The rider frowns, looking down at Zzvkgrogk visibly annoyed, yet when Yambul talks, he quickly captures the attention of all the raiders who turn to him to hear. Your interlocutor approaches to take the jewel and tests it with his teeth, smiling "It is fine, a fellow Kellid is always free to step wherever he pleases in Numeria, for these are his lands. Just keep in check with your... exotic companions."
He then looks back at the group away, the cloaked man in the center of the group removes his hood and stretches his eyes looking over Yambul. The man has a well cared goatee, long hair and luxurious jewels for a common Kellid. He makes a sign. Your interlocutor then turns again "Actually it seems you have caught Tek Makul's attention and he wants to invite you to share lunch. Would you enjoy exchanging stories and news at our camp?"
You know Tek Makul is Kevoth-Kul's (the Black Sovereign) cousin and current Commander of the Palace of Fallen Stars in Starfall (Numeria's capital by Silver Mount). A Black Horse tribesman himself.
Ruha doesn't exactly like the look of the group of horse riders. They remind her of gangs she'd seen at a distance back home. The kind of group inclined to cause trouble simply as a means of establishing a pecking order within their family. She stays quiet and as unobtrusive as a clearly alien woman with four arms could be - so far from home and sitting in the back of a wagon.
She tries to judge if the offering of lunch and an exchange of stories is being offered in good faith or if this is some kind of trick or trap.
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”If you’re interested. It's unfinished, but I hope to complete it soon.”
”That is also our Cook Boy.” Zzvkgrogk awkwardly states, highlighting Yambul in the very unlikely case that anyone missed him. ”He is a fine young Kellid.”
Zzvkgrogk sizes up Tek Makul.
OOOh WOW how suave!! With so much as a single gesture -- and all of his gang knows it means ‘Hey, it’s lunch time! Come along already – and tell them they’re invited too.” A real leader among Kellids! Hrm... a guy like that invites a lot like us tell stories around food, there can be only one correct answer. Maybe he has even heard of us and the restoration of The Purple Flame! Potential allies!!
Zzvkgrogk’s beady eyes somehow crinkle into a dewy eyed sparkle. He smiles without showing too much incisor.
”We would be honored to dine and talk with you, uh -- am I right, Yambul?”
Know (nobility)
Rhoreen’s eyes go wide as she sees the Kellid in the group.
”Is that…? Are you….Tek Makul? *The* Tek Makul?” Rhoreen seems a bit flustered. ”That’s the cousin to the cousin to the Black Sovereign himself,” she introduces awkwardly. ”Yes, yes, I think we’d love to chat.” Rhoreen smiles, trying to make up for her awkwardness.
”Yes, lead the way to your camp.” Rhoreen gets secure in the wagon. ”Oh, we have some tales to tell, no doubt. It’s been an interesting week.”
The rider frowns, looking down at Zzvkgrogk visibly annoyed, yet when Yambul talks, he quickly captures the attention of all the raiders who turn to him to hear. Your interlocutor approaches to take the jewel and tests it with his teeth, smiling "It is fine, a fellow Kellid is always free to step wherever he pleases in Numeria, for these are his lands. Just keep in check with your... exotic companions."
Yambul looks behind him in the cart. Huh, they are pretty exotic aren’t they? ”Sure thing your lordship.”
He then looks back at the group away, the cloaked man in the center of the group removes his hood and stretches his eyes looking over Yambul. The man has a well cared goatee, long hair and luxurious jewels for a common Kellid. He makes a sign. Your interlocutor then turns again "Actually it seems you have caught Tek Makul's attention and he wants to invite you to share lunch. Would you enjoy exchanging stories and news at our camp?"
”We would be honored to dine and talk with you, uh -- am I right, Yambul?”
”Yes, lead the way to your camp.” Rhoreen gets secure in the wagon. ”Oh, we have some tales to tell, no doubt. It’s been an interesting week.”
”Uh, yeah, totally! We would be happy to share a meal with you. I’m Yambul, this is Zzvkgrogk, Rüha, Rhoreen, and the quiet one is Chaance.” He lingers over the archer a moment as if about to say something more, but he feels now is not the time.
The travel kahve is decent, its stimulating effects sufficient to push the elf through breaking camp, and transient enough that she finds herself mostly nodding off with the rocking motion of the cart. She rouses quickly enough at the sound of unwanted company.
Chaance also nods when she hears Rhoreen speak on the Black Horse Riders. She enjoys a light excitement at seeing something from adventure story journals come to life before her goggled eyes. She also envies their riding skill, how quickly they run down foreigners in their land. Well, except for Yambul, apparently.
True to her description, the elf allows introductions to be spoken by a fellow Kellid, who holds her gaze just a little longer than is comfortable, even among strange Kellid riders. A trace of paranoia flits behind her eyes, as she imagines Yambul being handed the reins of a spare horse, and reuniting with his previous companion Riders, a warrior in the guise of a common cook, seeking knowledge within Torch, and returning to the fold only now...
"Good. Follow us." the riders turn and quickly join their main group, you do what you can to follow them and reach them a mile later where they have stopped by a small pond setting an improvised camp.
The group is making a fire, a recently hunted deer being the menu. You notice the riders do not speak common Taldan among them but Hallit. There are a dozen of them, at least four always around Tek Makul and his hooded companion.
You are invited around the fire, allowing you to take sit wherever you please, these people organization seems to be quite flexible. "So what are the news from the south? Rumor has reached Starfall that Torch's flame is gone."
Rūha understands nothing of the Hallit being exchanged, but follows on in Yambul's wake regardless. A relative of royalty was a significant person, unless the traditions here in Numeria were particularly different than those elsewhere, and trying to refuse at this point would likely be seen as an insult. She is however not enthusiastic for the prospect of the meal and conversation. All it would take would be a single unintended insult, and - should Tek Makul be the touchy sort - the group would have more trouble on their hands than she wanted.
Determined not to give insult, Rūha watches the body language of the leader carefully to try to warn anyone if they're in the middle of committing a blunder.
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Rhoreen brightens up when she hears Hallit being spoken, and is happy to try out her rudimentary knowledge of it in hopes of getting better.
Rhoreen moves to answer the questions of the Tek as best she can…again, explaining in Hallit except where she is missing a word and may substitute a Common phrase as needed.
She will explain about the Torchforge fire going out.
She will talk about how that affected the town, the people, and her friends.
She will explain what Torch did to try to solve the problem, and the initial forays into the UnderTech.
And finally she will talk about the parties successful efforts to restart the Torchforge.
Hallit: ”And now we’re going to learn more about Hellion.”
Yambul also knows Hallit, though not extremely well. He’ll translate Rhoreen’s Hallit as best he can for the rest of the party’s benefit.
Chaance begins her understanding of a new language, and it keeps her mind off the tense feeling she has at being a guest of someone who knows nothing about her, about them all. She sits next to Rhoreen, so she can hear the way certain words are spoken, received, then possibly spoken differently, hopefully more accurately, by the Riders themselves.
The riders hear to Rhoreen's story with utmost interest "So you say there is a tech site under Torch too?" they are interested on your feats of valor and proves of physical might, smiling on how you broke through the robots chassis, and looking with respect at Rūha when Rhoreen retells how she saved her. The riders serve you a beverage consisting on traditional hard spirits, and when you complete your story Tek Makul raises his cup "To taste the marrow, first crack the mammoth's bone" he states a famous Hallit saying and everyone follows raising their cups and claiming back "Praise winter in the summer. Praise sickness when in health. Praise hunger at the feast."
Rūha feels the group is navigating properly the social encounter so far.
"This is being almost as pleasing as the Black Sovereign parties" Tek Makul relaxes leaning his back over a rock "Hei Don, do we have a couple auronvoraxes to complete the picture?" he laughs and the other riders follow. A man brings a small pot and puts it on the fire, while Tek Makul continues his talk "I have never heard about any Hellion, but it is no surprise those rabble of Scrapwall know how to cause trouble to themselves. You do good for Numeria on taking this mission. I myself have been forced to abandon the Palace to avert a plot among our own people. Someone has to do the job when Kevoth-Khul is too passed away to rule his country." at that moment the pot starts to boil with green and blue smokes and three of the riders rush to put their heads over the pot smelling deeply the smoke. They stand up and start to act weirdly, shouting dancing and shaking, while a couple more men come in to smell the smokes "Ha ha ha!" Tek Makul laughs deeply on them and points at the pot "Do you wanna try?"
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"Ho, ho... is that what I think it is? Alien substances for euphoric moments? Thank you, but I... I must respectfully decline -- I feel that I must keep my wits about me if I am going to defeat this Hellion." Zzvkgrokg speaks, for the first time after sitting down with the Black Horse Gang.
Better to let those with the credibility and respect of their kin speak. Oh, I do hope they don't play 'Toss the Ratfolk'...
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Know (Nature)
Rhoreen sniffs at the offered delicately, trying to figure out what it is before truly partaking. Her nose wrinkles at the scent...and she pauses for a moment, deciding whether to enjoy this mystery or let it pass.
She shrugs and goes all in. What is the worst that can happen? When with the Kellids, act a Kellid.
Rhoreen huffs for all she is worth.
Fort
Yambul eyes the smoke warily. Poison?!
He's happy when Zzvkgrogk passes and uses that as cover to pass himself. He's a smart rat, and that don't look right.
He worries when Rhoreen inhales deeply and watches to see what happens... He readies a grapple just in case she completely looses it.
Rūha listens, sitting to the side but politely and firmly refusing any refreshments or the exotic vapors being passed around. Her mask would be staying firmly on her face. When Rhor chooses to partake however, she stands up in alarm and steps over to support her. It was possible that whatever psychoactive was in them would be particularly potent for someone who wasn't used to them.
Chaance sees a look on Yambul's face, so speaks, while watching Rhoreen lean towards the fumes. "That's likely a substance called Numerian Fluids. They weep from the metal tubes of the strange craft, they pool in the quiet places." The elf watches the wand-girl's demeanor for any abrupt changes. "It can be addictive, like any drug, but I'm unsure about the dosage. Or the side effects..."
It's very unlikely Chaance will risk partaking of the fluids herself, but for now, she waits to see the result of Rhoreen's openness. If one of them became incapacitated, or worse, their weakened numbers in the presence of the Riders has now made them more vulnerable.
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"There is also a non-zero probability that Rhoreen is now betrothed to one of the other inhalers."
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The riders forget quickly the disappointment of Zzvkgrokg refusal and observe attentive Rhoreen's go, and when she does, she becomes pale, then blue, then green and seems to enlighten and then she disappears into the smoke, like vanished, only to appear a few seconds later. The Kellids shout ecstatic "Oh wow! I never saw that before, you should be very special"
Rhoreen feels her senses enhanced.
Seeing the others would not taste the fluids vapors Tek Makul stares at Yambul for a few seconds weighting his response "Your face sounds familiar. Who is your father?"
As the group rests and the effects of the drugs pass the riders start to prepare their horses to continue travel. You are invited to pass the night at the Black Horse outpost or to follow your trip to Scrapwall without further delay.
After a few hours Rhoreen feels a bit weak and pale, but also a minor need to have more of this soon builds up on her.
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The riders forget quickly the disappointment of Zzvkgrokg refusal and observe attentive Rhoreen's go, and when she does, she becomes pale, then blue, then green and seems to enlighten and then she disappears into the smoke, like vanished, only to appear a few seconds later. The Kellids shout ecstatic "Oh wow! I never saw that before, you should be very special"
Yambul’s mouth drops open when Rhoreen disappears. See what happens! He scrambles to his feet and half reaches for his blade, before calming himself down.
Still, he hovers standing until she reappears a moment later and he relaxes further. ”Wow.”
Seeing the others would not taste the fluids vapors Tek Makul stares at Yambul for a few seconds weighting his response "Your face sounds familiar. Who is your father?"
Yambul’s ears grow quite red at the attention as he stammers a reply. ”I, er, I dunno, ah, sir. My folks left me when I was about six, and so I’ve been on my own ever since.” He looks embarrassed by his tale. ”I have a few dim memories of my father, but little else - just my jeweler’s tools.”
He scrunches his face up uneasily, ”At least I think they were his. I remember him handing them to me at one point, but I don’t know what it means.”
Rhoreen's eyes glaze, and she reaches up to wipe blood from her nose. She's not feeling well, and she knows it. She wisely realizes how stupid that was. And also how sick she feels.
Moving behind a tree, Rhor bends over and tries to vomit. Anything to expel the weird toxins from her body. Spitting and tearing up, she returns.
"What was that? What went wrong?" Rhor asks, trying to piece things together and wondering what happened to her body. "I think... I think I should lay down. I need water."
Rhor begins to stumble for where she might lay for a bit.
Zzvkgrogk listens with keen interest to the banter between the Tek Makul and Yambul.
So, could Tek Makul possibly know Yambul's parents? Why did they leave him when he was so young?
Zzvkgrogk stands in alarm as Rhoreen partakes of the toxic fumes.
”Aaaawwwwg, Calliope!” he laments as she disappears. ”What have you done?!”
~~~~
”What went wrong?"
”Nothing.” Zzvkgrogk explains. ”This is to be expected. Despite the way you feel, I bet you even want more of it. This is the cost of addictive substances… side effects. This Numerian Fluid, the more you have the more you want, and always it makes you sick – and that is if it doesn’t instantly make your skin fall off or kill you in some other way!”
He hands Rhoreen some water and looks at the group. ”Did ClockFather give us any scrolls or other for Remove Disease? If not, we’ll have to camp out here I fear and wait for the toxins to clear Rhoreen’s system.”
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Rūha rushes to Rhor's side, passing her a flask of water and gently lowering her to a grassy knoll to rest.
"I don't think anything went wrong Rhor - you just have a little less tolerance. The dangers of inhaling exotic vapors. Just take deep breaths, get that out of your lungs, and hope it doesn't have some long term health effects."
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Chaance's spine straightens as Rhoreen's spine disappears, then reappears, the rest of Rhoreen accompanying it. That's new. I wonder how else that might have affected her... She watches as the drug further influences the poor girl, so holds her tongue, as the sounds of wretching reach her.
"What ever possessed you to do that, Rhoreen?"
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”Nothing.”
Phew. Good. Everything is normal. Rhoreen relaxes.
”This is to be expected. Despite the way you feel, I bet you even want more of it. This is the cost of addictive substances… side effects. This Numerian Fluid…”
”Oh, I’m not going to become addicted that fast, don’t be ridiculous,” Rhoreen scoffs pridefully. ”It’s not like it’s magic fey dust, it’s just a traditional Kellid toxicitrancy.” She pufphaws. ”I don’t need a scroll. You said it was a normal experience. Do you think these Kellids go running for scrolls after every experience?”
”And it’s not like there is Numerian Fluid hanging out around every corner. I’ve never even seen it before today, have you?” Rhoreen asks, rubbing her eyes. ”I’m not trying to be argumentative, but no one becomes a drunk from their first drink, I don’t think. I think it takes time.” Though I wouldn’t mind trying that experience again. It was interesting. I need to think about it more.
Yambul guards over Rhoreen and the others as they fuss with her. He suspects the damage is done, and it’ll take time to recover, but what does he know of such things. Not much. He’s still in the early chapters of his book.
Yambul agrees with Zzvkgrogk, ”Yes, let’s take their hospitality and stay here the night at least. The road will be waiting for us tomorrow I’m sure.”
If the group agrees, he’ll make himself comfortable until his watch and get some sleep. He falls asleep quickly - after all he’s used to the cold ground and he’s got much better gear then he ever did before. I mean, a fancy bedroll! Who’d have thunk it.
In the morning, if they make it that far, he cooks up a hearty breakfast, figuring Rhoreen, at least, will need it. After he cleans up carefully, he’ll get ready to head out and continue their journey.
Some of the riders laugh watching Rhoreen stumbling around "Your reaction was strong, but you survived, you must be half-kellid girl, haha"
”And it’s not like there is Numerian Fluid hanging out around every corner. I’ve never even seen it before today, have you?” Rhoreen asks, rubbing her eyes.
Tek Makul smiles "Oh, well, I can recommend an alchemist at Starfall by the name of Ghartone. He is Kevoth-Kul's personal provider, the Black Sovereign never fails on enjoying that stuff on a daily basis."
Tek Makul seems proud of this, it would seem he is personally making sure the Black Sovereign keeps properly provided.
Even if you personally do not remember, your character seems to never miss a name. That Ghartone is becoming a trend, you heard about him first on Sanvil's men lips and then Val told you they thought to have killed him to preserve her life this event being the reason Baine is hiding in Torch under a cover name.
Yambul’s ears grow quite red at the attention as he stammers a reply. ”I, er, I dunno, ah, sir. My folks left me when I was about six, and so I’ve been on my own ever since.” He looks embarrassed by his tale. ”I have a few dim memories of my father, but little else - just my jeweler’s tools.”
The hooded man by Tek Makul seems to react for the first time and quickly reaches for Yambul's arm. Unless he avoids it, the mysterious man reaches to pull up his sleeve inspecting his skin while saying words in a dark tongue that sounds like talking backwards "Ssenkcalb eht fo Nos" the air fills with a blood-rot smell as his breath reaches you.
That sounded as the Shadowtongue, a language only spoken in Nidal a code mixture of Taldane, Infernal and Azlanti.
Tek Makul frowns staring at Yambul but quickly eases up and smiles "Do not unnerve my guests Zyph Father. He told you, he is just the son of a humble stone crafter."
Overall, the riders just enjoy your time together for the rest of your meeting, you can then rest and refresh yourselves to undertake the last part of your travel on the next day.
vs DC 20
vs DC 15
Yambul keeps his thoughts very much to himself until the party is alone again. He doesn't want to be overheard.
The hooded man by Tek Makul seems to react for the first time and quickly reaches for Yambul's arm. Unless he avoids it, the mysterious man reaches to pull up his sleeve inspecting his skin while saying words in a dark tongue that sounds like talking backwards "Ssenkcalb eht fo Nos" the air fills with a blood-rot smell as his breath reaches you.
Tek Makul frowns staring at Yambul but quickly eases up and smiles "Do not unnerve my guests Zyph Father. He told you, he is just the son of a humble stone crafter."
Yambul doesn't know what to make of the mysterious man, but he takes it more calmly than you'd expect considering his reactions to Rhoreen.
Still, he flinches from the odor and the weirdness of it all. He smiles weakly at Tek Makul and thanks him for his hospitality.
The next day he'll explain what he remembers to the party.
Nobility
Geography
"Your reaction was strong, but you survived, you must be half-kellid girl, haha"
Fort - day 1
"Yeah, I guess I might be!" Rhor doesn't feel bad at all on the next day. Clearly, she's perfect and fine and there is nothing more to worry about ever again.
Fort - day 2
Fort - day 3
Fort - day 4
Fort - day 5
Fort - day 6
Fort - day 7
Fort - day 8
Fort - day 9
Fort - day 10
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Chaance rides the waves of Hallit, enjoying its foreign banter, its rough clips, its startling staccatos, its familiarity at the fringes during her travels through the River Kingdoms. Until the man speaks Shadow.
The elf turns her full attention to the man at Yambul's arm, her hand reaching for her bow instinctively. "That sounds like Shadowtongue. We're a long ways from Nidal..." Chaance speaks to no one and everyone in particular.
"I hope it's not rude to ask- who are you, Zyph Father? What is your role among the Riders?" Unsure if her words will make their way from Common to Hallit, the elf waits.
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The man looks towards Chaance's words, but he does not seem to see her. He approaches his head, removing the hood. He has long white hair and almost blank eyes, you have the impression he cannot see very far "Snoitanalpxe rof ksa ot uoy era ohw? Esu doog ot tup si ygolonhcet nrowemit eht dna detarenev si Srats fo Niar eht erusne ot ereh ma I. Eugnot krad eht swonk taht si ohw?"
"The Black Seers are the ancient protectors of the Palace of Fallen Stars, it was a sacred place for them even before the first Black Sovereign" explains Tek Makul relaxed despite the death smell of the dark man's breath "The Gorum priests were busy, so the Zyph father is here to provide us with divine back up on our mission"
You do recognize the femur made pick axe as the symbol of Zyphus, god of accidental death, graveyards and tragedy.
These people bring bad luck and silly tragedy wherever they go and it is better to be far away of them.
The Black Seers are a particular group that protect the Palace of Fallen Stars as they revere the Rain of Stars event as a manifestation of their god. They promote the use of timeworn technology, seeing on their glitches another manifestation of their god.
---
The next day your advance is fast and soon before noon, you reach the First Blade Path. This razor cut canyon is often visited by Gorumite pilgrims.
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Zzvkgrogk watches the cloaked figure. He doesn’t understand what it is saying to Yambul and winces a little.
Wow, that voice is grating!
He catches a whiff of its breath.
Aawwg… He glances at Rhoreen. I hope she doesn’t end up smelling like that from one hit of Numerian Fluids… It smells like… like …
"That sounds like Shadowtongue. We're a long ways from Nidal..."
Zzvkgrogk’s eyes widen a little.
”... a dead rat…”
Something about the actual explanation given by the Seer doesn’t sit well with Zzvkgrogk, and he can’t quite pinpoint exactly what. Something about the tone alone however makes him uncomfortable enough to discreetly remove his laser pistol from view.
”I see, well, thank you for that explanation,” says Zzvkgrogk, having no desire to hear another explanation about their mission in any language for fear that he might not at all like what he hears, and not just because of grating voices and the scent of decay. ”I guess this means we shouldn’t be holding you up in any way. Thank you for the hospitality! Let’s pack up, gang – and be on our way. Come on Calliope, we’ll have some tea.”
"Something tells me those Numerian Fluid huffers and their not-so-busy priest are not great people. I swear that priest is undead. We should have buckets of holy water! And why are the regular priests of Goram so busy, I wonder?! Are they with the Hellion cultists?"
I wonder if I can make holy water cartridges...
True Strike
Shield x2 (one left)
Heightened Awareness
Invisibility x2
+2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 22/22
AC 18(16), touch 14 (+3 dex, +1 racial), flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +1 racial)
Brown nanite hypogun charges: 7/10
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 22/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Batteries 1 (used to charge Bulb Containment Field hopefully temporarily)
Batteries Charged): 12/12
Empty Battieries: 0 / 12
Zzvkgrogk Special: 6/ 6
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Rhoreen shivers at hearing the unknown language being spoken. It sounds like when you have an itch inside your eyeball.
Know (Religion)
"Something tells me those Numerian Fluid huffers and their not-so-busy priest are not great people."
What? Rhoreen's head swivels to look at Zzvkgrogk.
"What? What does the fact that they, or anyone who does huff fumes, have to do with the content of their character?" Rhor asks, trying not to get her pique up. Really trying. "Surely, that can't be the reason that they are bad. Maybe, let's say, it's because they were hanging out with that evil turpitudinous priest because their lord high horse said that they had to."
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Once the group has split off from Tek Makul and his dubious friends, Ruha comments "I'm not sure they were being forced to spend time with that cleric of Zyphus. In fact, Tek Makul seemed to regard him highly enough. Though followers of Zyphus guarding and protecting anything at all seems to be an oxymoron. Their god prefers to promote random deadly accidents. Not exactly the foundation of stable rulership..."
Though intensely curious about the exact role that Zyphus plays in the Numerian government, Ruha acknowledges that some questions are better investigated from positions of greater power.
Yambul winces a bit when Chaance queries the priest. He’s pretty sure he doesn’t want to know. I mean sure, these were his people in a sense. But he’d never been out here among them. He was, for all intents and purposes, a city-boy.
He agrees with Zzvkgrogk’s view of the priest. Creepy.
When Rhoreen lashes out a bit, he can’t help but wonder if it’s the drug talking again. He nods along with Rüha’s statement, ”Yeah, they weren’t being forced to spend time with this priest. I dunno that I’d go so far as to say they liked him, but they certainly seemed to respect him. And that’s creepy.”
”I dunno this Zyphus, but he doesn’t sound like a nice god. Sure, Desna can be fickle, but she doesn’t relish death.”
Later, he’s really impressed by the vision of the First Blade Path, ”I can see why pilgrims come here. It’s beautiful!”
You travel for most of the day, until a few hours before dusk, at the cross between the First Blade Path and the Sellen river, you spot the walls of Aldoran's Grave.
A column of smoke from a chimney or a cooking fire raises in the air from the easternmost area of the fort. Sit on the road by the eastern margin of the river, you spot a gate closed by a portcullis to the north, and a tall watchtower oriented towards the west from where you are approaching. This is the tallest structure in the fort and apparently the only in good condition.
When you are just a hundred meters from the tower, you are called out by the voice of a couple guards at the top of it "Halt there 'eellow crusaders! The 'oort's 'eeen struck 'yy the 'llague, you should kee'e heading u'uriver to a'ooid ex'oosure." the guards wear full helms and there is a strange cadence in their voice.
You notice these guards have issues pronouncing all the labial sounds: b, f, m, p, v, w
You notice the southern structure in the fort is smoldering like suffering from a recent fire.
Zzvkgrogk adjusts his armor as they travel from terrain to terrain.
”Surely, that can't be the reason that they are bad.”
”That is not what I said, Calliope. What I said was that something tells me that those particular Numerians – who also happen to partake of the Numarian Fluid – and their Seer/Priest are not great people. I did not say all Numerians are not great people, nor did I even say that all who partake of Numerian Fluids are not great people, I was just referring specifically to Tek Makul, his gang and their Seer. I think they are choosing to have that Seer around, and its definitely not because of his breath.”
”And this toxic substance IS everywhere – it is why Professor Baine set up a water filtration system for Torch town. And let’s not forget Yambul’s insight about Ghartone who Tek Makul recommended as a contact for the stuff. Ghartone is the sort of alchemist who forces people into hiding and gives alchemy a bad name! Now have some Bloodbrush tea.”
”Also Makul’s response to whatever that Seer said to Yambul when he touched him made me uncomfortable. Maybe you should have some of this tea too, Yambul. Maybe we should all have some tea.”
—--------------
”The 'oort's 'eeen struck 'yy the 'llague…”
”What?! Did you say ‘plague’?! There – “ he says pointing to the smoldering structure to the south. ”What’s going on there then? Do you need aid?!” he asks, wondering about the odds of a plague here and now.
True Strike
Shield x2 (one left)
Heightened Awareness
Invisibility x2
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 22/22
AC 18(16), touch 14 (+3 dex, +1 racial), flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +1 racial)
Brown nanite hypogun charges: 7/10
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 22/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Batteries 1 (used to charge Bulb Containment Field hopefully temporarily)
Batteries Charged): 12/12
Empty Battieries: 0 / 12
Zzvkgrogk Special: 6/ 6
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Chaance feels the color hie away from her cheeks as the Zyph Father 'looks' upon her. She can catch the faintest odor, and it keeps her from getting any closer to the Riders and their wormtongue priest. As the kasatha speaks on religion, she reaffirms to herself that it will be much better when they depart from here...
...
When they've distanced themselves from the Riders' camp, the elf addresses the swordsman. "I wanted to thank you for being there, Yambul, for being a conduit with the Riders. I'm not sure it would have gone as well without your presence among the rest of us."
Chaance revels in the chaange of scenery, as they take in the First Blade Path, and its natural beauty. She commits it to memory, as she expects Scrapwall to be a place largely devoid of nature.
...
The elf strains to both see and hear the occupants of the tower. She remembers that Val suggested that this location would make a good base of operations, so she's struck funny by both the cadence of the words they're hearing, and the message contained therein. She waits patiently, at a distance, while the ysoki sorts things out.
He declines the tea for now, ”No, it was a little clammy, but I’m OK. Save the tea for Rhoreen, she looks a little peaked.” he worries. ”Huffing poisons like that and following a priest like that. I don’t like it much, but maybe it’s just what they do I suppose. I know little of my Kellid brethren.”
He looks at Chaance and nods smiling, ”Thanks, but I think the accident of my birthparents helped more than anything I said.” he grins.
”Plague?” Yambul looks interested. ”I haven’t gotten to that topic. It’s not in my book. What are the symptoms?”
He’s quite interested, and will ask after as many details as they’ll share, continuing with the questions, if possible. He tries to figure out what the disease is.
He walks up toward the gate.
Zzvkgrogk walks up with Yambul and looks around also.
"Hrmmm..."
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Rhor resists getting too huffy in her pique over her friend Zzvkgrogk's words and is happy to let the matter drop. Zzvkgrogk had explained, and Rhor nodded understanding. She will graciously accept Zzvkgrogk's offer of tea, drinking it down.
"Plague?" Rhor does stop herself in her tracks. She let's Zzvkgrogk's questions carry first, then will add her own.
"Can you name or describe the symptoms? What does it look like so we'll know to avoid it?" Rhor will ask when given a moment. She's not much of a healer, but has a curious, if proud, mind.
Heal
"No, 'ee don't need hel''! Just continue your 'aay north, here is 'eery dangerous and 'ee don't 'aant more contagions" the guards quickly answer back to Zzvkgrogk "Sym'toms?" the Aldronard's guards look at each other before answering you "There is fe'eers" "Yes, fe'eers, and... and ''listers!" "Yes! ''listers! Many ''listers, 'lue and 'rown and green and yellow, ''listers e'eery ''here. And diarrhea" "Yes! Smells really 'ad in here! You 'aant to keep going."
Yambul, Zzvkgrogk and Rhoreen do not know about any illness by those symptoms ensemble.
Sense Motive
Rhoreen listens and nods, trying to parse any hidden meaning from the explanation.
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Rhoreen concludes there is nothing hidden or strange and this certainly must be something new and dangerous.
Yambul too, begins to question their sincerity as he can’t place their symptoms, or accent.
He'll study the speaker briefly (if he can) as he dismounts off the cart (double move).
”Open this door. Let us in for I have some healing skill and can help you.”
(studied)
He doesn’t think they’ll buy his bluff for long, but he wants to try and cover the distance to the door without so much arrow fire, which he expects at any moment.
He leaves the cart behind though. That horse is no good in a combat zone. If they're still holding, he'll move to the door after his bluff.
"Fine, fine. Don't say 'ee not 'aarned you" under Yambul's insistance to help, the guards disappear and a couple of minutes later you hear a portcullis grating sound coming from the northern side.
Rhoreen will move up to support Yambul. She probably has already cast her long lasting Mage Armor but certainly isn't expecting too much trouble. It's a bit weird at the moment, but she trusts Yambul.
From the incoherent volley of symptoms the guards surely just made up drawing on everything known to them, Zzvkgrogk concludes that the guards are not diseased but instead hiding something. He follows some distance immediately behind Yambul and loads his dragon pistol with a flare cartridge.
What nonsense! What are they hiding?! Where’s this going?
"Good work Cook Boy. Hang back, a tiny bit everyone. If they attack I will try and blind them."
True Strike
Shield x1
Heightened Awareness
Invisibility x2
+2 competence bonus on Perception checks and on all Knowledge checks
StealthRat (+2 Stealth should something… untoward happen)
Can use craft (alchemy) to identify potions as if using Detect Magic
Hits: 22/22
AC 18(16), touch 14 (+3 dex, +1 racial), flat-footed 13 (+2 armor, +1 racial)
Brown nanite hypogun charges: 7/10
Wand of Cure Light Wounds: 22/50
Radiation Detector (7/10 charges)
Mutagen: Quaffed, (+4Dex. -2Wis, +2AC Natural, 40 minutes)
Laser Pistol (Charges): 4/10
Batteries 1 (used to charge Bulb Containment Field hopefully temporarily)
Batteries Charged): 12/12
Empty Battieries: 0 / 12
Zzvkgrogk Special: 6/ 6
When you reach the gate, the portcullis is already raised, and the two guards are by it. Yambul and Rūha are the first ones to enter and they spot in the courtyard six more men playing knucklebones on an upturned crate, wagering bullets instead of coins. These men are a hideous sight. Their grisly grins are surrounded by tangles of raw scar tissue from where they’ve cut away their lips and cheeks to expose their teeth.
As soon as both Yambul and Rūha have stepped in, the guards release the portcullis grind and the metal grate falls quickly splitting you between those inside and those outside!
Weapon Equipped = None
Conditions = None
Falchion: Attack: 4 BAB +4 Str +1 Focus +1 MW (-2 PA) Damage: +6 Str (+6 PA) Crit: 18-20x2 DR: Adamantine
Chef’s knife: Attack: 4 BAB +1 MW +4 Str / +2 Dex Damage: +4 Crit: 19-20x2 Range: 10’
Studied: (guard) (mv/im; +1 att, dam, bluff, knowledge, perception, sense motive, survival)
Spell Like (1/1d, st, Prestidigitation cl1)
- - -
vs DC 12
Yambul tumbles forward so as to be inside the keep.
”We’ve got to get that gate open Rüha!” Yambul shouts as the enemy reveals itself. He leaps forward, helping to setup a flank with Rüha. As he’s getting a sneak attack (flat footed opponent), he both gets precision damage - and can study the person as an immediate action if he hits, so he gets the bonus to damage as well.
(sneak, studied)