Serill passed the night in a much looser manner than was his custom. He woke up with a headache from the strong drink and 2 women(an elf and a half-elf) in his bed. Feeling embarrassed and not his usual self he quickly arose and dressed and tried to clear his head, hoping he had not made any large scene last night but his memory was foggy. As the fog cleared he groaned as he remembered his actions. Try to forget and hope no one says anything. He would never be able to forget. Wishes weren't always as great as they seemed...
Downstairs he nods to the invited guests he met shortly last night as he thanks their host for the food and eats slowly. He began mentally preparing some of his spells while he ate robotically. He barely noticed what the host said until the bracelet appeared in front of him and suddenly what he said clicked. 25,000 gold pieces and perhaps more. Enough to jump start my own endeavours much sooner than I thought.
"I believe this tomb is important to someone important to me. Or perhaps someone that wants me gone. I can think of several who opposed me being given my position of emissary. Would you be able to tell me the name of the one who pulled the strings for me to be invited here? If I were to die in a tomb they will give me honours and seconds later be replacing me with someone they prefer. My good host perhaps my life is not entirely mine. I go not for the gold, useful though that will be, I go for knowledge, much like you. I believe we are very similar you and I."
Annwyn is far from comfortable with the succubus and magical compulsions around, but listens as their employer as he outlines his offer, "Very well, I suppose I may as well accept. I suppose it sounds like a bit of an adventure, really, and I'm not exactly afraid of death. And clearly, you wanted me specifically, or else you wouldn't have gone to all this trouble."
Well, it's also clearly the plot that you accept the quest.
What is it with you and this 'plot' thing, anyway?
Like I said, don't worry about it. Why do you trust this guy again?
I don't. But if we find anything super dangerous, we can just send it off to Weylas to deal with.
Fair. I hope he can't read minds, though.
The succubus winks at Rosa, not appearing fazed by the intimidation at all. In her lovely voice she responds to Rosa's request, "Lizen Resterran. Is there anything else you require?"
Responding to Lidras the host replies, "I am sending you to collect information on this tomb, what else would you ask be specific and I may have an answer for you. I do not know, there may be a gate to the abyss. We know a massive telepathic scream came from it when it appeared whatever that means. Soon after all sorts of protective spells were put in place or reactivated to keep our spells from learning much."
Responding to Serill the host says, "Taralor sends his regards, though he had other business and could not attend himself."
Hey! Also, busted!
Shut up. Anyway, sorry about...thinking about turning Evil artifacts over to the forces of Heaven? I'm going to do it if we come across the Book of the Damned or anything like that, just a heads-up. My duty to the Upper Planes is beyond anything you could pay.
"So be it. I'm ready to go as soon as my companions are." Annwyn says, looking at an empty patch of air over her shoulder.
Serill almost chokes on his food at the mention of his old mentor. He is alive! He thought to himself. His whole countenance changed for a moment until he realised he was not alone. "Dear Taralor, I have not seen him for some time." A thousand thoughts raced through his mind, was Taralor angry about his management of the estates? Where did he go? What did this mean for his future now. Was he enemy now or old friend? "He taught me many things. I am ready to begin." He could not be sure, but he hoped Taralor wasn't trying to have him killed. He could be manipulating him, that was the most likely possibility Serill could think of. I must be even more careful.
[ooc]I like it, it makes sense that she would, not often do you have someone able to read your thoughts and give you some perspective. Oh I know the imaginary familiar is awesome! ;)
'Don't worry about it, I am listening in on your thoughts it is rude of me but necessary. Oh! I like that idea so much better than trying to destroy them. Redemption is always so fun! I would love the chance to deliver some evil artifacts to heaven with you if you wouldn't mind some company.'
"Once you are all ready, or even just the ones who will be joining are ready you may go to the basement of the building and jump into the gate prepared. Your group will be 50 miles South of the tomb. I have prepared a guide for you."
---Edit---
The host happily relays to Serill, "Taralor is healthy and pleased with you Serill. Once his quest is accomplished he will meet you at the tomb, you will have time to catch up."
The man is in green robes and has kept himself from the rest of the heroes. He sits at the farthest seat from the host and waits. In a gentle voice that seems like it might break he says, "I come because I was called. As my path is put before me by others. Now the one I would want to meet is Lidras." He gets up slowly and passes those seated between him and Lidras and stands near the elf. Holding a cane that most of his weight is upon. The old man with dark skin just sternly looks at Lidras.
Great. So he's even more imaginary than I thought?
But you can still hear me? Interesting.
I suppose I understand the utility of it. Forgive me if I don't fully trust you yet- all this show and dance you put on for us seemed... excessive for someone with purely benevolent intentions, but perhaps I misjudged. I'm willing to work with you on these sorts of endeavors- being a librarian again was starting to get a bit boring and I'd be moving on soon anyway. May as well become a professional adventurer again, it was fun last time.
Davian reclines back in his chair, with his hands folded behind his head. "Well, lădîeș ând genţlemen, îț îş moşţ forţuîţouş țhăț you hăve ămong your number a clerîc of Deşnâ, Lâdy Luck herșelf. Î șhăll do my uțmoşţ țo măke șure everyone geţș băck âlîve, ând very weâlţhy."
"But before I send you off, please answer this one question why go to the tomb? Is this enough of a cost for your life?"
Grod shrugs. "There is evil in that place. It cannot be allowed to stand. Better that I take the burden of ending it upon myself than leave it for one less prepared to bear it."
Brand had risen early in the morning, and taken to his rituals of exercise and prayer. Joining the others downstairs, he listened carefully first as the masked man made his proposal, then as each of his potential allies replied in turn. After some time, the halfling offered his thoughts. "this dungeon, for sure, seems to be a source of some great evil. I was sent forth across the realm seeking such things, and for this reason I will investigate it. Yet, I find it strange that you would offer a fortune in return for simply information. It is indeed strange, that you offer us employment with such high pay and yet have not revealed your name, face, or identity. What part do you plan all this? Are you the shadowy benefactor? Are you the power player manipulating his Pawns? Or perhaps the madman, who plans to kill us all once we return with the spoils? it is unknown, for you have shared no such information that would point to your methods and ideals. Before I depart for the dungeon, I would know something of you."
Grod shrugs. "There is evil in that place. It cannot be allowed to stand. Better that I take the burden of ending it upon myself than leave it for one less prepared to bear it."
Rosa sits bad and looks over at Grod.
"Paladin, let me put your strait on something, It has been said to me, more then once, that. I am an evil person who dose evil things for the good of all. So.. be.. very.. very careful.. what words you use when describing your intent."
She says this with a smile, not a threat, but behind that smile there is a seriousness.
Then she looks over at her host.
"I am here because someone had to be."
And leaves it at that.
Rosa looks over at Lidras.
"Sarcasm often tells one far more about it's originator than it's subject. Interesting that you got my meaning as ignore evil. I have to say thank you for the insight into your way of thinking."
and smiles.
Not that I can remember, but I also am acutely aware of a period of time where I have no memory, during which Ehtel first showed up. And now he refuses to tell me what happened, but he knows.
Trust me, you're better off this way.
[i]Sure....
"Evil can never drive out evil. Only good can do that." Annwyn comments absently
"Drive out evil"
Then she busts out in laughter, head back, from deep down the sound comes.
"O..O.. let me get my breath back"
She gasps for air.
"Sorry it's been so long."
she slows down to chuckling and adds.
"If you say so"
Aden shakes his head, noticing that his comrade Lidras is having fun riling up the others into a heated debate. Before it grows further, the diminutive warrior speaks, "Lords and ladies, it is the arrogant fool who believes that his path is the only way. I am but a simple man, yet I have worked with the hunter, Lady Luminass, and can speak to both her loyalty and tenacity. Who am I to question the Lady of Valor herself, who has sought the Dark Prince of Hell's council at times? Neigh, if we are to set off on this quest together, I would encourage that we put aside differences for the good of this land."
Turning back to their host, Aden smiles, anticipating their would-be employer's responses to his questions.
Davian digs into the sumptuous breakfast before him, listening to the back-and-forth banter with interest.
Rosa offers her water glass up in toast to Aden, and nodesher head once in acknowledgement of his words.
Serill finished eating then excused himself with a nod. "I will gather a few things and meet you all at the gate." He returned to his room, thankful to see the women had left and gathered his clothes and books.
Back at his lodgings his familiar Raden waited for him. "No messages or business while you where away. An eventful party?" The little pseudosphinx functioned as a personal assistant for the most part. "Quite. We are to explore a magical tomb. And I have learned that Taralor was behind my invitation. We must be careful." This news sent Raden running to hide behind a chair. Memories being stuck in a cage day and night came back.
It didn't take long for Serill to get what he needed. Packing his backpack full of as many scroll he could fit in it. Who knows what could be useful.
A little while later he was back at the mansion with Alagon and Raden. He quickly made his way down to the gate.
”There is no need of names when none is asked. The fortune is the price for your life as no others have returned yet. But I could make it less if you want. To answer your question I am the prime wizard in my company, you may call me Lord Valor. My company knows me as Bitten Valor of Brighton. Brighton was a noble town with its own magical academy. Its main source of revenue was mages, the land was infused with natural magics as it rested on ley lines. It was destroyed by a vile necromancer for the same resources. After his destruction I began to regrow the community but with so many holes to other realms I gave up on the endeavor until stronger. We would have returned and did in a way... closing most of those portals until we got caught on the wrong side as another force closed a portal behind us trapping us in your Golarion. We strive for Valor and to destroy the forces of chaos first and other powerful threats to these lands. In truth this is a trial run to see if any of you are worthy to refill our ranks.” Your host relays.
Your host, Lord Valor, suggests you to bring all you would bring when adventuring and you will have 50 miles to travel on the other side of the gate.
He mutters to himself and walks back to his seat, ”No fun indeed.”
After Lord Valor excuses the honored guests, Davian quickly returns to his room and gathers what's left of his belongings, which wasn't much else. The desnan cleric then walked to the designated gate room to start his trip into the unknown. Before anyone steps through, Davian quickly makes a prayer on everyone's behalf to Desna, Goddess of Travelers, to bless their journey.
A little while later he was back at the mansion with Alagon and Raden. He quickly made his way down to the gate.
Looking at the gate in the basement it is located in the center of the room like a pool of bright liquid. You could easily jump into it.
Going through the gate feels like plunging into a pool of water but not getting wet. You quickly emerge from the gate almost falling as it is positioned in a cliff overhang.
You see a mirror has been setup on the back of the cliff to allow the previous view, that is now ahead of you.
”Thank you Davian for that prayer! Now to traverse this gate... He says kindly in his old voice and the second sentence with apprehension. The old man clutches his cane harder, his knuckles going white from the grip.
As most if not all of the others leave. Rosa stays. As all she has she is already carrying.
"So your are form another plane then Lord Valor. I know of such things having been to a few in my years. Do you know of a place called Sigil, The City of Doors? I spent some time there a while ago."
She very much looks like she has done this before, many times by the looks of it. As agent of the Hells its logical that she would have just to get the prime and back. But there is more, the group is heading into the unknown and Rosa dose not seem fazed by this at all.
Rosa is very militaristic, checking her things and getting ready. Then without hesitation.
"Follow"
She moves up, looks at the gate she is 1st throw the water like skin of the gate.
She lands and grows to her full 16' dark wings come into being shielding the others coming throw the gate form the lizard like being watching and any harm coming that way. To this being she says.
She holds out her hand and into it her large black hell blade comes into being. Dark flames run down its length and it humms in a menacing way.
Serill is slightly apprehensive, having never seen a gate before. At least where they were going looked safe. Looks can be deceiving. Raden was on his shoulder and went first, flying through just ahead of Alagon. Serill hopped through stopping before almost tumbling off the cliff. Alagon and Raden waited some metres away perched near the edge.
He looked again when Rosa came through but could not see whatever she saw. "What do you see? Does something watch us?"
Serill is slightly apprehensive, having never seen a gate before. At least where they were going looked safe. Looks can be deceiving. Raden was on his shoulder and went first, flying through just ahead of Alagon. Serill hopped through stopping before almost tumbling off the cliff. Alagon and Raden waited some metres away perched near the edge.
He looked again when Rosa shouts but is unable to see anything. "Does something watch us?" He readies a spell in case.
As Sreill came through behind her, his familiars going around her. She says in a low voice in response to his question.
"Yes over there, by the stuffy long grass ahead, A green and yellow lizard like being. We need to have a words with it if we can."
"Yes I have heard of Sigil. I plan on going there, it is the highest chance of finding my home plane. But first I need some information." He finishes the statement with a chuckle and waves as each of you leaves.
At the mention of the little yellow and green lizard... it begins to move forward slowly at first and then it zips around almost too fast to see and stops in front of Rosa after circling a few times. In a happy unafraid little voice it says, "Welcome biggins! Would you be coming at Valor's call? If so I am your guide."
Ooh! That felt like cold wa"AAAhh!"
The varisian immediately has the feeling of failing as he leaves the gate. Despite his best efforts, Davian falls prone with a new ache in his side. "Ooff."
After he landed, Rosa followed with a deftness brought on by experience. Well, she does hunt souls across the universe, I suppose.
After Seril points out the unusual green lizard to them, it walks up and greets them.
In a happy unafraid little voice it says, "Welcome biggins! Would you be coming at Valor's call? If so I am your guide."
"Hello, lîțțle frîend", the varisian speaks as he bends down to address the talking lizard. "Your ăppearănce waș forțold to uș, buţ noț one șo şmâll. My năme îs Dâvîân. Whât îș your nâme?"
"I am the Sly... the three of you only? Is there more, surely more." He says in his little funny voice. He moves from one foot to the other and side to side as if he can't stand still.
Rosa dropped her combat stance, and with a single move placed her great black blade between her wings. On her back a device clicked and held it in place. The blade faded from sight.
She looked around at the others.
"It seems this thing is not a danger"
She reached into her belt pouch bring out a cigar, with click of her fingers she lit it and took a tote. Hold it in her teeth she took then a wayfinder out of another belt pouch. Looking close and checking its complicated instruments. One of the single needles point back at the gate way they had just come through.
"Interesting"
She jumped up once, and then held up a finger testing the wind. She walked a short way from the gate. Then putting her way-finder away she then took out a note pad and pen. writing some notes in it the note book.
He waits until someone give him a hand through the gate or until Lindras comes to the gate. When Lindras gets there he offers his free hand to the elf.
Grod waits and watches as the others pass through the gate. It is not a form of travel he has often used. While he does not fear it, neither does he see reason to leap blindly into the unknown. Once the others pass through in apparent safety, he steps forward silently, and emerges on the other side.
Annwyn restores her mount- an angelic unicorn with lightning crackling in her mane- from the small marble statue she had been in for the past few days, and rides it to the gate. She passes through with ease and waits on the other side as everyone else makes their way through, looking curiously at the others already conversing with 'The Sly.'
Davian leaps back slightly, making sure not to squash their guide, as Annwyn appears riding her unicorn.
The varisian gives a knowing nod and jab to the ribs to the hulking half-orc paladin. "Âh! Unîcorn", Davian whispers to Grod.
Rosa looks back at the shinny Unicorn.
"Keep low flying on that thing .until we known what may be out here."
she says
Serill observed the little creature, holding back his spell as it zoomed around them. "Sly? You are expecting us. I am Serill. Are they any others nearby? We don't want to accidentally hurt anyone we shouldn't."
Serill looks about as everyone arrives through the gate. Rosa was right about not knowing where they were. He signaled to Alagon to stay grounded for now. "Is this area safe Sly? Can we expect hostilities?"
Grod blinks once and then nods, not entirely certain what point the Varisian is making. "Indeed. A virtuous beast."
Cleatrly seeing the half-orc was not getting the reference, Davian whispered, "Î’ll explăîn lâţer", before Annwyn got too close.
"I think ye be safe, come, come, we still should not be out in the open." He offers as he zips forwards with the speed of a lightning bolt. He continues to stay ahead of the group waiting for them to follow at the next rise of a hill or visible spot. Unless someone calls out to him, then he would zip up onto their mount next to them.