Rain drizzles down in the miserable weather as our... 'heroes' huddle under a canvas strung between a wagon and a cliff face. A small fire provides meager warmth. The escape from the city had been harrowing and exhausting.
Who knew you could get into such trouble by doing the right thing?
The fires of Cassomir still flaring to life in the distance as swamp gas ignites. A stuttering reminder of how the city that hated them had been saved by them.
Perhaps Andoran or Galt would be kinder to them?
"Well, I still thinks that we should have stayed and stated our reasons, although the lords would have us chased and killed without a judgment, mainly for the lack of proof" - says a young man wearing a Breasplate covered by some dark clothes. He is sited beside a humanoid figure with black rags covering his whole body, and a hood comes to cover most of his face, shadowing it's face. Both have Scythes on their backs, and look if nothing else amused by fleeing the town.
"Maybe in some years, when they have forgot about the damage, we could state a good defense to our cause? They call me Sixth, by the way."
The elf glares at the young man and snorts, "Our reasons are irrelevant. Fate marked Cassomir for death. We only partially averted her plans." He looks down at his hands as water drips from the still wet cowl of his cloak.
"Maybe we didn't even accomplish that. Maybe her goal was the death a few or one, and she was willing to sacrifice a city to bring it about. The weave has become more and more twisted over the past few weeks. Besides,"he shrugs his shoulders causing the silver and black hilt of his weapon to shift, "Why beg for forgiveness from fools who live in ignorance. They'll never understand how little control they have over their own lives.
Finnigin paces back and forth, extremely worried about what has just happened.
Oh my goodness, I can't believe I just did that. I was trying to save the kingdom, not destroy it. Then the flames were everywhere. I can't believe how fast they spread. First one house, then 2 more, and it multiplied.
He looks at Seinal.
How can you be so calm? We just destroyed half the city. That was people's homes. Childrens toys went up like pieces of tinder. I have never seen so many people screaming. Why couldn't we just... Maybe we could've... what about...
Finnigin begins pacing again.
Byron stood there, hood drawn, letting the drizzle drip down. His blood still pumped thickly through his veins. For a long time he had played his role as the smiling supportive gnome, never really participating in the group. He had his calm, cool and collected mask.
Now that mask was breaking, and his rage was boiling just beneath the surface. His chest felt like it was swelling, his hands were shaking, and he realized for the first time that the smile that he practiced every night in front of a mirror just to get it right, was twisted into an gritting teeth.
He knew nothing good would come from the word he wanted to say but at this point he couldn’t help himself, they came surging up through his throat like vomit. “Fools…. All of you…. Such-“
He paused… “No, I’m the fool for not controlling you. For just following along.”
Seinal stares at the halfling for a moment, and his expression softens slightly, "I am calm, Omally, because I understand something you don't. You didn't kill all those people."
He pulls out his deck of worn cards and begins shuffling.
"You heard Grimward's visions same as I."
He cuts the deck in two and each hand cuts the new halves again before merging them in a high bridge.
"My... intuition is not as clear as his, but the message was obvious. That plague was foretold, the fire was just... improvisation. Fate's way of cheating to get what she wants."
His hands come together like he's about to begin dealing a reading, but he pauses as if unsure whether to continue.
"He is right. Besides, how good is a non-burned city if you have no one to live on it? Better to burn the city to the ground and to save half of it, then to have everyone dead by a plague."
He takes a look at the gnome, but looks once again at the sky.
Better keep an eye on that one...
"Thing is, what do we do now? We're outcasts, and cannot go back to Cassomir, and maybe to any other city in Taldor. So I guess we will follow the predictions then?"
A plump halfling hops down from the carriage and shuts the door behind him.. He slides over to where the Gnome is apparently about to blow his top.. He claps him on the back.. "Easy there Byron.. None could have predicted that.. The fire had a dam mind of its own.. We're lucky to survive ourselves.." He moves over and stokes the fire a bit.. "So what did yalls visions say to do next?" Looking back to Byron.. "You know we're gonna have to change our shops name now.." He sighs and takes a seat..
Isn't it obvious what we do now? We have to be the heroes. Make up for what we did. Rescue a princess or two.
Finnigin picks up a stick and begins thrusting it like a sword.
We need to slay a couple dragons. Save a village from trolls. You know, hero stuff.
Byron closed his mouth but the anger needed to vent or he felt like he might explode. His fist slammed into the brickwork of a wall, scrapping the outer skin back. Again, this time leaving a smattering of blood. Again, this time eliciting a small groan from the gnome. The pain drowned out the rage, his senses regained a bit.
I need some tea
The rage simmered and a bitter look took over Byrons normally cheerful face. “Luck and fate are the opiate of the fool. If you keep blaming your failures on them then you will continue to fail.”
Seinal sits motionless, cards in hand, as his companions argue around him. Suddenly he breaths in sharply and reaches up to cover his eyes.
He growls under his breath, Curse you, woman. What are you planning now?"
He shakes his head as if trying to clear it of something then raises his voice, "Does a golden eagle mean anything to any of you? These visions are so damned obscure... I saw one being brought down by demons near the coast."
He turns his gaze on Byron, "He who denies the existence of fate is the greatest fool of all. Bury your head in the sand if you wish, but I refuse to dance to Destiny's tune."
Norbert's eyes go wide.. "Slay a dragon! I'm a mere traveling alchemist, not a Sir Brave Knight.. I had built such good connections in Cassomir.. Its gonna take forever for me and Byron to get our shop going good again.." He looks sad..
Take 10 Disguise = 28
He actually appears to be smaller than a halfling and has dark grey skin.. He's gaunt and appears almost pixie like..
dot dot
The hooded humanoid watches the alchemist, finding it very weird, but otherwise says nothing.
Have you seen that halfling? Is he like me?
I have no idea...
"It means nothing to me Seinal, but maybe we will find our answer near the cost? I do think anywhere is better for us than close to the city."
Finnigin turns to the only one to acknowledge his presence, Norbert.
How would you suggest we become heroes? We have to offset what we have done!
Finnigin thinks about the eagle.
Can you describe the Demons?
Finnigin looks around trying to figure out where the Coast would be and heads in that direction.
The coast is this way, Let go see how accurate you are. Maybe we can save the eagle? That would start us on our heroic journey!
"I know little of beings beyond our plane. The eagle was locked in battle with a small impish creature, and seemed evenly matched. As it was battling, however, a massive creature rose from the depths and struck the bird with a flaming rope or lash of some kind, then dragged the poor bird under with him."
Seinal stands, stretching his legs.
"You understand, Omally, that these visions are rarely literal."
A large fox comes bounding up to the party, on its back riding it is a Doll of all things, as it gets close it changes shape into a attractive Asian women who for a moment seems to in a fine kimono but then that two changes into fine travailing cloths, the doll clings to her then disappears into her clothing in her hand she opens up a fine umbrella/parasol to keep the rain off, She walks elegantly towards you, she has a slightly sad smile on her face.
"Well gentlemen, that did not go as planed, which is a shame"
She stops in front of you and cleans her self off with a small spell, dust and ash fall away and her Hair is reset.
"The mark I had lined up I am sorry to say is as gone as is his fine town house and with all his fine belongings, not a good outcome from days of work. Can any one tell me just how the fire started. I am most keen to know, and how a number of large fire Elemental's seem to have come to join in the party."
From out of her clothing the Dolls head comes out,
"what my sisters is asking is, why you Muppet's thought it would be a good idea to incinerate the city with us still in it hummm??"
"Shuuush sister, I was not going to put it so bluntly but yes, gents in a nutshell, why? because do you have any idea just how much potential coin we just lost"
They both look at you all inquisitively.
"Coin? I don't know how much you lost, but you wouldn't care much for that if you were now a Lamashtu pet, so I guess you got lucky. You're welcome" - He smiles.
"Always more coin to be made Miss.. I lost a host of good contacts.. Legal and otherwise so im none to happy about it either.. If you want someone to blame look to Lamashtu.. Without her curse running amok we wouldn't had to burn the joint.. Interesting sister you have there.."
Grimward Brack, the hideously scarred half-orc, sits in the circle, listening to the discussion as he stares at the crackling fire. At the mention of an eagle his eyes widen and he lets out a gasp. A moment later, he exhales and pauses in thought.
He eventually speaks, "I saw it too, Seinal. A great golden eagle, claws and beak ripping into into a winged red creature."
The oracle glances at Finnigan.
"And this was no demon. It was a great devil, a Pit Fiend no less, rising from the sea to strike down the bird with its flaming whip."
He turns back to the fire, trying to concentrate.
"Coin... Pah. What use are scraps of metal when your flesh is rotting from Urgathoa's caress? He snarls at Kyomi.
Grimward lets out a low growl before returning to the matter at hand.
"Devils..."
"Asmodeus is the master of hell and the devils..." He mutters. "But who would revere the Master of Hell enough to warrant such a show of power?"
EDIT
She smiles back sweetly,
"Sixth, Jokes aside, what are we going to do now, we get more from the doom Oracles"
She waves at the siting half-orc
[/b]" yes yes, golden eagle, claws, beaks, ripping, big red thingy, got it but, whats the next??, where is the next disaster we will be walking into for fame, power, fun and even shock wealth!."[/b]
throwing her arms up exasperated she walks to the group, wile doing so, she pulls out a bag and starts to look over a small number lesser magic items.
"mind you this one was not all bad"
she open it then stops saying mater of factually.
"The shop owner was in such a rush to get away, he asked his servant girl to pack his stock away safely, not of course wanting to risk his own fat skin, I sent the real girl off with a bag of nice things and help him in her place"
She stops and looks away wistfully, the as if the thought had just struck her she adds.
"you know I don't thing I will ever get the chance to give the selfish pig his things back, such a shame"
The small doll chuckles,
Then she holds up a magic self turning spoon for inspection.
She looks at Norbert
"I could not agree more Master Hornswallow"
The small doll jumps down from Kyomi and go's up to Norbert, jumping onto Norberts lap,
"And I like you to Norbert, now how about some nice touch toxin I can add to my collection, something that will drop a half giant in two heart beats"
She gives you an evil grin and flash's a small dagger.
"I have coin to pay for it"
She looks to her sister
"come on you must have something real nasty in that shop of yours"
Norbert looks surprised as the little doll jump in his lap.. And then looks shocked as she asked for poison.. "Oh geez.. I knew it would come to this someday.. Heh.. Surely i couldn't get unlucky twice in the same day.. Could I?" "Um.. Hi little miss.." He looks around nervously.. "Um... Um.. Yes i suppose i probably have something to your liking.. I dunno about dropping a giant, but i do have decent stuff.. At cost price of coarse.." Setting the doll down he'll move inside and shut the door.. Some rustling noises are heard and soon her reappears with a small chest that has been unlocked.. "Lets see here.. How about some blue whinnis? It does a fine job of knocking people out.." He sets the chest down and lets her have a look inside..
The price on the left is what yall would pay..
Blue Whinnis (5) 60gp/120
Bloodroot (5) 50gp/100
Greenblood Oil (5) 50gp/100
Arsenic (4) 60gp/120
ID Moss (3) 62.5gp/125
Indigo Dream (2) 75gp/150
Oil of Taget (7) 45gp/90
A Pit Fiend! Sounds vicious! Sounds like the Eagle needs our help!
Finnigin turns to Seinal.
Not Literal? Then what are we supposed to go off of? Our imagination?
He thinks about it for a second.
So something good needs our help, and we may or may not have to fight off something powerfully evil to save it. Sounds like a good start on our journey to become heroes!
Norbert looks up from the chest with a surprised look on his face, like something just dawned on him.. "Andoran's national symbol is a Golden Eagle. Also Cheliax is known for it's association with devils and Isger is a thrall of Cheliax and borders Andoran. Perhaps your vision means that Cheliax is gonna take Andoran down.." Sounds like some assassinations will be needing to happen..
Finnigin thinks about it more.
MAYBE! just MAYBE! Cheliax is being attacked by Andoran.
He shakes his head.
No, that's not right. Cheliax's symbol is a golden eagle? No! Andoran's is. Perhaps Andoran is being attacked! Cheliax is somewhat devilish right? Maybe they are to blame? That's It!!!!
He holds up a finger.
I propose we save Andoran from the Chellish! Then we could be Heroes! And all would be forgiven.
Norbert looks at Finnigin sidelong with his mouth half open.. "Id definitely say Cheliax is associated with devils.. Id say you hit the nail on the head as they say.. And i dunno about saving 1 country from another, but it definitely sounds like there's some coin to be made.."
Grimward raises an eyebrow at Finnigan's optimism.
"More likely we'll make more enemies. But such is our fate."
He sighs.
Norbert is right, I believe. Andoran will be tangled in a conflict with 'the imp', possibly referring to Isger or perhaps a small skirmish with Cheliax. But any victories will be minor, and short-lived. I'm not sure if the Pit Fiend means the full might of Cheliax or of Asmodeus himself, but in DOES mean tremendous, evil power that will bring low the golden eagle.
Andoran is in terrible danger."
He sets the chest down and lets her have a look inside..
The little doll claps her hands excitedly, and looks over the bottle and oils
"Ooo so much to choose from, something fast is what I'm sort on, ill have two Bloodroots, good on a blade and an Id moss, good in drinks that, slows them up and they just think the'er just drink hehe, 160 coin true Norbert humm."
She looks at you smiling.
Kyomi smiles
"O a good war, lot of high ranking commanders, looted city's, merchants fleeing with all their worldly goods, and I hear Cheliax is rich, sounds promising"
She hands Norbert the coin her sister has spent and takes the items into her clothing.
He smiles and takes the coins.. "160 is a fair price for such a cutie.."
Since you touched him you get a will save DC 11 to know that hes using a glamer spell to look different..
"Thanks for expounding Grimward.. I think you have it right there.. Personally i do not think we can stop this, but we might just be able to help Andoran swing the tide in some way.. Hell just having the knowledge that this is coming would allow preparations to be made ahead of time.. Now convincing a Golden Eagle they we're about to be overthrown might be harder than defeating Cheliax ourselves.."
Will nope Fail she's to interested in her new toys
"Thanks, and I may need more if we look to be heading to a war"
"Can we call it a gold rush not war please.. I dunno if i wanna go to "War" persee.. And no problem, i spend all my spare time brewing up something.."
Again the left price is what yall would pay..
Alchemical Remedies-craft price/npc sell price
Alchemical Kindness (10) .5gp/1
Alchemical Grease (5) 2.5gp/5
Blade Guard (2) 20gp/40
Meditation Tea (2) 15gp/30
Vermin Repellant (5) 2.5gp/5
Wismuth Salix (2) 15gp/30
Alchemical Tools-craft price/npc sell price
Alchemical Cement (3) 2.5gp/5
Alchemical Glue (2) 10gp/20
Alchemical Solvent (2) 10gp/20
Armor Ointment (3) 15gp/30
Chill Cream (2) 12.5gp/15
Foaming Powder (3) 5gp/10
Impact Foam (2) 12.5gp/25
Nushadir 10gp/20
Scent Cloak 10gp/20
Smoke Pellet (5) 12.5gp/25
Smokestik (10) 10gp/20
Weapon Blanch(cold iron) (2) 10gp/20
Weapon Blanch (silver) (5) 2.5gp/5
Alchemical Weapons-craft price/npc sell price
Alchemist Fire (4) 12.5gp/25
Flash Powder (2) 25gp/50
Paper Candle Firework (10) .5gp/1
Shard Gel (3) 12.5gp/25
Star Candle Firework (5) 2.5gp/5
"Andoran, is it? And Cheliax? I admit I have little interest or knowledge in human politics. If Fate has decided the golden eagle must fall, however, I'm more than willing to challenge her once again."
He draws Fortune Slayer and looks down at the inky blade.
Then to the group
"I hate to hurry things along, but I did spy a large mob of locals coming this way, it's seems word of our handy work has got out",
Seinal swears in elven as he grabs a corner of his cloak and wipes away the dark trail of blood that had begun to stream from his nose.
After he's cleaned himself, he shoots a hard grin at Kyomi, "We are up against Destiny, vixen. What are we if not doomed?"
"Doomed or not, sitting and waiting is something none of us would do, am I right? Anyway, if we are not already too late maybe we can go to Andoran which is just across the river?"
"Agreed, sixth. She's taunting us with these visions, but she'll not have her way."
Seinal looks around, "We probably shouldn't camp so close to Cassomir anyway."
Turning to Finnigan, "Omally, you seem to know the lay of the land. Whether to?"
Smiling sweetly back at Seinal grin Oraine the doll says
"O Seinal you know we follow Calistria gloom chops, we find luck plays a bigger part in my life than Destiny"
Cilian watches and almost leaves, but stays when he recognizes the rest of the group. He walks in without a word simply cleaning the blood off of his blades.
"So.... Any of you feel really happy right now? I mean like really can't hold it back happy? I do, running from the cops has never been so much fun."
And bonus was that I got to get revenge this day isn't, so bad after all.
Listening to the rest of them Cilian just nods.
"So what "beautiful" vision do we have to go after next? Also, have any discount for an adventuring friend Norbert?"
"Doomed or not, sitting and waiting is something none of us would do, am I right? Anyway, if we are not already too late maybe we can go to Andoran which is just across the river?"
Kyomi shift form to look like a poor river woman, her umbrella becomes a fishing rod and line.
"Oraine, time to go"
The little doll hops down and runs over to her sister, who pops her away into her clothing.
"Yes shall we head to the river and see if we can find a crossing not swamped by refugees"
Byron takes Norbert to the side.
Kyomi changes back to her human geisha look
"So who's missing, let see who we have, me and sister here, Sixth here, Cilian here, Gorxon the dwarf will I am sorry to say not be here, I passed his body minus head being eaten by an evil looking thing with more teeth than a like to think about, what was odd was the thing had a dress on, one of the local infected I would say"
She carry's on
"Seinal here, Canim "The Corpulent" I think I spotted him wobbling his way up here so he should be along shortly, that is if his poor heart holds out, Finnigin here, Byron here, Master Hornswallow here, Grimward here, well as here as he will ever be, Balik??"
She looks around for Balik
"Has any one seen the tree huger?"
|
"I haven't lost my way in the forest at night for several decades. But it is good to be missed."
A slightly more mobile patch of shadow peels off from the direction opposite Kyomi. With a practiced flick of wrist, the child-sized woman sets a flame orbiting her head. It contributes to the level of illumination, but throws weird, disturbing shadows. Although her skin is nut-brown, framed by her straight obsidian bangs, and in the dim lights, Balik appears pallid. The dense blackness of her tall leather gloves, short cloak and the metallic black of her leaf-weave armor further enhance the effect.
"That was bracing. And cleansing. It's a strong fire that draws elementals to purge the unclean perversions of Lamashtu."
"But it seems we're less popular now than before. It's a shame they're so short-sighted, because it seems to me we've got more work hereabouts that needs doing. I think it may become tiresome and annoying to push these people and this city onto our preferred path, if they're trying to kill us while we're about it. And it seems we can't succeed if we just kill them all off sooner than later."
With some frost in her voice, and a shrug of her diminutive and slender shoulders, "Oh well. The crows will feast - whether sooner or later."
Addressing herself to Finnigan, "Why on would we seek 'forgiveness'? And why would persecuting large animals help with that? Were you standing too close to Norbart's shop when it burned? I hear that some of those herbs can unhinge your reason."
-------
"So Pit Fiend rising from the ocean to strike down the Eagle? Sounds as though we need to find out what the Chelish navy is up to. I don't suppose anyone saved some of that plague for the Chelish, did they?"
Shouldering her pack, pulling down her flaming comet, Balik eases farther into the dark. "I think Kyomi's right about that mob. Time to make for the river. I'll make some hazards to slow down the ingrates - you folk go find a way over the river."
Shortly after the party gathers and catches up you make your way across the river towards Andoran. It appears as though a guard post had been set up on the bridge however all the guards have had their throats have been slashed. Cilian smiles at this sight.