Pausing before leaving, he turns back to the Keeper. "Actually, before I retire for the day, might I obtain some paper, ink, quill, sealing wax, and some furnishings for a writing desk?"
Once he obtains these items, he returns to his chamber and prepares a message, seals it with his signet ring, marking the seal with his sigil, a dragon with wings spread behind a castle. He then returns this message to the Keeper. "I'd like you to arrange delivery of this letter to a man named Argor Constantine. When I last walked this land, those loyal to me resided in and around the land of Lastwall. Your aid in this matter is much appreciated."
Sir Constantine,
I hope this message reaches you in good health and good conditions. I have returned to the land of the living, and have need of your services once again. Given the nature of my passing previously, I can only assume your master was targeted as well. Should you wish to assume his station in the new Crimson Legion, gather what men that remain loyal and inform me in some manner when you are prepared.
Krovax Draverian
"Excellent, I'll take the obsidian glasses as well as that pair of traditional glasses," identifying a pair of glasses he believes will cover his inhuman eyes without drawing too much attention to him for wearing glasses. "Outside your standard disguise kit, do you have anything that might make my skin tone a little more ... how can I say, human looking. Perhaps for longer periods of time."
"I'll go ahead and pay for the red dye and pick it up in the morning."
"Fine." Sir Leon says, borrowing Krovax's pen and paper for a moment. Jotting down a quick list, he hands it to the Keeper.
"These are the things I require."
Krovax nods to Leon, and waits for him to finish with the items, then returns them to his chamber. Once there, Krovax places his funds inside his chest and removes his armor, and secures the bolt on the door. He then lies down to rest.
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Aluria tries the notes on the piano wearing just a silky bathrobe clinging unto her shapely feminine form as she plays a haunting tune. Noding in approval as she sips a glass of blood.
How much for this Keeper? If it cost too much do you consider accepting other forms of services for payment...
Aluria gives a foxy smile at the Keeper.
As everyone makes their purchases and Aluria tries for a discount, "That's an interesting offer girl but i doubt you'd be able to keep up with me," he says with a raspy laugh, "I'll tell you what, normally i'd sell it for a small fortune but if you can play it well enough you can have it."
The next morning after everyone has a good night sleep you wake to discover any adjustments you requested to your room have been done during the night. Leaving your individual rooms you find several new items decorate the primary chamber. A heavy steel table rests before the mirror and six plush chairs surround it. Upon the table at the side farthest from the mirror lies a large platter of foods and drinks while the rest of the table is covered in maps, strange rubbings and small stones and gems. The most interesting thing you can see is several times the symbol of Torag appears on the rubbings and the maps. The maps appear to be rough sketches of the Mwangi expanse. "I see you have finally chosen to awaken. Look before you and listen well," The familiar tone of your benefactor booms through the mirror. "Deep within the expanse is a forgotten temple build upon one of the first battlegrounds your world experienced. Inside that temple is a item I require and you are going to fetch it for me. Before you lies all of the information previous agents have managed to acquire before succumbing to the rigors of the task. When you are ready to depart, my key will take you to Bloodcove in the Shackles."
1 Scroll of Lip Stitch 150g
1 Scroll of Ear Piercing Scream 25g
1 Scroll of Mount 25g
Total: 200g.
"Please see if you can locate for me a meta magic rod of Quicken. I hope to be able to afford it soon."
Waking to the message, Ezra takes a moment to dress before she communes with her beloved familiar.
Updating Memorized spells
Also, what was in the chest in his room?
The fetchling wakes early to retrieve his hair dye and applies it before meeting with the group. Once he reemerges from his room he is no longer wearing the mantis mask.
He appears to be a pleasant looking human with dark red hair, wearing tinted glasses over his eyes. He is wearing a simple travelers outfit, though those who are more observant would see the tell tale signs of his black and red armor on his boots and gloves. He is also wearing his sawtooth sabres.
The fetchling sits at the table and begins looking at the documents to determine the next mission.
I wonder what he has us going after now.
Krovax asks to the voice, "And what is the nature of this object?"
Looking closely at the map, Krovax attempts to figure out what battle he is referring to.
"Well now, its not too often I get privatly serenaded by a scantily clad woman. The piano is yours lovely.
[b]"What, Old Red? I couldn't let him go for less than eighty thousand for sentimental reasons. Its not too often you find a complete skeleton with intact bones."
"There is a relic deep within, similar to the icon most of you have just claimed for me. None of my agents have managed to live long enough to see what it is but it will carry a similar aura."
Stepping away from the map, Krovax prepares himself a plate of food and a glass of wine, then sits in a seat near the map.
"Unless one of you have experience there, we will need to hire ourselves a competent guide comfortable with the jungles of Mwangi. As our benefactor has stated, the jungles possess dangers that can overtake you quickly if underestimated. I assume keeping our goal a secret is a priority, so we will need a copy of this map if possible to take with us to help maintain our heading."
Finishing a bite of his meal, he continues, aiming his next statement towards the mirror, "As for this Bloodcove, is it a place where we need to hide our natures, or are those of questionable decent and habits frowned upon?" He gestures towards Ezra and the newcomers. "No offense, of course."
"My wand is a third depleted. I cannot afford another. That is all I have to add."
(History or Nature) as appropriate to guess on what should be expected in the jungle.
As she exits to prepare for the journey, Ezra quickly hexes herself with Flight and, using the metamagic rod, extend (lesser) grants herself Mage Armor.
"Bloodcove is a place where people of questionable morals and descents flock. Has been even since my time."
"Excellent. Then we may not need worry about disguises, but we still need to guard our mission when we go to hire a guide. Especially if the city hasn't changed from what you know of it, Sir Blackmane."
Turning to Ezra, Krovax flashes a wand of his own. "If that is a curative wand, Lady Savet, I have one as well, so we should be fine in that regard. However, if it contained a different spell, that is a different story."
Thinking back to his training near the shackles, the fetchling says "We should fit right in in the shackles. People don't ask a lot of questions out there."
"If we need to hire a guide, we could do it as a group of treasure hunters who recently found a map that we rightfully want to keep a secret so other treasure hunters won't find out about it."
Krovax's look becomes stern for a moment. This woman is going to get someone killed, I know it.
"If you intend to make any sort of abductions, Lady Nightingale, refrain from doing so until AFTER we secure this object. I'd rather avoid any unnecessary attention. If they sell slaves, and you wish to make a purchase, so be it. Slavery is not a problem with me, I have had slaves in my service before as well. In fact, if you happen to locate a fine specimen for sale, I could find a use for a good servant myself. But when we are performing a mission for the one who restored me my life, I will not risk it's failure for personal endeavors."
"You seem to have become comfortable in your role as errand boy to this Lord of Mirrors, General. Are you considering surrendering the reigns of leadership to this Outsider?" Dreadmaul whispers into his mind in a wry tone.
No more comfortable than you are in serving a human, I'm sure. With this mental response, Krovax casts a glare at Dreadmaul, who is curled beside the mirror. Dreadmaul responds with an audible growl, but nothing else.
Some information available on the table:
-The sketches of the temple look like an old style ziggurat
-The rough maps depict a river delta near the temples location
-Symbols of Torag adorn many of the documents
-Several times Ogre-like beings are depicted upon ancient documents that reference the temple
-Looking between several maps it appears that buildings resembling the temple have been sighted in several locations
The fetchling nods as the general speaks.
"I concur with the General's assessment. Bringing extra attention to our group gives us no benefit in completing this mission. We should not do anything which would disrupt our task."
"What, Old Red? I couldn't let him go for less than eighty thousand for sentimental reasons. Its not too often you find a complete skeleton with intact bones."
And are you going to send me that PM we talked about ro have you changed you mind about converting?
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My My My Why so serious??
Aluria wag her finger at both Shadow and Krovax.
I know my limits do not worry, I will put the interest of our Lord before mine.
Turning to Krovax she did a small twirl around.
Domesticated slaves are boring...I always like the challenge and immeasurably pleasure in breaking the will of a wild man into a shadow of his former self. It may take days, weeks, months or even years....but it's not the destination that matters but the journey...don't you agree General?
Aluria giggled before walking over to the map and points.
What are those? It looks like monsters of past.
Aluria points towards the Ogre-like beings are depicted upon ancient documents that reference the temple
Leon spends a few moments calling Roar from the nether, his fire-eyed steed stepping out of a shadowy rift in space.
Hearing their new companion's comments, the big knight only snorted.
Rising to his feet, Krovax says, "We'll then, unless anyone has something to add, let us prepare for this next mission. And, those, Lady Nightingale," Krovax says as he turns from the table, "those, could very well be Ogres."
As he passes by Leon, he whispers, "Sir Blackmane, a word in private before we set out?"
Krovax heads to the doorway of his chamber, stopping so that he can observe if others approach or express too much interest in the private conversation. Dreadmaul positions himself to prevent any others from approaching, but will only prevent one of the newcomers from advancing, and will allow either Ezra or Mordecai to proceed, but only if the approach.
"I know not what your opinion of our new additions may be, but I have my reasons for distrusting them. Lady Nightingale seems too eccentric to be relied upon, and while the Mantis seems level headed, I have a rather...pointed...reason to distrust members of his organization. If it weren't for one of their number, I could very well be King of Lastwall at this moment. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
Ezra reaches into her clothing and pulls out the Key, looking it over she shrugs and pantomimes unlocking a door with it. When she does so everyone is surprised to see a shimmering, smokey door seem to coalesce out of the air and when it opens inward you can all see a large circular room reminiscent of a tower with a spiraling staircase wrapping it way around the perimiter and every few feet is a landing with a small alcove. Currently there are three alcoves with doors in them. Each door slighlty different. The first appears made of ornate and polished brass, while the second appears to be made of stone. The last door looks more like a ship's door than one you would find in a building. The spiraling staircase continues into darkness above beyond your sight with the pattern of a few stairs then a landing repeating all the way up. In the centre of the room is a basalt pillar casrved all around it and upwards with detailed representations of imp or gargoyle like creatures staring out across the gap towards the stairs. Upon noticing the statues you can't help but feel as if you are being watched.
The fetchling looks toward the mirror and asks the following questions, waiting for a response from each before moving on to the next question:
"What led to the downfalls of the others tasked with this?
What exactly is the item we seek and how will we knew it?
What are the ogre looking creatures depicted here?
Should we expect resistance from the followers of the hammer god?
Are there any targets for assassination on this mission?"
"Those are depictions of creatures that are frequently seen guarding these ziggurat, they are probably some form of giant-kin, like ogres or ettin."
"Considering these two desecrated on of Torag's main temples I wouldn't rule it out if he has any agents nearby."
Anyone that gets in your way or tries to get away with my prize."
After the short conversation, Sir Leon rode forward with the rest of the group.
"I suggest continuing the previous ruse. The roles each of us played were fitting and believable. Krovax can act as my Man-at-arms, Mordecai as a wizard in service to House Whitemane. Miss Nightingale can replace Opal as our ward, the noble woman we are escorting. Shadow will be Mr. Night, her servant. Since people in this area are not likely to be so prejudiced against Ezra's more unusual appearance, and since we do not need to maintain the illusion that we are do-gooders, I do not believe it is necessary for Ezra to pretend to be a prisoner. Perhaps she could pose as Mordecai's partner or apprentice."
"Does this seem acceptable to everyone?"
Mordecai coughs politely. "Is there any reason why we cannot purchase a scroll of teleportation and bypass the jungle entirely? I will admit that hacking my way through bothersome vegetation is far from how I would prefer to spend an afternoon's constitutional."
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Hmmm a noble lady...how nice of you Leon. Mr Night would you be a dear and fetch me some breakfast??
Lady Aluria giggled as she cover her mouth with both hands.
I concur with Mordecai, somehow the bugs and mosquitoes find my blood exceptionally appealing. That is certainly no way to treat a lady treading through thick overgrowth and foliage like some peasant.
"Brilliant idea, Sir Shrykeson. However a scroll of that magnitude is beyond us financially, unless we all pitched in. And Leon, is there reason for us to use a ruse to our identities at all?"
Responding to the voice's last answer, "You have paid me with my life and I shall carry out those kills, in the name of He Who Walks in Blood.
In response to Leon, "I'm not sure of the necessity but I have no immediate qualms with your ruse so long as she doesn't start taking this servant thing too seriously."
"I'm up for whatever means of travel seems to make the most sense."
Before leaving, the fetchling heads to the keeper and purchases two additional disguise kits.
Thinking more on the matter, Krovax speaks up again, "On the matter of teleportation, it is also highly unlikely, given our limited knowledge of the target, that we would arrive at all. I think we are best served doing this the old fashioned way."
Before retrieving his gear, Krovax visits the Keeper and purchases a mosquito net, so that he can rest at least somewhat more comfortably. He then dons his breastplate, foregoing the helmet again to maintain his part in the ruse, and rejoins the others.
"I find that wherever I go, leaving as little overt evidence of my passing is safe practice. Eventually our actions will be noticed. Making it as difficult as possible for others to retrace our steps should always be a priority."
"There are five methods of getting what you want. The fist is simply to ask, which is difficult to do when people do not believe that your goals coincide with theirs.
Since the bastard sword is being asked about a fair amount right now:
The sword encased in a sheath of dark leather the colour of old blood has a handle of wrought iron stronger than steel. The weapon almost pulses with a necrotic aura giving anyone near it a sense of death's presence. So far no-one has tried to remove the blade from the sheath
Ezra shrugs, and tries to forcefully draw the sword so that it can be identified.
Ezra picks up the black blade where it lies and tries to draw the blade from the sheath. Pulling with all of her might she almost gives up but just as she begins to relax he grip the rust holding the blade crumbles and its free. The blade appears to be crafed from some type of bone turned black as night and a spectral greenish grey flame dances down the edge. In stark contrast to the black material are small precise runes trailing along the inside of the blade that Ezra can tell is Thassilonian script.
"Well, I am not entirely sure this is a safe weapon...." Paying special attention to the flowing script, Ezra attempts to decipher the script along the blade.
Re-sheathing the blade, Ezra stows it away in her pack again until she has time to identify it properly.
Once I have time to meet with my familiar, I will cast Identify.
Ezra allocates all of her free time over the next couple days to carefully inspecting the writing on the sword, going word by word, to try and decipher the strange script. .
"I am going to leave it inside my pack until I can figure out whether or not it is safe."
Wandering back to the keeper, Ezra requests a scroll of Identify so she can teach her familiar the spell.
The fetchling notices Ezra examining the writing on the blade. He says, "I have a little bit of a skill at interpreting languages as well. I could assist you in your translation. Should you need the assistance, just let me know."
"I heard the Keeper mention a sale on anti-toxins and anti-plagues. Anyone interested in buying some sets before we go?"
"I'll get some with the group fund."
After arranging the purchase with the Keeper, Krovax asks, "By the way, have you made a decision on how much you old pay for our collection of nonmagical weapons and armor?"
Back to our purpose then Leon, what manner of business would a noble lady and her entourage be at a god forsaken place like that place?
"Any number of things. A safari. A humanitarian venture. Research. Seeking a missing friend or family member. Eccentricity. Anything that someone with an excess of time and more money than sense might do. I'm sure you can make something up if necessary."
"Go forth Acolyte, know that your devotion will be remembered and rewarded. Prove yourself and I will ensure you have a place within my plans for the future."