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Hajar is immune! *hypnotic eyes* Give ME your dog.
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Relieved that the whole temple fiasco had ended somewhat in his favor, the Pathfinder noticeably relaxed, letting his shoulders slump slightly even amidst the presence of the Merchant Princess Almah and her guest.
At the prospect of a reward, Amir simply raised his hand in denial, shaking his head slowly to commiserate his point.
"If you're going to give me a share, I'd rather you put it towards the guardsman's family. Times are tough; probably even tougher for his wife and kids. It might not ease his passing, but maybe it'll help them get by," encourage the bard, waggling his brow thoughtfully before adding, "And if he didn't have one, then split it between your men. Tell em' they have my condolences."
With the assembly on the move to disperse, Amir gave one final, slight bow to Almah and her compatriot before turning on his heel and leaving their chambers. With the temple dealt with and contact made with those who revived the fallen vista, Amir now had his work cut out for him, bearing both much to chronicle and leads to follow. Doomed to be busy for the foreseeable future, the Pathfinder thought it more prudent to get a jump on the job now.
For the next few days, the Pathfinder is both strangely scarce and yet everywhere at once. A blur of (albeit sometimes inebriated) activity, his time was quickly sundered between filing his own chronicles, getting up-to-speed with the goings-on themselves in Kelmarane, and preparing for his inevitably prolonged stay in the rekindled battle-market... at least until he was satisfied with the sanctity of Kelmarane as a whole.
Petitioned Almah, Merchant Princess and Emissary of the Pactmasters, to relinquish control of the ruined site to the faithful of Nethys to help bolster Kelmarane's presence in lieu of having it torn down. Should the clergy choose not to reclaim it, will send word to the lodge in Osirion to have members of the Society sent to scour it clean before the temples' destruction or reclamation by nature.
I admit, my initial impression of these heroes wasn't what I was expecting. Then again, there was little information to go on regarding the individuals themselves before my arrival, so I suppose that was a given. Initial thoughts:
Merchant Princess. Agent of the Pactmasters. Employer to the Heroes of Kelmarane and undoubtedly the biggest power player here. Almah's easy on the eyes, level-headed, and a sharp dresser. Good taste in picking associates; it's no wonder she was chosen to lead the foray in reclaiming Kelmarane. Seems to keep to herself for the most part, but clearly seeks counsel with her former employees; good sense, that. Knows how to manage people, and understands their worth.
*Highborn. Likely has ample connections with Katapesh outside of the Pactmasters; eyes and ears everywhere. Could probably organize endeavors to expand into the Brazen Peaks in time. Wonder if she's single?
It isn't often I meet Varisians this far south; doubly so for someone like Bartan. Gifted with arcane talents. Quick-witted. Ladykiller. Deadly with a deck of cards. Either a faithful or fanatic of Irez; seems obsessed with fate and fortune. Backed my ploy to see the remains of the temple put back in the hands of Nethys' clergy. Nice enough guy.
*Seems to have a thing for Yazi. And most other attractive women. Can hardly blame him; Yazi doesn't seem to mind. Potentially exploitable weakness; might never see the black widows coming. Also, should probably never play cards against him.
The only man who seems like he belongs here, Hajar nar Jundi is a faithful of the Dawnflower and defacto spiritual leader of the clergy, it would seem. Competent combatant with his falchion, equally capable field medic with his divine talents. Led the charge against Haidar, and intervened to save the lives of Yazi, Bartan, and Khayal. Good leader, but a bit uptight. Found the venture into the ruins a waste of time, even though we dealt with the wereleopard encroaching on the roads.
*Stout and dependable. Would follow him to war; would make a terrible Pathfinder though. Chaste? Eunuch? Married? Unknown. Probably shouldn't ask. Given some creative tweaking, might make for a good main character for a book.
Stern. Quiet. Deadly with those kukri of his. Khayal seems to be as much an extension of Almah's influence as he is a protector, appointed to keeping the roads clear of gnolls and other such things. Married, it would seem, but to whom I'm not sure. Poor sap. Still, wouldn't want to cross blades against him. Nearly felled by the rogue Emir amidst the ruins while protecting the others, but was quickly saved through curative magics by Hajar.
*Awfully mysterious. Also faithful. Turned down prospective celebration to spend time with his wife; potential target should someone seek to try and supplant or seek vengeance against Khayal. Would be a bad move for them; revenge is a double-edged sword.
If Hajar is the pinnacle of rigidness, Yazi is the Anti-Hajar. Bloodthirsty, ungodly strong, wildly promiscuous, gives Almah a run for her money in the looks department. Outspoken and bold; draws eyes faster than men and women draw breath. Unsure of personal interests in Kelmarane's liberation; suspect there's more to her than she lets on. Nearly met an untimely end when the wereleopard ambushed her in the caves below the temple amidst the eerie smoke, but was saved through Hajar's prayers.
*Woman after my own heart; lives fast, unafraid to take risks. Security issues? Unsure if just paranoia brought on by mists, or something more emotional and personal. Seems to have a thing for Bartan; doesn't mind sharing that with others in a very literal sense. Potential risk factor. Should never spite her after hearing her tale of peppers and prophylactics.
A druid who has history with the Heroes of Kelmarane that joined them in their search for the wereleopard terrorizing the roads between Osirion and Katapesh. Is an odd fish; don't mind watching her work though. Potent summoner and spellcaster, she conjured a horde of bats during the group's encounter with chokers deeper in the temple ruins, and parted the mists during the brawl with the Falcon Emir. Didn't seem particularly enthused to partake in celebrations after the heroes cleared the temple, nor pleased when I voiced my interest in letting Nethys' clergy retake the ruins. Feel like she means well, but doesn't seem interested in socializing outside of her saviors, nor in Nethys' magic.
*Not sure if ambivalent to or unaware of various romantic ploys. What does a druid do in their spare time? Gets emotional over the suffering of animals; should probably make all attempts to avoid getting my camel slaughtered if she's within earshot. Must be careful where I walk, too, lest I accidentally kick a cat.
Firstly, Amir'll forgo his portion of the reward for dealing with the wereleopard. If my math's right, that's 150gp. He'll either give it to the family of the guard who died, or donate it to the men he served with so they can drown their sorrows.
Shopping! Taking your advice, Amir'll pick up a Wand of Identify if he can for 750gp (leaving him with 1132.88gp). He'll also pick up a Courtier's Outfit and the requisite jewelry for 80gp so he's not so ragamuffinish (knocking him down monetarily to 1052.88gp).
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At the offering of a treat Doc's eyes and ears rapt to attention with delight. He'll happily move over to gently nudge the morsel out of her hands before gobbling it down, sitting in attention during and afterwards incase there might be more.
At Shirin's words a pained smile plays out on Yazi's face as she gets up to give her companion one last scratch behind the ears. Looking at Shirin with a slight mist in her eyes she manages to force out "Thank you, thank you both so much." before turning her attention to Doc. "You're going to be staying here for now okay buddy? Keep Shirin company and safe okay buddy?.. You're such a good boy." With one last pat on the head she'll turn and hurriedly head out the door as she uses the sleeve of her coat to wipe her eyes.
The realization of what just happened seemingly striking now Doc will turn to watch Yazi leave. With a crook of his head he'll turn back to look back and forth between Shirin and Khayal expectantly.
Bartan spends the evening dealing in the gambling hall, perfecting his craft, but seeks out Yazi that night, as he feels the need to comfort her.
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It doesn't take Bartan long to find her, sitting at the bar at the Lucky Cup. When he comes up she tries to pass off a hiccup of a sob as simply drunken stupor. "Oh he was getting too stressed to keep following crazy girls down crazy caves so I... let Shirin take him. He's gonna like that, being a fat lazy guard dog." With a forced chuckle she'll swayingly step up from her stool and languidly wrap an arm around Bartan. "What did you have in mind love?"
At his sigh and admonishment Yazi's pained face turns more into a grimace. "But this is how I want to thank you. All you do everyday is watch over us and deliver your Goddess' will, you always look so grim and stressed, I was just wanting to make you happy for a bit... And I cannot thank you in the way you ask, my Goddess has me following a different path."
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Stepping up close to the Paladin she'll lay her palms on his chest. "But that is not to say we cannot walk alongside one another. Please don't think of this as me owing you anything if that is what's troubling you, I merely wish to thank you, because I appreciate you. You are my friend Sunshine, and I care about you."
*stares up and night sky* Who Am I?
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At Hajar's last admonisment Yazi's eyes widen in fear. Pleading she'll wrap her arms around around the man. "Please, I'm sorry! I just wanted to help you! Please don't stop being my friend! Please... Please..." Tears welling up in her eyes she'll bury her face in the Paladin's chest. "Please... Please... Please..."
-----------------------Begin Book Two "The House of the Beast"-----------
During your patrols to eliminate the gnoll packs in the area, you have heard rumors in the Pale Mountain area to the west of Kelmarane. An immense gnoll named Ghartok, known to his packs as the Carrion King. Ghartok resides in the House of the Beast, a near-legendary place of ruin and horror in the Pale Mountain region.
As word spread about the new warlord — a gnoll who worshiped not Lamashtu but Rovagug, who had claimed the haunted House of the Beast as his home, who fought with a howling greataxe, who towered nearly twice the height of most of his kin — more and more tribes have forsaken tradition to come to Pale Mountain.
Such a reorganization of the gnoll packs would threaten Kelmarane directly, as it stands as the foremost human settlement in the region. But there has been no word of a gnoll army on the march, anywhere - yet.
Garavel informs you that letters from the churches of Sarenrae in Solku and Katapesh indicate that the clerics have finally agreed on sending a high priest to Kelmarane's Sarenrae church. The high priest is due to arrive in a few weeks with a changing of the Pactmaster guards, fresh troops from Katapesh. The letters indicate the Church of Sarenrae will let you, Kelmarane's Abbot-Protector, and the new high priest, decide how to prioritize restoring the church's restoration as well as the Old Monastery of St. Vardishal. The new high priest will be authorized to request funds from other cities' churches, and hire contractors.
Were you going to write a letter to the Pathfinders about the Refuge of Nethys? You'd have to send a sealed missive to your venture-captain superior. A letter directly to Absalom would cost near a hundred gold pieces, but you can send the letter with a caravan merchant to Katapesh for just 3.6 gp (a tip would be appreciated). The letter will be sent to a disguised chapter-house, which will get it to the regional venture-captain for confirmation and relay to the Society in Absalom. It will take 2 weeks to arrive in Katapesh.
Two mornings later, another merchant caravan arrives in Kelmarane. While the merchant's camels and men are rather ordinary, intending on selling manufactured goods from Katapesh to the borderlands, a singular person who accompanies them stands out. In the lower section of the battle market this visitor takes up a spot at the tavern bar, loudly proclaiming that he wishes to speak with the leaders of the village and the heroes who so recently liberated it from the gnolls. The man is an intimidating character towering over six feet, bald with a starkly white beard bound in copper bands. He is dressed in a red robe with brass jewelry, some trailing runic writings on leather. The tall human has a sword and a traveler's equipment at his side, including a large tome. But he gives off the air of a cleric, not a fighter.
Hajar happened to be near the Battle Market on that morning, since he was preparing the Temple of Sarenrae for the new High Priest. He hears word of a huge man, whose description is oddly similar to Kardswann. Hajar gives a final few directions for the workers before heading to the Battle Market.
[ooc]Father Z disapproves, saying it would be best to lock the cursed weapon away, but it's Undrella that wants to play with the "shiny thing". Either way, you can keep the blade, it's your choice, but expect word to get out to the others that you're still using it, along with the threat of lycanthropy.
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Yazi happily thanks Father Z for his concern and all his help but she will still choose to keep the blade. Using it is another matter. She'll explain to the halfling about her Goddess Sekhmet, herself commonly depicted as an anthromorphic Lioness, and how similar leonine creatures are sacred to her. That and how Haidar attacked her first and that she was the one that recovered the blade just seem all too much for a coincidence to her. To Uni she'll just joke that "sure she can play with it, if she doesn't mind trading all her feathers for fur" if that doesn't deter the harpy Yazi will still not let her play with it. She doesn't let the blade leave her side. As to the backlash, come what may.
Bartan didn't hear about the goings-on in the battle market until afterwards, so I'll wait to see what he hears about it. :)
Now what kind of skuttlebutt is this that again breaks the silence of the desert morning? Paige makes her way to the battlemarket. She watches the caravan unload. As the heat of the morning rises Paige takes a bucket of water to the camels. It's one of those things where she doubts anyone would protest. And should some fool prevent her from caring for these creatures that just marched 200 miles bearing their masters' junks, she would find an opportunity to try some new spells she's learned upon them in order to remind them of their inner compassion for nature's beasts.
That's when she hears the man in the taven hollering for heroes of Kelmarane. Ah, I smell new adventure! Paige heads for the inn...
@GM, check Y, N, or Maybe:Yazi happily thanks Father Z for his concern and all his help but she will still choose to keep the blade. Using it is another matter. She'll explain to the halfling about her Goddess Sekhmet, herself commonly depicted as an anthromorphic Lioness, and how similar leonine creatures are sacred to her. That and how Haidar attacked her first and that she was the one that recovered the blade just seem all too much for a coincidence to her. To Uni she'll just joke that "sure she can play with it, if she doesn't mind trading all her feathers for fur" if that doesn't deter the harpy Yazi will still not let her play with it. She doesn't let the blade leave her side. As to the backlash, come what may.
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The morning, as so many often are these days for Amir, had been one of frantic activity on behalf of the bardic Pathfinder. Ever since his arrival, he'd been hard at work piecing together the tale of events that had led up to this point, documenting the rise and continual successes of the heroes who'd put it all on the line for Kelmarane.
In a highly similar vein, the young chronicler was struggling to find a suitable means by which to relay the much needed news to Grand Lodge. Though the letter was set, the problem was that it was such a costly thing. But fate once again favored him when news reached Amir's ears of the arrival of the newest caravan. Talk about being lucky!
"Hey! You. Yeah, you. I need you to do something for me," insisted Amir as he reached the caravan, sealed envelope in-hand and no small measure of pep in his step, passing by Paige as she tended to the weary beasts of burden. "When you guys leave, I need you to deliver this message for me. There's a trading post in town; ask for Vennic, and pass this on to him," explained the Pathfinder, passing the wax-sealed letter into the fellow's hands, along with two platinum pieces. "One of those is payment. The other's so you don't take a peek. It's very important that you neither open it nor anyone else knows you're carrying it, okay? It's for the good of Kelmarane, so I'm trusting you."
With his missive delivered, Amir was feeling pretty good about his day so far. Things were coming together splendidly, and with surprising serendipity. But then something peculiar happened. A man, garbed and glamoured in brass jewelry, had apparently come with these fine purveyors of goods, demanding an audience with those who ruled Kelmarane. For a moment the Pathfinder almost felt the urge to run off and find the other heroes, but his drive was cut short; first by Hajar, whom he'd practically missed amidst the throng of merchants, as he followed after the odd -- and armed -- man into the nearby tavern. Soon followed by Paige, it looked like the man was getting exactly what he wanted; obviously this was substantial importance.
Turning on his heel and his face locked into a facade of bewilderment and curiosity, Amir felt confident that Hajar and Paige could at least satiate the fellow's curiosity; but if it was serious, then Almah needed to know.
While Hajar and Paige do their thing, Amir'll instead go find Almah, since this is kind of her shindig and this guy's looking for people in-charge.
Getting back into Kelmerane mid afternoon, Khayal makes his way to the battle market. Once there he spends about half an hour tracking down one of his companions. Coming across Hajar he walks over briskly and whispers in a hushed voice. I have heard things in the wilderness, amongst the gnolls there is a new leader rising. They call him Ghartok, he raising an army in the Pale Mountains, west of Kelmarane. His followers have taken to calling him the Carrion King.
Paige eyes the stranger warily. She will wait for her friends to arrive before speaking to him. She orders a bubbly brew, sliding a copper coin to the bar tender. I know it's morning, but why not! *shrug*
Hmmm...higher than the 25% "rob 'em blind" percentage, but lower than the check needed without an Intimidate. Let's say the missive gets to where it needs to be going - and the Pathfinder Society chapterhouse loses an entire point in reputation. I wouldn't be too quick to try and impress the venture-captain in person later on. He's going to remember your name, and not for a good reason.
Garavel intercepts you on the stairs to the third level of the battle market. He's not going to have a newcomer demand to see Princess Almah in person - far from it. But he will go back downstairs with you and see this interesting person himself.
For those inside the battle market at the first-floor bar: you see a very tall bald human in red robes with brass accompaniments. He's downing a large clay mug of what passes for a morning stimulant in these parts and eying the cook's plate of scrambled chicken eggs and dried fruit with suspicious trepidation. The other regulars at the battle market bar are giving the stranger a wide berth, as he is putting off a "no-nonsense" air. His thick white beard jutting from his chin is bound in copper bands, and he still has the dust of travel upon his booted feet and the lower fifth of his robes.
The rest of the battle market area has normal sounds on the other side of the arena: the merchants setting up their shops, the squawking of fowl in one or two of those shops, and people coming and going.
The Sun Goddess shine bright upon you friend. Hajar calls out in greeting as he approaches the big man. You have asked to speak with the ones which slew Xulthos?
The stranger gets off of the bar stool and turns, standing before Hajar. He silently looks Hajar up and down, his face expressionless. "Her brightness shine upon us all." he formally intones the response. "But you are not as her dreams have envisioned you, torch-sword." His eyes flickered to Khayal, and the bald, older man continued, "I see the bladed circle. Where are the other Heroes I was told about? The wild women, screaming their banshee wrath upon the gnolls? The luck-dealer, causing others to fall with a wave of his hands? This group of humans who brought low the undefeated Kulldis tribe? And their giant leader." His monologue ending on a lower note, a bass drum rumbling.
Garavel and Amir come from the stairs and hallway to the south of the battle market building, coming within conversation and sight.
Paige approaches the man, admiring the brass. That must have come from some place wonderful. Nature could only produce such beautiful metal in a few places in the world. Mines of Zolurket perhaps? You must be a traveler of distant lands, friend.
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"That's him," indicated Amir with a whisper to Garavel, pointing out the towering figure conversing with the Abbot-Protector and their resident druidess. "Talk about breaking the mold, am I right?"
The fellow seemed to know quite a bit about Kelmarane's heroes; enough, in fact, that the importance Amir had sussed out beforehand now seemed meager in comparison now. Whatever the absurdly tall man had to say, he wasn't going to say it to Amir; he needed to find the others.
"Keep an eye on tall, dark, and gaudy. I'll see about finding Yazi and Bartan."
From Pathfinder to glorified messenger, the bardic explorer trekked out from the battle market at a brisk pace, scouring the growing hub of activity for his erstwhile protagonists.
"Myself?" the stranger replied to Paige, waving a hand, trailing an attachment on thin leather from his wrist. "I am merely a humble traveler of the sand and scrub, a student of all things Sarenrae sees fit to shine upon, and an unwilling bearer of bad news."
"You have our attention with the last part." Garavel said, walking around the arena circle. "I am Garavel, second to the ruler of Kelmarane. If you have something to say to those who protect this town, you may say it here, stranger. But like Katapesh of Katapesh, what concerns the leaders here is trade, not catering to just any passer-by." The dark-bearded man stood, folding his hands behind his back.
"I do nothing outside the standards of hospitality." the red-robed man stiffly replied to the majordomo, spreading his hands wide and bowing slightly. "But by the light of the Dawnflower, I come to share a warning, nothing more. And nothing less." the white-bearded enigma insisted. "I am called Father Fidyzia by those who see me wander the sands." he said by way of introduction, pronouncing his name Fi-dyz-ia. "My dreams from Sarenrae state I must warn the protectors of Kelmarane of their folly. But I would not repeat myself, and would prefer to tell my vision but once."
"Half of the Heroes of Kelmarane are before you." Garavel stated, catching the eye of a town guardsman at the bar end of the bar and nodding to him. "And the others will be sent for. Until they arrive, enjoy your stay in the battle market."
Bartan and Yazi were "busying themselves" in one of the bedrooms of the manor house, when a messenger burst in, interrupting them uncomfortably. After throwing a few things at the offending man, they robe themselves and head over to the market, holding hands.
Khayal tries to anticipate what the news could be but waits patiently for the others to arrive. He wonders if this news could be of the carrion king and the gnolls he is gathering, or if there is some other threat on the horizon.
Whatever it is Paige says as the rest of her friends arrive, You should certainly tell us! We care about Kelmarane and will ensure she she is safe from whatever you have to warn us about!