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Malinor raises his drink to Garados and Perry before rising and moving to join the group that is gathering around the Tengu's table.
When he reaches the table Malinor hails the table and says, "Hello, I happened to overhear that you had an invitation to meet with the Baron about potential work. It happens that Garados," Malinor motions back to where his friend was still laughing with Perry, "My companion, and myself have also received such an invitation. But we have little knowledge about what the Baron needs and it seems that you might have that knowledge. I was wondering if you would share it with me over a drink?"
When she asks if he's in the Barons employment, Ting shakes his beak no. "Nope's not in tha Baron's employee yet's." Shoveling another wooden spoon full of beef stew into his beak. "But I's got it foist 'and, so's ta speak, from 'is bloke I knows." Tilting his head back, he swallows the beakful. "A friend o' a friend. if'n ya' catch me meanin'." He lays a claw aside his beak. "The floggin' dwarf said tha baron would's need a bloody trap-expert, 'as a team headin' inta some ol' tomb 'ais found an' wants it investy-gated." He holds up the paper, winking at the armored tiefling, "At's what tha affidavy is fer, wroight."
"Next thing you will tell me that dwarf's name is Odo Pryce?" - Tessai's eyes narrowed even further.
To Tessai, he says So you're not an adventurer? More like a soldier? That's good. Can't have enough muscle when you're slinking around in tombs and the like.
"A soldier..?" - the tiefling seems to actually pause at those words - "No. Perhaps one day. For now I am a weaponsmith, and a traveler. Will that do?" - she asked - "And my name is Tessai"
"My companion, and myself have also received such an invitation. But we have little knowledge about what the Baron needs and it seems that you might have that knowledge. I was wondering if you would share it with me over a drink?"
"Well met stranger. I have no idea of what the Baron needs, but apparently it requires a small army, seeing as we all here have been summoned for this task"
Not surprised by the grouping of others that apparently were going to be at the Baron's meeting, but a little amused at the timing, Wyran stands to make an apology to Merriweather. "I hate to cut a discussion short, especially with such a lovely lady as yourself. The mage may have called you a 'young hippie', but as a fellow worshiper of Desna I think I'll reserve comment on his shortsightedness. By the discussion that they are having it appears Desna is moving me again. I believe that group has my next traveling companions."
After excusing himself he strolls across the room to the interesting group at the tieling's table. "Pardon me, but like everyone else in this room I couldn't help but overhear. Is everyone here invited to the meeting at the Baron's castle in a couple of days? And before anyone asks, all I know is what the Wizard of the Crooked Tower mentioned which only said it was for an investigation down south."
"Mind if I join you? If we're all going to be working together we probably should get to know who's who. I'm Wyran Zuranan, Serendipity Shaman of the Heaven's Spirit and follower of Desna. And if my little spirit animal is willing," "If you happen to see Scrapper here flying around, please don't kill him. He's a curious little critter that occasionally likes to grab flashy little items. But he's also my spirit animal and really means no harm. For anyone that has never seen such before, he's a snark."
"A soldier..?" - the tiefling seems to actually pause at those words - "No. Perhaps one day. For now I am a weaponsmith, and a traveler. Will that do?" - she asked - "And my name is Tessai"
Very well. Well met, Tessai.
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"So's tells 'im ta come on over, we's about got enough blokes fer a bloody murder."
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Malinor nods in thanks as Ting gathers more chairs and then sits down. "Garados will join us when he is ready. For now I think he is trying to relax from the last dank hole we found ourselves in. I am Malinor, an Inquisitor of Cayden Cailean. It is a pleasure to meet you all. Do any of you happen to hail from around here?"
As the table gets more and more crowded, Tessai grows more silent. There are just too many coincidences happening to be just a matter of happenstance.
"I have heard about Inquisitors, but had never met one before" - she comments though - "What does it mean to be an Inquisitor of Cayden Cailean?" - the tiefling adds.
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"An inquisitor is one who seeks out something for the church. Cayden's church is full of gregarious followers. And so we make many friends, and occasionally our celebrations do not appeal to everyone. Regardless, that gives the church reason to aid others like the Baron who are our friends, or seek out those who would harm the church. An inquisitor is used to do either as needed." Malinor explains with a small smile to the woman. He then asks her, "And, if you don't mind my asking, what is it that you might do?"
"I..." - Tessai seems to hesitate - "What it is that I do...? I do not know... I travel the land, I earn my living as a crafter, I do some odd jobs here and there, protecting merchant caravans, or lending a hand when it seems the balance is tipping too much on those who cannot defend themselves I guess" - she paused again - "I think that is about it"
One common theme of discussion is that the Baron's trouble, whatever it is is somewhere to the south.
History: Hundreds of years ago an army of good led by a Wizard named Zelkor fought the followers of Orcus (the demon lord of undead). The forces of good won and then, with their temple in ruins, the surviving high priests of this accursed demongod fled the city with an army of enemies on their trail—an army of heroic fighters, clerics and paladins—led by Zelkor, a powerful wizard. The exact fate of these evil priests was then unknown, for not only did the remnants of the followers of Orcus disappear from all human reckoning, but so did the army of light that followed after them disappear as well. Some said that in the eternal scales the loss of so many good men was a fair price to pay to rid the world of so much evil.
The evil cult, however, had not been destroyed. The surviving priests and their followers instead settled on a hill near the Estrovian Forest, a sylvan woodland near the Coast Road. There they found a vast underground complex of caverns and mazes, carving out a volcanic intrusion beneath the hill. There, the priests of Orcus found the perfect lair to continue their vile rituals. For many years, they carried on in secret, hidden from the light and from the knowledge of men.
No one has heard from the followers of Orcus for many years. Adventurers have explored the area and returned telling the wild tales that adventurers always spin.
Some years ago a powerful group of adventurers, led by Bofred, a high priest of Torag, investigated the evil happenings and found a sunken graveyard leading to a labyrinthine complex. Bofred and his companions found great hordes of evil creatures in the complex. Though some of his companions returned from their expedition, telling tales of fantastic treasure and ferocious monsters, Bofred was never seen again—lost in the catacombs beneath the cursed mausoleum.
History: Hundreds of years ago an army of good led by a Wizard named Zelkor fought the followers of Orcus (the demon lord of undead). The forces of good won and then, with their temple in ruins, the surviving high priests of this accursed demongod fled the city with an army of enemies on their trail—an army of heroic fighters, clerics and paladins—led by Zelkor, a powerful wizard. The exact fate of these evil priests was then unknown, for not only did the remnants of the followers of Orcus disappear from all human reckoning, but so did the army of light that followed after them disappear as well. Some said that in the eternal scales the loss of so many good men was a fair price to pay to rid the world of so much evil.
The evil cult, however, had not been destroyed. The surviving priests and their followers instead settled on a hill near the Estrovian Forest, a sylvan woodland near the Coast Road. There they found a vast underground complex of caverns and mazes, carving out a volcanic intrusion beneath the hill. There, the priests of Orcus found the perfect lair to continue their vile rituals. For many years, they carried on in secret, hidden from the light and from the knowledge of men.
No one has heard from the followers of Orcus for many years. Adventurers have explored the area and returned telling the wild tales that adventurers always spin.
Some years ago a powerful group of adventurers, led by Bofred, a high priest of Torag, investigated the evil happenings and found a sunken graveyard leading to a labyrinthine complex. Bofred and his companions found great hordes of evil creatures in the complex. Though some of his companions returned from their expedition, telling tales of fantastic treasure and ferocious monsters, Bofred was never seen again—lost in the catacombs beneath the cursed mausoleum.
History: Hundreds of years ago an army of good led by a Wizard named Zelkor fought the followers of Orcus (the demon lord of undead). The forces of good won and then, with their temple in ruins, the surviving high priests of this accursed demongod fled the city with an army of enemies on their trail—an army of heroic fighters, clerics and paladins—led by Zelkor, a powerful wizard. The exact fate of these evil priests was then unknown, for not only did the remnants of the followers of Orcus disappear from all human reckoning, but so did the army of light that followed after them disappear as well. Some said that in the eternal scales the loss of so many good men was a fair price to pay to rid the world of so much evil.
The evil cult, however, had not been destroyed. The surviving priests and their followers instead settled on a hill near the Estrovian Forest, a sylvan woodland near the Coast Road. There they found a vast underground complex of caverns and mazes, carving out a volcanic intrusion beneath the hill. There, the priests of Orcus found the perfect lair to continue their vile rituals. For many years, they carried on in secret, hidden from the light and from the knowledge of men.
No one has heard from the followers of Orcus for many years. Adventurers have explored the area and returned telling the wild tales that adventurers always spin.
Some years ago a powerful group of adventurers, led by Bofred, a high priest of Torag, investigated the evil happenings and found a sunken graveyard leading to a labyrinthine complex. Bofred and his companions found great hordes of evil creatures in the complex. Though some of his companions returned from their expedition, telling tales of fantastic treasure and ferocious monsters, Bofred was never seen again—lost in the catacombs beneath the cursed mausoleum.
Wyran lightly scratches Scrappy's neck, causing the little creature to glow with pleasure. He grins at Ting, "Yeah. And look at the little claw-like hands on his wings. All he could handle would be little things. Trouble is, when he 'snicks' a gem or two.... I've found several in his pouch here and had no idea where he got them!"
Realizing he hadn't answered Malinor's question he glances that way. "Not me. Or, I guess it depends on what is meant by around here. I mostly grew up around Absalom. I think most people would consider that 'not from around here'...."
Two days pass by quickly in Egede. All of you spend some time getting to know one another.
Wyran doesn't get to dance with Priestess Candless, but it's not for lack of trying.
On the appointed day, you proceed to the Castle, where it appears they are expecting you.
As you pass through the outer bailey and present your passes/letters of introduction, you all feel your skin prickle.
You are escorted into the Baron's council chamber where you see some familiar faces.
Odo Pryce, Merriweather Candless, and Mellikon Fortwit are all present.
As is an imposing man with black hair (greying at the temples) wearing a white surcoat emblazoned with a roaring lion that you assume to be the Baron. A holy symbol of Iomedae hangs areound his neck and a longsword by his side.
Another man catches your eye because of his bald head and the jeweled eyepatch he wears over his left eye. The thick cutlass hanging from his belt is a rare choice for a weapon in these parts.
Lastly, a middle-aged man in the vestments of Iomedae turns from looking out a window as you enter. By appearance and reputation you assume that this must be Archdeacon Bartholomay.
The man you assume to be the Baron gestures for you to enter and points to a set of six chairs at the end of the conference table.
"Come in my new friends." he says in a commanding voice. "Welcome to our home and thank you for coming."
"I am Tennyson Warwynd, commander of the garrison here at Egede and warden of eastern Mendev on behalf of her Majesty, Queen Galfrey."
"You all have been recommended for you qualities and character and the kingdom has a need you might be able to fulfill."
"But before we speak of that, I would have you introduce yourselves in your own words..."
Lefty doesn't notice anything amiss.
Garados stands confidently forth. "I'm Garados Angelidi. I'm a transmuter by training and a delver into the unknown. I have studied with the monks of Holomog and fought with agents of the Technic League in the depths of the Emerald Spire. I've traveled many miles with my companion Malinor to be here. I trust you have something good for us!"
My friends, I am Lothorian Sativa of the elven realm, though I have not been there for many years.
Lefty pauses, as though he were confessing to a crime.
I offer my services as a forward scout, should the troupe find such abilities useful. I can get very close to the enemy without being detected, usually. Though this adventure may try my skills, I am ready to brave the dangers for the greater good.
Evil, left to fester, only grows. It must be dealt with before it grows too strong to be dealt with.
The Baron looks you all over as you begin to introduce yourselves.
He looks over to Mellikon and asks: "Mellikon, I seem to recall asking you to recruit a wizard or sorcerer to support this venture."
He gestures to Lothorian and Garados. "It seems that you have brought me a muscle-man and a sneak thief." he chuckles.
Before you can respond to any of this he turns back to you and says: "No offense my friends. I am sure you have considerable talents and will be worthy additions to the enterprise."
and to Odo he says:
"You've recruited a talking bird?"
At which the old dwarf laughs and says: "The bird does a lot more than talk!"
and at Mallinor's introduction he turns to Archdeacon Bartholomay and says: "No paladins or priests from your order? Do the followers of Iomedae value the glory of fighting in the Worldwound over the duty to serve the kingdom?"
At this, the Archdeacon shrugs.
"You've recruited a talking bird?"
"And a half-breed" - Tessai added -"I am Tessai, and I am... A warrior"
"Indeed," the Baron nods to Tessai.
"This land is no stranger to those of mixed blood. The Crusades have seen many like you fight valiantly to prove their nature."
"As to what you are, I will let you speak for yourself."
"I will tell you though that the Archdeacon" he nods to the priest of Iomedae, "has indicated to me that you are more than just a warrior."
"If you mean to say a Paladin" - Tessai replied - "I have been called so by another, a long time ago. But I find it odd to address myself as such" - she adds - "The General of Vengeance has seen something in me. I am honored, and strive to prove him right... But I am other things also, like everyone else"
"Well enough." the Baron responds to Tessai.
"I believe Odo, Merriweather, and Melikon are known to some of you." he indicates the council members.
"I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Captain Shorts, commander of our naval forces on the Lake of Mists and Veils." the bald man with the fancy eye-patch nods to you.
"and Archdeacon Bartholomay, shepherd of the Iomedae's faithful here in Egede."
The Baron inclines his head to the cleric.
"These fine folk form my advisory council here in Egede and help me planning for the prosperity and defense of the eastern part of Mendev."
"While peace and stability may sound boring to adventurers such as yourselves, it is vital that we maintain a sound base to support the ongoing crusades against the Worldwound."
"Let us all take a seat." he gestures to chairs around the conference table.
Once seated he continues:
"With the kingdom's resources turned to the Worldwound, I find myself in need of a group of stalwart adventurers to investigate a mystery in the south."
The Baron looks you all over as you begin to introduce yourselves.
He looks over to Mellikon and asks: "Mellikon, I seem to recall asking you to recruit a wizard or sorcerer to support this venture."
"I assure you that he has," says Garados. "As I said, I am a transmuter. That is a kind of wizard," he adds, in case the baron didn't know.
"With the kingdom's resources turned to the Worldwound, I find myself in need of a group of stalwart adventurers to investigate a mystery in the south."
"What sort of mystery, your grace?"
Looking towards the tiefling warrior as she introduces herself, he let's out a small gasp when she explains that she's a paladin. Nodding he whispers to 'Lefty', in a not so soft voice, "'at explains a lots wroight!"
It confuses me, actually... the elf whispers back. I knew she was more than she seemed, but a paladin? Not what I would have guessed.
Wyran listens to the introductions of the group members, a bit surprised by the comments. When given the chance he adds, "Wyran Zuranan, Serendipity Shaman and follower of Desna. Sorry not a Paladin, Priest or Wizard. I'm from Absalom originally. So how far south?"
Lefty nods to the shaman. Well met.
He then whispers to Ting, No problem, my feathered friend. You were more perceptive than I was in this instance.
Lefty can whisper. He uses the Message spell quite a bit. Ting, not so much. He still finds the tengu interesting. He's met some, but never adventured with one. This could be fun.
Tessai takes a seat in silence.
"Let me start by having Captain Shorts describe the event that turned our attention south." the Baron says, nodding to the captain.
The naval man nods, wipes a handkerchief across his bald head. He looks down the table at you all with a grim smile on his face.
"As milord said, I am commander of the kingdom's navy here on the Lake."
"Our job is to keep the flow of trade across the lake from Chesed and the Sellen River safe. The weapons, food, and crusaders that flow up from the south and across the lake is the fuel of the Crusades." he explains.
"Six weeks ago, I had the Peregrine, my flagship on patrol."
"By chance we spotted a craft cutting across the normal trade route from the east. By their looks, I thought they were pirates or smugglers out of Port Ice."
"Their course marked them as being unusual. There's not much reason for anyone to head to the western shore of the lake. There's not much besides swamp, wilderness and a few villages. Honest merchants avoid the shore because there are dangerous monsters that lurk in the wilderness."
"Anyway, I ordered the Peregrine to give chase and the smugglers fled."
"They didn't have the sails to match my Peregrine though and it was obvious we had them after only a half-an-hour."
"Normally, I would expect smugglers to heave to and surrender in the face of a warship, but theses lads seemed determined to get away. When they couldn't and we caught up with them, instead of surrendering they tried to fight us!"
"That lasted less time than their attempt to run. My archers and wizard cleared their decks and I sent boarding parties across to claim her."
"We took a few prisoners, but they were only common sailors. The captain and all of the officers were killed in the struggle, except for one fellow who apparently turned himself into a fish and jumped in the lake."
"On board we found a couple of puzzles."
"The first was a chart of their course. They were headed straight towards the west coast of the lake. Apparently towards the mouth of a river that is fed from the forests and swamps. It's not a usual destination for trade. Some small boats do travel the rivers trading with villages, but it is unusual in the least."
He pauses for a moment, then continues.
"The second puzzle was in the cargo hold..." he gestures across the room to a pair of men at arms carrying a chest between them.
The come forward and tip the chest onto the table. Out of the chest spills out a pile of dark, glassy gemstones.
"The chests in the hold were filled with these onyx stones...."
The Baron speaks up and says:
"The royal appraiser estimates that the chests recovered from the smuggler are worth over 12,000 gold pieces in value."
Tessai picked up one of the gems, playing with it in her hand, feeling the weight and texture, then placed it in the pile again.
"Who around the region would have enough means to pay such a hefty sum?" - she inquired.
Onyx gemstones are a material component for the spell Animate Dead. There are enough here to make an army of them. Whoever wanted them probably has a specific plan for them, and we can find them at the western shore.
The wizard Mellikon nods to Lefty when he speaks.
"Very good .... very good." he says.
"We on the council reached the same conclusion."
"That leads us obviously to the legends and stories in the region of the fabled lost army of Orcus retreated to this region and disappeared years ago after their defeat." the old man continues.
The Baron interrupts the discussion by clearing his throat
"Uhhhh-hump..."
Then he speaks: "Obviously, the idea of some necromancer accumulating resources to raise the army of the dead in a region already associated with the Prince of Undeath is creating some concern."
"No other intelligence we have received has indicated that anything like this is happening along the Wild Coast, but the region isn't monitored heavily with the Kingdom's resources perpetually turned towards the Worldwound."
"Without any resources here in Egede that are appropriate for exploring the region and looking for evidence of necromancy, we're now looking for volunteers to head south and investigate."
"Sounds simple enough then. Follow the map to the necromancer before he gets another shipment of his stones. Last thing this part of the world needs is an army of undead joining the army of demons!"
"Just checking though since you said volunteers.... Is there any pay for this?"
Or this one. 12,000 gold is a fair salary, given our number. There are many uses for onyx besides raising the dead. This would be a risky enterprise, if what we suspect is true. Perhaps it isn't what it seems. It will take a lot of time to find out, either way. We wouldn't be back anytime soon, that's a fact.
The Baron responds to your questions of compensation:
"The Kingdom is ready to finance your expedition to the amount of 1000 gold for each you to cover your time and expenses. I believe that Mellikon and Bartholomay have arranged to provide assistance for you as well."
At the discussion of recovering more gemstones the Archdeacon speaks up:
"If your exploration does turn up more of these gems, the church will gladly exchange them for a gold or diamonds equal to their appraised amount."
When the question of divinations is asked, Mellikon's face takes on a pained look and he responds. "How much of the legends of Rappan Athuk and the ancient battles against Orcus are true is hard to say, but I have reason there must be some truth to them because our best efforts at scrying that place have come to naught." He sighs, "Hence our need for 'Boots on the Ground', so-to-speak."
Garados leans forward, "What about local support? Such an expedition will require a base camp at the very least. Is there a village or town in the area where we will be able to find guides and replenish supplies?"
"The thousand gold sounds good. And Garados' concerns are valid. You also mentioned additional from Mellikon and Bartholomay, but didn't add details. ??"
When Garados asks about local support, the Baron speaks:
"The region is sparsely inhabited and largely wilderness. Most folk who live there probably do not feel much allegiance to the kingdom. Our resources are typically focused west, towards the World-Wound." The Baron answers.
"We send some patrols down the Coast Road to try to keep it clear for any merchants not shipping across the lake. They do their best to keep the path clear of bandits and monsters."
"The largest 'settlement' in the area is a village called 'Zelkor's Ferry', named for the famous wizard of legend. It is small, but it holds out as a point of civilization in wilderness. How much my authority is recognized there is anyone's guess."
"Other folk live through the region .... farming, hunting, trapping and the like, but it's a hardscrabble existence."
Captain Shorts speaks up:
"Most trade is done by boat. Up and down the rivers in shallow water craft. Traders ply the rivers, transporting goods and people to make their living. Those shallow water craft keep schedules for when they meet with deep-water ships at the mouths of the rivers. Normally it's just an exchange of food and furs for trade goods that can't be manufactured in the wilderness."
"Occasionally a merchant captain will bring back a piece of rare treasure or magic that adventurers recovered in the region and then traded in Zelkor's Ferry. That'll create a stir here and Egede and less committed crusaders will desert to go treasure hunting."
The captain shrugs: "Whether they reach a bad end in the wilderness or just don't come back because they fear desertion charges is anyone's guess."
"Not all traffic comes north to Egede though. Some goes south. The southern border of the kingdom is the Egelsee river. It gets pretty swampy where it empties into the lake, but there are boatmen who can navigate it. Midway between the Lake and Nerosyan there's a settlement called Lack Throat built up around a bridge to Numeria."
"Lack-Throat is not much more than a bandit camp. It mostly lies on the Numerian side of the river so it technically lies outside the Kingdom's jurisdiction."
"It is a haven for black market trade and people wanting to disappear from the crusades."
"So we'd better carry plenty of rations for ourselves. Understood."
"Will you be providing us with transportation to the area, at least to the rivers and we can get on the smaller craft from there?"
Garados sits back, his question answered. He wonders if there will be any friendly women in Zelkor's Ferry. He's only listening to the rest of what is said with half an ear. Mostly, he's daydreaming about a roll in the hay with a wide-eyed farm girl.