14 OF CALISTRIL, 4709 AR.
The Journey begins.
Evening falls. The chatter from the marketplace is slowly fading away as the desert wind lets out an eerie, soft howl. The skies grow dark as dusk sets in, the sun sinking into the horizon to the east. The night chill crawls into the town of Solku, as an unusual liveliness sets out amidst the streets; the hard-working labourers of the town finally have a night off.
The room is lit up by a lantern hanging above the wooden table. Gavarel enters the door behind Abbas and Gilfroy, giving them a courteous bow. "I apologise for the distraction. There have been some change of plans."
He closes the door, walking up past the two of them. As he settles down on the opposite side of the table, his face seems mildly agitated; it's difficult to tell. Only his eyebrows seem different from the otherwise monotonous expression you have seen before. "As I was about to say before the interruption, I believe we have come to an agreement, Priest Abbas. As by Dawnmother Petrice's request, you and your friend aid us, and we in return help with opening the church."
Outside of the room, the four siblings are waiting for Garavel to call them in. Two lanterns light up the long corridor, strung up by the closed shutters. The second floor offers little in regards of decorations, though there are pieces of furniture to sit on. Shadows are cast from the lanterns, long ones that stretch far into the corridors, until darkness is all that is left. Outside, the muffled tavern life grows louder, as the evening goes on.
Brothers! By the dawns I have missed you! I would tell you of my journeys and the wonderful people and the beautiful women I have met but that should wait for another time. Perhaps later so that we may properly greet the dawnflower. Llathander says before he runs and greets all his brothers properly, with a hug so that their feet linger just off the ground and when he releases his grip it leaves them a little winded. After realizing this he says, Oh sorry, brothers it would seem in my absence I have grown so that I may greet the dawnflower just a little earlier than before.
Well met brothers. It is strange chance that brings us together this night. It pleases me to see you all so well.
The white-haired, pale-skinned gnome adjusts the folds of his simple brown ascetic's tunic. "Well, Mr. Garavel, with a bit of luck and some more skill, we may yet find the lost monastery to Saranrae, along with several other ancient buildings the Society believe to be in the area. I have no doubt that we will be able to help each other in many ways with this agreement."
Seems I'm not the only one that things something is going on with Haleen, Badi thought to himself as he entered the room, having just finished his meeting with the caravan domo. Spotting his 'brothers' he gives them a calm smile before Llathander takes him up in a large bear hug. Wheezing at the strength on the man's embrace, Badi is glad when the man puts him down and wind can fill his lungs again. His lean form drastically contrasting with the sturdy form of the half-orc, Badi is decked out in thin robes depicting elementals and genies. On his head is a blue turban held together with a simply bronze brooch and he grips a slim cane in his hand. Hanging from a loop is a wooden crossbow and a case of bolts hangs from his belt next to his scroll case. Adorning his right index finger is an elaborately crafted wooden ring inset with a jade gem. What is surprising however is that though today was already shaping up to be hot, not a drop of sweat graced badi's brow or stained his fine robes.
As the young wizard recovers his composure, he says, "Yes, it has been some time since I last saw you Llathander. I believe not since we first met while you were under Haleen's care. And Durant, it is good to see that your training with the monks has kept you alive and well."
Seems I'm not the only one that things something is going on with Haleen, Badi thought to himself as he entered the room, having just finished his meeting with the caravan domo. Spotting his 'brothers' he gives them a calm smile before Llathander takes him up in a large bear hug. Wheezing at the strength on the man's embrace, Badi is glad when the man puts him down and wind can fill his lungs again. His lean form drastically contrasting with the sturdy form of the half-orc, Badi is decked out in thin robes depicting elementals and genies. On his head is a blue turban held together with a simply bronze brooch and he grips a slim cane in his hand. Hanging from a loop is a wooden crossbow and a case of bolts hangs from his belt next to his scroll case. Adorning his right index finger is an elaborately crafted wooden ring inset with a jade gem. What is surprising however is that though today was already shaping up to be hot, not a drop of sweat graced badi's brow or stained his fine robes.
As the young wizard recovers his composure, he says, "Yes, it has been some time since I last saw you Llathander. I believe not since we first met while you were under Haleen's care. And Durant, it is good to see that your training with the monks has kept you alive and well."
"It seems that your life agrees with you Badi. I am glad to see you so prosperous."
Durant wears undyed robes and a simple turbam of faded yellow cloth. An old battered traveling pack sits at his feet.
"As I was about to say before the interruption, I believe we have come to an agreement, Priest Abbas. As by Dawnmother Petrice's request, you and your friend aid us, and we in return help with opening the church."
Thank you Master Garavel for the opportunity to open a church to Sarenrae in Kelmarane. It is said, The Dawn Brings New Light, and this I will do my utmost to reclaim the town and church for you and Sarenrae.
Gilfroy, I hope you are excited as I am about this adventure!
"I agree, Mr. Gilfroy, Priest Abbas. It is for our mutual benefit. As for the change of plans..." Garavel glances at the door behind you, gliding his fingers through his well-kept greying beard.
"The two mercenaries that I hired got killed last night in a bar brawl. I had to find replacements. However, the only trustworthy candidates I could find insisted they would come together. As such, we will be seven leaving Solku tomorrow morning."
He turns to Abbas. "Priest Abbas, do you have any questions before I call them in?"
He turns to Abbas. "Priest Abbas, do you have any questions before I call them in?"
No questions concerning the arrangement Master Garavel. As far as seven of us, that will be good, as the desert can be dangerous. Will these men help in the retaking of Kelmarane?
He nods. "Yes, they will. That is part of the contract in which they have been hired. Their motivation appears to be finding a woman who was last spotted in Kelmarane. It is beneficial for both us and them that they join the expedition, and pitch their effort."
"Please, tell me we have not been saddle with four horny boys intent on pursuing some caravan master's daughter. Such a thing could not end well."
"I fear I cannot speak with their authority, but from what I gathered the woman missing was dear to them all. Llathander, the one who approached me about this expedition, spoke of her as a mother or a sister."
Garavel straightens up and his expression seems to shift. It's difficult to tell, as the furrows of his face barely move.
"Worry not, Mr. Gilfroy. I would not have permitted them to join if their loins were their main motivation."
"Of course. Forgive me, I did not mean to imply that you would ever be prone to such bouts of poor judgement as that. If we can help these gentlemen locate this mother-figure along with our many other goals, so much the better."
Turning to Abbas, he says, "Indeed, I do look forward to this little escapade, if only to satisfy my curiosity as to what manner of success can be reached by agents of the Lady of the Sun and the Lady of the Shadows working in concert." He smiles affectionately at his friend. "I mean to have your hair as white as mine by the end of this adventure!"
Addressing Durant, Badi says, "Ah, but as you likely understand, prosperity comes in many forms. Though I am garbed in the trappings of my profession, they are but trappings and no true measure of prosperity, unless my prosperity can be measured in coin. As an agent of the Duskwalkers, I am required to cloth in a manner suiting my role. Though truthfully, I have found that it is indeed to my liking." Then turning to speak to all of his 'brothers', Badi continues with, "I would like to know, however, what manner of news brought you all here? My concern for Haleen grew up receiving a cryptic letter..." Drawing out a letter from the folds of his robes, he handed it to whoever was willing to read it. "The script is very much Haleen's, but something seems forced about it. After investing time and coin into determining the cause for this letter, I came to learn that she was in Solku. that is how I came to be here and how our reunion was even possible."
Smiling back at Gilfroy. "Ah, my friend. We have had this discussion many times" he chuckles. "My Lady and your Lady are not enemies, but do not see the world in the same light. I am just glad that we can see each other as friends." Pushing back his head covering to show his own jet black hair, "I hope not. I really like my hair just as is!"
-- Abbas
Turning to Abbas, he says, "Indeed, I do look forward to this little escapade, if only to satisfy my curiosity as to what manner of success can be reached by agents of the Lady of the Sun and the Lady of the Shadows working in concert." He smiles affectionately at his friend. "I mean to have your hair as white as mine by the end of this adventure!"
Addressing Badi, About her I had this feeling. It was deep down like I knew something was wrong. And then my mind wandered to when I was found by you all. But the real hint came when I was training and passed out due to the heat. And in those heat dreams the Dawnflower told me. And here I am.. He turns to Durant, Not so little now eh, big brother? he then takes the time to rub the top of Durant's head then whispers, sorry, didn't know there was a bald spot there already.
Addressing Badi, About her I had this feeling. It was deep down like I knew something was wrong. And then my mind wandered to when I was found by you all. But the real hint came when I was training and passed out due to the heat. And in those heat dreams the Dawnflower told me. And here I am.. He turns to Durant, Not so little now eh, big brother? he then takes the time to rub the top of Durant's head then whispers, sorry, didn't know there was a bald spot there already.
Durant laughs and removes his turban revealing the suede like growth of very short hair. "My hair is arriving, not leaving. This is the longest it has been in years."
Turning to Badi, "I would love to read that letter."
Haleen visited me frequently in the monestary. Lately she had been troubled but would not tell me why nor speak to the masters, You know how independent she is. Then she just stopped coming. I thought deeply on the matter and decided to find her, so I find myself here.
Smiling back at Gilfroy. "Ah, my friend. We have had this discussion many times" he chuckles. "My Lady and your Lady are not enemies, but do not see the world in the same light. I am just glad that we can see each other as friends." Pushing back his head covering to show his own jet black hair, "I hope not. I really like my hair just as is!"
"Really? I would have always thought that a faithful of Saranrae would always go for bright, fiery red hair." He concentrates on Abbas' locks for a moment, and then nods with satisfaction. "Yes. Much better!"
Figuring his friend was up to something, umm... interesting, Abbas does not resist the effect. "Oh. What would Dawnmother Patrice say. I believe she and Sarenrae would like this. At least for a while" Abbas says, running his hand thru his newly colored hair. "Does anyone have a mirror, so I can see what this looks like?"
-- Abbas
(And it is now david's bedtime. Back in the morning for a bit.)
"Really? I would have always thought that a faithful of Saranrae would always go for bright, fiery red hair." He concentrates on Abbas' locks for a moment, and then nods with satisfaction. "Yes. Much better!"
Gilfroy laughs. "You're asking a priest of Sivanah if anyone has a mirror?"
He pulls out his mirror from inside his monk's robe and lets his friend see the alterations.
Bahram remains silent as he looks upon the group and listens, though seems to not show too much interest in whats going on, just hoping about Haleen. He looks to the rest of the group and listens in, not knowing what to say on the subject.
Haleen...where are you? he thinks as he looks over the other siblings and wants to get to finding where she is and if these roumers are true.
Garavel glances at Abbas and Gilfroy, rising from his seat. "I will call them in. Enter."
As instructed the four siblings enter. The room is big enough to hold all of you around the table. Garavel nods and sits down, gesturing to the empty seats. "Please. Sit."
As soon as everybody has found a seat, he continues. "Now we are all gathered. Together we will travel north to the expedition, to reclaim and rebuild Kelmarane. Please, introduce yourselves."
"Ah, yes. That will do for a while" he says while admiring his newly colored hair.
"Master Garavel, if you would bring the others in, we can get to know each other and start our journey together."
-- Abbas Garshta
Gilfroy laughs. "You're asking a priest of Sivanah if anyone has a mirror?"
He pulls out his mirror from inside his monk's robe and lets his friend see the alterations.
Once Abbas gives the red a stamp of approval and returns the mirror, Gilfroy quickly switches it to lime green with pink highlights.
He turns in his chair to watch the newcomers, stands on it and gives the four men a deep and reverent bow, just like he's seen followers of Irori use.
"Greetings. I am Gilfroy Fezziwig from Finderplain. Pleased to make your acquaintance." he bows low again, adjusting his sash which seems to be made of seven knotted scarves.
I am Llathander. I am merely one of the Dawnflowers rays that cuts through the darkness.
The thin man in the faded yellow turban returns the gnomes bow.
Greetings Mister Fezziwig. I am Durant. I look forward to travelling with you.
The thin man in the faded yellow turban returns the gnomes bow.
Greetings Mister Fezziwig. I am Durant. I look forward to travelling with you.
Seeing an actual ascetic fighter causes his calm mask to slip a bit, but he recovers. "Indeed, it should be interesting. And Gilfroy, or Gil please."
Walking in behind Llathander is a man dressed in fine silk robes that seem suited to keeping the desert heat out. Noting Gilfroy's greeting, Badi gives a slight bow in response as he says, "I am Badi Al'Mukhabat Nabih Ka'im. It is a pleasure to makes your acquaintances. The quiet one is Bahram Kelor." With his slim form and clean cut appearance, Badi seems like the type that isn't use to heavy work and the many pouches hanging from his hip and the scroll case that accompanies them hits at his dabbling in the arcane arts.
"That will do," Garavel says, looking at all of you. Despite his stern face he seems pleased, and even tired. He rises from his chair and gives you all a bow. "The third floor will have beds for all of you. Gilfroy, Abbas, you are free to sleep here as well, if you desire. Meet me tomorrow by the north gate, before sunrise. We will leave early."
He leaves the room, leaving you to your own devices for the night. Outside, despite the closed shutters, you can hear the slowly increasing cheers as Solku enjoys a party.
Brothers! It is time to show solku how Haleen would have us greet the dawnflower, tonight we live so that her warmth may be enjoyed to it's fullest. You two may join us it is time we got to know each other better.
"Greetings gentlemen. I am Abbas, servant of Dawnflower. It is good that we journey together to free this village from the unbelievers and rededicate it to Sarenrae.
"I think a good drink would be quite enjoyable." He hops off his chair and heads to the door. His shadow, oddly enough, doesn't leave the seat, and the chair follows him for a bit, dragged by the shadow. Gilfroy casts a spell and the chair tumbles across the floor back to its original spot. He walks out of the room like nothing is amiss.
"Bahram." he points to himself seemingly only interested in one thing. This young man has clearly not taken very good care of himself and seems disinterested in anyone but Abbas who is talking about Sarenrae.
Come then little one and drink so that tonight you feel like a giant. as he gives Gilfroy a hearty pat on the back.
At Abbas ah good a fellow servant of the dawnflower. I am a paladin of the dawnflower.
Come then little one and drink so that tonight you feel like a giant. as he gives Gilfroy a hearty pat on the back.
Gilfroy smiles up at the man, beaming with pride. "Why, I thank you for the kind offer. Never quite felt that I needed booze to forget how short I am, then again, I could probably drink you under a table of any size."
Bluff:
Smiling at his "brother's" bravado, Badi will follow the others out of the room as they head to the party that was brewing outside. The young wizard was never one for parties, but he wanted to spent time with compatriots old and new, learn what he can of their stories so that they could feel comfortable joining together to face the hardship that was bound to come. Noticing the odd color of Abbas' hair, he matches stride with the cleric as he asks, "Do all of the Dawnflower's faithful readily take to such vibrant colors?"
Come then little one and drink so that tonight you feel like a giant. as he gives Gilfroy a hearty pat on the back.Gilfroy smiles up at the man, beaming with pride. "Why, I thank you for the kind offer. Never quite felt that I needed booze to forget how short I am, then again, I could probably drink you under a table of any size."
Bluff: 1d20+6
** spoiler omitted **
Llathander laughs robustly at the little gnomes show of bravado and beneath the thunderous laughter he utters,
Well then, come my stout friend and put this to the test. First rounds on me!
As you go out to celebrate your reunion and your newfound acquaintanceships, you find that Solku is kind in regards of nightlife. Gilfroy and Llathander almost pass out during their makeshift drinking competition, though it is all in good cheer. Small-talk, local rumours, sweet meals and over-eager drunk patrons all make the last night in Solku a good one.
...
It barely feels like you've been able to get any form of sleep when you're crudely woken up; Knock, knock, knock.
"Wake up, and get ready," Garavel's muffled voice calls out from behind your doors. "Eat some food, and meet me by the north gate. Shortly."
Durant enters soon after Garavel's wake up knock.
He is bearing a tray holding an eathernware pitcher and two covered dishes.
"It looks to be a lovely dawn in a few hours. A good omen for our journey.'
Durand sets the tray down in the common area and swiftly gathers glasses. The first dish is filled with layers of fresh flatbread still hot from baking. The second reveals a fragrent dish of eggpland and peppers in a fiery sauce.
As durant pours a black liquid from the pitcher the smell of coffee and cinnamon rises to complement the roasted peppers and fresh bread.
"Eat up my sleepy friends. The road ahead is long."
Fortitude:
Gilfroy wakes up with his head feeling like it's stuffed with wool. Every sound causes him to wince.
He stumbles down to breakfast. "Coffee. Now," he says, his eyes partially closed. "And quietly."
What a glorious morning it is my friends! Didn't I tell you there is no other proper way to greet the dawnflower. Says the half Orc who grabs some food and fills his waterskin and heads out to help ready the caravan.
The night had proven to be interesting, with the gnome and Llathander getting rather drunk, but only the gnome seemed to be paying for it this morning while Badi's 'brother' was his same exuberant self. Helping himself to the food and a cup of coffee, Badi enjoys his food while perusing his arcane tome. Continuing his study after he had finished, he whispers a chain of arcane phrases in some strange tongue before passing his hands over his body. What he was trying to accomplish was beyond the knowledge of those with no magical talent.
Spellcraft DC 16:
Once finished with his morning ritual, Badi looks to the others and says "I hope you all had your fill of sleep, for it seems out journey starts today."
Smiling at his "brother's" bravado, Badi will follow the others out of the room as they head to the party that was brewing outside. The young wizard was never one for parties, but he wanted to spent time with compatriots old and new, learn what he can of their stories so that they could feel comfortable joining together to face the hardship that was bound to come. Noticing the odd color of Abbas' hair, he matches stride with the cleric as he asks, "Do all of the Dawnflower's faithful readily take to such vibrant colors?"
"Looks like a failed fashion sense to me." Bahram says with a boring sounding voice that wasn't much above a mutter. "I'm fine." he refuses the offer for a drink even though his eyes do look heavy it appears that he can't be bothered with this and looks more eager to find Haleen that just sit around here.
"Yes, fire red fits well. However, it should be back to my normal black by morning"
Noticing the odd color of Abbas' hair, he matches stride with the cleric as he asks, "Do all of the Dawnflower's faithful readily take to such vibrant colors?"
Garavel finds Abbas up and dressed, his hair back to it's normal jet black. He heads downstairs, grabs some bread and whatever the inn had that was warm for breakfast, and munches on it on the way out the door. "Heading to the north gate, so I can pray" he mumbles, barely coherently with all that food in his mouth.
"Join me Llathander? but he keeps on the move, regardless of the answer.
Arriving at the north gate, he steps outside and moves to the east side of the road, sitting a moment in the morning sun facing east towards the sunrise. He then assumes a kneeling posture, and for an hour barely moves. His backpack and shield are on the ground next to him. His left hand holds his holy symbol aloft, and his right holds the hilt of his sheathed scimitar.
-- Abbas Garshta
Garavel finds Abbas up and dressed, his hair back to it's normal jet black. He heads downstairs, grabs some bread and whatever the inn had that was warm for breakfast, and munches on it on the way out the door. "Heading to the north gate, so I can pray" he mumbles, barely coherently with all that food in his mouth.
"Join me Llathander? but he keeps on the move, regardless of the answer.
Arriving at the north gate, he steps outside and moves to the east side of the road, sitting a moment in the morning sun facing east towards the sunrise. He then assumes a kneeling posture, and for an hour barely moves. His backpack and shield are on the ground next to him. His left hand holds his holy symbol aloft, and his right holds the hilt of his sheathed scimitar.
-- Abbas Garshta
Of course I will accompany you
As Abbas and Llathander approach the northern gate, they find Garavel clutching on the reins of seven camels. His expressionless face only hints at a modicum of impatience, but his lips tug into a smile as you arrive. "I trust the others will follow shortly?"
Once his preparations were finished, Badi tells those remaining that he would meet them all at the north gate so that they could get underway. Then, gathering his things, he heads to the stables to fetch his mount.
Arriving at the north gate with the reins of a rather stubborn looking camel in hand, Badi apologizes to Garavel for his tardiness and explains, "It seems that Aa-need here wasn't in the mood to leave the stables. Fortunately, I was able to coerce him to coming."
"Yes, Master Garavel. They should be here anytime now. Till then, I need to do my morning prayers to Sarenrae, so I will be by the side of the road till they show up." replies Abbas.
As Abbas and Llathander approach the northern gate, they find Garavel clutching on the reins of seven camels. His expressionless face only hints at a modicum of impatience, but his lips tug into a smile as you arrive. "I trust the others will follow shortly?"