Yaara Ndor (10+ Years in the making- Open world)

Game Master Lanx_Kotan

As you come to, and realize your surroundings, you can see clearly that the man in front of you is simply that...a man. At first you thought he was some mixture of human and wolf, you now raise how foolish an idea it was. So much new was around you, your imagination ran off. Looking at the temple you are in, you can see the same symbol repeated on countless surfaces and flags throughout the visible structure, which seems very sound and resolute, bring made of what appears to be marble and polished sandstone. The man in front of you is dressed, very simply, in armor made from the skin and skull of a wolf he likely killed. Seeing your appearance does not seem to phase him much, he simply points to himself with his open hand and says in a heavy unknown accent, "Lanx Kotan", than he motions to you with an open hand as if to invite you to give a similar response. The open air of the courtyard area of this temple is warm and a light breeze beckons you to action as the expectation builds from your new acquaintance.

Do not post until your character is accepted. In order to be accepted we need to see stats. Thank you for helping this game run smoothly with your cooperation and team spirit.

Dot

"D...Dmitri." I croak out, pushing myself off my hands and knees. Showing such weakness to strangers is not acceptable. After taking a moment to recover, I scour my surrounding and ask, "Where... how... What is this place?" Just a moment ago I was in a library in Kyoto, and now I'm... decidedly not. Yamato-sama will not be pleased...

The brown-haired man's voice is a whisper as he falls back against a nearby wall, using it to hold himself up. "Obadiah." He looks around the temple, tracing a few runes, gripping his cross in his other hand. "Is this vision? Dream? Judgement or reward, oh God where have you lead your poor servant..." Muttering a short prayer, he pulls himself to his feet. He walks over to the other new arrival. "Mister... Dmitri? Have you experienced the same sudden transcendtion as myself? Earth, 2015, the Internet and Airplanes and suddenly taken... here? And from a library?"

He looks over to the man clad in the vestements of a wolf, and swallows, nervously stroking back his close-cut hair before lowering a finger to touch the priestly collar around his neck. "And you... Lanx Kotan? Can you understand me, can you tell me of where I am, what has happened to me?"

Am I feeling a sudden surge of Level 1 Cleric power inside me?

Yeah... Yeah, I was in a library in Kyoto, and I found this odd book that transported me here when I read it aloud... Who are you, exactly? Dmitri says, unable to keep his composure as he speaks with the priest. He was NOT in the library with me, so where the hell did he come from? His eyes fall back onto the wolf-man, his eyes begging for some sort of explanation, something to regain his bearings and to get a grasp on reality.

Obadiah Smith, I am... I was... a vicar in Van Horn, Texas." An appropriately strong El Paso accent marks his voice.

The man named Lanx, stands resolute as you bombard him with questions and concerns. Suddenly, raising his hand, he speaks again in his calm, strong, strangely accented voice, saying, "You are all safe. You were brought here to the hidden temple of Keltheald to aid in my ever vibrant endeavor to quell the rising evils. The adventurers of this land have grown silent and the tendrils of evil are spreading. You were summoned by an holy spell in that book you hold, as it was written by the stewards of this temple, but if you look now, your book is silent, no words on is pages," motioning toward the book you held. "If you wish to return to your home, you may certainly find a way back...but I am not here to aid you in that, you are here to aid me in saving this land. You were chosen by the gods to come here to save this world from a destruction foretold. You are the adventures lost through time. You are here to save all of Yaara Ndor. Will you aid us, or are you only wanting to run home with your tail between your legs?" Not waiting for a response, he continues, "you are strong, intelligent, dexterous, wise, charismatic and full of vitality...each of you. You are the adventures I have sought, and now found. You will help this righteous and glorious cause well you not?" Again not stopping for answer to his seemingly rhetorical question, he moves forward to say, "If you choose to come along, the temple has offered to gift you some gold and offer you necessities for your journey. Many will question your origins unless you change into local cloths and have on you the important essentials. Thank you for your desire to bring this land back from the edge of the abyss that the lurking evil brings. You are the true heroes." Turning to face the man grasping at a religious symbol, he says, "You, Dmitri, I wish to answer your question, yes I can understand you, but some of the things you talk about are very foreign to me. I have never heard of these things... enter nets, arrow plains...It does not make sense...regardless, I hear you fine and can speak your language well enough. I hope this answered your question." Turning as he says, "As to who I am, lithe one, I am Lanx Tela 'Ehta Kotan. Expert Spear Wielder and your guide. I have taken a vow of pacifism and can not aid you, but if you would die, I would break my vow to save you. Do not make me break my vow...or you might find I am not very forgiving of foolishness. I think you understand, I hope to help you gain experience in fighting so that you may one day be as strong as me...maybe stronger."

The look of relief across Obdiah's face that Lanx speaks english is drowned out by his following words. "I... Mister Lanx, I don't know what good I can do here. I have none of the strength or wisdom of the heroes of old; indeed I know not if my god's eyes see this land... if you have a way for my return, I wouldn't say no. To stay and think I could transform this land... hubris is not very Christian."

"Whether I can return or not... I am glad I have someone so polite and helpful to meet me here, Mister Lanx. Thank you. Could... could you tell me where we are? Is this England, Britain, Albion, France, Germany, Rome... do you know any such name, or are we somewhere even stranger?"

Looking at this strange, religious man with a look of growing incredulity, Lanx only says, "This land is not strange, it is a land plentiful in beauty, many people here also speak this language I use...It is a common tongue, but not many will be patient with your talk of strange things that don't make any sense, some might think you are casting an evil spell with your cloven tongued speech, I knew you are not evil, so I patiently attempt to grasp your words. Do know that if you talk of these things to others, you might be imprisoned, killed or worse...none take lightly to the utterance of black magic, so it is best to attempt to adapt to this 'strange land'." As he closes his speech he suggests with his motions that you follow him. Walking briskly toward a large, high ceiling room, walls lined high with shelves filled with schools and bound leaflets, talking with the old man at the counter, you can hear him saying, "Amin anta a' elea i' iant ettele en' yaara ndor. Lye tengwa ta winya vee' lye lema." (linguistics check dc 15 or language elvish) The old man nods and hobbles off toward the other areas of what you can assume is a library of sorts.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean it's strange... I just fear I am too much a stranger. And... magic? But... but there is no such thing as magic. Except God's miracles..." he whispers in an increasingly unconvinced voice. Nevertheless following behind him, Obadiah blinks and quicklys cans through some of the titles in the library.

All the titles need a linguistics check dc/10 to know what language they are, dc/15 to attempt to deciphered basic understanding of text or knowledge of the written language be it elvish, draconic, ancient language, etc. If you have one of these language skills you can passively read the titles that are in that language with no check. It is standard for unknown languages, and common is usually not used in scholarly writings, often it's elvish or draconic, sometimes other languages. As well, we are still trying to wait patiently for the rest of the group while still moving the story line along.

(Didn't mean to halt the game, just GM-ing by giving you DC for your desired activities success.)

No ranks in linguistics so nothing to do but wait for others to post.

Following the group into this library gives Justin an uneasy feeling. Oh no... Just don't open any more books.. He thinks to himself as he clutches to the damned book that brought him here. Talk of adventures, evil, magic - this should be a dream come true! I guess it's because I don't understand it all is why I'm anxious about it.

Approaching Obadiah, he takes the opportunity to try and figure everything out. "You said you were from Texas? I am too - I lived by Amarillo," he asks in a quiet voice. Scanning the area as he tries to comprehend all this new information, he continues with, "This is all just so surreal.. Are we in the past? A whole new world? What do you make of it?"

Linguistics: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Second language is slyvan if that matters

Justin finds one book in Sylvan, the title reads, "The Decay of the Forest and the Death of Cernunnos" there are other titles talking of destruction, scrolls labeled as 'progression maps', a few potion recipes, schematics for various ancient and more civilized equipment, and sundry field note piles. There is a lot to take in, but these stood out for the most part.

The old man walks back in and places a very old, tattered scroll on the table, carefully rolling it out and weighing it down to stay put. Turning to Lanx, he says, "Sina naa iant nan' ta naa ilya tanya erin. Uma il-sana ta, nan' saesa magha ta vee' lle anta." He than bows and steps back to allow you all to examine what you can see is an old map, in the centre of the map is a location labeled, "I' Yaana en' Keltheald" the rest of the map is old and difficult to read. Lanx turns to you all and says, "This is a map of the area surrounding this temple, where do you wish to go to start our quest against the evil spreading in this land?"

Knowledge in the elvish language is needed to read the map outright due to it's difficult to read state, you can get a rough idea with strong mental focus, DC/25 Linguistics or Knowledge Local you can add +2 with each successful assist from each other player (1 assist per player), DC/15 Linguistics, Knowledge Local our straight Intelligence Check.

Justin, I can assume that since you were focusing on languages a moment ago that your already present focus will aid you in gaining a rough idea of what the old man said to Lanx. He was saying that the scroll is old and that you can't take it, but you can use it. This is a rough idea of what said.

Seeing the gathering at the table, Justin grabs a random potion recipe before walking to map. If there's anything Skyrim taught me, you always want these.. But that book - it wasn't in English.. How could I understand it? Shaking his head, he looked over the map and thought for a moment. Based off the way that man was acting, I don't think we're getting to take this map with us..

"..We're ill-equipped to combat evil, and we have no knowledge of this world.. Where would you suggest we should go to learn more about this world and our roles in this endeavor?

"I was from Van Horn; little town near El Paso... but I think we're definitely not in Kansas." Obadiah tries for a small smile. "I'm still... trying to figure this out. I would be lying if I said I hadn't thought of this before; being sent to a young foreign land, to create legends like King David and Moses... but... nevermind." The priest coughs, and steps forward. "Could... could you tell us more about this 'evil'?"

Take 10 to assist everyone with Linguistics and K Local and give them +2.
GM, can I feel my Clericy powers and spells within me?

Justin are you blatantly stealing from the temple library or are you rolling a slight of hand or at least a dexterity check?
Obediah, after the map examination and choosing your next destination, you can have a short chat with the temple Cleric, he can guide you in you first few simple abilities as a cleric. Then you will be able to use your spells. Right now you do not really know the first thing about casting a spell...just what you learned from games and your religious teachings, which, with guidance can aid you in learning extremely quickly.

I believe he is quickly copying down the recipe on a bit of paper.

You all see Lanx, stand up straight from looking at the old map, than puts a have to his chin pondering on the question both of you asked. He finally said "I am a very capable warrior, what I consider an easy location may not be so for you...I can suggest that there are small local villages nearby in almost any direction. They may have something simple for you to do, give you an opportunity or two to gain experience in this land more and have a better understanding of its ways and your unique talents. There are three villages that are close to this temple, and I feel, the less walking in the jungle you do the safer you pups will be. This armor I got in this forest, so I know how dangerous it can be." Turning to the sly looking one, he says, "Justin, it is fine to examine material in the library, the Stewards of the temple will be glad to offer you their knowledge but do ask next time." Returning to the Cleric he continues, "The Oracle told me vaguely about this coming evil and that it can wipe out our entire land, the plants, creatures, people...everything. I know it is now spreading through the land, reaching out through the hearts of evil creatures and the ill intentions of people in the land. As we quell these outbreaks, we may learn more about it's origins and, hopefully, stop the destructive evil before it is too late. She said we have time, but we can not rest idle. In exchange for this information I have to vow to not raise my blade unless to save our only adventurers from death."

Oh whoops, I forgot to include that bit. It should a linguistics check to down info, right?

Justin looks around, and while the temptation to slip the recipe away into his pocket crosses his mind he remembers what Lanx said about how they could be killed for even just talking about their homeland.

Better not risk offending them..

He pulls a pen from his pocket and quickly copies down the notes onto the first page of his empty book.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

"I think the safer route sounds the best, right now. Any one else have any other thoughts?"

To understand the info, yes..but the DC for that is high because it is more than sentences..It is a complex formula. That said, you are simply copying down what you see...anyone can do that. Also, great job remembering that you have a free empty book in your inventory. This is what I planned it for. Excellent job.

"I... I'm sorry, but could you please answer my question? You mentioned a spreading evil... what is that? People? Famine? ...monsters?" The last word is mouthed, barely a whisper.

I edited my comment.

Looking at you with a slightly stern demeanor, he says, "I've told you about ask I know for now...we need to find out more information by seeking out the tendrils it has extended and see if we can try to follow those back to the source."

"I see... evil creatures? As in... people, the wicked? Or...?'

Obadiah shudders a moment, then hesitantly volunteers "Well... if we are here, perhaps we should explore as Mister Lanx suggests. East has always been a favorable direction for me, shall we take our offered... er... 'gear' and head thataway until we find a town?"

With a disheartened sigh, the rogue glances to Obadiah. "It sounds like monsters will be the least of our concerns.. This all just seems so daunting." Justin's gaze seemed to drift the more he thought about the responsibility given to them.

He speaks so casually of magic and oracles and evil.. All this is just natural to these people.. I hope we really are the "chosen ones"..

Shaking his head a bit and taking a deep breath to calm himself, he nods and agrees with the cleric." Sounds like a good decision to me. I'm ready when y'all are."

I... I guess I may as well follow this rabbit hole to see where it goes, Dmitri says, rubbing the back of his neck as he takes in everything. I've trained in... swordplay, I guess you could say. And I know a little about riding horses, but other than that... I'm glad that you'll be with us, Lanx-san, is all I can say.

This can't be real... I mean, I dreamed about this when I was a kid, but... this kind of thing only happens in anime... this is some Inuyasha kind of thing...

Dmitri appears lost in thought as he wanders the library, looking at book written in languages he's never seen, hearing the scribes talk in languages he's never heard, and wondering how two Texans got pulled to this place with him, when he was on the other side of the world.

Linguistics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

"Training..?"
Justin had no formalized training in combat, or anything else really. He's always played around with knives and daggers - surely he would feel comfortable enough with one if he needed to defend himself - though he's always been more of a talker than a fighter. Using his wits to avoid troublesome situations has always been preferable, but he's been known to have a silver tongue when need be.

I guess that could work.. May not have training, but I can be of use.

"I'm crafty.. I understand the power of a compliment, you could say. I'm not afraid to defend myself, but I've always prefered avoiding conflict when possible. I like being sneaky."

Eyeing the troublesome sneaky one, Lanx decides it is best to simply aid the group instead of questioning the decision of the gods. Speaking to the assembled adventurers, Lanx says, "The gods chose you for this task and so I will gladly guide you. The weight of this quest rests solely on your shoulders, for my hands are symbolically tied. I can guide you, give you council, but the action is in your hands and you must bear it. If I offer you too much, or do more than is needed, it will only serve to cripple you. My best aid is in allowing you to gain the needed experience. You have friends here who, with good teamwork, can be your strongest assets and best allies. Lean on your allies strengths, and boost them with your own. You must be the binding force that empowers this team, for without each of you, this quest will fall. There are no more heroes in this time, you are all that is left of the true adventurers. Together, we will be stronger than our trials, smarter than our enemies, and quicker than the evil that fates this world. We will be the destruction of the destroyer!" Liking to each of you with a gleam of pride, he then continues, saying, "We head toward the village, Iant Ostar. May we find a clearer path and a safe journey." Lanx then begins to walk toward the entrance of the temple yard. "Make sure you have everything. Ask now if you have questions.

You said something about equipment? Where do we procure said equipment so that we may adjust to it as we move to the village? Dmitri asks Lanx as he turns around, hoping that the people here made a sword and armor similar enough to the Katana and a set of Kendogu that he wouldn't have too much trouble adjusting. And... What should we expect on our journey? Should we expect to have to... defend ourselves... from creatures of some sort?

Realizing none of them had the opportunity to buy the gear the temple was offering, he quickly showed then the way to the traveling merchant's wagon.
Armor
Weapons

"Oh dear." Obadiah nervously pulls at his collar, eventually moving to follow Lanx towards a travelling merchant's wagon.

He nervously supplements his jeans, vest and warm black shirt with an armored coat, as well as an assortment of survival pieces- bedroll, food, fishhooks. "Oh, it's like going camping... possibly forever. Oh dear." He nervously looks over the array of weapons on offer, contemplating a world where all of these are in regular use; eventually he settles on an unadorned mace. "Hopefully ne'er-do-wells will see I am armed and keep away."

GM again need to ask, does my character feel his new Cleric-y powers? Otherwise he isn't going to use them.

Looking over the various wears, he quickly spots a collection of daggers and short blades. With a grin forming across his face, he grabs 2 push daggers, 6 kunai, 4 daggers and a belt to secure the daggers with a pouch for the kunai. He stops for a moment and looks around some more.
I'm going to need some armour and gear too, I suppose.
Spotting some leather armour and an assortment of gear bundled into a "rogue's kit," he adds them to his pile and wonders if that'll be enough.

"I.. Think I'm ready. I should be okay with this."

This kit includes a backpack, a bedroll, a belt pouch, caltrops, chalk (10), a flint and steel, a grappling hook, an iron pot, a mess kit, a mirror, pitons (10), rope, soap, thieves' tools, torches (10), trail rations (5 days), and a waterskin.

Pulling aside Obediah, Lanx asks in a whisper, "I hear you often talking with vigour about your singular god...are a pious man seeking to learn about holy powers you can use aid your friends? There is a seasoned cleric here that can help you learn these ways. This is how you can be a great aid to the group, for they will always need healing if things get rough." Motioning to walk into the other areas of the temple, toward a man clad in a white cloak.

"I... if that is the fashion in these lands...? I have never harnessed any 'holy powers', those are the domain of God; except oration..." As directed, he walks over to the man with the white cloak and gives a nervous smile. "...hello? My name is Obadiah; I am a man of god...?"

Watching the young man walk up to me, I begin to size him up... foreign born, obviously, seems very pious, probably raised in religion, good for him, loyal to only one god...peculiar...thinks that only the gods can wield holy and divine magic...I'll work with that... very fresh start, excellent. As you approach, I extend my hands greeting you, "Hello, Obediah, my name is Asnani Okenija. I am an holy servant of the gods and a conduit for their divine blessing on those they watch over. As you seem to be wondering how to help your companions, I will impart to you a simple truth, you can not wield the might of the gods, you can only be a conduit to bring their mercy or justice to those they have their eye upon. In this, you might gain strength, as you see a fallen ally, you may reach to your gods and request their divine aid for your fellow, channeling their mercy and goodness. As you see an evil enemy before you, call upon your gods to smite your enemies with justice through you. You can not wield your gods' power, you can only be a conduit. Your strength is in your faith and your connection with your gods. With this knowledge, may you bring the mercy of your gods on your allies and justice upon your enemies. Through you, their holy conduit, this will be done. I hope this knowledge is what you seek. As I did over hear your conversation with our mutual ally, Lanx, the lost soul. May he find success in his journey...Do watch over him, as he tends to be reckless in battle...but due to his oath, he should not be battling in the first place. I count myself blessed to know that you are at his side. If there is not more, Obediah, the man of one god, I will leave you with a blessing, may your god calm your mind while you travel." Raising his hands above his head, you can see a white light growing in between his palms, he than touches your head and you can feel as a calming sensation fills your body and mind. Spell, Calm Emotions, no DC for willing target.

"Oh, I... I see. So... God's power is in this land, but channeled through me? I am a vessel for Him? May I ask, can He also see through my eyes, and continue granting me His wisdom as I pray?" Wary of this new world, Obadiah hardens his mind against the priest's blessing but shows no sign of it.

Will 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Pondering the priest's words, he pulls up his sleeve to display a bandage, a leftover injury from a rusted fence. Experimentally he whispers the first words of the Prayer to the Holy Spirit and blinks in surprise as white light heals it away. "Oh... oh my."

Cure Light Wounds

Still working through it all, he asks, "Mister Okenija, could you briefly tell me about your religion, about religion generally in this country? Do people generally worship, are there powerful churches and... and what are the common gods?" What madness, what fantasy do I speak... yet I seem to be sent unto a world of fantasy.

Seeing the displays of magic from the side, the rogue's gaze was of disbelief.

So magic really is a thing here.. Huh.

He set lost in thought for a moment, but the he remembered the potion's recipe he copied down and decided to take this opportunity to learn what it actually means. Seeking a nearby steward, he opens the book and asks, "Pardon me, but could you kindly explain to me what this says? It's a recipe from what I can tell, but I can't understand it beyond that."

You have Channel Positive Energy, I didn't see Cure Light Wounds. Also...You would be opposed to a blessing? Odd, but dc is 10+ half caster level. You didn't make it. Calm Emotions effect stands.

"Oh, I... I see. So... God's power is in this land, but channeled through me? I am a vessel for Him? May I ask, can He also see through my eyes, and continue granting me His wisdom as I pray?"

As you ask your questions, he calmly waits for you to finish to listing your questions, he than answers, saying, "That is correct, you are the vessel for your gods mercy and their judgement. It is possible for him great you holy sight, but I don't think you are ready for that, young man."

"Mister Okenija, could you briefly tell me about your religion, about religion generally in this country? Do people generally worship, are there powerful churches and... and what are the common gods?"

"To answer your query, I have not chosen a deity, so to speak...I follow the ideal of good and justice. One of my favored deities is, Iomedae. To give you some history on her, she is the goddess of righteous valor, justice, and honor. Having served as Aroden's herald, she inherited many of the Last Azlanti's followers upon his death, and continues to espouse the ideas of honor and righteousness in the defense of good and the battle against evil. She may be worth some study."

Seeking a nearby steward, he opens the book and asks, "Pardon me, but could you kindly explain to me what this says? It's a recipe from what I can tell, but I can't understand it beyond that."

Pondering deeply as you approach out of no where, slightly perturbed by being interrupted, the answer is said, "Young man, I am a man of scholarly pursuits, I can read your potion, but my time is valuable. I have come to this remote library to pursue my studies, you are interrupting them. If you pay me 20 gold I will gladly take time from my pursuits for your silly potion scribbles." Ending with a slight huff.

Clerics have spontaneous casting, they can freely convert prepared spells into Cures. And I gave up Channel Positive.

"I see. That is... a weighty burden. Though I suppose as a priest it is one I have carried for some time..."

Obadiah gulps. "And... she grants spells to her followers and regularly displays miracles? That... I see. Where I come from, the gods are... quieter in their miracles and deeds. I will... consider. Thank you. Perhaps I can bring my god to this land; speak His Word. Luckily I always carry them with me." Obadiah displays a very durable and high-quality well-read travel bible.

Taken aback from the man's tone, Justin reaches for his gold pouch and quickly tallies up the amount he has remaining from the 200 they were each given.

115 gold pieces left.. Is that a lot here? He's asking for twenty.. Maybe I can work him down a little.

"I beg your apologies, sir, I certainly didn't mean to interrupt your pursuits - you just strike me as a man of great intellect is why I approached you out of all in this library. I have great respects for the academia and I believe you should be compensated for your services, but perhaps ten gold would satisfy you instead? I'm new to these lands, you see, and I'm cautious about how I ration my limited funds." Sitting next to the scholar with his most charming grin, Justin awaits his response.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

DC/15 Simple haggle uses actual haggle skill, but it matters very little to story line... permitted. Success.
"Well, you are quite cheerful regardless of my curmudgeonly state. You simply caught me off guard, young man. You may want to try not to startle an aged scholar. You will have your translation for 10 gold. One moment while I ready it for you."
You receive a recipe for Weak Poison. You have no craft poison skills, and no use poison skills, though.

"Thank you, sir - I'll be more careful in my approach in the future. I appreciate it!"

Justin pays him the ten gold, feeling satisfied that his silver tongue seems to still work in this land.

So I have 105 gold left - I'm sure I can work with this as long as I'm careful.

Placing the note inside the book, he then puts the book and the pouch of gold in his backpack before sliding it back on and walking away from the scholar.

I'll have to figure out how to use this poison sometime - I bet it'll come in handy.

He stood waiting for the rest of his group, feeling content with his time spent here and eager to see where their adventure will take them.

Anyone else have anything they need to do? The movement of the quests relies on your decisions, travelers.