Desirous of knowledge, no matter how obscure, these creatures only see other like-minded creatures worthy of their interaction. Though they might become curious about a tribe of barbarians, take sudden interest in learning the cant of a local group of thieves, or even study the method of distribution for the local brewery, they watch such things from a distance, never interacting with such "lesser minds." But if a pipefox finds a creature that loves knowledge as much as it does, it becomes intrigued, and after spending a period of time observing such a creature, will eventually muster up the courage to make the relationship more personal. Many pipefoxes are especially intrigued by spellcasters, and sometimes they offer to serve them as either familiars or confidants.
Pipefoxes are secretive by nature, and even when they make themselves known, they can be shy and evasive, both physically and intellectually. They often see knowledge as a type of spiritual currency, and are hesitant to give their knowledge away unless they gain something in return.
Some believe pipefoxes are the spirits of legendary scribes and lore masters given new form. Others believe the creatures are related to kami, and serve to preserve the world's knowledge.
The pipefox looks bored as Xavian and Abaal try to entertain her, but she just lets out a yawn.. that is quickly turned into a surprised yelp as Nemesis calls down a gout of holy flame, scorching the rock in front of her. She is then quickly enthralled by Rimble and his magical story telling. She turns her head, large guileless amber eyes scanning the party as she decides her next move. Decided, she says "I am sorry for spying on you, but around here, one can never be too careful. You can't trust just anyone. I am interested in all knowledge.. but knowledge of magic is my special love. I will be your guide around here, if you will have me. Where or who are you seeking? As I said, many people come here looking to buy things.."
The pipefox's ears perk up as Ashara mentions the Aspis Consortium. "Well, names are a powerful thing.. but it is simply polite. My name is Yrishi, and yes, Tseka sometimes buys things.. I will make you a deal. I will lead you safely to Tseka, and in exchange, you will agree to share whatever secrets you find within. Does that sound fair?"
|
Aznive is relieved that the creature does not take offense at Nemesis's stunt. She finds herself agreeing with the woman now. "Yes, we can make no promises of what we find out, of course. But if it's obscure tidbits that you're interested in, we'll be sure to keep our eyes and ears open."
She gives the creature another critical look and her curiosity gets the upper hand. "If you don't mind me asking... I've never seen anyone like you. Are you from here?" Right, that should be subtle enough. I can't well ask her what she is...
Satisfied, the little creature nods her head decisively. She then begins to circle each member of the team, pointing out deficiencies in their disguises, helping them to blend in with greater skill. She bids you to hide any jewelry, flashy clothing, or dangerous weapons. Finally, she circles back around to the front of the group, and says "That's much better. There are several Aspis checkpoints that you will have to pass through.. I can move around virtually unseen. You, however, must pass through the guards. If you are ready, we can go now."
The lithe little serpent-fox leads you through caverns and tunnels, chattering away. She mostly sticks to the magic users, querying them with questions about spells, general magical knowledge, and rituals. Occasionally, she remembers something important for the group, and casually drops that into conversation as well. "I have heard lately that the Aspis are trying to ally with a group of alley bashers named the Dragon Fangs. This is what originally piqued my interest about them.. I don't know much about the Dragon Fangs, but I know that they are bad news."
A little bit later, she brightens as she remembers another bit to help you along the way. "I heard someone who wore a wayfinder defected to the Aspis Consortium a few years back, but never knew what became of him.."
After about two hours, Yrishi stops the group and moves into the shadows. From there, she whispers "There is a checkpoint coming up. Make sure you are ready, then just follow the cavern. There is a choke point a little father on where they stop people and ask them questions. I will meet you on the other side."
The party checks their disguises once more, then heads forth. Purple and yellow bioluminescent fungi line the base of the walls of this tunnel. A thin, shallow stream of water flows lazily through the passageway. Ahead, the guards stand to, coming to alertness at you approach. As you get closer, the nearest one challenges you. "Who are you, and why are you here?" he asks, peering closely at you.
Aznive
Rimble
Abaal
Ashara
Nemesis
|
"Talk about this traitor again. This is a serious issue. One we'll need to deal with if we want to succeed" Ashara reflects while following the strange fox.
As the party approaches the checkpoint Ashara shouts back at the guards: "Merchants, here to propose a lucrative deal to your superiors. I doubt they'll be pleased if you send us away"
The guards call you forward into their light, and look you over. "Merchants? Thieves and scoundrels mayhaps.." he says to Ashara. "Keep it moving. The passphrase at the next checkpoint is "The serpent rises again". The guards return to their boredom as the party passes through the rest of the tunnel.
Coming out the other side, you meet up once more with Yrishi, who suddenly appears at your side as you turn out of sight from the guards. "Up here," she says "The Consortium is in an old temple up here.. not too much farther."
As you continue, small communities of recently constructed but shoddy structures connected by narrow tunnels give way to large caverns littered with dilapidated buildings, the homes of squatters too poor to afford to live anywhere else. Yrishi leads the way through, slithering from shadow to shadow, but making sure you can keep an eye on her. She pauses frequently to listen for trouble, but you make it through with no problems. Eventually, the caverns shrink, turning into crude, winding tunnels. The tunnels open slightly into a small cavern that
ends in a wall of worked stone. An iron door bearing a raised image of a three-eyed beast on its face prevents entrance.
As you approach the building, Yrishi hangs back. "I..I.. can't.. I won't go in there.. You will have to go ahead by your selves.. I will wait here." With this, the timid little creature darts fearfully into the nearest mound of rubble and is completely gone from sight.
You move within the door into a large entry room with three guards. Four exits lead out of this sparsely furnished room—an iron double door to the northwest, and three wooden doors leading south, east, and southeast. Worn wooden benches line the walls, and discarded bottles are scattered across the floor. Flickering torches reside in sconses around the walls. The guards jump to their feet from where they were lounging against the walls, and one steps forward. "Whats tha password?" he growls at you, while the other two look you over.
Aznive
Rimble
Abaal
Ashara
Nemesis
"All right, yous. Lets see what ya have! the guard grumbles. "Tseka don't want no trash brought in.. Whatcha sellin'?
|
|
Aznive stays silent at the checkpoint, playing the role of the dumb henchman. She breaths a sigh of relief when they're given the password and are being led through. "So far, so good..."
--
Aznive studies the symbol on the gate for a moment, and leans in to Nemesis to whisper "Lamashtu. I don't blame her...."[/smaller]
Aznive opens the chest and holds out several items of interest, making sure that not everything is shown yet. "We have potent toxin, some relics from these lands, and from across the sea. I'm sure they'll hold interest for any buyer, I do."
The guard leans over and looks at the proffered contraband. Satisfied, he grunts and gestures towards the doors at his back. "Alright.. that'll git ya in. Take any of tha doors.. they'll all lead ya ta Tseka." Finished with you, the three guards return to squatting on the refuse littered floor over their dice and conversation.
The party moves past the guards, and into the next room. A flourishing mass of purple fungus separates the western portion of this room. Two cages lined with straw and fungal spores sit ajar against the north wall. To the east, smooth stone covered in scorched images of screaming faces gives way to rough stone. As you enter the room, there are three creatures over by the stand of fungus, one large and two small, all three resembling moving mushrooms. The large one appears to be removing parts of the fungus and placing them into packs. Nearby, other packs are already covered, appearing travel ready. They turn towards you as you enter, but do not otherwise react.
The mushroom like creature simply regards you, unmoving. Finally it speaks, and though garbled and hard to understand, you decipher "What need have you? Tseka wish more talk? We must be leaving."
In response to Abaals question, it responds "Not know where Tseka is. Not in here. Go look elsewhere." before it returns to its task.
|
|
Aznive peeks in past Ashara and over Xavian's shoulder. That doesn't look all that pleasant... "That fungus fellow doesn't look all that talkative," she whispers to the others. "We'd best not make him angry."
"Excuse us," she addresses the large fungal mass. "We have reason to believe that Sheka is beyond this room. We would like to pass, but you seem to be in the way. Would you let us through?" Casual, as an afterthought, she adds "Those packs seems interesting. Are you working for Tseka? Is that merchandise?" Never know when info could come in useful...
The creature grunts at Aznive, then bares its teeth at Ashara. "Not your business what we do. Tseka not here you go.. now. Go around. Not through my quarters. Tseka and we have agreement, no work for.. work with. You not part of that. Go away!"
The walls of this circular room are covered in painted scenes of fear and torment. The stone ceiling rises in a craggy dome that is haphazardly carved with disembodied eyes, talons, fangs, and other monstrous features. In the center of the room, rusty brown stains run down from a circular dais, which holds a stained marble bowl and a collection of rusty daggers. A jagged black rune covers up most of the floor. Tattered and moldy bedrolls are pushed into the corners of the room.
Suddenly, Abaal feels very odd.. a pressure within his head..
There are two exits from this room, The first at about 2 o'clock, and the other at about 5 o'clock. The first looks like it may lead back into the room with the mushroom people.
|
The symbol on the door may have been too sloppy for Nemesis to recognize, but here's no mistaking this setup.
"Yes, Aznive...definitely Lamashtu. That bowl is where sacrifices are performed. The custom then is for the offering cleric to spend the night - or day, depending - on this rune here, inviting Lamashtu to visit them with her profane nightmares."
Xavian checks the door, but finds nothing of note, and Ashara opens it to reveal a store room full of barrels, bags, and tools. Mundane items all, the only thing to catch your eyes are the exits: A door to the north, a door to the southeast, a door to the west, and a tunnel to the south.
|
|
Aznive shivers as Nemesis tells her of the function of this right. "Right... I'm getting less and less eager to meet this Tseka. What kind of person would want to set up shop in a place like this?" She moves along the edge of the room to the door on the other side, making sure not to step on the inlaid symbol, and not to disturb anything in the room.
In the next room she follows Xavian to the northern door. "Be careful," she urges.
Xavian opens the door, revealing the back part of the room with the fungus people. Moving into the room, it is a deep cavern with a deep switchback. The fungus creatures once again stop what they are doing to watch you, but do not interfere.