The Forgotten God (Table 1) (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

No worries, I hate tracking XP so it's cool with me.

"That witch said this would take us back, but this is not the portal I came through. I'm not sure where we are, but we need to find out. Stick close."

We will look for an exit and try and figure out where we are.

Dot.

You're in the hallway under Skelg's house, emerging from the tapestry that brought you there in the first place - it is, in fact, exactly where you ought to be. Natalya doesn't seem to be the nicest woman around, but she was true to her word.

Ah sorry I took empty hallway to mean not tapestry and not in a basement.

I was mistaken Midfoviing. Let us head up and see what has come of Sir Skelg.

Hadran leads the girl upstairs back to where the left Sir Skelg.

The room is noticeably less warm than before as you and Midfoviing enter it - Skelg's still in bed, but the blankets are off, and he no longer looks like he's going to perish from the cold. "Ah, there you are! I was hoping you'd be able to return!" the tired warrior said, managing a smile. "Ah, I sent those stupid guards packing. They're still going to file a complaint, but who cares? Ah, and your other friend left a message - said he needed to find himself in the wild, not here in the city. It appears I owe you my thanks." he grunted.

"You are welcome Sir Skelg. I have to admit my help came at a cost. Your friend mentioned you knew of some artifacts with strange powers. I am curious of such things and seek to find and unerstand them. A quest of sorts. If you have any in your possesion I would very much like to study them, but information on the location of any would be most helpful as well. I am happy to see you recovering well. This is Midfoviing. Midfoviing this is Sir Skelg."

Skelg grunted slightly. "Th' artifact in question was that Beacon... and since it doesn't look like you have it anymore, I'm assuming you left it on the ship. That bein' the case, I'm sure they'll still pay you for whatever you learned about it. Irriseni witches're a secretive lot, so naturally, everyone wants to know more about what they're doing." He turned slightly to look at your companion, who was currently holding onto your sleeve.

"Hello, Sir Skelg." she said obediently. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at her, but didn't inquire further.

"Anyway, I'm not too sure about other magical items of interest... but if you're bored, I suppose you could always go down and look at the Cathedral of the Starstone. Haven't seen it myself because I've been in bed, but before that linnorm-licker cursed me, I heard that the bloody thing was acting... odd." He didn't seem to know much more about it - not surprising, given his circumstances - but it might be worth looking into.

"I see, yes I left it with the ship. I will return to Adril and let him know your state is improving by the minute. I will tell him what I learned and let him know you will be up to sparing again in no time. Peace be with you my friend. Come Midfoviing I will show you the city of Absalom on the way to see Adril. After we will see the starstone. It is said a person can ascend to being a god by completing the tests of the starstone. I would be interested in studying it."

on the way to see Adril, Hadran speaks to Midfoviing

"Where are you from? I'm sorry I assumed you primitive at our first meeting."

The girl was busily looking around the streets of the city, clearly fascinated, but looked up to you as you spoke. "Um... I think it was Irrisen." she said. "That's what my creator said it was called, anyway. They also said that people have a tendency to judge others by their own standards - city people say farmers are uncultured and rustic, while farmers say that people in cities are too obsessed with getting rich to settle down and enjoy a stable life." She sniffed the air a few times. "Cities definitely smell more interesting, though. What kind of meat is that?" She pointed to one of the stalls. Her tail was flicking back and forth so much it almost knocked a bystander off their feet - Midfoviing didn't seem to have noticed, though, given her fascination with the greatest city in the Inner Sea.

please don't mind me, dotting

"I am not sure, but lets have some. I haven't had any food today and could use a little." Hadran excuses them to the bystander. [b["Sorry she is excited about getting some lunch. Please excuse us."[/b]

He looks back to the girl.

"Created? So you were created? Do you know what you are then?

Hadran walks to the vendor and gets some of the meat for the two of them and they continue their way to see Adril while having a conversation.

Gurgle. [h]"Hungry."[/b] she said, biting into the meat. "...Thank you." she added a moment later, smiling. It didn't take long to return to Adril and explain everything you'd learned about the beacon, its use, and what had caused Skelg's initial illness. He was clearly fascinated - something that could warp ships back to their harbor at any time could have tremendous strategic value - or be a threat to Absalom. Declaring that you'd more than earned a paycheck, he tossed a large sack of coins your way.

You've earned 1200 GP.

"Thank you Adril, maybe next time we meet we will have a chance to spar. Come now Midfoviing. Lets go see the starstone."

The two head back off into the streets asking directions as the go to see the grand cathedral and the mystical starstone.

How does one truly describe the Ascendant Court of Absalom? The great Cathedral in the center area of the district is the most important place in the city, and there's always a crowd in the area. Still, the crowds seem even denser than usual today, and you can see a lone figure standing close to an outcropping of rock that forms a ramp for anyone inclined to jump.

Then, finally, they take a running leap forward - but halfway across, the cathedral pulsed with brilliant light, and the would-be god has just a moment to scream before his body was blown into dust. The golden light remained there, surrounding the temple in a sphere of brilliant energy. Someone in the audience hurled a stone across - as it struck the light, it too was vaporized, though the three bridges seemed entirely untouched by the power.

Finally, the doors of the cathedral opened, and two figures staggered out... a sturdy dwarf, clad in armor of stone, and a beautiful half-elven woman. The light around the temple flickered and died a moment later, and everything went back to the way it had been. The lack of immediate proclamations of victory seemed to bore the crowd, and it didn't take long at all for them to begin dispersing.

Hadran studies the cathedral as he watches on seeing the man vaporize.

What would make someone try that. Must be one of the test.

He then watches on as the two emerge and the energy around the cathedral seems to go away.

Knowledge check with Focused Trance: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (12) + 27 = 39 What I know of this place the starstone and what it means that these two emerged.

Trance rounds: 1d6 ⇒ 6

For a few moments Hadran's eyes turn white with a golden outline as he looks on blankly. Once he comes back to awarness he approaches the two coming from the Starstone.

Waiting to see what I know before addressing them.

Who doesn't know much about it? The Starstone Cathedral was created by Aroden, who retrieved the gem from the ocean and was somehow elevated to godhood in the process - an event you remember quite well. It was a very interesting day in the heavens. Ever since, it's served as a way for mortals to achieve divinity... but most of those who tried (and oh, there have been a lot of those) wound up failing. The two who emerged are clearly survivors - rare, but not unheard of - though it's equally obvious that neither of them has attained full divinity.

Surely two seeking the path of divinity would be valuable allies in my own quest to gather my power. I suspect the star stone would do nothing for me. It may even vaporize me in my current state. I best not attempt or mess with it.

"Come along Midfoviing these two seem to have survived the test of the star stone. Lets talk to them."

Hadran and Midfoviing approach the half elf and the dwarf.

"Greetings friends. My name is Hadran and this is Midfoviing. I see you have passed the test of the star stone and well on your way to becoming a mortals that ascend to god hood. I am on a quest of my own and could use strong allies. I could aid you in your quest as well. Would you have an interest of joining with me?"

Given that neither is a full god at the moment, they definitely didn't pass the test. Survive, yes. Pass, no.

The shorter member of the mismatched pair is a dwarven man with a neatly braided beard and a short shock of reddish-brown hair. His slate gray eyes and tan skin are rather unusual for his kind. On his head rests a crown of grey stone wrapped in tree branches, and he is armored in an outfit that is similarly constructed. Despite being made of natural materials, it seems almost like a second skin rather than something made by mortal hands, save the simple fur kilt around his waist. He is the Stalwart Peak, forgotten son of Torag, Makallun'abad.

Stepping into daylight, and looking throughly exhausted, Makallun'abad blinks to try and acclimate his eyes to the brightness that was so different from the inside of the cathedral. "Well, that was..." he begins, but pauses mid-sentence as a look of confusion comes to his face. Raising an arm covered in a sheet of rock and tree roots, the tall dwarven man runs the hand through his beard. "Why can't I recall what happened in this place?" he asks rhetorically, before suddenly noticing the half-elven woman besides him. Startled, he turns towards her and stumbling back a bit, it's clear the dwarf is trying to give her some space. "And more than that, who are you?" he finishes, his expression equal parts confusion and worry.

Hadran looks like this Hadran besides for the sword and shield. He is dressed as if he came from the desert since that is where he purchased his first clothes. He is tall and broad standing 6'4" and a solid 240lbs.

"You don't remeber what happened in there? Interesting. WHy do the two of you seek to become gods? I'm curious as to what motivates such a person. I am a collector of knowledge you could say."

"Well that's odd, I passed last time." The taller of the pair, a slender half elven woman mutters as she steps forward into the daylight, noticing the other two. "If I could remember what happened, maybe I would know what went wrong..." She pauses for a moment before responding. "I am Aer'Besethir, The Eternal Shield, daughter of Calistria." She answers the dwarfs question, pushing her strawberry blonde hair, which clearly marks her of Ulfen descent, out of her face to get a better look at the others. "And you are?"

The Stonebeard raises an eyebrow, but shrugs it off. "I am known as Makallun'abad among my people, but you may call me 'Thane', should it please you. I have found that most surface-dwellers do not take well to dwarven pronunciation, you see," he explains in a calm voice. Turning to the man who had approached the pair, the Earthen Defender nods in greeting. "Aye, I have no recollection of what occured during the Test... the fact that we yet live bodes well, however. As to the 'why'... well, I would feel far more comfortable discussing that in a place that is not so," he pauses for a moment, stroking a hand through his beard once more as he looks for the proper word. "Open? Whatever the case, I am tired, and I imagine my companion here is, as well. Let us retire to an inn, and there I believe we can provide more answers for you."

"And you Thane may call me Beseth, it is what I am used to being called by those who do not speak with an elven tongue." Aer'Besethir spoke gently and calmly, even though such words could easy have been used in an offensive manner, after pausing for a moment, the half elf turns her attention to the taller man, adding, "You too are welcome to call me Beseth if you would prefer. Since we are done with introductions, I believe the dwarf is correct and we should move to a more private location if you wish to know more."

The more the half elf woman speaks, the more she seems somewhat...unfamiliar with the Taldane language, likely preferring Elven, or the native Ulfen tongue, Skald. Still though, she continues to express herself in the common tongue, "It's been awhile since I've been to Absalom, would you know where we might find a good drink?"

Cayden's Hall is the biggest meadhall in the Ascendant Court - and also the loudest. Good for partying, not so much for having quiet conversations. The Coins, the district directly south of the Ascendant Court you're currently in, has far more options - if there's a kind of place you'd like to visit, chances are this district can provide, and it wouldn't be very hard to get directions.

Feel free to assume you're able to make it to any kind of tavern you'd like to go to.

"Tavern's are where things are overheard, not so private. The streets however seem to be filled with people to worried about their own matters to care what happens around them. While drink and food would be a good idea a tavern is a better place to gather information."

He looks to Beseth as she speaks of passing before.

Could this be another, or two. What has happend in the heavens that so many have fallen and been forgotten. Something sinister for sure. Is Moloch behind all of this or just a puppet. I nned to know what these two know.

Hadran extends his hand in greeting. Looking ot both he speaks in dwarven then in elven.

"We can use whatever language the two of you are most comfortable with. Beseth you said you passed once. If I understand you are saying you have already been a god once. Is this the same for you Thane? I have been companion to two others that proclaimed the same. As I have no memory of them I know not if they spoke the truth. Their ability would say it was so, but they have chose their own path. I was once the greatest god of Valor, Glory and Knowledge. I have found a piece of my power and reclaimed it. I have encountered agents of Moloch at almost every turn. I know not why so many have fallen, but wish to find out. I don't know what role Midfoviing here will play but I feel she is much more than she has let me know. So let us go get this drink and food and see what we can find out in the city. My powers seem to be spread through the land contained in artifacts. That is my quest."

Although she seemed puzzled when he began speaking Dwarven, Beseth seems relived when Hadran began to speak Elven. She pauses for a moment before answering in Elven. "As you say, I once was a goddess, though I don't quite understand why I am no longer. After Aroden rose the starstone I was one of the few to pass the test, as well as the first. Though I will admit I likely had an advantage over the others since there was already a hint of divinity within me, as I am as I said the daughter of Calistria." Taking a breathe, Beseth paused before continuing in Taldane once more, "We should move from the street at least there are too many here, and I require somewhere more quiet to gather my thoughts, as I fear I have been asleep forever."

Makallun'abad nods, suggesting the oddly matched group move to an alleyway or some other less-populated area. He is resolutely silent in regards to his own history, stating, "It is not safe to speak of this here. Until we can find a less conspicuous location, I shall not be able to answer your question." There is a deep resolve in his eyes, but no malice. The Fire Beneath the Mountain simply is worried for their collective well-being, should the wrong type of people overhear.

"As you wish. Let us go then. I will try and answer any questions you may have."

Hadran and Midfoviing lead the two off to a nearby allyway that has a lot less foot traffic around it.

The dwarf nods and follows after Hadran and the woman who was with him. Once arriving in the alley, he bows politely to the gathered people. "Thank you for acknowledging my request. I fear that whatever stripped me of my powers is likely to have want to make sure I do not regain them, so it is likely in all our best interests that we maintain as much secrecy as possible." As he rubs a stone-plated hand through his beard once more, he seems to grumble softly to himself.

He huffs and returns his attention to the gathered group, continuing, "But that is another matter. I am Thane Makallun'abad, also known as 'the Stonebeard' or 'the Fire Beneath the Mountain' among my faithful... though I cannot imagine there is any who yet remembers my name. I was the god of mountains, steel and stone, but how I came to be as I am now, I am unsure." He sighs heavily, looking between the others. "However, if you seek to regain your divine right, then our goals are the same. I will gladly join you."

Midfoviing was still munching on a bit of meat, but gazed thoughtfully at the three of you as she spoke. "So, is this the new fad?" she asked blankly. "Coming here to take the Test of the Starstone and saying it will restore divinity? I guess it might help get followers, especially if you subscribe to the theory that those who are already believed in are the most likely to pass the test. I think it's a bit hard for others to believe in you if you can't do anything only a god could manage, though."

One, how did she even know about that kind of thing? Two... it didn't take any effort at all to realize that there was no maliciousness in her words. She was just observing things as she saw them. After all, the alternative was believing that somehow three deities, all forgotten and with lost powers, had gathered together in one place - right in front of the Starstone. And two of them, it might be added, had obviously failed the test.

"Are you suggesting that the test would not restore our powers, even when in my case I originally got a great deal of my divinity from the Starstone. Then again, I suppose if the small portion of divinity I had before the test is missing now as well, the Starstone might not respond to me in the same manner..." Beseth paused, as if stumped on what to do next, if even the small amount of divine power she had at birth was now gone, how would she find it?

I suppose if all else fails, I could attempt to locate an elf gate. I know many elves didn't appreciate my approach, and they look down upon my Ulfen blood, but still I should be able to go back to Sovyrian, though it might be a bad idea to bring the dwarf along...

"You mentioned your power had been spread around the world in artefacts, are you sure all of them are on Golarion?" She asked the question in the common tongue, and without hesitation, seemingly completely serious.

The Stonebeard ponders the question himself for a moment. "It would be no surprise if they had been moved to other planes, I believe. Items imbued with the spark of the divine are surely highly valuable to a great number of people," he states, crossing his arms and nodding. "And I must imagine that we can be counted among that number."

"I have no way to know for sure. I stumbled upon my battle sense by following rumors of a strange weapon a monk had found. The power resisted me at first, but once I proved myself it reforged with my soul. I Have no way to detect or know what things my powers are stored in. So for now I act on any information I can dig up."

Makallun'abad nods, running his hand through his beard and he considers Hadran's words. "Well, in that case, do you have any information regarding more of these artifacts? It sounds like the best lead we currently have," the dwarf says, nodding again and resting his palms on his hips.

"So then basically they could be anywhere, that's not exactly promising." Beseth seems slightly disappointed as she speaks. If there's no way to detect their presence, then all we have to go on is instinct and rumor, I don't like this it seems so unnatural.

I have much to be forgiven. This path will help to humble me and remeber my place. If I am to be the god of Valor again, I have to remember what that means. I don't look at the quest as a bother, but as a chance to be great again. I have already helped so many. Yes it is not in our power to locate thses objects yet, but maybe as we get stronger they will want to rebind with us. Come let us have a drink and feed and see what the people of this city are talking about.

Gather Information at the Inn: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Absalom is home to countless items of wonder. As you search around for information, however, a young man comes up to you - he entered the building only moments before, but his eyes lit up as he saw Hadran, then Beseth and Mak. "You, uh, you all look like very competent people." he said, swallowing nervously and seeming slightly awed. "I, uh, I have a problem that needs to be taken care of right now. I saw a bunch of mercenaries for the Devil's Claw - they're a group of failed Hellknights from Cheliax - heading into an old storehouse not far from here. Th-that's normally nothing wrong, but the place they're going into was owned by a disgraced noble family... one that tried to betray Absalom to Cheliax. I don't think what they're doing is going to be good for the city, b-but I don't think the guards would listen to someone like me fast enough to stop them before they find whatever they're looking for, either. Can you help? Please?"

The visitor seems worried, but none of you notice any sign that he's lying to you. He just seems to be at the end of his wits.

"I have already had a run in with the guards here. They are just but as you said slow to act. I can't promise anything but if you take me there I will investigate, but tell me what do you think is happening. I can step in if someone is in danger, but political moves are not of interest to me. Thane, Beseth. Will you come with me. This man has asked us for help."

Hadran stands after only having a moment to sit awaiting the man to lead him to the shop.

Makallun'abad raises an eyebrow, but calmly listens to the man's request. "Very well. I, too, have little interest in the power struggles of Absalom, but it surely cannot hurt to lend a helping hand," he responds, nodding sagely. The dwarf finishes the mug he had gotten from the barkeep and sets it back down on the counter. He stands, before continuing, "I will aid you, as well. It is possible that we may be able to leverage this deed to help find more information about what we are searching for, Sir Hadran, Lady Beseth."

"I've never been fond of mercenaries, they know no honor, even moreso those that couldn't make it as knights, count me in." Beseth confirms, nodding to the others.

With the agreement made, it's not long before your guide shows you to the destination.

Sitting on the corner of a quiet street, the red brick Deckland townhouse melds in with the middle class buildings in this portion of Absalom. A small, flickering candle can be seen through a barred window on the building’s west side and a single door can be seen on the building’s south face. It would be possible to enter through either of those routes, albeit in slightly different ways.

I say we do the door option. Mak is rather tall for a dwarf, but entering through windows would still be super awkward for him!

Windows are for thieves to go through, and Beseth is no theif.

Pointing to the candle seen through the window, Beseth speaks, "Well, it certainly looks like someone is in there, they wouldn't need light otherwise, shall we try knocking on the door first?" She asks as she approaches the door. perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Makallun'abad presses a finger to his lips, intent on observing before acting. He cocks his head in order to listen more carefully.

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

"I agree Beseth. We have no reason to sneak about this place. Let us use the door."

Hadran approaches with the others. Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
At the door he gives it a knock.

As you approach, you can hear three voices inside, arguing about what sounds like a game of cards... but they break off immediately as Hadran knocks, and you can hear the faint sounds of weapons being drawn within. Nobody bothers to open the door. Midfoviing is a bit behind the three of you, tail flicking back and forth as she watches. Your guide had asked her to stand outside and try to explain things to any guards who showed up if things got... complicated.

Mak'allunabad exhales quietly, standing as still as a mountain and readying himself to deal with the people inside. Rather than adopting a fighting stance, the Earthen Defender simply crosses his arms and waits.

Hadran looks back to the guide.

"What exactly would you like us to do here. I hear no sounds of distress, though they have drawn weapons. Do you have any proof they have done anything wrong?"

Hadran knocks again.

"You men in there. I don't care about your political motives or what you are doing here in the city, unless in involves the pain or injury to the inocent. Open the door so we can talk."

"Why do you think I didn't go to the guards?" the guide hissed quietly. "It's too suspicious to be normal, but I can't prove it fast enough to get them to do something! And normal people raiding a storehouse that doesn't belong to them don't draw steel when someone asks what they're doing!" He seems more worried than anything else, and clearly believes that something here is wrong. "There shouldn't have been anyone at all inside - they're probably looking for valuables or information."

Meanwhile, there's no reply from within the building. Whoever's in there doesn't seem interested in talking.

"It sounded like they were playing some sort of game, though considering they drew weapons, I would agree they are up to no good, after all, all we did was knock." Beseth reasons as she takes out her shields and tries to open the door.