Gameplay thread for fun, fun, fun!
|
One of the attendees is a well-dressed, clean elf with blond hair and timeless blue eyes. By his looks, you can tell that he likes everything to be neat and spotless, just like his enamelled mithral breastplate. His gestures are precise and never made in vain. Yet one thing contrasts with the elf's shiny appearance: his hands, up to the elbows, are severely burnt, to the point that it'll probably never heal. Those burn marks are in the open, a reminder of the vicissitudes of his past.
Addressing his companions, the elf displays a no-nonsense attitude, even adding a touch of humilty as he bows to the other attendees. He's obviously an experienced socialite, adapting to his environment rapidly. "I am Kynrac Chronarion, librarian of the Scrolls and apprentice of Master Shaine. Well met."
|
|
You see a half-elf with a hint of wild in his appearance, especially his silvery hair and sideburns. His armor has bits of horn and covered with markings from the far East.
Closeby, there is a cougar that follows Fendahl closely, watching for commands or an occasional treat from his companion.
He bows deeply to the collective members assembled.
|
A short and slender woman her eyes sparkling like sapphires and her hair a rich yellow enters the lodge wearing a richly embroidered red tunic over a elegant mithril chain shirt. She bears the colors of one of the noble houses of Brevoy, and carries herself with an air of nobility. She looks carefully around at the others already present. Not seeing any familiar faces she looks harder, clearly appraising them.
As her eyes settle on the man with the scimitars across her back she raises an eyebrow. Her hand settles on the hilt of her own exotic blade, looking more like a work of art than a weapon, its blade nearly as long as a longsword but curved slightly. Her fingers brush across the the dragon headed shaped pommel.
She speaks with a heavy brevic accent.
"Truly ve are in ze company of some august agents. I vould be pleased to know each of you better. I am ze Duchess Kale Aldori of House Orlovsky, famed Swordlord from ze land of Brevoy."
She gives a small bow to the other agents.
Incense hangs heavy in the air in a meeting chamber of Manaket’s Swordmeet Lodge, where Venture-Captain Obo stands before a low table. “I won’t mince words,” he declares as he strokes his graying beard. “This mission is of vital importance to the Pathfinders’ success in the Worldwound. The Society has many powerful spellcasters, yet few can compare to the Riftwardens in feats of demon-banishing. That Abyssal scar spawns many demons, and the aid of capable abjurers would be a great boon in our march to Jormurdun, the newly discovered Sky Citadel . When our leaders requested the Riftwardens’ aid, we were denied; too many of their wizards are already committed to Mendev’s cause.”
Obo’s face betrays his chagrin, and he continues. “However, in saying no, they tantalized us with a means of securing their trust and alliance. Several Riftwardens led by Jahani Jodinaj and stationed in Azir were recently preparing for a dangerous task, but they recently stopped responding to magical missives. Were we Pathfinders to investigate these Riftwardens’ disappearance, we would have performed a great service to be repaid in kind."
"Ah," he notes with some pleasure as two servant carry platters
of drinks and fruit into the room, “We have refreshments. May you find them to your pleasure.” As he begins peeling an orange, he frowns and adds, “We have one potential ally in this investigation, though I doubt he will leap at the chance to help. A contact of mine recently spotted the former Pathfinder Eando Kline in the sook of Azir. He has donned the guise of a copper merchant and likely prefers a degree of anonymity, but he is also a very well-connected man; if anyone knows what ills have befallen the Riftwardens, it is he. Should he not wish to speak, tell him, ‘Sasha Antif-Arah sends her regards — healthy and alive from Andoran.’ “Beyond that, be careful, Pathfinders. The sands of Rahadoum are unforgiving, and the Pure Legion is even less so.”
|
|
Kale listens carefully to Venture-Captain Obo's words, nodding slightly understanding the Riftwarden's 'offer'. She eyes the refreshments as they are brought in, conspicuously refraining from the fresh fruit and drinks. As he gives his message for Eando Kline, Kale carefully repeats the words several times under her breath, committing them to memory.
Seeing the venture captin is finished, Kale ponders for a moment longer before speaking. "Captain, vhat can you tell us about zis Pure Legion? I've not had ze... vould it be, 'pleasure'? ... of encountering zem before."
|
|
Kynrac cannot suppress a kind smile as Sascha's name comes up.
One year since we freed her from her wretched cell, then recovered her locket in the sewers of Korvosa. How time flies. Strange... I did not know that Kline and her were somehow connected. Leverage maybe?
Grabbing some grapes as sole nourishment, the elven lorekeeper listens to the Venture-Captain's words with obedience and dedication. "Very well, we shall leave at once. I shall not leave my brothers to a dire, yet unknown, fate." Turning to his companions, he adds "For I am a Riftwarden as well, and while my unquestionable loyalty goes to the Society, the Riftwardens are my heart and my blood. I shan't stop till we've saved them."
|
|
Kale frowns, What an uncouth woman... and to bring her camel in here of all places. Those barbarians to the vest had more manners then her.
"Ve should not jump to conclusions my dear..." she gestures at the Qadran woman allowing her to supply a name. "lest we eliminate ze true culprits from our investigation."
Venture-Captain Obo looks at the group;
"Yes, Kline. He's got quite a reputation, I know. For those who haven't had the pleasure, Kline was once a Pathfinder, but his philosophies conflicted with those of the Decemvirate and inspired him to leave. It was not a pleasant parting of ways, and I understand the wounds he bears are still raw; be careful not to rub them with salt.”
Obo is also able to provide the PCs with a simple sketch of Eando Kline, depicting a handsome Taldan man sporting a short beard.
To Kale he says: "Your Grace, the Riftwardens are an order of arcanists devoted to maintaining the planar boundaries and limiting the interference of outsiders. We are not certain what they were doing in Azir, but it seems as though they were preparing for a raid of some kind."
Kynrac remembers a great deal of information as well:
15+ Although often referred to as atheists, the people of Rahadoum accept that the gods exist but simply refuse to venerate them, believing that the price of worship is too great. An elite militant organization known as the Pure Legion enforces the ban on religion.
20+ Despite the Pure Legion’s best efforts, there is nevertheless a considerable trade in smuggled religious paraphernalia. Punishment for breaking religious law
ranges from a fine for possession of forbidden texts to public humiliation or deportation for proselytizing or displays of divine magic.
25+ Rahadoum has experienced several terrible plagues and other disasters in recent memory, leading some to speculate that the gods are displeased with the nation. Additionally, while the Pure Legionnaires have a reputation outside of Rahadoum of being merciless hardliners, they are educated, humane, and far from being bloodthirsty killers.
|
|
Kynrac ponders for a moment. "The Laws of Man in Rahadoum might prove a problem, as was pointed out earlier. Worshipping any god is forbidden. I don't have a problem with this as my divine powers come from the powers of time, not Irori which I incidentally pray to. Actually, the people of Rahadoum accept the existance of the gods - they're far from being atheists - but they refuse to bow to them for the price is too high.
The Pure Legion is the organization that enforces the ban. Despite their best efforts, there is a considerable black market for religious items, but this is heavily punishable. We should definitely leave any religious symbol or text here at the Lodge. The Pure Legion has a sinister reputation but are in fact more educated than many, and can even show humanity.
Finally, Rahadoum has fallen victim to terrible plagues or disasters in recent times, which has led people to believed that the gods were wroth."
|
|
Kale nods slowly as Kynrac speaks, indecating her attentiveness to his words. Again she looks over at the refreshments, licking at her dry lips.
Pharasma take this heat, I miss the north where the weather's more natural. This desert heat feels like we're going to explore a portal to the plan of fire! She turns away from the drink her hand slipping down a a small flask on her hip.
"Zhe Lady of Graves needs no signs of outward vorship from me, though I'm certain she is happy to judge ze souls she calls me to send to 'er."
Kale gives a wink at this, glad for once of not carrying any religious tokens.
|
|
Kale will nod her accent, indicating she is ready to depart. After leaving the office she opens her wayfinder, checking to be sure the clear spindled stone is seated securely, she give a little shudder as she remembers the feast she had attended not long ago.
Pharasma was kind to spare my companions from my hand that day...
You leave the Lodge in Manaket and board ship for Azir. After a short and comfortable voyage, you arrive in the principal port of Rahadoum.
The heat of the midday sun accentuates the strange juxtaposition of salty sea air and dry, desert wind, just as the Rahadoumi caravans mingle with sailors from a dozen lands to make the markets of Azir a bustling, cosmopolitan hub of western Garund.
The city’s edifices range from old constructions rejuvenated with elegant murals and exotic carvings to much newer buildings built with irregular angles and acute corners that combine to create an elegant mosaic of
art and architecture. A vibrant soundscape overlays this visual effect, combining the sound of men haggling over baskets of dates, camels bleating in protest to their handlers’ commands, and the chorus of seagulls that soar overhead in search of an easy meal.
Once your ship arrives in Azir, several port officials begin performing routine tasks and inspections as a pair of Pure Legionnaires ask you to declare any religious texts, icons, or other objects that they are bringing into the country. Following this, the legionnaires run a quick search of your belongings for holy symbols.
The men conclude tbeir search:
"Long ago, the people of Rahadoum suffered greatly during a series of religious wars. Now, we no longer allow religion here. No worship services, no holy symbols, no proselytizing. We have enjoyed much peace as a result. Also, there is a ban on the casting of divine magic. The penalty can be a stiff fine or even deportation."
"There are many sights here. Most visitors enjoy a trip to our bath-houses, which are quite famous. Thank you for your cooperation, and please enjoy your stay in Azir."
The address proves easy enough to locate. Jahani owns an attractive home surrounded by a low wall; three servants assist in maintaining the property. Jahani’s majordomo answers the door when you call at the estate.
"Well met, strangers. My name is Akhina. Who might you be, and how may I be of assistance to you?"