Over the last few days each of you has receive an urgent missive. The whispering Tyrant is waking up. The seals are breaking your help is required to stop his return.
The missive request your presence at an urgent meeting in Caliphas it also gives instructions to were you can meet someone to teleport you there and some gold (500 gp) to cover travel expenses and for your time in hearing them out.
You decide this matter is worthy of you attention and you go to attend the meeting.
The meeting takes place at the Vodavani lodge.
Attending the meeting is Keyron Saiville Precentor Martial for Scouting of Lastwall (The military general in charge of intelligence), Captain Menass Neverion (Senior officer of the Lastwall forces patrolling
Virlych), Pathfinder Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch (The host), Bartileus Ren (Senior Officer of the Knights of Ozem) and finally Gorm Greathammer representing Kraggodan (he is the third prince of the dwarf nation and a member of the pathfinder society).
Keyron Saiville takes the floor "You've been called here because we have state of emergency. The seals to Tar-Baphon's prison are weakened. The great seal is in danger. We must act or the whispering tyrant may yet be freed from his prison. We are gathering all available forces should the worst happen but we cannot march an army to Gallowspire whitout taking thousands of casualties. Before we take such a drastic step it has been recommended we sent a strike force to secure the great seal and to hunt down the members of the whispering way trying to break it. That is why you were called. We need volunteers for that strike force and you are among those who are the most capable of the task"
Kneeling in a barren clearing outside the city of Caliphas, the dark green skinned 1/2 orc attempts to clear his mind. Recent scars; earned along the way, burn an angry red in the bright full moon upon his bare upper body. Bulging muscles grow taunt, then reflexively relax as the magnificent humanoid begins his meditation.
Enter the unforgiving city; attract no attention; seek the Vodavani Lodge; listen and accept!
Ahmose opens his piercing blue eyes.
Merius listens intently to the briefing and the cause of their summon. The molten gold orbs of his eyes drift around the table at all the assembled. 'An interesting collection of individuals.' He then turns his gaze to the hosts.
"What proof do we have that the Great Seal is failing? I trust your word, but what if this is but a ruse by the Whispering Way to get their enemies to waste resources to clear the way and then they come in behind with their own forces? It is a very effective tactic that I have put to good use before with the orc tribes in Belkzen. The Whispering Way are very cunning and our response should seek to cover all potential aspects. That said, I will join this expedition. We cannot allow the Seal to fail..."
A large man in full plate bearing a large symbol of Sarenrae on the chest waits his turn to speak. Oddly his full plate is coupled with a starkife at his belt and a mere buckler. You are left wondering why the odd set.
Odder still is when he removes his helm, revealing a bald man with many scars and tattoos. The tattoos are indicative of a shoanti barbarian.
"I sent here by High Priest Aquala in Katheer. I Bug Eater. Mighty warrior of Sklar Quah clan. Have work for Sarenrae for long time. The priest saw vision from Goddess. She say great seal in danger. Temple sent me. I go to make sure great seal stay seal. "
"The great Seal was protected by three lesser seals that made it impossible to dispel. One of these seal was in Lastwall, the other was held by the knights of Ozem and the last was in the great vault. Over the last few weeks all three were destroyed. For the first since it was created the great Seal is vulnerable. Thankfully it cannot be dispelled from the inside but from the outside it would not be so difficult if they reach it. Even for the whispering way getting there wont be easy and there is still one more guardian that remains the great Sphinx Shadnusaptera. Still they have proven incredibly resourceful so far and we believe that there is a high chance they will succeed unless we act to stop them." Keyron Saiville turns to Captain Menass Neverion who rises.
"I've been patrolling Virlych for 40 years in that time I've seen a fair share of cultist trying to make their way in there. Most of them have been little more than rabble easily dealt with. However lately the groups have been larger and more organised. Several even had powerful undead with them and if reports are correct even a lich. We managed to stop a few groups but the ones with the lich got trough..." says Menass
"The group that attacked our citadel to destroy our seal was led by a lich who called himself Nalthezzar. I wonder if this was the same one? We should try to track it down it might know what happened to our commander. He has been missing for some time now and with him missing and from the casualties in the attack we lack clear leadership" says Bartileus Ren
"Bah a lich, our citadel was attacked by a blasted great wyrm umbral dragon! Nine Hells the dam thing is still there now! It's claimed the lower levels of the citadel and we haven't been able to force it back were it came from thought even that isn't clear at this point." says Gorm Greathammer
An elven looking man speaks up, wearing beautifully crafted Mithril full plate, etched all over with golden runes of arcane power. His hair is shoulder length and well groomed and his eyes are a vibrant green. You cannot see any weaponry on his person.
I for one believe it is no ploy. My father Caldir, journeyed into those lands many years ago on rumours and happenings concerning the whispering way. He never returned and I fear the worst. My father was a powerful man, he would not succumb easily. I would take up this quest, to follow in his steps, and to hopefully find him along the way... he pauses a moment. or at least learn of his fate. I offer my skill with blade and magic to this endeavor. And with the testimony of the others, I believe the threat is quite real. Either way, we cannot sit here and hope the cultists never get into the tomb. We must act.
In a corner of the room stands Kardav, leaning against the stone walls with an air of curious interest as he listens to the room speak. Dressed in loose clothes trimed with blue and gold worn under a dulled breastplate his face is half covered by a wide brimmed hat and what is shown is artfully obscured by scarf around his neck, the edges of a neck guard peaking out around the top. Hanging proudly in the open around his neck is a golden butterfly, at his hips two elaborate star knives hang lose a slight shimmer flickering along their blades.
With an exaggerated sigh he saunters over to the table, taking off his scarf and hat with a flourish to reveal ashen skin and a deathly pallor. Bright orange eyes and a Cheshire grin great the room as the Dhampir flops into an open seat without asking.
"Dire stakes indeed," He says, leaning into the chair. "I will most graciously offer my services, after all my heritage offers me some unique advantages considering where this quest will take us. What can you tell us of these liches, do we know where Nalthazar came from or who the one who broke through the lines at Last wall was?"
Ahmose listens with a grave expression etched on his dark green face. His perfect-looking 1/2 orc physique covered in only simple brown robes, open in front, is etched with scars and strange tattoos . Underneath he wears a sturdy, but also simple pair of like colored pants. A dark, almost black, green cloak drapes his broad shoulders. Other than a rough-looking pack, he carries nothing.
The Shamans of Clan of the Wandering Stars has foreseen this vile occurrence. I have been given the honor of stopping it!
The 1/2 orc glances about the room.
He seems to nod in approval at the assembled group.
I, Ahmose, shall join this quest!
After some thought, Valoren proposed a course of action.
Perhaps then, it would be wise to form two parties. The first, tasked with reaching the town, and tomb of the dread tyrant. The other, to track down and apprehend, or remove, those servants of the Tyrant operating around these areas. It may seem a risk to divide our attention, but perhaps it is a greater risk to not answer these threats. He glances around the room waiting for the others to respond.
Oh, yes, because dividing your strength has ALWAYS worked in the past militarily.... actually, that would mean more chance for glory ourselves, and less to share the spoils with... yes... I actually like this. Plan approved.
Quiet Legacy, There will plenty of glory building to go around, and more than the noormal fair share of danger. Besides, my plans do not NEED your validation friend.
"Bug can track. Bug can remove servants. "
Ahmose listens to the elven-looking man. He weighs his words carefully, before responding.
Ahmose has been sent to destroy the Tyrant! I shall go there.
Kardav looks over at Valoren and raises an eyebrow. "We know where they're going and their goals, why not stay together. Strength in numbers and all."
"Two teams would actually give you a larger chance of success I think. Your best option is to proceed while attracting as little attention to yourselves as possible. The undead roaming that area number in the tens of thousands if you split up you have a better chance of finding a way trough unseen and if one group does get caught up in battle it will draw them away from the other group."
Kardav bows his head in acknowledgement. "Sounds reasonable. So how will we decided on teams? Draw straws?" He says to the room.
"There are two tasks. People choose task good for them. "
The huge 1/2 orc peers around at those assembled for these tasks.
A stealthy group to be tasked with reaching the town, and tomb of the dread tyrant, I think, would be a better way. I shall go with that group. The other, more hunt talented, should track down the cultist.
The hobgoblin in the corner steps up, or rather floats up. His dark skin contrasts with the beige leather he wears. He wears a symbol on his shoulder of a spirit writhing within a red spiral of Pharasma.
"I'm here to take down the dead. Bones, flesh, spirit, they all need to go down. I'll face the lich." He pauses, and then adds, "It might be good to work with people who know how to sneak." With that, he fades from sight - no gestures or words are needed. He returns a moment later.
The dark green skinned 1/2 orc nods in respect to the hobgoblin.
A few hours earlier she arrived at the Vodavani lodge in Caliphas to scope out the place, to observe who arrived, or who left, ears-dropping on conversations. She found a shadowy corner to sit, keeping her hood pulled over to hide most of her face.
It had been a few days since she left Starfall, after receiving the assignment from master Tchoyoitu, though with concern asked her if she was up to the task as the assignment had a few targets. Besides the benefactor was extremely generous, giving an unusually large down payment for the assignment. She studied the documents for a day, prepared herself and mind, before bidding farewell to master Tchoyoitu.
She ordered a meal and a light drink while waiting for the host to arrive and begin the meeting. She listened to the discussions taking place while enjoying her meal.
The assignment was also different to the previous ones. For this time she needed to work with others to be able to get to the targets, for the assignment was in very dangerous territory, and going alone would be rather foolish.
Seems this lot are dividing themselves into two groups. To take on two goals at the same time. Need to figure out which goal would suit my skills the best. Oh don't forget to collect the 500 GP before leaving.
The door to the Vodavani Lodge opens and three strangers enter. One is clearly a member of the Society and is dressed the part. The second wears the insignia of the Grand Council of Absalom with armor and weapons befitting the riches of the City at the Center of the World. Curiously he carries a blade sheathed and wrapped in cloth with symbols of Iomedae clearly prominent. The third stands in the doorway hooded and in chains that connect from his wrists to his ankles.
The Pathfinder smiles at the assembly, "Venture-Captain Heidmarch Venture Captain Ambrus Valsin has heard your call. At the time your missive was received the Venture Captain was meeting Lord Gyr of House Gixx himself".
The warrior picks up the tale, "For several months the Grand Council has debated as to how to treat a certain prisoner found to have, we believe against his own will, committed crimes for which the death penalty would be warranted. However, as the crimes were committed against his will, we have been seeking a solution to punish him justly. After having conferred with Lord Gyr, I believe that this recent crisis is that opportunity".
The Pathfinder continues, "Before you is that prisoner one Zoren Valkith. A Tiefling Magus. The weight of his good and evil deeds are in balance. I and the Venture Captain were responsible for the man's capture and we too believe that he can be more than his own dark past, he has proven that. All he needs is the opportunity to do so. In the alternative, should he perish in this task little is lost".
The Pathfinder turns and removes the hood of the Tiefling, he is of slightly above average height white of hair and of skin. He lacks the red eyes and horns that many Tieflings possess but he certainly does not appear human, more elvish if anything. Zoren himself finally speaks, "I pledge my aid in thsi endeavor, if my life can be sacrificed for the greater good, so be it".
As his restraints are removed the warrior unwraps the blade which instantaneously disappears and reappears on the hip of the Tiefling.
Both men shake the Tiefling's hand wishing him good luck and depart leaving the man with the black blade behind.
"I apologize that I am late. How can I help?"
"Everyone must choose. Sneak into town and tomb, or hunt servants of tyrant. I choose hunt. "
Zoren nods to the large human, "I can adapt to either need but if I am being asked to choose then stealth is my preferred method of operation".
slay the lich! slay the lich! slay the lich! Yes! Just think, what arcane items would lie with him, think of the legacy I would hold! The blade that slew the dreaded tyrant and his followers! I want it, I know you want it I can sense it.
Legacy! silence, please. For all our sakes, I hope that tyrant sleeps eternally, I have no wish to test you, or me, against even half his strength. We will go where we are needed. You must get control of yourself, you are not normally this excitable.
Valoren clears his throat. I will go wherever I am needed. Though I would risk myself against the most dangerous routes and threats. My skills are adequate for stealth or combat. he scratches his chin for a moment. Perhaps, if need be one group could progress on a more noticeable level, leaving the other to sneak through easier? They could then reunite if given the chance at the tomb-town.
he casts a long, mostly curious glance towards Zoren after he finishes speaking.
It is rare to see another Magus here, even more so one bound to a blade as I. I have seen that type of teleportation, used it, infact. I should love to learn its name.
Kardav leans back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. "I'm not one for subtlety. " He says as he puts his feet up on the table. "Though I do disagree with the notion that we have two tasks. Like I said these cultists only have on task, to reach the tyrant and free him, our only task is stopping that. However, I do agree that we should split up into two groups. Each group should enter Virlych from a different angle and make all haste to Adorak where both teams will regroup again."
The dhampir folds his arms across his chest as he ponders for a moment. "Both teams should stick together until we reach the Hungry Mountains then split, one going North through the split in the mountains, skirting the Garden of Lead and the other should go west along the river to Casnoriva then make a line for Adorak."
Without even pulling back her hood, or stepping out of the shadowy corner where she is sitting, I willing to take care of the issue of the citadel.
Merius nods his understanding at the explanation provided. "That is dire news indeed." He goes quiet in contemplation while the other speak their own intentions. "I am fairly suited for stealth and can see a fair distance in the darkness; however, should our expedition come to combat I give fair warning that my magic is less than surreptitious." He strokes his beard. "Is there anything else of which we should be aware?"
An elf with an air of importance sits to the left of Sheila Heidmarch and seems to know the venture captain well. During the meeting he offered council and advise more than one time and each time he was listened to closely by Keyron Saiville and Captain Menass Neverion as if he has helped them in the past. His participation in the mission must have already been resolved as he does not mention his reasons for agreeing to go but there is no doubt of his intent. He said nothing to the dwarven prince and when the topic of the umbral dragon was brought up you are almost certain that a quick smile played across his mouth.
Dressed in greens and greys, Ilithial is tall and lean, even for an elf. His fine wizard robes are partially covered by a drab forest cloak. A rune covered staff rests at his side.His raven black hair is long and pulled back in a single knot. It is not yet touched by age. Unlike most elves he sports facial hair in the form of a goatee . His skin it wrinkle free; his face is ageless. His eyes shine a green of new spring grass and belies the serious expression he seems to always wear. An Azata Lyrakien, a tiny female of human shape except for her butterfly wings, sits on the edge of the table beside Ilithial and leans near him to speak quietly from time to time. Her only garment is a gossamer veil that nearly fails to hide anything but seems to do so more by making an observer look away embarrassed than by any actual covering.
When the topic of splitting into two groups is brought up he listens to everyone's input then adds his own thoughts. We must consider a balance of skills as well. We cannot afford to leave one group without arcane support or divine healing. Both should be balanced with strength in melee and at range as well. And both should have a way to deal with locks and traps if possible.I think that outweighs personal preference and even the ability to be stealthy.
"Bug can fight close or throw. Bug well armored to be up front. "
"There is a way that could get you close to the city unnoticed. There are underground passages that run under the hungry mountains. You would avoid most of the dangers of the waste and few undead wander down there. However there are orcs, subterranean monsters and a creature called Old Death that wanders those passages. Not sure what Old Death is exactly, some say a black dragon others a elder basilisk but all agree it's very old and very deadly." says Menass
Ahmose sits in the lotus position. He looks each speaker in the eye as they voice their opinions.
I am well adapted in close-quarters fighting. I am skilled in most physical combat. I also have been trained in using magical devices quite well.
The huge 1/2 orc grins.
I am comfortable in any environment.
"I see, I'm rather more used to fighting the undead but if we must go under the mountains then we shall do so." Kardav says, nodding at Menass. "I am adept in close quaters and have a grasp of Divine magics at my disposal, make of that however you will as we organize these teams."
Hmmm, if we do take to the tunnels, Perhaps it would be better if those that went by that route could operate in complete darkness and could move fairly quietly. Orcs can be a dangerous foe, especially in tunnels in large numbers. As for me, I am skilled in the arcane arts, as well as swordsmanship.
As he says the last sentence, he stretches out his hand and suddenly a blade appeared in his hands. The blade, seemingly a mix between an elven scimitar and Rapier, was black as night, with a single golden seam running down but a few milimeters from the blades edge. Instead of a cross-guard, their was a full hand guard made from silvered steel, elegantly covering ones grip when wielding the weapon. The hilt was wrapped in Red silken-steel threads, hard as steal, but soft and malleable as silk.
with my magic and swordsmanship, I am competent in most situations. I reiterate my opinion that any group deciding to traverse the tunnels should be able to operate without a light source. It would be bound to attract unwanted attention. unfortunately, operating in the pitch dark without any light source is one of the few things I am poor at. he sheathes his blade at his waist and steps back a bit.
Indeed, I am surprised it hasn't named itself.... pardon my asking, and feel free to not answer, but what was it that caused you to act against your will?
Zoren remains quiet, after all, the fact that he is here and not in chains rotting away in prison is quite the turn of events.
"I am able to see in the dark and in low light environments." Kardav says. "If we're going to split the teams, one going under the mountain then maybe I could suggest an alternate rout. I've already suggested that a team head up the Path River, passing through Casnoriva and over the mountain. Perhaps we could find a rout under the mountain from Casnoriva, meeting up with the team in Adorak."
The dhampir scowls slightly. "While the rout would initially save time by going up river, I don't doubt that progress will grind to halt once the team enters Virlych. It's a much riskier rout but it has the potential to get a team to Adorak ahead of the under mountain team."
"It makes sense for me to go underground. I don't require light. I can find traps. While I'd prefer to deal with undead, and to fly, orcs die just as well." He nods at this, "I can fight up close when I need to, but I'm better with a little distance."
The doors burst open and a large man steps in, his bright yellow hair going every which way. A large horn crafted of some sort of antler on a chain attached to his hip, his breast plate covered in blood and dirt. He has a banner attached to his pack, streaming the proud colours of Last Wall upon it.
Ynthar takes a knee and the banner nearly knocks another banner off the wall, he stands up quickly and fixes both. A large smile comes to his face and with his booming voice he commences.
"My lords and "Ynthar quickly scans the room. All those who are in attendance, I am sorry for my lateness but when the enemy shows it's ugly face along our borders I must answer." With that the Glaive on his back drips some blood on the floor.
Ynthar moves closer to the front. "What dire matters do we discuss at this meeting?"
A hooded figure had sat quietly in a corner since before the meeting started. From the embroidery on her dark cloak she is with the pair of enormous, similarly cloaked knights waiting outside. She reaches up and pulls down her hood, revealing a beautiful, dark skinned woman with the black hair and features of a Garundi.
She nods at Kardav. "With all due respect, traversing these tunnels would require us to prepare for several types of threat rather than focusing on escaping the notice of or countering the single threat posed by the walking dead. There are spells to cloak us from their eyes and I am able to convince the more persistent to ignore us. We do not have that advantage with orcs and dragons," the woman looks around, dark eyes curious, "unless one of you has some unannounced abilities in that area?"
"Neither I nor my companions are stealthy, but with my skills we should be able to reach the town without attracting undue attention from the hungry dead."
Take another bite of her meal, eating it and clearing her throat before speaking softly, Dark tunnels you say. I rather comfortable traveling in dark places, my sight is well suited for the dark, and I am light on my feet.
"The end of all life as we know it unless something is done." replies Keyron Saiville to Icerunner
"Your skills in countering the walking dead are precisely why you are here even though some of us spoke against it." says Keyron Saiville to Harika
"Our best chance is indeed two groups of balanced skills."
"Harika is a necromancer with some skill at controlling the mindless dead. She has agreed to help escort a group the city. However in case that fails another group will try traversing the Darkland tunnels under the hungry mountain to try and reach the city."
"I am thinking the surface group will be Harika, Merius, Ynthar, Zoren, Kardav, Ilithial and the underground group can be Bug Eater, Z-dim, Duskade, Aurora, Ahmose and Valoren? Any objections to this?" says Keyron Saiville
Zoren shrugs, "I am willing to help in any way you see fit Sir".
"Bug Eater not see well in dark. But I go where told like always have. "
Ilithial nods in agreement. So be it. When do we leave? I have preparations to make. Zoren, Valoren, might we meet privately to discuss spellbook content and trading of spells for mutual benefit?
Harika nods at Keyron Saiville without addressing his comment about some people not wanting her there. "I have no objection."
Ahmose frowns directly at Keyron Saiville.
To be better able to be successful, the UnderDark group should all be proficient without light sources.
The Lyrakien at Ilithial's side looks worried for a moment, flies up and lands on the wizard's shoulder and whispers something in his ear. Ilithial whispers back calming words with a quick glance at Harika.