Hearing these men discuss their ideals, the ideals of their gods, and making grandiose speeches, Jaali stays silent due to how intimidating they are to him. But, hearing all of this begins to build confidence in Jaali, knowing that he will need to fight for his beliefs as well.
Looking over to the newcomer, Jaali relaxes and thinks, Glad to know that I'm not the only Taldan here. But who is he? Jaali notices the strange looking device near the newcomer's blade. What is that? he thinks while getting a closer look and racking his brain to see if he's seen it before when travelers came by his farm for rest, food, or trade or if he's heard of this man before.
Aaliyah blinks on suddenly being approached, and looks about as if she might actually want to retreat further into the crowds, the whole thing becoming too much for her.
Realizing that the man is a member of the Pathfinders, Jaali decides to go up and introduce himself to him. As Jaali approaches the Pathfinder, he extends his arm towards him and says, "What an honor to meet one of the esteemed Pathfinders and a Taldan at that. My name is Jaali Vors, a pleasure."
"Whoa, we got a shy one, not to worry lass, I don't bite... much! How about you dark and dreary? Want a drink?" Referring to Dorotea with the last comment.
The newcomer looks at Jaali with interest. "Tierce Vraie is my name and Pathfinder is my game. However I do enjoy the game of creature comforts more!" He winks at Dorotea and Aaliyah.
"Bad job of hiding that symbol there mate. Although with as many worshippers of Iomedae around, I don't think they will mind so much..." Tierce leans in closely to Jaali to whisper something. "Now that giant of a hellspawn over there is doing just as bad of a job as you with hiding his Aroden symbol. Never thought I would find so many dead god worshippers in one place!"
Tierce gives the kid a slap on the shoulder and shouts out "Next round is on me!" He tosses the barkeep a bag of coins.
A brief smile touching her lips,Dorotea raises her glass of wine in a toast towards Enshi. To the closure of the Rift, and an end to all the evils if represents.
@the newcomer You presume much pathfinder, but as this is a night of celebration I am drinking the fine Chelaxian Red. I was not aware your kind were willing to commit to open warfare.
Jaali curses under his breath at once again, not being subtle with his symbol. When Tierce motions to Dorotea and Aaliya, he blushes slightly and looks down. When Tierce revealed the tiefling was a worshiper of Aroden, his eyes widen and looks in the tiefling's direction in shock. He then looks at his symbol and uncovers it, not seeing the reason to hide it anymore, and actually making sure it stands out. As Jaali accepts the drink offered by Tierce, he says, "It's not so much as fear of being a heretic that scares me. It's the reason I came to worship Aroden that I fear. For if anyone found out, I might be branded a loon. But you probably don't want to hear my story, do you? I'm rather curious to hear about the Pathfinders. I believe a few came by my farm, but didn't tell me much."
Tierce smiles at the lady, "Then I will not bore you with what they have served here." He slides his pack forward and pulls out a bottle of red wine. "Egorian, 4602. Wine was never as fine as it was before the Thrune administration." He uncorks it and fills two glasses, passing one to Dorotea. "Might I inquire about your name before we discuss adventuring business?"
He takes a small sip and addresses Jaali, "Not much to tell about us, to those that like us, we're scholars and proprietors of knowledge. To those that don't, we are called grave robbers. I prefer to think of myself as a people person"
"Interesting. So what kinds of things are the Pathfinders interested in? Books? Ruins? Magical items? Also, I heard that Pathfinders are coming into Mendev. May I ask why? Is it because of the Worldwound?"
Jaali turns to the Cheliaxian woman and addresses her with all the respect that she deserves. "I'm also curious for your name, ma'am. I'm also curious as to your role here as well. If we're to be allies, then we must know what we can to help one another, yes?'
Having finally gotten an ale that wasn't stolen, Maximillian is bemused as this Tierce character enters the room and buys everyone a drink. Guess I should've just waited! He lifts his mug in salute to the man, politely contributing to the cheers that sprout up across the tavern.
"Look, look!" cries the bird on his shoulder. Meadow then flutters over the head of the man beside Tierce before coming back. Only then does Maximillian see the holy symbol of Aroden in plain sight. He makes a note to talk with this man when he's less engrossed in conversation. Perhaps his fluttering bird will have drawn the man's attention.
As Jaali continues to converse with Tierce and the Cheliaxian woman, he's taken by surprise when a small bird flies around his head. He tries to shoo the creature frantically and can only stare as the bird flies towards a man with a large tome in his hand. He stares at the man for a few seconds before returning to his conversation.
After he finished his conversation, he politely excuses himself and heads towards the man with the bird on his shoulder with his noticeable limp. When he approaches, he says "Pardon me, but is there a reason why your bird circled around my head?"
Barundar casts a glance in the direction of Jaali, still slowly sipping the ale that he first ordered. "By Torag's beard, he's a curious one... he thinks to himself, for the moment glad to be avoiding the youth's inquisitiveness.
Looking to Tierce, he decides it was high time he acted the part of a dwarf and tossed back the remainder of his ale, rapidly finishing it off and returning it to the barkeep in preparation for the next. This tankard he lifted to the man with the wide-brimmed hat. "Blessin's o' Torag upon ye, sur!" called the dwarf, taking a sip of this new, second drink.
As he drank, his free hand went to his hip to check for the presence of his dorn dergar, making sure the weapon was still secure against his hip. Reassured of it's presence, he turned his attention back to those gathered around. When he'd first entered the Defender's Heart, he had felt entirely like a worm in the sky, completely out of place, but the longer he dwelt there the more comfortable he felt with the group.
Enshi accepts the offer of a free drink, asking the next available bartender for a penj. Father isn't here tonight. I can get away with having one. Turning to Aaliyah, Enshi will make a stab at idle conversation. "Good evening, milady. What brings you to this part of the world?"
. As the limping man makes his way over, Max gets a better look and realizes that the "man" is more than he seems. "Sorry about that, Meadow can get excited when she finds another follower of Aroden. There aren't too many of us left! But it's no wonder she noticed you - your holy symbol is truly spectacular. Puts mine to shame." Maximillian gestures toward his iron holy symbol by comparison. "The quality and craftsmanship of your symbol is exquisite, the sort that can't be found since Aroden's disappearance."
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Aroden ... gone?"
Jaali looks upon the man and gives a small smile. "It's quite alright. Startled me is all. My name is Jaali Vors. Simple farmer of Taldan." Jaali's eyes widen in shock for the umpteenth time at the revelation of the Aroden worshipper in front of him. "You are the second worshipper of Aroden that I'm aware of. Just how many of us are here?" At the mention of his holy symbol, he looks down at it and says, "Thank you. How I got it is quite the story that even I'm having a difficult time believing." He extends his hand to get the bird on the scholar's shoulder to hop on his finger.
Jaali turns his head to the cleric and says, "Technically...yes. But for me, it's very complicated. If I told you my story, you probably wouldn't believe me. Probably think that I'm nuts. By the way, name's Jaali Vors. Pleasure to meet you."
Konny smiles at he gnomish waitress Thank you, kiddo. It is great you have this offer of free half - drink tonight, as I seem to be a little short of money. And that is an understatement.
He turns to Thomas Nice meeting you, Thomas. My name is Konny, Konny Hammerhead. Nice seeing another worshiper of Desna here. My head is spinning from all the talk of Iomedae and Asmodeus that goes on in this fine establishment tonight. Their followers almost seem to start something here. Hope it will not get violent with all the drinks they are having. So far it seems they have not forgotten they are on the same side, but it could change. As uncle Anvil always said "Never underestimate the strength of human stupidity even if the folk is not entirely human".
Konny looks at the strange looking person sitting at the table And who might you be, sonny?
"A pleasure. Enshi Gibil. And perhaps I would believe you. I've heard some strange tales since I came to Kenabres, and in Sothis before that."
Jaali takes a breath and tells his tale to both Enshi and the wizard (Maximillian).
Meadow happily hops on to Jaali's finger, then preens its feathers. "Aroden Lives!" it screeches, in response to Enshi's doubts.
Maximillian listens on as Jaali tells his tale. "It's true that your story leaves many questions," he says. But the man seemed sincere. And his holy symbol really was extraordinary. Could it really be true? "But perhaps we can learn more. You'll find no better scholar of Aroden than I in all Mendev. And Aroden continues to make his presence known to many. If you're willing, you should come visit the temple to Aroden and we can study more about you. Indeed, perhaps this very event was foretold in prophesy." It was too much to take in - Max was too willing to believe this peasant, and needed some distance to ponder.
"As for me, I grow weary. It was truly a pleasure - I look forward to seeing you again soon!" Maximillian heads into the street his mind full of wonder at the evening's events. His bird lingers with Jaali, before reluctantly following.
Accepting the wine, Dorotea pauses a moment before answering, My name is Dorotea, and you will find I am much more interested in fighting demons and cultists than I am in grave robbing. Currently I am attached to a patrol out of Nerosyan.
A pleasure to meet you, Lady Dorotea. May we both accomplish our goals. Now if you will excuse, someone would like to have a word with me. By your leave." Jaali bows respectfully to both Tierce and Dorotea before heading towards the man with the bird.
Jaali gently strokes the bird on his finger as it makes it cry. Mentally chuckling, he mutters, "Finally, someone believes me." Looking towards the scholar, he says, "Yes, the events that have transpired have left me with many questions as well." At Maximillian's offer, he smiles and says, "It would be wonderful to visit the temple of Aroden. Perhaps there we can more about what this will lead to."
As Max leaves, Jaali calls back, "Farewell! I hope to see you soon as well!" He gives Meadow one last pet before letting her follow Max back out.
After delivering the drinks Kayla tumbles off into the crowds and works her way toward the newcomer pathfinders.
Kayla simply tugs on one of their sleeves to get his attention
excuse me sir, can I get you something? she says holding her serving tray and with a big innocent smile.
Tierce takes a sip of the wine and smiles, "Glad this is a social visit and not a recruitment drive then! You will find Lady Grymhaldt, that I am not just a simple grave robber!"
Tierce bends down to the small waitress with a big smile. "That's so kind of you, but I think I am good for everything! How about you Lady Grymhaldt?"
After contemplating the story in silence for several long minutes, Enshi will lean forward. "It is possible that the entity you saw was Aroden. But perhaps it was another being standing in for him? Say, one of his angelic heralds? Still, it would be a wondrous thing if Aroden were to return. I pray that I live to see his light dawn again in this world."
I am fine. While the wine is more than acceptable, I fear I have reached my limit for the evening.
Jaali strokes his chin in thought. "It may be possible. But when the energy was surrounding me, infusing me, I had...visions. Like I seeing life through the eyes of someone else. There's one scene that sticks out in my mind: 'I' am under the water, swimming towards the surface. Something was clutched in my right hand. When 'I' broke the surface, I put my hand over my head, towards to the sky above. In my closed fist, was some kind of stone. The voice I have been hearing whispered one word: Starstone."
"Incredible, even the weight staff is ready to fight demons, haven't seen well crafted shuriken's like this since I left the Dragon Empires!" He places Kayla's weapons on top of her serving tray without any thought to the matter.
The tiefling snorts in annoyance at the Pathfinder's display, and Tierce suddenly becomes serious for a moment, staring into the eyes of Drake before turning his attention back to Dorotea. "So when was the last time you visited Cheliax?"
Kayla simply gives him a dumbfounded look
what? how did...did you...oh never mind she tucks her shuriken away and storms off in a huff.
Keeping his large head down as best as possible, Jens makes his way to the bar, waiting patiently for an ale. That retrieved, he makes his way to a quiet-looking spot, trying not to bump into anyone else on his way. He seems distracted, as though something from the previous conversation is eating at him. He takes a swig of ale, promising himself this is the last drink before he takes Alfsigr to the stables.
Visited? I've not been home since I arrived here, nearly eight years ago. I maintain correspondance, of course, ensure my family estate is maintained and that I remain current on local affairs in Ostenso.
Beyond that, I fear I am somewhat out of touch. It would be improper for me to return home before I have ..... rectified certain loose ends. If you don't mind, I would prefer not to go into detail. I find the memories of my arrival in Mendev unsettling and would rather not discuss the details.
As I stated earlier, I am currently serving with the Crusaders. Specifically, I serve as Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant Jeffries, Shadowhunter Company, 2nd Platoon.
And with that, the rest of the night passes without further incident.
We do indeed, our champion has dropped, so talking to my other choice. Hopefully he's still interested or I may need to re-recruit before even starting
Checking in here
Hope you guys can keep me out of too much trouble
Now is the time to raise our cups to victory!
*checking in*
As a note, does anybody else plan on taking Item Crafting stuff? I'm very much leaning toward taking Craft Wondrous and Arms/Armor, along with the Mythic Crafter feat.
Related question: anybody know how their build will work across all 20 levels? I've got most of mine down, still figuring out the Mythic Tier stuffs.
no item crafting here, though i do have a Craft(leatherworking) skill that I have just for the ability to skin, treat leather, and make accessories (straps, pouches, field expedient packs, etc.)
I know pretty much how this character will advance through 20, minus the mythic stuff.
This campaign will use some of the downtime rules from Ultimate Campaign, so if you are unaware of them, I will go through them once we get to them. But you will get the opportunity to purchase and run property.
We will also be using retraining rules, so if anyone wants to change their character a bit after leveling up a bit, I can go through the training rules with you
Gameplay will be up tomorrow
Awesomeness.
Sounds great see you all in gameplay but you might not see me
Gameplay is up! You can assume that the tavern RPing happened last night, so your characters would recognize each other.