Helgard nods at Poppo Meet me at my estate, ypu know where it is.
When go up to the Signet Master You are to report to the Archmagister tomorrow morning, whatever you do before then just be careful.
Archmagister Lexil Merrayil? Poppo asks Jorek having heard the name, but not knowing this person.
Jorek points at the bearded brown haired elf with the monocle The Archmagister Lexil Merrayil.
Got it boss, thank you. Poppo tells Jorek and then races at top speed back to Nalia.
Once he finds her, The Signet Master wants us to meet with Archmagister Lexil Merrayil, tomorrow morning.
He pauses for a second, But today, There will be blood! Let's see if we can catch up to von Eberich, and find the elf girl she might come in handy, then back to the Undercity. Revenge is a dish best served immediately, like an entree!
A look of steely determination on his faces. He reaches in his pouch, pulls out a lemon and takes a big, sour bite, and then puckers intensely. Then gives Nalia a goofy grin.
Yeah short conversation with Jorek Helgard probably hasn't even departed the Sun Temple yet. Helgard says Let me gather my men and put my armor on, I'm not nearly as invulnerable as I used to be je gives a slight grin. We can meet down at the Putrid Grove, lovely little spot. In the meantime it may be wise to gather any allies to assist.
When Nalia and Poppo come out of the Sun Temple, they'll find Nalia standing in an alley of the side of the road. She is looking out for them and when she sees the 2 heroes, she waves and calls out to them. Maester Hedgehopper! Lady Malphason!! Over here! Over here! Please, oh please may I speak with you?
Vynya looks restless and fidgety as the 2 approach her and anxiously pulls on her hair. You can see her face is clearly streaked with tears, but they are long dried up and her eyes look very bright and intense. I..I think I'm supposed to help! I can't believe it, but I think I belong with heroes such as you! I'm not sure what I can offer, but if what I saw in my dreams last night are true I may be of use to you. She pauses expectantly, but after Poppo and Nalia stare back wordlessly, she continues, Also, I...I saw the most amazing vision right after...right after the funeral. I saw the approach of someone so powerful, so amazing that they might turn the tide of this dreadful invasion. I don't know when or how we are supposed to meet them, but I sense that they will find US! She finishes by hopping up and down and clapping her hands in front of her chest excitedly. Shall we head out? Where are we going?
Hi Vynya, yeah come on we are going to kill the thing responsible for Turngut's death. He just leads on and as they get a little ways from the Sun Temple.
Nalia, you and Vynya head to the Nomad, get some lunch, and see if you can round up Pearson, MacGuire, and Thuradik to help; and I'll head into the Undercity and round up our allies there. Meet at the Putrid Grove like Helgard said.
If they agree, he darts off toward the Undercity to gather some help.
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Ok, but I don't like us splitting up.... She calls as Poppo runs off.
Vynya, tell me more about your powers. We need to know all of our assets as we go back into the undercity. I fear Poppo leads us into danger our of revenge, to right the wrong dealt to our friend Turngut. We'll be in real danger. Don't feel obligated to go along but as you can see we could use the help. You must stay safe though, I couldn't bear to see more friends hurt by that terrible Doppelgänger queen.
With that we'll head towards the Nomad to do as Poppo directed. We'll see if we can rustle up some help.
Poppo darts off toward the Undercity and Nalia and Vynya make there way to the The Dancing Nomad.
Upon entering you glance around at the fairly empty tavern, but do see a few familiar faces. Playing a violin energetically on the stage of the Nomad is a lilac skinned tiefling whom you know as Otir Teague. You also see sat at one table Thraduik Brune a black and grey haired dwarf with a big crossbow propped against the table. MacGuire dressed in a guard uniform. And Pearson wearing his almost onion like armor.
Where do you go Poppo?
Now is probably a good time for you to introduce your new character.
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Minutes after Nalia and Vynya arrive, the door to the tavern burst open with a kick, breaking the topmost hinge completely off. A loud laugh preludes the entry of 2 young smiling females, a long legged red headed half elf with alabaster skin flanked by a tanned blond curvy woman. Both are somewhat scantly dressed by local standards and smiling and giggling. On your second look, in-between them at what you initially thought was a shadow stands a dark skinned male. Not dark brown skin but pitch black skin, dressed in black clothes with a black hat with the right side penned up and a white dove feather on the left. a bow hangs from his right shoulder and the handle of a large hammer sticks up from the left. You observe his yellow eyes scanning the room and his smile enlarges on seeing you.
So there I was facing down a frost giant on a polar plane of a distant realm. Behind me was a caravan of beautiful refuges I was leading to safety and before us stood the frost giant. So I challenged him to an arm wrestling match for the most beautiful maiden there. When we locked arms, I ripped his arm off and beat him with it. Do you know what you say to a one armed frost giant? You can't say anything cause I killed him with his own arm! loud obnoxious laughter follows as he, with a arm encircling each woman approaches you. But come here is my party just as Elnil said. Why don't two you lovely ladies get us a round and I'll make nice with my new lovely charges here the man saw with a somewhat lustful appraisal of Nalia and Vynya says Ah Poppo I believe, you are much taller and much more vulaptous than Elnil said. And where is the beautiful warrior goddess Nalia, the one who wears nothing into battle but a chainmail bikini? and without pausing for an answer and I can't remember if you are Vyn the shadow sorceress or the one the Champion BobE called V, the one with the messed up mind? Sorry I don't mess with crazy chicks. Tried it once and she always complained I just talked about myself and didn't care for her. What was her name? Anyways, she wanted me to tell about my feelings. So I told her what I liked feeling and the next day she was gone. Weird chick. So anyway, Elnil sent me to fill in for BobE as he fulfills his epic quest to better understand Elnil's redemption and to return his lost companion to life. What a champion to undergo such a trial. So much dedication. AND he is with the legendary Beatrice. You must tell everything the blessed lady said. I am sure you must be so honored to have spent time with her. My father's father told me stories of her kindness and compassion. So anyways, your life is in my hands. I always keep my charges safe, well most of the time. usually. I mean its not my fault if someone isn't quick enough to block every attack, and there was a succubus, but aside from that time and few others. well never mind. So who we off kill? or is it save? Are we good guys in this realm or bad guys? I missed some of the details in my brief.
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Hearing this new guy come in, spouting off names that he shouldn't know, confuses Nalia at least initially, then she gets red and turns her head away when he talks about being in bikini armor, whatever that is, but she's drawn back to listening the more he talks, and for the life of her she has no idea. He just seems somewhat magnetic!
Uh...., my names Nalia....um, I'm much taller than my friend Poppo. This is Vynya. Who might you be? Why does everyone seem to know so much of my friends and I? And I'm sure I've never met you before. These are old friends who I was about to ask to help us, Pearson, McGuire and Thraduik, motioning to each in turn.
She looks over at his companions as they're getting drinks, motions to her 4 compatriots and herself with a thumbs up to indicate we'll all take one. If you're buying, we'll listen to your story. I don't know why you're offering to help, but at this point I think I'll take whatever help we can get. We're out to take down a doppelgänger queen and then save the city from invasion.
If she gets the opportunity she'll share some details of what's going on and then start to gather whoever will go as Poppo will be waiting for us.
Poppo races at top speed to the entrance of the Undercity. Once there he seeks out Dagroar, leader of the Silent Blades, first.
Me? Why I am just the greatest archer of all time. Everyone knows who I am. When you have seen and done everything I have, well knowledge just comes. And the diety Elnil asked me specifically to come to your aid. She told me ALL about you. Wanted to make sure I helped the right side this time she said. Details. Come all, Nalia is buying a round and then we go kill some stuff. I will buy when we return victorious.
Oi Nalia! Thraduik says raising a flagon of mead Of course I'll help you! Been sitting around waiting to do so for what seems like weeks!
My sword is yours lady Malphason. Pearson humbly says.
Not a problem mylady, this brave member of the city watch would be happy to help! MacGuire gives Nalia a cheeky wink.
Poppo you find Dagroar atop the palisade wall as per usual. The hobgoblin leaps down landing near you. Master Hedgehopper what can I do for you?
Do you want to do your secret quest?
I have been called many things in many places. I have been called the hood, the archer, the fighter, the mastero of the arrow, the black raven, the crusader of capes, the shooter at the grassy knoll, the edge lord, the terror that flaps in the night. The murder hobo. I have been
called all these things. My mom calls me archie. But you his yellow eyes stare into Nalia's can call me whatever you want. Just call me
Poppo fills Dagroar in on any details of the battle of the 4 points and the discovery of the queen's fortress afterward, that he doesn't already know.
We are going to put an end to her, today. Can you or any of your Silent Blades support us? He inquires. For the good of the Undercity and all of Ark and Enderal
Me, no Dagroar reaponds I've been ordered to stay put here for the time being. My men are stretched relatively thin at the moment. We can't afford to lose the wall if the rioters come back. I'm sorry Poppo.
I understand Dagroar. I hope when this is done, there will be no more riots. Thanks, until we meet again.
Poppo gives Dagroar a respectful nod, hands him a lemon, and then races off into the Undercity, and toward the Putrid Grove.
But first, he heads to the warehouse. Once there he moves in and checks to see if the cursed item still sits upon the desk were he left it. If it is he leaves it alone, and moves into the sewers and up to a certain door.
Me too Mr Hedgehopper, stay safe down there! Dagroar says as the wooden gate is opened. Then you begin making your way to the Putrid Grove.
You enter the warehouse, ita deadly quiet many of the crates that where here have since been taken. Either scavenged by thieves, gangs, or someone else. The small doll still sits on the desk, but appears to have moved from its original position. You leave the raggedy doll sitting there and make your way down to the Beartilde Crypt.
You walk on quiet stone and down the stairs, pulling a nearby stone brick from the wall the familiar secret passage opens up. As you walk down the narrow hallway the key in your hand trembles and you feel the brand of Master Mirror growing ever hotter.
Finally you stand at the stone door arcane runes engraved around its edges. The brand burns leaving a searing pain down your entire arm, but then the pain fades and the once magical arcane runes become dull. The key in your hand trembles and almosr pulls itself toward the door like a magnet.
Poppo nerves frayed, heart pounding, places the key in the lock, and turns it if able. Then, again if able, he pushes the door open.
As you go to put the key in it practically flies out of your hands and twists on its own. The door opens slightly releasing a large amount of dust. You push the door open and inside see a sarcophagus made of stone depicting a bearded warrior with a greatsword.
Poppo peers around carefully.
And creeps in toward the sarcophagus.
He examines all he sees. Looking for things that go bump and hidden things as well.
You look around you dont see anything apart from writing on the sarcophagus that reads "Rory Beartilde" along with warnings saying not to open the sarcophagus. You approach the sarcophagus, nothing happens.
What are you doing Hedgehopper! Okay Rory, sorry... Poppo mumbles incoherently as he tries to open the sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus looks to be very heavy and you are surprised at how easy it slides off, almost like a supernatural force assisted you. Inside you see the skeleton of a human, long dead. He wears a ceremonial breastplate and a fine robe. Besides from a signet ring on his pinky finger you see no jewelry on him. But most notably in the sarcophagus is a blade that is held in the boney grasp of Rory Beartilde.
The greatsword is two blades in one with a large gap separating both sides of the sword. Both sides of the sword are completely different. One side is red and jagged almost as if the sword is breaking, and has etched in infernal runes "A smile for my enemies". The other side is made of a pitch black metal and is razor sharp with not a single flaw, the infernal runes on this side read "A smile for my friends." The crossguard of the blade appears to be a horned skull that is white on one side and black on the other. Its made of a fine goldish metal. The blade known as "He Who Grins".
You swear you almost hear the sound of a distant violin playing the all to familiar song Gaunter O'Dimm as you look down at the sword.
Poppo lets out a long sigh at the site of it! Wow! A tingling goes down his spin. He also eyes the signet ring and lifts the bony hand to examine it as well, before even reaching for the sword.
He casts detect magic.
The ring does not detect as magic but you sense a very strong presence of enchantment magic from He Who Grin. The signet ring is the symbol of a bear.
Poppo attempts to lift the massive blade.
As you touch the blade your vision suddenly goes black and you begin to feel yourself go a million miles per hour. You begin to see lives once lived that have since been hushed but in these visions you are the person. A farmer, a blacksmith, a noble, a mother, the list goes on and you begin to lose track of everything. Then you hear a voice Master Hedgehopper? the voice of a man quietly utters before another voice this time a woman speaks We have been waiting for you. Another voice this time the sound of a dwarf We are He Who Grins. Yet another voice Pleasure to meet you.
Hi Everybody, I'm Poppo, but you seem to know that, how did you know I was coming? He thinks and also speaks out loud.
The dwarven voice says again The Master in the Mirror told us so. The woman says You are our new master are you not?
Yes I am! I just didn't know the Master in the Mirror could speak to you, but it matters not. Remember I am the master now. And we have ours enemies to smile at today. Are your ready?
Yes the voice of a gruff man says O'Dimm speaks. The womans voice Speaks to us all.
Suddenly your vision goes back to normal and you are clutching He Who Grins but instead of a sword, the weapon has morphed into an axe. It looks the same with one red jagged side and one black perfectly sharp side. Does this form please you master?.
Yes it does! Let's go.
Poppo decides to leave the signet ring. He places a lemon in the corpse's hand and slides the lid back onto the sarcophagus, if he can.
Then he stores his boarding axe in his backpack; and examines his new tool.
What can you do? He thinks to He Who Grin.
He Who Grins
Aura: Moderate Necromancy
CL: 6
Slot: none
Cost: ?
Category: Weapon
He Who Grins is +2 weapon that has the ability to transform into any slashing weapon of any size category. Upon first picking up he Who Grins it will automatically transform into the wielders preferred weapon. He Who Grins can be changed to any slashing weapon during a long rest.
The weapon always has two sides that each have a special property. The wielder of He Who Grins must declare which side of the axe they use before they attack. The jagged side of He Who Grins deals an additional 1d6 slashing damage. The razor side side grants an additional +2 to hit.
He Who Grins also allows the wielder to cast false life as a swift action at caster level six.
He Who Grins also has the ability to absorb souls upon delivering a killing blow to a living being. The soul becomes trapped within the weapon and the voices of the deceased can some times be heard within the head of the wielder. The weapon is not considered intelligent.
Where do you go now Poppo?
Poppo sheaths Grins and heads out.
Poppo arrives at the Putrid Grove; finding whoever he does, I need to see Francis!
As Poppo runs off and leaves Nalia standing with the wretched half-elf, Vynya stares after him, longing to join the famous halfling in his adventures. When Nalia addresses her by name, Vynya lets out a squeak and involuntarily goes into a curtsy. She stumbles over her words as she tries to answer the tall woman's questions as she similarly stumbles over her feet trying to keep up with the warrior's determined stride.
Ah, um, powers? My great Lady of the Sword, I don't have p-powers. I merely dream dreams and see visions. I don't know if I have any powers that can match your might or that of your diminutive but puissant ally. Vynya looks down at her dirty rags and filthy feet. I..I grew up in the Undercity, I think. I can't really remember most of my life, at least nothing beyond the last few years. I woke in a gutter and have lived there since.
I used to try to warn people when I would get visions, but no one ever listened to me. Sometimes, I will wake up in a totally different area of the city and with cuts or bruises that I can't remember obtaining. Starting to warm up to the kind aura that Nalia radiates, Vynya begins to speak quicker and reveals facts she's never shared with others. So is the effect of Nalia, Chosen of Malphas. And..and sometimes...sometimes I hear voices. Voices of people long gone...long dead. They tell me things and warn me of danger...Like, like if an unseen man is coming after me in the dark, I hear a voice of a kind old man who tells me to run. Once...once I slipped and nearly fell into the path of a rushing wagon with 2 horses, but a strong Orc woman commanded me to tumble...and...and I did! And one time... Vynya again looks hesitant, but continues in a lower volume. One time, a man came after me to do unspeakable things. I...I could hear his thoughts, and see into his mind. Wretched horrors filled him. As he reached out for me and I could feel his sweaty hands grope my blouse, I could reach into his mind and I...I squeezed his mind. He stopped grabbing me, but he also stopped moving, so I ran. She pauses momentarily to see if Nalia rejects her, but seeing her encouraging look, the half-elf continues, And lately, oh glory, I have seen the adventures of the Four Heroes! Like the stories of old come to life.
Later, at the tavern, Vynya sits near Nalia and seems to try to shrink into her chair as others come to the table. When the door bursts open, Vynya gives a little shriek of surprise, but then jumps to her feet and hops about excitedly while clapping her hands. Doing an odd looking dance, she chants: It's HIM! It's him, it's him, it's him!!
When Archie continues his story to his "babes" after he enters, she stares at him, mouth agape awkwardly. As he introduces himself to Nalia, she continues to look entranced and hangs on every word that he says , and believes every word that he says...
To Nalia's question about Archie, Vynya gushes, Oh, yes! It is he! The one that I saw after the funeral. The dark one who will bring light. The killer who brings life! The terror that flaps at night and brings comfort to those who walk in the day!!
I thought all was lost with Herald BobE and sweet Turngut lost, but now...now we again have hope! If you will have me, oh great Lady of Light, I will aid you as long as I am able.
The plump guard with a breastplate stands guard at the Putrid Grove and lets you in He's in his office.
In the office of Francis Bedlam the King of Beggars you see the bald rogue sat in his chair. Going over some documents Ah Mysir Hedgehopper, what a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you?
Jeeze louis, this ones a braggart after my own heart MacGuire laughs But eh might want to cut down on the nicknames, quick way to run out of breath.
Elnil you say? Pearson says You best not be doing any necromancy it's not appreciated by folks around here especially the paladins of Malphas.
Aye! And the bloody city watch. MacGuire taps the sigil of Ark on his tabard.
Dealt with too many undead in Crowhall! Thraduik utters before standing up and grabbing his crossbow. Well what are we waiting for? Lets go avenge our brother!
You notice the violin music has stopped and walking over proudly with a dire badger following behind is Otir Teague Mylady Nalia! Teague gives a wink looking at the rest of the group of people that he doesn't recognize The rest of you. I couln't help but overhear you're going to take down the "doppelganger" Queen. If she has anything to do with my capture followed by my valiant escape, of course thanks to you. I would be happy to assist if you were to pay me a small sum of the gold earned from the this excursion.
Teague then looks at Vynya with a smile Think I recognize you, saw you around in the Undercity a few times. People call you crazy but I do have to say that you hanging out with Nalia makes it seem like you keep good company. But my dear you are filthy! Lets say after this battle I take you to the finest bathhouse and get you looking good and clean.
I would be happy to offer my services for a modest sum of 1,500 gold pieces or the equivalent in magic or precious items. I still have that fancy suit of armor as well if you'd be willing to trade at some point. So my dear lady Nalia, do we have a deal?
Blimey this bloke talks a lot doesn't he? MacGuire says under his breath not realizing that he himself talks a lot.
Clearly uncomfortable at the attention from Teague, Vynya blushes deeply and pulls at her rags. I...I thank you, kind sir. She mutters, ashamed at her sudden realization of how she must look while in civilized company. At the mention of 1500 gp, Vynya's jaw drops open, having never had more than 15 cp at any one time. Wide eyed, she looks to Nalia to see how the storied warrior will respond.
Good day, Francis, we are moving against Vatyra in her lair. Can you support us? Poppo asks bluntly.
Many of my men were killed during the Dance of the Four Points, including Ib. The battle left the Guild of Beggars weak, we can't even protect are our own territories from smaller gangs. In all likelihood the Carvers will move in and begin taking over some of our territory. But I know Nernalt has the same ideals as me for the most part, so there are worse things that could happen.
He pauses and looks at you I understand the importance of taking down the Vatyra. They are a plague to this city and the Undercity. I just fear that if I send my remaining forces that all my hard work for the people will be lost. But he pauses I suppose the protection of my people against a syndicate such as the Vatyra should take precedence over the goals of the Guild. Even if it means the extinction of the Guild of Beggaars, we will answer the call to arms.
The other big three may yet assist you as well Francis adds The Carvers at the Undercity Bathouse, the Red Moth Syndicate in the Ratways, and the Forty Thieves in the old Undercity theater. You may want to try speaking to them as well.
I would hate to see The Guild fall, the Undercity needs it. But perhaps a few from the Beggars, a few from the Carvers, a few from the Moth's and a few from the Forty Thieves, and the other gangs may yet join forces and then we can rid the Undercity of the Vatyra, and then things can go back to normal or sort of normal.
Tell me where to find these groups and I'll go this hour and speak with them? Poppo says boldly.
And one more thing, when this business is done, I would like to know how to find the bounty hunter that was sent in to rescue me. I may have a job for him. If I make it back that is. Poppo delivers the goofy grin.
The Carvers are straight North from here, the Moths are North of the Four Points, and the Forty Thieves East of the Four Points. You talking about Hurak? He can be difficult to track down but he's an old acquaintance I should be able to point you towards him. Where should we meet you for the battle?
Archie throws an arm around the bard I can see a like soul of fine taste and refinement. Tell me, should we use rose scented water or lilac? I find rose is sweeter but lilac lingers longer. And for the clothes, Are you thinking riding skirts or breeches? formal attire would be better but not as practical. And what color? I would think a burgundy deep red with green frost trim would complement her features and heritage, but I may be mistaken. It all really does rely on the hair doesn't it? Maybe a short bob cut with part on the side. One side longer than the other maybe? What do you think? And who is a good tailor? Do you have an account with one? Time is of the essence here. Let me write down her measurements and you can send them to your people. I assume you do have people? and they start working on her outfits immediately and get her appointments at the bathhouse and hairdresser confirmed under your name for her while we are at it. Here I want to hear your thoughts on the hair and dress as I lead us to battle. Archie says as he leads the way to the door and holds it open for everyone so he can follow them. He also jots down V's "measurement" and hands them to the barkeep to send to the bards tailor.
Okay Nalia and the others are coming here. Wait for them gather up and meet me and any of the other I'm able to gather up in the area near the fortress. Poppo says and prepares to head out.