"I...I can sense an enchantment on this staff, but it's magic is unlike anything I've ever seen! Either this is the greatest breakthrough in magic in centuries, or...you are who and what you say you are...
He leans back, still rubbing his eyes.
"And your name is?" she asks. "Sorry, I haven't been properly introduced."
Augier marches on through the day, occasionally muttering under his breath. When they make camp he begins making a firepit and puts up a cookpot. I should hunt for food. Maybe small animals. He then heads out to see what he can scrounge up.
Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Aggghhh, you find four adult rabbits. They could be tasty, especially in rabbit stew!
"And your name is?" she asks. "Sorry, I haven't been properly introduced.""I...I can sense an enchantment on this staff, but it's magic is unlike anything I've ever seen! Either this is the greatest breakthrough in magic in centuries, or...you are who and what you say you are...
He leans back, still rubbing his eyes.
Reuben touches his index finger to his forelock, and bows.
"My name is Reuben Lupul, Wizard of High Sorcery and adherent to the paths of the White Robes. I have pledged my life to the eradication of the evil wizards of Nuitari. Though my quest is a bit...zealous, by the Conclave's standards, I firmly believe in protecting the good citizens of Ansalon."
He reaches into his pouch and removes the curious orb that he uses to focus his spells.
"This orb is my heritage, it channels Solinari's power, and reflects my mind and soul. My parents died in search of the true gods, trying to protect our village, and I feel that somehow, some way, they watch me through this orb."
Reuben leans back, and nods at Goldmoon and Riverwind, his history told.
"I was simply startled by the readings from your staff. It's inscrutable, yet, something seems strangely familiar about it."
He narrows his brows in thought, and tosses his dagger absent-mindedly.
Agghh is delighted at finding Some rabbits to eat and bashes their heads in before taking them back to camp.
Got food for tonight! He says and skins and cleans them before getting to work on dinner.
Kadmos will help around camp as he can. He'll look to the two plainsmen, "I'm Kadmos, Master of the Iron Sky. A simple monk who got stranded here a few years ago, and just recently wandered to this region. I oppose those who would prey on the young, the wizened, and those unable to protect themselves. I'm not sure what moon I would be under, but my guess is Solinari."
Agghh is delighted at finding Some rabbits to eat and bashes their heads in before taking them back to camp.
Got food for tonight! He says and skins and cleans them before getting to work on dinner.
Forgive us, Chieftan's Daughter and Riverwind. I am the Lady Mariel Uth Kaldar. An adherent to the Seeker faith. My father is from Qualinost and my mother is from Solamnia. My grandfather was, is, a Knight of the Rose.
"A knight of the Rose?" she says. "I am only a humble barbarian."
"Now that we have time to talk, spill the story. What is going on? I have no qualms against killing goblins, the heaven's know they deserve it, but what kind of magic is this staff and why do you think you need to take it to Xak Tsaroth?" Torgar finally asks once they stop for the evening.
Orlin raises his eyebrows as the others introduce themselves. "Well, I ain't got so much a fancy story like you all - born in Estwilde, I was, raised among the mountain barbarians." He draws his sword from its place at his hip, holding it up to show the royal crest emblazoned on its crossguard. "Me ol' dad was part'a the Nordmaar Royal Guard, but they kicked'im out to the mountains when his king got hisself killed. Some priest'a the Old Gods saved me many years ago - now I'm wanderin', seekin' that priest's god."
The crystal staff turned to a beautiful staff made of pine. "I don't know why we have to return to Xak Tsaroth," said Goldmoon. "I just feel I have to go there. Something is calling me there."
Reuben’s eyes spark with a mix of curiosity and wariness as he observes the Blue Crystal Staff. He strokes his chin thoughtfully, a twitch playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Well, Goldmoon,”
he begins, his tone grave and his gaze serious.
“It seems you’ve got yourself an artifact with a bit more enchantment than the usual. That glow… it’s not just for show, is it? Based on the healing I've seen, and the blue color, I'd say this has something to do with the old goddess Ke-en.”
He nods to some of the others,
"You all may know her by different names. The lady of light, she had many titles: Lightbringer, Empress, the Blue Lady, Mixactli, Mishakal, or the Skymistress. However, my theory is that all refer to the same deity of the old pantheon.
He steps closer, peering at the staff with reverence.
“I’ve read about artifacts like this in some of the dusty old tomes in the Towers. They usually come with a catch, or a mandate. Perhaps this calling is influenced by the staff itself, or perhaps there is something much grander at stake.”
He chuckles softly, but there’s a hint of gravity in his eyes.
“Xak Tsaroth, you say? That place has more secrets than a kender’s pouch. If the gods are nudging you in that direction, there’s bound to be something important waiting for you. What that is, I cannot say.”
He grins, then straightens up, his expression turning more earnest.
“Whatever it is, Goldmoon, you’re not alone. We’ll face whatever comes as a fellowship. Just promise me one thing: if we find any ancient magic, you let me handle it. I’ve got a knack for unweaving dangerous sorcery.”
Reuben then addresses both the plainspeople.
"You say you are 'returning' to Xak Tsaroth. If so, you may have seen what we might expect to face on our quest. Any information you can provide would be useful for my preparations."
He then leans back again, studying his spellbook and awaiting a response.
Goldmoon was going to respond when Riverwind points out some Seekers on the road dressed in robes with hoods. You can only see their eyes.
Reuben immediately puts his orb back into his pouch and warns Goldmoon not to mention anything about the staff to the seekers. He then bows cordially to the seekers, acknowledging them politely, but subtly discouraging a prolonged encounter. His hand strays to the inside folds of his robe sleeves, where he lightly grips his throwing daggers, just in case. His other hand rests lightly on his staff, not in a threatening manner, but still there.
Aggh just slips into the bushes since Gullys tend to make people recoil.
Torgar watches the group while gripping his great sword and looking none too friendly.
In response to the White Robe Wizard's comments about the Staff. The Qualanesti and our Silvaneti cousins have kept knowledge of the Gods of Light. Quenesti Pah to the Silvanesti, known as Quen Illumini to the Qualanesti has adherents in Qualanesti, and there are temples there, but there is no healing there like that which restored my hand. Perhaps we should go to Xax Tsaroth to find answers.
She thinks to herself Could it be true? Is that what I have been seeking and searching for my entire life?
As the robed Seekers approach, Orlin glances warily at them, one hand falling to the quiver of arrows beneath his cloak. "Fair tidings, travelers. Plenty of bandits on the road - best to keep wary. We're bound for the city of Haven, to find passage to the Northlands." Hederick in Solace set those goblins onto our trail when he saw this staff - best to keep our comings and goings hidden.
Reuben gently lets go of the throwing daggers and casually lets his hand stray to his pouch with his orb. He looks closer at their eyes, as they are all that he can see.
His eyes narrow in the dim light as he strains to see any hint of differences in the eyes.
He moves closer to the fire, so as to be behind the stronger members of the party, but back-lit by the fire, so as to have the advantage in terms of night vision.
Yes. You can, with a simple Wisdom check or a sense motive check. They seem harmless enough.
As the robed Seekers approach, Orlin glances warily at them, one hand falling to the quiver of arrows beneath his cloak. "Fair tidings, travelers. Plenty of bandits on the road - best to keep wary. We're bound for the city of Haven, to find passage to the Northlands." Hederick in Solace set those goblins onto our trail when he saw this staff - best to keep our comings and goings hidden.
The robed seekers nod, and their leader speaks in a gravelly voice. "We just came from Haven," says their leader. You can tell it's a male. "There are no bandits from here."
Reuben smiles his most charming smile.
“Forgive my curiosity, but I ask to perform a small spell of detection.”
he says, his tone polite but probing.
“I have a habit of ensuring the safety of my companions. You understand, I’m sure.”
He concentrates and murmurs,
"Mas mata mencelik moipar mu pesona!"
As the spell takes effect, Reuben concentrates on any auras that might reveal hidden enchantments. He pays particular attention to the Seekers’ equipment and any unusual magical signatures that might hint at dangerous artifacts or magic items.
"Just a small habit I picked up during my time in the wars."
What is all this magic stuff? Just get going and stop messen with the priests
The half elf recognizes the robes that are worn by the clerics, she wears similar ones. She approaches.
Tell me brethren, what news have you since you are coming from Haven of the road ahead and what transpires in the town?
Diplomacy
The half elf recognizes the robes that are worn by the clerics, she wears similar ones. She approaches.
Tell me brethren, what news have you since you are coming from Haven of the road ahead and what transpires in the town?
Diplomacy 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
"It's a town where there is little problems," said the raspy leader. "The people there like the seekers."
Reuben smiles his most charming smile.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+3
“Forgive my curiosity, but I ask to perform a small spell of detection.”
he says, his tone polite but probing.
“I have a habit of ensuring the safety of my companions. You understand, I’m sure.”
He concentrates and murmurs,
"Mas mata mencelik moipar mu pesona!"
As the spell takes effect, Reuben concentrates on any auras that might reveal hidden enchantments. He pays particular attention to the Seekers’ equipment and any unusual magical signatures that might hint at dangerous artifacts or magic items.
"Just a small habit I picked up during my time in the wars."
You detect no magic on these "seekers."
Reuben, detecting no immediate magical danger, relaxes a bit, mollified. He still keeps his hand on the orb, and maintains a strong grip on his staff, but he seems less on edge than before. He still watches the "seekers" with caution, ready to defend himself and his companions if necessary.
"Friends, forgive my incivility, but one can hardly relax their watch on the roads in these dark times. I would offer to let you join us by our fire, but you clearly have important business to attend to, seeing as how you travel swiftly day and night.
So swift travels, and may a cold mug of ale wait for you at the end of your journey!"
Reuben gestures them on their way, not wanting to seem uncultured, yet unable to shake a subtle unease about these mystery seekers. A polite smile is on his face, but it does not reach his sharp eyes, which watch the group intently. He half turns and begins humming and muttering the words to a traveling song.
"Through valleys green and mountains high,
Under the vast and starry sky.
With staff in hand and heart so free,
We wander forth, our destiny..."
He continues on merrily as he stirs the cooking pot, only sneaking glances at the seekers every now and then.
"I ain't offerin' so move your free loading butts on down the road." Torgar says from where he stands.
After a while longer of stirring the stew, Reuben gets up and walks over beside Mariel, his tone light but his words pointed, so only Mariel can hear.
“You know, it’s rather odd for Seekers to travel at night, isn’t it? Especially without any guards. Makes one wonder what they’re hiding under those robes.”
He glances at her, raising an eyebrow.
“Perhaps we should be a bit more cautious?”
He raises his voice so the seekers can hear him.
"Forgive the kindly dwarf here, he's mistrusting of strangers. Truly he is more valuable than gems though, in a fellowship, one can forgive some gruffness. If I might ask a favor; I’ve been studying the old maps of this region,”
he says, pulling out a piece of parchment.
“Can you point out any landmarks or paths we should be wary of on our way to Haven? It would help if you mark them down, for the sake of accuracy.”
His tone is light, but his eyes are cautious, watchful for any uncertainty that may betray a lack of intimate knowledge of the region, seeking evidence to support his lingering suspicion.
Kadmos has said a thing, but he has changed the grip on his spear, to make it less a walking stick, but more like a fighting staff, he too is checking out the night time wandering priests
[dice=Perception]1d20+5
Kadmos has said a thing, but he has changed the grip on his spear, to make it less a walking stick, but more like a fighting staff, he too is checking out the night time wandering priests
The leader of these seekers puts out a hand, and grabs a feather pen. He dips it into ink, and proceeds to write on the parchment that Reuben is holding out. Kadmos can see that the hand is scaled with brass looking scales.
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Yeah, you can roll initiative.
"Finish up your scrawlin' and move on." Torgar says positioning his blade on his shoulder and moving toward the group of seekers. "I'm in no mood to entertain, mind ya."
As the white robe leaves to engage the Seekers It is odd, this is why I suggested taking the wilderness
initiative
Augier keeps tending the cookpot but loosens his throwing axe.
Reuben’s eyes widen as the “seekers” reveal their scaled hands.
"What in the blazes?"
The parchment he had offered them slips from his fingers, fluttering to the ground. He mutters a curse, his voice filled with both frustration and determination.
Without wasting a moment, he dips his hand into the nearby fire, feeling the intense heat against his skin. With a swift motion, he hurls a handful of flames into the midst of the "seekers", his voice rising in a powerful incantation.
“Pelayan dari pesawat, patuhi panggilanku!”
As the words leave his lips, the fire lands in the middle of the beings and begins to writhe and swell into a disgusting facsimile of a human made of pure flame, twisting and writhing like the tentacles of a leviathan. Its fiery skin crackles with a sound like snapping desert brush. A whiff of spices and dry air gusts through the camp, and the thing flames up and howls in rage.
“Emarnanganth! I summon you again through the Rite of Ignis!”
Reuben roars, a terrific snarl twisting his face.
The elemental surges forward, its flames licking at the false seekers as it begins its assault.
Reuben takes a step back, his mind already shifting to the next phase of their defense. He raises his glowing white orb, preparing to invoke a protective ward to cover his allies.
“Stay close and be ready,”
he calls out to his companions, his tone both defiant and reassuring.
“These creatures, whatever they are, are not to be underestimated.”
With the fire elemental engaging the creatures, Reuben prepares to create a protective barrier around his party, ready to shield them from the foul creatures’ attacks. His mind races with strategies, but his resolve remains unwavering.
“Solinari, god of the silver moon, protect us!”
he whispers, his determination shining through like a beacon in the night.
As the scaled hand emerges from beneath the robes and Reuben casts his spell, Orlin's bushy eyebrows shoot up in shock, and he nocks an arrow to his bow. "Look, I've no wish to bash ya up the head, but if'n ya don't stay back... that ain't no normal hand, and I've no wish to deal with lepers or summat - go on your way. Now."
Reuben glances up at the night sky, his eyes narrowing as he observes the positions of the moons. The cool night air carries a hint of the mildew from fallen leaves and the brackish scent of the distant rivers. With a heavy sigh, he mutters to himself,
"Solinari and Lunitari in Low Sanction, and Nuitari in High Sanction...Just my luck. The moons conspire against me tonight."
Turning to his companions, he adds with a grim smile,
"It seems my magic will be less potent this night. We must rely on more...mundane means of protection. Stay close, and keep your wits about you. The moons are not our allies tonight, and darker forces may be at play."
He returns his concentration to controlling the will of Emarnanganth the Fire Elemental, his confidence seeming to be shaken.
Auger thinks the wizard has gone loopy. Moons want to kill them? Pfghhh!
Torgar watches the strangers to see how they react. Normal seekers would run for their lives, he thinks. If these don't there may be a need for some steel this evening.