In Kelmarane there are all sorts of people who have come and gone with the new caravan route. Why you might ask, there is a silver mine, there are unclaimed lands and houses, here you could be free and the rulers of Katapesh have very little reach here.
One individual that is renowned for aiding the heroes of Kelmarane is Aukan the goliath. With his trusty greatswords and fiery women as his subordinates he has begun to rule the city with Almah.
After the defeat of the Kulldis tribe, gnolls haven’t been a big problem in the Kelmarane region, although travelers and merchants are still wise to bring along plenty of guards to defend against the inevitable trouble with tiny pockets of the bestial humanoids.
About a year has passed since the city of Kelmarane has been reclaimed.
You have been hearing rumors of increasing gnoll activity over the past few weeks.
A soft-spoken but intimidating man comes at dawn along with several other traveling merchants.
he only joined them on the road the night before.
---
If the PCs ask for proof, he merely
shrugs and asks them what proof would they
seek? Increased attacks on Kelmarane by gnolls?
A signed document from the Carrion King himself
declaring his intent? Zayifid tells the PCs to look to Pale
Mountain, to watch for war fires and listen for the Carrion
King’s howl upon the midnight wind. If the PCs ask him
how he knows that the Carrion King dwells in the House
of the Beast, or even that he’s sure the ruins stand upon
the far side of Pale Mountain at all, he simply shrugs and
says that it is not his place to question what dreams the
Dawnflower places in his sleeping mind as visions.
His warning delivered, Zayifid thanks the PCs for giving
him time to speak to them. When he leaves town, he does
so on foot, heading north toward the sands of Osirion.
This mysterious figure is Zayifid, a towering human who stands nearly 7 feet in height. He travels up to the Kelmarane battle market and takes up a spot at the tavern there, while sending out word that he wishes to speak with the leaders of the village and the heroes who so recently
liberated it from the gnolls.
Some of you might maintain a presence at the battle market itself and could well be there when Zayifid first arrives.
Almah Roveshki sends out a messenger to the capable protectors of Kelmarane to come to the battle market to learn what this man has to say to them. She requests that you come to her mansion before going to the battle market.
wants her strongest
allies (the PCs) to be there when she arrives at the battle
market tavern to speak with him
"I do not belong to a single church. I do not mock those priests who choose to remain in one location and tend to one building—not at all, for they provide a needed service. But I am not at ease if I stay in one location. I am a traveler, as I have said, and have walked the billowing sands of Osirion, the westernmost veldt of Nex, and much of our own beloved Katapesh in between. I have seen much in my travels, and have brought the word and redemption of the Dawnflower to many. Yet also have I seen much in the way of cruelty and war in those travels, and it is a warning of such I bring to you today.
You have distinguished yourselves by defeating the Kulldis. You know that word of the liberation of Kelmarane has reached all the way to the coast by now, and you are enjoying the fruits of that success even as we speak in the form of trade and tax. Yet word spreads not only to friends, but also to enemies. The Carrion King knows of what you’ve done to the Kulldis, and though he did not reply in kind at once, I have heard dire rumors in my travels. Rumors of gnoll tribes gathering on the far slopes of Pale Mountain, tribes united under one banner—the sign of the Carrion King! My path is not one of war. Sarenrae teaches redemption
and forgiveness, but I know well that many do not seek these ends, and that war is often inevitable. Yet sometimes, there are other ways. The gnolls are ever a bickering lot, and if the Carrion King has managed to unite these tribes, then his word is mighty indeed. And although I despair to think on the death of any living creature, if the Carrion King’s death would mean that the gnoll tribes would stand down—a war could be averted.
And so I bring this news to you. I shall not stay long, for I have no desire to be caught up in the folly of battle. But you would do well,
heroes, to take my warning to heart. Seek out the Carrion King and bring him low before he raises high the flags of war. You will find him in the House of the Beast, the rumors say, an ancient temple upon the far side
of Pale Mountain from which he has long ruled. May your efforts be swift and just, that needless suffering be averted."
Waking up with the sun, Balan quietly slipped past his mother's room and out of their small house to the dirt yard beyond, which showed signs of tamping and smoothing, and a distinct lack of rocks. As the monk grabbed a bucket from by back door and walked down to the nearby creek, he remembered when his mother was the early riser, sometimes having to drag him from his mat before he would grudgingly get his day started. Now his mother's hair was streaked with grey, and he let the morning sunlight wake her.
When Balan returned to the cottage, he left the full bucket near the shelf Uma used as a kitchen, then returned to the dirt yard and began his meditation. Sometimes with a low humming, sometimes just with slow, measured breathing, he circled the yard with slow, sweeping movements. As Balan moved on to his daily stretches, he heard his mother begin moving inside, on doubt preparing their simple morning meal. The normal sounds of the morning were suddenly interrupted by a quiet but insistent rapping that must have been coming from the front of the house, and was followed by Uma's quick, light tread and low voices.
Balan was doing a handstand on his knuckles when Uma rang the small brass bell that hung next to the back door, filling the air with a clear mellow ringing. "Oh good, you're almost done. A message came from Almah. Apparently some giant man just showed up and asked to speak with the "heroes of Kelmarane", and so you're requested to go visit her, then see what the man wants." Balan didn't speak immediately after this short speech, first gently lowering his feet to the ground and turning as he rose to face Uma. "Thanks for letting me know. Since I don't know when I'll return, feel free to eat without me." After a short wiping down, Balan left to go to Almah's palace.
As he walked into town, Balan seemed to descend into a relative maelstrom of activity and sound, with the closing of doors and the calling of animals mixed with the occasional conversation or colorful curse. He took a moment to calm his nose as he passed the battle market, already awash with the smell of oils and spices. He focused instead on the stark contrast with how it was a year ago, when the air was instead filled with the dying screams of gnolls and the scent of blood. As he walked towards Almah's mansion, a brief shiver dances up his right arm, and Balan looks down in time to see the mold covering his arm fade and disappear back into his skin. Looking back at the mansion, he briefly saw an efreeti with a cruel grin standing in front of the door before it resolved back into the familiar face and figure of Garavel, a much kinder smile on his face.
Throrgar liked the bustle and activity of the battle market - he liked the taverns, the shops, the sights, the smells, he liked everything about it.
When he was deep into his research, or caught up on some alchemical investigation, he preferred the privacy of his small Alchemy lab. But when organizing his thoughts and his notes, he preferred to be out here. It helped him think.
Some would recognize him from all the recent events around Kelmaranes, but many would not - in spite of his well built and compact frame, distinctive fangs, massive hair and beard, there was no lack of 'different' travelers and inhabitants all around the small village.
So his presence turned out to be discrete, even with the myriad weapons he carried all about himself, along with bandoleers, flasks, well worn and dusty clothing, and multiple other implements - it seemed like he was always prepared either for a battle, or a dissertation on some obscure subject. Yet he threaded lightly, as if all the load did not make a difference to him, his corded muscles carrying him around easily.
He was sitting at the corner of the tavern as usual, when the stranger arrived - notes spread out on the table before him as he scribbled something on a heavily used notebook, compiling the information. The half-orc took a long drink from the fresh beer at his side, then glanced for a few seconds at the one calling himself Zayifid - he entertained the thought of addressing him, but then again... "Naaaah, someone will get to it eventually" - he spoke to himself, and returned to his notes.
|
Staying with Felliped at the makeshift lodge was the only thing that made sense, but a year was a long time. Everything the saviors had uncovered has long since been documented, including the mold curse and Tempest. Copies of everything had been sent back to larger lodges for analysis. But, of course, Balan wouldn't submit himself for evaluation and study by a more knowledgeable team.
Like most mornings, this morning Auso was sand scrubbing last night's dishes before setting out a breakfast. When Almah's messenger interrupts breakfast, Auso simply shrugs. "Thank you for the message." Grabbing a heel of bread, the young man accidentally displays that some habits don't die easily as he grabs his pack and other gear before heading to Almah's.
Even after several years of eating well with the Pathfinders, the scents of the market get Auso salivating. The years of eating well, though, keep him from grabbing anything, legally or otherwise.
He smiles and nods to Garavel. Waves to Aukan. "Ah, yes. Well, maybe a little something to wash down the last of breakfast?" he asks the servant, a little sheepishly.
"Nice to see you Victrix" - Throrgar lifted his eyes from the papers spread out on the table, to welcome the young woman - "Sure, sit... You already did" - he chuckled.
"To Almah? No... I have been out of the house for the last two days, so maybe they could not find me" - he nodded at his backpack and equipment in the corner, mostly covered with sand - "Was out and about with one of the patrols. You know, the usual" - he explained - "And I came directly here to wash the sand from my throat"
"Speaking of which, I just realized I am starving. Have you had breakfast yet?" - he looks around for someone to signal for service - "On me"
"So what was the summons all about?"
"I saw him earlier yeah" - Throrgar nodded - "But... Never skip breakfast, and never engage on a debate with an empty stomach - you know that Victrix. It clouds your judgment" - he adds with a wink - "Plus the others should be coming around also, don't you think?"
"Do I order it for me only, or will you join me?" - he asks her when someone comes over to take their order.
"Here and there..." - Throrgar replied - "To be honest, more than I would expect to find" - he added - "The groups we have encountered in the last patrols did not necessarily look like they were looking for a fight" - he flipped through his notes - "The first group clearly thought we were easy pickings, but when they realized it was a patrol from Kelmaranes, they just retreated. We chased them for a while, but they are hard to keep up with in the desert..."
Taking another drink from his beer, and moving some pages ahead, he continued - "The second group was even stranger - they were actually waylaying a caravan on a distant route, further away from Kelmaranes. We did not outnumber them at all, yet they also retreated when we approached" - he paused.
"So in general, nothing too exciting as you can see" - Throrgar shrugged, accepting the silver to split the breakfast tab.
Sendi walked into the battle market. The green-skinned aasimar walked with the dignity and poise of a woman in a noble's court, with her hands folded in front of her and each step landing with careful precision. It was incongruous, in a way, due to her size. Standing six feet tall and with muscle mass that would put most warriors to shame. There were many words that could describe her, but none really did her justice. Beautiful was a word used by some, for her skin was as smooth and lustrous as jade, her teeth were as white as pearl, and her red eyes glinted like rubies. Her features and form were, one might say, in proper proportion. As if there was a mold as to what she should look like and the instructions were properly followed. But this was not beautiful by the standards of most civilized people. Rather, her beauty was more akin to that of a statue, carved by a Shelyn-touched artisan.
She wore simple clothes. They were well made, but utterly forgettable, and included a cloak and hood. Not the kind that a rogue might wear when sneaking through the night, but rather what a traveler would have to protect oneself from the elements. These came from the bracers she wore on her wrists. Her former master had insisted that all of his house-slaves wore them, so that they might be presentable for guests. Everything from her manners to how she walked was the result of a lifetime of not having a choice in the matter.
Finding Throrgar and Victrix, she smiled and offered a small bow as a way of greeting. In her time at Kelmarane she had grown to like the two. Throrgar had an aura of unbridled intelligence about him which she was drawn to. Looking at him, one might see a bushy beard, a tusked face and bulging muscles, only to assume that he was some mercenary brute. But it was obvious that he was a student of philosophy, and talking to him reminded her of the scholars that would frequent her master's estate. The fact that he was a half-orc endeared him to her, for it was proof that one was not a slave to their birth.
And Victrix? She was cheerful, engaging, and seemingly able to speak on any topic. Sendi loved when Throgar and Victrix were together, because even if she couldn't possibly hope to understand half of what either of them said, it was a joy just to listen. And even when the two were not together, it was always a treat to come across Vixtrix singing or playing her lute. Sendi had learned how to sing and dance out of necessity, not because of any desire on her part. She loved hearing music done from the heart, given that it was so rare in her exerience. And while Victrix certainly had something in her past that she wanted to hide, Sendi did not hold that against her in the slightest. For who did not have a past that they wanted to escape from?
"A good day to the both of you." Sendi said, with a smile. "I see that the two of you have just begun breakfast. As fate would have it, I have come for the same reason." She gently picked up a chair and with care sat down quietly. "I would ask if it was alright to join the two of you, but after asking for a thousand times and getting the same answer, I think that we can drop that formality. Please, continue the conversation. I will just pretend that I was here from the beginning."
”Sendi” - Throrgar smiled at the sight of the ‘orc-angel’, as he had once named her. It did not go down well at the time of course... But then again it served to confirm Throrgar’s total inability with soft words and compliments...
Truth of the matter, Sendi was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but that was not even the reasoning behind his comment back then - he was just using facts to come up with an intersting nickname, or so he had thought. Wrongly.
He nodded as she simply pulled up a chair and sat down - ”You’ve got it - no need to ask. We have leftover cold lamb, cold beer, cider, or water, bread, boiled eggs, honey, and goat’s milk, butter and cheese” - he grabbed the remaining scrolls from the table, putting them away in one of his scroll cases, to make room for the food.
”I was just going on about gnolls and the desert, and Victrix was telling me about the new imagery they have brought to the temple, apparently impressive” - the half-orc commented - ”But I am sure you already know the gossip about the summons from Almah, due to the new arrival, right?” - he tilted his head in the direction of Zayifid.
Sendi lowered her head politely as she graciously accepted the invitation. Delicately she poured a cup of water and began to peel an egg. Her dexterous fingers made quick work, with the shards of the shell being carefully placed in such a way as to make as little a mess as possible. Even after so much time, her old habits refused to die.
”Yes, the visitor. I have heard that this Zayifid is no less than seven feet tall. Though I wonder if he also breathes fire and walks upon the air rather than the ground.” She smirked. She picked up her egg, and using one hand to cover her mouth as she ate she took a bite. ”It would make the most sense to gather the others if we are to answer the summons. And if we wait here, I am sure that we will eventually see them all. Our town is not very large.”
The servant responds to Auso: "Yes, master Auso. What would you like? We have a nice red wine that is two years old, a Brandy that is 12 years old, and of course water or milk can be provided."
Throrgar does his best not to burst into laughter at Victrix’s song, and manages to somewhat keep his composure - ”That was... Impressive” - he commented, while waiting for Sendi’s reaction.
He then takes another glance at Zayifid - ”I am also starting to think it is time we listen to what this newcomer has to say?”
"You know my sword is here to protect Kelmarane and my companions! I wouldn't mind having second breakfast." He states with enthusiasm and gusto.
As Auso asks his question, the front door opens, and Garavel comes in from the entry hall to announce that "Master Balan" has arrived. The Iroran enters in his typically plain pants and tunic, thanks Garavel, and quickly scans the room. "I got here as quickly as I could, Lady Almah."
Soraya awakens a little before sunrise as she always does. Even back to her earliest memories there are only a couple of times when she hasn't, when she was too ill to get out of bed at all. She has enough time to exit her cottage and spread a mat of the ground. By the time the first hints of the sun's light are visible, Soraya is kneeling on the mat and ready to begin her morning prayers.
The sun is fully above the horizon by the time she is finished. Soraya collects her mat and returns inside for a quick breakfast. As usual she eats the grain mixture she had prepared the prior evening. Soaking in lightly spiced water overnight, the grains have softened, so she only needs to add some honey before she begins. By the time she has finished her breakfast the water heating in the kettle has boiled. Soraya makes a cup of tea, which she slowly sips as she begins to run through what she has to do during the day in her head.
The messenger's arrival interrupts her thoughts, but Soraya is pleased with the news her brings. The arrival of a fellow priest probably means she is being recalled to Gurat. This news is something she has been expecting for some time. Soraya had completed the tasks assigned to her. After that she would not be remaining for any greatly extended time, only the period needed for a permanent successor to be appointed, and for them to arrive.
She quickly throws her blue and yellow robe on over her white shift and hangs her golden figurine of Sarenrae around her neck. Kicking her sandals on, Soraya is out the door and on her way to Lady Alma's residence. She is excited to meet the newcomer, and honestly excited to be departing soon. She has adjusted to the hot, dry climate of Kalmarane, but she certainly prefers Gurat's more alpine climate.
She greets Garaval with a cheery "Good morning" as she arrives and makes her way in to the audience, where she takes a seat and greets the other attendees. She takes no more food while she waits, only some water.
When Lady Almah enters, Soraya stands and returns her curtsey with a slight bow, after which she returns to her seat.
”You’re right of course Victrix - I was distracted. Let us do that now” - Throrgar replied, getting up after they ate, gathering his gear - ”And find out what this is all about”
Sendi almost laughed at the song. Almost. She stopped, though, for she had learned long ago that laughter was not appropriate. It was another habit that she had yet to break. Instead she allowed herself to have an amused smile. When Throrgar stood up, she gently put her cup to the table and followed his lead in getting up. ”If the two of you are going then I shall accompany you. Let us see if there is anything to these rumors.”
At Almah's mansion:
She recognizes the new arrivals first, "Thank you Balan, Victrix,Sendi,and Throrgar." Then she repeats herself before relaying the bits of her dream she remembers, "I wrote it down, at least what I could remember. This tall man with white beaded hair. Gnolls. Gnashing teeth. Abominations. Finally my death and the city aflame. Yes foreboding and dire omens."
"Well met all" - Throrgar greeted all those already present, then pondered the Almah's words. At first glance, he could obviously not see a connection between any of the images referenced by the princess, but he kept them in mind.
He was about to make a comment about how dreams are usually just dreams, but he kept the thoughts to himself.
Generally speaking Almah has not had any divination skills before. You don't even think her classes are magical.
Almah shakes her head, disregarding her own omens, "Don't worry about them. Likely stress and a nightmare mixed together. Now that we are all hear, shall we see what this man has to say?"
"Let us do that" - Throrgar agreed, standing up, ready to leave.
"I am" - Throrgar shrugged.
Soraya is of two minds regarding Almah's dreams. While she can't dismiss them as of no consequence, she is also aware of the great rarity of truly divinatory dreams or spontaneous divinations in general. She also remembers Almah's tragically dead harrower and the lady's weakness for attempting to see the future.
Of course she doesn't believe Almah is lying about having the dream, memories can be unconsciously tricky, substituting reality into memories of the dream unconsciously as the person tries to make sense of it afterward. For example, a 'tall man' in a dream may not be recognizable afterward, but encountering or hearing about a tall man soon after can cause the dreamer to make an association where there is none, and 'remember' those newly learned details as part of the dream.
Soraya looks at gravely but with sympathy. Her own opinion is so much recent uncertainty and work leave her mind unsettled before sleep, which cause the bad dreams.
"I'm sorry. It sounds like the dream was very distressing."
When the chance comes in a more private setting I need to ask her if she has been doing the meditative exercises I showed her to clear and settle her mind before sleeping.
Soraya rises with the others, anxious to meet the new priest.
Sendi bowed politely and turned to follow the others. While she didn’t take much stock in dreams, that was no reason to be rude. Furthermore, it wasn’t as if though she had any other pressing matters to deal with.
Balan listens gravely to Almah's dream. A year ago, he would have been just as skeptical as his companions, but after "meeting" the being known as Tempest, he'd had to reconsider many things.
"I'll be right behind you"
Almah nods and says to Soraya, "Thank you for your concern."
Almah would normally take a coach and have her bodyguards nearby. Though today she walks among you, showing how much she trusts you. The bodyguards follow the group, though Garavel is right beside her.
A quiet time for Soraya to speak with her would have to come after.
The walk is rather quick a few minutes pass and the group approaches the battle market. The battle market is a multi-level bazaar, tavern, and entertainment arena designed to keep traders safe from brigands and
spread wealth to the impoverished folk of the heartland. This battle market stands at the heart of the village of Kelmarane.
The battle market is a three-story circular stone fortress with massive doors at each of the four cardinal direction points. The east, north, and west doors remain closed and guarded, while the southern doors stand wide open, awaiting new customers to the market. A large skylight about 30 feet wide allows the sun to light the building’s interior, while torches in sconces along the walls illuminate the battle market in the evenings. Climbing the 60-foot-tall exterior requires
three successive DC 15 Climb checks—once the roof is reached, it’s relatively easy to lower oneself through the skylight and onto the observation deck at area C15. Aside from this roof portal, the battle market contains no windows leading to the outside. There are no toilets in the battle market, so visitors often leave to relieve themselves. Several outhouses have been setup near buildings opposite the exits of the battle market.
The mysterious priest bows deeply and graciously, the sun tattoo on his brow almost seeming to glow. He introduces himself, "I am but a traveler of the sand and scrub, a student of all things Sarenrae sees fit to shine upon, and an unwilling bearer of bad news," then offers to buy each of you a drink from the tavern while he prepares to tell the following tale:
"I do not belong to a single church. I do not mock those priests who choose to remain in one location and tend to one building—not at all, for they provide a needed service. But I am not at ease if I stay in one location. I am a traveler, as I have said, and have walked the billowing sands of Osirion, the westernmost veldt of Nex, and much of our own beloved Katapesh in between. I have seen much in my travels, and have brought the word and redemption of the Dawnflower to many. Yet also have I seen much in the way of cruelty and war in those travels, and it is a warning of such I bring to you today.
You have distinguished yourselves by defeating the Kulldis. You know that word of the liberation of Kelmarane has reached all the way to the coast by now, and you are enjoying the fruits of that success even as we speak in the form of trade and tax. Yet word spreads not only to friends, but also to enemies. The Carrion King knows of what you’ve done to the Kulldis, and though he did not reply in kind at once, I have heard dire rumors in my travels. Rumors of gnoll tribes gathering on the far slopes of Pale Mountain, tribes united under one banner—the sign of the Carrion King! My path is not one of war. Sarenrae teaches redemption and forgiveness, but I know well that many do not seek these ends, and that war is often inevitable. Yet sometimes, there are other ways. The gnolls are ever a bickering lot, and if the Carrion King has managed to unite these tribes, then his word is mighty indeed. And although I despair to think on the death of any living creature, if the Carrion King’s death would mean that the gnoll tribes would stand down—a war could be averted.
And so I bring this news to you. I shall not stay long, for I have no desire to be caught up in the folly of battle. But you would do well, heroes, to take my warning to heart. Seek out the Carrion King and bring him low before he raises high the flags of war. You will find him in the House of the Beast, the rumors say, an ancient temple upon the far side of Pale Mountain from which he has long ruled. May your efforts be swift and just, that needless suffering be averted."
The folly of battle, indeed, muses Balan. Folly for you, but you ask it of others. Keeping his thoughts to himself for the moment, the monk turns to Almah as the man finishes speaking. "What do you think now?"
Throrgar felt like questioning the man further, but he deferred to Almah.
She replies to Balan quietly, "Yes, that sounds crazy enough to be my dream."
Looking to the stranger she asks, "So you send our heroes to the Carrion King on the far slopes of Pale Mountain?"
----
He simply shrugs and says, "it is not my place to question what dreams the Dawnflower places in my sleeping mind as visions."
Much more restrained, Sendi added "If Lady Victrix will go, then I will accompany her."
An uncharacteristic smile crosses the monk's face as he says "I'll come along as well. This sounds like a true challenge, much more a chance hone myself than simple sparring. No offense meant, Sendi."
Balan turns to Almah again, simply saying "If you would, please send a servant to check on my mother every other day or so. She won't like it, but I'd prefer to know she was being watched over while I'm gone."
Throrgar chuckles and shakes his head at Victrix when she expresses the will to volunteer, but then just grunts and nods in agreement when Sendi informs them she will join.