DM Brainiac's Return of the Runelords (COMPLETED!) (Inactive)

Game Master Brainiac

Maps on Google Slides
Current Date 15 Calistril, 4719 AR


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Audrahni wrote:
"I will accompany you, if you'll have me. I spent much of my youth in Magnimar. It's been a long time since I have returned... But your actions have inspired me. I can't live my life in fear any longer. I must face my personal demons."

"Oh, Audri!" Nime exclaims, drawing the dour half-elf into a long-limbed, but enthusiastic, hug. "Magnimar! It will be like old times. It'll be good to see Mother and Father again. I'm so glad you're coming with us."

Shenuska wrote:
"Don't spend it all on ale and whores." She tells Rudrik with a smile as she hands him his bag.

"Whores need work as well," Nime comments. "Coin like this can always benefit the local economy." She thinks about it for a moment. "Although, I know that lots of ale can have a detrimental effect on utilizing their services - whores, I mean. Not that that you shouldn't pay if it's your own fault you can't perform."

Remember that Nime has Craft Wonderous Item, so if there's something specific anyone wants. She'll have time and would be only too happy to make something for someone.

Otherwise, Nime spends the downtime drastically overpaying for services and helping Calendula in her garden.


Audrahni awkwardly returns Nime's hug. "Y-yeah. Like old times." There's a trace of uncertainty in the elf's voice, though.


DM Brainiac wrote:
Audrahni awkwardly returns Nime's hug. "Y-yeah. Like old times." There's a trace of uncertainty in the elf's voice, though.

"You're not alone," Nime whispers in her ear.


"Thank you," Audrahni distantly replies. Her gaze is far away.


RETIRED - Runelord of Altruism

"You can come back to the shop if you want." Shenuska offers. "I have people to run it these days, but if you really want it to be like old times..."

No WI that I can think of sweetie, unless you want to try making me a headband of Vast Int. Shen's going to take Forge Ring at 7 so I'm stockpiling a bit for that!

Happy to help with the crafting if you try though - oooh! What about the Dynamic Crafting rules? They always looked like fun!


"Maybe. There's... something I have to do first. Something I should have done a long time ago..." The elf falls into a sullen silence then, refusing to elaborate further.


ADVENTURE PATH COMPLETE

Rudrik says to Shenuska with a grin, "But moooom!"

"No, but seriously, I gotta make some purchases... also I am gonna do something really nice for my mom and dad. They took good care of me for so many years, it's my chance to do the same for them," he says.

"That reminds me! I heard about these nice soft boots that had this kinda magic... I dunno, grip or something. Uh... soft leather, warm in winter, water-resistant, great for climbing or just padding around the house. If I give you the money, Shen, could you see about magicking up a pair for me?"

See Discussion thread for particulars.


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Female Human Black Bloodedrager 4/Paladin 16| 140/195 HP| AC: 37/35 (T19/17, F30/28)| F: +29, R: +17, W: +25| Init: 1| Perc: +12| CMB: +24, CMD: 36| Lay on Hands 16/16, Smite Evil: 5/6, Bloodrage 13/14| Speed: 30 ft| Active conditions: RAGE! (+40 HP).

While still surly and grumpy as ever, Calendula is less vocal about it, more introspective. Something down there really left her rattled. She doesn't say much to Nime at night, and though she agrees to escort Shenuska through the market, she makes little in the way of conversation.

Upon learning their next destination she retreats silently to her home, stopping only for a pail of water.

She sets about her typical routine, but does not remove her sword or shield. Instead the woman folds a blanket into a thick pad and kneels on it before the pail of water.

There was a time when she would perform this ritual every third day, when she would clean and oil her sword. Now, it is too far in disrepair to show it the love it deserves, but maybe she could save it.

Watching it corrode and die had been incredibly cathartic, a secret joy, and that's why she still kept it on the mantle when she returned home. It was a physical reminder of the vows she had broken and it deserved its place of honor.

Sure, she had her scars, but those were for other people to see and gawk at. Her sword had been a gift from her mothers. Its power was Iomedae's, and when she held it, she could still feel echoes and traces of Iomedae's guiding light. So she had let it rot, until there was nothing left but a sliver, a faint glow.

But she had betrayed herself. She had called upon Iomedae's guiding hand in the dark down below. In her desperation, near death, she had let go of her hate, if even for a moment, and it sickened her.

"You left me to die," she murmurs. "I clawed and scratched my way out of the Worldwound inch by inch and you poisoned me and left me to die. I owe you nothing."

And as she scrubs the rust away, water drips off the blade back into the pail of water, not the brown of rust, but red with blood.

Calendula had not cleaned the weapon in over twenty years, before deserting even, and the blood staining the blade belonged to many things; fleshdregs recently, and some demons, but mostly it belonged to men. Demon cultists, mainly, but the men took all sorts.

And with each stroke she takes to clean it, she thinks of another man, another life whose blood this is.

This is the blood of the girl who stabbed my lieutenant. This is her mother's.

Tears fall.


Nime spends two days working on enchanting a pair of boots for Rudrik while the rest of you make some purchases at the Circle Market and wrap up your remaining business in Roderic's Cove. The time has come to leave the small town behind...

Return of the Runelords
Chapter 2: It Came From Hollow Mountain

13 Rova, 4718 AR

As dawn rises, Audrahni meets you outside of Creekside to take you down to the town's docks. A friend of hers, Sursha Antefalle, has agreed to grant you passage to Magnimar aboard her ship, Tyalee's Whim. The two-masted brigantine rises out of the early morning fog, and nearly two dozen sailors flit about, overseeing the loading of a half dozen nervous cows into the ship's hold. A bearded half-orc directs the crew.

As you draw near, a grinning half-elf woman with blonde braids and tan skin moves down the gangplank with arms spread wide. An exotic-looking curved sword is scabbarded at her belt. "Audrahni!" She moves to give the elf a warm hug.

"Hello, Sursha," Audrahni says. "It's been a while."

"Too long!" Sursha agrees. "We have some catching up to do." She turns to you then, giving you each an appraising look. "Welcome aboard, friends. I'm sure Audrahni told you that your free passage comes with the caveat that you'll assist in crewing the ship, should the need arise. I'll have my sailors escort you to your quarters so you can get settled in. And of course, you're all invited to my table to share dinner at the customary captain's supper later this evening!"

As the captain chats with you, you can see a pale, thin man boarding the ship. He fusses with a large reinforced crate drawn up to the ship by a straining draft horse.


Nime seems quite excited to be travelling to Magnimar via ship. "It'll be so much faster than walking," she proclaims.

Once the group boards, she takes great joy in exploring the topside of the ship.


Tyalee's Whim has six one-person bunks below deck, one for each of you and Audrahni. The top deck of the ship has numerous crates and barrels, as well as a small launch tied down near the aft mast.

As Nime explores, the half-orc overseeing the sailors approaches her. However, he bangs his shin against a crate as he gets close, eliciting a yelp of pain and a string of curses. He grimaces at the undine. "Oof! Apologies, ma'am, I've always been a bit accident-prone. Name's 'Elbows' Eddi, first mate. If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, I'm happy to help."


RETIRED - Runelord of Altruism

Shenuska deposits her, surprisingly small, pack on a bunk and then immediately heads up on deck. She seems briefly overwhelmed for choice but then heads up into the rigging, climbing lithely until she clings near the top of the mast, the breeze blowing her long dark hair like a midnight banner.

Several sailors look up in appreciation as Shenuska climbs, her usual fitted trousers and loose tunic provide a good view from below...

Note - Baraket is being kept in one of Shen's new pouches. The gauntlets (which are too big to fit) are buried at the bottom of her pack.


DM Brainiac wrote:
He grimaces at the undine. "Oof! Apologies, ma'am, I've always been a bit accident-prone. Name's 'Elbows' Eddi, first mate. If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, I'm happy to help."

"Thank you, Eddi," Nime says with a smile. "Boxes and chairs jump out in front of me all the time. Doesn't that just get so frustrating?"

She steps close to see if he was injured at all. "Here, let me look. I've gotten very good at dealing with scrapes and bruises."


"Oh! Well, uh, it's nothing really," Eddi says gruffly. "Just a little bump."


Nime wags her finger at the half-orc. "Bumps can turn into much worse things - don't dismiss them."

She tips her head listening as the breeze washes over her. As normal when this happens, her eyes lose focus as her attention is directed elsewhere. Her focus then snaps back to the man in front of her and she steps back in surprise.

"Yes, bumps can turn into ... other ... things ... " she seems distracted and moves quickly away from Eddi.


Female Human Black Bloodedrager 4/Paladin 16| 140/195 HP| AC: 37/35 (T19/17, F30/28)| F: +29, R: +17, W: +25| Init: 1| Perc: +12| CMB: +24, CMD: 36| Lay on Hands 16/16, Smite Evil: 5/6, Bloodrage 13/14| Speed: 30 ft| Active conditions: RAGE! (+40 HP).

Without delay, Calendula heads to the bunkroom and grumpily claims a bunk, unloading many blankets on it. "Can't start a fire on a ship," she murmurs to no one. "Going to be too drafty for my liking."

As she returns from belowdeck, she is beset with a lengthy series of sneezes, after which she sits herself down and scowls and shivers as preparations continue.


The pale man finishes loading his crate onto the ship. He promptly heads to a suite belowdecks and shuts the door without interacting with anybody.

Another hour or so passes as the crew makes the final preparations to set sail. Eddi and Sursha stare back at the town, concerned expressions on their faces.

"Our last passenger's still not here yet, ma'am," Eddi says, scratching his beard. "How long are we going to wait for her?"

"I don't know. She's paying us an awful lot of money. I hate to just abandon her, but we can't delay much longer," Sursha replies.

Finally, with just minutes to spare, a pair of figures make their way down the dock. This last minute arrival is a beautiful, full-figured woman clad in an artfully lacquered lamellar cuirass, attended by a drab halfling woman with an eye patch and a frown on her face who drags an overstuffed suitcase behind her.

"Come along, Corla! You're making us late!" the woman scolds the halfling. The two finally make it up the gangplank, and Sursha briefly welcomes them aboard before ordering her men to weigh anchor and hoist the sails.

The woman favors you with a dazzling smile. "Greetings to you all! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Viralane Barvisai, actress extraordinare! It will be a pleasure to travel with you, I'm sure!"

Knowledge (local) DC 12:
Viralane is an actress of some renown whose operatic performances are known throughout the western and southern coastlines of Avistan, although she hasn’t performed much lately (according to rumor, she’s been preparing for a huge but still secret role).

Knowledge (local) DC 17:
You recall hints of a scandal in Egorian some months back, involving a torrid a air with a Chelaxian aristocrat and a rather vengeful wife.


RETIRED - Runelord of Altruism

Looking down at the commotion from her place in the rigging Shenuska recognises the diva and can't resist a jab.

"I love your armour!" She calls loudly from the rigging. "Does it protect you from angry wives?"


"Good morning, Miss Barvisai," Nime says with a smile. "And good morning to you as well, Miss Corla." The oracle looks the woman up and down.

"Will you be acting in Magnimar?" Nime asks. "It is a city with a wonderful theater community and we'll be there much quicker then if we walked."

As the ship begins to move, Nime takes her leave of the actress. "I'm sorry, this is alway my favorite part of the journey," she says. As quickly as she can, she makes her way to the prow of the ship. She spreads her arms wide to feel the wind.


Female Human Black Bloodedrager 4/Paladin 16| 140/195 HP| AC: 37/35 (T19/17, F30/28)| F: +29, R: +17, W: +25| Init: 1| Perc: +12| CMB: +24, CMD: 36| Lay on Hands 16/16, Smite Evil: 5/6, Bloodrage 13/14| Speed: 30 ft| Active conditions: RAGE! (+40 HP).

Calendula hangs near Rudrik and Theo, bundled in heavy coats and scarves, her cheeks and the tip of her nose dark as her slow black blood flushes to them. She does not make note of the latecomers and does not greet them aside from buckling over with throaty phlegmy coughs as the pair board.

If either shoots her a dirty look, she glares back, saying "Mind yer distance. Wouldn't wanna catch anything."


ADVENTURE PATH COMPLETE

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Ffs.

Rudrik loiters near the back railing, watching the water as the ship leaves, near Calendula.

"Didja catch a summer cold or somethin'?" he asks her. "Or just more o' the same? Because I been around you enough to know that the latter ain't catchin'."


Female Human Black Bloodedrager 4/Paladin 16| 140/195 HP| AC: 37/35 (T19/17, F30/28)| F: +29, R: +17, W: +25| Init: 1| Perc: +12| CMB: +24, CMD: 36| Lay on Hands 16/16, Smite Evil: 5/6, Bloodrage 13/14| Speed: 30 ft| Active conditions: RAGE! (+40 HP).

She shrugs. "Firstly kid, tain't summer, it's fall. An I jus like bein left alone, specially from people like that," Calendula jerks her head in the direction of the latecomers, accidentally knocking her scarves off her head and revealing it to be freshly shaved. Clumsily, hurriedly, she reassembles her head nest, grudgingly accepting help if offered.


Viralane chuckles at Shenuska's jibe. "It does indeed, along with the slings and arrows of misfortune!"

Corla grunts at a Nime's greeting, but Viralane offers the undine her gloved hand. "Charmed, darling. Yes, I do plan to act in Magnimar, once my current project is complete. I'm collecting research to play the part of Runelord Sorshen in a play of my own creation, The Rise and Fall of Thassilon . You and your companions look like the adventurous sort. Perhaps you could grant me some insights into the old empire that you've discovered? I'd like everything to be as authentic as possible, after all."

Audrahni stands near Nime as Tyalee's Whim starts its journey down the Chavali River towards the Varisian Gulf. Soon, the town of Roderic's Cove fades into the distance behind you. The journey has begun!


RETIRED - Runelord of Altruism

Unless required to do something more useful Shen stays in the rigging until dinner time, enjoying the breeze and the sensation of movement, magnified so well by the height.

She does dress for dinner however, wearing some of her less revealing clothes, and watching the various other passengers carefully. Ieldana would never have questioned them but Shenuska, more worldly by far, feels suspicious particularly of the man with the large box.


Male Human Sorcerer 10/Dragon Disciple 10 | HP 137/272 | AC 39 T 16 FF 36 | Fort +20 Ref +14 Will +15 | Initiative +8 | Perception +25 | Sense Motive +0

"A play about Thassilon?" Theo remarked as he heard Viralane mention it, "Well, I'd be happy to help, but I suspect you'd have better luck speaking with my family in Magnimar - we've a fair bit of information on Thassilon at our estate there. I'm afraid my particular knowledge on them is purely related to how their magic worked."

He seemed to catch himself. "Oh, terribly sorry, where are my manners? Theodric Silvui d'Ontalen, pleasure to meet you."


Viralane offers Theodric her hand as well. "The pleasure is all mine! I'm so pleased to have such a handsome traveling companion on this voyage! You, my dear, are positively scrumptious! Perhaps the two of us might collaborate on more than just Thassilonian lore, if you catch my drift." She gives the sorcerer a bawdy wink.


Male Human Sorcerer 10/Dragon Disciple 10 | HP 137/272 | AC 39 T 16 FF 36 | Fort +20 Ref +14 Will +15 | Initiative +8 | Perception +25 | Sense Motive +0

Theo gave her one of his best charming smiles, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted, but a lady back home in Magnimar might take exception with me were that to happen. Exception that would take the form of a very sharp and well-maintained rapier quickly finding its way to parts of my anatomy I'd rather it didn't."

"That being said, I would be quite happy to share a bottle of wine with you and discuss what we discovered under and around Roderic's Cove."

Not sure if this is Bluff or Diplomacy. He's not actually lying - his girlfriend would be pissed if he slept with Viralane, just not for the reasons most people would think. He also has a personal reason for not wanting to sleep with her, which ties into what his girlfriend would do to him and will be revealed at an appropriate time in-character (although I'll PM you the reason just in-case it would affect things).

Anyway, his modifier on both skills is the same so I'll just roll one and you consider whichever would be appropriate - I'd rather it be Diplomacy, but either one should work.

Bluff or Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13


Viralane sighs theatrically. "Ah, well. I can't say that I'm not disappointed, but such loyalty to a lover is to be admired. I will take you up on that bottle of wine, though, and listen to your tales!"


The first day of travel is quiet and comfortable. You journey south along Varisia's western shoreline, enjoying a pleasant breeze from the ocean. Viralane listens attentively to Theo's tales as they sit on the deck and drink the wine, Corla dutifully attending to the actress's needs.

As evening approaches, Captain Sursha invites you all into the dining cabin to sit at her table. A long table fills the ship's dining cabin, covered by a white tablecloth and set for all of the dinner's guests. The centerpiece is a wooden replica of Tyalee's Whim adorned with fresh flowers. Captain Sursha sits at the head of the table, with Audrahni seated to her left. To her right, in the seat of honor, is Viralane. Though a seat and plate is prepared for her, Corla stands near her mistress, awaiting any instruction she might be given. The chair next to Corla's empty seat is for the pale man you saw earlier. He has been ensconced in his cabin the entire day, but he arrives just before dinner begins and finds his seat.

"Ah, good, everybody is here," Sursha says with a smile. "Thank you all for dining with me this evening. Let us dedicate this meal to Gozreh--may the Wind and the Waves bless us with a calm voyage to Magnimar!"

The meal itself is simple but filling and delicious—a first course of bread and caper-stuffed olives, followed by lemon-braised lingcod and fried potatoes. Dessert consists of slices of herbed cheese served with small glasses of sweet blackberry wine.

"So then, why don't we all get to know each other a little better?" Sursha asks as you dine. "Let's go around the table and introduce ourselves and our histories. I suppose I'll start. I've been sailing on Tyalee's Whim since I was a little girl. Back then it was my father's ship--the Surety, named for my mother. Alas, she died when I was very little--a fever she contracted in the Rahadoumi port of Azir. After that, my father swore an oath never to leave Varisian waters again.

"As I grew up, there was never any doubt that I'd follow in my father's footsteps. On my twenty-first birthday, he presented me with this custom-made armor--sea-foam green and embossed with dancing fish. A year later, a Tian merchant took a shine to me. While I let him down gently when he proposed marriage, I did accept his gift of a magical katana forged in his distant homeland." She pats the scabbard at her waist. "You don't say no to an exquisite weapon like that!"

Sursha's smile fades slightly as she continues her story. "Things were great for a long time. But a few years ago, a sudden storm caught the Surety when we were returning from Arsmeril. A rogue wave swamped the ship, and the crew was barely able to save her. It wasn't until after we were safe again that we realized my father had been washed overboard. We never found his body."

The half-elf is silent for a few moments, but then she perks up again. "After that, I inherited command of the ship. We've had quite a few exciting adventures since then, but I think I've talked enough for the time being. Would one of you like to go next?"

Sense Motive DC 20:
Sursha seems eager to change the subject before anybody can ask about her recent history.


Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

As the morning progresses, as is its tendency out on the water, Nime's top finds its way into her bag. Like Shenuska, she spends the entirety of the first day up in the prow of the ship reveling in the spray and the wind touching her skin.

At various times, though, she spares glances for the First Mate. Her expression, normally a clear indication of her emotions, is inscrutable.

She seems quite excited to be joining the Captain for dinner.

DM Brainiac wrote:
"Ah, good, everybody is here," Sursha says with a smile. "Thank you all for dining with me this evening. Let us dedicate this meal to Gozreh--may the Wind and the Waves bless us with a calm voyage to Magnimar!"

"And may Shelyn's love cover us with its warm embrace," Nime adds with a smile.

DM Brainiac wrote:
The half-elf is silent for a few moments, but then she perks up again. "After that, I inherited command of the ship. We've had quite a few exciting adventures since then, but I think I've talked enough for the time being. Would one of you like to go next?"

Nime tips her head and looks at the Captain for a moment. "But you didn't tell us how the ship got the name, Tyalee's Whim?" she asks. "A ship's name is very important and a name like that must have a story behind it."


Sursha falls silent in the wake of Nime's question. Audrahni puts a comforting hand on the half-elf's shoulder. "Best we not speak of lost loves," she answers after a moment. "Certainly, more cheerful conversation is proper for our table. Nime, perhaps you could share your story?"

Sense Motive DC 20:
Audrahni seems to know exactly why Sursha is reluctant to talk. She might tell you more if questioned later.


Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Nime looks at the Captain for a moment before she rises wordlessly from her seat. She walks around the table to Sursha's seat before lowering herself to her knees to take the woman in a warm hug.

"I'm so sorry," she whispers, before releasing her. "But, don't you see? Love is never lost. We carry it here." She puts her hand on her own chest. "And here." She reaches out and touches Sursha's chest. "No one can take it from us. It's a gift that we lose only if we choose to give it up. The one that ... that we love ... may not be near us, but we can still carry our love for them."

The blue-skinned woman wipes her eyes and then returns to her seat.

"Audrahni and I grew up in Magnimar," Nime says, in an attempt to return the conversation to lighter subjects. "I left when I was just a youth to follow Shelyn's whispers. I ... spent some years ... in Sandpoint." Her gray eyes darken at the memories, but she continues on cheerfully. "After that, I traveled north and ended up in Roderick's Cove and I've been here ... there ... ever since."


Sursha smiles wistfully at Nime's words, her expression far away. Viralane applauds softly. "Well said!"

Once the undine finishes her brief introduction, the actress turns to Audrahni. "And what of you, my friend? Perhaps you could tell us more about your shared history with Lady Nime?"

Audrahni holds up a hand. "Oh, it's really not all that interesting. Maybe somebody else would like to speak now?"

Viralane clucks her tongue. "Oh, come now. Everybody else is telling their story. I, for one, would like to hear yours."

Audrahni is quiet for a few moments, then sighs. "A story. Very well, I will tell you a story of the priestess Saint Sazzleru, and her defeat of the Misbegotten Prince." The elf then recounts the legend :

In the ancient past, long before the rise of Azlant, during the near-mythical era known to scholars as the Age of Creation, two powerful demons met for the first time and descended to a world in the Material Plane to enjoy a short-lived but violently ardent dalliance in the mortal realm. The planet itself heaved and buckled before their blasphemous passions, thrusting upward to create a rasp-like ridge. The result of this vile union quickened much more quickly than a normal pregnancy, and the spawn of the two demons was birthed even as they continued their frolic. When the demons left the world, they left behind a landscape scarred by their coupling, and a just-whelped fiend of tremendous power and potential that slithered into a deep cave in the ridge to hide and grow.

In the Age of Anguish, the spawn emerged to conquer the Varisians even as they were beginning to recover from their slavery under Thassilon's rule and the devastation of Earthfall. This fiend was Uvaglor, the Misbegotten Prince, a vrock who possessed a singular third eye in his brow that could see brief glimpses into the future. Uvaglor ruled the Varisians for many years until the desperate indigenous people called upon Lamashtu's aid in defeating the demon. The Mother of Monsters seemed eager to comply with this request, but as the battle against Uvaglor went on, her minions turned on the Varisians and attempted to destroy them as well.

The Varisian would have been annihilated if not for the heroics of a priestess of the Empyreal Lord Ashava, a woman named Sazzleru. Blessed by the True Spark, she wielded a blade of purest moonlight, and her graceful dances soothed the hearts of even the demons' foul minions. She freed the Varisians from Lamashtu's influence and banished the Misbegotten Prince into a nameless prison adrift deep in the Maelstrom.

The tale complete, she falls silent again. Sursha claps her hands. "Well told, Audrahni. Who would like to go next?"

Sense Motive DC 20:
You detect a note of wistfulness and admiration in Audrahni's voice as she speaks of Saint Sazzleru, unusual for the normally taciturn elf.


Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Nime reaches across the table and touches Audrahni's hand. She smiles at the forlorn elf.


The barest traces of a smile tug at the corner of Audrahni's lips as she looks up at Nime.


Female Human Black Bloodedrager 4/Paladin 16| 140/195 HP| AC: 37/35 (T19/17, F30/28)| F: +29, R: +17, W: +25| Init: 1| Perc: +12| CMB: +24, CMD: 36| Lay on Hands 16/16, Smite Evil: 5/6, Bloodrage 13/14| Speed: 30 ft| Active conditions: RAGE! (+40 HP).

Calendula clears her throat and introduces herself without standing. It is curt and brief, nothing more than a "My name's Calendula. I'm a fisherwoman, a retired soldier an I own a small farm on the hill back in Roderik's Cove."


Nime smiles up at Calendula.

"You forgot to mention that you like scarves," she says. She looks around at the others at the table. "She does. Like scarves, I mean."


"I see," Sursha says dryly. She turns to the pale man. "How about you, Mister Roos?"

At length, the man speaks in a hushed whisper, as though imparting secrets reluctantly. "I am Beckwood Roos. I am a native of Versex, in Ustalav, from a small village whose name you have no reason to have heard. I was a student for a time at the Sincomakti School of Sciences, but I left my studies to travel. I gladly shook the dust of Ustalav from my shoes and will never return."

Roos seems unwilling to elaborate further.

Knowledge (local) or Linguistics DC 20:
You can identify a faint Nidalese accent to Beckwood’s voice.


Female Human Black Bloodedrager 4/Paladin 16| 140/195 HP| AC: 37/35 (T19/17, F30/28)| F: +29, R: +17, W: +25| Init: 1| Perc: +12| CMB: +24, CMD: 36| Lay on Hands 16/16, Smite Evil: 5/6, Bloodrage 13/14| Speed: 30 ft| Active conditions: RAGE! (+40 HP).

Elbows on the table, Calendula lazily puts her head in her hand, idly tapping on the scar running from her eyebrow to the crown of her head. "That's one way of saying it," she murmurs, not bothering to correct her friend.

As the subject turns to Ustalav she thumps the table as the man declares he will never return. "And good riddance."


RETIRED - Runelord of Altruism

Knw Local: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Shenuska doesn't recognise the accent, but she is able to pick up the subtlety of the various interactions.

"I've really only been out and about for a few months." She says, smiling around the table. "I like sailing and keeping fit. Sadly there's really not much more to say."

She neglects to mention her name, not wanting to mention it in a cabin with professed researchers into ancient Thassalion.


"It seems most of your new friends are as terse as you are, Audrahni!" Sursha says with a laugh. "Corla, maybe you have more of a tale to tell?"

The halfling bows. "Apologies, Captain, but my history pales in comparison to that of my illustrious mistress. I will thank you for the delicious food, but I'll defer in lieu of Miss Barvisai."

Sense Motive DC 20:
You can determine through observation of Corla’s body language that it’s not humility that drives her—she seems quite self-assured and confident in her posture.

"You are too kind, Corla. Indeed, I have many tales of my performances I could share," Viralane says. "Before I had really made a name for myself, I was in Oppara, portraying the maidservant girl of Duchess Amalaya in a production of A Soldier of Zimar. A Druman kalistocrat was so taken by my performance in this relatively minor role one evening that he promised me my weight in gemstones if I would consent to be his wife. I've never been so delighted to be on the heavier side of the scale. Alas, the man had the most vexing habit of breathing with his mouth open and he had the oiliest beard, so I was not tempted in the least by his offer. And of course, there was the matter of his wife. He would first have to have the poor thing murdered, which he seemed perfectly willing to arrange. Told me he'd have one of his footmen strangle her that very night with a scarf I had gifted him from my costume—he said I needed only give him a kiss on his cheek and the deed was done. Of course I let her know of her husband's opinion of her soon thereafter, but can you believe the gall of some men? Positively dreadful."


Nime looks at Shenuska quizzically.

"You didn't tell them your name," she says as if prompting a child. "It was Ieldana when I knew her in Magnimar, but that was many years ago and she's changed since then. Now it's Shenuska."

The oracle leans closer to the woman in question. "You could also tell them that you like sex, but that might be more of a dessert conversation," she adds in a stage whisper.


"Ah, Shenuska! Such a lovely name. It suits you, darling," Viralane says with a smile. If she or anybody else pick up on the significance of the name, they refrain from commenting on it.


Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"That's horrible," Nime says. "Some people just don't know how a civilized person is intended to behave." She reaches across the table for another roll, just managing to avoid dipping one of her bare breasts in the butter.


"Quite," Viralane says, coughing politely.

Sursha, though, appears quite intrigued by the near miss. "Uh, Viralane," she says as she tries to regain her focus. "I hear you have quite the lovely singing voice."

"Oh, it's alright," the actress says modestly. "I'm no Melodie d'Valois. But like her, I prefer the classics. Though Chelish opera is all the rage these days, I have no stomach for that discordant caterwauling."

"Might you grace our table with a song?" Sursha asks.

"Maybe a little later. We still have yet to hear from our two rugged male companions." She winks at Rudrik and Theo flirtatiously.


RETIRED - Runelord of Altruism

Shenuska glowers at Nime but doesn't say anything before turning the charm on again for the actress. "Have you ever heard Lady d'Valois sing in person? I've always wanted to. I thought the story of how she and her wife met was quite romantic!" As she speaks she reaches out with her mental senses to gently touch the minds of the two women.

Detect Thought SLA. Viralane and Cora. Also I appreciate the shout out Brainiac!


Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

"Alas, I have not had the privilege! But I hear her voice is truly compelling!"

Shenuska can sense that both women are of above average intelligence. (Int 12.) Unfortunately, their minds remain inscrutable to her psychic senses.


ADVENTURE PATH COMPLETE

Rudrik pauses with half a roll stuffed in his mouth, and then points as if to silently say 'me'? He swallows hard and says, "Oh, well, my name's Rudrik! I'm a friend of all these fine folks - Theo and Nime and Shen and Calendula. My folks live in Roderick's Cove and that's where I grew up, helping out my pa - he's a junk dealer, collects old cast-offs and fixes them up to resell them or find useful bits and bobs. It's a living I guess!" He guffaws and rubs another roll in some butter. "I'm just a practical guy. My friends have lots of ideas and they like philosophy and history and stuff, an' I can read and such but usually life is just pretty straightforward. I'm just lucky we kinda fell into some work where I could put my old sword to use and earn a few coins to rub together!"

"I've never been to an opera. I hear they're really long. I wouldn't even know what to expect! What's your favorite thing about the opera? Why do people like them?"

As usual, the garrulous half-orc is just a little on the long-winded side and a little too ready with the guffaws; not quite rude, but a bit exasperatingly off-putting. He lacks the polished social charm of his companions.


Viralane chuckles at Rudrik's earnestness. "Well, darling, my favorite part of the opera is getting swept up in a grand story full of action, romance, and resounding music! I suppose that's why people like them so much. They transport you to another world and let you forget your troubles, if only for a few hours."

She turns her grin on Theodric. "Your turn, sweet boy. Tell us about your life in Magnimar."


Male Human Sorcerer 10/Dragon Disciple 10 | HP 137/272 | AC 39 T 16 FF 36 | Fort +20 Ref +14 Will +15 | Initiative +8 | Perception +25 | Sense Motive +0

Sorry for the delay, been feeling off all day, not sure if it's the heat or my allergies flaring up but I've felt like I was on the verge of falling asleep all day.

"Honestly, not much to say. Theodric Silvui d'Ontalen, third child of Varisia's largest family of wine merchants - or at least the largest who isn't directly involved with the Church of Cayden Cailean. Aside from managing the various vineyards we own and dealing in various rare and older vintages, we've a rather sizeable interest in the arcane. My own... capabilities in that department are of the more intuitive nature than the result of study and, in some respects, are of a more incendiary nature than is perhaps strictly practical."

"As for my time in Magnimar, nothing in particular stands out that I'm sure anyone here can't guess from my being the idle son of nobility. Spend some of my free time down at the Serpent's Run and the like, accompany father to the odd wine auction, that sort of thing. Frankly; I'll just be happy to get back and see my girlfriend, Alika, been away far too long."

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