The orange eyes guide nodded his head and smiled broadly once the issue of travel was eventually resolved. He did not fault Ibir or Auriel for not wanting to shed their armor despite his own thoughts that such heavy gear was ill-suited to the environment in which they traveled. Had Pinkerton urged at the onset of the expedition the need for speed perhaps he should have supplied mounts for all involved. It was poorly thought out. "Then it is settled. Sasbrek and I will take an early nights rest and begin to scout ahead before the sun has shed its first light. We will travel fast and without the full weight of the sun upon us." Ardeshir spoke and then made his way over to Pinkerton. Crooking his finger he lowered his voice and spoke somewhat more privately to his employer. "Is there anything more I should know before we begin? If there are any pitfalls or dangers we should be on the look out for? Any hidden allies or signs? Speak now or they may be missed." He finished the whispered words and added somewhat more loudly. "It may make sense for my pack camel to remain with the larger group. Keep Mostighim safe."
Ardeshir bends a knee to crouch down near the curiously skilled Kobold. He knew of Kobolds of course, but had never encountered one before meeting Sasbrek. Thus far Sasbrek had dispelled most of the talk he had in regard to his kind, save for the extreme, almost humorous pride the small creatures had for their prowess. Looking Sasbrek in the eyes Ardeshir instinctively began to weigh his companions intentions, words and deeds. He channeled his connection with the Everflame and sensed no malice. It took him a moment to understand what Sabrek was trying to say as he didn't actually have red skin, but then he realized it was a metaphor or expression to being capable in the desert. "That is a good idea Sasbrek. We could scout ahead and search for dangers and information, but we must be wary. I do not wish the fate of our last over-eager companion to scout ahead befalling you or myself." Ardeshir spoke the common tongue of Taldan with fluency, but it was clear from the expression he as he pronounced certain words that it was not a language he found particularly attractive. He got to his feet and turned to Pinkerton and the rest of the group. There were still logistics being discussed, but he would present the dragon-kin's idea as a possibility. "Sasbrek and myself could go ahead of the main expedition as scouts as well. Both he and I possess mounts accustomed to the desert heat and our knowledge of the terrain is more than competant. It is a possibility to consider and decide on."
The orange eyed Keleshite nodded in agreement with Nexander's words. It was time that Pinkerton told them more about what was going on. It was clear from his cryptic comments and sideways glances to and from his other companions that much more was going on under the surface. He clearly knew that Warris would be involved and the same seemed true of his rival. "If the journal can be taken as a truth, then the first expedition is dead. We are all you have left to rely on." He said with a low voice, then gestured to the rather unusual group that made up this expedition.
Regarding loot division: The only thing I have taken for my character thus far is the cloak of resistance +1 since it seems that no one else has expressed any interest in it. If no one else wants any, I would also take the collection of arrows. I could always use more arrows. I assume we can divide gold, gems, and the like at a future time. I am also fine with the proposed loot division / payback plan.
Ardeshir did not hide his obvious interest in the contents of the journal. Where earlier in the expedition he seemed to maintain a distance between himself and the rest of the group, keeping his own council and only sharing it when it was of tactical or situational importance, some of that aloofness seemed to be fading away like water beneath the desert sun. At various points during the reading the orange-eyed Keleshite tapped the back of his thumb to his lip and furrowed his brow in thought. Once or twice he looked back to where the battle with the gnolls had taken place, before relaxing to hear more from the journal. "Are there more pages in this journal? While I do believe there is a decided advantage to hear them and understand those we follow, perhaps it would be best to save it until we can no longer travel for the day?" The second question he presented was less an actual question as a strong recommendation. If time was of the essence, it was best that they not delay any longer than was necessary. He looked to Nexander when he cursed the whore and then Sasbrek when the excitable kobold began foaming at the mouth about his hatred for 'pompous bluescales'. Once more his brow furrowed and he looked over to Unafe. The look of contemplation soon faded however, replaced with a more approachable and casual smile. "I counted three members of this Devil-Priests company, plus himself. From the descriptions I would wager that they are 'Scepter', 'Xaven Neversword', and 'Hrokon'. The gnolls were perhaps those magically coerced into this Warris employ. I have seen this sort of betrayal before..." Ardeshir coughed into his closed fist as a gust of wind carried some sand in the air upon it. He looked over to Sasbrek and studied the angry little kobold. "It is fortunate however... an enemy divided will be less threat to us in the long run. I would search for their tracks were we not seeking what appears to be the same end destination." A suspicious glance was directed at Pinkerton and his closer intimates. He knew well the dangers of the desert and faithless companions were not excluded. "Any information you can provide us on the Bluescale kobolds could be of use, especially if you know of any that might have ventured to these regions away from the rest of their kind." He then cast the wide net of his brilliant gaze over the whole of the group. "Did I mishear or was this expedition of Warris following after yet another expedition as well? How many know of this secret you keep Pinkerton?"
Gyrfalcon, the Headband of wisdom makes a lot more sense for your character than mine. That being said, RP wise my character would be interested. We can RP it out or not, but I think ultimately it should end up in your characters hands. He might also give the hat of disguise to the Kobold or the Goblin since, well, I think its obvious why. I think I will be bold and take the planned level in Paladin (Divine Hunter) of Sarenae. HP+8 (+9 Favored class)
Sasbrek, regarding Enlarge - I do not think you should take it. I have not revealed it yet in the game, but once per day Ardeshir can use his parental gifts (efreeti magic) to enlarge or shrink a person (this even works on other Ifrit and himself). Magic missile and burning hands are always good choices. Grease could also be useful, especially with so many long ranged based characters. Any of the protections (from evil, chaos) could be useful considering the path this game may take. If you want to buff the party, I know Gravity Bow would be very handy for me. ;)
Still debating my level up. My original plan was now to shift over to Paladin, however I haven't had as much time to interact sans divine blessing as I had initially anticipated. I'm torn. It's ranger or Paladin, so HP stays the same. Hit Points: 1d10 ⇒ 8 Not a bad roll. Anyone have any thoughts on the matter? As a level 3 ranger I would get Endurance (eh) and Favored Terrain (Probably Desert) and a +1 in will save and a nice batch of skills As a Paladin (Divine Hunter) I would gain Precise Shot, +2 Fort save, +2 will save, Detect evil and smite evil. Less skills, but more variety. Plus it's my favored class. Any recommendation for my 3d level feat would also be appreciated. As for loot, Ardeshir is going to want a good chunk. He's a man fond of wealth and would believe he is justified. He hasn't received any loot thus far... now that being said, out of character I don't want to deny anyone something that can be more use to them. These items would catch his attention in addition to the gold, gems, and arrows. Headband of Inspired Wisdom +2
"Well done all. The plan was executed flawlessly." He spoke to all once the final gnoll fell to arrow and fire. Allowing himself to relax he smiled and began to make his way to the killing grounds with the rest of the group, looking over the loot with obvious avarice, though holding back for the moment. Despite learning that the group that was ambushed and killed by the gnolls were criminals and murderers, Ardeshir offers to assist Unafe in any burial she might have wanted to perform. If she no longer wished to waste her energy and water on digging, he would crouch down next to the lot of corpses and offered a brief and somewhat nontraditional prayer to the Dawnflower to give their souls a second chance at redemption in the Kelish language. When the journal and the object the jungle woman found began to make its rounds, he sought to look over the script and try to decipher it.
Standing on the ridge looking down as the gnolls scrambled beneath the onslaught he and his companions brought down on them Ardeshir felt a smile coming to his lips. His superiority to these beasts was undeniable in the skillful manner in which he picked them off. These feelings he knew were a flaw in his character, but the fire of arrogance and pride that burned in his heart had not yet been brought under control. Yet were not these gnolls the filth of the mother of monsters? A plague upon the lands gifted to the civilized races by the Dawnflower or were even they too deserving of the redemption of the Everflame? Even as the thoughts tumbled within his skull, he moved his red-ash bow a faction on an inch to the left and targeted the gnoll who had assumed command of the demoralized pack. Stilling his breath he stared down, thankful for the bright sun overhead as it would make returning fire more difficult. With a practiced ease he drew back an arrow and released. Sailing free from the bow one arrow shot downwards at the creatures throat, only to be followed followed by a second blue feathered arrow which struck the creature five inches lower, drilling into the gnoll's chest. It almost seemed as if that high flying arrow had caught some of the fury of the sun itself before it landed, carrying with it a fire which smoldered within the chest of the savage gnoll. ______________________________
Don't worry, Ardeshir made up for with two nat twenties in a row. Needless to say, the leader is dead. Its funny how Ardeshir hasn't joined us at all, yet is kicking ass and taking names. XD Now that I am back, I expect the awesome rolling will likely come to an end. Sorry everyone. I hope to catch up on everything soon. It looks like there is 150 past replies in the game play section to read through.
Ardeshir felt the scimitar cut past the mithril of his brand new chain shirt and into the cloth and flesh that lay beneath. A hot rush of blood spilled out, soaking his chest and dribbling down his legs. With that warmth came an intense pain, nausea, and a feeling of light headedness. Was this the price of defending one of his new companions? Was this the rewards of chivalry? He did not have time to dwell on the thoughts as he raised his shield to block an incoming spear strike from one of the other men who came to the villa with a desire to murder in their hearts. Righteous anger began to take over as Ardeshir parried another strike, this time with the scimitar he wielded in his right hand. Rather than cloud his judgment, the zealous anger renewed his diminishing strength and lent him a heightened focus. Thrusting his shield forward at the face of the man wielding the beautiful scimitar with both his hands, he forced his assailant into raising his weapon high to deflect the feinting strike. With a quick pivot on his left foot and bending completely with both knees, Ardeshir dropped himself low to the ground in a cat-like crouch and like the claws of a magnificent tiger, his own scimitar swept out across the waistline of the villain before him with the intent of either disemboweling him or severing his spine if he were fool enough to turn his back on a Kelishite wielding a scimitar. His intent and style was correct, but Ardeshir both underestimated the skill of the man that had engaged him and the extent of the injury he had received. When he was supposed to lunge forward, he found an agonizing pain explode across his stomach and travel into his arms. His blade fell far short and the enemy was able to brush it aside as if he were a child. The greater insult was that the man turned his back on him. Folding his arm over his stomach, barely able to hold the scimitar Ardeshir remained crouched, with his sheild upraised, not only providing a more difficult target for himself, but also giving the enlarged woman behind him an easier avenue over which to strike.
I am here. I can't see the map however at work. Crusty, if you can put up a static map using a more accessible image site or can PM me a current map image I can decipher the position of the enemies near me and determine what to do and get a post up shortly. I think I am currently in melee with two enemies, one the guard captian who have reduced me to near unconsciousness and the other soldier. Is that right?
Understood. I will sell my masterwork studded armor for 87.5 and purchase a mithril chain shirt for 1,100. I will also deduct the 186 gold pieces for the wand purchase pooling. I may purchase a few potions as well. I think I will also pick up:
Silver bracers/Armbands (set) with bloodstone inset (100 gold) Jewelry normal. This leaves me with... 9 silver, 3 cp.
DM CP, instead of upgrading my armor to +1 could I sell my masterwork studded leather and purchase Mithril armor instead? If I can sell my masterwork studded leather, how much can I get for it? 175 gp, 87.5? Would I be able to purchase mithril Kikko armor or scale mail? (1030 or 1050) - It would not be magical, but it would be very effective, light weight and could have the potential for enchantment later. Clearly mithril is beyond my characters meager armoring skills.
Not including the equipment I have already purchased on my character sheet, here is the additional equipment purchased thus far. 2003 gold / 5 silver pieces. Additional Camel: 150 gold
That leaves me with 1,578 gold, 2 silver, and 5 copper.
If approached in RP, Ardeshir may chip in for the Cure light wounds wand, though he may need some convincing in that department. Crusty, will I be able to use my Craft: Armor skill to make some minor amount of money before we depart. If so -
I really have no idea what I should purchase, aside from a Mule and/or Camel to carry any excess baggage. Is there something obvious that I am missing? Otherwise I just might convert it to gemstones or fancy jewelry / luxury.
I plan to buy a mule and food for myself. I already have a Camel, but it is for riding and I'd rather not weigh it down. That leaves me with a lot of excess wealth. The mithril shirt is a good idea? Can I use my craft armor skill to create it? Crusty - How much would it cost to enchant an item I already own in Eto? Lastly, as for RPing purchases and whatnot, I am open to Rping with anyone. RP wise I am also unsure how I feel about the communal grab bag. I need to play my character further.
"I will take the same compromise in regards to the bank notes and the payment as was agreed to with Nexander." Ardeshir said after a few moments of thought. "However I wish an additional stipulation in my contract indicating I am not bound to take any action which would be against the will of Sarenae or her faithful. That refusing to participate on such grounds does not cause me to be in breach of our agreement and still subjects you to the full responsibility of your promises." Ardeshir tried to use the same verbage that Nexander and Jack had used, but by the look on his face it was a sour experience. He rubbed at his chin and tried to make himself seem unwavering. He curled his fingers about the peacock feather quill in the inkwell, but did not yet draw it free, waiting for the other man to agree. His gaze focused not on Pinkerton, but on Halib, a man he suspected would be more bound by his word than the wealthy explorer. His fingers tapped nervously on the table. He wanted to take up the offer, but if his stipulation could not be agreed upon, he knew that it was best that he refused outright. He would not jeopardize the future again over a lust for wealth. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
Hope you don't mind as my character defers to Nexander and Jack regarding the contract. My character is going to be following your leads. Ardeshir is smart enough to know that there is some danger in the contract, but not well learned enough to find the legal loopholes, however he is wise enough to recognize those who can.
Ardeshir was no wizard with laws and contracts. They had only ever caused him trouble and the two decades he'd had little use for bonds beyond those forged with handshake, blood, or fear. Had he not tried to read the original contract in Osiriani, he might have signed impulsively, his greed overpowering his good sense. Fortunately however his mastery of the Osiriani glyphs needed some work and Nexander and the Elf spoke up first, signaling clauses in the contract which were potentially troublesome. He rolled up his contract and did his best to follow along with the conversation, his brilliant eyes widening a little when their true employer made himself visible and used additional magic to create a large map upon the empty wall. The hairs at the back of Ardeshir's neck were standing on end. There was too much deception going on for this to be a straight forward task. He had been deceived too often in his life to walk into another trap now that his eyes were open. Offering a nod to Nexander, he made it clear that he was comfortable with the Garundi's attempts with further negotiation and amendments to the contacts. The man clearly understood the deeper mysteries of the law. He would follow the man's lead. "The man makes an excellent point." Ardeshir said. He did not ignore their host, speaking to both the mysterious Doctor Pinkerton and the gluttonous priest of Abadar. "I have been a slave before. Your research should have told you that. It would be prudent for your researchers to recall how that previous arrangement ended." _____________
Rubbing at his chin, the Keleshite man stepped from the shadows and walked over to one of the comfortable chairs in the room. He cast his head to the side and looked over the wealth of cultures and races that the Banker Priest had summoned here this day. Tall like most of the Keleshite nobility, Ardeshire possessed a physical attractiveness that likely shamed the rest of the company assembled. Corded muscles stood out beneath the blue and red cloth robes he wore over his leather armor. His deeply tanned skin seemed kissed by the sun, hinting that he was no stranger to this climate. A kind, inviting smile was given to all of them, from the lowly sub-humans to the scarred zealot. Pullling out the chair he sat down in it and pressed his hands flat together. "You speak of divine battles waged in the heavens and the realms beyond our life, yet you have made no mention of your own faith? To which banner have you been called? There are many paths in this life and faith is only useful if it is placed correctly." He spoke to the scarred woman, but it was clear that the smile he offered was intended for all. His eyes seemed like to shards of sunlight stolen from the sky and placed beneath his brow as he focused his gaze on the scarred woman. He poured himself some of the piping hot Kahve and barely waited for it to cool before he began to drink. "I am Ardeshir Qahremae. I would like to extend an apology for not introducing myself sooner, but I thought perhaps the goblin was going to strike out at Kobold and did not think it a proper time." He brought the mug of Kahve back to his lips and drank further of the steaming beverage.
Morning came upon Ardeshir in a sour mood. Since his arrival in Edo he has had little in the way of meaningful conversation and has found himself devoid of useful or interesting companions. All his plans and schemes seemed to have crumbled away like old parchment freed from a tomb. The terrifying dream he suffered through had not improved his mood. He did not let that dream drift away into forgetfulness no matter how much he wanted it to, for he sensed that perhaps it had been more than just a dream. If it was some omen or warning, his duty to the Redeemer compelled him to remember. He dressed fabrics of reds and blues, but left his mane of hair to hang free and his head exposed to the days sun. The snarl the slave boy received when Ardeshir opened the door and saw the servant waiting was perhaps unbecoming of the Keleshite, but his temper flared easily and he made no apology. He knocked the boy onto his rear with the shove of his hands and then looked down at him at first in frustration, but then regret. His gaze softened and he shook his head, then crouched down in the entrance to his room and offered a helping hand to the boy. “Morning did not find me refreshed.” Was the most the servant was to receive in way of an excuse or apology. The coin was studied first. Ran between his fingers and balanced in his gloved palm as if he were testing its weight. Once satisfied with the coin and his curiosity stoked, Ardeshir opened the letter, lifting an eyebrow to the Osirian boy. “What would have happened could I not read, eh boy? Could you have spoken the contents?” Ardeshir asked with a grin as he looked over the contents of the letter. The fancy words and titles held little interest to him, but he got the meaning – Some priest of Abadar wanted to hire him. One thing he knew about Abadar’s servants was they tended to be wealthy. “Very well. Tell your master I will meet with him.” Ardeshir said and then watched the boy run off. He had considered following the slave to see where else he would travel, but he had other matters to take care of before the meeting. Ardeshir scowled up at the cloud obscured sky when he stepped out onto the street, sand shifting beneath his boots. The goddess was not pleased with the darkness that now filled the sky each day. The ranger fetched his camel from the stables and spent the better portion of the morning purchasing the supplies he might need. He made it a point to spend the platinum coin he had been given. It was a trinket he’d rather not have on him. It was too distinct, too recognizable to someone who might be looking. Better he was left with some local gold and silver in his pocket. He was not the last to arrive at the estate, but he had not brought much notice to himself. While he was clearly not a native, he was familiar enough with the terrain and the customs to play the part of a knowledgeable resident. Dismounting from his camel, he spoke briefly with the guard in the Osirani language and showed the villa’s security his letter, having broken up the platinum during his morning visit to the local markets in Edo. Sending his camel away with one of the local servants, Ardeshir made it clear that he was in no hurry, taking a relaxed position on the circular fountain and enjoying the occasional breeze that pasted over the pool of water. He delighted in having the chance to speak Kelish with the Halib’s linguist, but did not dither too long and after some initial reluctance abandoned his relaxed position at the fountain to follow the boy inside the main chambers of the villa. He came upon an assortment of colorful characters talking and at times bickering with one another. For the moment, he made no attempt to join them in conversation or even announce himself. He was here to meet Halib al-Shaknath and for all he knew these could be potential rivals for the job the priest of Abadar had in mind. Better to study them and learn what they were each about first. The scarred woman’s words stood out following the insults traded between goblin and kobold and caused Ardeshir Qahremae to smile to himself. She had a passion and zeal he could admire and the scars to prove she had not lived an easy life. Yet who did she serve? Zeal was a good thing only when it was channeled toward a truly righteous cause. He whispered to himself, reminding himself of his oaths and of the person he wanted to be. He wasn’t out just for himself anymore. He now served a higher calling.
Good Afternoon, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still here, I have just had no time to be able to really post anything this week. I've already clocked in a full work week and it's only Wednesday. I hope to post something soon, but I don't want to promise tomorrow and then not be able to deliver.
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