Cookie smiles pleasantly. The going and the coming were lovely. The middle was terrible and a true test of us, but here we are! Honestly, my bones ache still. I see now why this adventuring business is dominated by the young!
The gnome chuckles, "Most definitely! Children recover so much more quickly - it's unfair. Perhaps you should stop by the Slattern later this evening for some 'tea' with the girls? That cures many ills and breeds a few of its own. Or, if you need a lineament for your bones, you might visit Sudara. Her herbal remedies are the best."
Odelai continues walking with the group, keen to hear more information but not pressing.
Ohh. I'll be there. I'm afraid there isn't much in the way of juicy detail, though. We almost lost a couple of us to some hobgoblins and a little demon thing, but we managed to drive them off. The others might remember more, but I was just trying to keep everyone from getting killed the whole time.
"Yes, that part in between leaving and coming back got very tricky. It was the bugbear gang that abducted and murdered the ship's crew and stole all the cargo you see."
"Not only did they not want to return the cargo, but they were intent on killing and eating us as well. A large number of bugbears at one time and things can be touch and go as to who ends up dead or alive."
"But! We found everything on the wish list and retrieved it with no casualties. We do have professional reputations to uphold after all. By the way, would you happen to know anyone who can use a sextant, and wouldn't mind sharing their knowledge on the subject?"
OH, ya. Bugbears. Why do I keep calling them hobgoblins? OH well. I doubt they care. They're dead.
”…We almost lost a couple of us to some hobgoblins and a little demon thing, but we managed to drive them off. The others might remember more, but I was just trying to keep everyone from getting killed the whole time.”
A hitch appears in Odelai’s step along with a raised eyebrow, ”A demon? That’s… interesting.”
"Yes, that part in between leaving and coming back got very tricky. It was the bugbear gang that abducted and murdered the ship's crew and stole all the cargo you see."
"Not only did they not want to return the cargo, but they were intent on killing and eating us as well. A large number of bugbears at one time and things can be touch and go as to who ends up dead or alive."
"But! We found everything on the wish list and retrieved it with no casualties. We do have professional reputations to uphold after all. By the way, would you happen to know anyone who can use a sextant, and wouldn't mind sharing their knowledge on the subject?"
Odelai tries to process the information, ”Sextant? Well, yes. We have several sailors in town. I’m sure any number of them would be happy to teach you how to use it. Um… I’ll ask around and send someone to you.”
Senna adds, "Do you know anyone who reads Abyssal? We found a note during our jaunt. It's Abyssal and I think it mentions Threshold by name." She pulls out the skin-parchment and hands it to the gnome.
She frowns at the note in her hand and speaks cautiously, "I'll get this in front of someone who knows Abyssal. Thank you."
Odelai peels off as you arrive at Nine-Toes’ office, where he is already waiting for you. The paunchy yet wiry man is delighted with the fully laden cart. He checks his manifest against the goods and is even more content... digging in to the fish barrel to make sure he has the Medusa's Mask. ”Great job! So I owe you 1500 gold for the recovery and to name-drop you around town. Better news, I was able to sell that wand you left for about 63% of market value . If ya want, I can sell the rest of these good for ya and get you all the cash in one lump sum. I’ll need a few hours. Does that work for ya?”
Yash couldn't help but chuckle listening to his friends regale their recovery mission. He stood to the rear, carrying his recently claimed great axe while occasionally glancing around at the ongoings of the town.
He only had two questions for Odelai. "When leave? Where go?"
She shrugged and looked at the ladies before nodding to the man in response. "Work...for Yash."
He only had two questions for Odelai. "When leave? Where go?"
The gnome considers the questions for a moment. "We leave tomorrow... sometime around the noon hour, last I heard. We won't know where we've gone until after we arrive. Hemakhek believes our next destination will still be in Golarion, but that's his best guess."
She shrugged and looked at the ladies before nodding to the man in response. "Work...for Yash."
"A'right. Where will you be?"
With the team handling Nine-Toes, Xing heads back to the apartment to bathe, change, and check in with Salli at the Slattern to determine her upcoming shifts.
"Slattern. Eating" Yash replied, his hand rubbing his belly as a low growl escaped it.
Yash turned to look at Mama. "We go?"
Nine-Toes nods, ”Good enough. See you at the Slattern in awhile.” He climbs onto the wagon and drives it off toward Market Square.
Our heroes wind through the labyrinth of Dockside and enter the Slattern. Surly Burt is behind the bar – no less surly than before. ”NO animals… no exceptions!” He growls.
With an irritated sigh, Senna takes the path of least resistance and sends Sausage out to enjoy the sunshine on the docks.
Lady's sigh mirrors Senna's. Come on, Sausage. Let's see if that street baker lady has any treats that we can Pay For. she says as she glowers at Burt. She and sausage then disappear down the street.
Mama takes a seat at the OBC table. You can almost hear her joints creaking. Ahhh. Nothing beats the first day back from Adventure!
Cookie collapses into a chair. It being midday, the only OBC member present is Drusilla aka 'Dru'. She appears to be drinking tea... REAL tea this time, as she works on her knitting. Her needles clack with practiced efficiency.
She offers the halfling woman a smile, "Good for the blood, I imagine!" She looks to Burt, "Be a dear and put a special kettle on - the number 4 - for Cookie, she looks positively wrung out."
A couple hours later our heroes preside over a ruined table and are polishing off a robust meal, washed down with ale, beer, ‘tea’, or wine (depending on the drinker’s preference). Nine-Toes enters the tavern and makes a bee-line for the table, plopping himself down with a dramatic sigh.
”Well, that was some work, I’ll tell ya! But everything is sold and offloaded.” He waits for applause or something. When it doesn’t come, he clears his throat and presses on. ”I got you fair value on all them goods. Those crates of mushrooms were worth a pretty copper.”
He deals a metallic ‘card’ to each of you, like you are about to play Poker. ”These are your notes of credit with the Bank. You each have a box now. I figured this’d be better than dropping 250 pounds of gold on ya.”
You examine the card. Etched into the surface is your name, your current address, an account number, and an amount... all stated in both your preferred tongue and Canto.
The amount on each card reads:
Cookie collapses into a chair. It being midday, the only OBC member present is Drusilla aka 'Dru'. She appears to be drinking tea... REAL tea this time, as she works on her knitting. Her needles clack with practiced efficiency.
She offers the halfling woman a smile, "Good for the blood, I imagine!" She looks to Burt, "Be a dear and put a special kettle on - the number 4 - for Cookie, she looks positively wrung out."
Cookie nods. Aye, good for the blood. We ran into quite the bout of excitement out there, but it does tire one out so! How do the young ones do it so often? I have half a mind to stay back next time, let me tell you. I can already feel the soreness creeping into my bones!
After dinner, Cookie receives her card and her eyebrows almost leap off of her head. Oh my! This much? Really? But I hardly know what to do with this much!
Cookie nods. Aye, good for the blood. We ran into quite the bout of excitement out there, but it does tire one out so! How do the young ones do it so often? I have half a mind to stay back next time, let me tell you. I can already feel the soreness creeping into my bones!
Dru smiles slyly as Cookie's beverage arrives, "Drink your tea, dear..."
After half a cup, Cookie understands. The aromatic tea has a bit of whiskey in it, which helps with the stiffness, but not nearly as much as the herbal admixture that deadens every bit of pain in her body and makes her joints feel pliable, like when she was a teen. The dash of euphoria is also a nice touch.
It takes half the cup that's left for all the sensations to finally come to a realization in her head. Cookie looks at Dru conspiratorially. Then at the cup as if it had been part of the plan all along. Oh my! I know I can't, and I shant try anything acrobatic, but I feel almost young again!
Dru nods, her needles still clacking, "The 'Number 4' is a true friend at the right moments."
Lady Sable takes the 'early to bed' position abandoned by Mama Cookie. Once she's collected her pay, She spends only a small amount of time at the Slattern, a couple of drinks and a mere half-dozen or so episodes of regaling other patrons with tales of their (her) feats against the bugbear bandits before turning in for a long night's sleep.
Her plans for celebration are instead set for the next evening, when she will be purchasing another night with Violetta and Donal. With her new windfall she can afford to splurge. Sabelina will need to be in tip-top condition, fully recovered and well-rested to make the most of it though. Besides, she hasn't forgotten about the eventual exclusive arrangement, once she can afford it, she has floated to them. She doesn't want them to forget about it either. It's time for a little reminder. What better way to spend one's first night in their new location, wherever it is.
In the Plaza…
Lady and Sausage are enjoying some well-earned stuffed pastries in the sun along the dock when…
a familiar cat-like creature saunters into sight. Her voice reaches into their skulls.
:: This is a fine day, is it not? Are your companions about? I need to speak with them. ::
Whoa! Lady mind-shouts. This is weird! But ya. Back at the tavern with the speciesist tender. If Mama would let me is totally prank that guy into liking me. Are you that boss cat Mama grumbled about before we left?
After Mama recovers a bit from the glorious tea, she sets out to spend some cash. What's the point of money if you don't use it, after all!
The cat’s tail twitches. :: Let’s find out if I am. Please come with me. Mister Sausage, would you lead the way? ::
Sausage heads into the Slattern with Anne and Lady in his wake.
The pig strolls into the tavern, oinks on spotting his mistress, and trots toward the team’s table.
Burt’s growl is decisive. ”I said NO anima…” He stops short when the crystalline cat leaps onto the pig’s back and regards him coolly with her gemstone eyes.
Anne’s voice sounds in everyone’s head.
:: You were saying? ::
Burt’s nerves are palpable. ”Uh, nuthin’… ma’am.”
Anne walks the length of the pig’s back to stand on his meaty shoulders, tail swishing.
:: Oh. Are you sure? It sounded like you had some objection to my presence or perhaps it is my form to which you disapprove? ::
Burt wipes the cold sweat from his brow. His reaction is quick. ”No, Ma’am! I don’t disapprove of nuthin’.”
Anne sits on Sausage looking somehow professorial.
:: I’m gratified to hear that, Burt. Let me point out that these people are notable potential residents. If poor treatment of their companion animals resulted in any of them leaving Threshold prematurely, that could be seen as a violation of the Covenant. In that event, the Council would likely decide consequences are appropriate for whomever was responsible. Just something to consider. ::
She releases the bartender from her gaze and focuses on the team, jumping up on the edge of the table. Her ‘voice’ this time extends no further than the table.
:: The Council asked me to express their thanks for recovering those goods and, more importantly, for retrieving that curious note. I expect Uller neglected to mention that some of the money you received was awarded by the Council, a demonstration of their gratitude. In addition to that, there is this… ::
Her tail slides forward, holding a wand which she offers to the team.
Mama takes the wand with a little curtsey. Thank you very much. I burned through white a bit of our wand before, so this is very appreciated.
:: No thanks needed. You keep running into trouble in service of the city. It seems appropriate that we do our best to keep you alive... To that end, I've come to brief you on that note you found. ::
She considers for a moment.
:: The note is Abyssal and appears to be from, we think, a high ranking servant of Andirifkhu - a Demon Lord - or rather - Lady. It's a florid and pompous message but the gist of it is concerning. This Demon Lady knows about Threshold and is interested in learning all she can. The bugbears you encountered were directed to learn more. There is no date on it and no additional useful details. We cannot determine how this demon found our current location. It's not clear if she somehow 'tracks' Threshold, if she has sent similar messages to all of her followers, or even if she has a spy in town. Needless to say, we are investigating all possibilities. ::
With only a small measure of feigned outrage, Nine-Toes asserts, "I was gonna tell'em you guys kicked in a little cash... I just hadn't got around to it yet."
That is concerning. I'm not sure I really understand, but thanks for keeping us in the loop. Cookie says quietly. Having the attention of such a being sounded worrisome. I trust you have everything well in hand.
Senna chimes in, ”Is there anything we need to know about Andirifkhu?”
The cat’s response contains only a hint of emotion, :: I’m told she’s a ‘nasty piece of work’… her nickname is the Razor Princess as she is fond of cutting into flesh for pleasure and torture. It is believed that she is the first – and worst – Marilith demon. Therefore, her interest in us is… not clear. While we have transited to the Abyss more than once, we do not believe we have been in her domain. Our investigation continues and we will be looking for her now that we know she has an interest in us. ::
She cocks an ear as if she heard something curious. :: I’m sorry, I must be going now. ::
Anne signals to Nine-Toes and they both leave. She also slides a long, meaningful look at Burt before going. The bartender looks at your animals by the table and chooses to say nothing.
Shortly after the meal concludes, Senna takes her bank note and heads up to Market Square to go on a shopping spree...
Arrows (26):
Blunts (13):
Perfect Strike (3):
Ki Pool (4):
1st Spells (6):
Blood Intensity (1):
Dancing Lights (3):
Inspired (1): x
Effects:
xxxx = yyyy for zzzz time
Lady Sable was having her bath while potential demon threats were revealed and discussed. She goes to bed unenlightened about, and undisturbed by, the possible threat.
Near noon, almost at the exact same moment that you hear the bell tower toll three times… there is a knock on your door. Lillibet, the Council Agent assigned to your case, is there to greet you, all smiles, with a placard in hand. ”Hi! I’m here to escort you through your first transition! We need to leave the building – it’s mandatory. For Transit all residents must be outside - but we can stand anywhere. I’d recommend we go to the plaza in Dockside for the viewing. It’s a great spot.”
As you head into the streets, you see hundreds of other residents doing the same thing. There is something of a tense but also festive atmosphere… except for the members of the Watch who are out in force looking grim. There are even some bookies taking last minute bets on the Transit: which plane, which country (for bets on remaining in Golarion), is it a recurrent location or a one-off, etc.
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Lillibet shepherds you to the Dockside plaza among a crush of people. Some are looking beyond the wall and others have their eyes glued to the Campanile. Rising above the plaza is a continuous hum of nervous chatter and speculation from the citizens. Then the Campanile emits a drawn out booooong and the crowd falls silent in anticipation. A minute later a much louder and deeper BONG comes from the central tower. The building seems to shiver - resonating. You feel a vibration rise into your femurs.
A second sounds from the tower which shivers again, along with the air around it. A barely perceptible pressure wave pushes out in all directions from the tower at an alarming speed. It rolls through every building, alley, and resident of the city. Your bones vibrate. The city and everyone in it, resonates at the frequency of the note struck by the tower.
The sensation is so odd, feeling your bones shake while your flesh remains still, you almost miss the third and loudest . The pressure wave is clearly visible this time and it reflects off the air in the sky above the city along sharply defined lines. For a brief moment, you see yourself standing inside a miles wide invisible diamond whose highest point is the Campanile’s tip and whose rim is the wall near you. You imagine you could toss a rock and hit the plane of the gem above you, it is so close. The vibration grows and deepens, making your bones screech… and then it stops. The world beyond the gates is gone, replaced by a grey void – a nothingness – that threatens to engulf everything but it is held at bay by the planes of the invisible gem protecting you. Directly above the Campanile is the only break from the grey void. You see what looks like a constellation of stars in this void where no stars should exist. There are 3 pale stars and 5 bright ones.
The tower bongs again, this time more softly. The grey void becomes more of a thick fog. Beyond it, you start to see the dim silhouettes of a world. Then the gem reconfigures itself… planes shift, lattices move. The city groans and reconfigures itself as well. You recall on first seeing the town that it resembled a child’s blocks. Now it makes sense. You see the building levels shift and move. What were five story buildings widen and lengthen as the upper levels are subsumed into the lower levels. Streets and alleys shift to accommodate. Even the footprint of the town expands, the wall pushing away from you at a fantastic rate as the cobblestones slide beneath your feet and change. Even the colors of the building change as does the signage, as does color and styles of the dress of many of the residents.
What was a light-painted sun-bathed city of tall buildings is now lower, squatter, and meaner. Every building is wooden with stout metal-hinged doors. The cobblestone streets are replaced with muddy tracks where there aren’t rough wood walkways between the buildings. Even the decorative trees are darker and more somber drooping conifers now. And the residents' previously colorful clothes are now in muted and darker shades made of heavier cloths to repel the cold and the wet.
Only the Campanile retains its previous appearance… standing out all the more against the low dark buildings of the city that Threshold has become. The Campanile bongs one final time… The landscape becomes tangible as Threshold manifests in the narrow gap between two hills, the left and right flanks of the circular city rise up onto the hills at an alarmingly quick rate, sending some unprepared locals tumbling down. A thick fog from the ‘real world’ floods into the city as the last of the grey void gives up its final tenuous hold on Threshold. The sea-spray smell of Threshold that was is replaced by a smell of mud, mist, fungi, and pine forests of the Threshold that is. Night falls like an anvil, plunging the city into darkness.
The waiting Watchmen ignite lamps and fires pits. Magic is also deployed to quickly light key areas of the city.
The Campanile lets out a perfunctory bing tone. Lillibet looks at the placard in her hands, reading it intently. Rather than paraphrase it for the group, she feels compelled to read the notice...
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Transit 467 is complete
The next transit will occur (with confidence) in 22 days, 22 hours, 22 minutes.
We are in Golarion, in central Ustalav, approximately 1,064 miles North-Northwest of our previous location. This is a NON-recurrent event. In addition, we have experienced a significant time-shift. According to the local reckoning, it is now midnight in the year AR 3827… 896 years before our previous time-tick. In this region, at this point in Golarion’s history, the forces of the Shining Crusade have already - or soon will - defeat the Whispering Tyrant. Due to our proximity to this historic event and the likely hazards, the Council is meeting to determine how to proceed. Until their decisions are announced, NO ONE may leave the city. Expect further announcements. Thank you for your patience.
~H
The semi-festive mood in the city quickly dies. The air is suddenly chill and close because of the fog. Everything suddenly seems... close.
Apparently not many in the city are aware of the details of nearly 900 year-old history. Rumors immediately start to buzz as people seek understanding. The more experienced residents can be seen trying to maintain calm. Many share past experiences of such transitions and the local guard does an admirable job singling out people threatening to tip into hysteria and deploying help.
After just a few minutes the streets start to clear and people return 'home' to see what their house has become. The clean sounds of boots on cobblestone is replaced by tapping, sucking, splashing sounds as people try to stay on the wooden walkways and are only partially successful in all the bustle.
Even Sausage - a connoisseur of good mud wallows - finds his joy restrained by the brooding atmosphere of this new location.