Zeldin searches his memory for something about her... She was a noted spellcaster, so perhaps she made a contribution to magical theory that would be useful to know or would give us a clue about her or her eventual discovery
|
You know that Ulcazar is a small, mountainous county in central Ustalav.
Marcos looks at Nik with a resigned expression, "I was actually hoping you could tell us, at the time she said that she merely felt that she had nothing more to offer the Society, and we did not want to pry... now however, I fear that there is more to it."
Garion says to his companions, "I had hoped for a more wide-ranging assignment but we will do our best for the Society and for Lady Anita. I suppose the first thing to do would be to get a look at her keep for ourselves."
To Nik: Nik, I'm not sure the locals would be able to give us an more information either. Something obviously has happened and we need to get in there and find out. She probabaly has her mechanical guardians stationed throughout the house, which could be why no patrol has come, but luckily I've been studying those beings and feel I have an advantage against them. She was big into the theater though, and may have been a patron to some playwrights or troupes... maybe they have some clue with them.
To Garion: Agreed, but we need to walk in ready for battle... something in there has kept others from leaving.
Samant will try to recall any knowledge of her magical practices
"Big into theater? A patron to some troupes? That s a GREAT clue Samant! and right up my alley ... I hope! I say before going directly to the keep you just give me a lil time to try and talk to possible troupes she may have been tied to!"
"And did you say mechanical guardians? you mean like the dummies from our training? I didn't like those! One put his dirty grimmy hand on me! No Touching the Dancing Girl!" grrrrrrr
To nik: I agree we need to consult with these troupes, forewarned is forearmed.
"Mechanical ... hmmmmm ..... maybe I should get some of those tools that are so useful to help with traps and stuff like that! Anyone know where I can get some of those? not even sure I have enough funds for it too!"
"And it will be a GREAT reason for me 2 get 2 know the good artists of this city! I kinda get the feeling this Lady Anita didn't hang out in the Tavernas I use to perform in!" giggle
To nik: I agree we need to consult with these troupes, forewarned is forearmed.
"Master Zey, do we have any sort of 'leverage' that we can offer to his heirs...in the event that they don't cooperate? I'm sure they'll have an interest in their lost castle, unless of course you don't want them to know what we're doing, but if we have something to bargain with that could prove easier to get results. Lastly, are the Mordhiems expecting us or will we be dropping by unannounced?"
Zeldin does not seem pleased with the idea that some of these new friends will travel with them no longer for a time.
Speaking with confidence that would have seemed foreign a short year ago he speaks to each of them.
Shuri, I hope you are able to make peace with your past. Remember that the best day is the one you are living today.
Sabine, I wish I had gotten to know you better. You are very clever. I hope life presents you with challenges that interest you for a very long time.
He get slightly choked up here, Alexian, it will not seem right without you as our leader. I will do my best to look out for them the way you would. May you have safety in your travels!
Daryan, I wish I could have discussed more of your God with you. I am truely interested in Him and what it means to follow him into apotheosis. You are are kind. May Irori always hold you close as you strive to become the best you you can be.
To the Masters gathered, Your faith in us will be well rewarded. Thank you for these Wayfinders, and more importantly, for our lessons here.
To my group, I concur with Samant. I seem to recall that she made some contributions to the field of construct creation. Specifics are lost to me at this moment, but she does not have any noteworthy work in the last 10 years or so. She was also a transmuter, I believe.
Alexian clasps Zeldin's hand in friendship, nodding at him with a grave expression on his face. "All of you will do well, Zeldin. Trust each others instincts and work together as a group. Divided we are much weaker. Once we all meet up again, I'm sure we'll have some stories to tell."
With that he walkes over to Samant and Garion, shaking each of their hands. "Good luck, Samant", says Alexian fondly, "they're in good hands with you." Turning to Garion, Alexian clasps his hands as well and says, "I look forward to when we meet again, my friend.
Lastly he makes his way to Nicephora, a nostalgic smile on his face. He softly holds her hand, giving the top a gentle kiss, "Fare well, love, I'm sure we'll meet again."
With that he makes his way over to his group to continue planning for the long journey ahead...
"By Calistria You can be sure you haven't seen the last of ME my handsome Sir Just Alexian!"
NIK reaches up on her tippy toes and gives her champion Alexian a peck on the cheek
Lastly he makes his way to Nicephora, a nostalgic smile on his face. He softly holds her hand, giving the top a gentle kiss, "Fare well, love, I'm sure we'll meet again."
To my group: "Samant seems 2 think also that its a good idea 2 check those troupes Lady Anita may have been close to ... are you okay with it Zeldin and Garion? If you are, I say we get going and start there before we get to the keep!"
"I agree, a most sound plan. Do you have contacts among the troupes, Nik?"
|
|
"I would avoid mentioning your ties to the Society where Baron Mordhiem might learn of them," Zey replies to Alexian, looking slightly uncomfortable for a brief moment, "our last agents to make contact, left on... less than friendly terms. Word has not been sent to the Mordhiems about your visit, but you may make use of the facilities in the Caliphas Lodge to organise your plans. Any leverage you will need to arrange for yourself."
Anita returned to Absolom over the Westgate, the general direction of Diobel, just over a year ago (so about nine years after her last entry in the Chronicles).
Shuriken, after her shopping trip, returns a little bit happier. but now she had a new sword and a new ring. she sold some of her old equipment to cover a small portion of the cost. her load was lighter than it was before. she had her remaining old equipment inside the many pockets of her kimono sleeves, reorganized, baton in one sleeve, thieves tools in the other. a good portion of her thieves tools also doubled as tailoring implements. it may be time for her to play the tailor role soon.
"I would avoid mentioning your ties to the Society where Baron Mordhiem might learn of them," Zey replies to Alexian, looking slightly uncomfortable for a brief moment, "our last agents to make contact, left on... less than friendly terms. Word has not been sent to the Mordhiems about your visit, but you may make use of the facilities in the Caliphas Lodge to organise your plans. Any leverage you will need to arrange for yourself."
"Sounds like we'll want to keep our wayfinders and our ties to the Society hidden then, since the Baron seems to not be too friendly towards us. Any other ideas? I'm going to go to the Caliphas Lodge to do some research on whats been going on in their lands."
Garion says his goodbyes to the other team, wishing them luck on their journey. "I almost wish I was going with you, I have long wanted to travel the world. I seek news of the father I never met. Please, if any of you see this symbol," he shows the pendant with the crescent moon topped with three stars with crossed swords beneath, "make note of it and let me know when we meet again." He shakes hands with Daryan and Alexian, briefly hugs Sabine and kneels down in front of Shuriken. "Remember, young one, if your dreams get too bad, ask help of Desna."
|
|
Your research uncovers a family tree of the Mordhiems, dating back to before they left their ancestral castle, but the rest of what you learn merely confirms what you already knew.
Diplomacy Check:
** spoiler omitted **
|
|
Lathario smiles vacantly to Nik as she asks him the favour, and hands her a short script of paper denoting that 25gp are to be paid to the bearer from the Gellent vaults. "Of course, my dear girl, I have little use for my funds while I am here, I may as well let you borrow some if it is for a worthy cause. This should be accepted by all the major merchant companies around Absolom."
"Lathario you are a TOTAL and ABSOLUTE DOLL! And by Desna I swear it will be put to good use! You do great credit to the noble Gellent name!"
NIK hugs and squeezes Lathario warmly (giving him the old cupcakefull! giggle) then NIK will fly off when she gets the chance to cash in that paper, use the money plus the 5 GP she has left to buy herself some tools from those old boat racing contact of hers! :-)
Samant to the other gorup Best of luck on your adventure, ours is a little close to home it seems, but just as important as I'm sure whatever you were assigned. He seems a bit distracted, muttering under his breath about actors, machinations, and Diobel.
To SAMANT: "Hey Samant! I might have a bit of shopping to do before we are off to check out those troupes. Would you accompany me please?keep an eye on a tiny helpless dancer u know that sorta thing? I m sure that big club of yurs will keep the bullies away!"
Turning to ZELDIN and GARION:
"You're both TOTALLY welcomed to come too of course! The more the merrier! and I promise it shuldnt take long!"
and I promise it shuldnt take long!"
Garion looks at Zeldin and Samant, rolls his eyes and says, "Famous last words! I hope neither of you have any plans for the rest of the day."
NIK playfully slaps GARION on the shoulder:
"STOP IT! Or by Calistria I will FORCE u 2 come shopping with me for my next new pair of sandals and then yul REALLI see what an ETERNITY feels like!" giggle
To Nik: Of course I will accompany you, Mi'lady.
Giving a cute dancer's bow to Samant:
"why THANK YOU Monsieur! r u coming too Zeldin? Garion can carry the bags if we have any! I think he needs the exercize!"
His questions answered for now, Daryan wanders over to investigate what his wayfinder found so interesting just behind the wall. He trusts the others to manage the information-seeking for now.
Sabine realizes that they are being told assignments and she grabs the Rosy Prism from the air, sticking it into the Wayfinder at her belt and joining the others to hear where she's going.
Upon hearing of the trip to Ustalav, she shivers a little, but says to the others, "so all we have to do is go to this castle and find the secret way in and out? Should be a piece of cake!" She gives Master Zey a big grin.
Nik, I will catch up with you guys. I need to check in with someone. I should not be long.
To ZELDIN: "OK Zeldin, lets meet up at the taverna that is closest 2 Lady Anita's keep ok? See u soon!"
Sabine realizes that they are being told assignments and she grabs the Rosy Prism from the air, sticking it into the Wayfinder at her belt and joining the others to hear where she's going.
Upon hearing of the trip to Ustalav, she shivers a little, but says to the others, "so all we have to do is go to this castle and find the secret way in and out? Should be a piece of cake!" She gives Master Zey a big grin.
"I think we're supposed to ask the former occupants where the tunnel is, actually. The fact that the Pathfinders haven't already found the tunnel themselves would indicate that it's magically hidden somewhere," Daryan expresses his current trust in the Pathfinder Society's abilities. If a team of full Pathfinders couldn't find it, how could we, after all? Possible, but unlikely.
Find out as much as you can about their ancestral home, along with the location of that tunnel... I want to know whether it can be used to bypass the wards that seal the castle, but you needn't explore too deeply if the place seems overly dangerous.”
"I suppose the castle is probably very dangerous to hang around, that would make things harder to find. Weaseling it out of the former owners of it is probably easier. Plus, as Daryan said, its probably magically hidden...but you never know. Having to deal with the Mordhiems could be trouble-some, so we should expect some difficulties and intrigue", says Alexian unenthusiastically.
"Yay! i like this task already! tons of traps to play with! And a chance to use my new toy! i am going to have so much fun!" Shuriken twirls happily with a sudden burst of excitement. By "New Toy" she obviously meant that new sword she had just recently bought. she smiled and giggled during her twirling. she was rather excited about the task.
"Yay! i like this task already! tons of traps to play with! And a chance to use my new toy! i am going to have so much fun!" Shuriken twirls happily with a sudden burst of excitement. By "New Toy" she obviously meant that new sword she had just recently bought. she smiled and giggled during her twirling. she was rather excited about the task.
Alexian looks on as Shuriken twirls, looking somewhat skeptical. "I'd prefer we avoid any traps, princess. They're not as fun to play with as we may all think..." He then gives her an easy-going smile, saying "If you'd like, I can give you some pointers on using your new toy to show a man his guts...if you'd like, of course."
"Yay! i like this task already! tons of traps to play with! And a chance to use my new toy! i am going to have so much fun!" Shuriken twirls happily with a sudden burst of excitement. By "New Toy" she obviously meant that new sword she had just recently bought. she smiled and giggled during her twirling. she was rather excited about the task.Alexian looks on as Shuriken twirls, looking somewhat skeptical. "I'd prefer we avoid any traps, princess. They're not as fun to play with as we may all think..." He then gives her an easy-going smile, saying "If you'd like, I can give you some pointers on using your new toy to show a man his guts...if you'd like, of course."
Shuriken stops her twirling; i'll go for the pointers, even though i already am familiar with the particular weapon i comissioned. not only have i trained wih similar weapons, but this particular blade is also a custom order. have you ever enjoyed the swords of the far east? they are far superior to the ones of the distant west. in quality, function, and utility. the weapons forged by the greatest minkan smiths can harm even a god. but unfortunately, i was unable to find such a smith here in absalom. the smith who forged this blade, looked a lot like my sister would have were she still alive. maybe one day, i will find an alternate incarnation of myself.
Shuriken stops her twirling; i'll go for the pointers, even though i already am familiar with the particular weapon i comissioned. not only have i trained wih similar weapons, but this particular blade is also a custom order. have you ever enjoyed the swords of the far east? they are far superior to the ones of the distant west. in quality, function, and utility. the weapons forged by the greatest minkan smiths can harm even a god. but unfortunately, i was unable to find such a smith here in absalom. the smith who forged this blade, looked a lot like my sister would have were she still alive. maybe one day, i will find an alternate incarnation of myself."Yay! i like this task already! tons of traps to play with! And a chance to use my new toy! i am going to have so much fun!" Shuriken twirls happily with a sudden burst of excitement. By "New Toy" she obviously meant that new sword she had just recently bought. she smiled and giggled during her twirling. she was rather excited about the task.Alexian looks on as Shuriken twirls, looking somewhat skeptical. "I'd prefer we avoid any traps, princess. They're not as fun to play with as we may all think..." He then gives her an easy-going smile, saying "If you'd like, I can give you some pointers on using your new toy to show a man his guts...if you'd like, of course."
"Yea, well you know a lot of the technique in the west tends to be based around: 'Lift sword up, let weight and gravity do the rest', so I can understand where you're coming from, princess. Me? I'm not so much of a finess kinda guy. I kick down doors and hack away. Its very direct...and theraputic." Alexian pauses for a moment, a distant expression on his face as he smiles to no one in particular. "But don't worry, I'm sure the East doesn't know all of the West's dirty tricks. Those I can show ya."
"Yea, well you know a lot of the technique in the west tends to be based around: 'Lift sword up, let weight and gravity do the rest', so I can understand where you're coming from, princess. Me? I'm not so much of a finess kinda guy. I kick down doors and hack away. Its very direct...and theraputic." Alexian pauses for a moment, a distant expression on his face as he smiles to no one in particular. "But don't worry, I'm sure the East doesn't know all of the West's dirty tricks. Those I can show ya."Shuriken stops her twirling; i'll go for the pointers, even though i already am familiar with the particular weapon i comissioned. not only have i trained wih similar weapons, but this particular blade is also a custom order. have you ever enjoyed the swords of the far east? they are far superior to the ones of the distant west. in quality, function, and utility. the weapons forged by the greatest minkan smiths can harm even a god. but unfortunately, i was unable to find such a smith here in absalom. the smith who forged this blade, looked a lot like my sister would have were she still alive. maybe one day, i will find an alternate incarnation of myself."Yay! i like this task already! tons of traps to play with! And a chance to use my new toy! i am going to have so much fun!" Shuriken twirls happily with a sudden burst of excitement. By "New Toy" she obviously meant that new sword she had just recently bought. she smiled and giggled during her twirling. she was rather excited about the task.Alexian looks on as Shuriken twirls, looking somewhat skeptical. "I'd prefer we avoid any traps, princess. They're not as fun to play with as we may all think..." He then gives her an easy-going smile, saying "If you'd like, I can give you some pointers on using your new toy to show a man his guts...if you'd like, of course."
"that actually sounds interesting. and maybe afterward i can take you to see that lady smith i just mentioned." Shuriken was rather excited at the idea of learning new dirty tricks, and seeing that lady smith who bore a suspicious resemblence to her deceased older sister should she have survived today.
"that actually sounds interesting. and maybe afterward i can take you to see that lady smith i just mentioned." Shuriken was rather excited at the idea of learning new dirty tricks, and seeing that lady smith who bore a suspicious resemblence to her deceased older sister should she have survived today.
"Sounds like a plan. If she's as good a smith as you say, then I'd definitely like view her wares...", Alexian stops abruptly after speaking, looking somewhat perplexed. "That could have been phrased better...", mumbles Alexian to himself.