What seems to be a clerk approaches you in the lobby about an hour after you are left there by your new comrades. He asks if your name is Aikaterine and if you know of a Kyronai, Varocles, and Amphitryon. Once your identity is established, you are handed a few papers to sign. "It's all standard boilerplate stuff, who you report to, and the NDA. I would read over the NDA thoroughly though. Turn them in when you report to your handler tommorrow. Welcome to the company!" The clerk shakes your hand and leaves you to work on things. You are also handed a badge with your name on it.
There doesn't seem to be confusion over her face as the clerk describes non-disclosure agreements (if that is what it stands for). She has seen all manner of documentations over the years as a scribe. She will take note of the fine points before signing, and if reasonable, she will leave her signature in a most beautiful signature using her own pen dipped within golden flecked ink.
"Thank you for your kind welcome," she will reply sweetly with grace.
She will take her badge and press it in between her armor and her outfit (unless the others commonly wear it on their robes here). She will also inquire after the man's name before he leaves her; regardless of him being just a clerk. She is courteous like that. If he isn't too consumed, she will even converse with him in "scribe humor" before proceeding to read and sign.
Kyronai comes out later to find Aikaterine. He shows her where the break room and library are, and gives her the name of the inn they stay at and explains how it's subsidized as a perk of their job. (He assumes Cyrene has similar accomodations, but he doesn't know.)
Finally, he explains about Callie, their gnomish field liaison, and Callie's attitude problem, and how Amphytrion and Varocles don't antagonize her too much, and for the most part they all overlook Callie's persistent belittling.
"You are very welcome. My name is Marcus. " As you converse he walks you around office for a bit. The environment is professional but hectic as people rush to meet deadlines. After handing you the paperwork, he bids you farewell.
- Amphitryon, not being completely clueless (the massage was a clue even he couldn't miss) 'snuck' into her bedroll to 'keep warm at night.'
- Fade to black as required
Once back at base, so to speak, he went about spending his hard earned gold as quickly and as flashily as he could. Which meant that once he saw a suit of armor made out of mithral he had to buy it! While meeting the cost of the item required him to even pawn off one of his magical rings, he saw it as an investment worth making. Because at the end of the day, the armor wasn't just there to save his life, it also made him *look* heroic. And that alone mattered! There was also the fact that his old breastplate was just that, a breastplate. But this one? It was not only made out of mithral, but it was 'double plated.' Meaning that it included greaves, vambraces, and a *mithral* helm! Such extravagance was something usually reserved for kings, generals and the greatest of heroes. And while he knew that he wasn't any of the three, it was nice to at least look like one.
Varocles spends his free time praying, and preparing for the next challenges.
"They're having sex," Kyronai explained to Varocles one night during the journey home.
It was a simple case of WWZD?
(What would Zues do?)
She is open to having him there but is not committing. If he agrees, they would enjoy the evening.
Aikaterine will wear her badge proudly on her chest, just to the right of her bosom. The badge will be attached through a strap so that it is not puncturing her armor or clothing at all. She will take in the organized chaos of the office and considers if they need some streamlining of their processes. She will take it upon herself to mentally take note of each system and how it works to better organize it if one day they give her time and a reason. She does not reveal why she is curious. Marcus will just note that she asks many involved questions. After he leaves, she quickly finishes the form (probably the most beautiful writing/ink they've seen on it in a while).
"Oh, Kyronai. Hi there!" she smiles at him, entirely glad to see someone from the team. Her sorrow and loneliness of being abandoned seem to fade. As she is led around, she thanks him for the information.
"What experiences have you had with her? If she treats men this way, I wonder what she will treat me like? Did you anger her, or is it just the way she is?"
As she is talking about her, Aikaterine makes sure there are no gnomes nearby that may be listening in.
"We have only had the one mission where Callie was our liaison, and since we were in orientation together, I believe that this has been her first mission as well. Whether she is always like this or whether she is only like this towards us I cannot say."
Kyronai thinks about what he's just revealed, and then adds, "Yes, this has been our first mission for Zeus as actual employees, but I believe that for one or more of our previous missions we were indirectly working for the gods."
"Well, to be selected for the honor of serving the Gods, even indirectly, is a great honor."
Her body seems to wrap around itself shyly. She's a bit of a "fangirl," if you will, and the thought of being so close to the gods and not seeing them yet makes her anxious. Even while speaking to him, her eyes betray her occasionally to dart to and fro for a possible glimpse of one of them.
"It seems that your actions have been recognized if you are working here." She pauses a moment, "I suppose I am as well now. I consider myself blessed. What did you have to say to manage that?"
"It was more about actions than words," Kyronai replies. "I'm sure you'll have the chance to distinguish yourself."
"I am sure I will, now, I thought I spotted some snacks in the break room. Are those for gods only, or may my thieving fingers snag some? Also, where is everyone else? Why did they let you loose?"
Kyronai gestures that Aikaterine is welcome to the snacks.
"Well, we have just completed our mission to clear the compound where we found the Spartan and the mad doctor. I can't imagine that they'll expect us to take on another mission right away. But I also can't imagine that they'll wait terribly long, either.
"I'm assuming they'll notify us when they are ready to put us to work, again. In the meantime, Athens is very nice."
"I might have to re-explore it. It has been years since I have been here," she will volunteer to him as she moves to the snacks. "I suppose I should go visit my parents, pay some homage to Athena and Zeus in their temples while I'm here, and then find someplace to relax for a bit."
She will hold up her cestus, "Because of this, I don't exactly have a need for this sword anymore, and it'd be nice to have some gold on hand. I may visit the market. What are you going to do?"
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"Hookers and blow."
"Hookers and blow."
"After such an adventure, I should fill out my notes on what has happened. Later on, I'll use them in one of my plays."
Kyronai shrugs. "I'm something of an aspiring playwright," he says self-consciously.
"Hmm...Interesting. I love the arts," she will voice into the dream realm as she hugs herself in thought. "I myself have actually been a feature in some plays I've been told. I'm not sure which ones."
She actually seems to be telling the truth. Aikaterine is quite a wonder compared to the common woman who stays home and has 5 children. Strong, capable, intelligent, and a shapely body are all in her favor.
"Have you put anything out yet?"
"Not yet. Speaking of which, I need to get some of our experiences down on paper. I should head back to our inn."
"Mind some company? I'd like to hear some of what you all have done."
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"Hookers and blow."
Roughly a week later, all of you are called back to the company. You are greeted by Callie, bags under her eyes which are quite a bit bloodshot.
"The information you brought back was deemed enough to pursue this further. So after a little research, we have determined the most likely village that the note mentions to be a small town called Pelion which lies in the southeastern part of Thessaly. So your next assignment is to go to this village and investigate this lead. If you can find out who this "H" is and capture him, all the better. Just find out as much as you can. I suggest a low profile since you do not want to scare anyone off. Any questions?" She speaks with a yawn and a few blinks.
"Are you okay?"
A look of mild irritation is given to Kyronai as he calls attention to Callie's "state". If it was her burning the midnight oil, she would not wish someone to inquire if she was okay, essentially to point out how tired she looks. Hopefully, their boss doesn't take offense to it. "Pelion, I think I might have heard mention of it. We'll try to keep as low profile as we can."
Her voice is quiet, as though speaking to someone potentially with a hangover, and she is professional, as one getting right to the point.
"We may need to consult a map. I'm sure I've been to it or nearby it at some point, but all such little places are jumbled into unimportant categories in my mind and I can't recall...I suppose that shows you never know when you'll need to remember something useless."
"I come from Macedonia, just north of Thessaly, so this will nearly be home for me."
”Oh? Are there many Dwarven clans in the hills of Macedonia?” Amphitryon asked, genuinely curious. It had been a relaxing week, mostly spent cooking, training and lounging around. He was ready to be in the field again and was excited at the prospect of visiting a new locale.
Callie narrows her eyes at Kyronai which causes her to wince a bit. "I'm fine. Just working a little overtime."
You do not know anything about that part of Greece. You do sense however that Callie is irritable from fatigue and overall exhaustion. Combined with her overall lack of patience for this group for their nonsense(from her POV atleast), means that she is indeed not fine.
She then pulls out a bundle of rolled up parchments and hands it to Varocles. "Luckily, here is an admittedly incomplete map of the region. You will have to rely on your own wilderness skills to make up the difference. Included are some forms for reimbursement in case you need to grease some wagon wheels as it were. You all leave in the morning."
Callie narrows her eyes at Kyronai which causes her to wince a bit. "I'm fine. Just working a little overtime."
Kyronai nods, giving no indication that he's noticed Callie's or Aikaterine's looks.
"Included are some forms for reimbursement in case you need to grease some wagon wheels as it were. You all leave in the morning."[/b]
"Athens is on the coast. Southeastern Thessaly is on the coast. We could save time traveling by ship," he says to Varocles.
"Thank you for the map and forms," she volunteers to the gnome. "I appreciate the aid...I'm sure it didn't come easy. I know the expense and hardship of research a little too well," she jokes calmly with a charmingly soft smile on her face. She would shift slightly closer to the gnome, almost privately. She then will lower herself while her companions look over the map and discuss dwarves and travel methods. There, she could speak in low tones, "It's not fair that we got to relax a little, and you clearly have been putting in some hard work. Before we head out, if you would wish, I'm quite decent at massage. Could I give your shoulders a rub?"
As Aikaterine offered a massage, Amphitryon raised an eyebrow. A quip almost came out, but seeing the look on Callie's face he reconsidered such a dangerous course of action.
"Thank you but no. I do not fraternize at work. I am glad that someone appreciates hard work and research though." Callie nods before looking to Kyronai. "I will arrange passage with Captain Argus again. Then I will be taking a personal day to rest."
It was a sincere offer. A faint smile is given in response to her compliment and she will stand back up.
"It has been too long since I have been at sea. A couple of years at least. Great idea, Kyronai. I will go ready my things."
Until now and the time when Captain Argus and his vessel are ready, she will be studying about the region they are heading into, and if possible, the town they are headed to. What are its chief imports? What would be customary clothing? What would be religious mentalities? All such things would help them fit in better and she will purchase appropriate disguises.
"There are enough dwarves in Macedonia to be significantly represented in local governments."
Cyrene remains silent, fading into the background as the group talks to 'Callie' with obvious familiarity. This building, so full of hustle and bustle is deeply unsettling to her and she breathes a deep sigh the moment she gets outside.
"I will meet you all at the harbour in the morning?" She says.
Not much is known about this small village. It relies on its agriculture more than anything with a few imports from the bigger cities for the things that it cannot provide for itself. It is not exactly a hub of commerce. They worship the typical deities such as Zeus, Apollo, and Demeter as fitting a small farming town. They dress like typical peasants do though they prefer shorter sleeves and fabric that breathes as they work under Apollo's light most of the day.
The next morning comes and you all board the Frisky Satyr. Captain Argus greets you all again warmly. For the first few hours, the sea is calm and the sun is bright. However the ship starts suddenly rocking and no one can tell why at first. "Sea serpent!" Captain Argus yells pointing at a very large shadow in the water barreling towards the ship. It surfaces roughly 30 feet away from the ship and so does another of its kind right behind the ship! The crew start throwing harpoons and spears at them but the weapons bounce off their scaly hides.
These are Fanged Sea Serpents and are aquatic dragons. You get one question and for every five above this DC, you can ask an additional question.
"Amphitryon, here!"
Kyronai pulls out his wand of touch of the sea that he's been hanging on to. When his brother approaches he'll use one charge on the wand on him. If for some reason that doesn't happen, he'll use the charge on Aikaterine.
2. Do Fanged Sea Serpents have any notable resistances or immunities?
3. Do Fanged Sea Serpents have any notable special attacks?
Kyronai draws a wand and readies it!
They have no specific weaknesses, but as they are related to dragons, they have immunity to paralysis and sleep effects. They have a poisonous bite that does constitution damage and while they do not have grab, if they grapple you, they can constrict with their snake-like bodies.
Cyrene leaps onto the ships railing, her bow materialising in her hand as her arms bulge with muscle. She unleashes a flurry of arrows at the approaching serpent!
Aboard the ship, she shows she is not new to sailing and was truthful about it. She will prefer to work near Varocles, to see how he functions on the ship.
Putting herself to use, she is active at very precise tasks over strength-based tasks, but the way she gets them done is quickly and accurately.
Varocles, and perhaps others, would notice how many sailors seem to want to work nearby her, at which point she will switch positions on the ship to another task to throw them off from following her. If they persist, she eventually will switch again, making it obvious to the Captain and causing them to get into trouble. This entertains Aikaterine a bit too much.
Further into their journey, an alarm goes up, and with haste, she will move to slide on her weapon. Her armor, as light as it is, already is equipped.
"Can I not have one journey without being attacked by serpents!?" she sighs ducks down, sneaking up to the railing, and when the opportunity of a creature comes into range, she begins to cast.
Although simple in nature, she begins to cast an orb of acid that most beginner mages can cast. Something about it though seems to be different, and as she pops up from hiding and launches it, it seems to find its way to pierce more directly than should someone else have launched it.
Amphitryon formed a spear in his hands and with a grunt threw it with all of his might at one of the creatures. Despite the distance, his aim was true and he watched it impact with a *thunk*. The spear vanished after it hit, already starting to rematerialize in his hand.
Cyrene calls upon Artemis' might and scores a hit! Aikaterine lands her spell singing the beast while Amphitryon throws his shadowy weapon at it. The serpent behind the ship sails through the water, charging the now weaponless Amphitryon!
Red-32, Amphitryon-12(poisoned?)
Amphitryon looked at Aikaterine, ready to say a witty(?) one-liner. Doing so cost him dearly, as he didn't see the charging wyrm until it was already upon him.
"Watch out, you fool!" she almost says with a laugh. She would have thought it completely funny if he did not get a large gash and a vicious poisoning bite.
She judges, now that she can see it. "What kind of sea serpent is it?" "It's a Fanged Sea Serpent!" she will then list out what it is subject to and what it can do that would hopefully aid them.
You know everything that Kyronai does. That is to say, these serpents have a poisonous bite and they can constrict but they do not have grab. They are dragons and have all the immunities as such but have no special defensive abilities otherwise.
Varocles will launch an icicle at the nearest beast...
vs touch AC
Cold
Varocles scores a hit as the icicle embeds itself into the closest sea serpent. Red joins its partner in the fray as it also charges Amphitryon!
Alas, its fangs only find mithral steel.
Red-32, Amphitryon-12, Green-8
Seeing that the sea dragons have come to the ship's rail, thus negating any need for him to enable anyone to heroically dive into the water, Kyronai rolls his eyes in exasperation. He slips his wand of touch of the sea back into his belt pouch and then pulls back on the string of the bow in his other hand. A black, shadowy arrow forms and streaks towards one of the fanged sea serpents.
Arcane chanting fills the air as her voice rises over the sounds of battle. Haunting lights coalesce around her, flashing and shifting. Where her beautiful form was easily seen before, now it is hard to even tell where she is, what she looks like, or what she is even doing. The displacing effect can also confuse those beasts trying to identify where exactly her next attack will come from.
"Don't let these dragons bite you. They have a vicious poison that will reduce your ability to resist it! They cannot be paralyzed or put to sleep by our magics."
It is even hard to pinpoint which figment or shifting shape her voice seems to directly be coming from.