Still holding his side in pain. Gelbor looks away, the man he presented himself to be has all but vanished all that's left is a beaten shell, confused, and lost. It must take a lot to keep up the mask he's carved for himself.
"Dom is right, we need somewhere to rest, we need to find out what the hell is going on here. Who was that woman? This is clearly bigger than all of us."
Then falling to his knees.
"I have to rest.. i'm in a lot of pain. We can talk about this all tomorrow after we've slept."
No offence but that seems foolish, i think we need to get natalya under the protection of the pathfinders in some inn we barely know anything could happen to her or us, this city is not a safe place. Plus the pathfinders will have the healing we all need but can't afford
Domingo looks at Ralph like he's just Stepped in something unpleasant.
foolish!! How dare you! Ill tell you what is foolish Ralph is you blowing up your own companions every fight we get in to and then thinking you can question my orders.You are turning into a liability! Iim not asking for your opinion Ralph, we are going to the inn. The Pathfinders can come to us! Now let's get moving
Yeah your right I am a liability, I'm out of here
Ralph turns away and runs off
Davos looks to his companions and feels slighty at unease with the heated conversation that is happening, and is starting to struggle with the weight of natalya on him.
"Maybe an inn is better it be far closer than getting to the pathfinder lodge, and Gelbor is in pretty bad shape. I'm sorry Ralph but I think inn would be best."
I so badly need some rest, and a chance to look over this crystal some more
"Everyone please we've all been beat up today, everyone is making good points. But i'm just too tired i need to sleep if you wish to go to the lodge go and let them know what's happened Ralph but please don't tell them where we are yet."
Gelbor seeing he's not going to win his rest that easy, looks at Natalya to check if she's ok.
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Most of the heads to the Inn.Even though it is populated by the poorest in Magnimarian society you are attracting crazy looks as you go. One or two whisper among themselves as you pass.
Eventually you make it to the Inn.
Gelbor and Domingo stride to the bar, the 'keep stands polishing glasses with his back to you, turning on your approach.
Afternoon. What can I do f-- GORUM'S COCK! he yells. The bloody smell!
Several other afternoon patrons start making disgusted noises as the smell hits them. One man, with a skinny chest but big red beard rushes outside past you only to be heard loudly retching.
Gettem outta ere Stan.
That stink'll be in my noise all week!
Stone me! An I fawt the animal bilges was bad!
Go on, piss off you smelly beggars!
Gelbor drops down 5 gold on the the counter.
"We're just looking for a place to wash and rest. One night is all we ask."
He then get's a little closer to the bar keep and Whispers.
"My friend got beat up, it might be best if we bring her in the back way. We can compensate you."
He shakes the coins on the counter again.
Davos standing around the corner from the inn with Natalya
"Guess we'll wait for Gelbor to get back to us Dom hopefully he can gets us in there with no problems."
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He covers his mouth and nose with a beer-sodden rag.
I don’t want no trouble ‘ere boys. You’re beelin’ all over the floor! This ain’t the fanciest place in the city but it’s mine an’ I want to keep it in one piece. By the looks o’ you both you could use a priest, not a wash. An’ if your friend is hurt, get ‘em to a temple too. I’m sorry, lads. I can see you’ve had a bad day an’ I don’t want whatever it was that left you in this mess in my pub.
He reaches behind him and pulls a half empty bottle of hard whiskey from the shelf. He quickly pours two good measures and says.
Take your gold, take a drink to steady your nerves an’ keep what’s left to clean out those wounds for gawd’s sake. But I carn’t ‘av’ you in ‘ere in that state.
-’E never gives us free booze!
-Yeah I know, maybe I should shite meself. That’s got to be werf arf a pint.
-Shut your face, Jake, he’s just trying to ‘elp ‘em out.
-Why don’t ‘e let ‘em stay ‘en?
-Look at the state of ‘em! I wouldn’t let a couple of thugs covered in crap in my house!
-Why not? They’d be right at ‘ome in your shithole! Haha!
You are dimly aware of a scuffle breaking out toward the back of the pub.
Ralph standing knocking the door seeing no one coming to answer he pulls out a quill and ink
Ralph slides the letter under the door and walks off into the night.
Domingo drinks the whiskey swiftly grimacing as the harsh liquor burns his throat.
come on Gelbor let's get out of here.
leaving as quickly as they can they meet back up with Davos
looks like we have no choice, I'm not trawling around for an inn that might take us, if he wouldn't no one will. Listen we are all in pretty strung out shape, but stay sharp! We will get back to the pathfinders. Let's move out
As Ralph is walking away the door opens. The house is large and from te rear rooms she didn't hear Ralphs frantic knocking.
Sheila sees his silhouette walking away and takes the letter from the door.
She reads it quickly and shouts:
Ralph, wait!
The least you can do is explain in person
Ralph hears her and turns around and heads back towards her
What’s happened? she says. Where are the others?
She covers her mouth instinctively when she sees the state you are in.
Several castings of prestidigitation later, Ralph’s clothes are clean – but can the same be said about his conscience?
The bedraggled adventurers make their way through the streets back to Heidmarch Manor. Fortunately for them, dusk is falling across the cityscape, the incredible monuments that give Magnimar its nickname cast long shadows as you pass and few people are on the street to question the strange fellowship.
Eventually the welcome sight of the manor greets you and to your relief there is still at least one light burning in the study.
You knock the door loudly and to your surprise find it almost immediately answered by Sheila herself, almost like she were expecting someone.
You made it. And you have Natalya! Does she yet live? she says with relief. From the note, I feared the worst but seven hells you look a mess! Come in, quickly now.
You track dirt and filth through the lobby but Sheila either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care.
You can, however, see her steeling herself from the smell.
She must have holed herself up under some disgusting rock – I knew I’d found the right men to turn it over.
Leading you into the study she thrusts a vial into each of your hands.
Set her down on the couch Davos, and drink up all of you, you look like you can barely stand and I would hear your report immediately.
The liquid is cool and refreshing and you can immediately feel it’s effects. Your wounds start to close, fractured bones knead themselves back together in an instant. The sensation is not unpleasant – rather like an itch you can finally scratch. If Ralph were here he could tell you it were a magical anaesthetic as well as a curative. Alas, he is nowhere to be seen.
As you drink and recover your senses, Sheila runs her hand over each of you and Natalya, a few inches away. Muttering a few words of power the filth and stench seem to fade away over the next few minutes.
That’s better. You may still want a bath though. You look clean, in fact you are clean but psychologically... a bath may be in order.
She moves behind her desk and eagerly awaits your report.
I am sorry but i have to get out of this city i am really sorry to let you down. thanks for everything
Domingo stands and moves straight to the desk, placing his hands flat on its top he leans in and looks Sheila in the eye.
I think you should start us off miss heidmarch. Why don't you explain why you sent us out blindly looking for her when you damn well knew this was not just a missing person.Why don't you tell us what is really going on here!
Gelbor finally happy to find a place to just rest follows Dom in and sit's down on the nearest chair. Then drinks the potion he was given.
Taking in a deep breath, He starts to feel better, shaking his head he speaks up.
"I have to agree with Dom, we've been through a lot. A little more information and we could have been spared a lot of hurt. We've recovered the girl as you asked, she had gone mad talking about taking over the city with her Goblins."
Then remembering something.
"She was holding a strange item i saw when i got close to her, like it was the most valuable thing to her in the world, i've seen people hold precious items like that before, not wanting to lose it. I was unconscious only waking up after it had all ended and to be awoken with us being attack outside the sewer, by a woman asking we had over Natalya and an item? did you two pick up all the gear she had?" Looking at Dom and Davos.
Current HP:6
The main thing is you weren't hurt. This life isn't for everybody Ralph but you've not let anyone down. If you ever change your mind you know where I am.
She steeples her fingers beneath her chin a quizzical look on her face.
I gave you all the information I had. I told you she was missing and I told you she was in possession of an item she claimed was from ancient Thassilonia. I had nothing else to tell you, that’s why I asked you to investigate. I care for my Pathfinders. If at any point you felt it was too dangerous or there was more going on than a missing persons case, why didn’t you report in? And what news of the item, was it also recovered?
Davos so exhausted from the weight drops natalya on the couch and sits right next to her, drink the potion to help him regain his health.
"Thank you for that, was indeed most needed. Indeed Sheila we did manage to pick everything up from her, I also came across this shard buried in the sewage I don't know if this is the item we were sent to collect".
Davos so exhausted from the weight drops natalya on the couch and sits right next to her, drink the potion to help him regain his health.
"Thank you for that, was indeed most needed. Indeed Sheila we did manage to pick everything up from her, but I believe Dom may have had it.
So you never knew about her goblin friends ? Also we were not the only ones looking for her, there was another woman after her, attractive with a distinctive whip. She had a very high oppinion of herself which I found laughable.
As for this item, I rescued it from the filth and claimed it for myself. Spoils of war you might say and as the leader it was my right.
Not really paying attention to what is going on Gelbor then turns to Dom after what he said.
"Dom what is this? if that's what we were sent to find we'll give it up to Sheila, i'll deal out of item's we've gathered later. If thats the artifact give it over."
He then nobs and makes a gesture for Dom to past get the item out.
"And we don't have a leader."
Davos still sitting on the couch looks up to what Dom is saying and is showing same disbelieve in what he is hearing
"Sheila, do you know anything of this item? I found it has an overwhelming illusion magic aura coming from it. Dom may I examine the shard?"
He then nobs and makes a gesture for Dom
When Sheila is shown the shard, her eyes widen and her jaw drops in shock.
But thats... It cant... Thats why....
She clears her throat and regains her composure.
My lord Domingo, I assure you I knew nothing of Natalyas activities. But of course the success of this mission was never in doubt with you leading the team. And I see you were doubly successful in recovering this item.
I suspect I know what this shard is, but in order to be sure I would like to affix an ioun stone in the indentation, just there on the face you see. I think the shard is based on Azlanti magic similar in fact to that which the Pathfinders based the design of the wayfinder compasses. If the shard reacts to an ioun stone in the same way, my hunch will be proven correct.
She rummages in one of the many drawers in her desk and retrieves a small red and blue stone.
She steps toward Domingo and offers him the ioun stone.
Domingo smiles at the compliment, and a look of satisfaction crosses his face.
indeed you are correct miss heidmarch, failure was never an option with me heading up this fledgling team, I made the most of my limited Resources
domingo glances back at gelbor and davos
My team need to listen most attentively to your wise words. Especially you Gelbor, you should be grateful you had someone as accomplished as myself leading you through this mission or you would not have made it back alive!
I will allow you to test my artifact miss heidmarch.
taking the stone from her he affixes it to the shard.
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Domingo takes the stone and places it gently into the recess. The instant he does so there is a flash of light and the ioun stone seems to meld with the shard itself. It takes on the coppery colour of the metal and becomes indistinguishable from the original material.
The warrior’s posture stiffens like he has received an electric shock and he blinks several times.
Shelia begins to speak excitedly.
What you have found, my friends, is nothing short of a miracle. Varisia has seen its share of miracles of late—the discovery of Xin-Shalast and the defeat of Runelord Karzoug, or Korvosa’s release from mad Ileosa’s rule come to mind—but this discovery will soon be remembered as an equal to those events. This is a powerful Thassilonian artifact, a fragment of horacalcum and a portion of the Shattered Star of Xin: to be precise, the Shard of Pride. I suspect that the shard’s current carrier already knows more about it than I do, in fact. Domingo, take a seat and get your bearings, you look a little disorientated.
She strides to the door, pokes her head out and can hear her calling for Jeeves, the butler who greeted you yesterday.
She returns and takes a seat again.
This really is quite extraordinary! She is attractive in an almost severe way, with a sharp nose and high cheek bones. But the smile that lights up her face makes her look like a giddy teenager.
After several minutes there is a polite knock on the door. Jeeves enters with a tray of coffee and brandy.
Standing up at Dom slight.
"Dom i don't know what's gotten into you but i'm not your lap dog.
Then shaking his head, he turns to Sheila.
"The Shard of Pride? how would Dom know more about it than you?"
The history of it, the mythology of it - there probably aren't that many people in Varisia who know more about it than myself. Thassilonia is something of an obsession I admit, particularly since the Runelord Karzoug was revived and almost destroyed everything. The reason I believe Domingo knows more about it's abilities than I is that I believe he has been under its effects. It is a powerful item that carries a powerful curse, it's over 10,000 years old - a piece of the Shattered Star itself! Its clear now why Natalya went AWOL.
"History was never my strong suit, i'm more in the present, but a curse?"
Gelbor pauses for a second, Then turns to Dom
"I've only known you for a day Dom, but you have started to get a little aggressive, i'd rather chalk that up to some magical curse than you being a bell. How do we lift this curse?"
it was hard for Domingo to verbalise what had happened, he felt strangely lessened now he was free of the shards influence. sitting heavily he grasps a brandy from the tray Jeeves carries in and drinks deeply.
what in the seven hells just happened? It feels like I have been dreaming, no thats not quite right I knew what I was doing but it's like I didn't care. Gods I was convinced everything I was doing was right ...and I felt powerful. Caiden save me but I ....miss it!
i don't know what to say, I can only apogise for my actions.Gelbor, Davos it was me but it wasn't at the same time, it was like I was more important than anything! Any sort of resistance to my orders made me physically feel weak so I would do anything to get my way!
Miss Heidmarch I owe you a debt of gratitude for freeing me from this things influence.
Domingo rises and places the item on the desk.
I'll tell you what this thing is capable of but first, where is Ralph I fear I have wronged him more than any other I was ....harsh with him
Sheila looks a little disappointed.
Ralph won’t be joining us. He came to see me earlier, intent on leaving the city and returning home. I tried to persuade him otherwise but his mind was set.
She puts a hand on Domingo’s and looks intently at him. To his surprise her hands are calloused and tough – the hands of a warrior. He notices that her wedding ring sits behind a swollen knuckle, the kind you get after years gripping a weapon.
If it’s any consolation I don’t think it was what you said to him. The life of a Pathfinder is tough, fraught with danger and excitement in equal measure. Sometimes we can be a haven for the lost, the glory hounds or the crazy brave. Often those with good hearts and keen minds seek to join. Ralph was in this latter category but even they must steel themselves. I fear up to now he has lived a sheltered life and, frankly, I don’t think he could cut it. In the long run I feel it’s better for him to leave now than be hurt later.
Finally having time to sit down and relax not being on constantly on edge, Gelbor smiles, his big cocky smile.
"Dom apology accepted, although it was not your fault. I guess we know why Natalya went crazy now then, how is she doing?"
Then with a little laugh, he speak up again.
"Ralph was an odd man, but he knew what he wanted in life and this was not for him i'm glad he got out he might be the smartest of all of us. But i feel a lot safer now without that mad man throwing bombs at me."
"But Sheila, what does this all mean? the shard it's magically sure but what's next?"
Davos sits on the couch and cant believe what he is hearing, he removes his note book from his satchel and makes a few notes on what Sheila is saying. Takes a cup of tea from Jeeves and gives a nod in appreciation
for it
Hmmmm....Shattered Star of Xin what do I know on it
"Dom its totally fine, I understand and seems we have been given an explanation into what happened to you".
Davos sits back in the couch over the news of Ralph and seems sadden by the news
"Such a shame. Guess I was lucky enough not to get burned by him."
Natalya will be fine. Aside from an extremely sore head I should imagine. I’ll question her in the morning, I doubt she’ll wake up before then anyway.
She moves to the Shard and picks it up, almost tentatively.
What an opportunity this presents... she says softly.
She moves once more to the desk and takes out a heavy bag of coins.
I got this ready for you, assuming you’d be successful. I already gave Ralph his share, I felt he’d earned that at least.
She spends several minutes counting the money out into 250gp shares and talks while she does so.
The Shattered Star was a powerful defensive item created over 10,000 years ago by the founder of the empire of Thassilon, an exiled Azlanti named Xin. At that time, the item was known as the Sihedron – a seven pointed star made of seven different skymetals infused with powerful magic. When the Runelords rebelled against him, this item was broken into seven parts (at least according to legends), and the Runelords each claimed a shard for their own.
In the 10 millenia since Earthfall and the end of Thassilon, the shards have shifted locations, yet they have never been reassembled into the Sihedron.
She hands you each a bag with more money in it that you have ever had at one time.
Your reward gentlemen, although I hope not the last.
Pouring herself a brandy she continues:
Over the past several years I have become something of an expert on Thassilon – the legacies of this ancient empire and its monuments and magic are, after all, the primary reason that the Pathfinders have become interested in Varisia. The story of the Shattered Star is one of the most oft-repeated legends of that time among those who write about ancient Thassilonian artifacts. Even so, the Shattered Star legend is still relatively obscure among lay-people. Never did I dare hope that a shard would simply fall into my lap like this.
But that’s not important. What is important is that the Shattered Star represents a powerful defense against the dangers that seem to be rising up against Varisia, and that rebuilding the artefact will give the region a powerful defense indeed – both in terms of the item itself and the heroes that the quest to recover the other six fragments would doubtless produce. she looks hopefully at each of you.
Each shard is connected to another in a set sequence. It is said by holding a shard that has been “awakened” with it’s proper ioun stone will provide a powerful vision of the location of the next shard in the sequence.
She holds the shard out to you.
It has no power to influence you any more, although its powers are still great. Once he has caught his breath, I’d love to hear from Domingo what they actually are – the history books don’t record everything! Gentlemen, understand this is what the Pathfinders are all about! This is history in the making! Would one of you care to do the honours?
Domingo looks up at Sheila and puts his hand on hers.
i thank you for your kind words my lady but I can't help feeling responsible. I will contact Ralph and try to explain to him what has happened I did like the man.
Now as for this shard it makes me feel sharper, as if everything I do is a bit easier.
It is hard to explain, I also seem to see things more clearly my wits are heightened.
I could also visualise something and it would appear, that wall of fire just sprang from my mind though I could not replicate it
It is a powerful item my friends
"I'm glad to hear it, i'm sure shes a lovely girl she just got a little mixed up. I'm glad we didn't take her life.."
Looking at little glum, he perks up again at the sound of gold. A big smile shows on his face as he's given his gold.
"This is what i'm after you can keep your 'priceless' artifacts".
He then pulls out his small book and starts to make notes, counting what items they have and what gold what given to them. Then snaps back to attention when Sheila starts her story.
"This is all fascinating stuff, i guess we're on the hunt for all the other shards now then? It sounds like a very powerful artifact.. Maybe dom should hold it again?"
Domindo looks a little uneasy
To be honest Gelbor I'd rather not have it for the moment, I feel much more comfortable with my steel in my hand.
I think Davos should take it, he is the most learned of us and may be able to use it wisely
Davos places his notebook away, and stands up and walks over to Sheila, and takes the shard from her. Davos holds it in his hand and smiles with joy
"I'd be more than happy to hold the shard, thank you for allowing me to if you happy with this arrangement also Gelbor?".
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Davos holds the shard, feeling the power barely contained within.
He concentrates hard and a sudden vision fills his mind eye.
Somehow he feels, he knows that the next section of the Sihedron currently resides around the Irespan in Magnimar's harbor, around one piling in particular - the Crow.
The Irespan, sometimes called the Giant's Bridge, is the largest and most impressive monument in all of Magnimar and overshadows the city's poorest district known as Underbridge. The Irespan is actually the remains of an enormous bridge that stretches into the Varisian Gulf, standing over three hundred feet above the sea and over a hundred feet wide. It is, like most of the monuments that dot the Varisian landscape, a remnant of ancient Thassilon. Nearly ten thousand years before the founding of Magnimar, the Irespan served as the main travel route through the mountainous realm of Bakrakhan. In fact, the Irespan used to stretch as far as Xin-Bakrakhan, the strange monument now known as Hollow Mountain.
When Earthfall, the cataclysm that heralded the end of the Thassilonian empire, struck, most of the Irespan collapsed. Now all that remains are the end of the Irespan in Magnimar and a few crumbling stretches that speckle the entrance to the Varisian Gulf.
Several of the enormous supporting columns, some two hundred feet across, still stand in Magnimar's harbor. One, is known simply as the Crow.
Davos seems some what light headed from the vision loses his step slightly but is quick enough to regain his balance
"Well that was something, guess we've been shown the way to where the next shard lays. The Crow, in Magnimars harbor. Is there anything specfic you may know of this place Sheila."
"Get up you lazy sea dogs, your the worst crew I've seen in a long time"
Ralph wakes up suddenly, men are rushing all round him, he fall out of his hammock to the floor and looks up to see he was pushed by a large man standing about 6'2" with short scruff dark hair with patches of grey and a patch over one eye.
"Cap'n said you sail on this ship you work"
The man thrusts a mop into Ralphs hands and points up the steps leading to the deck above.
umm..
Before Ralph can get a word in the man shouts again
"Mop the deck and be quick about it the Cap'n likes a clean vessel she does and it's not to late for you to get off and head back too Magnimar if you don't like it, just a couple of miles swim"
The man walks off laughing
"Don't mind old Nelson, he's just grumpy we set off before his special ale arrived" says a young lad who couldn't be any older than 14
"Don't make me ask you again boy" Shouts Old Nelson with a stern look at Ralph as he walks up the steps on to the deck.
Ralph quickly gets up dresses himself and runs up on to the deck, the blinding light of the sun and smell of sea air hits him........
miss heidmarch ,sorry, mrs heidmarch I should say. I saw your wedding ring. If we go after these other shards are they likely to be cursed like this one was?
Looking at little glum, he perks up again at the sound of gold. A big smile shows on his face as he's given his gold.
"This is what i'm after you can keep your 'priceless' artifacts".
Fortune and glory kid, fortune and glory!
If we go after these other shards are they likely to be cursed like this one was?
Yes, my husband is around here somewhere. Even when we were on the road he seemed to be able to sleep any time.
She thinks for a moment about Domingo's question.
Will they be cursed..? Almost certainly. But what the effects will be and what powers the other shards will have - I have no idea. The correct ioun stone will nullify the curse but I only knew the proper one for the Shard of Pride. But I will research the others and keep you informed about my progress.
Davos sits back on the couch and flicks through his notebook
"Well before we sent out for the next shard there could be trouble I suggest we take couple of days rest and possible get a forth member to join us Sheila any other pathfinders that could join us on this quest?"