<Sigh>
Kaelor joins the Chelaxian priestess' group. "Hi."
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The Chelaxian priestess and wizard rush together, the priestess tripping him just as he reaches her. The imp flits into the air and starts cackling madly, and the priestess joins it in laughing at the fallen mage. The mage reaches out with his hand and grabs her ankle, his voice domineering as a cold breath sinks around you. "Fall"
The priestess blinks, as though uncertain of what he had just said, but then falls down as her natural sense of balance abandons her. Neither one makes it back up before the small hourglass makes a dinging sound.
In an incredibly lightning fast movement, Cassandra appears in the seat beside Kaelor.
Solany turns towards the group. "Time"
Solany makes notes on the paper in front of her, peering over the desk as the priestess and mage pick themselves off the floor. A few others also did not make the call, either not finding enough room to maneuver or just pushed aside in the crush.
Sol continues, "Well, that got us down to fifteen." Those that did not make it look disappointed, but the Chelaxians look furious. The shield surrounding the group shimmers briefly than blinks out. "Thank you all for coming. Feel free to look around the Lodge if you like."
It is obvious the dismissing gesture was intended for those that failed the test. They leave the area, but most stay in the room enjoying the fountains and refreshments.
Sol crosses lines through some of the names on the paper in front of her. "Now that you have seen each other in movement, hopefully you're starting to get a feel for the ones you can work with. The next test is tomorrow morning, but before you're shown to your quarters, can you please rearrange yourselves into groups of five each." Solany laughs. "There's no time limit for this one. Take as long as you like."
She reaches into the drawer of her desk and pulls out a small bag about the size of a belt pouch. "When you've made your groups, elect someone from each group to take a token from the bag. Agrimares"
Three small orbs of light appear behind Solany: one green, one blue, and one red. "When you have selected a token, the Pathfinders will show you to your quarters. I recommend getting a full night's sleep."
Dakgu took Komana's smile as a sign of Desna's fortune and nodded back. He took no small pleasure at the chelaxians misfortune. Rude people always annoyed him. As they left the room though, the elven wizard was left standing alone. Looking around at the options available, the half-orc thought that having an arcanist around would be a good thing. Stepping forward towards the elf, Dakgu cleared his throat loudly. "Hey there, uh Kaylore, was it? Our lil group here could use an arcanist type. You seem to fit the bill with your little light show there, and being a linguist would definitly increase our growing skill set. Care to join us?"
Dakgu wanted this to work. If that meant being the nice guy to get the people best suited for the job, he could do that. Race had never really bothered him. People were what they were. Wasn't like they had a choice in the matter. Elf,human, half-orc. Didn't really matter. Could a person have your back in a pinch, that? That mattered.
'Okay,' a flinty determination settled over Komana's features. She beckoned the half-orc and the elf, the taldan man and the preist of Razmir to form a group.
'Okay, quickly, we need to elect a person to pick up that orb. Colour doesn't matter.'
"I vote you."
If Dakgu was bothered by the elf's snub he did not show it. Instead he nodded to the other human as he walked over and added his vote for the groups leader. Dak smiled at the woman and added "And my vote makes three carrying the majority. Looks like we have a group and an appointed token person. Whichever color you choose is fine by me miss."
Looking around at the other two groups, Dakgu felt theirs seemed to have the cream of the crop as it were and he grinned. Whatever was coming, he was prepared to make the best of it.
'And you concur, for agreement's sake, mister Gildenpalm?' Komana asks ready to go for the closest orb, the crimson one.
** spoiler omitted **
Komana takes the red orb and strides back to her group, Pathfinders having arrived to take them to rest.
'Well that's it, glad to be working with you all, I'll see you gentlemen in the morning,' her lips curled in a small smile then she turned to be taken away to her quarters.
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Just a quick little repair session...
The glowing orbs are the Pathfinders, actually a level 4 spell effect, It is basically a colored dancing light that follows a predetermined route, also known as a path. It's actually an interesting little spell and I'll present the complete write up for any one who wants to read it. Each colored light follows a path associated with its color, and same colored paths from different castings of Pathfinder cannot intersect.
The tokens in the bag are small round marbles. As soon as you take the red one from the bag, the scarlet light brightens and moves slowly (20 feet per round) towards one of the doorways.
You notice the Hermean woman has been selected as the "leader" of her group, and she takes the green marble from the bag. From the other group, the dragon-eyed sorceress (Shadrai Vadelis) takes the last remaining blue marble.
The lights lead the groups in different directions, so you soon lose sight of your competitors. You're led up several flights of stairs and then across a skybridge to another large building. (The complex is actually seven large buildings.)
Everyone make a perception check to see if you notice anything from the skybridge. Since everyone normally moves faster than 20 ft per round, you gain a +4 bonus.
The light leads you through several hallways until it reaches a door, which then swings open as it approaches. The light enters a common room, shaped like a hexagon, with doors on all walls. The ceiling vaults to a chimney in the center of the room, with a comfortable looking fireplace directly beneath it. Various sofas and tables are scattered through the room, along with a desk and a bar/cabinet.
The light settles into a crystal orb atop a table, where it hums and vibrates.
Komana follows the orbs path, the small marble token held firmly in her hand, lookily piercingly at the other two groups before they leave the room.
As she crosses the skybridge, thoroughly impressed with the Grand Lodge she peers of the sides and around her to see what she can see.
After many more corridors they arrive at a door, which opens by itself and the orb of red light settles in a crystal orb.
Komana casts detect magic on herself and goes over to examine the crystal.
'I think the other doors probably lead to our chambers,' she says over her shoulder as she strides over to the table on which the crystal orb rests, wrapped up in figuring out its purpose and powers if at all she could.
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Iacobus lingers until the others have passed in front of him, and then takes up the rear without comment, taking this opportunity to glance over his new companions.
As the red witchlight settles into the crystal orb in the center of the room, he explores the 'lounge' area for wines, foodstuffs or reading material, "A fairly extravagant use of magic, and yet, also, a guide incapable of divulging unnecessary information to untrusted guests, or unwillingly providing access to other areas..."
Soven is walking somewhere between Kamona and Iacobus. He is happily taking in the magnificent Pathfinder Lodge and tossing a few thoughts around in his head.
[ooc]11+6=17
Falling in behind the leader, Dakgu made mental notes of the area as they navigated the building. When they arrived at the room, the half-orc found a door and tried to open it to see inside. Looking around he then found a comfortable place to sit and watched and waited.
"Um, do you suppose that those gems are part of some weird cosmic plot to release some nameless horror whose very existence would shatter our minds..."
"Or..."
"...it's just a fancy gadget meant to test our nerves."
"Personally, I don't care for one or the other."
Kaelor talks inane nonsense as he looks around for anything out of the ordinary... and also to focus his nerves. Lack of sleep and all that. Research really hasn't paid off much.
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You can see a lot of the surrounding district from the high skyway that connects the two fortresses. The grounds beneath the skyway are mostly a training facility, but a section of the grounds is reserved for a lovely little garden.
You can see a lot of the surrounding district from the high skyway that connects the two fortresses. The grounds beneath the skyway are mostly a training facility, but a section of the grounds is reserved for a lovely little garden.
In the distance you can see other skyways leading to the other five fortresses of the Grand Lodge. You can see the flickering pathfinder lanterns supposedly leading the other two groups to their own chambers.
You are surprised to see the Hermean, Cassandra gazing directly at you as your eyes connect with hers over what seems like half a league. It's very unsettling to know you're being stared at over such a distance. Please make a will save (DC 15) to avoid becoming shaken for the next three rounds (18 second), about the time it takes you to get across the bridge and down the main hallway.
The crystal glows with a strong transmutation aura, and continues to hum as the crimson pathfinder lantern rests inside. (Just let me know whenever you're interacting with it.)
The rooms surrounding the main room are small bedrooms, each with a bed, average quality bedcovers and pillows, a small cupboard, and an even smaller desk than the one in the central room. There are no chairs, but the smaller ones from the main room can easily be brought in.
At the elfs comments Dakgu gives the glowing thing an odd look, then shifts his gaze back to the elf. "I think I'll sleep better thinking that its just some fancy magic device. The alternitive meaning I probably won't be sleeping at all."
Looking around at the others, Dakgu wonders what the future of tomorrow will bring. So far they had just made a group and travelled to a room. Shaking his head, he looked over at the man in the mask.
"So,uh, Gildenpalm was it? Whats with the mask? Take an acid bath as a kid or just like spookin people?"
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Dakgu's question comes as a welcome distraction from Kaelor's morbid ponderings, drowing out the raspy voice whispering in his mind, 'too late!'
The mask in question turns to Dakgu as Iacobus responds, "It is merely a sign of my devotion to the Living God. All of his clergy wear a mask such as this."
His head tilts slightly as he regards the large weapon on the half-orcs back. "That's a... non-traditional weapon choice for an 'acquisitions specialist,' in my experience. You must be quite strong, to swing a door-buster like that."
Dakgu's question comes as a welcome distraction from Kaelor's morbid ponderings, drowing out the raspy voice whispering in his mind, 'too late!'
The mask in question turns to Dakgu as Iacobus responds, "It is merely a sign of my devotion to the Living God. All of his clergy wear a mask such as this."
His head tilts slightly as he regards the large weapon on the half-orcs back. "That's a... non-traditional weapon choice for an 'acquisitions specialist,' in my experience. You must be quite strong, to swing a door-buster like that."
Dakgu grins and brings his earthbreaker around for Iacobus to take a closer look. Heh, yea I get that a lot. I tried the "traditional" route for awhile. Then I saw a shoanti tear through a crowd of guys with one of these in the arena. I spoke to him afterwards and asked him to show it to me. We spent a few weeks together after that, he was actually a really good instructor. I figured with my build, why not take advantage of it. If I need precision, I can use one of my daggers. But this thing comes in handy when you need to put something down fast."
Dakgu then looks at the masked man with part apprehension and part curiosity. "Cant say I have heard of this "Living God". He got any other names? Whats he about that you wear masks to venerate him?"
Kaelor stops his monologue for a moment and rubs his temples.
For the GM
"The Thassalonian Tomes recovered by the very first members of the order hint that there is such a thing as sin magic. Anyone heard of it?"
"I see that there are none too many scholars in our present roster."
"Very sad indeed."
'I know a little of it, mostly tied to runes and giant control.'
Komana runs a finger along the orbs surface to see what happens.
'As for monster summoner? I think Iacobus's surmisation that it is an incorruptable, immpressive guide is most likely to be correct.'
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Upon touching the orb, the room lights up with candles that appear floating over every table, each lit with a small continual flame, and a small figurine of a gigantic bird that was standing near the crystal begins talking.
"Welcome to the Red Room of the Kaedrel Fortress. You will find five personal bedrooms adjacent to the common room. Personal amenities can be found at the next door to the right as you go back into the hallway. Refreshment is provided, free of charge, at the bar cabinet. Dinner will be served in approximately one hour. Breakfast will be served in ten hours. Lunch will be served in 16 hours. For further description about the Kaedrel Fortress, say the command word 'Kaedrel'".
The crystal stops humming when the lights come on.
Komana looks around, then shrugs and says 'Kaedrel'.
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The figurine speaks again, but its voice is deeper. Before it had sounded like a young woman, but now it is a man's voice.
"Kaedrel, or 'blood-warrior' in the Elven tongue, was designed by Pathfinder Gelern Adlaren in 4312. Construction was completed in 4322. The lower floors contain a central meeting hall, several libraries on arcane research, including the histories of Kyonin. and a thorough investigation of the lands bordering the Crown of the World, as recorded by Pathfinders since 4315. The upper floors are reserved for an alchemical laboratory, an arcane laboratory, a smithy with forge, an astrological observatory, several shrines to the deities of the Inner Sea region, and personal quarters. The grounds of Kaedrel are reserved mostly for military training. Admittance to rooms beyond the fourth floor is strictly prohibited."
'Hmm, interesting,' Komana places a hand on the orb, deciding to try something out.
'Where is the shrine of Abadar?'
The figurine speaks again, but its voice is deeper. Before it had sounded like a young woman, but now it is a man's voice.
"Kaedrel, or 'blood-warrior' in the Elven tongue, was designed by Pathfinder Gelern Adlaren in 4312. Construction was completed in 4322. The lower floors contain a central meeting hall, several libraries on arcane research, including the histories of Kyonin. and a thorough investigation of the lands bordering the Crown of the World, as recorded by Pathfinders since 4315. The upper floors are reserved for an alchemical laboratory, an arcane laboratory, a smithy with forge, an astrological observatory, several shrines to the deities of the Inner Sea region, and personal quarters. The grounds of Kaedrel are reserved mostly for military training. Admittance to rooms beyond the fourth floor is strictly prohibited."
Kaelor looks at the histories of Kyonin. He is very much interested who the author is.
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Kaelor looks at the histories of Kyonin. He is very much interested who the author is.The figurine speaks again, but its voice is deeper. Before it had sounded like a young woman, but now it is a man's voice.
"Kaedrel, or 'blood-warrior' in the Elven tongue, was designed by Pathfinder Gelern Adlaren in 4312. Construction was completed in 4322. The lower floors contain a central meeting hall, several libraries on arcane research, including the histories of Kyonin. and a thorough investigation of the lands bordering the Crown of the World, as recorded by Pathfinders since 4315. The upper floors are reserved for an alchemical laboratory, an arcane laboratory, a smithy with forge, an astrological observatory, several shrines to the deities of the Inner Sea region, and personal quarters. The grounds of Kaedrel are reserved mostly for military training. Admittance to rooms beyond the fourth floor is strictly prohibited."
The histories are written by Aerel Zordlonel, and annotated by Queen Talandia Edasseril.
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Iacobus' attention seems conflicted, as the mysterious orb is speaking, while both Dakgu and Kaelor are engaged in different conversations, one, apparently, with himself.
His attention turns fully to Dakgu when Kaelor dismisses the rest of the room as lacking in scholarship, although he has no idea what Thassilonian sin magic would have to do with the current situation.
"Razmir is but the latest to pass the Test of the Starstone and ascend, although, like Norgorber before him, little is known of his mortal beginnings, and there are those who question the veracity of this claim. He has become associated with law, obedience, and the luxurious rewards that come with adherence to the traditions that allow us to live together like civilized beings, as well as the land that has been named Razmiran, in his honor. He wears a mask, and so do we, to honor his visage."
"But enough of such matters, I am not here to proselytize. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Dakgu." he extends a gloved hand to grip the half-orcs in a warrior's greeting common among the Shoanti (both hands gripping the wrist of the other).
He turns to Kaelor, "What prompts you to think that these orbs have some association with Thassilonian sin magic?" Tilting his head like a bird to regard the orb, he ponders aloud, "It is red, the color associated with wrath and rage, by some, or virility and lust, among the Varisian descendents of Thassilon." Looking around at the room, he adds, "Neither this 'blood-warrior' tower, nor the orb itself, bear any decorations that suggest a connection to such angry or carnal associations..."
"I suspect the answer is as simple as the red orb leading to the blood tower. Perhaps the blue and green orbs led those groups to towers similarly named 'sky-dancer' or 'wave-dancer?'"
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Soven listens to the conversations about the orb with a relative amount of interest. So much is on his mind now. Despite his outward appearance of ease, Soven's mind and spirit are stormwrecked with anxiety and apprehension.
After dropping off his possessions except for a few minor items and his sword, Soven comes back out of the room with a large flat book and heads over to the refreshments. There he prepares a drink for everyone, puts them all on the book, and brings it over to the center of the room. The cat is riding on his shoulder with a sense of eagerness and full attention bestowed upon the tray.
Soven looks around the room and smiling says
"All right, my soon to be esteemed colleagues and hopefully soon enough much more than that, if I may dare to say so, I think it is time for a formal introduction and toast. I am Soven Kaymorr Kynnwright the Third, and it is without guile or pretentious embellishment that I declare myself honored and granted great privilege, to be of your company
Holding the book in one hand, he selects a glass for himself, smiles and lifts it up.
May good fortune find us always, may our hopes and dreams be found by us, and may we all live to hold and cherish the children of our children's children. To where we have been. to where we are now, and to wherever we be tomorrow.
After returning Gildenpalms greeting, Dakgu falls silent, recognizing a dismissal when he sees one. When Soven brings drinks though, he smiles. Here at least was something more his style. Taking one of the offered glasses off of the book, the half-orc listens to the toasts and raises his glass to the large human.
He had raised the glass to his lips when he realized that it looked like he was expected to say something in return. Caughing to cover his faux pa, he grinned and replied "Right, heres to all of us then."
Smiling as she turns from the orb, assuaged in her interest for the moment, Komana raises a glass aswell.
'And ever, to victory and long success, in case you missed it earlier, I am Komana Tazurin, cleric of Abadar, investigator of the magical and free woman of the north.'
She takes a drink, delighted by its quality and flavour.
'Hmm, interesting,' Komana places a hand on the orb, deciding to try something out.
'Where is the shrine of Abadar?'
The crystal and figurine both remain silent.
** spoiler omitted **
Kaelor scratches his chin as he considers what the object. "Perhaps enchanment has run its course. But I cannot be certain."
He turns to Kaelor, "What prompts you to think that these orbs have some association with Thassilonian sin magic?" Tilting his head like a bird to regard the orb, he ponders aloud, "It is red, the color associated with wrath and rage, by some, or virility and lust, among the Varisian descendents of Thassilon." Looking around at the room, he adds, "Neither this 'blood-warrior' tower, nor the orb itself, bear any decorations that suggest a connection to such angry or carnal associations..."
"I suspect the answer is as simple as the red orb leading to the blood tower. Perhaps the blue and green orbs led those groups to towers similarly named 'sky-dancer' or 'wave-dancer?'"
"Ah but anger and lust are not the only vices out there, hmmm, there is pride. Surely, the one who made this had that in abundance."
Kaelor cautiously raises his glass. He sniffs at it, "I, Kaelor, wish you all long and prosperous lives."
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Iacobus accepts the glass of wine with a nod of gratitude and then turns away for a moment, muttering an invocation as he deftly removes his mask with his free hand. He turns back to face his new companions and sets the iron mask down on the table, before raising the wine glass and saying, "To secrets to be unearthed and glory to be won." before experimentally sipping the wine, closing his eyes to savor it as he rolls it around on his tongue.
He shows no apparent hesitation or discomfort, revealing his features in this way. Indeed, his posture relaxes somewhat as the mask falls away.
Komana carefully notes and remembers Iacobus's features when he reveals his mask.
She turns to Kaelor breifly, 'Yes, from what I can tell the enchantments are currently dormant, I imagine they will reactivate to remind us of dinner, and breakfast, etc.'
She turns back to Iacobus, 'So, are you from Razmir originally? How came you to your faith?'
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You notice as you remove the mask that there is no sweat or grime, either on the mask, or on your face. Both are perfectly dry and clean.
A high pitched chime can be heard from directly above the fireplace in the center of the vaulted room. Suddenly the fireplace vanishes, replaced by a large round table with a white tablecloth.
In a few seconds time, the table is laden with the most delicious food from across the realms, including a large decanter of dark red wine and five crystal goblets. The decanter levitates for a moment, pouring its contents into the goblets.
The food on the table includes delicious meats, breads, fruits, and vegetable dishes, several casseroles, and all the other things that would be present as though heroes' feast had been cast.
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Iacobus' eyes crinkle up at the corners as he smiles broadly at the sight of the feast that has been spread before them. "What an excessive and ostentatious display of magical extravagance." he says, his words in complete contrast to his obvious delight at the savory spectacle.
He moves to pull a chair out for Komana, "Shall we discuss the uncertain provenance, or, better stated, the uncertain province of my birth over dinner?"
Before he seats himself, he picks up his mask and places it within his haversack, which he then sets on the floor next to whatever seat he chooses (to the left of Komana). The amusement leaves his face as he handles the item, but only briefly.
Komana takes the seat graciously, still with Soven's glass in hand and sits down, noting Iacobus's facial pause. Her slight smile never wavers.
'I would love nothing more than to do so,' she begins to place some fried vegetables on her plate, eyes kept firmly on Iacobus.
'Indeed, you are, if northern born, perhaps the closest in latitude to my own origin of our esteemed companions.' She spreads her smile, still slight but quite genuine, to the others at the table before returning unwavering gray eyes to rest on Iacobus once more.
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Iacobus wait for others to help themselves before portioning out a few select items. He clearly knows exactly which dishes he wishes to sample, and completely avoids other dishes.
"I was born to boat merchants on the waterways of the River Kingdoms, and my parents were never really clear on which specific 'kingdom' they were in at the time, or even if that kingdom still existed, as the names change with distressing regularity in those territories."
Re-arranging his utensils, and choosing the proper implements for the task at hand, he adds, "Obviously, I've come a long way from being the second son of a travelling merchant... But enough of my rambling," he says, turning to Soven, Kaelos and Dakgu, "I'd be interested in knowing more about our other companions."
