nightdeath
|
"I trust that you'll find a way I can neither confirm nor deny is such a thing exists." Hamaria answers in response to Khellek.
She stands by ready to send you off and once given..........
Without a word, Hamaria Blakros and the Blakros Museum disappear in a gale of muted black wind. Like a hurricane’s eye, black, blue, and violet motes turn at impossible speeds before suddenly slowing. As the storm gale fades, the area beyond the pastel winds comes into focus. Buildings made of light gray stone and streets of pure obsidian materialize around you. The sky above is a gloomy collage of grays and blacks, and a pervasive dim light blankets the area. This light has no discernible source, though stronger light sources dangle from braziers attached to the sides of simple stone structures and soaring jagged towers alike.
Over the past four years, the Onyx Alliance has undergone a drastic shift in its policies and leadership. No one knows the full scope of the coup that took place. However, it’s clear that things have changed. The Alliance is even thought to be sending envoys of peace to their longtime enemies, the Light Weavers’ Guild.
Since its recent changes, the Onyx Alliance has stepped up recruitment, offering new and veteran agents alike access to an impressive array of equipment. While most of these items rest within the Onyx Repository, a nearly unassailable fortress and heart of Alliance activities, a second storehouse exists within the city. The Wightir House was once used as an experimentation lab, but the Alliance’s new leadership
has since repurposed it. Rumors suggest that the Wightir House is now a storage site containing various relics for Onyx Alliance use.
Lasaraleen
|
Lasaraleen will tap herself with a touch of glory before trying to gather information.
diplomacy+glory: 1d20 + 13 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 13 + 9 = 42
Wow, the people are like so totally friendly here. Even like the Onyx Alliance. Since its recent changes, the Onyx Alliance has stepped up recruitment. Rumors suggest that the Wightir House is now a storage site containing various relics for Onyx Alliance use.
She shares the rest of the information in the spoiler(s).
Polanco Goldhammer
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Polanco gathers his stuff and goes to everyone AWRIGHT iT LOOKS LIKE FIVE O CLOCK NOW And begins imbibing.
Khellek the historian
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Khellek considers what he knows of the planes.
Take ten on planes for... 32
Khellek nods to Lasaraleen. "Your information agrees with what I too have heard. If the artefacts are here, there is a good chance they will be kept at Wightir House"
He thinks for a moment or two. "I wonder how solid their agreement with the light weavers is.. if we could sew discent there... " he ponders out loud.
He hums a little number as Polanco takes a swift drink. Which doesn't stop him giving the dwarf a Hard Stare(tm).
"Now is not a good time to over indulge."
nightdeath
|
Based on the party's map, you have landed in the middle of a desolate street in the Near Glare di strict. This district’s name refers to its proximity to the Glare, which makes it brighter than the rest of the city.
Map on Slide 4
The place though brighter then the rest of the city fails to hide the fact that its atmosphere feels almost oppressive.
Where does the party wish to go now?
Khellek the historian
|
"I think we should find an inn or other place in which to get our bearings." suggests Khellek.
Looking around he adds, quietly "and keep our voices low. I'm sure Shadow Absalom is as vibrant as the real place, so all sorts of folk will be here, ready to prey on the unsuspecting. Can anyone recall where the Wightir house is?"
Numair Salmalin
|
Numair shrugs.
"In our initial briefing (Slide 2) were we not told to seek out Dreng near the Glaresight Inn for assistance, if we ended up in Shadow Absalom? Perhaps we should head there, first...?"
Khellek the historian
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Khellek nods "Yes, yes.... all this searching the museum and not having time to properly examine things is obviously getting to me. I really don't like being rushed."
He nods to the elven sage. "Makes you wonder how they knew we might end up here doesn't it..." he adds slyly.
"Glaresight Inn first stop!"
nightdeath
|
Travelling to Glaresight Inn is easy and once there the party is swift to spot the inn’s proprietor with the aid of a patron, Antos Raul, a tall male half elf. His clothing is mostly simple and practical, but he wears a fancy ruby earring in his left ear.
Khellek the historian
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Khelelk makes sure his wayfinder is well hidden. and probably would have done so before arrving in the shadow plane.
Once at the inn, Khellek peers into the gloom looking for Dreng.
Taking off his glasses doesn't seem to really help, so he peers around, looking for a "beggar" who might be Dreg in disguise.
Lasaraleen
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Lasaraleen will try to find Dreng as well. Prior to entering the inn she will give herself a touch of glory for good measure.
The Inn seems the best place to look based on the clues they gave us.
perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Doodlevain "Doodle" Montafescue
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Doodle stayed quiet and followed the others. This place felt creepy and she felt very unnerved during the exploration,
Khellek the historian
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As he walks the streets, Khellek does what he can to produce a small sketch map of the area, and takes copies notes on how particular well-known structures vary between the two versions of the city.
"Interesting that the Glare seems to be sitting in the same place as the StarStone cathedral... or did I get that wrong?" he muses to himself.
"I wonder if aspirants who fail the very first test end up here?"
nightdeath
|
Looking around, the pathfinders do not find the familiar figure of Dreng. Even if disguised, it doesn't seem that their skills are able to locate the sly and resourceful venture Captain. Perhaps someone might know.
Lasaraleen
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Lasaraleen will ask the innkeeper if they know of anyone matching Dreng's description.
We were hoping to meet an associate here. We would be most appreciative if you could point us in the direction.
diplomacy, glory: 1d20 + 13 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 9 = 30
If that needs to be a gather info check...same roll I guess.
nightdeath
|
The Innkeeper studies the lot of you, his eyes roaming over each of you though his eyes linger longer on Lasraleen then most. It also appears that he doesn't seem to care much for the shorter members of the group.
"Greeting oh fair one, What brings one such as you to the dreary deeps of this place. A shining light such as you burning with luminescent radiance seeking an associate? Pray tell me what is this person's name and if you'd like we could retire to somewhere more private....just between you and me that is."
Doodlevain "Doodle" Montafescue
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Doodle didn’t like the implication the innkeeper made about her friend. ”How about we all talk right out here in the open?”
Khellek the historian
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Khellek looks around the shady inn and shakes his head at Doodle.
"There are many of us and one of him." he says, before pointing around the dim room. "But even more ears out there. Somewhere more private might be quite appropriate."
Lasaraleen
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Lasaraleen smiles as the man starts to talk but then can barely hide her disdain for his unwanted suggestions.
”Someplace private to talk would be wonderful. But we will all be talking. Anything else will have to wait for another time...and another shining light. “ she smiles
nightdeath
|
The Man grins.
"Only when said ears are out to hear what interesting people like yourselves have to say. I am outnumbered after all." he looks around and buffs his nails.
"I am Antos Raul if you didn't know already. I also am the owner of this fine establishment. So what service may I provide you?"
Khellek the historian
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Lowering his voice, Khellek suggests. "We are seeking a beggar.. by the name of Dreng."
He offers a shrug. "We heard he might be here."
nightdeath
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"Dreng you say? Can't say I know anything about this fella you speak off. Perhaps you might want to find another path to check if anyone else has sen or heard such a thing?" Antos replies to Khellek and puts on a show of looking at Laraseen's neck....or perhaps lower........
Khellek the historian
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Khellek sighs, and puts his satchel aside, rummaging around in it.
Papers slip out, and as he fumbles around to put them back in a shiny wayfinder is able to be seen... but only by the barman.
"Where might we find such a path?" he asks.
Lasaraleen
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Lasaraleen frowns
”So hey! Who else might know about him? Any other shops in this town? What about other lodges, chapters or temples? “
nightdeath
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Without missing a beat as he leers at Lasaraleen, he replies to the Scholar.
"Finding a path is indeed not so easy for those without the means to do so and while you may ask around, no one has ever seen him before." he points out.
"In fact perhaps one with a right glove of sliver might point out a way in the Quiets."
Khellek the historian
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Khellek starts playing with the words in his head, murmuring under his breath.
"Right glove of silver? Correct precious gauntlet? Entitlement, sparkle..." with a sigh he offers a nod to the barman, sensing he is unlikely to get any further clues.
"We might be best heading to the Quiets, and seeing if the clue makes sense there."
Lasaraleen
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”Well then, the Quiets it is! “
nightdeath
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Polanco arches his eye Do ye always speak in riddles? Whats a right glove of silver?
"And here I thought you lot would be brighter since the one you speak of gave me instructions to give his clue to. This is not bright Absalom." he turns away.
"Dreng told me if you should could come while he's out, that I should tell you the stakeout location he's hanging at today. There's a small open area amid an otherwise crowded district due south of here, known as the Quiets. Dreng will be in disguise though; however, you can recognize him by the fingers of his right glove as they are coated in alchemical silver..."
"There are other powers and forces that rule this place. You'll do well to keep your wits about you." he remarks as he begins to polish a glass.....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------
The buildings in the section of Shadow Absalom know as the Quiets are densely packed; making your way through the narrow streets feels similar to navigating a maze. Most of the buildings in this area appear to be unoccupied, with their residents out performing their daily routines. Due to the nature of the Shadow Plane, the light here is dim.
While you know Venture-Captain Dreng was reported to be in this area, you have no idea exactly where...
The search will have to begin here.
Slide 5.
Starting area in green box
Khellek the historian
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Khellek eyes every street and dark corner with suspicion. Still, he can't help but note the similarities with the real city... and the differences. Notebook in hand, he unfortunately does look a bit the part of a tourist.
Lasaraleen
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Thank you Antos for your totally helpful assistance. We will possibly see you on our return.
Lasaraleen will share the info conveyed as soon as she has a moment with the group away from others.
nightdeath
|
Perception and moving about the maps may get you something. My apologies, the scenario seems to imply that the PCs move and wander about on this map.
Doodlevain "Doodle" Montafescue
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Perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Doodle mills about the area, looking for anything that stands out to her.
Doubtful
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The dwarf's eyes easily penetrate the gloom, but he still doesn't trust the place at all.
He starts slowly down the narrow street directly ahead, eyes peeled for the inevitable trouble.
Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
"Ya, 'cause this looks safe." He mutters, generating gloom all his own.
nightdeath
|
Yikes no one's on the map other then Khellek?
Doubtful's paranoia serves him well here as his hearing picks up a soft whispering of a conversation and his eyes tracks a group of people.
Four of them seemed to have being heavily armed while one of them wears a silver glove.
Feel free to move your avatars from the starting point.
Lasaraleen
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Lasaraleen tries to keep up with the wandering dwarf in the gloom.
Expecting a diplomatic meeting, she taps herself with a touch of glory as she sees Doubtful stop.
Khellek the historian
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Khellek hustles to stay with the group. Following Doubtful's eyes he spies the gloved man. Giving the dwarf a nudge he suggests "Want to say hi?"
Doodlevain "Doodle" Montafescue
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Doodle follows up with the group. ”Are any of you going to go talk to him? If not, I could try,” Doodle offers.
Khellek the historian
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With a sigh children Khellek gathers his robe about himself and cautiously approaches the man with the silver glove.
"Good day to you sir." he calls out from out of sword-range.
"I'm slightly off my beaten path and was hoping to find someone.. Maybe you have seen him?" he asks slyly.
nightdeath
|
Sense Motive for anybody else approaching the group.
Else Diplomacy.
Buildings range from 20 to 30 feet high.
Khellek the historian 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17
Lasaraleen 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (9) + 16 = 25
Doodlevain "Doodle" Montafescue 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
Doubtful 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (10) + 16 = 26
Polanco Goldhammer 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27
Other then Doodle, everyone notices the quick finger movements to be Pathfinder signals for 'Retreat'
Numair Salmalin
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Noticing the hand gesture, Numair raises his hand in a placating gesture.
"I'm sorry - I mistook you for someone else."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (8) + 21 = 29.
He then backs away.
Khellek the historian
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Khellek gives Polanco a gentle push backward as he beats his own retreat.
"Well... if we are not wanted here.." he says, looking around.
"I can see why it is called the quiets." he starts.
nightdeath
|
Polanco senses the approaching men tensing as the pathfinders come forward, their hands towards their sword hilts ready at just the..................
Only for Numair's words to cut through the rising tension like a hot knife through butter with his apology. Khellek's actions of pushing everyone else away helps too as the approaching men relax.
As you move away the group, your last sight is of the group approaching the one whom you believe to be Drandle Dreng....................
Minutes later a whispering paper flutters/floats towards Khellek.
See you in the Inn. it whispers as it fades away.