You follow the servant down a badly lit hallway that twists and turns a few times. It takes you at least 10 minutes to reach your destination. You arrive at an office that has clearly been in use for some time and is about 15 feet by 20 feet. The back wall is covered in bookshelves that are jammed with texts, in front of it you see a desk that is covered in notes, maps, scrolls and open books. There are four chairs set in front of the desk. Off to one side is a table that has a few refreshments on it, some wine, bread, cheese and smoked sausage. All three other walls have maps tacked to them and most of the maps have hand drawn notes, annotations and corrections, along with pins and string linking pins.
Behind the desk is an elderly elf wearing practical grey robes. He is busy making notes as he consults a text of some kind, though his hand seems to shake slightly as he writes, a few moments after you enter the room he finishes writing and looks up.
"Welcome, welcome, I hope you haven't been waiting too long. I am Torsi, one of the keepers of knowledge at the university. Have they told you anything yet about why you were selected?"
Tukata marvels at all the exotic drawings on the walls. These must be maps of the rest of the world... at least that they know of.
"Greetings, Elder Torsi. Volabata recognizes Elder, and sends I, Tukata, in aid. But no, the others of Anok's Temple did not tell us much.
Saipres quietly observes the other guests as the group walks through the seemingly endless hallways. He makes a note of their weapons in particular. Uncertain as to what they've been called for, he walks in silence, his clawed feet tapping on the stone tiles.
As they reach the room, he gives a short bow of respect, and listens first to the others. He raises his brow a bit at the elf's mention of Anok, but remains silent. Once they've finished, he nods in agreement. "I was not told anything, either." He says simply, curious what a university monk would want with a single warrior from a dying race. Not to mention an elf and a human.
"We should be joined by the fourth in your party shortly, but as he seems to have been told more than you I will proceed."
He gets up and walks to one of the maps to your right.
"This is one of the best maps of the world in existence now. It is based on old texts, ancient maps and the hard work of many brave souls. But for all the work the university has put into this project there is still much to learn before it is completed. This is where you come into the picture, the university would like to hire you to help with this project. You will be sent to lands far away to improve our maps of that region. That region is Agerach, yes I see you nodding Dragonkin, indeed it is the fabled birthplace of Dragons, the seat of civilization. We have recently found the pattern of a sending stone in that region so don't worry it won't be a months long voyage through dangerous and uncharted waters. Do you have any questions before I continue?"
"We will also be able to use the sending stone to return?"
"You will be provided an appropriate spell scroll and pattern enabling your return, though it will likely be weeks at the earliest before you would need them."
"Will we be the only one in Agerach? Is anyone else there looming about?"
"Will we be the only one in Agerach? Is anyone else there looming about?"
"Working for the University yes, but the sending stone will take you into a loose collection of principalities that are mostly human, but several other races are known to live there as well, including dragonkin."
Saipres weighs the Elder's words for several moments. "I believe I still have some relatives there." His voice rumbles. "But this is a grand undertaking - why such a small group? And why the three of us, for that matter? I at least have never set foot in Agerach."
Saipres weighs the Elder's words for several moments. "I believe I still have some relatives there." His voice rumbles. "But this is a grand undertaking - why such a small group? And why the three of us, for that matter? I at least have never set foot in Agerach."
"Few in these parts of the world have, for it is thousands of miles from here. How big does a group need to be to make maps? Many would draw much attention and may be opposed by a government unhappy that there are an organized group of foreigners in their lands. Large groups also require significant supplies and support, small groups much less so. As for the three of you, you, Saipres are distant kin to many from Agerach, Tukata is a hunter and guide and Platros is a scholar, the forth member of your party who seems to be running late, is also a scholar. All of you are capable of protecting yourselves. What better group to map and record the region."
"Do we at least know what languages are spoken there? I know several so it is likely that I know at least one"
"Do the people where we are going know of this university and its great work? Should we identify ourselves as part of this effort or will that get us into trouble?. Do we have time to consult the library for what little is known before departing?"
"Most Humans speak the common tongue, Dragonkin tend to speak draconic, though many understand common as well. like elsewhere orcs tend to speak orc and giant."
"Learned people would likely know of the university, though they most likely know of the rumours that we have a vast list of sending stone patterns. If people believe you have access to such a list, it could prove dangerous, as even the knowledge of a few rare patterns can make a man rich. Of course you can do research before you leave, though it is expected that you depart within a week."
Tukata contemplates the danger that followers of the God of Knowledge must face.
"The knowledge of stones must draw many to seek out Anok's people. Are there any clans that we must be extra wary of", Tukata asks. "And what kind of land is Agerach? I doubt it is anything like the Green Inferno."
"I presume that you will be supplying us all the supplies that we need to make maps? And at least a few days worth of rations?.
How large an area are we supposed to map before returning? Do we go for a set time and map as much as we can or a set area and get back when we can?
I am also assuming that by "map" you mean create physical and ethnographic maps and that we should also investigate cultures, magical secrets, different technologies, etc.
Do we know which religions are practiced in the area?"
Tukata contemplates the danger that followers of the God of Knowledge must face.
"The knowledge of stones must draw many to seek out Anok's people. Are there any clans that we must be extra wary of", Tukata asks. "And what kind of land is Agerach? I doubt it is anything like the Green Inferno."
"most of our knowledge of the region is based off of ancient texts and maps, so while there may be those who wish to gain the knowledge you speak of, we do not know exactly who they are. Discretion will be quite important. From our records Agerach is mostly temperate,enclosed by mountains to the north and west, desert to the east and ocean to the south. Several major rivers flow south out of thr mountains."
"I presume that you will be supplying us all the supplies that we need to make maps? And at least a few days worth of rations?.
How large an area are we supposed to map before returning? Do we go for a set time and map as much as we can or a set area and get back when we can?
I am also assuming that by "map" you mean create physical and ethnographic maps and that we should also investigate cultures, magical secrets, different technologies, etc.
Do we know which religions are practiced in the area?"
"I was going to get to that, you will each be provided with 100 gold to purchase supplies of whatever you require, but remember that our currency may not be accepted in Agerach. As for what you are mapping, you are our first expedition to the area, so things like major population centres, dangerous areas, what regions should have teams sent, major organizations that we may need to work with. And also everything you listed. As for when to report I will leave that up to you, but attempt to check in after a few weeks and we can assess the situation. All the normal gods are worshipped there, though apparently the god of death is more popular than normal."
"Death comes for everyone. Death is a consistent god, and helps promote renewal. I'm not surprised by their worship." Tukata extrapolates.
"Well, if nothing further shall be needed from Elder Torsi, let me introduce myself. I am Tukata Rumbata from Clan Volabata, as Elder has said I'm a Hunter, Tracker and Guide. I will be your companion in this endeavor.", Tukata says to the rest of the party.
Saipres again remains quiet, weighing the Elder's words. While he felt there was something more at work, something that they weren't being told, he couldn't place what it is, or even if it was all in his imagination. "I have long dreamed of making a pilgrimage to Agerach." He says, rubbing his chin. "While I had not imagined that it would be in this fashion, I find the premise agreeable."
Turning towards the others, he gives them a respectful nod. "I am called Saipres. I'm something of a..." He searches Common for the right words. "Warrior priest. There are many areas in which I shall be useful to you," He looks at his chainmail armour compared to Tukata's light leathers. "Though not in the ways of hunting, I am afraid."
You hear from down the hallway *thump* *thump* *thump*, the sound of someone running. Th sound gets closer and louder when the door bursts open.
I am sorry Torsi! They didn't leave yet did they?
This young human male runs through the door, blond hair of medium length and slight in his frame. He has on a backpack that is obviously over loaded with items that people would pack who have never left the city they lived in their entire life.
I couldn't find some tomes that I thought would be helpful so I was in the library.
As he comes stumbling in he trips over his own two feet and goes crashing to the floor. The backpack splits open and 6 tomes come spilling out over the floor.
Son of a . . . who are you? while looking at the 3 candidates in the room with Toris.
You hear from down the hallway *thump* *thump* *thump*, the sound of someone running. Th sound gets closer and louder when the door bursts open.
I am sorry Torsi! They didn't leave yet did they?
This young human male runs through the door, blond hair of medium length and slight in his frame. He has on a backpack that is obviously over loaded with items that people would pack who have never left the city they lived in their entire life.
I couldn't find some tomes that I thought would be helpful so I was in the library.
As he comes stumbling in he trips over his own two feet and goes crashing to the floor. The backpack splits open and 6 tomes come spilling out over the floor.
Son of a . . . who are you? while looking at the 3 candidates in the room with Toris.
"Gentlemen meet Norman, the fourth member of your party."
Platros looks at Saipres, trying to determine what religion he belongs to.
"nice to meet you all. I am Platros and I have the great honour to be a priest of Anok."
He then turns so that he is mostly addressing Saipres and Tukata
"Although I hopefully won't be a complete liability should combat arise I am doubtless far less skilled than either of the two of you"
Turning towards Tukata "While you're right, you'll forgive me if I intend my meeting with death to be delayed for many years. There are far too many places to go and books to read to die just yet"
Platros looks at Saipres, trying to determine what religion he belongs to.
[dice=knowledge religion]1d20+8
"nice to meet you all. I am Platros and I have the great honour to be a priest of Anok."
He then turns so that he is mostly addressing Saipres and Tukata
"Although I hopefully won't be a complete liability should combat arise I am doubtless far less skilled than either of the two of you"
Turning towards Tukata "While you're right, you'll forgive me if I intend my meeting with death to be delayed for many years. There are far too many places to go and books to read to die just yet"
Takata listens intently to the others, and perks up when Saipres says he is a warrior. Ooh, I wonder what manner of combat priest practice.
He immediately turns to Norman as he rushes through the door, hand on blade, and watches as he tumbles about. Must be very clumsy to be running about in robes. He pulls Norman up and turns to listens to Platros.
"Your right Platros, death is a patient god and can wait awhile", he says as he finishes dusting off Norman.
"You know, the ground is not going anywhere. You don't need to rush to meet it", he says to Norman as piles the tomes into his arms.
"its a pity you didn't get here in time to hear all the fascinating details. Short form, we're off to Agerach to explore and map it. Leaving quite soon but we get to buy some supplies first"
"Oh I was informed, hence why I came with my traveling bags. I thought we were leaving now though. I guess I have more time to figure out what I need, this bag is far to heavy for me.
Looking at Norman's overflowing pack, "Perhaps we can get you a helper to carry all your materials. I saw a donkey coming here, he can help you with your tripping problem."
"Do you think we should exchange the extra gold for pelts or jewels they might not have there. That's how we usually do things in the jungle. Bet they don't have leopard in Agerach!, Tukata says proudly displaying his leopard hide armor.
"Do you really need all those books Norman? I doubt Irvani's Treatise on creation myths of The Scar is really necessary."
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"a mix of gold, silver, gems is probably safest. But we might try luxury foods and spices produced locally. Like the Sherbord wines, or Dindavian chocolate. They could be worth a LOT more there. But it's a risk since we don't know what we will find, what will have value and what will be worthless. Maybe a good mix of stuff?"
Normal goes to touch this animal hide that Tukata is wearing as he has never seen leopard hide up close.
"Economically speaking we could buy gems, they are lighter and are pretty universal. However we could bring saffron which is worth more than gold for its weight but not in comparison to its' size. But we don't know if there is a market for it there. If we bring something that has no market it is going to be worthless. Overall fine jewelry, pieces of art, and gems should be the safest bet to save value.
Turning to look at Torsi; "But Torsi, Irvani had been to the scar, we may get there too. And we all know that myths have some grains of truth to them, it could be helpful. Kramoralis' City of Wonder, The Last Dragon City could prove to be useful, oh I can only hope. What if I forget a book! We could run into a situation where we could have an answer in one of these books . . . . I need them . . . . A donkey! Why didn't I think of that, a donkey could carry my bag and I can bring more books! I have to go to the library and take more out!"
Turning to look at Torsi; "But Torsi, Irvani had been to the scar, we may get there too. And we all know that myths have some grains of truth to them, it could be helpful. Kramoralis' City of Wonder, The Last Dragon City could prove to be useful, oh I can only hope. What if I forget a book! We could run into a situation where we could have an answer in one of these books . . . . I need them . . . . A donkey! Why didn't I think of that, a donkey could carry my bag and I can bring more books! I have to go to the library and take more out!"
"The scar is more than a thousand miles from Agerach, and all credible scholars know that Kramoralis made up most of the details so his books weren't terribly dry. What if you take a book that we end up needing here or get a priceless tome destroyed? Can you remember the entirety of Hunteleruch's Draconic Heritage and Lineages?" Torsi asks as he holds up a book that had slid across the room to him when Norman fell.
"Make sure that you tell the library where you are taking the books and get permission. I can't imagine they'll be happy to lose them or see them destroyed"
"bringing a donkey is an excellent idea. But we should burden it with more than books. We don't even know if we'll be landing in civilized lands
As to art work and jewels, the value of these things can vary greatly by culture. If we were to bring an expensive painting to the lands of the Gintarri they would just use it for fuel"
"That's why I say everyday practicals would be good like pelts, weapons or wine.
"But as this is processing, I think we'll need a large tent at least. Probably some dried trail rations till I can get the lay of the land.
"We're getting 100 gp each. Why don't we each contribute 25 gp to a group fund. From that we can buy a donkey, a tent, some food, some basic camping gear, etc. Enough to live on for a few days at least. We then each get 1/4 of the donkeys remaining capacity (volume and weight) to fill as we deeem appropriate."
I kind of like these people. Norman is bright and even more naive about the world than I am. Tukata is clearly the practical one who may just keep us alive. Never really met a dragonkin before, he at least recognizes the values of the Gods and will have a different perspective on things
"Those are some great ideas for the donkey as a party pack animal. Though if we will be in the wilds I would say, isn't a Dire Wolf of Dire Boar be more practical? I will put 25 pieces towards the party fund."
"I have never had to ask to remove a tome from the library before, I have always just taken them. Torsi, I can't remember the entire contents of Draconic Heritage and Lineages and that is why I need it"
"I don't know about you, but a donkey is about as much as I can handle. And, when we DO end up in a city having a dire boar might attract attention. But as long as you, Norman, promise to look after the boar, take it for walks and clean up after it you can have it as far as I'm concerned. But it becomes your responsibility
that worked on my kid brother. And Norm reminds me a lot of him
"Those are some great ideas for the donkey as a party pack animal. Though if we will be in the wilds I would say, isn't a Dire Wolf of Dire Boar be more practical? I will put 25 pieces towards the party fund."
"I have never had to ask to remove a tome from the library before, I have always just taken them. Torsi, I can't remember the entire contents of Draconic Heritage and Lineages and that is why I need it"
"We only have one copy of Draconic heritage and lineages and it is hardly in any shape to be dragged half way around the world on the back of a donkey. I am sorry Norman but you can't take any of the university's books with you. They are too valuable to risk."
"We only have one copy of Draconic heritage and lineages and it is hardly in any shape to be dragged half way around the world on the back of a donkey. I am sorry Norman but you can't take any of the university's books with you. They are too valuable to risk."
Norman looks at Torsi with sadness in his eyes.
"I promise to take good care of them Torsi." You can hear a wimpier in his voice, Norman is genuinely sad about the thought of traveling without his books.
"I don't know about you, but a donkey is about as much as I can handle. And, when we DO end up in a city having a dire boar might attract attention. But as long as you, Norman, promise to look after the boar, take it for walks and clean up after it you can have it as far as I'm concerned. But it becomes your responsibility
Norman pulls out 10 books Kal'toss on Metallurgy and the Arcane Sciences, Bardic Tales from Baklassmahesh, How Not to be Seen as a Barbaian among other from his bag before finding the two he was looking for. Aldor's History of Mounted Combat and Vol. 11 Animal Anatomy by Zalkormak - Dire Ape to Dire Rat he finds a page in each and shows Platros.
In Aldor's History of Mounted Combat the page to the left has a full page drawing of a human riding a dire wolf along side with a dwarf on a dire boar on a battle field. The text goes to explain the use of the dire animals and their use for mounted combat against the hoards of Goblins, Orcs and Undead during the Age of Despair.
In Vol. 11 Animal Anatomy by Zalkormak - Dire Ape to Dire Rat he shows a page with a Dire Boar on the left hand side showing how to properly strap items to one as a pack animal. On the right side are more drawings of how to properly saddle a Dire Boar for combat.
"Correct me if I am wrong, but a donkey is more likely in a stable civilized areas like Eida than in an unstable uncivilized place. The first humanoids of the Nosstrach domesticated dire wolves and boars as mounts and work animals."
Probably, but those breeds are now tamed. The dire breeds that exist today in the forest don't listen to anyone. They are stubborn and willful. Go for a Warhog, if you need something sturdy.
Well it looks like we know what we want. Lets head to the market and grab some group supplies.
Probably, but those breeds are now tamed. The dire breeds that exist today in the forest don't listen to anyone. They are stubborn and willful. Go for a Warhog, if you need something sturdy.
Well it looks like we know what we want. Lets head to the market and grab some group supplies.
A shopping list would be good.
Saipres puts 75 of the 100 into the party bank. "We are in this together, and it is in my best interests to make sure that we are all prepared." He rumbles quietly.
While he can sympathise with Norman's feelings about his books, Saipres is glad to see the elder putting his foot down about bringing them. "I have only ever heard of 'Draconic heritage and lineages'" He says, "There are many where we are going that would kill us outright for it."
"Ok, this looks like our list. Let's go grab these, exchange money for something we can sell and be back in a few hours to reach Agerach., Tukata say to the group so they can get moving along. "Also, get back up weapons just in case."
large tent
bear trap (3)
grappling hook
grappling arrow
piton (4)
bit and bridle
canvas (sq. yd.) (4)
compass
crowbar
feed (per day) (4)
firewood (per day) (5)
fishhook (3)
fishing net
hemp rope (150 ft.)
ink, black (2)
inkpen (2)
journal (2)
measuring cord (10 ft.) (2)
pack saddle
paper (10)
powder (2)
saw
scroll case
shovel
skeleton key
tea (per cup) (10)
teapot
Donkey = Ciabatta
Having gathered all the supplies they need and returned the plethora of books that Norman "borrowed". The group is ready to depart and taken to the sending stone, passing several groups of well armed guards and three sets of locking metal doors. just before you arrive at the sending stone, Norman is given a scroll that will allow him to cast the necessary spell to activate the sending stone from the other end. A wizard casts the necessary spell and one moment you are in the room in Eida, the next in pitch darkness.
Tukata holds firm on Ciabatta's reigns as the strange magic sends them into darkness.
"Excellent. This is going to be SO interesting."
Platros proceeds to cast Light on his holy Symbol.
"Excellent. This is going to be SO interesting."
Platros proceeds to cast Light on his holy Symbol.
The light from the spell shows that you are in a small stone chamber about 20ft by 30ft, with a 10 ft ceiling. It appears to have been carved out of rock. The air is cool, stale and musty. There is a solid wooden door in front of you.
Norman Looks around, soaking in all of the facts of the place.
"Well, looks like there is one way to go here."
Norman approaches the door but does not go through, letting someone else take the lead on this.
Platros takes out and loads his crossbow but is careful to NOT be aiming it at anybody. He goes over to the door and checks to see if he can hear anything behind it.
Looking towards the others
"after you"