Ransaq can't help but wonder if Agnir is truly as foolish as his words, or if he's just a brown noser. "Oh you're right, please, let me fund the entire expedition", he responds with condescending sarcasm. "I hope you have more wit in battle than in logic".
"I'd say the fool would be you, if you've signed up for such a dangerous mission without proper equipment."
Looking to anyone next to him, he asks a rhetorical question. "Why am I debating sense with a human child".
"Now, now, let's be at least civil to each other. We're going to be dealing with enough on this island without having to worry about each other as well." Turning to Alkyd, Thule will say "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Thule Aegrim, and I serve The All-Seeing Eye."
The person you see in front of you appears to be a young woman... save for the fact that her smile quite literally contains fangs. She gives a small bow and says, "Welcome. My name is Alkyd Bier. I am a servant of the Dawnflower, and subordinate of the Ten. It is a pleasure to meet all of you."
Ransaq says nothing to the woman, but gives a slight bow.
Agnir bows back and then looks at her quizzically.
"Isn't it a bit ironic for a vampire to be a servant of the sun goddess?"
She simply smiles at your observation. "Sarenrae was the light in my life since far before I was afflicted with vampirism. In fact, I used to be one of her priestess', swinging a sword and channeling positive energy with ease... then I ran into a den of vampires.
"You see, long before the Shadow Lodge had called for better conditions for us Pathfinders, there was an... unfortunate habit of sending Pathfinders to complete missions alone. About two hundred years ago, I was sent on a mission that was supposed to be my last one. After that, I was scheduled to spend out the rest of my days spreading the Dawnflower's word.
"Armed to the teeth with my scimitar, positive energy, and dozens of bottled sunlight grenades, I thought that I was going to clear the den without problem. I was able to mostly complete my mission, and was fighting off the master vampire when I had the stroke.
"For the crime of killing his brethren, he thought it deliciously ironic to turn me into a vampire rather than a mindless thrall. ?When I woke, I was able to kill him... but found that my transformation into an undead was already complete. Interestingly enough, I was able to retain my humanity, and owe this thanks to the Dawnflower. I have dedicated my unlife to helping those in need, and trying to find a way to redeem myself in the eyes of my Goddess, for being what some may call a 'monster'. Thus far... I have been unsucessful, though hopefully this island may allow me this opportunity, even if my repertoire of spells may be limited. I'm a diviner, you see, and have not been able to use my spells concerning the island."
"An interesting tale. Tell me, what is it you would hope to find, what opportunity could this island hold for you?"
"I prayed to my goddess for guidance, and though I could not find much... I think that there is a chance for redemption on this island. I do not know where I could find it, or how long it would take, but I just KNOW that my goddess wishes to see me there."
"A stirring tale of woe, to be sure. Please, secure your equipment so that we can be on our way. I am excited to see what is on this island."
"I came ready."
"I have everything I need."
Cooper has his satchel of gear, he is ready to go.
double checking his gear, all in order, guess we best get this over with.
She guides you all to grab a slight hold of her and after making sure everyone is secure, Alkyd closes her eyes, says the magic words, and not even a second later, you are all whisked away and find yourselves standing on the middle of a ship's deck. As you find your footing, you can hear Alkyd curse in Osirion and quickly cast another spell. Almost immediately she vanishes from sight, but those who were holding onto her can still feel him.
"I almost forgot, most people wouldn't bare the sight of a vampire." You hear her say, as sailors peer over at you, shrug and tell the Captain that you've all finally arrived. "We shouldn't be here for too long. I will be hiding in the cabins, just be sure to find me when we dock so I can guide you there." With that you can feel him let go of you and scamper off.
Now if there is something specific you want to do either on the ship or once you get to the shore, tell me now. You WON'T find Alkyd until you actually get to shore.
Ransaq can often be found shuffling through a deck of cards or picking a padlock to pass the time as the ship makes way to it's destination.
After a while, you all hear hear a shout from the crow's nest. "Land ahead!" Those of you who decide to peer off the side of the ship can see the outline of the island of the distance; a seeming tropical wonderland, filled with palm trees and sand. As you get closer, you start to notice the outlines of people flying, working on the ground and... Buildings (no doubt constructed by magic, as it simply couldn't be done this fast by mundane means)
It looks like a small little town has been set up, and even though it is night time, you can see dozens upon dozens of light sources, illuminating the area like the streets of Absolom. It seems that no one is lacking for work, as there are merchants out on the roads, selling merchandise, people wandering off into the forest itself, and people working on the buildings on the ground.
As you finally touch land, you all may notice a swarm of bats flying overhead. They circle around you for a few moments before flying off just into the woods.
Ransaq makes his way to the cabins to find Alkyd.
Make a knowledge religion check, Ransaq
Give me one anyways.
It's enough! I'll give you one fact about vampires: They can sometimes turn into swarms of bats like the one you saw. You probably suspect she is just within the border of the forest, avoiding the crowd of people.
"This seems...oddly peaceful."
During the trip Cooper kept to himself mostly, though he would have liked to learn more about thier Vampiric leader, he was unable to locate her on board.
realizing the search to be futile he settles on maintaining his weapons. making sure everything was in order and cleaned.
One the ship pulls into port, Cooper gathers his things and takes in the sights of the new bustling community. takeing note of the various cultures among the inhabitants.
My guess will the first order of business is to establish a base camp. he says as he slings his satchel over his shoulder and heads down the gangplank.
Alistair, you find that the various people represented here are mostly from Absalom and Osirion, though a surprising number of young lordlings who hailed from Taldor seem to be here as well as well as... a group of Chelaxians.
Tired of the trip, Ransaq is eager to get off the boat and start snooping around. "The first thing to look for is where to look first".
Agnir looks around for someone who looks friendlyand might know something.
"Hey! What's going on here? I didn't think anybody else would be here, given this island's reputation."
"I will follow...our guide, and wait for those of you who want to speak to the others at the camp there" says Thule as he indicates a point in the jungle where the vampire pathfinder seemed to go.
Make a perception check Max. Oh right, and people will start gathering, staring at the flying half-ogre, some of them sharpening their blades rather eagerly. You're getting the feeling you might be attracting... unwanted attention?
Ransaq ealks over to the flying half-ogre and make an attempt to calm things down. "Settle down everyone, just yur everyday flying ogre with a heart of gold. Nothing to see here, move along".
Afterwards, he attempts to engage in gossip. You can't believe everything you hear, but sometimes it's still worth hearing.
You manage to calm down the crowd... for the moment.
Your attempt to gather information is quite sucessful. The first rumor you hear is that Numerians might be coming to the island in a few days time, and are only delayed by their precious cargo. The second bit of information if much more interesting: you hear whispers of a lich on the island.
You see nothing.
Agnir looks around for someone who looks friendlyand might know something.
"Hey! What's going on here? I didn't think anybody else would be here, given this island's reputation."
Ransaq makes his way to the vampire and waits for the rest of the group, intent on sharing the info he just gathered.
Agnir looks around for someone who looks friendlyand might know something.
"Hey! What's going on here? I didn't think anybody else would be here, given this island's reputation."
Sorry! Distracted by the flying half ogre! You see a dwarf sharing tankerds of ale with a group of buddies and are able to make your way to him. "Bah! Like a few old wives tales ever stopped treasure hunters before! There be riches on this island, I tell yah!"