Welcome to the great wide world of Golarion. Let the adventure begin.
”Welcome! Welcome, brave travelers. I know that answering the cryptic message you received from me so many moons ago was not easy. I also know that your journeys here were fraught with danger. Yet I think, if you indulge me for a few moments, your time and trials will be well rewarded.” At long last your host has made his appearance, three days in this underground lair and… although, as underground lairs go, this particular one is quite posh. Your quarters are furnished in lavish style, the seemingly endless food buffet in the main dining hall carries all of your favorite choices, and there is no shortage of diversion to pass the time: a gigantic and ancient library full of forgotten tomes; a martial practice facility with weapon-racks housing masterwork weapons of every shape and size, complete with practice dummies and archery targets; a completely stocked alchemy lab; a crafting room unrivaled by any you’ve ever seen; and cozy sitting rooms wherein you got to know some of the other invitees and their personal stories.
One thing became clear to you right away upon settling in, everyone here is an outcast from normal society. A gathering of the usual share of orcs, goblins, hobgoblins, bugbears; the usual drivel, but beyond that came drow, dusk-elves, lycanthropes, devil and demon-spawn, even some animal races like catfolk and kitsune, not to mention the presence of the undead and their quasi-undead brethren. It is a rare collection indeed, which made your three days prior to this moment more than a bit uncomfortable. Who would have the power to bring this group of misfits together? For what purpose would such a gathering take place? Of course, the promise of riches in the magically and mundanely sealed scroll you received piqued your interest, and no doubt kept everyone else from leaving as well. “Untold riches,” is what the scroll detailed. As riches go, the untold kind are hard to come by, since most people tend to flaunt their riches when they have them, and therefore make them into “told” riches.
Taking the time to examine your host now as he addresses the crowd provides little encouragement, he is well dressed, elegantly so. He wears fine jewelry, some of it magical no doubt. His staff glows with power, and his presence is indeed commanding, but he seems no different than a hundred other noble elves you’ve ever seen on the surface. You move a bit closer to the dais, where the elf-man sits upon a throne of crimson-marbled obsidian-stone to try and get a better look. Meanwhile the rest of the crowded room does the same, and you are beginning to get squished in the press of flesh. ”Watch that wandering tail.” You bellow as some scaly length of flesh smacks your hand.
”I know you all have questions. I know you all seek answers.” He’s right there, everyone in this sea of people is looking for their purpose here. ”I promise they will all be answered in time. For now, I can, and will only, say this: You all have a reason to hide from the surface world.” A general smattering of agreement crescendos from the crowd, then the speaker waits for calm to resume. ”You all have a want to avenge yourself upon the society that labels you as an outcast.” They aren’t questions, the regal elf-man is stating facts, and the coercion of the crowd into his discourse becomes obvious as now some shouts and yells of assent can be heard amongst the less refined. The elf-man waits, again, playing the crowd. You can feel it now, you’ve done your share of manipulation of those with lesser mental faculties. You know he’s playing the crowd, but, for some reason, you feel yourself caught up in it. ”You all have the strength of burning hatred in your hearts, and the resolve of unwavering ice in your veins.”
Yes! You yell, almost seemingly against your own will. You know the elf is manipulating the crowd, and yet you feel the primal strength of his arguments overtake you. Yes!
Just then the elf stands up from the blood-veined obsidian throne and smacks his staff upon the stone floor sending a blast of thunderous sound throughout the giant cavern, and the crowd goes immediately silent. You think you saw, for just the briefest of moments, a different figure in front of the throne, a bony, deathless, sinister figure, but it is gone in a flash, just like the wave of thunderous sound. He speaks again, this time his voice is resonant and powerful. ”I am here to tell you that you shall have your vengeance!” The murmurs of the crowd become exultant, but his voice rises above the din. ”I am here to tell you that we will make the surfacers bleed, and remake the world in darkness!” Your heart is beating faster now, smacking against your ribcage and threatening to break from the bony bonds. Excitement has become an entity in the room, real, palpable. ”I am here to tell you that if you listen to me, and do as I say, we will take back Golarion for ourselves, for our children, and for our children’s children.” The crowd is majestic now, emotions run raw among the mass of people. You are caught in it, your heart, your soul, they exult in the glimmer of dark hope the elf-man proposes. I am here today, to tell you that all you desire in your innermost heart can and will be yours!!”
Yes! You bellow at the top of your lungs. You feel it down in your very bones, this is the defining moment in your life. This is when everything you’ve ever wanted will be yours! YES!! The crescendo of the crowd changes from a cacophonous and unrecognizable din, to a slow and building chant. What is it? What is everyone saying? You wonder. Then, slowly, the syllables come together. It is a name. The crowd is chanting the elf-man’s name. Tem… er… lyth they shout. Tem… er… lyth. You can’t help but join in. Yes, Temerlyth, lead us to victory. Your thoughts run away with you, and your voice follows. Tem er lyth! Tem er lyth! Temerlyth! Temerlyth! The crowd seems willing to chant his name ceaselessly, and Temerlyth seems ready and able to let it continue and bask in the glory of it.
Then, suddenly, with another smack of his glowing staff upon the ground a shockwave of thunder knocks the entire crowd back, reeling from the force, you stumble back, temporarily blinded as the glowing lanterns, mushrooms, lamps, and torches that previously lit the massive cavern all blink out, then back on, and you wait for your sight to adjust. When your eyes do readjust you see Temerlyth, the noble elf-man, is gone from the dais. Silence has taken over the crowd, a harsh contrast to the echoing voices that previously filled the cavern. You look around, and everyone around you seems to have the same look on their face. They must all be thinking exactly what you’re thinking.
What now?
Sadira casually walks over to the buffet while keeping an eye on Tamarelle and asks out loud towards the room where could he have gone hoping someone nearby will respond.
In her mind she is wondering what just happened
Kaze o relaxes his grip on his sword and breathes a sigh of relief. His knuckles regain their color. Kaze o shakes his head in disappointment, 'Half the people here are more than likely thieves, murderers, or backstabbers. Better keep my guard up, especially since that Temerlyth guy disappeared. There has to someone who knows what is going on.' Kaze o makes his way to the banquet table, but not without frequent checks over his shoulder.
Sadira notices a foxlike creature coming towards the table. he's an interesting character he seems almost nervous She decides to ask do you know what's going on here she is still watching Tamarelle to make sure she isn't getting into trouble.
Kaze o turns toward the Drow standing at the table.Your guess is as good as mine. Charming creatures the Drow are, a bit reclusive, but this one seems friendly enough. Kaze o grabs a piece of odd fruit and examines it before taking a bite.
The speaker seemed to know how to use very generic terms to describe us all. He was very good at drawing us all in, what did you think of him? Also I didn't get your name what is it? I think I can trust this fellow he seems nice enough let's see how this conversation progresses
I don't trust him. What else is new. Kaze o, and yours?
I agree with you I didn't like that I felt like I was almost being controlled, I'm Sadira and that she gestures over to Tamarelle over there is my daughter Tamarelle I wonder what Tamarelle is up to.
Kaze o looks over at the other younger Drow which Sadira was referring, Daughter?! Well, her beauty is a rival to your own!
Well thank you. Do you find it odd that we were all chanting his name? a compliment? Hmmmm interesting, this kitsune is much nicer than expected, of course I'm not surprised he noticed my beauty it's something I am quite proud of.
That was when I first noticed something wrong. I had no reason to chant his name, and I certainly owe him no allegiance, I felt wrong supporting a complete stranger. Kaze o swished his tail around him to his front where he grabbed hold of it and nervously ran his fingers through his soft white fur like he'd done many times before. By The Frost, I need to get a hold of myself. Why am I even here? It's not like I came just to socialize. So, why did you come here?
Well I am just answering the message I received maybe I shouldn't have come... Wait why is he petting his own tail?? That's peculiar Maybe we should try to figure this whole thing out and look around a bit. Have you met anyone else here your trust and would be willing to help us out with this? If not we may want to find a few others who would be willing to help. I trust Kaze o so far, maybe he can help my curiosity as to why we are here
Quimkithe releases the breathe that she hadn't realized she had been holding. What was that. Who was that. I felt like I could not control myself. Those feelings I felt, they were not my own, what type of dark powers does that elf... if he really is an elf... what was that image I saw?... Quimkithe rolled her furry shoulders and looked around. Most of the assorted menagerie surrounding her were normal, everyday brigands. Nothing special there. But there, at the buffet table, they seem different. Quimkithe casually strolls over to them, tail swishing behind her. Mind if I join the two of you?
Kaze o turns toward the large beast standing before him. No, not at all. Kaze o turns back toward Sadira and gives a slight nod his head, I don't know anyone here, but I think a source of mine might be able to help. If you'll excuse me. Kaze o drops his tail and tries to find a seemingly empty corridor.
Source? What source? What were they talking about? So what do you guys think about...Quimkithe gives a quick look back at the dais. him, Temerlyth. Seems to be pretty powerful, I wonder what someone with power like his would need with us.
Tamarelle, staying very hidden as usual, blends in amogst the strange faces in the crowd. She thinks to herself, "All of these people are making me quite uncomfortable, im going to get some refeshments"
She is not sure how to get to the refreshment table through this packed crowd.
She exclaims to her, "Hello mother, are you enjoying yourself?"
Kaze O finally finds a quiet place alone, away from the hustle and bustle in the main hall. He kneels down and begins to pray to Kostchtchie. Hoaar Tho Dooahross Fma's! I hoarro oammarroc oa ho cosaoaaa' a llhah iya'au so rlo. Whoa as a hoa iya'au lla'aurc modauamo rlo a' ca' homo?
Sadira looks at Tamarelle and in elven says I en llaila llus luw. I en dsirrailr du llailn uid whed air ruailr ul. Arru I en eddanfdailr du wusc waidh dha Kaidrila dhed wer hasa e rasuln eru fallusa raeyailr du ru nuwl dhed sussainus.
Sa vai tvoaex dakl orqor aerb auk'tl, ba vai?
A smile breaks across Quimkithe's face, or at least as much of smile as a hybrid werewolf can muster.
Yaiu aekkork 't vuokkv saab, I'd 'dvuottob. Mv raedo 't Qi'dx'klo. Wlaek, daev I aetx, 't vaiu raedo, aerb 't kl't Duav, louo, uoraekob ka vai? Tlouo toodt ka do tado uotoddraerko.
hmmmm do we look that alike? Well a little I suppose. I tvoaex daerv, daerv raersiaesot. I aed aekkiaerrv pi'ko vuaib ag do'rs aedro ka tvoaex ae dirk'vro raersiaesot. All, aerb kl't louo 't dv baeislkou, Taedaeuorro. Slo baotr'k tvoaex Ouk ta titk xrav klaek tlo var'k do aedro ka irboutkaerb vai irrott vai tvoaex kaddar.]
Sadira takes a sip of some of the wine on the table. She is slowly pondering something.
I wonder how well this Quimkithe can trusted, she seems normal enough, but there is something about her wolf-like qualities that are a little unnerving, then again maybe this just means she will be more loyal.
Sadira laughs out loud at her last thought, almost sending wine through her nose.
I am off to the library, Tamarelle talk to others around here and find out what is going on, Quimkithe, we will have to talk again find me later .
Sadira heads to the library for a quiet place to pray to Magdh.
As Kaze o kneels in prayer to Kostchtchie, he feels an oppressively cold hand on his shoulder. Feeling cold sensations run through him while in prayer is not a new feeling for the cold one, but this cold stops him in his tracks, and he is suddenly incapable of moving a muscle.
"It is good to hear the language of the first elves in these halls, and on the lips of one so young in the world." Frozen, Kaze o can only look as Temerlyth moves to stand in front of him, his flowing majestic robes decorated with gold and silver filigree. They are the robes of a king, or an archwizard, yet when the light hits them just right, they appear, momentarily, tattered, dusty, and ragged. Those visions disappear just as quickly as they appear though, and then Kaze o stares once again at the regal elf-man.
"Da' a' rooam."
Temerlyth speaks momentarily in Sylvan, seeming to enjoy the sound of it reverberating against the stone, then he reverts back to the common tongue.
"I am here with an invitation. Amongst all of my guests, I have desired to speak with you the most. You are an unholy champion. A champion of ice. You, among some others here, have the potential and the power to help me spread my credo to the surface. And I believe you will enjoy the work I have planned for you." The elf walks down the corridor, leaving Kaze o rigid on his knees, frozen in icy supplication. As he seems to drift, floating, around a corner, his last words echo in Kaze o's head most keenly, like slivers of glass-like ice. "Be aware the witching hour, when it arrives you, and some others, will have an audience with me."
Kaze o shakes away the lingering chill from his bones and sprints toward the door to look around the corner for the mystical elf, but finds nothing. He shakes his head in dismay. Who is he, and why does he expect me to follow his orders? Kaze o walks the halls passing more strange folk along the way. I wonder where that Drow got off to, I doubt that orc wolf thing held her attention for very long.
Taken aback by Sadira's sudden laugh and departure Quimkithe takes a step back. She then seizes up Tamarelle. Doesn't speak Orc does she. Hmmph, well maybe I can find somebody else who can.
Ig vai ba rak d'rb Taedaeuorro, I vairb r'xo ka g'rb tado uoraek'art ka karqouto v'kl, aeb'oi.
Sadira finishes praying then heads back to the party, grabs more of the wine then heads to the far side of the room and just watches the people in the room. Ahh people watching, my favorite pastime
Kaze o eventually finds his way back to main hall. He looks around for a familiar face , but has no luck. He makes his way back to the banquet table to pick up some more conversation.
Sadira finishes the wine, so she heads toward the table to get more of the wine. oh there is the Kitsune... What was his name. Kaze o that's right. I should say hi, I would really like to see if he's found anything out. she walks toward Kaze o. hello Kaze o, it's good to see you again.
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Oh, Sadira, hello again.
You took off pretty fast, I don't blame you though that orcish girl couldn't hold much of a conversation. Did you speak to your source you mentioned? what kind of source could he possibly have here, he did mention that before leaving earlier.
I did not, but I know for a fact that this Temerlyth is not one to be trifled with. He wields powerful magic. He told me himself to be aware the witching hour, and that me and a few others will be invited to an audience with him for some sort of job he's got all planned out. I don't know what exactly he wants. The stranger thing is that he already seemed to know who I was before we even talked, or better stated, he talked.
Wow he trusts me more than I expected already to tell me this, good that means I can fully trust him. hmmmmm that's interesting. So you were with him? Do you know where he is now? Beware the witching hour???? Hmmmm this worries me, we need to keep that information secret, sorry about all the questions I just really want to know what is going on. oh goodness he is gonna think I'm insane did I really just blurt out all those questions?
Kaze o takes a step back after Sadira's outburst. Wow she's really pushing me for information. It's probably better if I watch my tongue when around her from here on out. I know about as much as you. He came to me while I was trying to find my source, but then disappeared like the snow on a hot day. Now that I think about it who else could that Elf invited to an audience?
That is interesting, I wonder how we can fid out more. definitely overstepped my boundaries he looked a little taken aback by my questions. I need to be careful I need allies in this room of people, especially with this strange elf saying beware the witching hour.
It'd probably be best if we talk to a few people around here. There has to be at least one person here who knows what's going on. Where and when should we meet again?
Let's meet in the library in an hour. Sadira walks over towards a short bald man who is on the corner and very kindly asks Do you know nothing about what's going on here? I really hope he knows something
As Sadira moves closer, she realizes that the man is in fact bald by choice, as his head is cleanly shaven. He is, however, not short by choice, as he is a halfling. At the drow-elf's question the halfling looks up from the plate of food he was so greedily devouring. With flakes of pepper in his teeth, and crumbs on his shirt, he replies. "Right now what's going on is a delicious, hot, venison sandwich. If you're talking about the greater goings on, my answer would be: take a look around... You've got darkvision don't you? Or at least low-light vision I'd hope. What do you think is going on? Powerful magic-user, hidden, yet indescribably comfortable underground lair, food for miles, people and monsters for even more miles...? It doesn't take a genius to figure out what Temerlyth ultimately has planned here does it?" The halfling finishes his sardonic reply and then takes a rather voracious bite of the sandwich he was eating, munching loudly, almost defiantly.
Sounds like a plan! says Kaze o as Sadira walks away. Alright, down to business, now which lucky lass will have the pleasure of talking with mua? Kaze o spies a particularly beautiful Female human. Perfect... Kaze o makes his way over to her. His tail suddenly disappears. His muzzle compresses closer to his face and his ears shift down to the side of his head. His fur seems to melt into his body and his skin take on a slightly tan appearance. The hair on the top of his head takes on a blond hue and elongates to just past his eyes. He brushes it out of the way and continues in the woman's direction, never breaking stride.
Sadira gives him a "look", and what do you think that is Mr. genius? wait a second was he calling me stupid? If he was I might have to make him apologize, I am way to proud to let a little halfling call me stupid
Wonderful evening isn't it? Just full of excitement, wonder, and, might I add, beauty Kaze o gives her a smile and a charming wink. She'd have to be stupid not to fall for my charms.
Dressed in leathers, armed to the teeth, and currently engaged in another conversation with a surly looking half-orc, the girl looks at Kaze o, unimpressed. "In case your beady eyes didn't notice, I'm actually in the middle of a conversation." She nods at the tusked warrior immediately adjacent to her, and he purposefully rests a hand on the hilt of a serrated blade slung on his belt. "Now why don't you go find someone to bother that is actually interested in your primitive mating rituals."
As Quimkithe walked around the crowded room she perked her ears, straining to hear the beautiful strains of her native language. Eventually she heard it. She quickly shifted into her Half-Orc form and approached them. Harru samsrakam
Quimkithe approaches a group of well armed orcs, amongst which there are a few goblins. The goblins wear the trappings of magic-users of some kind. As can be expected they are making crass jokes, and laughing at gruff humor. Watching one of the goblins, one wearing a particularly nice ruby necklace, she notices that he seems, possibly, to be the leader of this small group. Her initial address to the group is met with skeptic looks. "Gorkrodaer? Wo aeuo aukt!"
Upon seeing the goblin Quimkithe's vision turned red. I doaerk ka daexo ae daeuxob b'ggouorko dokvoor vai aukt aerb klato g'rklv, groae 'rgotkob sadr'rt!
Who would've guess the lady is still pretty when she's angry. I apologize, I didn't mean to rile you. Now, if you wouldn't mind, could we take this conversation elsewhere, away from less sophisticated creatures? Kaze o makes sure to directly refer to the half-Orc standing behind her as he said this.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"The goblin laughs, smiling, and completely calm. "Yuir rusec, ur rocd srarauk, axakvrekeak aeuir roca'k emsarresamca, ur ... rocd srarauk. Yui vuird srae su omsar ka vram I'k kirruimdad bae covobra vorreurk. Yui kiks roqa kivraka cumkedamca em aeuir vruvakk."
I am sure you have great reason for hating my kind, here does not seem the place to pick a fight though, does it?" We are all here for the same reason, fighting each other, here, is exactly why we are all forced to hide from the surfacers. We frequently fail to be able to work together." As he finishes speaking in common, the decorated goblin simply sweeps one hand in a wide gesture to encompass the entire room, bringing Quimkithe's attention to her surroundings.
"Apparently you didn't understand."The human girl inclines her head to the muscled and scarred half-orc at her side, looking at Kaze o sidelong, across the end of her nose. "I said I'm already engaged in a conversation. You and I aren't having a conversation, therefore have no reason to move anything anywhere. Now, as I said before, why don't you go ahead and try and find someone interested in whatever it is your trying to peddle."
With that the half-orc laughs and mumbles something in his guttural tongue. "Puokkv dav." Which causes the girl to chuckle slightly.
Quimkithe's face grew slightly pink. I need to learn to curb my temper... But with these thrice cursed goblins around I can't control myself! Nearly trembling with anger, Quimkithe turned away from the group and walked away saying over her shoulder.
Waekkl vaiutorg, Gadr'r, 'g s'qor klo klaerko, I v'rr x'rr vai aerb aerr ag vaiu x'r.
"Mr. genius, I like that." Chuckles the halfling at what he perceived to be a joke on the part of the charismatic drow woman. "World domination, starting on the small scale obviously, but every attempt at world domination has to start somewhere." He dives back into his venison sandwich, and chuckles again. "Ha, Mr. genius."
