Pathfinder: Shards of an Order PBP

Game Master Benjen Harris

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Sorry Craig and Dad this things should hopefully be over shortly.

Well...I wouldn't count on that, as you see now both BobE AND I have made giant blunders. Give us another week :)

Poppo awakens at the Nomad, refreshed but still not in a better mood. He heads down stairs expecting to see Nalia and the Old man having breakfast, but they are nowhere to be found. It’s not hard to find out they headed to the Sun Temple.

Annoyed that they didn’t bother to wake him, he departs and heads to the Halfling’s Orange. Mr. Dalpot greets him warmly, Master Poppo! I got some nice fresh oranges you’ll enjoy! It’s clear he hasn’t heard the news about Turngut.

Poppo musters some fake generosity. No oranges today, you got any lemons instead?

Mr. Dalpot offers some lovely big yellow lemons. I’ll take 5.

Poppo walks away and begins to peel the first lemon, he takes a big bite. Seconds later he puckers from tartness, he spits a couple seeds on the ground, and takes another puckery bite.

And he then heads to the Sun Temple, to see about the funeral arraignments for Turngut.

Alright continuing things on finally, you all awaken in various states of tiredness but all of you get a long rest. In the morning both Nalia and Poppo hear a knock at your doors. Micolash Bartarr stands in both of your doorways at different times but says the same thing to both of you. Sorry to bother you so early. The Grandmaster would like to speak to you before the funeral.

You both make your way to the Grandmasters office, Poppo you notice the absence of BobE and Beatrip. Upon entering the office you see the Grandmaster with a glum look on his face. You also see the Truchessa standings arms crossed with a disapproving look at Nalia. Also in this room smoking a cigar is Jorek Bartarr.

Good you're here the Grandmaster says standing straight. Im sure one of you knows why you are here he looks at Nalia. Last night, certain magics were used within the walls of the Sun Temple. Certain necromanic magics. Such magics are banned in Enderal, especially in Holy places. The culprit is not here, having left the city last night shortly after being caught by the Truchessa.

The Truchessa gives a slight grin before addressing both of you sternly As Truchessa it is my job to know everything that happens in the Sun Temple. Last night your companion BobE used necromancy and turned the remains of your friend into undead within the Sun Temple. The Truchessa looks at Nalia I do not believe Lady Malphason assisted with this matter, despite myself finding her and BobE attempting to return to the Sun Temple. I belive she was simply assisting in trying to fix BobE's mistake. Father Winthrop was also involved with this but I belive him to be in similar shoes as Lady Malphason. Sir Poppo we know that you are not involved.

The Grandmaster looks hard at both of you We belive BobE has already left the city, and has taken the remains of Turngut Ulgratch with him. He looks especially at Poppo I'm sorry he did this to you both. I know he is your friend. I know that you've been with him since you arrived here in Enderal, but the fact stands that Necromancy within such a holy place will not be tolerated. Going forward BobE will no longer be welcome within the Sun Temple and will no longer be recognized as a Keeper of the Holy Order. Additionally if we find that more necromancy spells are being cast in Enderal he will be tried by the Council of Eight. Lady Malphason you and Father Winthrop will not face any punishment, I do not belive you to be guilty of the same crime. Sir Poppo obviously you were not involved, I simply wanted you here to inform you of Turngut, again I'm sorry.

Poppo looks on as the situation is explained without saying a word. When the Grandmaster finishes, his expression turns hard, as if anger boils just beneath the surface.

Are we sending anyone after him? He asks, his brow furrowed.

The grandmaster looks at Poppo sadly No...

Jorek Bartarr nearly finished with his cigar puts it down in an ashtray We can't afford to send keepers after him right now. War is on the horizon and many of the Keepers we have wouldn't stand a chance against him. I'm sorry Poppo. If you want to hire some freelancers to go after him you're welcome to do so.

Meanwhile outside the Sun Temple.

Vynya you stand bouncing from foot to foot looking up at the gigantic white stone temple. The Sun Temple is a shinning beacon at the center of the city, one of the most beautiful things you've seen. Occasionally you see Keepers, Magisters, or apprentices of the Holy Order walk in and out of the temple. None of them really pay attention to you apart from strange glances and occasional nods. One man seems to pay more attention to you then the others, he stands leaning up against the walls of the temple carefully watching those who enter the temple and shooting you an occasional curious glance.

The young man, likely only in his early twenties carefully rolls a cigarette never taking his eyes of the passersby and you. Finally he lights a match on the underside of his boot and likes the cigarette, letting out a large plume of smoke. The young man approaches you and you notice several perfect scars that run down evenly spaced down his face.

He looks at you curiously taking another puff of the foul smelling cigarette Pardon me Madame, what is your business here?

Gasping at being noticed, Vynya shrinks back into the shadow of the massive temple. Ah! I, um, I am waiting for a friend? She states non-convincingly while beginning to tug on her hair.

Meanwhile back at the Sun Temple,

I see. Poppo replies to Jorek Bartarr, Freelancers, I just might.

He shoots a look at Nalia, which is hard to read. Then looks back the leadership, My head is spinning! What next?

We will still be holding a ceremony for Turngut. the Grandmaster says. All Keepers who fall get the same ceremony, we will be burning a funeral pyre in his honor right after our meeting here.

Back outside.

That so? the young man asks Your friends happen to be members of the Order?

Okay Poppo says in a low voice, sorrow crossing his face. He then just stands there quietly in his pain, staring at the Truchessa mainly, as if studying her or perhaps waiting for her to speak again.

Clearly not accustomed to speaking with others, Vynya stumbles over her words as she tries to figure out how to respond. The Order? Oh, uhm, let’s see. Um, yes!? I mean, no? We’ll sort of, I suppose. I think they were, or... are members, but maybe they aren’t any more?? The words tumble out of her as she gets more and more visibly uncomfortable with an interaction. In a panic, while nearly tearing out a patch of hair, she looks around desperately for a way out. As the matter of fact, I think...I think that I need to go now, to...uuhhhmm....to ah, get some things for my thing later today. Eyes wide like a cornered animal, she will try to run at the first chance, if allowed.

Relax the young man says You're not in trouble, I'm Micolash he holds out his hand. Your friends wouldn't happen to be a halfling with an axe and a lady with a fancy sword would they?

The Truchessa looks back at Poppo catching his glance and eyeing him curiously. The Grandmaster speaks again I suggest you get dressed for the occasion. Again I'm sorry about all of this.

Poppo breaks his gaze with the Truchessa, Oh I'm sorry.

Yes, get dressed. He turns and leaves quickly.

Nalia follows after Poppo, hoping she'll talk to her. She doesn't want to push but will if he won't give her a chance.

He meant well I think. Truly. He just didn't know what he was doing I think. At least that's how I'll look at it. I felt such dread when he woke me from my bad dreams. My dreams of late are really odd. Anyway, he asked me for help....to fix what he'd done. That's why we were running all over last night, and that's why that bloody Truchesa found us. I don't agree with what he did, or how he did it, but I think he was trying to help. Sometimes living with the consequences of a botched job is hard. I hope you'll come to forgive him. I know he'll sort this out, if we give him time.

She waits to see if he'll respond to her. She mumbles under her breath but it's a little too quiet to catch it all, Poppo....only family I have....

At the gate, Micolash's words take Vynya aback for a moment. Still in a pose of deference, she stammers, I...I think I know them. I mean, I know them, but they wouldn't be considered friends. You see, I, well, I know them, but they don't know me. You know? Wait. Who are you? I haven't seen you before. Are you a friend?! As she talks, she takes on more confidence as she recalls that not all people are looking out for her best interest. In fact, in her experience, most people are not!

Sense motive with Burst of Insight: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

You don't sense any malice or ill will towards you Vynya. He smiles Micolash Bartarr madame. My father is the Signet Master of the Holy Order. You see with all of the trouble happening in the city right now, we are keeping extra watchful. Just saw you standing out here and thought you were either up to no good or you know people in the Order. Only people friends with colorful characters like you would be that group. He laughs They are a good sort, Nalia is a future Truchessa or Signet Master if you ask me. Poppo is a proper agent. BobE well... he pauses That's complicated now. And Turngut, well... from what I saw he he fought with valor, bravery. He pauses sorrowfully. You here to watch as the embers ascend to the Cradle?

Poppo looks up at Nalia, then takes her largish hand in his wee one.

I know, you were just trying to help, right, that crazy old man, I mean. Poppo chokes up a bit.

If Malphas's sword couldn't bring him back, what made the old fool think he could do better. I'm just upset Turngut doesn't get his big send off, he deserves it.

He gets quiet a moment, I'll miss the old man too. It's like we lost half of us, more than half, Ib died too.

I know all these other people are around, but it feels like it's just you and I now. Turngut only died yesterday, and yet it feels like it was weeks ago. Come on let's put on are brave faces and do this ceremony.

He gives her hand a squeeze and then heads off to dress in his fancy attire.

The relief that she feels to hear his words cannot be overstated. Poppo can see her visibly relax at his words and a slight slump to her tall shoulders develop as she smiles and says, I'll do my best to hold it together my friend. We can get thru this by relying on each other. I'm not sure that I'll change. The only one I think I trust at this point is you. I'm keeping you and my weapons close to me. She does smell her pits and decides she could use a shower before the gathering.

Poppo and Nalia both get ready for the funeral ceremony and make their way out to the temple grounds.

Micolash Bartarr continues after not getting a response Well, Madame if you want to watch the funeral. He points to an old white tree that grows on top of the cliff that the Sun Temple is positioned on. I used to climb that tree when I was kid, you can't see the temple grounds but you can see the Hands of Malphas, the highest point of the temple where the funeral is taking place. Just a bit of a tip. With that Micolash nods goodbye to Vynya and goes back to watching the passersby's.

Nalia and Poppo you begin to make your way up the staircase that leads to the Hands of Malphas, the highest point in the temple. The massive statue of Malphas carved into the mountain holds up the stairs you walk. At the top of the stairs is a large round platform and at the center of it is a funeral pyre. Nothing lies across the pyre, no body.

Standing in a circle around the pyre are several people. Constantine Firespark, Jorek Bartarr, Calia Sakaresh, a tearful Lishari Peghast, Truchessa Natara Del'Varem, a brown haired elf with a monocle and bushy beard, Helgard von Eberich, and finally Grandmaster Tealor Arantheal who stands next to the pyre looking at it sadly.

Poppo and Nalia join together in the circle and Tealor gives you both a sad nod. With that Tealor uncorks a bottle of fine oil and begins to spread the oil in a circle around the pyre Do niebios błogosławię waszą podróż he says in a strange language as he goes before connecting the circle of oil with the central pyre. May the Grave Father Eroned allow you safe passage through the Cradle, so that you may live in the heavens with your forefathers, Turngut Ulgratch. Speaking his name he lights the circle of oil which quickly trails around the pyre before reaching the center and a massive blaze engulfs Turngut Ulgratch's funeral pyre.

Suddenly the camera cuts to the Dancing Nomad, rather empty besides a bar maid cleaning glasses and a lonesome tiefling bard sitting on a stage, clutching a violin. He looks up at the four portraits of Nalia, BobE, Poppo, and Turngut. The very few patrons in the bar eat their breakfast and pay little attention to the horned musician who begins to sing a solemn song.

I saw the light, fade from the sky. On the wind I heard a sigh. As the snow flakes cover my fallen brother I will say this last goodbye.

As the song continues it shows several figures wearing yellow and green checkered uniforms in the Undercity. With another funeral pyre but atop this one is a hobgoblin, Ib. Night is now falling, so ends this day.

You see three figures looking back at the distant city of Ark. BobE, Beatrip, and a hooded skeleton look back at the enormous city as they walk away from it. The road is now calling, and I must away.

You see a dirty half elven woman standing atop a tree looking from a distance at the burning pyre Over hill and under tree. Through lands where never light shone. By silver streams that run down to the sea.

Finally the camera pulls back to the peak of the Sun Temple. Poppo and Nalia stand at the funeral alongside several other Keepers of the Order. To these memories I will hold. With your blessing I will go. To turn at last to paths that lead home.

The funeral pyre burns gloriously the flames flicker vibrantly and the song goes from a voice and violin to a grand orchestral sound And where the road then takes me. I cannot tell. We came all this way. But now comes the day to bid you farewell.

The wind begins to blow ashes from the Pyre which fly up high into the sky, taken by the wind to the Cradle I bid you all, a very fond farewell. The song ends.

@ben--nicely done my friend. Well written :)

[ooc@ben--nicely done my friend. Well written :)[/ooc]

Thanks Matt! :D

Still a bit shocked at being directly addressed, Vynya stands there, mouth agape, as Micolash asks her about her friends. When he gives up and kindly offers her a way to view the funeral, she slowly turns her head to look at the tree and nods.

Scrambling to the top, she finds the location where she can see the most and then waits.... As the crowd gathers around the pyre, Vynya's tears begin to flow. Her eyes remain wide, but dirty drops fall continuously from her cheeks. Once the funeral fires begin to burn, she whispers to herself, Poor, sweet Turngut. You and your friends were Vyn's only hope. You four were the saviors from the coming storm of terror. Now... Then, her visage changes slightly. Although still weeping, her eyes harden with resolve and track the floating embers as they reach up to Eroned's Cradle. Again, whispering to herself, but now in that eerie Turngut-voice: Vynya Niz vyn. Der! be Ar turngut's Lug ash Niz Koga zut Shad. turngut stay Kog cradle Tor now ash Dat.

Vynya blinks slowly and stands resolutely, looking at the funeral ceremony, but no longer crying. Then, as though hearing someone, or something, she half-turns her head to look over her shoulder. With a cocked smile turning up the corner of one side of her mouth she says, You? I wasn't expecting this reality to occur. We might have a chance to save Vyn, yet!

Wowie zowie!! Amazing Ben!! The imagery was so clear, I could see each scene, as though a montage in a movie. We really need to turn this story into a novel.

One by one those at the funeral begin to leave until it is just Nalia, Poppo, and Helgard von Eberich. When you are ready to avenge him meet me at my estate. Helgard says before also departing.

Poppo turns and follows von Eberich out, Let’s do it.

He looks back to make sure Nalia is following along as well.

Poppo, do we have to check in with the leaders yet? Or sort out BobE? Are we free to go on to avenge him? You know I want to and am glad to have Helgard's help but do we have other obligations first? Plus, what about Vynya? What do we do with her?

Oh, I'll check. As for the elf do whatever you think is right. He looks at Nalia, half surprised she hasn't checked in and made all these decision already, and also half forgetful that they actually have to answer to someone besides themselves. He's clearly been distracted and the last couple days all seem a blur. He also clearly has mixed feelings about the usefulness of the grungy elf.

He looks at von Eberich, I guess we need to check in, we will find you soon and thank you.

He then tells Nalia, I'll be right back.

And he races off after Jorek Bartarr, catching up to him.

Um, Signet Leader, what are Nalia and my orders? And don't say something like morn the loss of your friend. We don't have time for that and I'd rather be doing something useful.