Killian's face twists as he's first assault by the stenches of the sewer. "What a wonderful new smell you've all discovered! It's no wonder you've not been found if this is the only route to the base. Only the very foul or the very dedicated would dare to walk it!"
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The other shades of Grey offer their condolences to Tessai, but its quickly apparent she wants no special attention.
Hey, this isn't about me. What we do here is not about any one person. Let's not forget what's been accomplished. A popular stage actress was saved from the Order of the Nail, and even pull from the grips of Hell itself! If there's one thing about Cala that we know, is that the woman has a mouth on her. It will only be a matter of time before the word of the group that saved her, a band of mysterious strangers called The Shades of Grey, gets around this town. And do you know what will happen after that?
Ummm, no...what?, asks Fiosa.
Men and women around this town will DRINK as bards sing of tale of this adventure a hundred times over! And, by Cayden, that's what WE should be doing right now!! Beppo! Do we have some drink in this place? Dammit, we won a huge victory! Let's celebrate! Today, we conquered Hell. That old Pathfinder Lodge doesn't stand a chance! Drink up! Everyone!!
Being respectful of not wanting to attract any attention to the building, everyone lets out an enthusiastic, yet somewhat muted cheer!
Eventually Brandon resurfaces, angry and upset at the condition Tessai finds herself in.
I have to agree with Beppo. Isn't there some magic that can heal her? Some priest left in this god-forsaken place he kept his faith and has the power? and if not, why the hell not!? he launches his glass across the room and bellows, his fingernails elongating, his mouth filling with fangs. It has been months since the incident with the goblins when he last felt so angry that the monster within almost surfaced unbidden.
He takes a deep breath. Then several more. Then holds it. After nearly five minutes he releases a long single breath, the urge to change subsiding but his determination as strong as ever.
Well where magic is inadequate, science will prevail!
He strides back to his make-shift lab and begins scribbling equations on the chalkboard.
After the 'party' resumes, someone approaches Brandon. As one who never seems to partake of alcohol, Arael's thoughts are as calm and collect as ever.
Putting a hand on his shoulder, he says, I am truly sorry that I do not have the faith, myself, to be greater help to our mutual friend. However, do not think I have given up either. I am always seeking the blessings of our goddess. And if I'm not worthy of such power, and there is not one in Cheliax outside of the devil worshippers, perhaps we take our search elsewhere.
We are all too busy with our work here to engage in a search in another country, but the way I see it, Ailyn will owe us a favor or three if you guys find those things that she seeks from the Pathfinder Lodge. Focus on that for now, Brandon. I don't have much experience in the way of diplomacy, but I do believe that if we help her first, she could, in turn, search for such a healer in her home city of Absalom, or some place in between, and make arrangements for a house call if we provide to cover the costs incurred. Does that sound like a reasonable course, my friend?
As the party continues, Ailyn and Janiven return from the sewers with two gentlemen you do not recognize.
Everyone, if I could have your attention for a moment. I would like to introduce two new members to our little underground hero group here. Killian and Taryin share our desire to see Westcrown change peacefully from the inside out. I'll let them introduce themselves.
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Taryin is a man of average height and a slim build. His wavy brown hair parts down the middle and outlines his face. He has a white and navy blue traveling outfit on that has with yellow trim, and his eyes are the most brilliant light blue. He also carries himself with the slight air of nobility. He takes a white glove off and offers his hand "Taryin, it's splendid to meet others who share my goals. I was born and raised here but have spent the last five years traveling, so I know how the city works with the exception of any recent changes"
An unassuming, average looking man approaches the new-comers. He is of middling size, with a plain ace, framed with several day’s growth on his chin. He offers a small hand in greeting that is attached to thin arms. In all ways he is average and more or less forgettable, especially compared with the impressive Beppo, wily Aemon and stalwart Kyle.
His battered armour is unkept and stained with various blotches that must be attributable to the multitude of vials and potions he wears on a wide leather belt around his waist.
Er... hello. I’m Brandon. Nice to meet you. I didn’t realise we were getting new recruits but Janiven has been astute with her choices so far.
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A jovial short robust man wearing a colorful robe steps forward and smiles at the newcomers. "Glad to make your acquaintance, my name is Kyle. I am a priest of Shelyn and have the honor of keeping us on our feet while out in the field. I like to think I do a good job." He looks at Tessai. "Most of the time."
A young man of average height runs his hands back over his smooth, bald pate before stepping forward in turn. His clothes are tailored and fitted, though his boots and pants now bear the stains of the surreptitious path to the hideout. He offers a deep, theatrical bow then flashes a wide, bright smile as he introduces himself, "A pleasure to meet you all. I am Killian Shard, my friends, and it is an honor and joy to set upon this endeavor together." As he bows, a fine lyre can be seen within the simple he wears over one shoulder.
A tall elf gets up, from speaking with a tiefling sitting on one of the pews.
Ah. And this is Arael, our fearless leader. While we all desire a Westcrown free of fear, it is Arael's visionary path of motivating the people from within that is proving to actually work.
A lean and powerful-looking man saunters to the center of the group, wearing an impressive suit of armor that has clearly seen its fair share of use. An air of confidence, if not arrogance, surrounds him.
He extends a hand to each of the newcomers, eyeing them doubtfully. Guisef van Drotske. Perhaps you heard of my recent performance in Rance's arena? He begins to step back, says, Try not to - wait a minute. He stops, turns back, and looks closely at Taryin. Were you at the Gruneskuli Boys' School for Advanced Prepubescents? You remind me of this kid that was always ranting about how the new regime ruined everything.
Please, Janiven. You embaress me. I simply communicate the vision that The Inheritor, Iomedae, shares with me.
The tall, thin elf has weathered skin. Clearly, he has known his share of hard times and labor. His all brown eyes and hair seem unusual from a race that tends to sport more unusual colors. Tall and somewhat lanky, he quickly crosses the room to you in only a few steps, thrusting his hand out in greeting.
Praise be to the goddess, to find more hearts sincere to help free this city from this shadowy influence. I look forward to working with you towards that end.
Taryin smiles and shakes each persons hand, then stops as he has Beppo's, "Indeed, that was probably me. I was taught to be a good person, but not when or where to express my ideals"
Realization gradually dons on Killian's face as he begins to recognize many of the faces before him. "Wait just a moment! You- you all were the cast for Robahl's groundbreaking interpretation of The Sixfold Trials of Larazod! Well is fate not a wonder? It seems I'll get to share the metaphorical stage with you after all. Ha HA! What a delight!" He shakes hands vigorously with each of the remaining cast members, "No hard feelings for beating me out. Glad it was you and not me after seeing the show, honestly - Robahl really didn't pull any punches!"
He didn't. But honestly that whole debacle is a chapter I'd like to forget.
It's not the pain of the acid or the bite of the demons that Brandon remembers. But the hundreds of eyes watching him on stage. It still makes him shudder.
A white skinned individual, clearly a tiefling, pipes up from a pew about 10' away. Excuse me for not getting up. I'm Tessai. Why don't you all sit here and share some of the blessings of Cayden with me... some of Beppo's finest brew!
Taryin tenses slightly as the tiefling introduces herself. I wasn't aware their kind was involved. There must be something of her character if she is though, it would be foolish of me not to give her a chance. Taryin waves her apology away "Do not worry about it. I wouldn't mind a small drink, nothing too strong this early in the day though."
Beppo grins at each of the newcomers. To Taryin: Then you will fit in well here. I think you will find this place much more welcoming than that blasted hellhole.
At Killian's outburst regarding The Sixfold Trials, Beppo straightens up. He certainly did not pull any punches. Thankfully, neither did we...a drink? Yako! A drink for the new chaps!
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Note: I only have Paizo board aliases done on the major NPCs. Doing one for all of them looks like would make my "post as" list super long. So, I'll try a new way of posting their name that is hyperlinked to their image and/or background that you can click on ... starting with this one.
A small gnome with vibrant red hair quickly jumps up on the pew next to Taryin with a drink. She hands it to him as she bends in close to him. Ah, who do we have here? she runs her finger on his chest. Oooo. Tension. I can feel it. Perhaps you should come to my oft-times-though-no-always private room and I can ... help you with that problem.
Before you can response, she perks up, as if she hears something. I expect to see you soon. Toodles!
She jumps down and takes 7 steps away before yelling, Beppo, you still coming for your 10 o'clock tonight?
Taryin remains stunned for a moment, trying to digest what he heard. After she yells to Beppo he smiles and shakes his head. Well she's interesting for sure
Aemon looks on as the talk of Tessai's injure goes on. It was my fault.. but i'd do it again in a heartbeat "Don't worry Tessai if we can't do anything now, we will help you when we can i promise you this you may be just another casualty to this oppressive place but all of us here are here to fix it and we'll fix you." Aemon then goes and starts cleaning his weapons and armor, mostly keeping out of the rest of the discussion.
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A slim man, of average looks wears his hair long and almost always has a stubbly face he wouldn't stand out if not for the weapons currently arrayed around him. He looks the new men up and down and then steps forward with longsword in hand. "I didn't know you were still recruiting Javian." He again steps closer. "I suppose i better welcome you like the rest." He puts his longsword down and extends his hand. "I'm Aemon, I hope you know what you've gotten yourselves into. Welcome to the team." After shaking both their hands he going back to cleaning his armor."
So what exactly has brought you here? Brandon asks, more pointedly that he probably intended.
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Brandon?? Brandon, is that you?!?
A young lady with blondish hair, and wondrous green eyes runs from the front of the temple. Decorated in fancy jewelry from her head to her hands, ears, and arms, there's no doubt that she garners attention. She quickly runs up behind the alchemist, giving him a huge hug before catching herself.
Oh, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to embarrass you. I mean, Janiven told me that you all were going to the Order's citadel, I was just worried that maybe you would't be coming back. I'm so glad you did!
Janiven looks at Aemon and replies, You're right, I'm not actively recruiting...but I'm always keeping an eye and ear open for those who would be willing to join our cause. And it would seem Ailyn knows a few people in this town whom I had not met before. Unfortunately with the loss of some of our original members, it behooves us to accept extra help when its offered.
Oof! Brandon exclaims as Tarvi almost knocks him from his feet.
Hi. You look... Wonderful. Errr... Sorry I didn't mean to sound surprised then it's just you look lovely today. Not that you don't look lovely all the time of course. he sighs.
Yes, we went to the citadel and just about made it back in one piece. Well, most of us. he says, sadly, nodding toward Tessai.
But we did some good there. I think anyway. Here, meet Killian and Taryin, they are joining us.
[b]"I've been wanting to reform the city since I was 10. Perhaps you knew my father, he was always speaking his mind and getting himself into trouble"[/b\
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Tarvi
Please to meet you, Taryin. Killian.
Turning back to Brandon, I've been studying real hard, but I've hit a few roadblocks along the way I was hoping you could help me with...
As they walk off, a large man walks up. He punches Beppo in the arm. Hey hey! See you made it back. I knew you would. He looks at the two new guys, offering a strong handshake. The name is Emolos. How are ya? If you ever need a strong sword arm, holler my friend Beppo. But, if he's unavailable, you could do worse than to call me next!
Sure thing, Tarvi. I have something important I'm working on too and I could use a second opinion...
I was hoping to have this particular formula finished before we entered Delvehaven but I don' think that's going to be the case.
Turning back to the newcomers;
We are trying to make a difference here and I hope you can help. how do you propose to do that? Errr... that is to say, what do you think you can bring to the team?
"look this is all well and good, but what are our plans? we've been side tracked too much already. I think we should start upping our game let's get the ball rolling to get in to pathfinder lodge, I would really like to test these new guys metal i don't know if i can trust them tell i see them fight."
Taryin smiles, raising his upturned palm and making a few polished stones float in his hand. At his word they start weaving in a pattern and giving of brief flashes of light, and some faint noises are heard from them. "Manipulation of reality. I'm the kind of magic user that doesn't blow things up. Rather, I alter things to better suit my needs. If you don't think my magic would be needed later today I could show you something really interesting"
Brandon returns his smile.
I don't mean any offence Taryin, but we've lost friends in this endeavor. Devin fell into infinite nothingness. Tessai got injured in a hell-dimension, maybe forever. Aemon's right about having mettle. We need more than parlor tricks if we're going to stay the course.
Taryin glances about "Well not to threaten anybody but I could probably knock out this entire room in a few seconds. I can make our front liners double in size. I can turn you invisible, save you from energy attacks or falling, and have even been able to find a little healing despite my arcane roots." His smile returns "And besides all of that I know everything there is to know about the nobility here and can talk my way through about anything."
Aemon narrows his eye's on Taryin."Talk is cheap Taryin we've been through a lot together, i don't mean to call you out but I'm sure you have the skills otherwise you wouldn't be here. Let's just plan our next move and we can all see what you two bring to the table."
"Couldn't agree more. I'll try not to get in the way"
Brandon can feel the tension building and, socially inept as he is, doesn't know how to diffuse it successfully.
Ooooookay... So, Janiven hasn't been wrong about much. Let's have that drink Beppo was talking about. So you're a nobleman? How would your family see you joining our little band of rebels?
Taryin looks down "My father was killed by a tiefling for speaking his mind. My mother thinks I'm long dead. I haven't talked to her yet."
Great. Way to diffuse the tension, Bran.
Ummm... yeah... Tieflings can be... awkward.
He gets them both a glass of wine, offers one to Taryin and takes a long swallow of his own.
But they aren't all bad. Granted, we have had to kill a bunch of them called the Bastards of Erubus. Come to think of it the ones we took alive and tried to reform have basically started causing trouble among themselves as well.... he pauses a moment.
But they aren't all bad. Tessai for example has been great, a real leader.
Aemon looks on. We've all lost something in this world. "Everyone here has lost something it's the reason we fight, it's what keeps me going the pursuit to change things to make thing better for the people who can't do it for themselves... To reclaim something that was lost. If you have the same ideas i don't see anything that can go wrong." Aemon then looks away staring off into the distance. Brother...
"I'm sure we'll all have plenty of opportunities to prove ourselves to one another in the coming days, but I would agree with Beppo here in thinking introductions are better over a drink than a fight to the death. Plenty of time for the latter later, no doubt." Killian's words are accompanied by another broad smile as he pats Taryin on the back, steering him and the others toward the proffered drinks. "Seems we've got to earn our stripes, you and I. I've a few magics at my disposal too, you know. We'll win their trust soon enough, friend. Soon enough." He pats Taryin's back reassuringly then turns to the others, "Now, where is that drink?"
With a mug in hand, Killian then flits about like a social butterfly, meeting the various members and committing their faces and names to memory with gregarious smiles and deep laughs. Though the process is one that obviously seems normal and even routine to the man, there is an earnestness about him that's rather endearing and uplifting.
Ailyn walks up from the back, coming from a conversation with Arael.
It is I who personally vouched to Janiven on behalf of these men's abilities and talents to protect themselves, and anyone in their charge. I assure you, that you won't find them wanting. As for the next move, well, whenever you all are ready. This will be a dangerous trek, so Janiven agrees that you should take whatever time you need to be properly prepared. The items you brought back from your earlier expedition should also prove useful, so make sure you have them at the ready.
She looks at Aemon. In the meantime, please, relax. You all had quite the trip today.
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Almost on queue, a beautiful Tian woman begins playing a lyre, while singing about the 'mysterious' heroes of Westcrown. Her charming black eyes are matched by her long, black hair which she is currently wearing down. She's wearing one of her custom dresses from Tian Xia, giving her an exotic flair. As she plays, others quickly gather around her, many with drinks in their hands. One of them peels away and pats Aemon on the back.
Larko
I'm glad you made it back, my friend. When Janiven mentioned where you where going, I was worried you wouldn't return to teach me how to use this thing. He motions to the bow on his back.
He nods his head to the newest members. Larko's the name. Shootin' things...well, you know the rest. Pleasure to meet you.
He looks over towards the Tian woman. Amaya's something else, isn't she, gents?
He bends over and whispers to Aemon.
Killian laughs loudly with delight when Amaya picks up a lyre and begins to play. "Would the lady care to indulge me with a duet?" He question is punctuated with the flash of a white smile and the strum of a beautifully crafted lyre of his own.
He takes a seat and listens intently as she plays through a verse before joining in with a simple, accompanying harmony.
Brandon has never been very taken with music. Unless it involved the study of sciences or finding a cure to his condition, he considered it a frivolous activtity. Apart from drinking. When times got tough, as they often did, he partook in that quite often. Became something of an expert in fact.
But sitting here among friends, old and new, a beautiful woman by his side (he will never discover an equation to explain that one), he cannot help but get caught in the moment.
The newcomer was talented, and accompanied the familiar notes of Amaya's performance perfectly. Brandon sits quietly and enjoys the music. But in the back of his mind, Edmond is restless. He can feel his other side wrestling with anxiousness and anger and other feelings that begin to pervade his own mood.
Eventually, to try to scratch the itch that's building he leans over to Janiven;
I am eager to continue our planned exploration of Delvehaven. Do you think the newcomers are ready? If I'd known all the things we'd go through, I don't know if I'd have accepted that drink from you all that time ago.