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After much consideration and internal debate, I have settled on reprising one of my favorite PCs, Vulpiano Arvanxi! He'll be a L. Investigator/Scholar, aka Skill God. Very much an "I'm smarter than you, and thus am better" type. Unsure about race, or epic boons atm.
Seeing Sifso flail wildly about due to having been blinded, Vulpiano reaches out to his companion, and cures his vision.
Once the fae scout attacks Sifso, Vulpiano analyzes his prey, before striking out with his hidden blade.
When the first fae archer appears, the unassuming nobleman dips into one of the many pockets in his voluminous robes pulling out a small glass vial. In one swift motion, he uncorks it, unleashing a devastating bolt of lightning.
Vulpiano decides to wait as well, but prepares a nasty surprise should the other fae show up.
The young nobleman ignores Sifso's initial question, as now was not the time to discuss such matters. He does offer some insight into their potential foes. "Hmm, their body type and pointed ears mean they are likely either fae or elven. However the glowing green eyes, when coupled with the rest along with their coming after Valas, means they are probably members of the Wild Hunt. The one shrouded in shadows is an Ankou, which ae usually *not* counted among the Hunt." Saying that, he turns to their Drow companion. "You come with a most unusual assortment of foes my friend."
"You don't know who I am, eh? Well, I guess that means I'll take my leave of you all now, and go on my way. Do tell Mr Brenus that I'm sorry I couldn't be of help, but I refuse to work with those who have such absolutely rotten manners and conduct themselves so disrespectfully. That's assuming of course, you still remember who he is." With that, Vulpiano turns to leave the inn.
"Valas, I'm not sure how things are done in the Drow lands, but in polite society, we do not use mind magic to try and charm or dominate the hostess of an inn. I get you apparently do not like me, but that is no reason to try and hoodwink me out of a room I had already paid for." The young man says, addressing the drow. He then turns to the mother and daughter duo. "My sincerest apologies for my friend here. He's not from civilized lands, so he didn't realize what a breach of etiquette it was for him to use a charm spell on your daughter. While my grumpy friend here did indeed answer first, he interrupted my talking over the availability of rooms with your daughter. That said, when I accepted the suite, I had assumed it was not big enough for four people. Usually a suite has one bed. If they all want to smoosh together into one room, they can have it. If that's the case, you may give away the other room to another guest, since I've paid for all three." He says, switching to Tien in proper deference and respect.
"Excellent! I will take the private suite, and I'll pay for my companions rooms as well." He then does just that, as well tipping her a few extra gold. Wandering over to the map, he instantly notes the odd peaks where none should be, and how they seem similar to the divination blocked spots on Brennus' map. "I assume you all noted the peculiar peaks on that map? I think those might be our first hint." He says to the group, as he takes a seat one of the empty tables, and looks over the menu.
Vulpiano shakes his head at his companions jabs. "Jest all you like, but a private room affords me the ability to remove my mask, and be myself." He also surveys the common room, but *better* than the others. He also scans them for any magical auras.
"Well, I require a room for myself. I don't know about the others, of which there are four. But, I am willing to pay extra for my own room. We'll also need hot meals."
"While I'm also not at all tired, I would like a hot meal. I believe we'll try to find rooms at The Sun and Stars." He says in reply to Sifso, and makes his way over to the aforementioned inn.
The young man flashes Valas a grin. "Doubtful. My family doesn't have dealings on this side of the continent. However, a noble bearing, a title, and a confident attitude usually translates the world over. It probably would help that I can speak their language as well, though that guard thankfully knew Common. My Tien is a little rusty." He says with a laugh.
With a nod of his head, Vulp continues into the city. "Could you recommend me the best inn? If it's full, we'll look elsewhere, but I'm feeling lucky." He says with a chuckle.
Bowing politely, the young Chelixan answers "Greetings, I am Lord Vulpiano Arvanxi of Cheliax, and I am here on official House business. My companions and I seek rooms in your finest inn, and a hot, delicious meal. We have no desire to cause trouble, and should be moving on to our final destination tomorrow."
"I believe I'm best suited to that task, though I think it might be best to find a tavern or inn first. Hold off on your spell for now, my grumpy friend." Vulpiano replies, before striding confidently to the city gates, looking and walking every bit the nobleman that he is.
Surveying his surroundings, and refercining the map of Tian Xia he memorized, Vulp informs his companions. "Seems like the city is a couple miles away. We should make it there just after nightfall, should we lack a faster means of travel."
Pocketing the rune, Vulp steps through the portal, and immediately surveys their surroundings for any signs of danger or really anything unusual.
"It would appear that our explorer encountered Rahlmaat within Ordu-Aganhei before she traveled to the Wall of Heaven." He pauses, considering their options. "It might be best to head to Ordu-Aganhei. That's at least a central location, as opposed to a massive, continent spanning mountain range."
"I'll have my father reimburse you, should this prove a successful venture." Vulp says, as he darts through the portal. Arriving in his dorm room, he quickly exits, and makes his way to the library wing. As it's in an entirely separate building, it does take him a few minutes to make his way there. Thankfully, he was still wearing his silver fox mask, so he wasn't stopped by any fellow students or staff. Once inside, he makes a bee line to where he's fairly certain the journal was shelved. Grabbing it, he heads over to a nearby book containing all of the various important information on the authors of the dozen shelves that make up this small section. Rapidly scanning the book, he commits the whole thing to memory in a couple of short minutes. He does the same with a large, highly detailed map of Tian Xia He then returns to his companions, the whole trip taking less than a half hour. Dropping the journal on the table, he informs them "I'll be able to cross reference our author, where they encountered Rahlmaat, and a map of Tian Xia I memorized while at the library to hopefully triangulate a general location to begin our search."
The 'Silver Fox' chuckles "Would my dorm room work? I have a rather large single room that I can describe to you in perfect detail. Should that not suffice, there's an alcove in the library proper that is fairly hidden, and hardly ever used. It is slightly more risky, due to being out in the open, but I tend to doubt anybody would stumble upon it, especially since it won't take me too long to grab the journal." "True names have power, and I am not quite so comfortable nor trusting of a group of people I just met, to be giving you mine. Perhaps after we've tracked down Rahlmaat and discover the location of this 'Throne of the Gods' I will reveal my name and face to you all. Until then, I ask that you not press me on it any further, and that you don't seek to uncover my identity on your own."
"Hmm, how about I go retrieve the journal, while my companions here make any final preparations. I'm fairly certain I know exactly where the book lies, so I shouldn't be overly long. Then I'll return here, and we can decide where our next destination shall be." The young man suggests.
Vulp shakes his head. "My friend, you are quite confused. My expertise in all things historical has no bearing on my ability to 'locate and identify unique creatures. Allow me to demonstrate." He pauses, and begins to explain. "You're obviously a drow, but you lack any visible weapons, nor do you have the physical build of one used to combat. You also lack the presence of those more prone to violence. Which leads me to believe you're some sort of spellcaster. I don't see a holy symbol on your person, so you're probably not the mortal vessel for a deity. Which means you're likely a mage, though you could also be a mentalist." He continues "Our host here is also very obviously a raven, however he is vastly more intelligent than even an awakened animal would be. That, combined with his prodigious magickal prowess leads me to believe he is a truly unique creature. A Corvus Brennikus, if you will." He chuckles at his own joke. Turning to Sifso he goes on "Our dark skinned friend is probably from south of the equator, though as Garund is quite massive, that doesn't really narrow it down. However, his use of the phrase 'not my mug of Oshikundu' tells us he's from the Mwangi Expanse. That drink originated from within the fabled city of Nantambu. While he seems to not possess the general brawny muscles of a classic warrior, there is very much a sense of danger about him. He also bears no obvious weapons, so if I had to guess, I would say he's probably some sort of unarmed combatant." "Our large companion is clearly a human, though if you look closely, you can see hints of an elvish ancestry. Likewise, if you're incredibly perceptive, and well versed in the outer realms, you can spot his celestial heritage. His accent is influenced by both Varisia and Mwangi, which means he's probably spent a lot of time in each of those lands. Based on her behavior, the Lyrakien is his familiar, which means he's likely some sort of mage. Coupled with his impressive bulk, his accent, and some tales I've heard of his adventures, one can deduce that Gardolf is practioner of Hemotheurgy or blood magic. Those casters tend to go by the Bloatmage moniker. Interestingly, the callouses on his hands and the fact that his nose has been broken a few times, means he's not at all afraid of a fight." He says, directing his discerning gaze towards Gardolf. "Finally, the energetic catfolk is likewise from the Mwangi Expanse. Her lithe, sleek appearance plus the multitude of knives about her person probably means she's some sort of finesse fighter. However, her semi-fluid nature and the slight shifting in her form hints that she might also be some type of shapechanger. Lastly, those eye spots, which seems to move of their own accord, are usually the hallmark of one blessed by the Protean Lord The Eye-Spotted Leopard."
"I could return to the University, track down that journal again, and see if I can maybe extrapolate a location of the author. While they are likely no longer alive, perhaps we can still find a hint or two as to Rhalmaat's current location."
Turning to the drow, he replies "Yes, actually. I've been a student at the University of Lepidstadt since I was twelve, and one of my primary majors has been the study of bygone eras." If Valas had to guess, he would probably say the young man was around twenty six human years in age.Hmph. Sounds like an idyllic choice for your early training. Have you ever put it to use in the field? The nobleman chuckles at the question. "My masters in history? There's not much use for that 'in the field.' However, my doctorate in medicine has seen its fair share of field use. Like that one time I raised my little sister after one of her summonings went terribly wrong."
"Well, about two millennia ago, she was found of using the exclamation 'Sun and stars!', which in itself isn't overly useful. However, the journal I came across that in was from a Tian Xia explorer, who encountered Rhalmaat in their homeland. Said meeting was also around the last time she was publically seen." The scholar pauses, contemplating the possibilities. "It might be a good ideas to start looking for clues there as to her whereabouts. While I know Mr Brennus here has seemingly divined the general location of Rhalmaat as somewhere in Osirion, those could be decoys." Turning to the drow, he replies "Yes, actually. I've been a student at the University of Lepidstadt since I was twelve, and one of my primary majors has been the study of bygone eras." If Valas had to guess, he would probably say the young man was around twenty six human years in age.
Unable to resist the temptation, Vulp digs around in his pockets, pulls out a sweetcake, and hands it over to Belladhriel. "If you're going to have some tea, you might as well as enjoy a tasty treat with it." He says, flashing Gardolf a mischievous smile. "Obscure tidbits of information, and esoteric lore happens to be one of my specialities. I'm sure if I wrack my brain for a few moments, I might be to recall something or other about this ancient sphinx."
Vulpaino chuckles softly when Belladhriel introduces herself. "Hmm, well your name is clearly Celestial in origin. If I had to make a guess at it's translation, I would say it's probably something along the lines of 'a pretty ringing sound like a small hammer tapping metal'. Kind of like tinkering with a bell." He smiles at her sweetly, then procures a tiny teacup that he offers her. "It's not every day I get to share tea with a lyrakien azata."
The young man who strides into the wizard's study looks more like he belongs in a king's court than anywhere dangerous this group might get sent. His dark green and gold coat likely costs a small fortune, the rings on his fingers twinkle with polished gems, and his cane is topped with a small solid gold orb. Adorning his face is silver mask bearing the visage of a fox. "Greetings, and well met kind sirs, and madam, pleasure to meet your acquaintance. For now, you may call me Silver Fox, as true names hold power, and I do not trust you all well enough yet to know mine." He says in a urbane voice. He takes a seat at the table, and fishes out a teapot and several cups. He pours for himself and offers the group "Care for some tea?" further enhancing the sense that he does not belong. He then spots what is presumably their host. "While the others might be in the dark about you, Mr Brennus, I have heard some rumours about your person. If even half of them are partially true, this must be some great and epic quest indeed."
GM:
"Alright Mr Brennus, just a warning, if something were to happen to me, my family is *incredibly* powerful." He says, stepping through the portal.
GM: Vulp chuckles at the bird's antics "Actually, I was hoping for a name of some sort, Mr Raven. It's all well and nice for you to ambush me on the road outside of Westcrown, in an effort to 'test me', and then spout vague protents of potential doom. However, it's also slightly suspicious, and this could easily be a trap for myself, and/or my family." He says, eyeing the strange corvid warily.
GM: The young man sheathes his blade, and applies a salve to heal his minor wounds. "You do indeed have my interest, and while what you're saying is most intriguing, you're currently a disembodied voice. Which isn't overly trustworthy."
GM: With the successful disarm attempt depriving the shadowy orc of it's main weapon, Vulpiano has some time to think. Oh sure, it tried to continue attacking bare handed, but it was more like wild flailing. Since this was an illusion, that meant there was a spellcaster nearby. He just needed to find them, which shouldn't be too hard.
GM: Despite the last few attacks missing him, Vulpiano is done with this quasi fake foe. He decides it's time to relive the orc of it's weapon. [ooc]Move action to study the orc again. Steal attempt.
GM:
The young man grits his teeth as the second hit from the axe lands, he then responds in kind with another strike from his sword cane.
GM: Realizing that the creature, and thus his wounds, aren't truly real, Vulpiano nonetheless winces as the axe hits him. He reacts quickly however, drawing his sword cane and striking a blow in return. He then quickly studies his target, looking for any weaknesses and to determine how accurate his attack was.
GM: Vulpiano's keen analytical mind senses something's not quite right about the charging orc. He isn't quite sure what is off about it, so he readies himself for battle.
It would appear Lady Sabella now has an older brother....
"Now now children, let's behave." |
