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What counts as natural looks very different on Verces. Let me show you my crew.
Aren't they a beautiful race? Their physical and mental perfection I couldn't even begin to match, and yet they served under my command with unquestioning loyalty. I spent my whole earning that trust.
You see, hard-to-find possessions and possessed belongings are nothing but the physical manifestations of what haunts me.
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Carol looks on in wonder as Tempi's "Crew" Appears. Wow... I never seen creatures like those before. And...! Carol's eyes widen in horror as they change before her. Oh... By the Gods! Carol takes a couple steps back away from the illusion. "My word... Wh-What caused... That." She gestures towards the illusion. "So horrific..." Carol looks away to calm herself.
It takes a bit before Carol speaks again. "I am sorry. I know of horror that I have read in books, and some I have seen. But nothing compares that what I just witnessed." She tries her best to look at Tempi, trying to avoid the illusion, and she tries to disbelieve what she seen.
Seeing the illusion not fade, Carol can't bear to look towards Tempi. She takes a deep breath before continuing. "Again, I am sorry for your loss. To live with such horror, many others don't seem to be able to live at all with such... Visions. And I understand such things. Being a healer, I have seen people afflicted with wounds of the body, and of the mind. It can be sad."
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Nyphi watches the illusion play out with an expression of interest and intrigue.
"That was certainly a well created Minor Image, especially as a means of displaying a story like that. Certainly an unpleasant end for your...crew you said? For your sake, as well as my own, I will not ask as to what happened, I understand more than some as to the sensitivity of watching ones friends lives end in...disturbing means." Nyphi empathizes, the image disappearing from before her as she disbelieves its presence.
Nyphi's ears noticeably droop at this point, and she tries to smile in a cheerful manner. "Maybe, for your sake Temπ, you should end the spell. I think it wears at you, mentally, emotionally, and perhaps even spiritually, to maintain and present this."
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.
You've seen more than I usually show others. I prefer to think of what transpired as but one possible outcome, one that I may be able to, in the end, correct.
I'll be fine, but I can drop this figment for your sakes if either of you wish it. Whatever puts you at ease.
They have the uncanny ability to communicate with only their eyes and their skin.
I sometimes wonder what exceptional qualities are passed down in the human species...
Their abilities also allows them to better adapt as they move towards either Fulbright or towards Darkside.
Verces has one government for the entire planet's habitable band. And its population has a three-caste system comprised of the Pure Ones, the Augmented and the God-Vessels.
To the best of my knowledge, I am the only person who has been a member of each caste at some point in my life. To shift once to a different caste is rare, indeed, especially for someone not of Vercites bloodline.
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A brown and white bird, only a few inches tall, flies in past the last person to open the door. He lands near the first person he sees eating any sort of bread, crackers, or fruit, and cocks his head to look at the person with the food.
"ISSLES!" the bird says in a bird-like imitation of human speech, apparently trying to say "whistles".
He then reaches out to try and grab a piece of food.
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The door opens, and an angelically beautiful Minkian aasimar woman enters. She wears full plate armor, other than carrying her helmet in her hand, and has a katana sheathed on her belt.
She initially has a worried look on her face, but as she looks around, she seems to become distracted by the wide variety of people here.
"Has anyone seen a small bird?" she asks, and the worried look returns. "WHISTLES?!?" she yells, as if calling a pet smart enough to understand. "WHERE ARE YOU?"
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Noticing the illusion changed back into a more nicer form, Carol takes a deep breath and looks around. I am glad that is over with. That was.. Disturbing. Listening to Tempi, she notes when he mentions goverment, and caste system. "Wait, they are all of one race? I have no idea such a people existed like th-"
She ducks slightly as a bird flies past. "What!?" She looks around noticing the little bird. "Oh... It's only a little brown bird. Thought it was something else." Carol takes a deep breath to calm down.
When a Minkian woman comes in, Carol immediately knows what she is. "Ah. Erm, the bird you call Whistle is right there." She points towards the brown bird. "May I ask you something? Oh! Sorry, let me introduce myself. I am Carol Silverstar. An Aasimar of distant relation. Are you an Aasimar as well?"
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You are Aasimar, both of you are Aasimar? I mistook you for human. My apologies. I must be there first human to be so ignorant as to not be able to tell his own race. You are the first Aasimars I have met.
If I may be so bold to ask, just how many ways do Aasimar differ from humans? Are there half-aasimars?
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Carol shuffles a bit. "Well, Aasimar are normally already a "half" race. Kinda ike Half-Elves and Half-Orcs. Aasimar's.... Blood can lay dormant for many generations, before revealing itself in a child, either as a true Aasimar, or like me, an aasimar whom is more muddled. The least amount could be said for celestial sorcerers. And honestly, Aasimars could appear in any race, but it is mostly humans that are noticeable." She slumps her shoulders a bit after the explanation. "And how they differ...? Well, Aasimar have certain resistance to energy, and typically can see in the dark for a fair distance. So not much difference." Carol shrugs after finishing her last statement.
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The armored Tian-Min looks where Carol pointed.
"Oh, there you are, Whistles." She rushes over to the little bird, and holds out a finger, which the bird promptly hops on to.
Turning back to Carol, she bows quickly and says, "Thank you, Carol Silverstar. I am Misaki Hamamoto, and yes, I am an aasimar as well. But I come from Minkai, in Tian Xia, so I know I look much more like the humans of Minkai than the humans or aasimars of this Inner Sea region."
"I have some questions, too, starting with what this place is", Misaki asks, looking around at the assembled Pathfinders, "and why YOU led me in here." She looks back to the bird on her finger accusingly for that last part.
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"Perhaps your bird friend showed you to the place you needed right now? I have found that some animals have ways beyond the understanding of the rest of us. You are from Minkai?" At this point, the man speaking reaches forward and pulls back a tea cup, sipping from it slowly.
"Ah, forgive me, I meant to answer your question. This is a meeting hall for members of the Silver Crusade. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Yaun Shi, Master Samurai. This is my friend, Masakaze." He points at a griffon lazing on the floor nearby. With this, the man leans back into his chair and takes another sip of his tea.
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Misaki bows deeply to Yuan Shi. The sudden movement disturbs the bird on her finger, which squawks and flies off her finger, landing on her shoulder as she stands upright again.
"Greetings, Master Samurai."
She turns to the griffon with a confused look on her face, but gives it a short nod, as well.
"Umm, hello."
Misaki turns back to address Yuan Shi.
"Whistles definitely knows more than most animals. He told me to become a warrior, and led me all the way here from Minkai. I don't understand how he knows so much, but he says he was sent by Shizuru."
The bird on her shoulder cocks his head and says "ISSLES", acting like a perfectly normal bird, not as smart as Misaki describes. She shoots him an angry look before returning her attention to the conversation.
"I really don't have any news from Minkai. I grew up in the capital city, but I lived in an orphanage, and don't know much of the world. I've arrived in Absalom relatively recently, and joined the Pathfinder Society after helping defeat the master of a fallen fortress. I just returned to Absalom again after helping to explore some other ruins with some Pathfinders."
"I've heard of this Silver Crusade. When I joined the Society, I was told there were different groups within the organization, but it hasn't affected me so far."
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Greetings Miss Yamamoto.
There are several factions within the Society. The Silver crusade is less about those who want to be affected as it is about those who want to effect Golarain...and they wish to do so in a positive way. Its members are predominately followers of good-aligned deities.
And this is the Temple of the Shining Star. Maybe Whistles led you here to find kindred spirits?
The penultimate question is, to what ends do you wish to see the Society strive?
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Misaki bows to Tem(pi).
"Yes, that's the type of thing Whistles does. It does sound like this Silver Crusade would be good for me. Ever since I became a warrior, I knew I wanted to use my abilities to protect the innocent from evil. Joining you seems like it might be a good way to do that."
On her shoulder, the bird cocks its head at hearing this, then starts preening its feathers contentedly, as if it heard what it wanted and is no longer concerned by the conversation.
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If I am traveling with the Society and find myself resting in Ablosom, I come here to cast the healing spells for which I prayed, but have not yet used.
I know not of this Shizuru you speak. If you can read Kelish, you may want to purchase a copy of The Birth of Light and Truth, which is Sarenrae's holy text. This may be a good way to determine if you and the faction share the same philosophy. Besides, the proceeds go to assisting the masses hosted within this church's infirmary.
It would be an honor to serve as your sponsor. Please tell me more about your patron.
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Misaki looks wide eyed at the strange man, but continues speaking as politely as possible .
"I'm sorry, but I am confused. Patron? You mean the source of my abilities? I think that may be Whistles."
"SHIZURU!" The bird squawks angrily from her shoulder, startling her.
"Oh", she looks at the bird for a second, as if waiting for him to say more. He goes back to preening his feathers, so she returns her attention to Tem(pi).
"As I said, Whistles says that Shizuru sent him. It is weird to me to meet people who do not know of her. In Minkai, everyone knows and worships Shizuru. She is the Empress of Heavens, Goddess of honor and ancestors. I'm not an expert on religion, but I think she is also the goddess of sword fighting with a katana, which may explain why Whistles led me to a katana and gave me the ability to use it."
"I don't know the god of this church. What was that name? Serenay? As I said, I'm no expert on religion. But if this is a place of healing, I can help a little. I'm still not sure where it comes from, but I have a little bit of healing magic every day."
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"If I may, the Dawnflower's holy book is available in many languages. It should be quite easy to find a copy in Taldane. There should be public copies in temples and libraries, as well."
"I hope I do not come across as too pushy in my faith. Your goddess sounds like she would be a great ally of Sarenrae, and I would not rob her of one of her servants."
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Well, there is some irony. I Find Sarenrae to be a great god and think the world would be a better place if she had more worshippers. I'm definitely not recruiting for mine.
There is a Vercites saying that translates as "Where the dark and the bright winds meet is where the rain falls." In your common tongue, one might interpret it to mean tears come from conflict between the good and the evil", but a more correct meaning would be something like "After the meeting of the different comes growth."
This is why, if she can read languages, I suggest she stick to the original scriptures. If her discipline is true and her morals of high standing, I'm betting you'll both find she has much in common with the Dawnflower.
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"I'm really not looking for a religion. While I respect the good and honorable gods, I'm just a warrior, not a priestess. And I'm not even quite sure how I became a warrior."
"SHIZURU!" the bird on her shoulder squawks, again startling the aasimar, who pauses before continuing.
"But I do want to help people, and joining this Silver Crusade seems like a good way to do that. I'm sure that must be why Whistles led me in here."
With that, the bird jumps off her shoulder and goes back to trying to beg or steal food from people.
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Carol ponders on who or what the God is Shizuru. I don't seem to recall her, or him. But if she says that her goddess is, I believe her. She looks towards Misaki, noting her personality and how she holds herself, including the bird. She seems to be like me. Though much more willing to stop evil than trying to just heal the wounded.
Carol smiles slightly. "Sarenrae is a god of redemption and healing and such. Though personally I follow the Blessed Attendant, Dalenydra. Her followers are healers. Be it within places of healing, or on the battlefield....!" With a look of surprise, Carol looks down to see Thomas sitting next to her. "Oh! I forgot to introduce Thomas here. He is very friendly. Say hi Thomas." Thomas the riding dog lets out a loud bark.
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Yoshimi looks up from her rabid study of Yuan-Shi's instructional scrolls at the talk of Shizuru. She appears to take a moment to put things together in her head.
"I heard my dad mention a woman named Shizuru a few times when I was growing up, but it always seemed like he was talking about an old lover or something. Someone who'd been taken from him before he'd settled in Starfall. I think she'd traveled with him over the crown of the world and down into Mendev...but that's where he met and fought beside my mother...."
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Misaki extends her hand to meet Tempi's handshake. Despite being a warrior, she extends her hand like a noble lady, not grasping his hand in any sort of firm handshake.
Turning to Carol, she says, "Healing is a very noble profession. As I said, I have some healing magic now. But I'm still better at fighting with my katana."
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"Yes, I can see that. And that is very true Tempi. Often on missions I am wearing armor, and wielding a cold iron morningstar if there is no one that needs healing at the time. Though I have to say, I think I might be gravitating to spells that... Stall or disable enemies." Carol notices the handshake that Tempi gives, or maybe receives from Misaki.
Carol's eyes blink a couple times before she tilts her head like Thomas would do. "Erm... Are you a noble born too? I mean, I didn't know." Carol asks to Misaki. She seems to be becoming slightly flustered.
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Misaki becomes somewhat flustered, too.
"No, I'm no noble!" she exclaims, as if afraid of being accused of lying or something. "I just... in the orphanage... I was taught I'd be treated like a lady, because of my angelic heritage. I've never really shaken hands any other way", she explains, embarrassed.
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"Ah, a songbird sent by Shizuru herself to guide a chosen warrior... A strange situation, but not unique. I have followed ther principles of her religon for most of my life. She not only favors the katana, but is the goddess of swordplay." With this statement Yuan Shi rises from his seat and gives a modest bow. "Come, have a seat and tell me of your style. Mine is a bit.. different than that praticed by many in our land." With this he sits down. Sitting on his table are two katanas, one with a hilt wrapped in red silk cords the has black laquered wooden grips. The sheaths for the blades are reversed in color. The black sheath clearly has a golden inlay in the design of Shizuru's holy symbol.
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Carol waves her hands vigorously in front of her, trying to dissuade any accusations that she could be a noble. "I am just a small town girl! Nothing more!" Carol exclaims. She calms down slightly before speaking again. "Honestly, I didn't know I was an Aasimar before I got here. Just a simple girl that likes to do good, nothing more." Carol sighs after her explanation.
Carol shakes her head a bit to try to calm herself down. "People just want to be treated nicely. No matter what race and gender. Nothing more."
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Mind you, I have nothing for or against being of noble blood, either.
It is just a foreign premise to me.
The Verces caste system, of which I am obviously most familiar, is very different. If one uses exclusively uses technology, then they are Enhanced. If they instead channel divined insights, they're God-Vessels. And if they are free of the powers and burdens of either, then they are Unaltered. Either way, castes aren't ranked like nobility are. Individuals from different castes even intermarry.
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To Carol, Misaki says "I've always known I'm aasimar. From the time I was found on the sea shore as a baby, some believed I was some sort of omen, destined to bring great luck. I was raised to believe that, but I always wanted to be more than just a good luck charm. So I... "
She pauses, seeming unsure if she should continue.
"Well, to be honest, I rebelled as a teenager, and fell in with a bad crowd in Kasai. I felt guilty serving as a distraction for pickpockets on the streets, but I didn't have the skills to do anything else, and I didn't want to just spend my life as a good luck charm, doing nothing of real consequence."
"That's when Whistles found me, and helped guide me to the life of a noble warrior." She raises her head proudly at that last part.
Approaching Yuan Shi's table, she tells him,"Those are very nice katanas, Master Samurai. I've never seen such beautiful weapons."
"I actually found my first katana in some bushes in Kasai - Whistles led me to it. I don't know who left it there, but it felt natural in my hands as soon as I picked it up, despite never having touched a weapon before. I recently spent my wages from my first Pathfinder missions to buy a better quality katana, but it's still nothing special compared to yours."
She unsheathes her weapon to show him. It's a masterwork quality katana, but nothing special otherwise.
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Yoshimi looks at Misaki's weapon with some interest. "Was this made locally? I've been wanting to commission at least one more blade, possibly more, from some skymetal deposits I've discovered. If you know a good smith, I'd be in your debt. I don't want to entrust this work to someone who won't do it justice. I'd like to have back-ups for my blade."
She takes the opportunity to show off her own katana, a heavy adamantine blade with less curve than most. The dark metal gives off a blue light, and the handle and phoenix-shaped tsuba are obviously much older than the blade itself.
"As well as it's been serving me, I don't ALWAYS find myself fighting robots, so other capabilities would be nice. Would you mind if I try yours?"
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A robot is a sort of construct that can automatically carry out a complex series of actions. They can be built without the assistance of magic and, therefore, the ones on Verces are exclusively the tools of the augmented caste. I showed one in my figment...the one that looked like a levitating jellyfish.
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Yoshimi accepts the blade and offers her own. She takes a few test swings with it before handing it back. "That's a fine weapon you have, it's a shame you don't know the smith. I'll have to ask Master Z...Farabellus if he has any leads.
"Robots are a type of construct from another world, you'll find them mostly in Numeria or supporting the Technic League. They're smart, unlike most constructs, and they can learn. But they certainly don't have souls, or consciences. They're the most cold, uncaring, soulless things you'll come across and the bastards in the Technic League hide behind them. Which tends to be effective, because the robots can dish out a lot of damage at any range, and they're highly resistant to anything you can throw at them. Except...
She picks up her sword in one hand and casts a spell with the other, and electricity arcs between her fingers.
"...for electricity and adamantine. This sword will cut through their armor like butter, even as they turn away normal weapons and fireballs. Put the adamantine and the electricity together and you a bevy of blown up robots."
At Temπ's explanation, she grips her sword with white knuckles and turns on him in a flash. "You...you BUILD these ABOMINATIONS?!"
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Dear fellow crusader, I'm a captain, not an engineer. I don't have a speck of tech in my possession; I am a God-Vessel. And the one assigned to my ship was a repair'bot, nothing more, not to mention that that will be from a time that has not yet been and may not ever be.
This is the second time today someone has mentioned 'Numeria'. What is this Numeria?
It sounds as if I need to learn more about this Technic League, too.
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"My HOMELAND is to the north, tucked between Mendev and the River Kingdoms. It's overrun by robots, barbarian tribes, and the Technic League. All, to varying degrees, answering to a despot calling himself the Black Sovereign. All of the advanced tech that the Technic League controls came from a number of crashed...ships, from another world. Possibly yours."
She seems to calm down a bit. "And intellectually, I understand that most of it amounts to, as you said, tools. But in Starfall, they're tools of oppression and domination."
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The audible clunking and clanging of heavy armor precedes the entrance of a Dwarf with a stern and calculating expression, wearing full-plate armor.
"I heard it, some'n speaking of the Technic League. Them foolhardy nitwits all tucked into that...Silver Mount, as they call it, secretin' away all the things that could be learned o' its origins." The Dwarf's gruff voice carries out, looking about. "Come on then, whoe'er's talking about it, make yerself known, I have somethings to be said about that group o' 'stards."
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Greetings, Sir.
I am Captain Tem∏ænaut Fugit. I was raised on Verces and am eager to determine if there is a connection to the Silver Mount and Vercites culture. If I may, I would like to cast a figment so that I may determine if you had seen similar things.
Depicted here is a Vercites male of the Augmented caste. He is displaying the complete Vercites alphabet. I would like to know if you have seen any similar people or markings in your travels?
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"I don't recall seeing anything quite like that, no. I was the one explaining the horrors of the Technic League, though, and their robot thralls. I grew up in Starfall so I'm all too familiar with their depredations. And here I was fool enough to go BACK to Numeria a few weeks ago. That was a disaster. We did our research, retrieved our objective and a stash of skymetals besides, but our warpriest didn't make it back."