Intrigued, Volkar follows Magister Tynan after handing his mount off to a groom. He picks up the man's desire not to discuss matters in front of the soldiers, and instead chooses a different line of questioning. "Tell me, Magister, what is your specialty in arcane studies? I myself have some inborn magical abilities, and I enjoy learning what I can from others."
Thorek nodded and followed after his comrades.
Sensing that the man had words for them that were private, he said ”Let’s not get in the way of yon soldiers. Got a place we can talk where it won’t cause them a bother?”
Rau follows with the group, curious to know what the man has for them that requires such privacy.
Tynan glances around, then turns to Volkar. "My studies are primarily focused on the divination school of magic. I was a soldier, but the arcane always called to me. I learned to use my magic to help the army develop their strategies - determining if one course of action would be more successful than another, finding likely locations for enemy activity, that kind of thing. Perhaps I can show you around my laboratory later?"
"For now, let's head over to the stables. The pages there will care for your animals."
Tynan leads you to the large stables where several young boys and girls run out to take your mounts. An older boy comes out and marks your names and descriptions of your mounts in a ledger, then hands you small slips of paper with numbers written on them.
Once that process is complete, Tynan motions for you to follow him, "Let's head to the guest quarters, you can stow your gear and have some refreshments."
He walks across the large bailey and into the main building, nodding to the guards who stand beside the large double doors. Entering the building leads you to a large room where a number of soldiers mill around. Four doors lead away from the foyer, and Tynan takes the eastern route. The doorway leads to a hallway with several doors. He takes you to the last one, opens it, then gestures you inside.
The room is a sitting area with sofas, chairs, and a table containing water, fruit, meat, cheese, and several small loafs of bread. Beyond the sitting area are two smaller rooms containing beds and small chests.
Tynan closes the door, "I must be brief - the Colonel is not your enemy, though he will be stubborn about some things. Do not expect to receive much from him. He will obey orders, but he will be difficult if you push too far."
"I have also had a vision I need to share with you: a grinning figure with jet black eyes, pointed black nails, and skin the color of bone sits atop a pyramid of dead and desiccated bodies. I do not know what it means, though I get the impression that the figure was lost, or hidden? I'm not quite sure. Sometimes these visions aren't very clear about the details."
"Please, come to my chambers after you meet the Colonel. He will send someone here when he is ready to see you."
Christian follows along and remains quiet as he takes in the fort. His eyes roam around to see if anything seems out of place.
When the are alone with Tynan....
Not a good thing to speak ill of your superior officer to people you just met....I would think things would be better here...is morale this low that you talk s&@$ about those above your rank?
Using the laps in proper etiquette, Christian presses on with his questions.
Lord Tynan, I am not fond of talking ill of those I have not met or those above my rank...you opened this door and it can not be closed so easily. I ask you...what exactly do you mean by "the Colonel is not your enemy, though he will be stubborn about some things. Do not expect to receive much from him..."? You can not expect anyone to leave such a statement alone without questioning it...Please be specific in your words. We have a hard and very important task that will take a lot of time to finish. We will need to know whose feather will get ruffled and how best to smooth them out.
Volkar nods to Tynan, and says, "I would be most pleased to do so. Thank you for the invitation. I, too, served in the army during the Crusade, though my powers seem to have manifested more as a means of directly attacking the undead. Hopefully, such divination abilities will come in time."
Volkar idly helps himself to some cheese as Tynan speaks, listening to his description of the Colonel and telling of his vision. He's amused by Christian's decision to focus on the least important part of Tynan's speech, in his opinion.
"I think what Tynan is saying is that the Colonel does not approve of our mission to Ustalav - at least, not in the way we're to go about it. He will only provide us the bare minimum amount of help he can, in accordance with his orders, and if we try to ask too much of the Colonel he'll become difficult to work with. Either that, or he thinks he should be in charge of this mission since he's already here, not us. I am more interested in the vision. This figure - would you say they looked undead, or something else?"
Christian looks at Volkar like a parent would their child, when that child answer a question that was obviously meant for the younger sibling.
Well there goes any chance I had at figuring out this guy. I will be hard pressed now to know if he was telling the truth about the vision. Volkar knows nothing about being tactful...too full of himself. How can anyone be that f!&~ing blind.
In a kind and pleasant voice...
Well thank you very much Lord Neska for that lovely answer.
He looks to Tynan and hopes that he will be able to determine this mans motives.
now that my chance to read him on a topic that I knew the answer to was ruined...I will just have to wing it and hope for the best.
Rau hangs back during the conversation, preferring to let others take care of things like this. He smiles slightly at the interaction between Christian and Volkar, and then prepares himself to see what this Colonel will have to say.
Azorious considers the description given by Tynan and if it might have pertained to the creature they encountered previously. "I would indeed like to discuss your vision later but remember many a skilled diviner has tormented themselves trying to unravel it's meaning only for it to become clear after it has transpired. If you have any skill at drawing perhaps you could fashion a picture for us to see your meaning clearer."
With the humans doing all the talking needed, Thorek twirled a dagger in his hand which wasn’t there a moment before. Still, he listened intently. The dwarf cared little about the hurt feelings of officers, but a vision? Those he put much more stock in.
Tynan nods at Volkar, "Aye, that's exactly my meaning. Be respectful and honest, and your meeting should go fine. Just go in with low expectations."
"As for the creature, it wasn't human, that's for certain. It had smooth skin, or maybe some kind of hard shell covering it's limbs. No body or facial hair. And its head sort of resembled a skull. I can certainly try to draw a picture. I'll work on that when I get back to my room."
Tynan bows and leaves, closing the door behind him.
”Pretty odd description. Wonder what it could be. Anyone know?” In truth, Thorek was asking the voices in his head.
"I had been thinking the thing we encountered before the Osteocene but with the more detailed description it doesn't seem to fit. No doubt there are various threats hidden in the dark corners of this land now."
A soldier knocks at the door and asks you to follow him. He leads you through the fort, past several sets of guards, and into a significantly nicer area. The floors are finished stone, and the walls are covered in a variety of artwork and tapestries. He leads you to a iron door, opens it for you, and gestures for you to enter.
The interior is covered in wood, with a raised chair in the center on the far wall. A military man, Colonel Uller you presume, sits straight-backed with his arms crossed over his chest. Several other soldiers stand to his right and left. The image of the Colonel sitting on the raised dias brings to mind tales of rulers who would raise their seats so they may still look down on those who stood before them.
Colonel Uller is a man with thick silver hair and a trimmed beard. He speaks in a direct tone, "I am Colonel Gerar Uller, commander of this Fort and the men who serve here. I have been ordered to assist you in your efforts. Though we have already defeated the armies that ravaged Ustalav, no doubt there are still some rats that need to be put down."
He gestures and one of the men moves forward with a sheaf of papers. He stops in front of you and offers them.
"Those are the latest reports from the surrounding areas. Some skeletons roaming a battlefield, a few kids found wandering in the hills, stuff like that. Shouldn't be any problem for people of your talents."
"If there are no questions..." he says as he rises, the note of dismissal clear for all to hear.
”Colonel. We’re just following orders. Like ye. We’re on the same side, doing what we can. Now, I’m nay a soldier. Ye’ll notice that we’re mostly devotees or Pharasma, or Magrim in my case. But we respect yer rank and what ye be doing here. We just ask the same courtesy in return, aye? And mayhaps together we’ll clear this bloody place out.”
Thorek noticed the soldier rolling his eyes, as well as the flick of the page. Calmly picking up the papers he flipped over towards that page.
Volkar notes the attitudes of the Colonel's men, and their subtle actions. A not very well-liked commander. Perhaps prone to boasting? Regardless, it looks like Tynan was right about him not liking us.
Volkar allows Thorek to speak to the Colonel, choosing not to say anything.
Strangely enough, the usual suspicious Rau does not read anything at all from the conversation, so he lets it continue as he quietly observes.
And the ruins of a village with dead left unburried under the sway of an abomination not far from here... these reports might be less than detailed than I'd like. Azorius held hit tongue to see the Colonel's response.
The Colonel nods at Thorek, "Of course, Master Thorek. I would expect nothing less from you, and should you encounter any issues from the men and women under my command, I request you let me know. And to be clear about this..."
He takes a few steps forward, then turns to address the soldiers standing in the room.
"This group is here under the seal of our Lord General, and on a mission of the utmost urgency. Extend to them every courtesy that you would extend to me or any of the other senior staff."
He turns back to you. "None would willfully disobey that order, you have my word on that. If there is nothing else?"
Tomas has had experiences with unpleasant commanders before, he stays quiet and observes the reactions f the men around Uller. 'All the credit and none of the blame.' He thinks to himself cynically.
He reads the proffered page over Thorek's shoulder.
"Thank you thats quite concise. I would not take up any more of your valuable time currently. It is good to see you have instilled in your men a just sense respect for their commander." Azorius inclines his head ever so slightly in a nod but otherwise stays neutral in tone and body language.
Volkar says, "Thank you, Commander, for your time."
Once the others leave, he will leave with them, and say nothing until they return to their rooms.
The Colonel nods his head, and exits the room through a side door, followed by the rest of the soldiers. The one who escorted you to this room in turn leads you back through the hallways to your own quarters, though he provides directions to Magister Tynan's chambers.
The Magister lives in one of the towers with his chambers occupying the first and second floors, while he uses the basement storeroom as his library and laboratory. Moments after you knock on his door, Tynan opens it and ushers you all inside.
"Thank you for coming. I see everyone, so it seems you made it out without causing too many problems."
[b"In any event, the main reason I wanted to speak with you is to discuss a theory I've been working on. I told you I have visions sometimes, which led me to study divination - to try and figure out how these visions happen, and to possibly control or direct them."[/b]
"Part of what concerns me is that Ustalav... excuse me, Former Ustalav, was a land drowning under insidious forces. The Whispering Tyrant. His most powerful servants. Cults of demons and devils. The corrupted nobility and various civic leaders. Have any of you ever wondered why such evil is concentrated in this location? Or why The Whispering Tyrant thought this would be the best place to establish his empire."
He shakes his head, "I do not claim to know the exact answer, but after having so many visions and waking dreams since I came here 5 years ago, I think I have an idea."
Tynan leads you over to a large wall that has been painted white. Upon the wall are a variety of notes and pictures pinned in a systemic manner.
He points to one, "See, this is early in Golarion's history, before Gods really appeared to us."
He moves to the right, "Here is another picture that shows the early Gods, enjoying their power.
Moving one more time, he stops, "But here is what I wanted to show you. This image depicts the Gods fighting against The Destroyer. See here, this is Sarenrae, Asmodeus, Torag, Calistria, Desna. They're all here. But look at this..."
Tynan moves closer to the image of Rovagug and begins pointing out figures that appear to be fighting along side The Unmaker.
"Who are these beings that fight beside The Destroyer, and where did they go when He was cast into the Pit? Well, I believe some of those creatures fell to Golarion, and even more dangerous, I believe some of them fell right here - in Ustalav. And now, for some reason, the signs I see are pointing to a resurrection of some kind, or a rebirth if that word better suits your tastes. If my theory is correct, I am extremely concerned about exactly what might be 'resurrecting' here on Golarion - especially if it was one of the beings allied with Rovagug The Destroyer."
”On our way here we fought a osteociene. From what I understand it is ancient monster, her kind was around before the Gods fixed things.” Thorek was more than a bit worried. Because there were likely more of those things around. One was bad enough. What were they going to do if they organized. ”Does that name sound familiar to ye?”
"Any tomb or jail would have to be either extremely well hidden or misinterpreted after all this time to go unnoticed."
Tynan visibly recoils at Thorek's words and his face twists with rage. "I know we have just met, but I cannot tolerate such blatant insults and disrespect. It seems I was wrong about you. Please leave now."
Thorek froze in confusion. And besides, he was listening to his great-great-grandfather. The dwarf had been an sorcerer! A point of some embarrassment in the family.
”Something is affecting Tynan that is similar to a magical compulsion. Seems like saying osteociene triggers it.” Thorek said this without giving any consideration to Tynan. ”Entire fooking country is crazy.”
Tomas blinked in surprise at Tynan's reaction to Thorek's words. He couldn't see what had set the man off? "What was it he said that you find an insult?" He asks politely, hoping to buy some time and keep the man talking.
Volkar is very confused by Tynan's reaction to Thorek's words. He says, "I apologize for any offense we may have caused. I assure, it was unintentional, what we did."
After hearing Thorek's words, Rau realizes that he will not be of much use in a delicate situation like this, so he simply hangs back but keeps his hands near his weapons in case of the worst outcome. While watching Tynan, he scans the room for any presence of aberrations such as the one they fought while en route.
Azorius bites his tongue while the others draw Tynan's attention. Clutching his symbol of Pharasma he asks the Grey Lady for guidance. Opening his eyes he starts to examine Tynan for magic auras.
Tynan glares at Thorek, then looks at Tomas. "What, you didn't hear what he said about my parents and sister?! And how did you even know about that?" he yells at Thorek. "They were good people, and those salacious rumors were proven to be false!"
He then gestures at Volkar, "Unintentional? That's a lie - why else would he bring up such sordid stories about something so personal?! They were my family! No, it was plainly intentional, and I bet somebody put him up to it. And I bet you're all in on it too - it's just one more conspiracy against me - seeing how I'd react after all this time. I'll tell you how I'll react - say something about my family of consorting with the undead one more time, and just see what happens!"
Tynan's face is flushed and his eyes are wide and darting about. His fingers twitch as he speaks, and it is very obvious that he is on the edge of some kind of breakdown.
Volkar considers something. They'd all heard the word 'osteiocene', but he'd heard someone bring up some sort of vicious rumor about his past that was clearly offensive to him. He wondered if other people would have this reaction - of course, testing wouldn't exactly be helpful to their cause, as it seemed to alienate any potential allies.
"No one will say anything about your family. We will go, but before we do, I want to let you know I agree with you about the possible resurrection of whatever beings were allied with Rovagug. I suspect we encountered one of them in an abandoned village about a day's ride south of here."
With that Volkar turns to leave, motioning for the others to go as well.
Rau makes a mental note to keep his eye on this obviously unstable magister, and turns to follow Volkar, leaning in to whisper to him as soon as Tynan is out of sight. "I suspect there are more creatures like that one we fought, and they seem to have some ability to cloud men's brains. We need to sort this out before we will have any chance to clear out this land."
"Tynan. As a wizard you are a man of learning so I will speak to you about plain facts. Have you cast any spells today or had any cast upon you, this may be very important. I am concerned someone is trying to take advantage of you." Azorius keeps a calm and even tone.
Thorek shook his head at the insanity of the world. "Don't know why, but might be best if I stepped out. Good luck lads." With a shrug the dwarf got up and walked out.
Tynan watches as Volkar, Rau, and Thorek get up and head toward the door. He turns to Azorius, and after a long moment, begrudgingly responds, "Nothing of consequence, first thing in the morning I have a short list of spells I run through. What makes you think someone is trying to take advantage of me? We're surrounded by hundreds of soldiers, who would be bold, or foolish, enough to bring trouble to my table?!"
As he speaks, Tynan's voice loses its volume and starts becoming calmer. While he is still not as calm and friendly as before, he is certainly not as angry and aggressive as he was a minute ago.
"I am detecting more than one aura as I'd expect. A necromantic one which could be a number of spells but also an enchantment spell... there are beneficial spells with reasonable length durations but most tend to be shorter. There are many more longer duration ones that are used to exert direct control or at least influence over individuals that I am aware of. I cast no aspersion upon you or your character but we have recently had a run in where a good man was twisted towards dark ends by supernatural means. You might forgive any well meaning paranoia on our part. You gave us fair warning of the Commander's disposition so I have no reason to wish you ill. But is the enchantment aura from a spell you cast yourrelf?"
Tynan's face twists in surprise, "No, I have no enchantments upon me - at least, none that I have cast!"
He quickly casts detect magic and takes a few moments to inspect his body. Cursing, he looks at Azorius, "You say you found a man who was twisted towards dark ends? Where is he now? I would speak of this condition with him if he can shed any light upon what's happening. To be subjected to magical powers without any spells or items focusing the raw arcane energy - that's unheard of!"
He pauses, "Perhaps my earlier words and tone were a result of whatever is affecting me. If so, please accept my apology. I will endeavor to look into this situation and provide updates as soon as I get them."
"Well this is where matters become more complex. That word Thorek used that incensed you, you said something about your family. The creature that had affected this man reacted similarly. I would respectfully ask you to tell me about it but I admit I can not make you."
Tynan's face flushes for a moment, then he speaks, "It was the single most devastating event I've ever been a part of - my family was accused of consorting with creatures from the lower planes. They were brought up on charges, and evidence was presented against them. It was, difficult. But after I heard about their predicament, I was able to prove the so-called evidence was manufactured, and that the accusations were the baseless endeavor of a business rival who felt wronged by my father."
"I have to admit, when I heard him mention it, I immediately flew into a rage. Such behavior is not typical of me, and I am very surprised that I became so enraged so quickly."
"You say that your friend said a word, and that is what caused my reaction? I wonder, could you write it down for me?"
He turns to a shelf and pulls out a few pieces of paper and a piece of charcoal.
Azorius writes down Osteocine "There's definitely something trying to influence the restoration of these lands." Azorious watches Tynan's reaction as he writes the word, waiting to see if there is a reaction and if so when.
Tynan reaches forward and turns the paper around to read it. His eyes widen slightly, and an involuntary shout bursts forth from his lips as he is thrust backward, falling to the floor in a heap.
He looks up, sees Azorius, and says, "My goodness, I must have fallen down. Good sir, care to help me up? I'm ever so glad you stopped by, I am Tynan, Magister of this Army. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, though I apologize for my present state. May I have your your name?"
Slight drops of blood can be seen at the corners of Tynan's eyes. The paper is scorched and burned, leaving no evidence of Azorius' writing.
A few moments pass and it becomes clear to Azorius that Tynan has no memory of recent events, the last thing he clearly recalls is turning in for bed the previous evening.
OOC: In game terms, this functioned like a "Symbol" spell, Tynan got a save, but failed it (he's around 8th level, so that should give you a good idea about the strength of the spell)
Azorius will keep an eye on the door and if any of the others enter make a placating motion. "I am Azorious Var, one of those sent to chart and help rebuild these lands. The two of us had discovered someone has you under the affects of a potent enchantment spell, we were trying to grapple the full extent of it. It seems there's an abjuration element that has done you some physical harm, it's potent enough that it should yet linger."
"You might have the urge to suspect me but I know you are a man of reason, why would I cast a memory altering spell on you and then immediately point it out. I'd like to return again and investigate in a more subtle manner if that is alright with you?"
Tynan stares for a moment, then fumbles around in his robes. He removes a small piece of leather with a dark scorched mark in the center. "Hmmm. Interesting."
He sets the leather on the table. "This is a protective ward that is set to dispel certain magics that target me."
Tynan looks at Azorius, "No offense, but I don't think you would be able to use any magic that would set this off. So I don't suspect you of anything."
"But as you obviously know something about what's happening, I'll be guided by your direction. Please return again at your convenience. I will be in the Tower for another 3 days before heading over to Grayce for a time."
-----
The village of Shade is almost exactly like you expected - a bunch of villagers and common folk all crammed into an area slightly too small for them to live comfortably. The tents and tarps that make up Shade are also far too thin to hide sounds coming from within. This gives the entire area an unmistakable constant white noise that permeates the town.
A few quick questions result in directions to the shrine of Torag. You note that it appears to be the only building in the area (other than the Tower) made of stone. The smooth sides of the rock and the tight joints between the individual blocks are either dwarven or magical in nature. Likely magic since the building does not show signs of weathering or wear.
You knock on the door and a few moments later it swings open. A dwarf wearing a gray robe opens and beckons you inside the small entry hall. "Father Dayn Hammerkin, at your service, may it please the Father. How can I help you?" he asks in a typical gravelly dwarven voice.
Volkar smiles and says, "Good day to you. We have been sent by Lastwall to clear up some of the problems still plaguing Ustalav. Among several reports we were given by the good Commander was a report of a boy and girl whom you have taken in - refugees from their village to the north. We'd like to talk to them and investigate their village to see what caused them to flee. May we do so?"