|
A letter has arrived at your door.
To <your PC’s name here>
According to the undying and flawless W
ill of the Divine Mage Emperor, Avatar of the sun and life to his people, Virkyias Rovarian you have been summoned to attend his court. He wishes that the best and brightest of adventurers come and prostate themselves before him and praise his name for the favour he is about to grant them. His Divinely borne Imperial Majesty will pay you handsomely, in gold, gems and a free night in a brothel normally reserved for nobles if you escort his daughter to meet her betrothed. The princess’ wellbeing is paramount, and you are to listen to her every word. Whatever she wishes you to do you must obey. For she is the daughter of the mighty Desert king, Daughter of the sun itself and life to her people, a goddess in human form. You will treat her with the same respect you would treat a god should you meet them. The princess’ life is far more important than your own, and should you fail in your task your soul shall be cursed for all eternity by the Undying and Flawless Will of the Divine Mage Emperor, Avatar of the Sun and Life to his People, Virkyias Rovarian. You are to attend a grand banquet before leaving on the dictated mission.Torokrys
Grand Scribe of the Imperial Court, servant to the Divine Mage Emperor, Avatar of the Sun and Life to his People, Virkyias Rovarian.
Those who chose to travel to these far away lands arrived by boat at a great port city. From there it was a two month journey over the desert in a caravan. The days were roasting hot and the nights cold. In the skies strange stars danced, stars that you had never seen before. The trip from the port city was uneventful.
The first signs that you were approaching a settlement were the small clusters of nomad's tents scattered about. As you got closer the tents were scattered less sporadically. Finally you realize that you have set foot in the city of this "divine emperor". As you pass though the outer slum, one cannot help but notice the majority of those living in it are non-humans. Elven children run about chasing Lizardfolk hatchlings. Dwarves talk to one another, but keep a wary eye on the progression of the caravan. Halflings dart about, avoiding the larger folk, and gnomes seem to drink it all in. There are also goblins, everywhere. The goblins here are varying shades of brown, and seem to be well enough adapted to scavenging on anything that is cast off, though there is little that is cast off in this slum. Stranger still, people seem to be tolerating the presence of the little beasts.
One of the goblins gets too close to your caravan, and nearly gets stepped upon by a horse. As the hoof nearly misses him he lets out a terrified shriek and runs off, gibbering about almost having his soul stolen.
There are scents and sounds everywhere. There's always something happening, the smell of cooking, the laughter of people going about their life. On every corner there seems to be something else, a cockfight here. Two dogs being pitted against one another there. Even two people having a fist fight. Where there are the card games, dice games and fights, there too are gamblers. And where there is money, there are pickpockets. Keeping your purses in plain sight may be a wise move, unless you wish to loose some gold to lightfingers.
As you walk along you notice a guard harassing a young elf woman, who really wants nothing to do with him. She tries to escape his grasp, however he threatens to break her arms. The guards escorting your caravan urge you that this is none of your business, and that none may keep the Divine Emperor waiting.
There is heat, sound and scents everywhere, mixing into an overpowering concoction. It seems that many of the people living in the tent city are non-human. As you walk along you notice a guard harassing a young elf woman, who really wants nothing to do with him.
Dot
|
|
I had only just returned home the day before when the note came to my door my father thought it a great honor for me to be called to lands so far away and be charged with such an important task though I wanted to go Father gave me little choice saying my destiny awaited me there did I want to go of course but why me of people to be granted such an hounor.
I set out the day after prayed to Iomedae that I was doing the right thing I gathered my supplies and said my farewells to friends and family and set out. My father sent many escorts with me he had always been overly protective of me since mother died. My journey was long months past until we reached the great port city by boat What awaits me I know not but as long as I know Iomedae leads my every step I will always be fine...
Emelia walks falteringly towards the guard and the Elven maiden. Her voice catches expertly in her throat as she speaks, moving closer. Sir? Sir? I-I think someone has taken my coin purse! Her voice is somewhere between frantic and indignant and as she approaches she exposes her long thigh just enough to draw the man's attention if he's at all inclined towards women.
Bluff:(seduction)
She also does her best to gauge the situation and reactions of those around her.
Sense Motive:
Perception:
|
|
The guard looks up, his hand still on the elf's wrist. His eyes roam up and down the inquisitor's body and he licks his lips approvingly, his eyes lingering on her curves. He appears to like what he sees, the man let's go of his captive and the elf runs off.
"How can I help you missy?" He asks, leering at the inquisitor. "Said someone nabbed your purse, probably one of your companions, they're not human. Can't trust a non-human." The guard spits on the ground in contempt.
|
|
"Strange place this is can't say I approve of how they treat people here either" Kujoe says to no one in particular. The sight of the elf maiden brings even more uneasiness about the "Divine Emperor" normally he would rush over there and rescue the poor gall but sees that the problem is already under control as the elf flees to safety he smiles at a thought and then shrugs it away and continues on silently.
Emilia nods gravely and thoughtfully."Perhaps you're right. I'll have to be more careful in the future..."She smiles broadly, with practiced ease showing not one of her teeth. "Thank you, good sir. You can help me by continuing in your duty, my fine man. I'm sorry I don't have the chance to stay, but I must rejoin my caravan. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday."She gently places a hand on his shoulder as she turns to go. "May the Savored Sting gild your path." The lithe Tiefling winks at the man as she saunters back to the group. Her thoughts are dark, despite her external demeanor, and she ominously makes a mental note to ask Calistria to watch over his path.
As an after thought, she looks nonchalantly around to see if she can see the elf maiden.
|
|
"Perhaps I judge to early I will know soon enough" Kujoe blabbers out load talking to himself again. Kujoe gazes off at the slums slightly disgusted as to how these people are forced to live he then turns his attention to the men leading the caravan. "I am eager to meet the "Divine Emperor" when will we be meeting him?" Kujoe asks the guards escorting the caravan.
Casfi'azair looked around the near-broiling encampment they were in. His motions were swift and graceful, like a dancing mist; such were the ways an Elf would go about. He adjusted his goggles a bit, making sure that the desert winds didn't fling sand into his eyes. Casfi'azair took a few steps forward and plunged his walking stick forth, until it sunk into the sandy dune. He frowned a bit before tucking it under his arm. He overheard the exchange between Kujoe and the guard. He chuckled lightly at the paladin and smirked, whispering, "I doubt this 'god incarnate' is a god, at all. I've spoken with gods. They're... colorful fellows."
|
|
One of the other Caravan guards has noticed the elf's "blaspheming". The human draws himself up taller and strides over to Casfi'azair.
"I advise you watch your tongue, damned sub." he snaps. The word he uses seems to be a racial slur of some sort, likely local of nature. "the Divine Mage Emperor could have you boiled alive in oil for that, elfscum. That's something I would enjoy to see." The man laughs. He'll cut your pointy ears off and pluck out those damn freaky eyes of yours, then let the desert birds feed on your foul flesh."
Casfi'azair nods slowly, raising an eyebrow as he reaches into his coat pocket, remaining silent as schemes formulate in his mind. His fingers prod around for a moment, searching, until they wrap around a soft object. The rustling of paper is heard as his hand is pulled out. He extends his arm toward the guard, grinning madly, while holding a white paper bag. The bag is open and a sweet aroma permeates from the colorful confectionaries inside. "Would you like a Sugar Pedal?" The candy is an Elven delicacy, and Casfi'azair's favorite. He then prods the guard with his occupied hand, still grinning as he pulls a colorful piece out with the other and eats it. He goads the guard as he chews, reaching for another to eat, "Go on!"
The guards leading the caravan into the city eye you. "You will meet him when he sees fit. You do not tell a god incarnate what he is to do and not to do." One of them tells you, the man pauses then decides it's wise to add an insult in there. "Idolator." He added, a sneer playing on his face.
Emilia strides over to the young paladin and elf, laying a hand on the shoulder of the great warrior and smiling at the guards. "There is no need for such unpleasantness, my good guards. After all, we come here humbly to serve from many greatly different lands than yours. We answer a summons with humility and respect, and are completely ignorant of your ways, as you likely are of ours. After all, where I come from, when the leader of a kingdom invites guests to his own, and subject of that leader disrespects those guests at his own peril. Her voice hardens with the warning, and the smile fades from her face. The lady suddenly seems much more menacing than a dainty courtesan. She winks at the elf, and her demeanor softens once more as she addresses the guard so intent on slandering her companion. "Were I offered a delicacy from a foreign culture, I would be remiss if I did not take the gift graciously, especially those chosen to serve my very own God in a personal matter."
On the past two months of travel, Emilia would probably have offered her "services" to as many guards and staff of the caravan as possible, for free or reduced charge if those so inclined couldn't afford her prices. Her goal would be to manipulate her environment, earn as many allies as possible, garner information about the culture, and stifle any lack of respect for her or her God as best she can. I don't know what effect that would have, but perhaps she knows some or many of the guards intimately, and has had the chance to learn about there culture as much as a drunk and fulfilled man's (or woman's) tongue has loosened. Thoughts?
|
|
Kujoe silently listens to the conversations between the group and the guards "I serve none other than Iomemdae I traveled here on my will and will do what is right when the time comes, now it was the "Divine Emperor" who asked for our presence and just why might he ask for the presence of a "non-human"" Kujoe blurts at the Guard.
|
|
The captain of the guard finally notices that two of his men are being rude to the visitors. Turning his horse he nonchalantly rides back and smacks both of them in the backs of their heads. "I am sorry for their behaviour." He says, reaching over to take one of the offered candy. "Unlike myself, these louts are common born and have no idea how to treat visiting heros. As for royalty, there is no telling what way a royal may leap, or why they do as they will." He pauses again, then smiles at KuJoe. "I am truly sorry that he insulted your god." he said. "It is only that here, the only god that we are allowed to worship is the emperor himself, and his family of course. However, outlanders are allowed some leeway."
Cerdyn, had enjoyed the journey thus far, many interesting travelers had past on their way, not to mention the differing members of the caravan, though Cer still remained wary of the tiefling, Emelia and more than disapproved of her temptress ways.
Cerdyn had just broken out of a prayer-trance and was tuning into the setting in which she now found herself, rows of mismatched tents, vaguely cobbled together forming what could only be determined as a slum. Cer felt horrid for the conditions these slumers found themselves in, she knew she could contribute clean water for these people (0-level cleric spell-create water) and walked over to a nearby tent offering her services.
Cer was coming out of the tent, just as an altercation between caravan and guards was broken up by a Captain. She chose to stand back from the conflict, rather than intervene, though she kept an eye out, just in-case her help was needed.
|
|
-As you Move along-
It seems like a normal enough city. There are guards, with watchful eyes on the people. Barely clad men and women, who sit outside brothels, try to get your attention. They wink and flirt, hoping to make a quick copper off the outlanders; from this city’s reputation they’re likely to rob you blind after the act and maybe leave you dead in a gutter if they're feeling mean about it.
Mumpers are everywhere, begging for food, or coin. There are also Dragon Dust dealers, from what the gossip is; Dragon Dust is a powerful drug that is very popular here. Eyes that are ringed in red and have take on a reptilian look to them mark users. Their skin has changed too, it is scaly looking, and cracked in places. Where the cracks are scores fester, causing the stench to be terrible. The actual drug makes them see visions, and is said to imbue the physical strength of a dragon.
As you approach the palace, carved from the a great stone that rose up out of the desert crowds of beggars press to you, seeking a handout even if it is but a few coppers. Mothers hold up their starving children, begging you, brave adventurers, to seek the cause of this famine that has held the land in a death-grip these past many years. From what you have heard, the whole land has been gripped in such disaster since Emperor Virkyias Rovarian took the throne seven years ago. Also, for a nation that was once a shining beacon of the gods of the light, you notice a strange lack of Paladins.
diplomacy:
"You can help," mutter Cer surreptitiously, as she carried on handing out water (create water) and the odd healing for those in obvious need, "how about you help me hand out water and find people who are in need of healing"
|
|
@mystic: umm, nothing showing up when I click the spoiler tag for Cerdyn
"Perhaps I could be of some help as well. I can create water blessed by the Lady in the Room, and I would see these people better off if I could. Would you allow me to accompany you and give what aid I can?"
Bluff check:
Emilia would use aid another to help Kujoe's check, to a 26.
Diplomacy
Emelia does her best to make honest use of friendliness to find information, but if not satisfied, she will use her wiles,charm, and use of seduction to find the information she seeks.
sense motive ((OOC: she's still going to be immensly distrusting of anyone with infernal heritage (aka her being tiefling) because she's a Lawful Good Aasimar, though her attitude will improve over time.))
Heal(healing diffrent people to Kujoe)
Its seemed a genuine offer for help from the tiefling, Cer was happy to recieve it, though it was going to take a long time filled of good deeds for Emilia to prove to Cer that she was a good person.
"Thanks, I think with three of us helping these people we can get alot done" said Cer, giving the tiefling a look of 'watch yourself'.
sense motive 1d20+7 ((OOC: she's still going to be immensly distrusting of anyone with infernal heritage (aka her being tiefling) because she's a Lawful Good Aasimar, though her attitude will improve over time.))
Heal(healing diffrent people to Kujoe) 1d20+15
"Thanks, I think with three of us helping these people we can get alot done" said Cer, giving the tiefling a look of 'watch yourself'.
Emilia raises her eyebrow at the look, and her expression becomes thoughtful. The slender Tiefling makes sure to offer to help the cleric as best she can in tending to the ill.
Aid another (heal check):Emilia helps in silence for sometime, being careful to observe and do her best to learn and take in the character of the Cleric. She is pleasant and warm to those she helps treat, especially any women or elves.
Sense motive check:
|
"A famine?" Enall wonders, his mind starting to work on the problem. A short term solution would be clerics asking their deities for spells that make food, or mages doing the same with their book spells, but getting them to do it would be a problem in and of itself...
"When did the famine start?" He asks from atop Auto.
Colt sits on a nearby barrel and watches his companions give aid. After a couple of cold glares at some of the beggars, and a glimpse of the handle of one of his pistols to a particularly persistent young man. He watches their charitable actions, and really doesn't care one way or the other. He doesn't have a lot of compassion for the poor. I'll help those who try to help themselves, but this lot just complains and begs. He idly chews on a twig as he watches, occasionally wiping the sweat from his brow with a plaid kerchief. Since he quit smoking, chewing the twigs kept him honest.
After a bit he stood, and stretched, twisting his torso to loosen up any kinks. Though on the surface he seemed board and relaxed he was ready to spring into action if needed. In fact during the altercation between the soldiers and his companions, he was on the verge of getting involved, when things were settled. But that was his nature. Look uninterested and it usually gave you an advantage when the arrows...or lead in his case started flying.
|
|
"The land hasn't seen rain and has been cursed by blight since he took power." Added another mumper. "Asking me, I'd say that the gods don't favour him for sayin' he's divine."
Casfi'azair walks along, his perceptive Elven ears picking up nearly every conversation. He overhears quiet weeping, children playing, and whispers of some "famine."
History:
Local Knowledge:
Casfi figures that the least he could do is drop a few coins to the children. He reaches into his coin purse and does so, scattering a few gold pieces on the ground. Casfi'azair witnesses a child tossing camel droppings at Enall and could only help but chuckle. The child begins to cry and Casfi'azair glares at the Halfling, giving a silent scolding to his companion.
Overhearing a citizen about their god-emperor, Casfi'azair muses about what could possibly have caused all this famine and draught. He then looks to Kujoe, "Mind you, these citizens are starved and tired. Could all be nonsense... this 'famine.' Then again, maybe not. If the gods do not approve of their emperor, do they disdain him... or perhaps his deeds?" Casfi'azair raises his eyebrows in suspicion, giving Kujoe a look of speculation, "Did they ever mention how the old emperor died?"
|
|
As you enter the palace the guards use heavy looking sticks to beat back the starving masses. However there is nothing you can do about it, because you are being ushered down an elaborately carved hallway. The carvings are painted, and are very graphic in nature. Down some halls you can hear ominous chanting, however the guards continue rushing you along. You have an audience with the Emperor.
The halls are decorated with reliefs depicting rather raunchy acts, and they are quite detailed. Anyone who has been sheltered or stoic would be quite shocked.
The emperor sits on a was made from a single yellow crystal, and fashioned in a manner so that it appears the sun itself is radiating from the man sitting on the throne. The man himself is clad in yellow silk and wears polished bronze armor; his flowing white hair and beard are a stark contrast to his deeply tanned skin. A chain of citrines hangs around his neck, and more citrines fill his crown. The man has made himself look as if he were a sun god. He surveys you and waits for you to bow low in the manner everyone else has. Anyone who bows too slowly gets a rather harsh prod from the butt of a spear.
The emperor speaks to the a human standing next to him, and the man in turn speaks to you.
"You are greatly honoured to be in the presence of the Divine Mage Emperor." The speaker says. "You are being served a banquet"
You are escorted to a banquet hall, and as you walk there a Elvin Dragonrider joins you and explains that she "serves" the emperor. She is to join you on your task of escorting the princess. Her eyes lock on Casfi and she gives a little smirk and mouths something to him and winks.
The banquet is lavish, to say the least. There is enough food being laid out before you to feed the entire nation for a year. The emperor seems eager that you eat your fills.
As the feast wears on dancers come out, both male and female. They are rather scantily clad and appear to be enslaved. None of the slaves are human, and a majority of them are elves and half elves, as well as other fairer races.
Casfi'azair enters the banquet hall with his companions, but his eyes stray upon hearing the words, "Hello, sweetie." He fixes his gaze upon the Elven woman and looks on, stunned. By the look on his face, it is apparent she is someone close to him, someone he had not seen in a long time.
He and his companions are seated and begin their feast. Upon seeing the Elven slave dancers enter the banquet hall, Casfi'azair stops eating and puts his utensils down. He gives a stern glare and crosses his arms, refusing to eat.
Emilia lingers a bit longer than most to admire the depictions. When she arrives in the throne room, she admires the colors and yellow gems. Calistria's own appreciation for colors was very similar, and Emilia was dressed in fine silken and seductive yellows of masterful weave that do little to hide her figure and much to accentuate it. As she is introduced to the Emperor, she dips gracefully and raises her eyes invitingly to the self declared king-god.
Sense motive check to get a feel for the emperor:
Emilia also attempts to catch the interaction between the two elves with her keen ears. Perception:
(If she hears, the Tiefling raises an eye brow and winks at Casfi with a knowing smile as she walks by the bewildered elf)
Emilia indulges in some of the exotic foods available, and enjoys the slaves display, though she keeps a careful and observant eye on the dancers, to see how they feel about their servitude.
Sense motive check:
(detect magic while looking toward the emperor)
(purify food and drink on anything that's going in her mouth or sack)
(detect evil on emperor)
Cerdyn takes her seat at the table and on seeing the amount of food offered to them ponders why this cannot go to the poor and needy. She eats a small amount and after having her full starts filling a sack with food, not trying to hide it (though not making a point of it either) with the plan to hand it out to some of the urchins later.
|
|
It is impossible to tell how the slaves feel about their lot, however they are likely happy to be at least well fed as opposed to starving on the streets.
Luckily no one notices you slipping the roasted cow udders into your bag.
There is no sense of evil, good or really anything coming from the emperor. It is as if he just is. To complicate this there are different sorts of divine magic on his clothing, that more likely than not would confuse anyone really.
Emilia takes the time to determine the alignments of her companions at the meal, and flirts with the servants pleasantly. Each time she exchanges words, winks, or subtle motions with those servants around her, she relays hidden messages of friendship, kindness, blessings of Calistria, and aid if it is within in her power.
She lays a hand on Leaf's shoulder. "Please, eat, drink, and be merry, my friend. It's what's best for everyone." Emilia gives a meaningful look to the gnome as she speaks, and she passes the monk a goblet of an aromatic spiced beverage. She smiles as she offers the glass.
The elven woman smirks over at Emilia and winks, as the woman drapes herself into Casfi's lap she moves into a position where it is easy for Emilia to catch a glimpse of the holy sign of Calistria. She doesn't seem to be too shy about being highly flirtatious with the time warden, even if they are in public, and gently nibbles his ears.
Emilia beams at the elf and winks back, blowing a kiss in the couples direction as she does so. Her expression at the public display of affection is an amused one, and a glimmer sparkles behind the Tieflings eyes at the thought of traveling with another worshiper of the Lady in the Room, especially an elf. She makes a careful note to observe the relationship of the two elves with renewed interest.
Sense motive: