The party finally emerges from the cave, shaking their heads in wonder at the carpet of dead birds outside. They left the undead birds pecking at the wall, and hurried to rejoin the caravan.
"Did you find anything interesting"? Sefu asks the party upon their return. "We almost had to leave you". "The Master is ready to proceed".
The party then proceeds with their trip through the desert, and towards the foothills of the Zorab mountains visible in the distance.
Before returning to the caravan, Septimilius examines the dead camels and the corpse that first drew their attention to the area. He does a quick check to see if the man had a coin purse, any valuables, or signs of identification. Next he does a brief inventory of the items being transported, looking for anything worth bringing to the caravan, even if it takes two people to carry it.
When the group finally returned to the Caravan, Demetrio explained what happened.
"There was some sort of evil sorcerer murdering travelers. It was close, but we managed to defeat it. Had we passed her by, I believe she would have ambushed us with her flock of ravens. Have you ever heard of such a thing along this road, Sefu?"
Despite all his studies, Demetrio had never heard of such a creature. And the thought disturbed him. He vowed to spend some time in the library later doing research.
"A little bit of this and a little bit of that", Mirian answers Sefu while cleaning the crone eye pearl. She interrupts Demetrio's detailing of their venture with descriptions of the groups superior prowess and ingenuity in battle designed to raise their standing in the employer's eyes, as well as the other mercenaries. "So, bringing us along might been the wises decision you've made in a long time", she concludes.
The party arrives back at the caravan, and excitedly regale Sefu with stories of their adventures.
Septimilius> You find the evidence of cut purse strings, and some rotting food. It is obvious, that this area has been thoroughly... perhaps several times.
Demetrio>: Sefu raises his eyebrows at Demetrio's telling. "That is indeed a good story".
Mirian>: Your embellishments of Demetrio's story might call for a persuasion roll...
The caravan eventually reaches the foothills of the mighty Zorab mountains separating the plains of Shem from the steppes and deserts of Stygia. It is about 3 hours before sunset, and the only easily accessible crossing for hundreds of miles is at the Kharjah Pass (although several secret passes, known only to the Zorabi mountain peoples, are rumored to exist).
The pass is guarded by mountain tribes loyal (at least in name) to the padishah of Shem. The Zorabi inhabit small, impregnable stone towers carved into the mountain-sides.
A group of 10-men ride out from the pass as the caravan approaches, led by a giant of a man, followed by a bannerman, and 8 soldiers. These mountain-men wear cloaks of wolf fur, white turbans, and all warriors have full beards bristling with curly black hair.
Any preparations as they approach the caravan?
Mirian>: Your embellishments of Demetrio's story might call for a persuasion roll...
Mirian never paid much attention to history that didn't contain herself, and as such she's indifferent to the approaching party. "Who are they?", she asks Demetrio.
"Any instructions?" she asks the big caravan master just as the Zorabi draw near.
Demetrio grips his trusty staff, used, as always, as a walking stick. He tried to appear unassuming. Being underestimated had its advantages.
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Septimilius slips his shield over his left forearm but leaves his mace at his hip. He stands next to his companions but keeps his attention on Sefu to see if he had any instructions.
”I have a feeling they’ll ask for a travel fee to use the road,” he whispers.
Sefu looks at Mirian again as the party approaches. "Try to look poor and useless".
Demetrio>: You have heard of the Zorabi, but only know them as a fierce mountain tribe... No reputation for anything else... which is probably a good thing.
Sefu keeps eye contact with the approaching leader but replies to Septimilius. "You got that right". "Let me handle this".
Sefu walks forward from the group, and begins negotiations with the leader. After a minute they look at a scroll, that Sefu produces. The remainder of the troops sniff around the PC's a bit, and open a few baskets, but seem satisifed. Sefu passes over a purse to the warrior leader, and they clasp forearms.
The caravan then enters the mountain pass, following on the heels of the escort. As they pass through the canyon, they notice several watchmen on high, as well as several small houses. Finally they arrive at a small settlement, and are shown to a small compound.
Sefu approaches the party. "For now we are safe... but I'm not so sure about our possessions". "Theft is not a crime that these people understand". "I would suggest double watches tonight". He then moves on to talk to the mercernaries.
Sefu looks at Mirian again as the party approaches. "Try to look poor and useless".
Mirian looks at Sefu. "We both know that's impossible, I'm not that great of an actor", she say with a wry smile.
Sefu approaches the party. "For now we are safe... but I'm not so sure about our possessions". "Theft is not a crime that these people understand". "I would suggest double watches tonight". He then moves on to talk to the mercernaries.
"Do they have a word for 'dagger through the palm'? I can teach them it means the same."
Demetrio will suggest watches. When he does sleep, he does so with a dagger tucked into his boots, and his backpack tied to his waist with a small length of rope.
He foregoes his nightly practice. It was best not to tip anyone off that he was new to swordplay. But he kept the blade on his hip, in case he needed it to look intimidating.
Re-joining the caravan, Barnabas was uncharacteristically reticent, distracted as he was composing an ode to the group's victory over the crow-witch.
Sitting back on one of the wagons, he retrieved his lute and began working on a melody, changing from a lively jig, to a portentious ballad, until the Zorabi appeared.
He puts his lute away and joins the others in watching Sefu deal with the tribesmen.
Humming a tune, Baranbas assists in making the camp secure, then mutters to Demetrio "What rhymes with 'undying b+*!&'?"
Taking Sefu's advice to heart, "Double watches? He really doesn't trust these tribesmen much, eh, Demetrio? I guess its you and me!"
He stuffs his lute and other belongings up into the shadows of the rafters, then takes his time at watch, staying in the shadows...
Stealth
Wild
Notice
Wild
Kneeling on one knee and patting the ground, Septimlius laughs, ”I guess that means you and I get a double watch, Dog.” Mirian’s dog stares at him for a moment then lies down at her feet.
Septimilius finishes laughing with a shrug. ”Well, perhaps not. Looks like it’s you and me, Greyfeather.”
He looks at the thatched ceiling. ”Too bad I don’t have a net. I could have rigged it above the door.”
Mirian>: I'm sure you can put together something that might make noise outside the door. Please make a notice check for both yourself and dog.
Demetrio>: Please make a Notice Check
Barnabus>: There really isn't a place among the rafters to sit. It's a flat room with a hole in the middle. I'll allow you to place some branches or something up in one corner of the room, but it might not make a comfortable sleeping perch. More for watch shift.
Septimilius>:
Please make a Notice check.
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Twice during the evening hours, you catch some shadowy figures nearing your building, but your vigilance pays off, as they are turned aside without gaining entry.
The morning is late starting due to the depth of the pass, but nonetheless your caravan gets up and moving without further delay. The long Journey to Messantia is not without perils; hunger, thirst, heat exhaustion, wild beasts, and desert raiders, but the skill of your group, and the mercenaries is able to keep any trouble at bay. Still after the weeks of travelling together, you have yet to catch more than a fleeting glance of the Master.
Finally civilization seems to return, and you can see the smoke shrouded metropolis of Messantia emerge from the desert heat.
Stymied in his attempt to immortalize the groups victory over the witch in song; the rhymes where hackneyed and the melody pedestrian, Barnabas had been in a bit of a funk at times.
However, once the glorious sight of Messantia began to appear, his spirits improved considerably.
He'll also discreetly inquire if his pursuing husband has passed this way recently
Being a curious sort, Demetrio will ask to spend some time in the libraries of Messantia trying to discover anything about the Crone that he could.
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”Ah, Messantia!” Septimilius says as the city appears in the distance. ”I know some really inexpensive lodging if you’re interested. There’s a bit of a smell at one. It’s right by the tanneries. It’s an abandoned building, so it’s free! You just need to make sure the city guard doesn’t find you. They go through the place if they’re bored.”
After the hardships of the burning desert, approaching the city of Messantia ringed by its lush green palm groves is at first like seeing a shimmering mirage rise from the red sands. The long journey has come to an end, but the PCs’ adventures may just have started.
Sefu leads the group on to a short stop at the caravanserai to feed and water the camels before seeking out Zheng-Ya’s house. Sefu informs the characters that they will be paid as soon as they reach the Taikangian’s mansion. Once you arrive there you finally meet the Master. His name is Yetara, and his treasure is a beautiful dancing slave named Daniya. Though he does not speak to the character directly, he does relay his wishes through Sefu. He counts our 75 Gold Coins into four separate piles, and pushes them at the characters as he speaks.
"The master is pleased with your service, and would employ you again". "You will be allowed to use his name if it would assist in helping you acquire further employment". Suddenly from two directions there appear some shoddily dressed men screaming, and brandishing crooked blades. The sight of the gold, and the arrival of a new caravan, seems to have incited greed from the Leprous Beggar-Thieves of Messantia. It seems that your service for Yetara is not yet at an end.
Initiatives
Mirian JD
Septimilius KC
Barnabus 3D
Demetrio 8H
Sefu 8D
Thieves 3H
So...
Septimilius
Mirian
Sefu
Demetrio
Barnabus
Thieves
There are four men and women closing from each direction, with scimitars.
”Ah, Messantia!” Septimilius says as the city appears in the distance. ”I know some really inexpensive lodging if you’re interested. There’s a bit of a smell at one. It’s right by the tanneries. It’s an abandoned building, so it’s free! You just need to make sure the city guard doesn’t find you. They go through the place if they’re bored.”
Mirian surveys the city with both relief and scepticism in her eyes. Civilization was a welcomed sight after the last period of travelling. Civilization ment baths, inns. Comfortable lodgings and good wine. On the other hand it was the city she fled a few years back. She wondered if her family still lived there. Probably best not to find out. ”Why would I want a cheap inn, or even worse an abandoned building?”, she asks holding the crone’s eye pearl. ”You have plenty of coins on you already. You should take advantage of that.”
"The master is pleased with your service, and would employ you again". "You will be allowed to use his name if it would assist in helping you acquire further employment".
”You can tell your master that he is also free to tell that he once had the great Greyfeather in his employ”, Mirian says and reaches for the gold coins.
”Argh, do they know who they’re trying to steal from?” Mirian spits with some irritation. She draws her rapier and moves up to engage one of the flanks. ”I’ll take this flank, protect the others.”
Demetrio steps up next to Greyfeather and prepares for the onslaught.
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”Oh Mitra,, Septimilius says as his attention is diverted from the gold on the table to the thieves. His first instinct is to take the money but if he does that he will be at a disadvantage in the fight. ”Barnabas can you secure the money?” he asks. Thus, he draws his mace and turns towards one of the approaching people.
”I don’t you’re important enough to have bounties on you,” he says. Advancing with his shield up, he swings his mace in a chop, trying to smash one of the man’s shoulders or collarbone.
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Mirian sighs and draws her rapier and dagger. ”Do you know who you’re trying to steal from?” Mirian asks adressing the incoming thugs while giving her rapier a nonchalant turn in her hand. ”You are facing the Greyfeather, the fastest blade ever sprung from Argos. Step up those who want to die. Everyone else, step a side.”
As the leper-thieves descend upon the group, Barnabas sweeps the coins into his bag for safe-keeping, then leaps up onto the table, sword coming out of its scabbard in a flourish
"If you want our gold, lazy leper loafs, you'll have to come and get it!" Barnabas cries, obviously enjoying himself.
Agility
wild
Septimilius>: Septimilius steps forward to meet one of the ruffians closing from the right, and succeeds in hitting him hard on the right shoulder. {Shaken}
Mirian>: Mirian taunts, and admonishes the new arrivals, amazed that they don't seem to be cowed by the mention of her name.
Sefu>: Sefu, thinking the same thing as Septimilius, sweeps all the money back into the leather bag, and heads towards the gate to the estate.
Demetrio>: Demetrio drops down beside the loud Mirian, and nearly decapitates one of the lepers with his staff. In fact the victim's ear flies off, and almost goes in the mouth of one of his screaming companions. {Down and out}
Barnabus>: Barnabus goes to grab the gold, but finds out that Sefu, has already snatched it up and is headed into the courtyard of the mansion. He leaps high into the air, turning a summersault as he pulls his sword, and gracefully lands atop the stone that Sefu had been using for the counting.
The six lepers approaching from the left stop in awe at the tumbling warrior. This was more than they had bargained for... A trained guild assassin obviously. They scatter, seperating, and disappearing into the shadows.
Beggar Thieves>: The beggar-thieves arriving from the east, all scatter and run from the mighty barnabus. One of those arriving from the West has been killed by Demetrio, and another hard hit by Septimilus, who decides to stay down, and try to creep away. The remaining four however square off against the braggart, Septimilus, and two on Demetrio.
Spirit roll
#1 - Mirian
fighting / Club
Damage
#2 - Septimilius
fighting / Club
Damage
#3 - Demetrio
fighting / Club
Damage
#4 - Demetrio
fighting / Club
Damage
Seeing his first attacker drop, he turns to the other assailant. Out of the corner of his eye he sees Sefu begin running away with the money and for a moment he wonders if this is an elaborate con to avoid paying them. ”Hey, Sefu, we’ve fought ghouls and sorcery! These people pose no harm.”
He feints by taking a step back then swings his mace towards his opponent’s leg.
Barnabas stands on the stone, hand on one hip, shaking his sword at the retreating lepers "That's right, run, you lumbering lemmings!"
He then notices his friend Demetrio was getting surrounded. With a cry, Barnabas jumps down and takes on one of Demeterio's attackers.
Fighting
Wild
Damage
Seeing the majority of the thugs flee Mirian draws the only conclusion she can. Confronted with her name the rabble's morale was severely fractured. She decides that a demonstration of her prowess is all that's needed. She easily avoids the thug's attack and thrusts her rapier into her attacker and quickly follows her strike with a dagger to the gut.
Eager to help Hound throws himself against Mirian's attacker but fails to do much impact.
Septimilius, and Barnabus, combine to take out another beggar thief. Demetrio stuns another, then Mirian outright kills a third. Any remaining beggars take to the streets, with the one stunned by Demetrio limping heavily.
Sefu, motions the players inside the gate, then closes it behind them locking the gate with a large key.
"My apologies". "I had forgotten how dangerous the city can be". "I'm afraid we haven't see the last of that group, especially since we have killed a few". "Had I been smarter nothing would have happened".
He then returns the purses to each of you with his hand holding on to Mirian's as he turns it over to you.
"The master has given me leave to ask you to bear another burden for him". "He would like for you to remain in his employee for the next week or so, until he can hire and train guards that can be trusted". "You may stay here in the mansion as his employees until then". "The pay is good, Are you interested"?
Demetrio smiled at the thought of a warm bed after the trials of the road. "It sounds fair to me."
Mirian pockets her purse and studies the mansion. "Are we confined in here for the duration of our employment?"
Septimilius takes the pouch of coins and slips it into an inner pocket of his vest. ”Yeah, I’m willing to do that. What is the pay?”
Barnabas sheathes his sword with a flourish "Certainly, good Sefu! Never a dull moment in the service of the Master" then takes his own pouch of gold.
He looks about the mansion's courtyard, his thiefy eyes checking for areas of non-traditional entry and exit.
His inspection finished, his eye return to the mansion proper, thoughts turning to beautiful slave girls....
Zheng-Ya’s mansion is located on a quiet street in the Foreign District of the city, well hidden by a tall masonry wall. Behind the nondescript but heavy gate, the house stands out as a special dwelling with its Eastern-style architecture, slanted roofs, well-trimmed gardens, pagodas, and dragon-flanked entrance doors.
Construction of the mansion began three decades ago, when Zheng-Ya, an affluent, silken-robed sorcerer of Taikang, came to the city of Messantia to study the lost languages and forgotten arts of the Giant-Kings of Elder Kuth. The slant-eyed sorcerer arrived from across the sea with an entourage of slaves and servants, settled among the golden domes and ivory minarets in the desert, and built the mansion now known as the House of the Dragon.
The garden, ringed by the outer wall, contains a small dwelling for the servants and a set of stables near the main gate. A freshwater well is located within a circular clearing in the garden. A small pagoda stands west of the main house. The broad stairway leading up to the double entrance doors of the mansion is flanked by two massive dragon statues carved from green stone.
Yetara arrives at the mansion with his caravan, but finds the house empty and his former acquaintance missing. The priest takes up residence in the house, awaiting Zheng-Ya’s return. He dismisses the mercenaries that followed his caravan, but asks the PCs to remain hired guards in his service for a few more weeks.
"Your pay will be 1 Luna per day, as long as you are his employee". "You will be staying in the servents quarters, and are free to come and go as you please as long as you are not on guard duty". "You shall be responsible for guarding the front gate as well as the gardens". "Please go put away your possessions, and take the rest of the afternoon to shop and do as you please".
2. Servants’ House
This house is a simple one-room barrack. It contains very little in the way of furniture; Zheng-Ya’s servants slept on the floor and kept their belongings in small wooden boxes in the corners. Yetara places the PCs in this house if they stay on as his guards.
"A nice cushy job will be a nice change of pace, eh, Demetrio?" Barnabas asks, placing his lute on a nearby table.
Mirian listens to Sefu's offer. Other than filling up on some wine and a few rowdy nights on the town she hadn't thought of what to do next. She already had money to spend and the will to spend it, but a few weeks of easy money wouldn't hurt. "I accept. So, do you have a bath around here or must I strike out on the town to find one?"
"We had a nice cushy job in the last two cities, Barnabas. You kept getting bored and bedded our patrons' wives. Try to avoid that this time, would you? We're running out of cities," Demetrio said affectionately despite the small reprimand.
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As the immediate danger has passed, the Master, introduces himself as, Yetara. Through conversation you learn that he used to be a priest, but was disfavored.
He also introduces the lovely (Though she remains partially veiled), Daniya, who was to be a gift as a harem girl for the owner of the Mansion... Zheng-Ya. An old friend of his.
He is surprised that Zheng-Ya is not here, and left no servants to attend his manor, but feels it is OK to make himself at home here, and await his return. After all they are "Great", and "Trusted" friends.
Mirian>: There are obviously baths in the manor, but the servant's quarters has only a trough, and ladle behind some privacy shrubs out back.
Demetrio>: When talking to Sefu about going to the library, he tells you that it is a place reserved for the learned, so you must either convince them you belong, or perhaps grease the correct palm.
Demetrio does his best not to roll his eyes at the need to prove his scholarly mindset. He wished he could claim that this sort of situation was foreign to him, but this wasn't the first time a centre of learning put a price on knowledge.
"I seek enlightenment, good brother. Perhaps a small tithe would help to clear my path?" Demetrio said, playing along.
During one of the moments of downtime with his companions, Septimilius asks, ”Don’t you think this is a little strange? This is Zheng-Ya's place and wouldn’t mind Yetara making himself at home? Where are Zheng-Ya’s servants? This doesn’t feel quite right to me. Is this bothering anybody else?”
During one of the moments of downtime with his companions, Septimilius asks, ”Don’t you think this is a little strange? This is Zheng-Ya's place and wouldn’t mind Yetara making himself at home? Where are Zheng-Ya’s servants? This doesn’t feel quite right to me. Is this bothering anybody else?”
"The only thing's bothering me is our pay. 1 luna per day for the Greyfeather? Practically a steal! They are lucky that I'm such a charitable sort."
Barnabas looks up from where he was tuning his lute, "It is passing stringe, Sept, but why not stay and see where the mystery takes us?"
Frowing as a string breaks with a loud noise, he looks archly at Mirian "Milady, your presense is charity enough!", then fingers a pretty melody with the remaining strings.
”I’ll go along for now. I need the money after all,” Septimilius says. ”Let it be remembered I had some misgivings about this. I’ll ask around about Zheng-Ya to see what the locals say about him. I don’t think we should kill anybody on guard duty. It’d be a storm of trouble if we mistakenly kill Zheng-Ya or his agents.”
Barnabas looks up from where he was tuning his lute, "It is passing stringe, Sept, but why not stay and see where the mystery takes us?"
Frowing as a string breaks with a loud noise, he looks archly at Mirian "Milady, your presense is charity enough!", then fingers a pretty melody with the remaining strings.
"Milady?" Mirian asks with a raised eyebrow and takes a well deserved swig of wine and finishes it off with a burp. "I can't remember the last time someone called me that. Do you find that it works often, do you?"
”I’ll go along for now. I need the money after all,” Septimilius says. ”Let it be remembered I had some misgivings about this. I’ll ask around about Zheng-Ya to see what the locals say about him. I don’t think we should kill anybody on guard duty. It’d be a storm of trouble if we mistakenly kill Zheng-Ya or his agents.”
"You worry to much", Mirian says between swigs. "Should someone draw swords against me I can't be held accountable for their demise. Although I will probably wound them and then send them on their way. The living are a better witness as to what happens when they cross the Greyfeather. The dead do speak for themselves but I find that their speach is to blurry. To many questions as to what happened. "