Search Posts
At the edge of the Dune Sea, Mid Morning, 24 Desnus 4711: Felliped's eyes flash with fear, he clambers up onto his camel struggling into the saddle even as it begins to trot after the others. " Hiya, Hiya! " he yells urging the beast to mow quickly. Felliped flops about with the camels rolling gate.
Felliped stands back while Dashki moves in to finish the snake. He looks around at his companions to check for wounds. " You weren't looking so good Dross, how are you feeling? " Seeing that everyone is ok, and after Daski is finished with the snake Felliped has a look around the building.
At the edge of the dune sea, mid morning, 24th Desnus, 4711: "My friends! " Shouts Ali, gesturing with one hand while he maneuvers the camel with the other. "We have reached the end of the dunes! By sunset we will be to our next stop! " Skillfully drawing his camel up next to Felliped and Theodric, Ali's gleaming white teeth flash though his beard. "It's going to get hotter soon, and the rest of the way will be though several rocky hills. We should stop of a few moments and let our mounts water before we continue. " Swinging one leg off of his camel Ali retrieves a waterbag from his saddlebag and starts to fill it with some of their precious water, before slipping it over the head of his mount. "I'm sure you have all heard that camels can survive for weeks off its store in the desert, and that’s true, but there is no reason if we have the water to force the noble beasts into hardship. " Half smiling at the antics between Zafira and Theodric. "Well some are noble at least. Regardless, before we go further, if you have brought with you any armor or weapons, I would keep them close at hand. Now that we have moved away from the desert, bandits and wild animals are far more common. It will be hot and uncomfortable wearing layer upon layer, but I assure you that it will far more comfortable than an arrow to the chest. " As if to emphasize his point Ali begins digging around his saddle bags only to withdraw a pitted and dented breastplate. Slowly and methodically strapping it on, he then tests each buckle and strap making sure that it fits correctly, once he is done he hangs his Falchion across his back and then begins to check over his mount. "It is better my friends to be prepared, and not need it, then to need something and not have it. Let me know if you need help looking to your mounts, you especially Theodric. Ha Ha Ha " " It's going to get hotter? " Felliped asks as he dismounts rather ungracefully. He follows Ali's example, watering his camel and takes out his chainshirt, pulling it over his head and checking his weapons. He takes a sip of water for himself.
Felliped takes Daski's advice stepping back from the snake he drops his sword and takes out his bow. He makes a few arcane gestures and with a riddle casts light on his bow.
Light: Light
School evocation [light]; Level bard 0, cleric 0, druid 0, sorcerer/wizard 0 Casting Time 1 standard action Components V, M/DF (a firefly) Range touch Target object touched Duration 10 min./level Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no This spell causes a touched object to glow like a torch, shedding normal light in a 20-foot radius, and increasing the light level for an additional 20 feet by one step, up to normal light (darkness becomes dim light, and dim light becomes normal light). In an area of normal or bright light, this spell has no effect. The effect is immobile, but it can be cast on a movable object. You can only have one light spell active at any one time. If you cast this spell while another casting is still in effect, the previous casting is dispelled. If you make this spell permanent (through permanency or a similar effect), it does not count against this limit. Light can be used to counter or dispel any darkness spell of equal or lower spell level.
Felliped draws his sword looking nervous at the prospect of entering. Nevertheless he follows Valik in without hesitation.
In the Shadow of a Watchtower, Dawn, 24 Desnus 4711: " Ah tea! Excellent. " Felliped sips at his tea while he packs up his things. " So, Ali, what is the plan for today? Do you know where we'll be stopping tonight? "
Felliped stands by while Dashki and Valik discuss a plan. He doesn't want to interfere but when Dashki suggests sneaking past he says " Lets get past while we can Valik, I'd hate to be pig food before I get a chance to rescue my friends. " In the shadow of a watchtower, Dawn, 24 Desnus 4711: Felliped stands up stretching " Well Theodric I wonder what amazing things will happen on our journey today? "
In the Shadow of a Watchtower, night, 23 Desnus, 4711: " He was a Janni... He just sort of faded away, some sort of spell? I couldn't tell... " Felliped shakes his head to clear it some more. " What an experience! " Magister Ludi: Natural 20 on your will save vs. fascinate bardic ability, natural 1 on Spellcraft. Simply... Lol!
Magister Ludi: In the Shadow of a Watchtower, Night, 23 Desnus 4711:
In the Shadow of a Watchtower, Night, 23 Desnus 4711: Felliped's jaw drops as he realises what Pazhvann's true origin is he gasps and tries to cover it with a cough. Then he opens his mouth as if to say something but then closes it and just ends up staring into the fire thinking. So many questions I probably shouldn't ask... He looks up at Pazhvann again Maybe he won't mind... " Uh.. Um. I'm sorry, er... My lord? But I couldn't help uh.. noticing uh? " his question fades unsaid as he tries to read Pazhvann's exspression.
In the Shadow of a Watch Tower, Night 23 Desnus, 4711: Felliped listens quietly to Ali's tragic tale and meerly shakes his head in response to Ali's question about sand in the eyes. And in the moment where the groups guest is staring into the flames quietly Felliped says quietly " Oh, Ali, that is so terrible... " suddenly the stranger is playing his tamber. Felliped is shocked at first that the man would begin playing after Ali's tale but he's soon completely lost in the mans intricate tune. The tale is expertly told and Felliped finds it quite interesting. Religions are not something he had studied in depth and the creation myth was another piece in a puzzle for him. At the end of the story Felliped also claps though his is more enthusiastic than Theodric's he does stop himself from standing though.
After identifying magic items for the mercenaries and Valik, Felliped takes a tour through the temple with Valik. He takes quite an interest in the murals and statues. " It's as if this whole place is telling some grand story... I wish I knew what it was. " In the east Trancept Alcove Felliped notices the inscription by Theodephus Estrovan " A ghost of unholy mien was purged from this place by Theodephus Estrovan, servant of Aroden, 4691 AR. " He reads. " That's strange. Aroden died in 4606 that's... 85 years. He couldn't have been acting on divine inspiration. I wonder who he was and what his ghost was. " In the Cloister he points out the mountain that features in the murals. " It must be the same mountain that was depicted in the Trancept Alcove. I believe it's the Pale mountain from the Brazen peaks... This woman here, " he says pointing to the beautiful veiled woman on the eastern wall of the cloister " she looks exactly like, like an illustration I've seen in the book about the exiled djinni Princess Nefeshti' A Djinni if I ever saw one and definetly of noble birth. " Looking at the southern wall Felliped says " Vardishal's last battle? The flaming half man/serpent beast is a Salamander from the plane of fire. " Felliped turns to the southern wall. " So this Vardishal's spirit remained and he visited the temple at least each time a new leader was appointed? The last carving is from 30 years ago, ten years before the 'priest' of Aroden purged the 'ghost'... I wonder? " While they tour the temple Felliped keeps a keen eye out for anything he could use as spell components.
Felliped picks through all the items presented to him all the while looking like a child in a candy store.
" Valik said this could be cursed, cause of the blood? " After a quick inspection though Felliped hands it back " Not at all, in fact it's been enchanted with accuracy the ability to find chinks in armour and it will always remain sharp as the day it was made, the stain seems to be mundane " he smiles reassuringly as he hands the dagger back. " Oh and your ring? Ah yes, see the feathery engravings? This is a ring of feather fall. If you fall from a ledge while wearing it no matter the height you'll land safely after floating down. That is a handy spell." Inspecting Asad's small warhammer he says " Yes it's magical to. A transmutation that makes the head seem heavier to your enemies while remaining light and easy to swing for the wielder. I'd say it was made for a gnome or a halfling maybe? I wonder how it ended up here? "" Your Holy symbol has no magical aura " He tells Valik " and neither does this book... Would... Would you mind if I had a little read of this? I'll give it back or pay for it if I find some gold. " When Valik presents the scimitar Felliped's shock is easy to see as his mouth falls open " The aura is so powerful? But so stra... No wait, Valik somehow this weapon is tied to you. A bond of some sort? It's a powerful aura that encompasses both you and the scimitar, I've never seen anything like it! " he says with excitement. " there's a second aura to, actually coming from the weapon, it's a transmutation effect. Maybe similar to the dagger and hammer but it's over shadowed by the first aura I can't make it out properly. " Once he is over the shock of the scimitar Felliped studies the bowl and the holy symbol again trying to determine their worth and if he can any history they may have. Kn rolls: Kn History: Silver Bowl
Kn History: Holy symbol Assuming there are any markings that would give away anything
" Uh, yes of course, I don't mind answering some questions for you Valik. After I've got my gear I'll help you with anything you wish. " Felliped looks through the caravans surplies with Garavel and Valik's help he picks out a longsword a chain shirt and a small bow. He takes the pouch offered by Garavel and strapping it to his belt he says " I suppose I'll have to look around and see what I can find. Thankyou Garavel, I don't take these things lightly. I will do my best to earn them. " He turns to Valik. " Now what did you want to know about magic? I'm no wizard but I do know a thing or two. "
However he smiles back at Almah and says
Felliped gives Valik a look of thanks for his unlooked for support. " My only suggestion is that we should make sure our escape routes are clear of enemies and defensible. Perhaps we should take extra arms and store them somewhere, incase Ali and Theodric are well enough to fight. " Felliped looks to Garavel and Almah. " That is if this plan is agreeable to you of course Ameera. I don't want to compromise your mission... So we should work out which of these locations is best to retreat to and inspect it? "
Looking despondent Felliped says " Well perhaps the best course is to keep the Gnolls occupied with these 'Viking' raids. Maybe they will be to busy to torture or execute Theodric and Ali. I would still like to help, after all it's in the Pathfinders interest to have Kelmarane clear so my mission can be completed. And there's still a chance, however slim " He glares at Dashki. " that my friends will survive until we have whittled down the Gnolls enough to make a rescue. "
Felliped gives a look of alarm at Dashki's analysis of his friends situation. " oh I do hope my escape has not brought more harm to them! " Feliped nods to Garavel " That sounds like a good plan but I would hate to leave Ali and Theodric in the Gnolls power for any amount of time. I don't know what they planned to do with us, they are both solid and dependable companions. Do you think it would be possible to draw some of the Gnolls out of Kelmarane with some sort of mock battle while a smaller force snuck into the prison and rescued Ali and Theodric? I could help, I know a way into Kelmarane that the Gnolls don't use. "
In the Shadow of a Watchtower, Night, 23 Desnus, 4711: Felliped grabs a bucket and moves toward his camel. "Oh, and Felliped, yours is a bull, I don't think you would like its milk! Ha!" " Oh yes " He says, taking a look. " Right. " He sets done the bucket under Theodric's camel and looks at the teats. " err, Zaphira, I'm just going to um... Oi! " Felliped reaches out taking a teat and experimentally squeezing Zaphira kicks the bucket and turns to Felliped spitting in his face. " That's twice in one day! Blasted animals! " "Speaking of camels, several years ago I witnessed a amusing occurrence while I was in the city of Azir. As you know the Rahadoumi are merchants above all else, and while I was in the market I witnessed an Rahadoumi merchant approach a Cheliaxian and his female companion. The merchant was carrying fine silk's for trade and for several minuets he impassionately attempted to barter with the Chelixian for a to buy his wares. After yielding no results the merchant asked the man where he was from and the man replied "Cheliax". Looking at the mans consort, with her dark hair and olive skin, the Rahadoumi responded. "She's not from Cheliax." "Yes I am." replied the woman. The merchant aghast, looked at her and asked. "Is he your husband?" "Yes." replied the woman. The merchant then turned to the husband, and said... "I'll give you one hundred camels for her." The man looked stunned, and there was a very long silence. Finally I saw him respond. "She's not for sale." After the merchant left, the somewhat indignat wife asked her husband "What took you so long to answer?" Then the man replied with "I was trying to figure out how to get 100 camels back home." Over by the Camels Felliped laughs but it isn't hearty, more to be polite. " That does sound like home. " he says frowning. After a couple of more failed attempts at collecting milk Felliped brings the bucket of milk over to the fire. " Here Ali. " Felliped pours the tiny amount into the cooking pan. Looking he sighs " oh, uh, I'll go get some more shall I? "
Ipeq, 22 Desnus 4711: " Yes I believe they are supposed to be crooked... Or so the encyclopaedia: The fauna of Osirion would have me believe. As for judging there worth I assume it's just like horses. " Felliped steps to the nearest one and tries to open its mouth to check its teeth. The camel yawns and then takes a nip, Felliped retracts his hand quickly and then the camel spits full in his face. " Byuurg! " a minute later and Felliped has followed Theodrics example after admiring his purchase.
Southern Osirion on the trail to Kelmarane, 23 Desnus, 4711: Felliped stretches out tired muscles as the group arrive at the ruined tower. " oh my, I never thought I'd find a more uncomfortable way to travel than horse back, but those camels are rough. " He looks up at the tower dreaming of all the things that might be found under the sand. " There must be many things lost to us under these dunes. " He says punctuated with a sigh.
"I believe you are owed another story Felliped..." " I am looking forward to it! Yet I am quite hungry. What is the best way to prepare sand rabbit, boiling? "
Felliped pauses for a moment his lips silently counting. " Hmm, there's maybe 25 Gnolls around the battle market but there's others to. Customers maybe? Humans, Bugbears, Goblins and I even spotted an Ogre one day. That's about all I can tell you. Oh and there's a woman that was staying with Kardswann I never saw her though, just heard her voice. "
Felliped's stomach rumbles and he realises how hungry he is. He tries a date and then some flat bread with goats cheese, chewing slowly and washing it down with some wine.
"I regret that we cannot entertain you in better style, but of course, this is an expeditionary camp." " Not at all Ameera, I assure you that this is quite the best feast I have seen in some weeks. " " I believe you have already met Valik, and this is Dashki, our local guide and gnoll expert." Felliped nods to Valik and then says " It's a pleasure to meet you Dashki " Trying in vain to catch the mans eye. "Now, please, tell us what you know of the gnoll forces within the town." " Do you have a map of Kelmarane Ameera? Or perhaps some parchment and ink? " he will then point to places on the map or draw up a rough layout of the town. " We didn't go through the lower town as the pathfinders main interest was in the temple and our guide knew a back way there. The Gnolls call thier tribe the Kulldis and though they are led by a human man called Kardswann they also communicate with some other higher up gnoll in the Brazen peaks. They call him the Carrion King, you have most likely heard them howling away in the middle of the night. From what I could tell as their prisoner they live in the battle market. This area here " He says pointing on the map. (or drawing in the area on parchment.) " Also I'm not sure of how much interest it will be to you but it's certainly strange from an academic perspective... The Kuldis Gnolls and it seems all the Gnolls around the Brazen peaks who answer to the Carrion King don't worship Lamashtu but instead they have chosen Rovagug as their god... " Magister Ludi: Could Felliped make an estimation of the Gnolls numbers in the town?
As soon as father Zastoran leaves Felliped and Valik to thier rest, Felliped rolls over and whispers " Of course, I will draw your map but I will do one better than that I will come with you. " he then falls asleep within a minute.
Having his name recognised seems to knock some sensibility back into Felliped. He stands a little straighter and replies " Thank you for your hospitality, Ameera. Pardon me but I seem to be at a disadvantage, would you do me the honor of your name? " he says dropping into a low bow and almost toppling over but for Utarchus who helps him back up.
" Only the town wasn't abandoned. It's crawling with Gnolls, the Kulldis tribe they call themselves and like I said its strange but thier leader is a human. A huge man they call Kardswann. They are very organised as well, every night they howl to the Brazen peaks and they're answered to. I'm no expert but even I know it's strange for Gnolls to be so organised. " He moves forward and addresses the courtyard in general. " Thanks, I guess for saving me... I'm in your debt. " he makes a little bow.
" Ow! " Felliped flinches as he's slapped. " What?.. Pesh? " he starts laughing along like someone who doesn't quite get the joke but who wants to fit in till Garavel yells. He sits up wincing trying to get a look at what's happening which only hurts his head more " Oowww! " He holds his head either unaware of Almah's question or in to much pain to answer.
Felliped holds his aching head and tries to think back through the pesh induced haze. " Uhg, Uwagi highlands? " He exclaims. " We were captured by the Gnolls Theodric and I, as well as our guide Ali. I need to find help! " it's a few moments before in his disoriented and hung over state before Felliped realises Utarchus may want more of an explanation. " huh. Well the Gnolls had captured us while we were exploring a ruined temple of sarenrae, they took us back to Kelmarane they all live there, the Gnolls, and they're led by a giant of a man Kardswann. Anyway I managed to break out of my cell with a bone as a pick but before I could release my friends I heard the guards coming... I had to run... Yeah I couldn't have won that fight. So I went looking for help in the desert. I had no water but I broke a cactus and got some out of that. It was pretty bitter but I bet old Ali would have been proud of me for thinking of that. The sun was hot and I could feel my skin beginning to burn and then I found... The library? Is that right? Um well I took shelter in this library and I decided to read some books while I waited for the sun to go down. Though every time I opened a book Ali's head would pop out and say 'Felliped you need to find shade!' and that was pretty weird because I was already in a building... Yeah... Any way I must have fallen asleep and I never saw any bird? When I woke up I was here... Could you help me up I've got a splitting headache! " Felliped looks really confused as he tells the tale of the library like he trying to work out if all that really happened.
The taste of medicinal fluid filters through the pain in Felliped's head, memories flash through his brain. He opens his eyes wider against the glare. " No, wait... I escaped from the Gnolls. I'm sorry, I'm a little disoriented. Where am I? " he says the amount of pain he's in still evident in his voice.
Felliped draws in a huge breath, his eyes open a crack. He exclaims sharply in pain "Aagh " his left hand whipping up to hold his head. seeing the man in desert garb leaning over him he puts his right arm up weakly to defend himself What is digging into my back? Sticks? Oh no! he cries out in a hoarse voice " Help! By the gods help! They're going to eat me! "
Ipeq, 22 Desnus 4711: Felliped looks at the figurine then at Hamid " Oh " he says setting the figurine back down on the table. He looks a little disappointed at first but recovers quickly at the idea if setting out. " We've bought supplies and some camels, maybe you should look over them to make sure we have everything we need Ali? Well, Theodric we're one step closer to Kelmarane "
Ipeq, 22 Dresnus 4711: Vonna:
Felliped looks up into Vonna's eyes, looking a little hunted on having his, perhaps poor, behaviour pointed out. " I am sorry Vonna, I have spent most of my youth cloistered in one library or another and I sometimes become a little nervous around ladies such as yourself. " Ipeq, 22 Dresnus 4711: Zahir:
" I hope we don't get caught in one but it's good to know there are a few things we can do to protect ourselves. Thank you for all your advice Zahir and thank you for your prayers. " " I can wait here or I will be at caravan square fountain " " No problem, we will find you after we have discussed our options. " Felliped nods his head and shakes hands with Zahir if he offers his hand. Ipeq, 22 Dresnus 4711: Ali:
" Thank you for the story and for the tea. " Ipeq, 22 Dresnus 4711: Ghostclaw: When Felliped explains his talents, Ghostclaw bares his teeth in a tight-lipped smile, " Good. I will do my best to keep us from any fights, but it never hurts to have someone who can handle themselves in an emergency. I would be happy to work with you on your swordplay on the road. Your talent with mechanics is good to hear. I do not have skills in that area and it is possible that the places you seek could be trapped. This fascination with knowledge is still new to me. It seems to be of great interest to many of you Pathfinders. " " I think you will find there is plenty of room for improvement in my swordsmanship but if your happy to teach then I would do my best to learn. " He pauses for a moment to ask, " How about lands you have traveled in? Will this be your first time in desert or highlands? " Felliped looks a little uncomfortable at this question. He scratches his chin and he looks to the left of Ghostclaw rather than into his eyes. " Er, well actually this is the first time I've ever travelled outside of Chelliax. " Ghostclaw leans back from the table running a furred hand through his tattered hair, " Nice to meet both of you Theodric and Felliped. It has been a most interesting discussion and I have no doubt we would have a very rewarding journey together. If you decide to engage my services please send word to Dahrehn. He knows how to get word to me. I wish you the best of luck in your decision. " " It was a pleasure to meet you Ghostclaw. So very interesting thank you for offering your services. "
Ipeq, 22 Desnus 4711: Vonna:
Felliped looks down at his boots pale skin blushing furiously as Vonna shows herself off. Having spent the majority of his life in a library he's terribly uncomfortable in this situation.
Ipeq, 22 Dresnus 4711: Ali Al'Zahrid: " Ah yes, well Felliped, it is the nature of such things. As I have said, the desert is a mercurial and dangerous expanse. Between the hostile tribes, monstrous creatures, mirages and heat exhaustion all you can count on are your friends and the knowledge you bring with you. The desert nomads that wander the wastes can be useful allies. And as for the Gnolls… well some will disregard them as petty raiders and cowards. And this is true to a point; however pride is a dangerous virtue and caution can save your life. " The excitement on Felliped's face drops into a worried and slightly nervous look. What am I doing out here. So much danger " Still though, these are worse case examples. Over all the journey is a brief one, and if we are careful should be a relatively easy trip. " A little relief manifests over Felliped's face along with a sigh. " a... Yes it's just a short trip, we'll be alright. " He says reassuring himself. " Do you have any idea how many camels we will need? The number will depend on how many cultural artifacts and other items you are recovering about the town. After all, once we leave Ipeq it may be some time before we can obtain further mounts. " " Only a couple of extra above what we need to carry food and water. After all most of the supplies will be gone when it's time to return and the extra space can be used to carry some of the artifacts. " " Well my Flame Keeper used to say that he knew enough tales to sing a new one each night for a year and a day. The collection was called كتاب ألف ليلة وليلة or The Songs of the Flame. You see Felliped, my tribe’s history was passed verbally, since paper is so rare among the dunes. Once my… " Ali coughs and looks away for a moment. " Tribe was lost, I spent many years traveling the great desert capitals seeking as much information as I could about our history, trying to keep the memory of بأمين اللهب alive, and I have recorded each tale I have remembered or have recovered. " "Truly Ali, you have done a great service to your tribe and all the peoples of Galarion. " " I will say this Felliped, I have enough tales, that I could tell you a new one each night of the trip. And should I be hired, then tomorrow, I will tell you of Talib and the City of Brass... " " Really! " Felliped turns to Theodric a wide smile on his face. As if to say 'come on let's hire him now!'. Then he turns back to Ali " That would be fantastic I'd love to learn these tales! "
Ipeq, 22 Dresnus 4711: Zahir:
" Your goal to see the Gnolls change seems quite noble Zahir. I wish I was an able enough swordsman to help you as my homeland is also marred by the buying and selling of men. I think we'll be able to trust Zahir to protect us on the road if we hire him eh Theodric? " " Kelmarane is rumored to be haunted. I have not been inside of it. I just pass near it on my route between Ipeq and Solku. There are gnolls near there but that is normal being near the Brazen Peaks which you can see to the southeast and northeast. The territory is not so much rough as it is a location that dangers can hide in. Sand is always challenging but rough would be if we encounter a sandstorm. " " Do sandstorms occur often Zahir? Are there any precautions we can take against them? " " I do not spend what I do not have. I take my job very seriously whatever it may be. Whether just a courier or a guide and even at times a hunter, I work hard to make sure I do the work and get paid. I am a simple man. I will have a drink at times but no more than one. I avoid pesh and have no need for such things. The desert is my home and it is one that I can never disrespect in such a way. " Felliped nods along appreciating the seriousness that Zahir seems to take in his work. " It depends on the circumstances. Am I being hired as a guard and guide? I can not go against the law enforcers. I will defend you from them if they attack and you surrender. I see it different in the desert. It is most likely me being down myself if I am not stopping someone from attacking you. I will not kill unless necessary. I see no reason to expect this to happen but it is possible. I will defend your lives to the best of my ability. " " Well it's really a little of both. We will need your expertise in the desert but neither of us are great fighters so if we are attacked on the road a strong sword arm would be helpful." " Is there any other questions you have need answered? "" apart from sandstorms I have little else to ask. " " I am curious on how well you are outfitted for a desert journey if I may inquire? " " we have enough money I believe to purchase anything required before we leave. Camels, appropriate clothing, food and water. They're all on the list. "
|
