Kanthuun has nothing to say initially to Tikhade; morose, he shuffles his feet and then suddenly gives the priestess an unexpected hug.
"I drew the mark of the Dawnflower in Abaddon," he says. "Perhaps Her light will follow one day."
He looks at Arasmes' corpse and openly weeps.
As the group traverses the dusty, starlit streets of Katapesh on the way from Torag's temple to the divine house of the Sun, Drovya takes care to mark the location of the dwarven house of worship. Perhaps I can return later, dwarves are fabled smiths after all, and I've never even killed one... No! I want new armor, not blood! Quiet yourself Ivan!
A glimpse of his inner turmoil is readily apparent from his anguished expression, but he composes himself quickly and hopes that the others will think it grief over their fallen friends.
At length, he says, If I should fall when we return to that place, take of my belongings what you will. I'll certainly have no need of them, he says with a smirk. Black Ivan though, he must be destroyed. I am the last of my family. There are no others to safeguard him. And, if he cannot be destroyed, he must be hidden away where no one will ever find him. Please, I beg it of you all.
We will return to that place and return with what we seek, Drovya says with a quiet force. Their deaths will not have been in vain.
In Transit
"Don't think that way. I'm not gonna let anyone be taken by that place. But in any case, understood."
At the temple of Sarenrae
The priestess makes appreciative eye contact with Hanethes for a moment before turning to Talon.
"You're right, Sha... I didn't know that this would happen," Tikhade murmurs, eyes glistening. "-but I knew of the danger, and I had hoped and prayed that you should be spared."
The woman clenched her hand still down at her side into her robes.
"The past few nights have seen my dreams tormented. I can no longer hear her through the haze, and I dread that something worse is coming."
Following this, the priestess listened to Rohini's introduction as professionally as possible,given the circumstances, and returns the greeting with a quivering smile.
"Then it would be that I welcome you into the fold, Rohini Soni, and praise her providence that you have been found for all that lost, and express gratitude that the goddess of starlight has sent a servant to our aid. Oh, though I wish you had no need to go back at all..."
Kanthuun's embrace managed to push away all vestige of control as she, too, began to cry in earnest.
"N-now, Sha Kanthuun, you have done her a great service, and Arasmes... I am sure he knows, where he is, whole... W-we needn't shed tears for them...,"
For all that, she seemed to be trying to convince herself just as much as Kanthuun.
"I do not doubt y-your resolve, but I would have you bolster your numbers and r-return only after regaining you strength... I... I can find s-someone else to go with you..."
"Every death is a sadness, but there's little more bitter than the death of heroes who give of themselves to better the world. We will return to that horrible place, Tikhade, and we would appreciate any help you can give, because the daemons and other evils we have encountered exceeded our most loathsome imaginings. I suggest we all rest and discuss tomorrow to plan how we can best prepare to return."
"That would be appreciated. But Rohini's right, we need rest. It's been a long day."
"Then, I... I mustn't keep you." Tikhade admitted, closing her eyes.
"But... I must ask. The Shadow Dancer... what was her name? I can find her family and bring them here, but not without her name...,"
"Her name was Petrova..." Talon says solemnly.
"Yes, and she fought with honor. I have the impression her family may not have understood all that she was, and the role she played in fighting evil here in Katapesh. Please communicate to her family that she was a hero, and that she perished fighting evil on a great scale. If the family wishes to hear more about her final days I will be happy to speak to them. Also, Petrova wished that they be taken care of. Here is a first installment on that promise." Rohini hands Tikhade a pouch with 213 gp, all that she has on her at the moment.
Hanethes shies back, uncertain of how to grieve properly or respond to the proffered assistance. "We may indeed require assistance, but more than that, we require the strength of greater arms and armor. We'll seek our fortunes in the markets of Katapesh when the time is right."
"Very well." Tikhade said quietly, taking the pouch with her head bowed once more.
"I will e-ensure that they receive this. On their behalf, I thank you."
She shifted her head upwards.
"Now... is... is there anything else I can help you with, tonight...?"
"I don't think so. Thank you."
Rohini feels a slight pressure around her arms, as if someone had given her a small hug, and a slight breeze ruffles her hair.
Talon feels a slight squeeze of his bottom and hears a faint girlish giggle that fades into the distance.
She shifted her head upwards.
[b]"Now... is... is there anything else I can help you with, tonight...?"
Tonight? No, priestess, this night we must rest, but gods willing, we will speak again in the light of day. We have much and more to ask of you.
He bows his head in farewell.
"Her light be with you."
Absolved of their final errand, the party made their way out of the temple yard, curious glances still lingering over them whilst a few others were called back into the ampitheater. However, none molested their progress.
The temperature drop was more pronounced with the current cool air of Katapesh, and a breeze began to cut through the air, though the view of the stars was never obfuscated, and the cold environment almost seemed to magnify their light.
At the College of Dimensional Studies
The college's doors were left ajar, guarded by a man in a blindfold who ushered the party in wordlessly and mimicked the magic of the headmaster to bring them to the dormitory structure and hoarsely gave room assignments by numbers to each member of the group.
The rooms were small but comfortable, though dusty from time spent devoid of student inhabitants.
"Did you hear that?" Talon looks around for the giggling. "Must be the wind. We'll talk more later like Drovya mentioned."
At the college of Dimensional Studies
A blindfolded guard? That doesn't seem very helpful." Talon thinks to himself as he is led to his room. "See, this the part where I'd spout off some lewd line to Petrova about sharing rooms which would be followed by either a slap or a a jab at my manhood." The man laments before stepping into his room for a night's rest.
At the temple of Sarenrae.
Rohini looks around when she feels the slight squeeze and breeze and, realizing the significance, looks down at Petrova's body, touches its forehead, and says a silent goodbye. She then turns to Tikhade and, with a respectful nod, says "Until tomorrow. I hope that my Lady calms our dreams tonight so that we may rise rested and prepared to consider the next steps."
At the College of Dimensional Studies
Rohini bids her companions good night with a silent nod and proceeds to the room assigned to her. She lightens her load and then approaches the guard to ask if there is an interior courtyard within the college complex. If so, she proceeds there and spends about an hour in contemplation and prayer under the starry sky. She'll then return to her room to sleep.
At the College of Dimensional Studies
The interior courtyard could be reached via the common room balconies, down a set of stairs.
At this the current time of night, Rohini's communal was one of solitude. Peace seeped into her system,and she had a night of pleasant dreams.
The rest of the members of the party were also able to get a good night's rest, despite the fact they'd been in Abaddon for the past few days.
Morning
Breakfast the next morning was a noisy affair, as the group was ushered through teleportation circles to a massive dining hall full of relatively expensive pastries and hot gruel with almost a hundred students of varying ages. Still, the students moved aside so that the party could sit together if they so chose.
The din of forty different conversations provided a great deal of background noise.
Kanthuun still appears glum and doesn't appear to have gotten the best night's sleep; his hair is more tangled than usual and he looks a bit sallow. He perks up at the sight of food.
"Well, they'd want us to eat."
Talon walks into the messhall like a man who didn't want to be awake. He wipes his eyes before the smell of the fresh pastries hit his nose. He lets it lead him straight to the table overflowing with the sweets. He gets a tray and loads it up dangerously high. He only nods to the party members already sitting down as he takes his seat and starts noisily gorging himself. All the recent tragedy had made him forget to eat and now he was making up for it.
Hanethes joins in the pastry dining, and washes it down with a light morning ale.
"I had forgotten what sunshine and moonshine tasted like."
Drovya stirs his gruel despondently. It's too early for sweets. Frankly, I'd kill you all for some coffee and a rasher of bacon.
"Is that the blade talking?"
Kanthuun lifts a glass of something with fruit and pulp in it. "Salutations. To Rogar, to Arasmes, to Petrova. May they pass onward to a place reserved for heroes such as they."
"Bacon sounds good too." Talon says after he wipes some custard off his chin. Seeing as he forget to grab a drink, he raises a pastry for the toast. "Agreed." He then gets up to remedy the drink-less situation.
"Here, here." Hanethes raises his glass of ale.
Drovya responds to Kanthuun's question with an ugly sneer that he holds for a few moments before breaking into laughter, and nearly choking on his gruel in the process. You... gasp should have... wheeze seen the look... cough on your face!
He does bow his head at the toast. Aye, here's to them. Gone too soon. We will never know their like again.
He is silent for a moment, then says, While we're here, we should discuss our plan for the day. To my mind, we cannot spare much time here. I say we sell the spoils as quickly as possible. We can probably sell the alchemical equipment here at the college. The bazaars might be the best place for the rest of it. Hanethes, you and Kanthuun are probably the best suited of all of us to deal with the mercantile aspect of the sales. Talon, you might be useful as well in terms of protection, and a bit of intimidation if necessary.
If she's agreeable, I say we send Rohini back to the temple of Sarenrae and see if she can get any scrolls, wands or potions from them that may be of use to us back in Abbadon.
I will stay here and trade whatever spell copying I can from the wizards. If I may ask you three to try to procure a mithral breastplate for me, enchanted if possible, and a headband that will modestly boost my own intellectual capacities I would appreciate it. I'll pass my own mithral shirt on to you to use in trade. Also, take Rogar's bag of holding with you. Sell whatever you can, and keep whatever seems useful. More oil might be good, and silver arrows and bullets, although we do have some blunted silver arrows from Arasmes.
We can meet back here this evening. Does this sound agreeable to the rest of you?
"Yea, I can handle that." Talon seems to be his usual self after downing his first mug of the day. "What do we wanna do about reinforcements?"
"I know the market well enough, though even a magic raven can get out haggled in the souks," says Kanthuun.
Divide & Conquer
Around the time the party finished their breakfasts, a reedy tian man in finery made his way through the dining hall to seek out the group of planar travelers. Upon reaching the appropriate area, he bowed with his hands tucked inwardly in an admittedly foreign fashion and looked the party over like one would size up a selection of performers. Whatever he was looking for, however, had to be present, as he gave an almost inaudible hum of satisfaction.
"Forgive me for being so late in introducing myself. I am Kateyoka Yoshihiro, and I am your-" the man placed two fingers to his chin as he searched for the appropriate word in Taldane. "-sponsor. I had meant to see you off, but my transport rather failed."
He occasionally stumbled over words, but he explained that he was the one paying for the care of the portal, and that he was an interested party in purchasing much of the odder, extraplanar objects the party encountered. Once brought up to speed about the current state of affairs and exactly what the party intended to do next, he led Drovya off to the campus library and left the others to their own devices.
---
Hanethes, Kanthuun, and Talon
The bazaar had a way of swallowing up resources, but in this case, also giving things back. Those things which were set aside for sale were able to make their ways to the shops and stalls of those merchants who desired them.
Finding the magical treasures that suited their needs took more time than selling, though. While the Day Stalls had nearly everything imaginable, one had to know where to look. It would be early evening before the trio had completed their designated errands.
---
Drovya
The more accomplished students and travelling scholars of the college are more than happy with the thought of looking over and copying from Drovya's spellbook, but reluctant to grant access to their own due to the thought that the magus might witness what defenses were held within, as well as the ..er.. pleasant aura that accompanied the half-elf wherever he went. However, it was with two other half-elves that he was able to accomplish the most bartering, granting him access to the following spells:
Spider Climb, Cat's Grace
Slow
---
Rohini
The cleric was easily able to retrace her steps back to the temple of Sarenrae, where services were in session in the outdoor ampitheater. Tikhade, as promised, had not strayed far, and had allowed one of the other clerics to lead the worship for the day to increase her availability.
It didn't take much to procure her aid in receiving magical restoratives, though the church stores were what they were, as the establishment was one of charity, and as such not too keen on hoarding material wealth for too long. Had this been Solku, more could have been found at any given moment, but as it was, the church provided what it could.
Rohini was able to procure 5 potions of Cure Moderate Wounds, a very old scroll of Restoration (which had only been discovered two nights prior in the wreckage of the old temple in a more dangerous portion of the city by an entirely different set of adventurers), 8 flasks of holy water, a scroll of Neutralize Poison, 3,200 gp worth of diamond dust, and a scroll of Breath of Life from the church, as well as a notification that someone who could possibly join the party had been contacted.
Drovya spends most of the morning and afternoon copying spells into his spellbook and overseeing the copying from his own.
Although he is unable to grasp the intricacies of wall climbing, he makes excellent progress with the others and by the afternoon is done.
[ooc]Spellbook is updated.
Although not born to Katapesh, Hanethes seems to know how to integrate himself well. With a few well placed inquiries and eavesdrops, he manages to find the things he's been looking for, including a well stocked alchemical supplier that has something besides pesh tools.
The Dry Wind was bustling with life in its position in the Sprawl for the midday meal. It looked like the booking Haka had made the week before would give him quite the audience. Though many of the faces were familiar, there were several pilgrims that weren't common customers dispersed through the establishment, as well as a sizable spider running up the back wall, left unattended by even Ga'zirja the owner, though even upon the halfling's entrance he could see the old vudrani was eyeing it with irritation and allowing her hands to twitch on her omnipresent broomstick.
The halfling Wistli stood in his usual position behind the counter, serving a cheese-coated flatbread of some sort to a group of dust-covered builders wearing holy symbols of the Everflame whilst his mute brother Pynja made his weaved around a group of customers upon seeing the minstrel arrive, carrying with him a scroll of some sort and making the halfling sign for a giant's footprint to signal that he was, in fact, trying to get Haka's attention.
He looks the stage over quickly, ensuring that all is to his liking before his performance starts, and reflects happily on the number of patrons present in the bar. He swings his drums, worn high across his back, under his arm and around to his chest. A smile on his face, he drums his fingers in a quick, irregular pattern on the drumheads, causing several heads to lift and look out the windows in surprise, the drums perfectly mimicking the sound of raindrops falling on the dry, sandy roads of Khatapesh. Haka allows the drumming to fade away, then proceeds across the bar-room, to enjoy a cooling pint or two before his show and see what it is that Pynja was trying to catch his attention about.
The spider on the wall had made a run for its master's head when the drums mimicked the falling rain, as if frightened of the precipitation that only existed through the sound-based illusion.
A resounding "WHOO!" of enthusiasm was heard from the rafters, though the grig remained hidden as long as the arachnid was in the establishment.
Pynja revealed to Haka that it was a sealed message from the new local high priestess of Sarenrae (a church that had provided the bard with work before).
In all reality, opening it revealed a hastily-written letter which begged for discretion and promised a job that should be suited to his interests and qualifications), and that if he were interested, Haka should make his way to the College of Dimensional Studies before dark.
Kanthuun does his share of haggling, glowering, genuflecting (when suspicious authorities breeze past), sleeve grabbing, squinting, and putting on airs in the sprawling bazaar, sniffing with upturned nose at shoddy and worthy magic items alike (though purchasing the worthy ones, while making it seem like he has been robbed utterly).
Haka orders a drink from Wistli and sits at the bar, savoring a refreshing pint of golden ale with a squeeze of lime, while pondering what this turn of events might lead him to. Meeting Tikhade at the College certainly suggested an interplanar opportunity, and Haka’s pulse quickened at the thought. His intense curiosity about other planes of existence had gotten him into trouble before, but had also taught him much and provided him with much food for thought, not to mention fodder for storytelling.
As he stares into the bottom of his empty pint, Haka hears a gentle “Ahem” and looks up to see Wistli looking at him, then over at the stage. Haka turns and sees that the room is now quite full. He feels the surge of excitement that comes with performing, enhanced by the promise of adventure on the horizon.
Haka takes the stage unobtrusively, preferring to have his performance draw people’s attention rather than making an announcement clamoring for it. He holds his drums before him, but does not seem to touch them at first. Nevertheless, those nearest the stage hear a quiet sound, as of distant hoofbeats drawing closer, and any who look can see Haka’s feet moving in a rhythmic shuffle. The sound gradually grows, until all in the room are looking about to see where the stampede is coming from, and suddenly Haka begins to draw a staccato beat out of his drums. The drums slow to match the tempo of his dancing, then suddenly diverge, the two rhythms crossing each other unpredictably, yet creating an underlying beat, not unlike the sound of a small waterfall striking the rocks at its base, steady and strong. Haka’s dance grows wilder and more expressive, as his enthusiasm grows for the adventure he senses awaits him. He dances long, the crowd clapping along with the rhythms pouring out of his drums, and brings his performance to a rousing close with his trademark sound, the drums and his feet pounding unpredictably in a gradual crescendo, to produce the rolling, rippling roar of thunder and then, in an instant, utter silence.
Haka bows, smiling broadly at the applause that greets this inspired performance. Gathering up his staff sling and backpack from the side of the stage, he waves to the crowd and descends the few steps to the bar-room floor, his mind already on his meeting with Tikhade. He calls to Wistli ”Hold on to my fee, I’ll be back to collect it another time!”
With that, he strides through the door into the street and sets off for the College of Dimensional Studies, a gleam in his eye.
Rohini, who seemed lost in contemplation throughout breakfast, agrees with Drovya's plan and identifies a few items for the trio to pick up from the market -- nothing too unusual.
She proceeds to meet with Tikhade, and is very appreciative of the assistance the temple has to offer. She does present the soulgems. "Tikhade, is there a place in Katapesh where followers of the Song of the Spheres gather? Some time spent in contemplation with other followers of my Lady would do me good before our return to Abaddon. Of course, as you know, we are more wont to build a shrine at a crossroads than a great urban temple. Although, with its clear skies, Katapesh would be a fine place to build an observatory dedicated to the Starsong. Also, although your aid is much appreciated, if I wish to obtain yet more scrolls or wands of a divine nature, where do you recommend I go? Of course, I understand that those of another faith cannot be expected to contribute to this effort without payment, but, after my companions visit the markets, I should have enough funds from what we brought back from Abaddon to get most of what I need."
Rohini
"There was a temple built years ago, but it lies in the Smoking Ruins, Rohini. Now, all that I can tell you is that there is a shrine in one of the dockside towers, tended to by whomever is passing by. Your are correct, though... our skyline would lend to making a marvelous structure. Sadly, though, the faithful seldom stay long enough to make it so. However, I doubt the shrine would be empty..."
Tikhade lapses into thought for a moment.
"As for your desire to find more divine items, I can suggest a few shops, including the stall of Sha Lortreid, who should be here for the rest of the season. The gentleman would be one to whom you could present the writ, as well as-," The priestess goes on to list eight other vendors and three smiths with whom the credit would be viable.
"Thank you. The writ will be of great help. And I will go visit the shrine of which you speak; I have found that my Lady's presence is often great in such humble places. Will we see you before we return to Abaddon?"
Assuming it is still early afternoon or so, Rohini will travel to the shrine, since she can't meet up with the others until later anyways. She will put the writ and the other items from Tikhade in her handy haversack, which she will carry in a pickpocket-resistant manner. Assuming she can find him easily, she will drop the writ and the diamond dust off with Drovya and then inform him of her intent to visit the shrine. She then follows the directions to the shrine with the confidence of one who has spent the last decade literally being in a new place nearly every day (with the exception of her time with Gant in Abaddon).
"I will be by the college this evening," the priestess replied. "-and I wish you luck until then."
---
The decision to guard her bag closely came in handy as the cleric made her way to the docks, where over a dozen piers were watched over by the Dockside Giant, a 40 ft. high colossus of copper depicting a horned, bearded man glowering at sea with a trident in hand.
Her destination, however, was considerably more humble, despite being of a similar height. A guard tower with an entrance left wide open to the public contained, as promised, a wayshrine on its upper floor. A statue of a winged creature and aromatic tea-leaves stood among recent offerings, and a young male elf and a human maiden missing an arm were in the process of singing a hymn when Rohini found the place in question.
---
---
The bartender stood flabbergasted as the incredibly successful performer buggered off in such a hurry.
"Don't be gone for too long this time!"
---
The halfling made it to the college earlier than most of the party returned, leaving him to his own devices for a few minutes before the headmaster made his way to the main doorway, materializing out of thin air in the reception room.
"Ah," the gnome said quickly, seeing a battle-ready halfling in the quarters in question. "Am I to take it you're Tika's latest recruit? Tragic, yes, what happened to the others, but at least there's still hope as long as one keeps pressing on. If you're looking for the others, they're not back yet with the exception of Master Drovya."
Assuming that the halfling had been brought up to speed (incorrectly), Tiyan Brindle moved forward and clapped his hands, bringing the two small men to the library, where Drovya had just finished copying spells.
Almost seconds after the spell exchanges were finished, the headmaster materialized three yards away with a bronzed, wide-footed halfling.
Talon does his best to throw his weight around despite his lack of skill or training in it.
Haka materializes in the library of the College, a slightly bewildered look on his face, though he’s spent enough time in these rooms in the past. The afternoon light shines on his copper-tanned skin and the red-gold curls that cover his broad feet, and he looks about to get his bearings. He turns to the gnomish headmaster and, in a voice far too loud for a library but very quiet for a Thunderfoot, he says, ”I’m afraid I’ve no notion what you’re talking about. What tragedy do you mean? And what “others” am I thought to be looking for? Tikhade asked me to meet her here, and that’s all I know. And who is Master Drovya?”
Haka then sees a half-elf with a peculiar scar on his cheek, who looks somehow familiar, standing up from a writing table nearby. He takes a few steps towards him and says pleasantly, though still too loudly for a library,”Sha, do I know you? I think maybe I’ve seen you at the Wind when I’ve played there. The name’s Haka Thunderfoot.” Haka makes a small, polite bow, the bells on his sling staff jingling faintly as he does so.
The song lasted for a good four minutes, but once it was over the other two wandering priests looked to Rohini with smiles. A simple introduction placed them as Elgeris Bethalsyr and Yitza Brineswell, husband and wife, sailors on on Garish Lazuli, an Osiriani merchant vessel docked for the next two days in the third pier while the crew restocked on food.
Yitza was with child, and she had come with her husband to give thanks for their newly-brightened future.
"And what brings you to this place? Do you pray in thanks, in meditation, or for guidance? We've seen several people come and go with prayers for the future. Apparently this cold front has bred much fear,"
---
"Oh... dreadfully sorry. I had thought you to be here on Tika's business."
The gnome adjusted his monocle.
"Er, well, if you're not here for that purpose, I apologize."
Haka looks at the headmaster in some confusion still, and responds in a gentle shout,"I am here on Tika's business. She sent me a message saying she had work I might be interested in. She didn't mention any details, and I haven't spoken to anyone else, as she asked me to be discreet. It seems you might know something about it, though, from the sound of things. Can you tell me anything, or help me find Tikhade so she can enlighten me? And I'd still like to understand what tragic things happened that you mentioned."
Drovya returns Haka's bow with a lowering of his head and a slight bend at the waist. Greetings Master Thunderfoot. I am Drovya Gregorovitch, of Ustalav, and other, less hospitable locales. He places a thick, leather-bound tome into his satchel and nods to the two half-elves as they take their leave.
He returns his attention to Haka. If you know me from the Dry Wind then you have very sharp eyes and a good memory indeed, for I was only there for a single night. I know plenty of tragedy, though not in the theatrical sense. I am also acquainted with Tikhade. If you wish to journey to seek her out, I will accompany you, if you so desire. He picks up the basket-hilted sword with the overly thick scabbard that leans against the writing table and belts it around his waist. Headmaster, your library is truly impressive. I hope to return again one day to study it further. His bow for the gnome is much deeper.
After his unsuccessful attempt at haggling, Talon decides to grab a few drinks from the Dry Wind until he meets back up with the rest.
Haka pauses a moment to digest Drovya’s rather circumspect answer and responds ”Perhaps I misremember having seen you at the Dry Wind, as I’ve only just come from there. In any case, I’d be happy to have you seek out Tikhade with me. And perhaps you can explain something as well. As I arrived, the Headmaster said to me that “the others are not back yet, except for Master Drovya, ” as if I were meant to meet you. Are you also working for the high priestess?”
Drovya raises his eyebrows in mock astonishment. Working for? Perish the thought! A wiser man than I once said, "All paid work absorbs and degrades the mind." Better to say that she has requested I take on a certain task. I have agreed to do so, as have others. I would tell you more, but a friend once told me that I give away too much when I speak. I will never know his like again...
Drovya lapses into silence but continues to walk.