy still stands though and we will honour the Mayor's deal. As it states, if any of you do not return to claim proceedings from sales within a month we will assume your death and Taldor will claim all. Any one of you 4 can deposit or claim items or coin from us in your comings and goings." He wishes you good luck and allows you to pass.
Mwenye thanks the clerk and the guards as they do their business, but he seems glad to be on the road and out of town. Once the group is a little ways from the guardpost, he looks at his companions.
"I cannot say I was planning on leaving anything behind for them to claim," he states, with a bit of a grin. "I am... not given to letting my possessions out of my sight, so to speak." He gives Dart a sidelong glance at this last comment. "Silver dragons might be among the kindest and most honorable of dragons, but they are still dragons. You see, I am descended from one." He smiles widely.
Ryoken is pleased that going through the proper channels proved not to be as much as a hassle as Dart had believed. As he has expected, it seemed to only ease their passage. Of course, he does not say as much; it would be unwise to cause someone he was going to travel with to lose face over such a silly matter.
Once on the road, he nods at Mwenye's statement. "Yes, it is...awkward to have another hold many of your things should you need to suddenly depart. And you never know when such an event my occur." He also seems to take the nekojin's claim of being part dragon in stride. "I have heard many tales of dragons taking on human form and of their descendants. It would not surprise me to hear that they had likewise taken on the forms of kitsune or other forest spirits as well. Each time it is done, they play a key role some great or terrible event of their day. If that is true of their offspring as well, let us hope it is the former rather than the latter."
The first day you see no one on the road, not even a patrol yet. Weather is fair and sunny; almost a perfect day. The rolling hills and plains hide several farms and you aren't able to see the forest to the south east yet save for the occasional copse of trees. It would be easy for bandits to hide in this terrain and despite occasionally checking on a farmer it's easy to see why the guards do not usually leave the road.
On the second day around noon you see a caravan on the road headed north a couple miles from you. They have spotted you too and the caravan guards hold tighter formation as they approach.
Erianna approaches and steps forth to greet the caravan - "Well met friends" - she nods - "I am Erianna, and these are my traveling companions - we mean no harm, and are simply looking for information" - she smiles non-threateningly - "What news of the road?"
Before reaching the caravan. Dart will attempt to subtly place a flower in Erianna's hair. As She hails the group, Dart brings out a guitar and begins to play.
Aye, how about a quick tune, to brighten all our moods?
"I would prefer news first," Mwenye states. "For our part, we saw no trouble since leaving Mistthorne, though rumors abound in the town of trouble to the south. Are any true?"
As it gets closer you can see that there are 5 wagons total in this caravan and about 20 guards and a dozen or more merchants or servants riding among the wagons. "Step aside and let us pass then travelers." A man on the front of the first wagon says to you in an authoritative voice. "We are in a hurry to reach Mistthorne and have no patience for stopping." The guards are making a show of their force as they stand alongside each wagon.
Before reaching the caravan. Dart will attempt to subtly place a flower in Erianna's hair.
Erianna's hand goes to her blade as Dart moves in to place the flower in her hair - she relaxes once she notices his objective, but still the invasion of her personal space seems to throw the woman off... And her words do not come out as she would like them to.
what my companion means to say Is that we are merely traveling as well. We seek only a small word of the going ons down south. If you have seem any signs of trouble along the road.
Mwenye steps aside, but says as he does so, "So you have had trouble then, else you would not be in so great a hurry when so well-armed?"