Anne Architect's page

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.

OK, if you’ve got more questions for Anne or Uller, we’ll retcon that. At this point, I have nothing planned except for the transit the next day and officially passing the baton to Choon. I’m happy to skip ahead. Since you are sitting on a lot of cash, feel free to go shopping. If you are after magic items, pretty much anything in the books is available in Threshold (save items precluded by Automatic Bonus Progression). If there is something super custom you are after, run it past me but it should be OK. For instance, I’m going to sell Senna’s current bow for 50% and buy a MW Darkwood Adaptive Composite Longbow. So, treat this kind of how you would if you joined a game late and the DM told you to gear up at 3rd level or whatever.

:: 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. ::

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.

This is a maxed out CMW Wand – cures for 2d8+10 HP, 50 charges.

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? ::

Anne’s voice sounds in everyone’s head.

:: You were saying? ::

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.

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. ::

The cat inclines her head at Sabelina's comment.

:: It has been a pleasure. ::

:: I mean it is her area of expertise. She coordinates charities and - where there is overlap - related social services... refugees, asylum seekers, public schooling, and aspects of feeding and medical support for those in need. ::

She interjects another thought. :: Where is my head at today? Two other things of note: First, I need to know your birthdays. Just think them at me, no need to say them aloud... :: Anne listens then nods, :: Thank you. ::

:: Second, you may have noticed that some residents are slow to answer questions about how long they've been in Threshold. Moving as we do, time becomes something of a variable. Most residents find it easier to track their time based on the number of transits they've made. We are currently in - and you joined us at - transit 466. ::

:: There could be odd jobs related to cooking or child care. You'd need to speak with Uller about that. Alternatively, you could join or run a food stall or cart, which would allow you to have a more flexible schedule. For child care, Uller may have job leads, but you might also speak with Gammy. She heads a number of charities and child care is in her province. ::

Thanks for clarifying!

For general consideration, Anne offers, :: As you've likely noticed, Threshold has a steep economic model. To smooth your transition as new arrivals, we will be providing you with housing for a month. We hope this gives you time to familiarize yourselves with the city, decide where you'd prefer to live, secure housing, and find jobs that suit you. If you have no objections, we'll very likely house you all in adjoining units. This way you can explore the city with your fellow new arrivals. ::

:: In terms of employment, we have all sorts of jobs available. You can jump into a profession you already practice or apprentice in something new. If you'd rather not work full time, there are 'odd jobs' available which you can supplement with more typical 'adventuring' activities in any place we land. For odd jobs, I'd suggest you speak with Uller Nine-Toes in Low Gate. He's something of a walking job board. For established residents and citizens, there are also 'public service' jobs both inside and outside of the city. Despite the innocuous title, public service jobs outside the city can be hazardous and may require skills directly related to the plane we are on. ::

She adds, as an afterthought, :: Oh, and for buying common goods your coins will go much further in Dockside and Low Gate. If you are looking for more exotic or magical gear, those can be found in Market Square as a general rule. There are some exceptions. Certain dealers prefer to live in different areas of the city. If you are looking for something specific, ask a local or two for opinions. ::

Anne makes a few final scratches on the placard, then licks her paw.

:: I am delighted you've all decided to stay with us on at least a temporary basis. On behalf of the Council, I thank you for joining our community and we look forward to getting to know each of you better, as you will get to know us. :: She clearly includes Lady and Sausage in her welcome.

What now, guys? Chit-chat with Anne, visit the Astromancer, do a bit of tourism? Bored of RP and want me to fast-forward to something a bit more action-packed?

Anne responds as rapidly as the questions come at her, probably not thinking to restrict her answers to Senna's mind alone.

:: We assumed... Not at all. We value all skills... Yes... Not as such, no, but... Yes... Yes... Both, actually. They are exceptional... It is... No, it was added later... Yes... Correct. ::

The cat seems utterly non-plussed by the barrage of questions.

Xing shakes her head. "I have to admit I'm not sure what to think of the fact that I may have been chosen by ... someone? something? ... to be here at this time."

:: I am no happier saying it, than you are hearing it. 'Expected' guests or stowaways, we are all in the same boat. Among residents and citizens, you will find speculation as to who may be and who can't be pulling the strings is a frequent source of debate. ::

She jots another note on the placard, taking Xing's statement as a willingness to stay until their paths diverge.

She turns her gaze on Senna. :: Take the time you need to decide. ::

To everyone she says, :: If you have no further questions for me now, you may wish to visit the Astromancer or do whatever else interests you. I have an 'open door' policy, so do visit if you have other questions or concerns. ::

:: This is not one of our usual transit points, it’s a ‘one-off’. As I think I mentioned, we have noted that we more often meet new ‘facets’ in one-off locations. We strongly suspect this is part of the design of whomever is moving Threshold – to put Threshold ‘in the path’ of individuals that are essential to future tasks. :: Anne’s tail flicks, possibly in agitation.

:: Coupled with our observations of other new ‘facets’ met in similar circumstances and the Astromancer’s prognostication skills, we built our ‘best guess’ profile and estimate of the number of individuals we were placed here to meet. It is an irksome and speculative process, but you do match the criteria. Now, if the pattern holds and you are the people we were sent for, then we can expect the Astromancer will see signs in the next few days that transit is imminent. And, if not, we will wait and watch for other individuals that also match the criteria while conducting business as usual. ::

"I will be staying." She then adds with a broader grin, "I'm shockingly persuasive."

The cat nods. :: I hope you are. I sometimes wonder - were our story known and believed - if it might inspire some peoples to be a little less fell-handed with their neighbors. ::

"Yash stay."

Anne nods and jots a couple more notes. :: Good to have you, as well. ::

:: Threshold isn't a secret. You may speak of it, if you wish. That said, you'll find that most people will question your sanity if you talk about it... A city of over six thousand people that roams the planes and has a mix of races both benign and monstrous living in relative harmony? Preposterous. People see what they choose to see. It will be easier for most to believe you are insane rather than correct. ::

"Is there a way to remain in communication with people in a fixed location who are important to us as we travel?"

Anne scratches her chin with her hind-leg, thinking.

:: This is not my area of expertise. I'm certain you can remain in touch with a specific person while we are on Golarion. It may be possible to maintain a link between planes. I doubt such contact could be maintained when we venture into alternate universes or times. If you like, I can have one of our mages meet with you to discuss the matter... ::

Anne's tail swishes, pleased. She scratches another set of invisible notes on the placard.

:: We are happy to have you both. We appear to be in the midst of a 'Golarion cycle' - so we expect our next several transits will be to various spots on this world. That may not hold true, but that is our expectation. Selected citizens will likely contact you over the next couple of days to answer questions, assess your needs, and offer advice to make your transition to living here a bit easier. ::

Anne, the cat, nods to Cookie and Lady. :: I'm gratified by your resolve. You don't have to choose right now. We don't have any indications of transit, yet. Feel free to explore the city more and speak with others to address any concerns you may still have. If you decide to leave, I'd appreciate it if you gave me one more opportunity to speak with you first. ::

Using a claw, she scribbles notes on a placard which stays blank so far as you can tell. :: You'll find residents are now more willing to be forthcoming with you. ::

She looks to the other heroes, awaiting additional questions. She seems unbothered by the amount or nature of the questions so far.

“Sadly, my travels have helped me realize most places are very similar… and few are worth actually making a home. People want to protect what they see as theirs, fearing to share it because they fear they will get less… Not to say that this is necessarily the case with Threshold. Your creation here definitely feels different, but I guess time will tell.”

:: Our residents and citizens reflect who we are, so don’t take anything I say on faith. Speak with our people and address those concerns for yourself. Your experiences are sadly common to many prime material worlds, and some lower planes, so I don’t wish to minimize it… But I will point out that your experiences are based on travels in a single world around a single sun in a single plane of existence. Our values and society are based on decades of travel through scores of planes and interactions with a hundred races. Consider also… even if Threshold isn’t your final home, you will have the opportunity to sample many worlds with us and leave us when you wish. Are you more likely to find a perfect home by travelling through multiple worlds or is there a ‘perfect’ country in Golarion? Based on your previous experiences, how likely is it that Golarion has such a hidden gem you’ve never heard of? ::

”But these city-movements ... does everyone inside travel with it, regardless of their status or standing in the community? Do visitors and newcomers like us travel with it if it relocates?”

:: Everyone and everything within the walls goes with us when Threshold transits. Once the Astromancer believes a transit is approaching, we evacuate every visitor and newcomer from the city and recall our residents and citizens outside the walls. Only people who willingly choose to stay - knowing the risks - are allowed to remain when we transit. ::

”What types of tasks have they been so far?”

:: They seem to related to ‘righting wrongs’, addressing situations that are beyond the capabilities of the natives to effectively handle, or – infrequently – uncovering information that gives us some context for why we are involved in these efforts. At my most skeptical, I wonder if these are 'crumbs' to keep us following the design of whomever is controlling matters. ::

” I get you’re the maker here and you're along for the ride like us to a degree, but to maintain the power you have there must be a hierarchy, and in a hierarchy the ruler always demands something of those who follow.”

The cat almost smiles. :: The age-old questions, power and hierarchy… I’m not in charge in fact or as a power behind the ‘throne’, if that is your next supposition. I’d make a very poor ruler, we found that out long ago. The Citizen’s Council sets the rules and determines who oversees each necessary function within Threshold based on their skill set. Ultimately, all those intermediaries report directly to the Council. I’m an advisor to the Council and my portfolio is concerned with welcoming select newcomers, maintaining the structure of Threshold, and a few other tasks that are based on my unique abilities. ::

:: The Council doesn’t need to maintain power through elaborate means. The need for cooperation and a desire for each individual to survive are enough. I mentioned that Threshold is a life raft. That is not hyperbole. In soft worlds, such as Golarion, we seem much as any other city, and so it is. But when we are on the 111th layer of the Abyss, or any number of other hostile planes, everyone cooperates and works together or we die. There are environmental, physical, and ‘local’ dangers to overcome or keep at bay until we transit. In those situations, we are alone and only have our citizenry to rely on. Our community has unified through such experiences. We follow the Council’s rulings because we know they will do their best to save everyone and their decisions are based on the common good. ::

”What are the terms of citizenship? Surely there are common rules here. The extraordinary peace among diverse folk you've achieved here are testament to that much.”

:: We do have rules, largely common sense ones – no murder, no theft, leave your racial biases outside the walls, etc. And there are punishments for violations, as you would see anywhere else. Residency is a relatively easy and organic process. Stay with us for a time, agree to follow the established rules, then follow those rules… and you will become a resident. When you can read a ‘blank’ placard and can identify residents from visitors on sight, you’ll know Threshold has accepted you as a resident. Citizenship is another matter entirely. Citizenship is a responsibility, not a right. Many people born here never become citizens. Residents can only be granted citizenship by Council vote and it is based on repeated demonstrations of a resident putting the needs of the community above their own, often at great risk to themselves, or personal sacrifice. Citizenship is not based on your skills, martial abilities, or occult powers. It has to be earned through deeds and intent. ::

”What do you get out of us joining?”

:: As I said before, my goals are to understand the ‘whys’, keep my people alive, and keep Threshold in one piece. As your presence here is very likely not coincidence, we have reason to hope that you joining our adventure is part of serving some larger design. If so, you may help to reveal a ‘why’, and I (more reasonably) expect you will help keep people alive and help to preserve Threshold. If not now, then at some point in the future when your individual moments arrive. ::

”Yash wonders if Threshold will ever stop moving and why it moves at all?”

:: I wonder that as well. We haven’t stopped yet, and it’s been 78 years. ::

”He'd like to know if there is something you are trying to accomplish?"

:: Principally, my goals are to: understand why this is happening, keep my people alive, and keep Threshold in one piece. Related to that, we have noted designs in many transits in recent years. We try to aid in accomplishing the tasks we believe are the aims of these designs. Our hope is that cooperation will result in learning more than resisting such attempts have. ::

The cat's tail swishes subconsciously.

:: We agree there is or are purposes in much of it. I would not say 'all' yet because there are still gaps in the pattern. The Astromancer believes 'all' is correct. He has faith. ::

She bats the crystal to another square on the desk. :: To fully understand the purposes, we need to answer a few questions: Who 'moves' the gem now? And is it the same person who stole it initially? ::

"Like the signs others can read, but are blank to us?"

Anne considers. :: Not exactly, although the signs are a related result. In simple terms, you look 'different' to people that call Threshold home... In some ways it is similar to the auras you see from drinking an Angst. ::

"If you are the Architect, who is the Astromancer?"

:: If I answer the 'what', 'who', and - often poorly - the 'how'... it falls to our Astromancer to answer the 'where' and 'when'. Together we argue about the 'why' nearly daily. :: Anne's tail twitches suddenly. You think it is a sign of amusement.

:: I expect you'll want to speak with him next. He's right up the stairs. :: She indicates the circular staircase in the corner of the room.

”Yes, so you are a jeweler and this is a jewel. How literal is that? By that I mean … you made the jewel. Like a potter makes wheels? Or like a mother makes a child? Or like a tree makes shade?”

The cat blinks. :: Intriguing question... This is not my native plane and discussing the differences of my reality to this one could take the evening. I will attempt to put this in your terms. It is not mother to child. Though Threshold may have some glimmers of sentience, I have not 'birthed' it. It is very much more like a potter at a wheel. But, there are elements that remind me of a tree creating shade. ::

Xing nods to Mama Cookie’s astute question, as well, but it brings on another of her scowls. ”And what does it really mean to become a facet? Is that more metaphor? Or can one become — over time and through whatever it takes to assimilate — an actual piece of your creation?”

:: It is more metaphor. You are still - and will always be - 'you'. And Threshold will be Threshold. But, for those in our community, their perception of others alters slightly. Have you noticed people looking at you, or near you, oddly? ::

Mama's brow is furrowed in thought. You mean choose to become a facet? To bind ourselves to this City-Jewel? Can one un-choose? Both myself and the Lady Desna, whom I revere, greatly cherish our freedom.

:: This is where my explanation needs work... No one is 'bound' to Threshold. Some people have been with us for several years - residents and citizens - and then they choose to leave for any number of reasons. We do not try to change their minds. Being a 'facet' is choosing to be an active part of this community. Hopefully, that makes more sense to you. ::

:: A good question. No... and yes. As I said, perception is reality and that reality is governed by 'majority rules'. Threshold is a 'city' because the vast majority of residents believe it to be so. When we first arrived on the Prime Material plane, local people could not accept a single cut gem the size of a city. It is, literally, unimaginable here... so they saw it as a city - and so it became. Once enough facets, er people, settled in Threshold and made it home... the pattern was set. Even being told this isn't a city, doesn't change the perception. So it is a city, and I am 'The Architect'... even though the city is a gem and I am a jeweler. ::

She continues, :: To clarify and be precise, you are in a city but only on the surface of the crystal. You aren't an integrated facet, yet. And you have the freedom to choose. ::

The cat taps her chest with her tail, three times.

:: Anne. An honor to meet you, Yash. Jagdaz has spoken of you. ::

Yash, is that your internal monologue or are trying to telepathically ask the questions to Anne?

Did a bit more research on Telepathy and Limited Telepathy. While Anne cannot read minds, if one of you willingly chooses to share your thoughts (i.e. ask a question, etc.) she can pick it up. Essentially, it is 'talking' without words. However, you must communicate in a language she understands. So if Yash is thinking in Orkish... she has no idea what he's saying unless she speaks Orkish (which she doesn't).

Anne motions for you to approach the table as she pushes the big crystal firmly on top of the beige square.

:: Imagine that the green, blue, and yellow squares are countries in Golarion. And further imagine that each of the other three squares are entirely different planes of existence. The red one might be the Plane of Fire, and the other two might be the Planes of Elysium and Concordant Opposition. It doesn’t really matter. :: She indicates each square atop the table with her tail.

She continues, :: On another plane, ( beige square) a small jeweler crafts this extraordinary and large crystal, we’ll call it ‘Threshold’ which she has no intention to sell. She plans to keep and admire it. Nevertheless, one day the crystal is borrowed, or perhaps stolen, right before her eyes, and is whisked away to another plane… :: She pushes the crystal to the red square.

:: Our jeweler is clever and - being small – she manages to jump on the crystal before it vanishes. Now her crystal is on another world… She signals one of the lights in the corner of the room to come forward until it hovers directly over the table, casting a bright light on the crystal. You notice, given the clearness of the crystal, that the whole thing reflects and amplifies colors from the square on which it sits. Anne pushes it onto another square and again the colors showing through the crystal change. Even the angle of the light hitting the crystal brings out some hidden depth in the stone. She spins the crystal to reveal more depths and variants of color within it.

She presses on. :: The jeweler sees what you see now, that her crystal reflects a different beauty in different worlds, something she would never have seen if it had stayed in her beige world. Moreover, she sees that the complexity of her creation grows, that it evolves like a living being, that it gains new ‘facets’ every so often from world it visits… pieces of those worlds stick to the crystal and become part of its matrices making it more unique and complex. ::

Anne pushes the crystal onto the green square that represent some country in Golarion. Then she moves it onto the blue Golarion square. Back and forth, she bats the crystal between the two squares. Finally she pushes it onto the yellow Golarion square and leaves it, explaining, :: She travels with the crystal for a very long time. Over that time, she begins to see patterns in the movement of the crystal, some spots it visits often. Other spots, it only visits once. On those ‘visited once’ spots, the crystal more frequently acquires new facets that add bright new lattices to the overall design. ::

She concludes, :: Our jeweler knows patterns and matrices. While she cannot see everything, she begins to see intent and purpose in the ‘random’ movements of the crystal. ::

Anne bats the crystal onto the black square and twitches her tail, concluding her analogy and waiting for further questions.

Xing frowns. "What do you mean?" She pauses, trying to decipher the creature's words. "We didn't decorate this room. We just got here."

:: Cart before horse… but I will try to explain. There are ‘laws’ in this world, yes? Like gravity. They are facts of existence that just ‘are’. If you toss a rock you expect – rightly – that it will fall down, unless magic or some other force acts on it. Different worlds have different ‘laws’ – like different gravities or different rates at which time ‘passes’. For certain places, that exist in and between multiple worlds, some of the laws are a bit stranger. One of the rules here, as real as gravity, is ”Perception is Reality”. Someone, somewhere told at least one of you that this is my office, and you formed an unconscious impression of what it must be like. Reality bent to match your cumulative assumptions even as you knocked. I’m just glad they didn’t say this was my throne room or my toilet. ::

"And Threshold certainly is ... interesting. I have never seen anywhere quite like it. What is it?"

:: There are many answers to that question. Some say we are a trans-planar city that travels through the multiverse. Some say we are a life raft. Some say we are an instrument of the Gods. Some say we are cursed and quickly leave us. Some say we are a community before anything else. Perception being reality, you could make a fair argument that all of those ideas are essentially true. I’ve been working on an analogy that explains Threshold more fully than any of those answers, would you like to hear it? ::

:: An honor to meet you both. I'll call you Cookie, if you don't object, ma'am. :: She cocks her head at Lady's name. :: I don't speak that tongue but I appreciate it. My true name is unpronounceable given the limitations of vocal chords and the Common tongue. 'Anne' is easier on both tongues and ears... How are you finding Threshold? To your liking? ::

Anne smiles, if a cat can be said to smile, and continues telepathically in the Common tongue.

:: I appreciate the caution shown in asking that question privately, Xing. The answer may be of use to all of you, so I'll answer it openly - though it is putting the cart before the horse (a bit) in regards to this conversation... ::

:: This is my office, but you've decorated it with an amalgam of your unspoken assumptions. So, the decor is 'new' to me though the space is not. Overall, I like it. You have an utilitarian aesthetic that I appreciate. I've had a few newcomers that stuffed this room with a gilt throne and gods-awful gold trim, incense-burners, and statuary. ::

Seeing Xing's hesitancy, she encourages you.

:: Come in. Come in. I don't bite. ::

Sabelina also bows, with a flourish.

"We are grateful to be received into your presence Madame Anne. My name is Sabelina Kinbrace-Valognes, but I think you already know this."

The cat dips her shoulders which you think is her version a bow.

:: Nice to meet you, as well. I had your first names but not your familial appellations. Thank you for adding another piece to your puzzle... And I am just 'Anne'. ::