Ærde: Lost and Found in the City of Wonders

Game Master Jibril Johan Sameh

On the north western edge of Al Aimtidad, the anvil desert, sits the jewel of the world, the city of Zhayalammar. It is the ancient city of invention, horror, passion, and sorcery.

The Narrative * City Map * Roll20 * Character Status * Lands Around Zhayalahmar * Known Power Groups * Gossamer House * Current Map * The Scoreboard


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Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
Is Tymythy going to share the info about the plank being the way they gained access to the house?

Eventually, certainly, but I don’t think he thinks this information critical at this point, unless someone wonders aloud how the people got here, as he doubts they are going to try again, at least not immediately after their team got squashed.

And Tymythy won’t be of much use in Diplomacy checks either. Intimidate, he has some small skill in, though… and I guess one could aid from another direction, at least in some situations…

As Cairee attempted to sway the burglar into talking Tymythy stood just behind the man, spear held ready in case the man proved loyal enough to try and force them to kill him rather than betraying the trust of whoever he worked for – assuming this wasn’t simply an ill-timed felony. Tymythy was in no position to tell, but he had to believe a massive city such like this almost had to be a hotbed for criminals and other scum of humanity, ready to take advantage of those weaker than them. After all, even in the clanlands, there were the occasional criminal, even though few of the holdings were large enough that everyone did not at least recognize everyone else living there by name or description. So it surely followed that in a place like this, with more humans and other, much stranger beings than drops of water in a river, where one ran into complete strangers at every street corner, the underworld had to be thriving.

Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
Cairee takes a long, deliberate look at Tymythy with his spear before turning back. "Please, let us come to a peaceful resolution."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Maybe, perhaps, could be considered an aid another for diplomacy, for giving the burglar an answer to the "cooperate or else" question.

”And if he does not wish to speak to save his life, I will commend his courage and ensure he swiftly joins his comrades in embrace of his gods,” Tymythy said with all seriousness.


Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 22 Phew!

Cairee offers the burglar another sip of water. She doesn't look back at the others, hoping their words will nudge him in the right direction. Instead she wait patiently, giving him space to make a decision.


male (he/him)
Dounia Mehar Mehek Ghali wrote:
As she listened to Zahra and her mother speak, Dounia said, "Quard! Yes, we heard of him! It was his wagon, but the guards said he died in the mountains. Arachthropoi. There was a lady in a red dress, she was in charge, and she was angry the wagon was late."

Nisma looked confused at the mention of arachthopoi, she clearly had never heard of these creatures. "Quard is dead? If he is part of this then may crows pluck out his eyes and may his ears never hear a familiar voice." There was no angry in her voice, only resolve.

The burglar looked Cairee in the eye then he looked down the hall at his dead companion. The group could hear the wheels turning in his head. He looked at the floor and you knew he could feel Tymythy watching from behind him. He looked at Cairee again and when he started to speak he sounded proud. When he finished the pride in his voice was gone. "The servants of the Great Red Dragon wish to know why this one was taken. Why is she so important? Athnyn yelled that we had what we needed but he did not say what it was ... and now he is dead. If you free me, I must go back and say the others were killed by strangers and that the woman has escaped her captors."


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

Zahra leaned in with interest, surprise and confusion on her face. Great Red Dragon? Targeted kidnapping? What was going on? "I was taken on purpose? Do you know who took me? I'd just assumed that it had been a random occurrence at the bizaar."

She sat back quietly as their captive mentioned what Athnyn had yelled. She knew what the dead man had seen and she glanced over at her mother with a look of concern.

The secret sorceress perked up at his counteroffer. "Yes, let's do that. Blame strangers and tell them of the escape. Will that keep anyone else from coming to look for me?"


male (he/him)
Zahra al Asmar wrote:

"... Do you know who took me? ..."

"Yes, let's do that. Blame strangers and tell them of the escape. Will that keep anyone else from coming to look for me?"

"I am an initiate of the first circle - why would my betters tell me who and why? 'Are others looking for you?' How would I know what 'others' think? Athnyn was second circle but he is gone. If you release me I will tell my masters the truth! These people are strangers to me. If you leave this house I can say , in truth, 'I do not know where she is but she is not at the place where I was sent'."


Cairee looked at the burglar kindly, encouraging him to continue.

"Can you tell us more about The servants of the Great Red Dragon? How did you become involved with them? What is their purpose?"

Something about what he'd said hit her. If you leave this place...

"Will they send more people? Is Zahra's family in danger?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Might need another assist on this...


male (he/him)

Sorry, no aid will help here

Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
"Can you tell us more about The servants of the Great Red Dragon? How did you become involved with them? What is their purpose?"

The burglar looked at Cairee like she was mad. "What is the purpose a servant???"

Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
"Will they send more people? Is Zahra's family in danger?"

He speaks with awe, "The shadow of the dragon is vast. You ask me questions like I can see it entire. 'Will more come.' Yes? No? They tell me to look for information. You ask me why they want to know? You might as well ask the bottom rung of the ladder what the roof is made of." He's starting to look frightened.

sense motive DC4:
He appears to be telling the truth. He doesn't seem to know the answers to broad questions. He is becoming anxious that you will not let him go as you promised.


Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Cairee turns to the others, deeply concerned. "I believe he's telling us the truth. We should honour our word and let him go. And then..." She trails off, not wanting to talk further in front of him. Perhaps Nisma knows more of this Great Red Dragon - she seems to know much already. Regardless, they may all need to find safer shelter, at least until they can make some sense of this new information.


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
Cairee turns to the others, deeply concerned. "I believe he's telling us the truth. We should honour our word and let him go. And then..." She trails off, not wanting to talk further in front of him.

From behind the prisoner’s back, Tymythy nodded his head in agreement. A bargain had been struck, and it seemed the burglar had done his part. For them to go back on their word and kill the man now would be a severe stain on their honor. ”If he speaks the truth, then killing him would not stop the attacks – these shadowy assailants would just send more people to learn the fate of their first group of agents. We need to either take the fight to them, to raise the price of unraveling this particular mystery until it becomes too high for them to keep paying, or hide, as this place is clearly not safe for you,” he hunter said, glancing at Zahra, wondering as she did what some strange order wanted her for.


male (he/him)

I'm going to do a little quantum leap here
The four new allies along with Nisma were in agreement. Tymythy untied the prisoner as the sense memory of the young warrior being unbound by Dounia flashed in his head. The burglar looked at them all with a deep bewilderment and walked slowly to the back door being careful to watch the team. He stepped over his cohort gingerly, his eyes lingered on the body, and he left into the courtyard.

Nisma nodded to her daughter and Zahra retrieved their quiet neighbour Ahlekan.

Ahlekan was a very mature dwarf and exceptionally tall for a member of that race at four foot nine. He had a tired but kindly look where wrinkle upon wrinkle of his face acted like a roadmap to every day of his one hundred and eighty years. (Similar to a 50yr old human) He wore a simple tunic, heavy canvas breeches, and sandals. His dark brown hair and waist length beard were unbraided and cared for with simple combing. Those with a good eye caught the glint of two gold bands under the wiry beard.

When Zahra and he crossed the courtyard he looked at the dead man and then to her with deep concern and, like someone who'd been asleep for a decade, began to come out of a torpor and quickened his pace with purpose. He knelt at the body in the hallway and examined it carefully. He looked at Dounia, Cairee, and Tymythy just as carefully.

perception DC12:
You see the faintest of grins come over the old dwarf's wrinkled face.

sense motive DC15:
The worldly dwarf is staring at Tymythy's short spear knowingly. He seems glad someone in the house knows how to use one.

Ahlekan walked to Nisma and waited with a patience and openness for her to be ready to speak.

"Ahlekan. Are you doing ... are you making any deliveries to the north?"

A voice issued out of the sturdy fellow was desert dry, "I, just this second, remembered I need to move some barrels north. I'm a little worried. They are hard to secure and two? ... two could easily fall off while I pass through the desert band."

Nisma let out a deep breath as she uncorked the pressure that had built up inside her chest.

Ahlekan continued, "I have two trusted workers. They will come help me. I'll take your cargo to my basement this moment. I am sorry to see trouble come to your door."

Nisam and Ahlekan nodded at each other as old friends do and Ahlekan picked up the body, threw it over his shoulder and left. Not anyone here ever saw nor heard tell of these two burglars again.


Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Tymythy noted how the dwarf’s eyes were drawn to his spear and thought he saw a flash of approval in the eyes hiding under bushy eyebrows. The hunter answered the perceived courtesy with a slow nod. He followed the short and discreet conversation between Ahelkan and Zahra’s mother, noting with interest how easily Nisma arranged the disappearance of two dead bodies from her home. Clearly, there was a story here – the woman knew just who to ask, without needing to make clear her need, and the man who hesitated barely a breath before agreeing to carry out the task.

’How very curious, Tymythy thought, his eyes following Ahelkan’s back until the dwarf stepped out of sight. If every seamstress in this city was this… capable, criminals had best beware!

It was hard for the young hunter not to feel elated. First, a vision guest to wash off the stain on his honor, a chance to prove himself, to himself. Then, the very shade of a great spirit, informing him that it intended to wield Tymythy as a weapon against its enemies. And now, a society shrouded in the shadows of this great, strange city, seeking to claim a woman into whose life the fates had seen fit to thrust Tymythy. This. This felt like living a legend of the olden ages, like being one of the Sung, commemorated in the legends told by the Keepers of Histories. It was this of which every young warrior dreamed about!

If only he could manage to avoid being trampled under the weight of all these fateful twists. Few were the warriors who became parts of legend during their lives, after all.


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

perception,DC12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
sense motive,DC15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9

Zahra knew Ahlekan well enough to recognize the smallest of grins on his stoic face after examining the bodies and her new friends. Was he pleased because of the burglar's were dead or because they had managed to successfully defend the Asmar home, she couldn't say.

She waited quietly and expectantly as her mother conversed with their neighbour. She didn't know what she had been expecting but she definitely hadn't been expecting what she heard.

Zahra's jaw dropped and her eyes widened. This was a side of her mother that she had never seen before. And how did she know that Ahlekan could do what she was asking? Apparently Zahra didn't know Ahlekan as well as she had thought. What had the two of them talked about when her mother had taken suppers over after his wife had passed? For not the first time that day, Zahra was confused.

"Mama? What is going on? How did you...? When did he...?" She watched her neighbour leave with a body casually slung over his shoulder, her mouth agape. She turned back to her mother, "Shouldn't we contact the authorities?"


HP 24/24 | AC 16/14/12 | F+3/R+6/W+2 | CMB +1, CMD 15 | Acro 10, climb 5, DD 13, EA 10, Init 6, Perc 7, SoH 8, SM 1, Stealth 10, Surv 8

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Dounia smiled back at the dwarf, then watched in amazement as Nisma and the old dwarf came to some sort of arrangement. Cyra was wrong! The city folk aren't soft and stupid. She stared at the woman with a newfound respect.

The thought of her sister, however, made her realize how lax she'd been in making plans to rescue her. She had her helpers now, it was time to move.

"We clearly can't stay here. And the guards will still be looking for us. I think we should leave the city all together. When I was captured, my sister was taken as well. They said they were taking her to alHufra. It's a quarry, a few days away. We need to go rescue her! Will you help me?"

This is Dounia's priority, not mine. She can be persuaded to work on this mystery first


male (he/him)

Nisma looked back at her daughter and to her daughter's new allies and she could see the looks on their faces. "Ahlekan is a great friend to this house and I have used him, his loyalty to us, to do a terrible thing."

She walked back to the dining room and sat in one of the chairs next to the dirty lunch dishes. You could all see the shame on her face. "Ahlekan fought in skirmishes with the northern orc. Horrible battles. Only to come home and have his wife die of infection. Haven't we looked after him ever since, made him one of our family? You said it to that man, 'The people of Zhayalammar take care of their own...' For all I know Ahlekan has never done a wicked thing in his life ... until now." She held out her hands to Zahra and waited for her daughter to give her her's.

"When we found out you could do things I became so frightened, frightened that some great house would take you from us. I am afraid that this is what happened. Someone knows you have some power and they came to claim you, to take you for their own, to make you forget us!" She rocked back and forth in her chair and unsuccessfully held back sobs.

"Their attempt to take you failed. But their attempt has been noticed - by these 'Servants of the Dragon'. If we call the guard then this could get the attention of the Royal Adepts, or one of the other societies. Magic is power and they all want more."

A very serious look came across her face, "You must go to Haseena. She will know what to do next. Go to her or do as your friend suggests and get away from this city."
Although I have given you one lead feel free to go in whichever direction you desire
Edit - I cross posted with Dounia. I have added a little to keep the post from sounding like Nisma wasn't listening to her.


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

Zahra put her arm around Dounia, "I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I was never lucky enough to be blessed with a sister or a brother. I know how worried I was when I thought something had happened to my parents and I would think you'd be feeling something similar."

She gave her shoulder a squeeze. "But I can't leave now. Not when my family is still at risk. I completely understand if you feel the need to leave. However, I promise you that if you stay and help that when I have more answers and I know my parents are safe that I will come with you to try to help your sister."

She released Dounia's shoulders to follow her mother into the dining room and automatically took her hands when she held them out. Tears began to well up in her eyes knowing that this was all her fault, "I'm so sorry, Mama. I should have been more careful to hide what I can do. Now I've brought misfortune to our family and to Ahlekan."

Zahra looked apprehensive, "Leave the city? I'm not strong enough to survive on my own." Then she looked worried for a whole other reason, "I would like to go see Haseena. She is wise but more so, I want to make sure she's okay. If someone found out about me then they may have also discovered my tie to her."

She looked around at the others, "It goes without saying that I would like you all to come with me in case there is indeed trouble at Haseena's but I completely understand if you feel the need to continue on your own journeys."

Before leaving for her mentor's home, Zahra pulled her mother aside. "Mama, you won't tell Father about the break in, will you? If I help you clean up before going then he would never know."


male (he/him)
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
"I'm so sorry, Mama. I should have been more careful to hide what I can do. Now I've brought misfortune to our family and to Ahlekan."

"But who could have seen you? These men came here because of your kidnappers? How did your kidnappers know? My child I do not think it was you."

Zahra al Asmar wrote:
"Mama, you won't tell Father about the break in, will you? If I help you clean up before going then he would never know."

"No, your father has been lost for days. You know how troubled he gets. We will leave him out of this."

I will forward the game tonight. Cairee and Tymythy (Tymythy, you have given me some of your thinking) please chose which path you'd like to take: A) to the wise woman Haseena who might have answers; or, B) to alHufra, the prison quarry south of the city to free Dounia's sister and perhaps gain a new ally.


Cairee tries to follow the conversation. There are so many mentions of places she's never heard of, people she doesn't know. It's overwhelming. She tries to stick to the simplest of facts. They aren't safe here. They need to find out who's after Zahra so they can protect her. Dounia's sister is missing. They need to find her.

Zahra wrote:
Zahra put her arm around Dounia, "I'm so sorry for what you're going through. ... I promise you that if you stay and help that when I have more answers and I know my parents are safe that I will come with you to try to help your sister."

Dounia's tears tugged at Cairee's heart. But she agreed with Zahra. "We're all still in danger here. If we leave without knowing the full extent of what's after us, we will surely fail. If we can take some time now to learn more, then we'll be in a far better position to find your sister."

She turned to Nisma, full of questions. She limited them to two. "Do you know anything about alHufra and why a young girl would be taken there? And is there anything further you can tell us of Quard and Casha?"

When the moment seems right, Cairee touches Zahra's elbow and discreetly turns her away from the others, whispering, "Perhaps you should ask your mother if she knows why you can sometimes..." She finishes the sentence by looking at Zahra's hands. "For it is you doing it, isn't it? Not some curse? Yet it frightens you...She may know more."


Cairee tries to follow the conversation. There are so many mentions of places she's never heard of, people she doesn't know. It's overwhelming. She tries to stick to the simplest of facts. They aren't safe here. They need to find out who's after Zahra so they can protect her. Dounia's sister is missing. They need to find her.

Zahra wrote:
Zahra put her arm around Dounia, "I'm so sorry for what you're going through. ... I promise you that if you stay and help that when I have more answers and I know my parents are safe that I will come with you to try to help your sister."

Dounia's tears tugged at Cairee's heart. But she agreed with Zahra. "We're all still in danger here. If we leave without knowing the full extent of what's after us, we will surely fail. If we can take some time now to learn more, then we'll be in a far better position to find your sister."

She turned to Nisma, full of questions. She limited them to two. "Do you know anything about alHufra and why a young girl would be taken there? And is there anything further you can tell us of Quard and Casha?"

When the moment seems right, Cairee touches Zahra's elbow and discreetly turns her away from the others, whispering, "Perhaps you should ask your mother if she knows why you can sometimes..." She finishes the sentence by looking at Zahra's hands. "For it is you doing it, isn't it? Not some curse? Yet it frightens you...She may know more."


male (he/him)
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
...She turned to Nisma, full of questions. She limited them to two. "Do you know anything about alHufra and why a young girl would be taken there? And is there anything further you can tell us of Quard and Casha?"...

Nisma's knowledge local - alHufra: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Nisma's brow furled, "alHufra? There are several work prisons. alHufra is a quarry prison south of here. It is a place of hard labour but said to be humane. I'm sorry, I know little about prisons but alHufra in our native tongue means 'the pit'."
Nisma's knowledge local - the criminal underworld: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
"Quard has a legitimate business, a steerage company between here and Issmenadore. The business employs nearly two score people in Zhayalahmar and a few more in the west. Some of the other merchants have said that he can get rare things, not so legal things, for people if you know which of his drivers to talk to. I think Cascha is one of those. He also is said to have branched out into moving convicts who have been sentenced to slave labour but doing this is legal. If he is moving illegal slaves then his business has started doing dark work indeed."


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14
Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
Dounia's tears tugged at Cairee's heart. But she agreed with Zahra. "We're all still in danger here. If we leave without knowing the full extent of what's after us, we will surely fail. If we can take some time now to learn more, then we'll be in a far better position to find your sister."

Tymythy frowned as he listened to two heartfelt pleas for assistance and was torn. He had thought his path set and easy to follow, at least for the time being, but this conversation showed he should not have taken even that for granted. Which fate had the Black-Winged Lord intended for him? In which direction awaited the enemy into whose way the great spirit intended to thrust him? Still…

”Perhaps we can pursue both goals,” he suggested. ”This Haseena, she lives in this city? We should begin by meeting her, then, rather than reach for the distant goal first. If it turns out she can offer you no shelter from these strange enemies of yours,” he nodded at Zahra, ”we may still need to leave the city, and if so, what a destination more worthy than freeing your sister?”

Although that might be easier said than achieved – any prison from which escape was trivial would not remain a prison for long, and for a place to have earned such an ominous name…

So, if Zahra’s teacher lives inside the city it makes sense to me to start there and see where that leads.


HP 24/24 | AC 16/14/12 | F+3/R+6/W+2 | CMB +1, CMD 15 | Acro 10, climb 5, DD 13, EA 10, Init 6, Perc 7, SoH 8, SM 1, Stealth 10, Surv 8

Dounia, eager as she was to free Cyra, saw the wisdom in the words of her new friends. It made sense to learn more before rushing headlong into danger. And Nisma's words had calmed her worry somewhat. Cyra was strong and healthy - if the guards were humane and treated their workers well, then rescue could wait a day or two until they understood more. And if Zahra was to be of use to Dounia, then it made sense to make sure she was safe first.

Nodding wisely, Dounia allowed a small smile. "You speak words of wisdoms, my boon companions. We shall visit this Haseena first."


male (he/him)

Getting Everything Together
The group set about cleaning. The worst of the mess was upstairs, though the blood down the staircase and in the hall was stubborn. The entire household took everyone two solid hours to get into reasonable shape. You had all arrived at Zahra's home when the towers were singing the hour of eleven but not long ago they had sung the frenetic hour of two.

appraise 15 or sense motive 20:
When you put whatever papers that weren't damaged by fire away you noticed the ones tampered with the most had something to due with family trees, birth records, marriage certificates.

Nisma hugged her daughter and as she held her she rubbed her back in little circles and spoke in a soft whisper, "Clean air cleanses a righteous heart and the unchanging earth supports an honest path. Go with my blessings my only one and come home safe."

sense motive dc22:
Did Nisma just cast a spell? If she did not even she was aware of it.

The four collected their things and left Out the front door? or through the courtyard and Ahlekan's place?

The Path to Naseema's
For a long block the group followed the sixty foot high inner city wall as the verdant smell of grasses and desert flowers grew. Traveling west they could start to feel the upward climb as they came to a new series of buildings. These were stepped like the chaotic slums, or the warehouse district, or the townhouse blocks that Zahra lived in but here every building was overgrown with foliage.

As they came to this new district a wire thin elven man sat crosslegged with his back against the building. He played a flute melodically to a rope basket. As he played a great coil of hemp curled upward into the air unsupported a good eight feet high, then coiled itself into its' exact starting position.

perception vs DC18:
The elf's left foot which seems to be moving in-time to his playing is working some kind of pump

Trees of all sorts grew on building tops and dense vines crawled down the sides of walls. Great stilted canopies shaded thousand square foot sections of verdant green dappled with great and small flowers of every colour, each powerfully vibrant.

knowledge nature DC12:
There are nutmeg, rubber trees, cacao, kapok trees, freijo, aҫaí palm and balsa amongst many others. Although everything here looked quite randomly placed at first you see that there is a definite complimentary placement to avoid plant competition

Passing through the garden district was like walking a maze. It was easy to go up and down floors allowing for stunning vistas and almost impossible not to get distracted. Great whooping sounds and chitters came from the trees and bononos, capuchins, and howler monkeys could be glimpsed. Parrots, macaws, hornbills, and heron flew back and forth or waded lazily in the sun. People walked about these gardens looking at garden sculptures and artful topiary and mostly consisted of elderly couples walking with their grandchildren, though a few of the very wealthy pranced their way about showing no need to be at any kind of labour.

A great iridescent blue and emerald bird strutted out of the tree canopies with a decorated tail six feet in length. When it reached an open space the tail raised up and fanned out, each feather was adorned with a painted eye.

The entire garden was several city blocks long and, while they were in it, it felt to the group that all time disappeared.

The Humble Manse of Naseema Harmattan
After the garden district the group briefly passed by the tip of a block that appeared to have a military or guard presence. Just past that the roads became steeper and mansion after mansion sprouted out of the hillside.

Not a block in was a six storey building with a tiled first floor. Paintings of stylized clouds and geometric birds decorated the upper walls. Starting at the third floor, a wonderful array of balconies were situated to allow a view of the street. On the fifth floor two bridges spanned to nearby buildings and sky blue banners fluttered in a wind that seemed stronger at that height.


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14

I'll get the rolls off my chest so I'll know if I should include the extra info when posting (going to be tomorrow my time, I fear). Also, I'd say we use the front door - it's not like the mysterious enemies don't know we were here, and if we make it clear we left that should at least lessen their interest in Zahra's parents - might be they will end up going after them anyway for information, but there's very little we can do to prevent that, I think.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19


male (he/him)
Tymythy-son-of-Stywyrt wrote:
[ooc]I'll get the rolls off my chest so I'll know if I should include the extra info when posting (going to be tomorrow my time, I fear)...

There were two sense motive rolls at the beginning of the post - please make a second on Nisma with you favoured bonus for humans.


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14
GM Corey Homebrew wrote:
There were two sense motive rolls at the beginning of the post - please make a second on Nisma with you favoured bonus for humans.

If you allow it, sure, but since you wrote that was about a whispered conversation I assumed Tymythy wouldn't have been close enough to get the whole picture as he didn't hear what was said. And #%&¤%& that Favored Enemy, it keeps getting me coming and going.

Sense Motive, second challenge: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 2 = 12


male (he/him)
Tymythy-son-of-Stywyrt wrote:
If you allow it, sure, but since you wrote that was about a whispered conversation I assumed Tymythy wouldn't have been close enough to get the whole picture as he didn't hear what was said...

Yes, it was about more than hearing but you were in a quiet room and could hear her from even 20' away


HP 24/24 | AC 16/14/12 | F+3/R+6/W+2 | CMB +1, CMD 15 | Acro 10, climb 5, DD 13, EA 10, Init 6, Perc 7, SoH 8, SM 1, Stealth 10, Surv 8

Getting Everything Together
appraise: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15 Yep
SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17 Nope
percep: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 Nope
K nature: 1d20 ⇒ 2 Nope

As Dounia helped organize the papers, she kept getting distracted, reading about Zahra's family history. She was amazed by the vast amount if information they had; birth, marriage and death certificates, family trees.

What Cyra and I wouldn't give to have this information about our family. She didn't even know exactly where her family was. How far had Cyra fled with her to save their lives? How long would it take her father and brothers to find them and bring them home. She wiped a quiet tear away as she passed the papers to Zahra. "It seems these burglars were very interested in your family," she noted.

As they cleaned, she asked, "May I borrow a blouse? Cairee will need one too."

As they were leaving the house, Dounia took a moment to set the chess board back on the table. The beautiful ivory queen called to her, and in a moment of greed, she pocketed it. She immediately heard an disapproving sound, and without turning around to see who'd noticed, she sheepishly replaced it on the board.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 Haha.

The Path

Dounia stared around her in bright-eyed delight. The garden here beggared even the beautiful oasis she called home. The sheer number of species, of beautiful birds, of glorious flowers, made her heart sing. A group of children tumbling through the leaves, chasing a large tortoise, made her laugh out loud. Until the wealthy couple walking by aimed a kick at a little boy that they deemed had gotten too close to their silk slippers.

Suddenly furious, Dounia left her friends and strolled up behind the pair. They would pay for their casual cruelty!

sleight of hand: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26 Not NPCs, I know, but since you mentioned them I thought I could skip the appraise check?

The Humble Manse of Naseema Harmattan
Fingers twitching, Dounia stared up at the mansion with wonder. "Exactly who is this friend of yours?"


male (he/him)
Dounia Mehar Mehek Ghali wrote:
Not NPCs, I know, but since you mentioned them I thought I could skip the appraise check?

I think I'm going to create my own chart to be used for any pickpocket attempt on a 'bot' that can be influenced by an appraise check that will take in account any wealth cue - there are several couples that look very wealthy ... I will use the very wealthy chart. In this case it would be a straight up roll as you picked your target based on revenge and not because you thought they were 'plump' ... which is a term I'm going to use on the chart ;) - for now I'm going to use the appraise check method on a very wealthy target.

Dounia's appraise: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
aristocrat's perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Dounia slipped up behind the cruel aristocrat in his layers of silk and his embroidered jacket. She noticed a silver fob that went from an ivory button. Its' silver chain led to a small pocket. She slid her hand under the man's arm, flicked the fob so that it unwound, grabbed it deftly, and used it to pull the rest of the object from the man's pocket.

The Man reached towards the pocket ... and scratched his belly through his jacket, never moving his eyes off of the child he tried to punt.

Dounia slinked back to the group to get a better look at her loot to see she had grabbed his monocle, chain, and fob. It was small and the silver was very thin and looked funny. It didn't look like silver. It was too white. Wait a minute ... is this what platinum looks like?
1 non-prescription platinum Monocle value 12gp 5sp


HP 24/24 | AC 16/14/12 | F+3/R+6/W+2 | CMB +1, CMD 15 | Acro 10, climb 5, DD 13, EA 10, Init 6, Perc 7, SoH 8, SM 1, Stealth 10, Surv 8

Woohoo! Nice grab. Now I don't need to try again until tomorrow. Also, he has a +6 perception?! What level is this guy?


Getting Everything Together

Sense Motive DC 20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13 nope
Sense Motive DC 22: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27Yep - Crit

Cairee would've appreciated the work - if it hadn't been so bloody. It reminded her of her days with the Order, where every day was a routine of chores and study. Scrubbing floors and carpets and linens was usually a peaceful meditation. But the sight and smell of the cooling, congealing blood only made her nauseated. Cairee spent the entire time trying to not to add to the mess.

Dounia wrote:
As they cleaned, she asked, "May I borrow a blouse? Cairee will need one too."

Cairee gratefully accepted a shirt, though she set it aside carefully, only changing after the work was done and she'd scrubbed her hands several times.

Corey wrote:
Nisma hugged her daughter and as she held her she rubbed her back in little circles and spoke in a soft whisper, "Clean air cleanses a righteous heart and the unchanging earth supports an honest path. Go with my blessings my only one and come home safe."

It was a shock to see Nisma cast a spell on her daughter so obviously in front of all of them! Cairee looked to the others - had they noticed? Tymythy and Dounia didn't seem to, and Cairee couldn't be sure if Zahra knew. The casual way Nisma had done it made Cairee rethink the last few hours - had she been casting spells this whole time??

Cairee thanked Nisma for the shirt and hospitality as they leave. "Would you prefer us to leave through the front door or back? I don't want to draw any more attention to you, but perhaps it will be good for anyone who saw us enter to see us leave?" She caught Dounia slipping something into her pocket, but before she could say anything the young thief changed her mind. Had she learned nothing from the the days events - from the death she herself had caused?

As they left the house Cairee kept an eye out for any people - or Ospreys - who may be watching.

Perception DC 18: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

The Path to Naseema's

Perception DC 18: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 nope
Kn Nature DC 12: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 Yep

The garden district was extraordinary! A maze indeed, and one Cairee could wander happily for days. The clever planting of trees housed a variety of creatures who Cairee longed to stay and chat with. She restrained herself, until they came upon the most exquisite blue and emerald bird. Cairee couldn't help herself. "Good day! Pray tell, what is your name and where are you from?"

The Humble Manse of Naseema Harmattan

Dounia wrote:
Fingers twitching, Dounia stared up at the mansion with wonder. "Exactly who is this friend of yours?"

Cairee nodded, also gaping at the magnificent house. Who indeed?


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

Zahra’s Turn

Getting Everything Together

Cairee wrote:
"Perhaps you should ask your mother if she knows why you can sometimes..." She finishes the sentence by looking at Zahra's hands. "For it is you doing it, isn't it? Not some curse? Yet it frightens you...She may know more."

Zahra looked down at her hands with a mixture of horror and acceptance. Could she really add yet another worry to her mother's mind? She gave a small nod, "I had almost forgotten and part of me wishes I could explain it away but you're right, she may have answers."

She went over to the area where Nisma was cleaning the sewing room and helped her. "There's something else you need to know, Mama. While I was taken something odd happened. I thought they had cursed me somehow but now it's been pointed out to me that maybe it's me doing it. My fingernails...sometimes they turn into claws." She studied her mother's face, looking for any sign of what she may be thinking at this revelation.

To keep her mind occupied, Zahra worked hard in cleaning up their home. It was very important that everything looked undisturbed for when her father came home. She had already caused her family enough grief, a ransacked home was something she could make right.

sense motive, DC20: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2

Zahra looked at the papers in surprise as Dounia handed them over mentioning her family. ”I’m not sure I’ve ever seen these before.” She looked up at her mothers and handed them over to her, ”Any idea why they would have been looking through these?”

Dounia wrote:
"May I borrow a blouse? Cairee will need one too."

Zahra smiled and nodded, ”Of course! Where are my manners?” She motioned at her room, ”You and Cairee take whatever you need. I should probably grab something slightly different as well in case they’re looking for what we were wearing. But keep your old clothes if they mean something to you. I’ll try to mend them the best I can afterwards.”

I can’t remember if anything of Tymythy’s needs mending but she’ll take care of that too if he does.

As Zahra prepared to leave, her mother pulled her into a hug and she was a little girl once again and she buried herself in her mother’s embrace. Her mother’s words calmed her heart and her mind, giving her peace. ”I love you, Mama. Be safe. We have much to talk about when I return.”

sense motive, DC22: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (14) + 0 = 14
No chance but putting in the roll

The Path to Haseena’s

perception,DC18: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
k.nature,DC12: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Zahra had made this journey to Haseena's so many times that she barely noticed her surroundings anymore. Most of what they went by was just a blur as she worried about her family and mulled over what had happened.

Seeing the elf she remembered what had happened to the gnome in the bazaar and Zahra spared a brief thought to hope his paperwork was in order.

She always liked this part of the walk through the Garden District and would often stroll leisurely as she watched the people, listened to the birds, and enjoyed the fragrance of the flowers and other greenery. However, today she was focused on getting to Haseena's and her pace never slowed as it usually would.

The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan

Zahra remembered to wave as she usually did when she passed by the tip of the block where guards often were.

Dounia wrote:
"Exactly who is this friend of yours?"

Zahra grinned fondly as she thought of Haseena, "She's helped me through a lot of the recent changes I've been experiencing. But mostly I clean her place. She's the wisest person I know which says a lot because you all met my mother."


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14
Zahra al Asmar wrote:
I can’t remember if anything of Tymythy’s needs mending but she’ll take care of that too if he does.

After his recent ordeals, I imagine most everything he has on him would benefit from a Mending. Much appreciated.

Getting Everything Together

After all that happened to him recently, helping clean up the apartment was a relief, and Tymythy relished in the mundanity of the task, eagerly scrubbing bloodstains and carrying items around as directed by the matron of the house. As they were about to leave, he watched Nisma giving her daughter one last hug and remembered the way he had departed on his quest, leaving the land and people he knew behind and wondered at the difference in the customs. He had set on his journey in intentional solitude, every eye averted in ritual ignorance.

Cairee Featherfriend wrote:
"Would you prefer us to leave through the front door or back? I don't want to draw any more attention to you, but perhaps it will be good for anyone who saw us enter to see us leave?"

”I think we should leave openly – it’s not like the people who sent those minions to break in don’t already know we were here, and if we make out departure no secret they should have less of a reason to return. It’s only fitting we take our troubles with us, not leave them behind for others to shoulder.” Letting the surviving burglar go made that a certainty, although it had clearly been the honorable choice. Not that Tymythy wouldn’t have been surprised if the masterminds behind the assault had also had people in place to observe their operation. People who would have seen their target enter the building, with company, and then seen their own operatives fail to make their exit.

The Path to Naseema's

The long trek through the city was yet another assault on Tymythy’s senses, although he found the smells of grass and plants a markable improvement over the stench of heat-baked masses of people cramming busy streets. The rooftop gardens for one were quite a marvel, something the likes of which he had never before seen – naturally enough, since the kinds of clan holdings he had seen before arriving to this strange land were tiny, inconsequential things compared to this sprawling metropolis. Still, to include living plants to a city like that seemed quite ingenious. Most of the trees and bushes he could see he knew he had never even heard of before, but he did recognize a few plants, and the scent of some spices Haytham had introduced the clan to.

The Humble Manse of Naseema Harmattan

Zahra al Asmar wrote:
"She's helped me through a lot of the recent changes I've been experiencing. But mostly I clean her place. She's the wisest person I know which says a lot because you all met my mother."

”She must be quite the powerful chieftain, to own a fortress like this,” Tymythy murmured in wonder, looking up and further up the stone building.

Just to make sure… have we got into a place to give Thrym a good view of the daylight/nighttime divide of the city? Dunno how well the walls and the buildings are blocking the view. For I’m kinda of waiting for a chance to freak out about the unnaturality of it all ;^)


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male (he/him)

Getting Everything Together

GMs rolls:

special: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Zahra's sense motive: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Nisma took Zahra's hands and looked carefully at her fingernails. She looked serious but otherwise was hard to read. Was she disappointed? No. Worried? Maybe worried. There was something else ... the look of a mother that wished she could have given her daughter a life not fringed by fear. "Naseema said you would discover new things about yourself. She will want to know." She returned to work with a troubled brow.
-
Overhearing, Nisma called out from across the room almost absent mindedly, "Master Tymythy can have one of Faheem's shirts. I'm afraid they're humble but they may suit him better in this warmth!" The shirts were long cotton and dyed a soft purple-grey.

Tymythy overheard but didn't respond as he was looking through the front windows at that moment, absentmindedly cleaning. Fifty feet away stood a sixty-foot high city wall. Above it he could see a few of the exceptionally tall buildings of what seemed to be an entirely other city.
From here the northern half of the city is bathed in the same noonday sun that the southern half is. I don't remember if anyone has mentioned the northern Twilight city to Tymythy. If they have then from your current view you have no idea what they are talking about.
-
As they left through the front there was no sign of animal nor human nor any other eyes watching.

The Path to Haseena's

As everyone listened to the whooping and calling of the garden this is what Cairee Heard:

Cairee focused on the animals as she could feel the 'understanding' of Saif help her. It always felt more like paying-closer-attention and her ear opened up to the opulent bird ... and more.

two doves flying past, "...but I heard from Lil'white that Speckles said that Shorttail was laying again and ..."

@Cairee - peafowl surprised, "Excuse me, did you just say, 'Good day! Pray tell, what is your name and where are you from'?"

in the distance swinging through the trees, "I LOVE BEING A MONKEY!"
distant reply, "I LOVE BEING A MONKEY!"

@Cairee - peafowl confused, "It's just that i could have sworn i heard you say, 'Good day! Pray tell, what is your name and where are you from' which is odd as usually your sort make absolutely no sense to me."

dove #3 walking past, "Don't tell me she's with Haunches again."
dove #4, "No! With Greypecker!"
dove #3 and #5 together, "No!!"
dove #4, "YES!"

through the trees challenging, "NOOO! I love being a monkey!"

dove #5 nosey, "Wait-a-minute, who is that Peaches is talking to?"
dove #3, "Donno - but she has nice hair."

@Cairee - peafowl imploringly, "Excuse me but, while we are at it, would you happen to have in your possession a peach?"

in distant trees defiant, "Yeah!!! Come over and say that to my face 'poop-target'!"

The others could see Cairee standing in front of the peacock and speaking to it in very clear Aerthane as it 'Mahawwwed' back at her.


male (he/him)

More about Haseema's to come


Cairee & The Peafowl:

Peafowl wrote:
@Cairee - peafowl confused, "It's just that i could have sworn i heard you say, 'Good day! Pray tell, what is your name and where are you from' which is odd as usually your sort make absolutely no sense to me."

I'm sorry if I confused you," Cairee said earnestly. "I've never seen a bird such as yourself. Your colours are quite extraordinary. Are you from here? Are there many more like you?"

Peafowl wrote:
"Excuse me but, while we are at it, would you happen to have in your possession a peach?"

Cairee automatically patted her pockets, knowing full well she had no peach. She was about to say so when she spotted a peach tree not half a block away. "One moment if you please." Cairee hurried off and picked two of the juiciest peaches she could find. The sounds of a potential fight between howler monkeys distracted her, but they were two far off for her to intervene. Instead she returned and presented the fruit to the bird, placing them on the ground.

"I hope these are to your liking." She watched for the fowl's reaction, a little nervous that her offerings would somehow offend.


male (he/him)

Cairee & The Peafowl:

@Cairee - Peaches praising, "You are sorry if you confused me? My colours are extraordinary? Not only have I never met a person who could talk before but such politeness. My name is Peaches."
Peaches the peafowl pecked away at the cherished fruit and looked up every once in a while.

a monitor lizard slouched by and grumbled to himself, "... nothing but grub worms and bad praise, grub worms and bad praise. I could really go for a juicy beetle right now and would it hurt for him to throw in a kind word every now and then. I mean, I might as well curl up under the rock he suns himself on. And where is the guy who does the thing with the water ...

@Cairee - Peaches with importance, "I don't feel I am bragging when I say 'I have rather brilliant colour sightedness', and you have an extraordinary sunburst orange yourself."

dove #3, "You know, the city pigeons have been talking about a person who can talk. They said-
dove #4, "Yeah but pigeons are crazy! All they think about is work! I don't know if you can trust their gossip."
dove #5, "Fleck?"
dove #4 aka Fleck, "Yes Fivetoes?"
dove #5 aka Fivetoes, "Technically we're city pigeons."
Fleck, "You take that back!"

Two monkeys fought in the trees in the distance.

@Cairee - Peaches informatively, "I have been here as long as I have memory and there are five others here like me. Ahem, but I am the longest, ahem. Where did you learn the gift of language? Are there more like you? Mmmm, peaches."


The rest of the group watched as the peafowl whahaaa'ed at Cairee and they could swear that three doves where watching, rapt with attention, about ten feet away.

-

The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan
A man in his sixties in a long sky-blue Nehru jacket and smooth sky-blue cloth skullcap approached from the street baring some light packages. He was watching the group arriving from the opposite direction. Zahra recognized him as one of Haseena's two servants, Othman, the pleasant enough driver. He appeared to be returning from doing chores.

"Young Asmar? It isn't a cleaning day? Why is this that you've brought so many people with you ... and armed! Do you plan on conquering us???" A long pause.

perception DC11:
you could see a little grin form on his lips


Cairee & The Peafowl:

@Peaches "I was just thinking that you looked impressively long!"

She looked around for a beetle, placing it gently in front of the grumbling lizard.

@Peaches "I've always been able to communicate with nature's creatures. I'm sure I'm not the only one, though I don't know of any others."

When Peaches complimented her hair, Cairee nervously adjusted her hood, realizing it had slipped down.

Cairee was aware her friends were waiting, looking a little confused. She took her leave of Peaches and waved goodbye to the Doves.

@Doves "Good day my friends! If you see the pigeon Chapel of the Unending Light please give her my regards."


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan

perception,DC11: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Hahaha, she thinks he's serious!

Zahra looked horrified at the servant's question. "I would never, Othman! You must believe me, there is no ill intent!"

The last few days had certainly turned Zahra's world on end to the point where she was not her usual genial self but rather plagued with fear. Her voice belied that fact as she continued, "Sadly I have lost track of whether it is a cleaning day or not. I am very sorry to intrude but much has happened recently and I need Haseena's counsel."

BTW, all the animal conversations are amazing and so enjoyable!


male (he/him)

The Path to Haseena's

Cairee & the Peafowl:

The lizard looked taken-aback when Cairee placed the beetle in front of him, "Hmmm, that's strange. It's like she can read my mind." Then he ate it all the same.

The doves did double-takes when they were addresses then walked about in little circles trying to look natural.

Peaches spoke while eating as if his desire for the fruit made him forget his fine manners, "I am as well versed ... mmmMMm ... in the garden as any ... mmm ... fowl. Come see me if you ever want .. mmmmMMmmMmmmm."

The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan
Any invisible grin that Othman might have had disappeared, "My! You are serious this afternoon. Well, open the side door for me and then I'll go announce you. The Mufti Estate won't thank you all for standing out in the street." He looked over at the larger but slightly less well kept six-storey next door. Indeed all of the other manors here seemed to outstrip Haseena's in size if not attention.

The driver handed Zahra a long iron key. He took his light packages down to the alley side-door steps. Zahra opened it into a mud room which was conspicuously spotless. "You know things have been quite serious around here for days. Mistress has not been herself and may not wish to give any council." He turned from laying down his light burden and looked Zahra in the eye, "Perhaps your troubles are related."

Sense motive vs DC16 (Zahra gets +4 on her check):
Othman knows something is going on, something serious. He isn't asking. He is stating. He is a good servant and will not pry into Zahra's private life and he knows far better than to look into Haseena's. He is no fool, however, and is obviously concerned about Haseena.

"Please lock the outer door and leave your weapons here." Othman did not watch you disarm assuming you would comply. The mudroom led to a basement hallway and on either side of the hallway were the practical rooms (ie. kitchen, larder, cook's room, cook's assistant's room - vacant, servant's dining room, preserves and dries herbs, sewing room - with attached safe room, doorman's room - Othman has moved into this room). At the right end of the hall was a staircase to the entryway. The left end of the hall to a spiral staircase. The bottom of the staircase had a brass chain across it at waist height with a little sign. <Limaninite>Servants Attics

Roll20 map to come
Othman led you all to the right and up the stairs to a large marble foyer. From there three other staircases led upward to a mezzanine, two of which continued to the upper floors. Large double doors were closed to the main street. On this floor there were two sets of doors and three archways.

Above them was a vaulted ceiling with a convincing painting of a blue sky tumultuous with storm clouds, cherubs played games amongst them. A long chain hung down from the ceiling to an elegant chandelier ... but there were no candle holders. Instead, blown glass spheres were in their place. Inside each sphere was a tiny bit of wire.

From the archways leading to a front room issued voices and Othman asked the group to stay at the top of the stairs while he disappeared through that arch.
perception check 'from where you are' DC21(no favoured enemy bonus)


The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Cairee followed Zahra and Othman, staying quiet except to offer help with the servant's packages. She couldn't get a read on Othman, but trusted Zahra and was happy to let her take the lead.

The mansion was overwhelming. Cairee had never been in anything so grand. Her family home, which had always seemed too large and gaudy her her tastes, could have tucked into a corner nicely without really being noticed.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10


HP 24/24 | AC 16/14/12 | F+3/R+6/W+2 | CMB +1, CMD 15 | Acro 10, climb 5, DD 13, EA 10, Init 6, Perc 7, SoH 8, SM 1, Stealth 10, Surv 8

SM: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
perc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Dounia looked at the servant as he spoke to Zahra. He clearly knew something, but was very discreet. I hope my servants are as wise and loyal when I make my way home.

Walking through the house, Dounia tried very hard not to goggle, but it was hard not to. She hadn't been into many houses like this, and never openly, never invited. She nervously adjusted her shayla, making sure she was appropriately decent, and followed Zahra's lead.


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan

sense motive, DC16: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Totally oblivious!

Zahra nodded gravely, "I'm not sure if they are related and I don't mean to sound dramatic, but please tell Haseena that it's a matter involving life and death. It may sway her decision to speak with me...us."

She waited for everyone to enter the mudroom and then locked the door securely behind them. She then handed Othman's key back to him once he had deposited the parcels he had been carrying.

Zahra followed Othman up the stairs, anxious to speak with Haseena. She looked up at the painted ceiling. It was one of her favourites in the home and she had looked at it often while cleaning in the foyer. The delicate glass spheres were one of the things that Haseena had taught her to clean by using her magic since cleaning them by hand could result in breakage.

The sorceress-in-training stood obediently in place as Othman disappeared towards the voices. Even though it was tempting to try and overhear what was being said, Nisma had always told her that being a respectful guest meant minding your own business and not theirs.

perception, DC21: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14

Perception (DC11): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Sense Motive(DC16): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Perception (DC21): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14

The Humble Manse of Haseena Harmattan

GM Corey Homebrew wrote:
"Please lock the outer door and leave your weapons here."

Tymythy caught both the servant’s hidden smile and the real concern in his voice once he determined Zahra was not here to fool around and inclined his head slightly at the man. This fellow at least seemed worth his trust, and when he asked for them to relive themselves of their weapons, Tymythy did not hesitate. A guest should follow the customs of his host, just as the host was to guarantee the safety of their guests – it made all the sense to the clansman.

Once inside the building proper, Tymythy fought against gawking at the painted ceiling – something the likes of which he had never seen before. The grand chandelier without room for candles he glanced in brief puzzlement – wouldn’t those glass globes smother the flames? Unless they had silvered surfaces on one side, to help reflect the light as one saw in some lanterns? And three staircases? Why not just one? It’d be much easier to defend against invaders.

By the way, we didn’t get to splitting the loot but I assume we at the very least took the coins with us? And Tymythy would love to take the punch dagger if that’s OK with you? The rest he doesn’t really need, and I’m not in love with carting tons of gear from fallen enemies to sell at the local second-hard weapons shop ;^)


male (he/him)

@everyone - Please let me know what you're keeping and I will start a link to a loot list - also - sorry for the long post but this is an important intro.
@Zahra - sorry, that fumble on the last sense motive check meanse you have a -2 morale penalty on your next sense motive check - but only the next

GMs rolls:

bluff to convey a secret message: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31 Resounding success
sense motive to intercept message DC31: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 crit fail!
sense motive to 'read the room': 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16 not enough

The four could hear polite quiet talk happening in the next room and could see Othman's back to the archway as he waited patiently to be called on. None of the four could hear the conversation but Dounia could hear Othman's clear annunciations.

"Apologies for the interruption Mistress but four applicants have arrived for the new servant position and Mistress always likes to meet them before Sasithorn and myself conduct the interviews. I dare to be presumptuous enough to say they do not, a one of them, look promising. One, in point of fact, has applied here before. They are waiting in the foyer."

A voice, now audible for all and with some anger in it, replied, "How dare you begin interviewing for a position I have not permitted be posted yet!" You could see Othman unmoving as he passively took the ire of what, to Zahra, was clearly Haseema's voice. There were a few more polite words before Othman took three steps away to clear the arch. A woman in her sixties in a golden tiara and a day cloak of grey decorated with little gold shoulder jewelry walked into the room. She paused at the archway leaning on a silver handled cane to look at the four of you.
- In the course of a few seconds you could all see in her eyes a lightning quick fumbling in her mind and an urgent message - SAY NOTHING! DO NOTHING!. Othman stood blank faced behind her left shoulder - a man suddenly made of stone -

Following Naseema came a lanky man several inches over six feet tall. He walked like he was in his own private parade, dressed in crushed-velvet burgundy finery. He had a whip thin black cane in his hand and an ornate longsword hung loosely from his side. He walked past Naseema and turned to pointedly give you his back.

"That you lower yourself to see these riff-raff at all is quite admirable, Mistress. Thank you for receiving us unannounced," his head turned slightly away fro Othman, "and I do wish you luck with your domestic drudgery. It is very difficult. Finding a worthwhile servant is like finding water in the desert but a truly capable servant will certainly get pouched by a more affluent house. Good day."

While he spoke a young woman only slightly shorter than Zahra and of about the same age followed him in. She gave the four applicants a good eyeing over then looked subtly to Haseema and seemed to forget about the four of you. She wore a green sari and a little jewelry under a metallic green cloak and stayed quiet, smiling frequently whenever she thought the Mistress was looking.

"Othman, please show Marques Qudretullah and his ward out."

Othman nodded knowingly and opened the door then stood watchful outside for a moment. Zahra could see Haseema's eagerness to talk, and her reserve. She breathed out and, as the air drained from her, she looked old and tired like a venerable soldier who just finished a duel with a younger enemy. Othman returned and closed the door ...

three beats

Haseema rushed over to Zahra and embraced her. Then, holding her out at arms length, "Come to my parlor and tell me everything starting with who your new friends are. That was a quick lie Othman. One day you must tell me exactly how much you know about my affairs."

"Yes Mistress."

"Get Sasithorn to bring us tea and tell her we will have four for supper."

"Yes Mistress."

Haseena led you through the front room , past what might be a sitting room, through a trophy/silver/plate room into the back of the house. This room had several lounges and large sitting chairs. Framed paintings of pastoral scenes covered the walls and small sculptures sat on old finished wooden end tables. She took a seat on one of the lounges and waited.


HP 24/24 | AC 16/14/12 | F+3/R+6/W+2 | CMB +1, CMD 15 | Acro 10, climb 5, DD 13, EA 10, Init 6, Perc 7, SoH 8, SM 1, Stealth 10, Surv 8

Dounia bristled when she heard them described as interviewees for a servants position. She was about to protest, loudly, when she received an elbow in the ribs. Clamping her lips shut, she stood there, glowering, until the finely dressed man emerged. Aha! Deception! Like in the stories! Fully invested, she did her best to look like an eager and willing maid, hoping she could manage a suitably subservient expression. Hard to pull off, for royalty such as herself.

**

Settling onto a comfortable chair, Dounia waited for Zahra to introduce her, as was proper.


Human Draconic Sorcerer/3 | HP 20/20 | Init +2 | AC14/F12/T13 | Mage armor AC18 | F+2 R+3 W+3 | Perc +4 SM +0 | Active Conditions: Mage Armor | Spells per day: 1st 2/6 | Claws: 6/7rounds | SMB 7; SMD 17

Zahra had been briefed when she started cleaning for Haseena that at times, there were very important guests that may come to call. To this end, she had been taught how to properly respond, the usual was to make yourself scarce. There was no leaving by the time that Haseena and her company appeared so Zahra stood very still and looked down at floor, never making eye contact with either the man or the young woman.

Does the name Marques Qudretullah sound familiar to Zahra at all?
k.local: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Zahra returned Haseena's hug and fought back the urge to sob with relief. In the moment of the embrace and feeling the older woman's inner strength, Zahra was more hopeful that things would begin to make sense again.

She followed her mentor to her parlor and gracefully dropped into the space beside Haseena on the lounge. "These are my new friends. How we met will become clear as part of my tale but for now I will begin with their names." She motioned her hand to each in turn as she introduced them, "This is Cairee, a servant of Saiph. And Tymythy who you can tell has traveled far to be here. And last but not least is Dounia. If it weren't for each of them, I wouldn't be sitting beside you today."

Zahra took a deep breath and the events of the last days came spilling out of her. She barely took a breath as she told Haseena about her kidnapping, her strange time in the yurt and the parade of strange creatures examining her, her meeting the others as they were all being taken to the city to be sold illegally as slaves, and their daring escape.

"As soon as we escaped, I knew I had to get home to Mother and Father. I'm not even completely sure how long I was gone and I knew they would be worried. But when we got there, we didn't find them but intruders! There were three of them who said they were servants of the Red Dragon?" She looked around at the others for confirmation, "Is that right?"

"Anyways, one of them seemed to think someone called Fida Hurras took me but the woman's name was Cascha, I think. We all had to fight them to survive." She broke eye contact with Haseena and looked away, somewhat ashamed, "We killed two of them. Then Mother came home and we questioned the remaining one before letting him go. He said that they wanted to know why I had been taken and that I must be important. And..." Zahra looked down at her hands, "Something else happened. My fingernails, they turned into claws when I got really scared. At first I thought that the slavers had cursed me with something but Cairee pointed out after it happened a second time that maybe it was something I was doing."

She looked at Haseena imploringly with her eyes wide, "Mother said that you would know what to do. After what happened at home, she said to come see you right away because you would know. I have tried so hard to keep my abilities secret to keep my family safe and yet trouble has somehow found its way to our doorstep. I don't understand. Which is why I seek your counsel. And yes, my new friends have seen what I can do but they can be trusted. I can't be certain but I think everyone else who saw me do magic during this whole ordeal is dead."

She then seemed to deflate somewhat as she sank into the couch, seemingly exhausted from having relived her misfortune.


male (he/him)

GMs rolls:

know. religion - Saiph: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
know. geography - Tymythy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
appraise - Dounia's clothes: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
perception - on the group: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
know. local - Fida Huras: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Haseema sat quietly and without expression as she listened carefully to Zahra's explanation of events. When Zahra started talking about growing claws the old woman's calm broke, "Can you do it again? Come, show me!" She seemed very eager almost impatient to see, after which she seemed a little distracted. When Zahra finished Haseema was distant but wheels were obviously turning inside her head. She came out of her revery and looked at Cairee, "Cairee? What is your family name? Is the Karunai Order's infulence strong in Divolgatia? You aren't wearing a traditional Karunai robe?"
-
Haseema glanced at Tymythy, "It is good to see Eusabiona is sending emissaries from ALL of its' colonies. How is it that you've strayed so far from the empire?"
-
The old woman turned her eye to Dounia. She spoke to everyone but the young thief could feel an air of warning in it, "It is good to meet you all. I am very glad to hear that Zahra trusts you. Welcome to my home. It is a house filled with my memories and keepsakes, all of which are of great value to me." There was a pause, "Dounia, do you have a family name? You are not a citizen?"


Human Ranger 2 / Fighter 1 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 16 (13 Tch, 13 Fl) | CMD: 16 | F: +7 R: +5 W: +1 | Init: +3 | Perc: +7 SM: +1 | SMB: +3, SMD: 14
GM Corey Homebrew wrote:
Haseema glanced at Tymythy, "It is good to see Eusabiona is sending emissaries from ALL of its' colonies. How is it that you've strayed so far from the empire?"

Tymythy had been following the strange theater taking place around them in silence up until that point, but this… this demanded and answer, to remedy the insult if it had been intended, or to set things straight if the comment had been born from mistake or ignorance.

”Eusabiona, mistress?” Tymythy said, distaste clear in his voice. ”I am no minion of the Empire – long and far into our lands has their greed reached, but my people will live and die free rather than submit to those invaders. Please do not sully my honor or that of my clan with another such association or I will be forced to give answer.”

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