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presents...
A Serpent's Skull Pathfinder Campaign
This is the Play By Post game thread for Laithoron's Serpent's Skull Adventure Path campaign.
[ Game | Play by Post | Discussion | Journal | Party Matrix | House Rules | Conventions ]
[ Party | Alis | Felmor | Giles | Lureene | Malandraenas | Priyya ]
[ Heroes of Worlds Unknown | Wiki | Elsemar | Deities | Lay of Kamína (Calendar) ]
This campaign does not take place upon Golarion. Instead, it is set in my own campaign setting, Heroes of Worlds Unknown. The setting's home world is known as Elsemar, an Earth-like world located in the Andromeda galaxy.
Similarly to the top of this post, at the top of each character's profile, you will find the following menu:
Following the 'Party' link leads you to a list containing everyone's current hit points and the running XP total. You will also find a menu bar similar to the three-line block above listing useful links to game resources, party members, and setting information. Lastly, the list itself contains a chronological listing of posts that begin memorable moments in the game. The 'Personal' link is for me to keep track of Alis' spells, charged magic items, and other expendables.
In an attempt to make it easier to search the game for a particular date and time, the start of each day contains the following header text:
This makes it easier for you to search for events occurring at a particular point in time. Simply use the search box at the top of the game thread and enter "LK Calendar" followed by the year and the name of the month. Since I don't expect anyone to memorize such things, you can view the wiki article describing Elsemar's calendar, the Lay of Kamína, by clicking on "LK Calendar".
Please see PbP Conventions on the wiki for a listing of the courtesies and 'best practices' observed in this game.
Hmmm, lookin' for the DOT. Here, DOT, DOT, DOT
Limbo PbP
Wardove's Dungeon Crawl Challenge
Our present story picks up following the shopping trip at Aernelóth's Fashion Studio in Cassomir, Taldor on the world of Golarion...
Alis winks. "Oh I knew that, but you'll still need something to wear to Fel's formal ceremony back in Greengold. Alright, let's go find you something sheer and sexy now. Think your knight would go for the harem girl fantasy?"
She gives Alis a rye smile, "I can't say if it would suit his fantasy... but it fits mine, Alis. Speaking of which, does Master Laithoron have any boots about?" Priyya describes briefly what she is envisioning, something like Fel's new boots, only cut for a woman and slightly more form fitting. Clearly she has a surprise in mind for the new Captain.
It doesn't take long before Priyya finds herself another inch taller and looking rather jaunty in a slick new pair of lady's 'buccaneer' boots. What takes a bit longer however, is choosing from all the different bits of diaphanous and lacey bedroom wear found in the studio's back room. Not surprisingly, Priyya has a difficult time deciding on just one ensemble of lingerie, so at Alis' recommendation, she makes the only logical choice...
"Better get them all. If there's only thing I learned... 'back there', it's that men love variety."
After ensuring that her twin sister, Alexis, has Felmor suitably occupied looking at cuff-links, the curvaceous young half-elven princess and the exotic, dark-haired cleric heaps the spoils of their 'hunt' upon the marble counter. Lord Laithoron's assistant quietly writes out the sum to be billed to their estate in Greengold before beginning to box and bag their purchases.
No sooner does she finish than does Lord Aernelóth stride over with Felmor and Alexis.
"All done?" asks Alis.
With a gentle smile, the dark-haired elven tailor tips his head and replies, "For today I think, but there's always tomorrow..."
Completely oblivious to the hidden message that Laithoron just conveyed to her sister, the shorter-haired twin prompts, "Doesn't our Knight Captain look dashing?"
When Alis is able only to nod, clearly impressed, Alexis suddenly perks up as if something just occurred to her. "Limbo!"
Alis nods knowingly and says, "Yes, I know. We need to have the porter deliver our purchases to Limbo..."
Narrowing her eyes in mock annoyance, Alexis continues, "You know what I mean! We haven't returned to Limbo yet to let Miss Nell know that we are safely returned from the *ahem* 'Dungeon Crawl Challenge' in Kassen."
Felmor looks over first at Alis, then at Priyya. Noting the grin on Alis's face and the smile on Priyya's lips, and also the look in her eyes, and also not missing the pile of boxes waiting to be delivered to Limbo. He wondered just what they had been up to. Take it easy thar Fel. I t'ink ye is gonna find out sonner rather than later, methinks.
He walks over to Priyya, and noting her new footwear, looks her over appreciatively. "Aye so ye is thinkin' of a career change, is ye? Did ya need me ta show ye th' ropes?" Trying to keep the smile from his lips is nearly impossibe, and he breaks into a grin, as he asks, "So, what is ye new title, Priyya th' Swashbuckler? I kinda like th' sound o' that, meself."
"Ooooh yeeeaaah..." Alis taps her forefinger on her lips a few time. "You know... we should also go visit Aunt Corrina while we are here. If nothing else, we can her handle the 'heavy lifting' for Felmor's elevation."
Alis looks up at the sharp-dressed sailor and comments, "I'll wager she would also like to meet one of her city's newest captain's too. Particularly one who dresses..."
She finally notices the cologne that Alis helped him pick out. "...and smells so nice!"
Grinning at Priyya, she says, "You are the lucky one today, aren't you?"
Satisfied that she's made the new couple squirm sufficiently, Alis says, "It has been a pleasure as always, Lord Aernelóth. If we share a repast with the Countess you shall have to attend!"
With that, Alis and Alexis return Laithoron's bow with curtsies, and the two lead the way down the lift and back thru Cassomir to the magical portal leading back to the extra-dimensional tavern known as Limbo.
Upon setting foot back in Limbo, the four of you find that Morgaard has arrived ahead of you and is regaling his old friend, Miss Nell, on how brave 'all the kids' were thru the trials they faced. Given the way that Miss Nell is pacing however, you get the feeling that she's rather agitated, although it doesn't seem to be with the old soldier.
Morgaard nods in gratitude as the buxom barmaid, Lureene, pours him another round of ale. When he sees and hears the chattering girls and Felmor enter, he comments, "Well speak of the devil!"
Suddenly remembering Lureene's uncertain heritage he further adds, "Just a figure of speech, lass."
Nearly, the dark-skinned monk, Ravarath looks up from moving an impossibly heavy barrel of wine and smiles to the that his fellow Pathfinders have returned.
Miss Nell gives a small sigh of relief when she sees her charges.
"Your highnesses, it brings me great joy to see you safely returned. Morgaard was just regaling us on your exploits..."
She frowns slightly and says, "However, it appears that there is something urgent that has come up. Not long ago a great hulk of a man came in here and delivered a letter for Princess Alissariel. He did not stay long but said you would soon rendezvous. I could learn no more before he was gone again. He did bear the princess' crest however. Shall I open the letter for her highness?"
Dotty lil thread...
At the words 'the princess', Alis and Alexis' turn to one another with eyes wide. As one they say, "Larathiel?!"
Regaining her composure, Alis motions for Miss Nell to approach and has a look at the wax seal for herself examining it with magic alongside her sister. The two of them nod in unspoken agreement and Alis says, "I'll open it. Give me a moment to read it..."
The rest of the bar remains strangely quiet as Alis' quick blue-violet eyes scan the elegant script within. When she has finished, the princess bites at the corner of her mouth for a moment while she rolls the parchment back up and tucks it into the band of her girdle.
"Alright, I'm sorry that this is going to be such short notice, but it seems that we have a dinner engagement with Countess Corrina and some special guests into less than 2 hours and it takes 30 minutes to reach her estate! Also, since she intends to keep us late, she will be putting all of us up at her manor so you should gather your belongings. Carriages should be arriving within the next hour..."
Looking to the winged barmaid, she adds, "Lureene, it looks like this has something to do with my upcoming expedition to Mwangi so your presence has been 'requested' also. Rath, you can come too if you like. Our Aunt is quite the world traveler and I have little doubt she would be interested to meet another Pathfinder..."
Morgaard nods in gratitude as the buxom barmaid, Lureene, pours him another round of ale. When he sees and hears the chattering girls and Felmor enter, he comments, "Well speak of the devil!"
Suddenly remembering Lureene's uncertain heritage he further adds, "Just a figure of speech, lass."
Lureene smiles at the hale dwarf, "Actually, there is a huge difference between devils, and demons. But I shan't bore you with the details."
Looking to the winged barmaid, she adds, "Lureene, it looks like this has something to do with my upcoming expedition to Mwangi so your presence has been 'requested' also. Rath, you can come too if you like. Our Aunt is quite the world traveler and I have little doubt she would be interested to meet another Pathfinder..."
Lureene looks across to Alis, a look of confusion on her face, "I don't understand, why does the Princess want to see me? I mean, I will go with you, but...I don't know, have I done something wrong?"
Having been reading alongside Alis, Alexis comments, "Our Aunt is the Countess of Cassomir. It is our step-sister who is the princess of Kyonin. Judging by the letter, it appears that this messenger has important news for anyone bound for the Mwangi Expanse. Assuming that you still intend to accompany Alissariel, that means your presence would be 'requested' by default as would Priyya's and Felmor's even though none of you were named explicitly."
Alis shrugs her shoulders and says, "If nothing else, it's a night off from work and you and Rath get to spend one of your last nights together for the next few years in a spacious guest room on a fancy estate overlooking the sea..."
Having been reading alongside Alis, Alexis comments, "Our Aunt is the Countess of Cassomir. It is our step-sister who is the princess of Kyonin. Judging by the letter, it appears that this messenger has important news for anyone bound for the Mwangi Expanse. Assuming that you still intend to accompany Alissariel, that means your presence would be 'requested' by default as would Priyya's and Felmor's even though none of you were named explicitly."
"Oh, uhh Countess it is then." Lureene was never quite sure about all of these human noble titles. Still, she resolved to pay more attention to them, not wanting to embarass herself or her friends further. She noticed the handsome sailor Felmor give her a nod of sympathy, and she returned his nod, only to get a hard stare from the Assamir Priyya who, if she judged correctly, has claimed the sailor for her own.
Returning her attention to the Princesses she replies, "Yes, of course I am going with you, Alis! I still have to learn about the world, and you will be a great teacher!"
Alis shrugs her shoulders and says, "If nothing else, it's a night off from work and you and Rath get to spend one of your last nights together for the next few years in a spacious guest room on a fancy estate overlooking the sea..."
She looks over at Rath-hun, a look of love in her eyes, knowing soon their time together is coming to a close. She wishes she could go with him, but as he explained to her before, if they stayed together, neither one of them would grow as people, Rath-hun, and the Meri Devi.
I'm Dotty.
Priyya watches the winged woman closely. Most everything in her appearance bespeaks a demonic heritage but her behavior is at odds with what Priyya would expect from such a creature. And Alis seems to like her - so perhaps her reality is at odds with her appearance. It wouldn't be the first time.
As it seems they will be traveling together from Cassomir to Mwangi, Priyya shrugs internally. Having traveled many long roads, Priyya knows that tension between travelers can make a long road longer and she already exchanged unkind words with the bat-winged barmaid before. Best to get her liking me or at least jar her out of her assumptions...
Priyya pointedly puts her scimitar down, walks up to Lureene, hugs her, and gives her a kiss on the cheek. "It seems we will be travelers together. I hope you don't hold anything I said previously against me." She backs up, giving Lureene a chance to digest what just happened.
Rath looks at all the fancily dressed people, with the exception of Meri Devi and the dark-skinned cleric, and is very glad that Laithoron was kind enough to give him some hopefully suitably fancy attire.
He bows to the Princesses, "Rajkumarii, would be pleasure to accompany you." It is clear from the direction of his glance that he is looking forward to spending time with Lureene.
He quickly returns with a fancy box from Laithoron's studio and his own weathered backpack. "Ready to go." It clearly doesn't occur to him that others might need more time to pack.
He'll be crouching outside with Talvyra (his companion) having a conversation with her.
regarding Biter… presumably this is before Biter signed on for Arcadia… he's just following his bud Rath. So while you don't invite him. He'll be secretly following the group. It doesn't have to have an impact on this game at all if you don't want it to; it's just how I see it playiing out from Biter' s perspective. With his rockin' stealth, its likely no one but Mal (scent) would even notice him trailing them.
Lureene is caught off guard by the hug given to her by Priyya, but she does return the hug readily. "I don't hold that against you, Priyya, and I am looking forward to traveling with you as well." Leaning in close, she whispers in her ear, "It looks like your dashing gentleman there is looking forward to it as well."
She then says to the assembled group, noting Rath-hun, who has already indicated he is ready to go, "I need to change out of this outfit, Princess Alis, would you care to assist me, I think I should look like an Angel this evening."
Alis gets a pensive look on her face noting the awkward hug between Priyya and Lureene. Hmm, maybe I didn't think this thru all the way...
"I need to change out of this outfit, Princess Alis, would you care to assist me, I think I should look like an Angel this evening."
"Well, Rath and I will always see you as an angel but I think that's a fine idea. I'm right behind you..."
Turning to Priyya she says, "Why don't you come on up too and I'll help you into that new gown we picked up. I really love the sunburst effect the gold has. It looks like something Sarenrae herself might be depicted wearing."
With that, the energetic young blonde leads the way upstairs to help any ladies who need it with getting dressed.
Priyya is so flustered at the idea of appearing in a ball gown in public that she misses most of the conversation and all of the subtext. She gives Felmor a Goddess help me! look and follows along after the other women.
In the suite, Priyya strips with an economy of movement that surprises Alis and Lureene. One moment she is robed and the next she is stark naked and wrapping her long hair in a set of Laithoron-designed scarves. Alis notes with some amusement that apparently, as Priyya mentioned during their recent adventures, Kelesh women don't wear much in the way of undergarments.
Having recently practiced the art of ball-gown-dressing, Priyya tries diligently to remember every step in the process as she fits herself into the gown Alis has recommended. She feels like a fish on horseback. She stops mid-way, trying to figure out how exactly she should incorporate her chain shirt into the ensemble. Since they are going to be traveling for a bit... prudence demands protection. The picture in her head of herself in a mailed gown strikes her as particularly odd and amusing. She sighs speculating that for this evening, it seems, she must go without armor...
"Alis? I take it that I shouldn't wear mail with this, right?"
It also appears that her belted scabbard might be inappropriate. No matter. I'll hold the scabbard and perhaps tie a matching scarf around it...
Lureene pauses in strapping on her loose fitting angels outfit, who she had been saving for Rath-hun. She had to admit the pearlescent white and gold tones matched her creamy skin. She glances over at Priyya, and gives her a grin. "So, Priyya, are you concerned about being unprotected? I believe Sir Felmor would be honor bound to defend the maiden fair!"
She turns to Alis and asks, "Do you think I should assume a truly angelic appearance?" shifting her wings slightly in emphasis.
Priyya laughs, "IF I were a maiden or fair, he'd be obliged. As it is, I am far too dusky and un-maidenly to warrant such gallantry." She blushes slightly and a soft corona of light emerges from her. "... but he does fancy me greatly."
When she sees the raven colored tresses Priyya possesses, she stares for a moment at her own hair, which while a lovely shade of blonde, shows the demonic ancestry with the ugly (at least in her mind) streaks in it, then says quietly to Priyya, "I think your hair is lovely, Priyya."
Rath, realising everyone is changing into formal wear now, reluctantly changes out of his utilitarian gi and hakama and dons the more striking outfit provided by Laithoron. Rath admires the patterns briefly, He really does have a Vudrani soul.
"I think your hair is lovely, Priyya."
Priyya seems poleaxed by the compliment. She idly runs a hand down the length of her now be-scarved mane. "Well... thank you. My hair, I think, is my best feature. Unfortunately, I don't get many chances to show it off. Kelesh women don't get to let their hair down often."
It occurs to Lureene that Priyya is speaking about something more than just her hair.
Priyya seems poleaxed by the compliment. She idly runs a hand down the length of her now be-scarved mane. "Well... thank you. My hair, I think, is my best feature. Unfortunately, I don't get many chances to show it off. Kelesh women don't get to let their hair down often."
It occurs to Lureene that Priyya is speaking about something more than just her hair.
Lureene looks at Priyya, recalling their first meeting which had been very tense, she had been about to vanquish all sources of evil, a true holy warrior, filled with zealotry. Something changed during her time on the adventure she took with the Kirmoon sisters.
Catching the last of her comment, she guesses to the hidden meaning, and replies, ”It’s hard letting your guard down, and allowing love to come in, isn’t it?”
"Alis? I take it that I shouldn't wear mail with this, right?"
It also appears that her belted scabbard might be inappropriate. No matter. I'll hold the scabbard and perhaps tie a matching scarf around it...
Alis grins a bit at Priyya's question and says, "While that might be a novel fashion statement, for now I'd say no armor."
Noticing that the cleric is still trying to figure out a way to wear her scimitar she chides, "Relax, we're going to visit my Aunt, not a dragon. Here, it's more polite to simply conceal a stiletto here..." she points to her cleavage, "or here." She lifts the leg of her skirt revealing a dagger she has strapped to her thigh.
Catching the last of her comment, she guesses to the hidden meaning, and replies, ”It’s hard letting your guard down, and allowing love to come in, isn’t it?”
Priyya thinks for a moment before responding candidly, "Well, my life, my occupation, doesn't lend itself to love; even companionship is pretty rare. So, I think it is more that I don't often have the luxury to enjoy love rather than being guarded about it when it does appear."
"And it definitely doesn't help that I often feel like I'm two people inside - Priyya the woman and Surya-ka-Vahaak the chosen implement of Sarenrae. Anyone I might love has to satisfy them both - not an easy task as Felmor can attest." Then she adds with a smile and a rueful laugh. "And it assuredly doesn't help that I am hot-blooded and Kelesh... so I'm a crazy b!tch to boot."
She shakes her head in sympathy for any lover of hers, "On the whole - I'm a handful." Priyya resumes dressing hoping the ensemble will magically come together.
Noticing that the cleric is still trying to figure out a way to wear her scimitar she chides, "Relax, we're going to visit my Aunt, not a dragon. Here, it's more polite to simply conceal a stiletto here..." she points to her cleavage, "or here." She lifts the leg of her skirt revealing a dagger she has strapped to her thigh.
Priyya is in a quandry. "Alis, I am Surya-ka-Vahaak. My blade goes with me everywhere. Why even in bed the other night with... WELL, my blade goes everywhere with me. I will certainly put it aside in your aunt's home. But I would be more comfortable bringing it in the carriage with me." Priyya holds the blade protectively, wringing the scabbard like a security blanket. Her eyes are imploring. "I could hold it inconspicuously." She moves the scarf bedecked scabbard behind her back, shoving it into a fold in her gown, trying to look 'demure' with a 3' killing blade.
"Alis, I am Surya-ka-Vahaak. My blade goes with me everywhere. Why even in bed the other night with... WELL, my blade goes everywhere with me. I will certainly put it aside in your aunt's home. But I would be more comfortable bringing it in the carriage with me. ... I could hold it inconspicuously."
"Oh well in the carriage certainly. I just mean that you should set it aside once you have entered the foyer. As for trying to conceal something that size..." she raises her eyebrows with a look that bespeaks a bit of helplessness, "Well, if I saw someone trying to look sneaky about disguising something, I'd probably be more concerned about their intentions than if they acted nonchalant."
Priyya looks delighted and relieved. "As long as I can bring it on the way, that is fine! I wasn't trying to be sneaky... I just thought maybe gowns and swords don't go together so if I minimized its appearance that might be better."
She slumps a little, "This is why I am no good in high society."
"This is why I am no good in high society."
Alis winks while she checks her hair and make-up. "You just haven't had much practice, that's all. You wouldn't expect a new follower of Sarenrae to know all the refrains to a high mass on only their second visit, would you?"
When Priyya pauses and considers the analogy, she continues, "Just follow my lead and you'll do fine. Remember, my Aunt and this messenger from my step-sister are expecting to be introduced to the members of an expedition, not foreign dignitaries. If all else fails... well... just act demure."
Once Lureene has slipped into her gown, and affixed her hairpiece, and then putting on her makeup, she looks in the mirror, satisfied on her appearance. Rath-hun, you are in trouble.... After finishing, Lureene chimes in, after remembering a certain night at the Black Boar, not too long ago, "Yes, Alis, we all know you are the very picture of demure-ness!" She stifles a giggle at the recollection.