Our War-Torn Souls Suffer Still (PF E6 Eberron Campaign) (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

The Main Creation Myth of Eberron

In the beginning, there were the four elements: Earth, Fire, Water and Air, and the five energies: Fire, Cold, Acid, Lightning and Sound; all facets of the Ethereal manifesting as nothing turned into thing.

In the turmoil of the Primordial Dance, as the elements mixed, Light and Darkness emerged and gained consciousness, forming the Astral. They were Syberis and Khyber. Syberis took the elements and the energies and formed Eberron.

From Light Syberis created. Khyber, looking at creation, saw that it was to be swallowed into Darkness, for the sake of Eberron.

But Khyber and Syberis disagreed about creation and destruction. They started to fight each other around Eberron. From their fight, pieces of Syberis and Khyber flew in all directions, sometimes mixed together, sometimes tempered or washed through Shadow. They formed the night, the stars and the moons; each moon associated with a moment in the fight and carrying that primal energy.

Finally, Khyber slew Siberis, creating Dolhuur, the realm of the Dead, the Shard belt, fragments of the defeated Syberis, and Irian, the heart of Syberis and the Sun in the sky.

Khyber turned towards Eberron, who saw that the Primordial Dragon had lost its sense of purpose. Khyber turned and turned around Eberron as he danced, its elements and energies mixing, to avoid its destructive lashes. And finally, Eberron awoke and grasped at the Meaning, the Prophecy, and let Khyber come through him. Eberron bound Khyber inside him and expelled parts of it so what was left could be contained. Banished were its breath, Risia, its Eye, Mabar and its Madness, Xoriat.

OUR WAR-TORN SOULS SUFFER STILL
A Pathfinder E6 Homebrewed Eberron Campaign

As Karrnath High Brigadier's Dalvan ir Tolvek draws his last breath, two years into the fragile Treaty of Thronehold, a House Sivis clerk sends a series of summons to the reading of his last wishes and the unfolding of events that will unveil dark secrets of the Last War, and make or break the uneasy truce between the Five Nations.

The Announcement
Each of you will remember all his life where he stood when he received the impossible news: Brigadier General Dalvan ir'Tolvek has passed away.

Through the arcane mists that weave and whirl on the surface of Eberron, the signal sent from a House Sivis clerk found you and burned its painful message in your consciousness: "Brigadier Tolvek, natural death. Invitation important reading last will September 27, Tolvek Hotel, Segelios. RSVP. Condoleances. Rodrigus d’Sivis. "

The day winds down and the sun touches the horizon. Numerous images float on the surface of your thoughts, all testimonies to the immense respect you had for this man and the enormous debt you owe him.

Your eyes fill with tears as you face the radiant orange glow of the sunset.

Legends die too.

You start moving, as if in a dream, leaving everything behind, to honor the memory of a great Karrn, the greatest you have ever known...

Introduction - The Last Regrets of Dalvan ir’Tolvek

The Arrival
Your scarce resources meant you had to choose very humble means of travel through the country; your feet most of the time. Exhausted, you finally see the village of Segelios in the distance.

The village is located in one of the meanders of the Karrn River on the road between Atur and Korth. Although the train has not run between these two cities for many years, a few remnants of the Lightning Rail’s past splendor can be seen in many places. The road remains in good condition and regularly sees the passage of convoys or stagecoach connecting Atur and Korth. While many coaches stop often in Segelios, its prosperity is mostly due to the presence of rapids on the meandering river. Those force the carrying of goods from the river traffic. King Kaius recently announced that restoration work on the Lightning Route were forecast for the next five years.

Segelios sits on a short hill that overlooks the meander. The houses are low, with gray tile roofs. Only a few buildings have over two floors: Tolvek Hotel, a squat building of four floors with a roof of tarnished copper, the church of The Blood, with a grim looking steeple of yellowed bones and the three story high inn named The Very Long Rest, carrying a Karrnath flag on its front and the saw mill, a vast edifice of wood, three story high, which seems hardly capable of supporting the weight of its dark bark roof.

Not far from the village, to the north, Karrnwood stretches as far as the eye can see. The forest is a great source of wealth and worry for the community. It consists mainly of evergreen, fir, cedar and giant blue pine with, here and there, clumps of silver birch, maples and golden oaks. Karrnwood has a bad reputation. The section of road that approaches it is patrolled regularly, yet vile monsters continue to plague villagers, loggers and travelers.

Night falls as you arrive. A sign at the entrance of the village reads:

"The guests of the Lord Tolvek, on the occasion of his funeral, would do well to inquire at The Very Long Rest."

The main street leads to a small square, the center of the small town, which harbors a fountain monument to the heroes of the Last War: "To those who fell in battle, but especially for those who have fallen twice!" Bordering the square, you easily identify the church, Tolvek Hotel and, located just opposite, the inn. The air is cold and the wind carries a sweet smell of conifer, in which one can discern a hint of incense, and the ferment of a large spring storm, with its cold heavy rain. And in fact, a light rain begins to fall when you walk to the door of the inn.

The heavy wooden door, as you push it, squeals calmly and lets out warm wisps filled with a captivating blend of spices, meat and tobacco. Upon entering, you immediately notice a large room filled with a dozen tables at the end of which is a large dark wood desk. The walls and ceilings are covered with decorated wooden panels. A huge trophy of a massive elk adorns one wall. A piano, no doubt from Zilargo, acting as a reminder of a somptuous yet bygone era, sits under the trophy. The sounds are muffled inside and an austere atmosphere of mourning fills the room.

At a table, you see old acquaintances. Their faces are familiar, even if you do not necessarily remember their names. They are all sitting at the table and they wave you over when your eyes meet. You've shared campfires, tales, fears, defeats and victories with these people. You’ve also shared a respect for the deceased Brigadier General.

As you move in, the owner approaches you. She is of a good size and wears a big leather apron stained with blood and flour. She carries a tray with food and beer: [b]"Good Evening to You! You barely beat the rain from the looks of it. Good for you! The name’s Mardigue. Let me know when you're ready to order. For your sake, know that tonight we honor the memory of a great man. If you do not behave properly, I do not give much of your skin. Consider yourself warned."

You move to the table and renew with old colleagues of war.

I’ll let you meet and exchange before describing the other tables.

Lethe remains silent as she slowly looks over the various faces and trying to put faces to name's most however the woman called Rabbit was the only one who's name she could really remember. She did recognise the Necromancer and the halfling also the final man did look familiar but she couldent quite place it. "So is this everyone?" she asks more to break the silence than anything else.

Viyko updated based on new equipment.

After a long overland journey on foot in Aundair, Viyko hopped a lightning freighter with some vagabonds, then signed up as a guard and healer with a caravan headed toward Atur. Road-weary and covered in the dust of the road, Viyko grinned as the rain started, doing a little circular dance to himself before heading to the tavern.

As Viyko spies the others, he mutters to the bar maid, "Karrn root tea. With honey if it's in season." Finally turning to the others, he starts to speak, then pauses and sits down. Unslinging his bow, eyes looking everywhere, but rarely making eye contact with anyone, he says, "Always death that brings us together, yeah?"

Viyko finally makes eye contact with Vrykkas, and grits his teeth a bit before relaxing into his chair. He nods at the Elf, and then starts scanning the room of the tavern.

Vrykkas nods at the assembled people, recognizing some by their faces and others by the various body parts he's reattached to them over the years. His face remains impassive, even as his dark eyes devour the sights. He is tall, gaunt even for an elf and appears wasted, sunken with some sort of disease. His breath rasps and you wonder for a moment if the funeral might be a two-for-one special.

"Death is our business, young man. Death and the aftermath. It is meet that we come together over the body of one so high in stature. Let us never forget that we are all the same in death." Vrykkas lowers his head in respect, one hand resting on a vial of what appears to be blood around his neck. "May the Blood grant us that we live beyond the mortal stroke, and survive to experience the grandeur of life eternal, no servant to the grave, but a master."

Viyko mutters to himself, looking at the elk on the wall, "Business. ... maybe. ... Ivan, be still." He looks to the bar maid with obvious agitation at the delay of his tea.

"You know, Vrykkas, they all seem pretty much the same in life, too, when you see enough people."

Rabbit will smile up at the hostess. You needn't fear disparaging remarks at this table. And if you need help bouncing any who do, let us know!

Most at the table recognize Rabbit from long ago; they don't have to look hard to see the awkward teen girl in the young, confident woman before them. Her pack thumps heavily to the floor next her chair as she seats herself. Despite the somber circumstances, she smiles at each present that she recognizes from the years before.

Ayla looks around the table, taking in familiar faces, trying to bring up good memories to help brighten the dark cause of their reunion. "It good to see you all again. But... Ayla wish we meet under better circumstances. Dalvan was much like a father to Ayla. We can take solace in knowing he with the good spirits now."

"Always death that brings us together, yeah?"

Ayla frowns. "Ayla wish it not true, but she lacks any proof to deny it." Despite what she says, a slight smile apears on her face. "If Ayla said to Dalvan that he die of old age in his home, he would have laughed her out of the army..." She says, trying to brighten the mood a bit.

"Well it's good to see all you again despite the present circumstances."

Mardigue comes back with Viyko's tea and sets it on the table. "You fellows seem to have traveled long and far. May we interest you with our specialty? We have made hordad. It's been cooking since noon and it's tender and creamy. We also have different ales, wines and liquors if you want."

Hordad is a Karrn staple from the famine era. It's veal lung cooked in a thick red wine sauce, with potatoes and turnips.

She lifts her chin, inviting you to discuss your meal plan for the evening, then stiffens a little as she notices that one of the young girls is not a halfling after all, but a very young girl. "I can find you some milk young girl."

"I'll have the hordad. and an Ale" Seeing the maid consult her ward something seems to click In Lethe's head "Oh yeah everyone this is Tika some of you may remember her from that village near Eston?"

"I will have the hordad and tea, please." Vrykkas seems calm, despite the reunion. "It seems these days that reunions come with funerals as a matter of course. As you say, Ayla, most of us here would not have foreseen a quiet death for any a few years ago. But things change. Some things at least." Vrykkas smiles a sly smile, as if sharing a private joke, then barks a single laugh which degenerates into a fit of dry coughs.

Tauni nods to the hostess, indicating she'll have the same meal as Vrykkas, hordad and tea. She glances around the room, looking for more familiar faces regularly. I agree. I would have thought with the war ending, we would have seen a gradual improvement around here. After all, crops and families should grow better without armies tromping back and forth over them. It hardly looks like much has changed.

"That sounds delicious, actually. Haven't had it in nearly a decade. Hordad as well. Oh, and water. .... Thank you." Viyko raises an eyebrow in interest at Vrykkas' display of cryptic humor.

Turning to Lethe and Tika, Viyko asks, "Who are you two?

Viyko turns his tea around on the table, leaving patterns of interlocking wet rings on the wooden table. He seems transfixed on this activity for a few minutes. When finished, he wipes the intricate knotwork into oblivion with his hand and sits his tea to the side.

Scratching his stubbly cheek before leaning forward, Viyko asks the group. "I'll go ahead and ask it, then. Why here? Dalvan was a great man in his life, and impacted the world in far-reaching ways. Was he born here or something? It just isn't the sort of place that seems to suit his station in life." Viyko finally makes eye contact in earnest with the rest.

"Rabbit, it's like this in most places the war hit hardest. Karrnath took a larger death count than many nations. We were fighting wars on all sides. We had to raise our dead to fight again when other countries faired well without them until the 'forged. They could make soldiers from thin air, and we still had to have deaths to create more. There was no gain. Rambling, sorry. Karrnath doesn't have the living bodies needed to work the land right now. We will in a few years, when the children grow. Too bad we can't just make the raised smarter and have them work the land- not that the generals would put their arsenal at risk."

"I'll go ahead and ask it, then. Why here? Dalvan was a great man in his life, and impacted the world in far-reaching ways. Was he born here or something? It just isn't the sort of place that seems to suit his station in life."

It dawns on him as he says it. This is where the ir'Tolvek have had their estate since before the war.

"Ayla recall Dalvan say he born here..." Ayla says tapering off, trying to remember if she is correct in this statement.

"Ayla no mean disrespect but she never liked calling upon the undead to fight. The spirits deserve rest after a hard life, calling upon their help the way we did seemed to cross the line... The spirits lost their lives in the war, and more willing to come back to help finish what they start... Calling upon the spirits to tend to the living seem disrespectful... Ayla just happy Dalvan's spirit can rest in peace now..."

Ayla's Hp 1d8 ⇒ 11d8 ⇒ 8
Character sheet updated, just need to choose spells and I think she's 100% good to go...

Turning to Lethe and Tika, Viyko asks, "Who are you two?

"As I said this is Tika, I'm Lethe and you are?"

Viyko looks confused, then he understands. "Apologies, I meant to ask who you were in regard to the Brigadier. I do not believe we've met. Words aren't my strong suit, and I often get caught up in semantics."

Viyko twirls his teacup again. "I was a scout in the war, a bit of a drifter the last few years, and I considered Dalvan a friend. What passes for one. My name is Viyko, and this... Viyko pulls a writhing, foot-and-half-long writhing coil of black and legs, "...is Ivan." Viyko grins before putting the centipede away, hoping to get a laugh or scare out of the child.

As the veterans get to share bits and pieces of knowledge and the odd opinion on the way things are in this world, Madrigue comes back with the orders. "Here you are! ... Say, perhaps it is none of my business, but what brings you around our fine Segelios on such a sad evening?"

As the owner gets your attention, your perception wanders to the rest of the room and the other tenants. A few villagers stand out; clearly luggers enjoying a good company and a good ale, under the auspices of the few hard earned coins.

But through the smoke and the barflies, you notice two tables that stand out from the usual patrons.

At the first table, you see Karrn uniforms with the Northern Brigade tells. A middle-aged officer with a blond crew-cut and a short beard talks with energy to three other people. The first is an elf wearing a wide and thick pale blue scarf around his neck. He is most certainly of Valenar stock and does not wear a uniform. The second is a shifter in a very loose and neglected uniform. The third is a female elf dressed in the very straight and somber uniform that Vrykkas has worn for many years.

The second table is filled with giant mugs, around which stagger three dwarves dressed in the Mror style. They seem very wealthy.

Please roll some knowledges: history, local, religion and/or nobility. Also Sense Motive.

Viyko starts cutting the lung meat into little bits, and separates it from the rest of the dish. Viyko gives Mardigue a brief, puzzled look as he sips his water, then goes back to separating his food.

Say, perhaps it is none of my business, but what brings you around our fine Segelios on such a sad evening?"[/b]

I got a signal telling me of that Dalv-, uh, the Brigadier was, that he passed. I came as quickly as I could. To honor and mourn him.

Rabbit doesn't try to be discreet with her comments, and she glances around in case anyone who overhears has a reaction.

Viyko pauses briefly and lets out a faint sigh before resuming his busywork.

Dotting to keep up with this one. Just ignore me...I'm not really here

Knowledges;
(nature) to identify the second elf as either Aereni or Valenar: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
(history): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
(local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
(nobility) untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
(religion) untrained: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Remember to add +2 vs humanoids, where applicable.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 Includes bonus vs humanoids. Assume that Viyko is always taking 10 on this from here onward, if not in combat, when possible.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

If my previous Knowledge (local) check is still of any use here, it was better... :)

Know: Religion 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Nature (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
History (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Nobility (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Local (untrained): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"Ayla here to pay respects to Dalvan. He old friend."
Ayla starts eating her food and looking around for other friends she may have missed.

Knowledge (nature) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Sense motive 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

Untrained
Knowledge (religion) 1d20 ⇒ 8
Knowledge (history) 1d20 ⇒ 5
Knowledge (nobility) 1d20 ⇒ 3
Knowledge (local) 1d20 ⇒ 17

Sense motive

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Viyko looks confused, then he understands. "Apologies, I meant to ask who you were in regard to the Brigadier. I do not believe we've met. Words aren't my strong suit, and I often get caught up in semantics."

"Oh well I served under him for a while" Lethe responds digging into her food as soon as it is deliverd

She lifts her chin, inviting you to discuss your meal plan for the evening, then stiffens a little as she notices that one of the young girls is not a halfling after all, but a very young girl. "I can find you some milk young girl."

"Yes please" the young shifter girl at Lethe's side responds. Looking to be about somewhere between 12 and 14 with blue eyes and somewhat messy short brown hair, She is dressed somewhat tom boyishly In a short sleeved shirt and sleeveless jacket, she wears a snug pair of hide trousers complete with a well worn pair of travelling boots. Upon being introduced by Lethe she grins toothily and nods to everyone.

and this...[/b] Viyko pulls a writhing, foot-and-half-long writhing coil of black and legs, "...is Ivan." Viyko grins before putting the centipede away, hoping to get a laugh or scare out of the child.

Rather than being scared or disgusted Tika seems more amused and interested in the centipede than anything else "Can I hold Ivan Mr Viyko?" She asks him.

The owner beams a large smile at the mention of the Brigadier General: "Well in that case, you should give me your name. The gnome in charge of his estate has given me a list of names. The people on the list have free board and meal tonight and tomorrow morning."

To the owner, Tauni says I'm Tauni Desba. But my friends call me Rabbit. The smile, nod and wink she gives as she says it should indicate to the owner that it is okay for her to call her Rabbit.

The others who already knew Rabbit from before may notice that she seems a lot more confident and outgoing than she used to be; apparently the past couple of years have been busy for her.

Vrykkas sips his tea, "I am Vrykkas, sometimes known as Vrykkas the Pale."

"Former Lieutenant Viyko Kharde. I assumed we were all here to honor the Brigadier. He was a great man. Do other travelers stop through here often?"

Only after the Owner leaves:

Viyko smiles a proud and mischievous smile at Tika, as he drops the diced up veal meat in his water glass. He slides the glass to Tika, and says, "Now the meat is not so rich or hot. That is how Ivan likes it best." As he removes his hand from the glass, Ivan writhes out of his sleeve toward Tika, coiling in front of her and raising the front of his segmented body up to the glass. Ivan's antennae twitch with anticipation.

Madrigue smiles even more, extending her large face to the extreme: "Yes, Yeees! It all sounds familiar. So you're all guests tonight!"

She walks away, her hips swinging slowly, revealing the rest of the room. You notice the center table is empty, with a little note on it, simply saying TAKE ANOTHER ONE!

Let me know how you see the rest of your evening.

Viyko intends to enjoy his meal and the company of former comrades in arms, while observing the room. When it gets late, he'll turn in. As long as nothing untoward happens, Viyko makes small talk when necessary, and takes time to entertain the child with Ivan, as he feels less awkward around kids.

"Ayla wonder who that table for?"

Viyko intends to enjoy his meal and the company of former comrades in arms, while observing the room.

Ayla does the same. Ayla opts to sleep in the woods, unless that is a problem.

Lethe would have her meal chat with the others for a bit before retiring to bed. Tika would probably spend most of the evening playing around with Ivan before also retiring for bed.

If the rooms are free for guests of the Brigadier, Viyko will sleep at the inn. Otherwise he'll either sleep in the woods, or squat somewhere in town (abandoned building, rooftop, cubby hole under stairs or a bridge, etc.).

The rooms are free.

The afternoon has turned into evening, as the conversations have softened and most of the regular patrons have left the place to return to their home and family.

The door opens and a dark figure enters, wrapped in a soaked mantle, a hood covering his head. His hands twitch slightly as he scans the room. He turns to face the blond man and slowly pulls his hood back, revealing a young and thin face with long white hair, framed by long elven ears.

The blond man stands up, his face wrapped in painful disbelief: "Naham Drinn, you have some nerve showing up on this eve! What's a scoudrel like you expect from coming here, except perhaps to get the pound of steel he so deserves for his cowardness!"

Naham Drinn, an elven brelander from the look of him, tips his head forward, obviously filled with shame: "I wish I could have just disappeared, but he has called me here, and it's the least I could do. Is that going to be a problem for you?"

The blond man slowly sits down, you can see sorrow in his eyes. He mumbles: "I hope he just wants to curse you one last time..."

The elf turns and looks at the room, looking for a place to sit.

Knowledge local, history, nobility. Also Heal.

Perception and Sense Motive also please.

Heal 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Sense Motive 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Perception
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Sense motive

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Remember to add +2 on all of these except Heal vs. Humanoids.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
History: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 (Untrained)

Heal: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (11) + 0 = 11 (Untrained)

As soon as this happens, Ivan crawls back inside Viyko's sleeve.

Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Sense Motive 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Heal 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
.

Untrained Knowledge
Local 1d20 ⇒ 14
History 1d20 ⇒ 14
Nobility 1d20 ⇒ 7