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I do not know what Tamiro wishes to do. (He's always done his own thing). If this campagin continues, I may return, I just need a sabbatical from a few things in my life.
Hi guys, I have been speaking with Slothsy in depth about my involvement with this campaign. When I first came to Slothsy about running this game, back in July 2014, Nel had been selected for a Second Darkness campaign that did not even get off the ground. I came to Slothsy with a request for her to run this adventure path since I knew her love for the underdark, and I helped her with the very first recruitment. Since the first recruitment, Tamiro and myself have been the only two original party members for 3 full party turn-overs. This has led to some rather disjointed and jarring expectations, especially since the first part of this adventure has very little lingering echoes with the rest. In addition to this, my work life has changed. When I started, I was working a desk job for a university, where I had unfettered access to the internet and the ability to check the forums fairly regularly. Now, however I work as the front of house manager for a board game store, that operates on a retail schedule. At some point of the three year life of this campaign, this game has turned from a fun adventure, to a chore for me. It has been a pleasure playing with all of you, and I hope that we may have a chance for it in the future. Currently however, I cannot continue to participate in this campaign. I wish all of you the very best on your attempt to save Golarion from the doom of bored drow with too much time on their hands. Sincerely, Nel Sandhal AKA: Quill the Owl
Nel looks alarmed at the suggestion of fire. "That would be a terrible idea. Chemical fires are terrible and there would be a chance that the blaze would spread. It could reach the library! Think of all the books still there!" Shaking her head, Nel keeps a close eye on the drow, ensuring that the woman does not wander far from her grasp.
In a single, smooth motion Nel flicks her blade and sheathes her sword. Ensuring that she stays reasonably away from the wriggling tentacles, she crosses her arms and lets out an annoyed sigh. "On your feet. You're coming with us." Pulling out a length of rope, Nel attempts to tie the woman's hands together before throwing the rope to the ground in frustration. Glancing up at the vat of alchemical supplies, Nel pauses. "We can't leave this lying around. Some poor idiot would try to drink it. Orthrus, do you know how to neutralize this stuff?"
Tamiro and I will be heading out of town on Friday, July 14th. While we will have internet access and possibly a laptop with me, we will be at the beach so our posting will be spotty. We will be back at home on Sunday, July 23rd. Reminder as I am seeing a bunch of stuff for Tamiro: we have limited internet access right now.
Fort Saves:
Furrowing her nose at the smell, Nel begins to look a little green. Moving closer to the woman, Nel strikes out quickly hoping to down her before she can do any harm to her allies.
Nel smirks at the woman, "It was worth a shot. I cannot abide by this alchemy station to continue its output of toxic chemicals. We've been sent to neutralize you." Closing the distance between herself and the drow, Nel levels her sword to the woman's neck.
Tamiro and I will be heading out of town on Friday, July 14th. While we will have internet access and possibly a laptop with me, we will be at the beach so our posting will be spotty. We will be back at home on Sunday, July 23rd.
As Nel lands with an audible thump, she draws her longsword and points it at the woman, "تحتاج إلى إيقاف ما تفعلونه. لم تعد هناك حاج خدماتك." She states in a clipped tone, waiting to see what the alchemist is plotting. Elven: As Nel lands with an audible thump, she draws her longsword and points it at the woman, "You need to stop what you're doing. Your services are no longer needed." She states in a clipped tone, waiting to see what the alchemist is plotting.
Sizing up the mess of acid and the sheer walls of the passage, Nel sighs. "I suppose that it is too much to ask for a rope bridge?" she murmurs longingly as she watches Orthrus and Gillian grow to unnaturally large sizes.
"It looked too harmed to be able to move and attack, it may still be there!" Nel shouts, letting loose two more arrows at where the creature once stood.
Round 1: Init: 8 Nel releases a hiss of pain as an arrow finds a gap in her armor. Before she can follow up on a second attack against the abomination, Nel takes the full force of electricity. Gritting her teeth in pain, She lets loose two arrows, trying to return the favor. "What is that thing?! And why can it vomit lightning?!" she shouts out, clearly unnerved by the creature's mandibles.
Nel wrinkles her nose at the smell of the run-off. "Well isn't this ju-" Shooting her hand up, Nel pulls out her bow, aiming it at a part of the ruins. "Be on your toes. We are not alone." Letting loose an arrow, it sails through the air, clattering nosily against the structure.
Wrinkling her nose at the thought of heading back to camp, Nel pinches the bridge of her nose as it become apparent that they will have to head back. "I'd rather be safe and check in, over being dead. Let's go check in and figure out where we need to go."
Picking up the six books in better condition, Nel wraps each of them in a cloth before storing them in her rucksack, pulling out the map that was provided to them. "Right, does anyone remember which building was the Academy of Arts? I know that we are in this building, heh, because of its unusual floor plan. However with the city laid out in this weird triangle road system, I'd like to avoid the giant river and swamplands, if we don't need to go that way." Pointing out the two possible main roads, Nel waits for any input before slinging her pack back on, ready to head out.
Nel shakes her way out of her stupor, and glances around the library. "Sorry, I was just..." Trailing off, Nel slides a book off of a dusty shelf and flips through it. Clearing her throat, she glances at what at one point appeared to be desks. "Huh, I wonder what was studied here?" She mumbles to herself, shifting through piles of notes.
Nel steps up into combat with the guards. As Tamiros sword catches the doorframe, Nel winches. "Hey, anata no mokuteki no tame ni seishishita obujekuto o semenaide kudasai!" she snarks out, leaving two deep cuts in drow standing in front of her.
Tien: Nel steps up into combat with the guards. As Tamiros sword catches the doorframe, Nel winches. "Hey, don't blame the stationary objects for your aim!" she snarks out, leaving two deep cuts in drow standing in front of her.
Nel chuckles at Aishe's sheepish explanation of his collection of lock picks. "I am in no position to judge. I've been told that I have a gambling problem." Nel waits a moment for everyone to fall back to where they feel comfortable, before she pushes the formally locked doors open.
Nel releases a quiet whine as the rest of the orbs fail to react in any way. She mournfully kicks the glass shards around with her boot. "I suppose we have lingered here long enough. Is everyone ready to move on?" she questions wistfully, her gaze lingering on the non-responsive orbs. Turning towards the double doors out in the foyer, Nel tests them to see if they are locked before pushing them open.
Glancing around at the other dim orbs, Nel sighs heavily. "Ah, thank you Eloquan, that will be all for now." Gently placing the orb into her knapsack, Nel ensures that it just as protected as the hippogryph egg she carried on the devil's elbow. "My friends, we just discovered something beyond measure for wealth! Imagine what information we can gleam from this ancient, pre-Thassilonian library!" She flashes a grin as she steps up to the next orb and touches it. "Hello? Are you the volume on Koloran?
Nel's face cracks into a smile of pure joy as the orb speaks. It takes her a moment to parse what Eloquan says, "I-Yes. I've never encountered knowledge stored quiet like this before, but a I heard of a new recruit that was tasked with keeping a green house, due to the way some fey store their historical notes." Nel rambles, before snapping her attention to the shards of glass. The color drains from her face as she considers what the shattered remains of the other orbs insinuated. "Oh no. The other orbs... Eloquan, how many volumes are there in this library?" She states as she cradles the orb close to her.
Nel kicks a bit of glass with her feet as she takes a few deep breaths. "Nice shot, Aishe. I don't think I've ever seen anyone take out two demons with one shot before." Stowing her longsword, Nel approaches one of the globes, testing its weight in her hand. "Man these elves sure did enjoy ridiculous decorations." She mutters outloud, "I wonder how much Eviana would want for these paper weights?"
Nel releases a grunt of pain as the orb explodes by her feet. Glaring at the final demon, Nel steps up to it, bringing her sword down with all of her might. However her anger does not allow her to think clearly and she leaves a deep scar on the tiled flooring.
Nel lets out a snarl as she watches the creatures chuck the artifacts across the room "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to deface public property?" Bringing her sword down in powerful blow, Nel nearly cuts the small creature in twain, before turning her attention to one on the parapets. "You're next." she states, pointing her bloodied weapon at it.
Scratching the back of her neck, Nel looks back and forth between the two branching paths. "Well judging by the outside structure, if we head north it should only be one room. If we go south it could lead to either a large room, where a library would be kept, or a bunch of administrative offices." Leaning against the far wall, Nel picks some cobwebs off of her sword as she waits to hear if anyone else has a strong input.
"Oh, those things." Nel states as the spiders climb down to the ground level. Moving into the room, She lashes out at it. "Well this is unsettling. Hopefully the rest of the library is better protected."
Pulling out a torch, Nel lights it and holds it aloft, before entering into the dark library. "Okay, one rule before we go in any farther. Please try to keep the destruction to a minimum. This place is a library and filled with untold riches of knowledge. I'd like a chance to secure it and search it before we turn it back over to the elves." Dragging one of the bodies inside the hall, Nel glances around the area, giving the spider web a once over. "What the giant webs? I'd hate to meet the things that made them." Nel replys chuckling at her own joke.
Pulling her bow taut, Nel takes a deep breathe and lets the arrow fly towards the shadowing figure moving up on the rooftop. Although still thrown off from the lack of sound, Nel smirks as she watches the drow jolt with pain from contact.
Drawing the string back on her shortbow, Nel attempts to track the drow wearing the green cloak. As she releases the arrow, Nel gasps in shock at her aim is true. Glancing around to see if anyone else noticed, her shoulders slump as she realizes that she is still surrounded by fog.
That's the newest quest series, right? I've not played it yet myself; is it good? So far the only quest series I've played is Phantom Phenomena which was lots of fun. Yeah, Honor's Echo is the newest quest line. If you get a chance, Homestead is the best one of the series. Even if you don't play any of the others, just do Homestead, it is that great. :D
Clattering her way from cover to cover, at one point Nel slams into Gillian, knocking both half-elves over. "Sorry!" she whispers out, feeling the hair on the back of her neck stick up.
Nel is already awake when Kaerishiel makes his rounds, reading. She holds up one finger as she finishes her page, marking it with a small scrap of paper. Raising an eyebrow at him, she clears her throat befor taunting, "I didn't know that you cared, Kira." Rising from her mound of blankets and bedroll, Nel lets out a soft moan as she stretches. With a satisfying pop, the young cavalier begins to gather up her things, shoving books and inkwells back into her small rucksack. As her hands brush something at the bottom of the bag, Nel furrows her brow before pulling out a scarlet scarf with gold stitching. For a moment, a look of longing crosses over her face as she runs a thumb over the stitching. "Ow!" she snaps, jolting her finger away from the scarf just as a small prick of blood begins to well up from her thumb. Sticking the appendage into her mouth to suck on it, Nel flips her kapina over, to investigate. With a look of realization, she spot the hidden needle, still attached to the scarf by a strand of gold thread. "Mom..." Nel murmurs to herself as she follows the strand back to where it ended, Nel traces the name still half complete fourteen years later. ...iel Snapping to attention as she hears Kaerishiel jostle Tamiro's and Aishe's tent, Nel quickly refolds her scarf before placing it with care into her bag. Pulling on her normal under-armor wear, Nel collects her armor and heads out to help Tamrio with his armor, and get help with placing her full plate on. Nel nods to Aishe and Gillian at their observations. "I agree, I am not great at moving undetected, so anything that can help mask some of my movements would be appreciated. I hope that the drow are not too dug in, but I have confidence in our abilities." Hefting her rucksack onto her back, Nel looks at her small group. "Is everyone ready to move out?"
Nel lets out a low whistle at quick turn over the lodge has made. Sparing a glance to the elves milling over maps, the cavalier quickly snaps to attention when addressed. "I see no issue with helping you rid Celwynvian of its pest problem. Can you provide us with a map of Celwynvian or the area surrounding it? At the mention of a library Nel's eyes sparkle with excitement. "I do not know who this Erendriel is, but he apparently knows me well. Thank you for this information, I will do my best to recover this lost trove of knowledge." Offering Tamiro a double thumbs-up, Nel bounces slightly on the balls of her feet.
If you could give me until tomorrow to post, I'd appreciate it. As far as distributing the wealth, that seems fine to do it now.
Sticking her tongue out at the retreating form of Kaershiel, Nel turns to Aishe. "He reminds me of the worst traits of the elves I apprenticed under in Magnimar." Tucking an errant strand of brown hair behind her slightly pointed ear, Nel lets out a laugh at Gillian's assessment. "Nah, I'm not that important. I just got lucky, well maybe unlucky at this point. I haven't done anything to warrant rumors or whispers. That is unless you've heard something about me?" Nudging Gillian gently Nel lets out an amused chuckle as they continue to peruse the small town.
Nel nods to Eviana before rising from her seat. Just before she exits the room, she pulls out a small vial. "I think that the drow use some sort of potions to pledge their allegiance. We found this with Dephora's journal. It might come in handy " Gently placing the glass vial on the table, Nel turns to quickly join the others. Glancing around at the city before lowering her voice to add in, Nel nods at Gillian's assessment. "I concur. This reeks of conspiracy and I don't like it. I'd also love to know why every time I pass someone, they all point at me like I'm some sort of animal at a zoo." Jerking her head towards a pair of elves whispering over her shoulder, Nel sighs heavily.
Worrying her bottom lip, Nel glances between her eager teammates and Eviana. After a few moments, Nel nods. "Alright, I guess that sounds reasonable, give me just a moment." Placing the two books back down, Nel pulls a large tome from her knapsack and places it within a small pouch. Placing one of the journals in it, she hums a small tune to herself before pulling out the journal and repeating it with the second one.
Nel visibly flinches at the offer of money for the two journals. "What are you going to do with them?" Picking the two books up and cradling them against her chest, Nel looks upon Eviana with suspicion.
Nel rests her elbows on the tables and entwining her fingers as she lets her compatriots share their version of events. "Tamiro's and my tangle with these," scrunching up her nose Nel pauses for a moment, "drow, actually started back in Riddleport. The former, and now dead, Crime Lord Saul Vancaskerkin had made a deal with one Dephora of House Azrinae," Flipping open the older journal to the page written in Undercommon, Nel points out the symbol. "While most of the deal between the two is just speculation, I do know that Vancaskerkin was sending a hefty sum of the gambling hall's profits to Dephora, most likely to fund her research. It appears the she was messing with the Cyphergate located at the harbor." "We turned Dephora over to Kwava and his men. He then sent us to follow the lead at the Devil's Elbow. Gillian and Aishe joined us on the island, and were able to track down the drow called Sindiira who had also joined House Azrainae. Sindiira had found a way to pull a star from the sky and it mentions Celwynvain and some Armageddon Echo in connection with it. When we showed it to Kwava he sent us and these journals here." Gesturing to the two books, sighs heavily as she gauges reactions to her tale.
Moving into the meditation room, Nel visibly relaxes as she makes herself comfortable and pulls out a new small tome written in a tight blocky script.
Glowering at Kaerishiel, Nel feels her eye twitch as he barks out orders. "Well I don't do well with being barked at, Kira.", she spits back, intentionally slaughtering his name as she follows him through the village. As she enters into the long hall, her shoulder makes contact with Kaerishiel, "Oh sorry, Kira, didn't see you there." she says sweetly, moving towards the gestured seats. Nel moves to take a seat as she pulls the two journals from her day-pack. Pushing the two books towards Eviana, Nel nods. "Tamiro and I have kept the presence of those with blackened skin quiet up to this point. I see no need to spread rumors." Crossing her arms over her chest, Nel tilts her head to the side and waits to hear more from Eviana.
Nel grimaces as she notices the elves whisper and point at her,"My name is Nel Sandhal, and I am here on behalf of Kwava of the Ekujae. We have been sent to seek council with Eviana, and deliver her a message." Keeping her hands clutching onto Gibraltar's reigns, Nel tries her best to keep her tone neutral.
Offering a parting wave, Nel quickly remounts her horse. "We did gleam a little bit of information with that conversation. The elves are fighting within their borders." Nudging Gibraltar forward, Nel sighs heavily and sinks into her saddle. "At the very least we know to expect confrontation." smirking to the group Nel waits for everyone to be ready to head out before nudging Gibraltar onwards. "I have a felling that this is going to be a long day." she murmurs to herself, as she scans the forest up ahead for movement.
With practiced ease, Nel slips from her saddle and stands beside Gibraltar with open arms. "Well met, Windbraid, I am Nel. Our group is heading to Crying Leaf, in order to meet with the the elves of the Mierani Forest." Gently stroking Gibraltar's neck, Nel watches the Shoanti man with interest. "Might I ask what causes you to meet us on this road? Has something happened up ahead?"
Nel purchased the Book Satchel with a minor modification to it, as per her discussion with Slothsy
Order of the Tome's Book Satchel: Order of the Tome's Book Satchel Aura moderate conjuration and divination; CL 9th Slot none; Price 12,000 gp; Weight 2 lbs ---------- Description ---------- Often awarded to members of the Order of the Tome, this satchel contains enough room to hold a single tome of no more than 1,000 pages and no larger than 12 by 18 inches in size. Prior to using the satchel, its bearer must place a blank book in the satchel and utter a command word. This blank book is sequestered in an extradimensional space accessible only upon command. (A typical blank, 50-page journal costs 10 gp.) Once per day, when another book, folio, scroll, or other text is placed within the satchel while a blank book is hidden within the extradimensional space, the pages of the newly added book are wiped blank (though the covers and bindings remain unchanged). The entire contents of this book or scroll appear on the pages of the blank book in the satchel’s extradimensional pocket. The transfer takes 1 full round, and if the process is interrupted, such as by either book being removed or the satchel being significantly damaged, the text being copied is lost forever. If the blank book is smaller in size (in number of pages for a book or number of inches for a scroll) than the book to be stolen, the satchel doesn’t transfer the contents, and the text being copied is lost forever. If successful, the Order of the Tome's Book Satchel maintains the original book and an identical copy. The satchel can’t transfer magical writing (such as the pages of a wizard’s spellbook, a magical scroll, or a wondrous item). Attempts to do so fail immediately, neither erasing the book to be copied nor copying any of the pages to the blank book.
Nel sighs as she spots the approaching dust storm. "Worst case scenario, it is a dust storm. The best case scenario it is a couple of trappers returning to Riddleport." Placing a hand on the pommel of her sword, Nel nudges Gibraltar to the front of the group and looks around at the surrounding terrain. Not spotting anything that would truly help them if it is a dust storm, Nel worries her bottom lip for a moment before nudging her horse onward. "Let's hope that it is just a greeting party that Kwava mentioned."
Nel is currently updated on her profile. I am still purchasing items for her as I am in discussion with Slothsy, but I will have her final purchases finished no later than Tuesday. Thank you everyone for being so patient with me.
Dark ringed eyes flicker between Kwava and the three newest recruits. "I am sorry for keeping this information from you, but as this is something that I had promised to keep secret." As Nel speaks, her thumb comes up to play with the edge of the crimson scarf draped across her neck. "Kwava, you are aware of my personal" Nel pauses, searching for the right word, "issues with this request. I have spent a better part of my adult life avoiding all mingling with his kin and I dislike the calling of a debt on such a personal matter in this way. However," she speaks up before anyone can protest, "I will not stand idly by and allow these creatures of chaos to plunge my mother's homeland into darkness. As long as I can still draw breath, I will do my due diligence in helping you with this matter." Running a hand through dark brown hair, Nel's shoulders visibly sag as she turns to the Ronin. "Tamiro," she starts gently, "if we don't step in, who else will? As Kwava has stated, the elves are spread too thinly to deal with this." Turning to the others, Nel smiles wearily. "I suspect we will be leaving in the morning. I have a few more meetings with some personal projects and bringing people up to speed before we set off. Please let me know if you need more time than this? I know that it is sudden and inconvenient but the sooner we stop this Armageddon Echo, the better off we shall be." Leaning against the wall, Nel waits to address anyone's questions or concerns.
HP: 77 max
Language learned: Orc feat: Golden Legion's stayed blade
I will have Nel updated tomorrow. I just got back into town after attending a funeral and I am emotionally drained. Sorry for the delay.
With a weary gaze, Nel assesses Orthrus and the unconscious drow hanging from his shoulder. Pinching the bridge of her nose, Nel ponder when she upset Desna, before speaking. "Not exactly. Boss Zincher and I work for two different groups that have similar vested interest. Currently we are subcontracted under him. You are more than welcome to join our group if you wish." she says with a resigned sigh. Fishing out her journal and an inkwell, Nel spends a moment by the workstation jotting something down before approaching the Crime Lord. Handing over the missive, Nel allows Zincher a few moments to scan the document before speaking, "The Order of the Tome will probably make landfall here within the week. Both Kale and Nasher are highly capable members of our Order with ease of access to teleportation spells." Nel state with a thin smile to Zincher. Taking one last cursory view of the cave, Nel begins to usher everyone out to the thin ledge and back to Zincher's base of operations. On the boat-ride to Riddleport, Nel cannot keep still. Between talking with the captain, checking on her horse, and re-reading the journal, anxiety fills her every move. When they finally land and unload there gains, Nel visibly jerks when Aishe mentions handling the selling of their items. After a moment of contemplating, Nel sighs and nods. "That sounds acceptable. Please bring Tamiro along for security purposes. I would hate for you to be mugged while coming back." Leading both Gillian and Orthrus to the Gold Goblin, she ensures that the two are settled before heading out to send word to Kwava and The Order of the Tome. Nel's Missive:
3rd of Neth, 4708 AR Effective Immediately, the cave system and all smuggler's tunnels below located on the Devil's Elbow, Varisia is under the care and protection of The Order of The Tome, hereby referred to as The Order. Any Vandalism, looting, or wanton destruction of property will be seen as an affront and an act of war against The Order. All requests for compensation should be filed no more than 1 year after posted missive. Please send word to Padduc Whitbottom located in Canorate, Molthune. Posted By:
Order of the Tome Operative
-------------------------
Approximate Location: Devil's Elbow, Varisia, Cave System Possible Literary Significance:
Agent HE-00173 was able to interview the phantom (in the form of a ghost) of the original librarian before its spirit was laid to rest. During the interview, it was found that most of these books date back to the failed founding of an early settlement on the Devil's Elbow. Current Actions: Agent HE-00173 has secured the sight to the best of their ability but will be unable to oversee the restoration process due to critical time sensitive request. Agent HE-00173 request that another agent overtake this newly discovered location. Agent HE-00173 recommends HU-00052 or HO-00095 due to their experience in handling large collections of poorly maintained documents. Contact: Crime Lord Clegg Zincher aka "Boss Zincher"
Heaving the well made chest onto her shoulder, Nel lugs it over to the group to inspect. Carefully passing around the jewelry and scroll tube to Aishe and Gillian to inspect, Nel's hands shake slightly as she unwraps the silken covered books. Smirking at Thoughts on Varisian Customs Nel flips through it quickly, laughing occasionally at some of passages. Placing it carefully on her lap, she picks up a Bestiary, and scans the contents. "Aishe, this might be useful for you to do some studying on creatures that live in the dark. Let me know if you need some help with the translation." Wiggling Tsalkaean's Bestiary at the archer, Nel flips open the last book. Furrowing her brows at the journal, Nel sighs heavily at the mention of Depora, before all the color drains out of her face. Shakily, Nel stands up and scans the faces of her companions and Zincher. "We-I," pausing a moment to gather her thoughts, Nel takes several deep breaths, "Our main benefactor needs to know the contents of this. Immediately." With jerky motions, Nel stands and clutches the journal close to her. Walking over to the pile of her armor, Nel begins to shoulder the pieces in preparation of leaving the cave. GM:
Sense Motive DC 14: The main benefactor Nel is speaking of is Kwava. In addition Nel is deeply troubled by something written in the journal.
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