Renew the Pact: Time of our Lives, part 1

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Log Info

  • Title: Renew the Pact: Time of our Lives, part 1
  • Emitter: Whirlpool
  • Characters: Paenitia, Rocky, Aryia, Seyardu, Fallon
  • Place: Goldcoast of Veyshan,Tashraan
  • Time: Friday, May 28, 2021, 9:30 PM
  • Summary: A bunch of Alexandria adventurers step into a bar... Wait, that's later. A bunch of Alexandria adventurers are contracted by Farland of Rune, a gnomish sorcerer and part of the Resurrectionist Society. The government, Rune's, believes there is a long-absent relic in Tashraan. The group set sail for one of the oldest, if not the oldest city in Ea, more impressive and colourful than Alexandria. Charnese merchants and slavers are seen on the way, and even more when in port, and the hicks of Alexandria struggle to avoid distraction. Rocky, in particular, is oft and easily led off. The group has been tasked to locate the relic in the bazaar, and obtain it -using diplomacy-, something only a few of the team seemed skilled with. Skills which will be tested when a bunch of Alexandrian adventurers step into a bar and run smack into a bunch of Charnese merchants and their mercenaries. Paenitia yaps at them like an enormous dog. Confused? You will be, next time.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  Appearing, in Order  =-=-=-=-=-=-=
Paenitia     3'0"     34 Lb      Halfling          Female    A Lucht knight, dark skinned in bold feathery finery.
Rocky        6'8"     460 Lb     Sith-Makar        Male      A grey Sith in armor, bit like a statue.
Aryia        4'8"     110 Lb     Shadow Elf        Female    A heavily scarred mul with a curious look about her.
Seyardu      5'6"     150 Lb     Sith-Makar        Female    A friendly silver sith-makar with a perpetual squint.
Fallon       5'6"     145 Lb     Half-Elf          Male      A short hooded man.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  NPCs of Note  =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Farland      Friendly            Gnome             Male      A sorcerer and a Resurrectionist, and a gentleman.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  As the GM  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Whirlpool                        Otyugh                      I am stinky!
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=

Farland of Rune, a gnomish sorcerer, is a colorfully dressed individual. He's a known Resurrectionist, a member of the order dedicated to bringing about the return of the fallen and slain God of Magic, Animus, and he's apparently the person you're working for today through the Guild of Explorers.

"It was lovely to meet you all," he told you, as he waved you in to the briefing room, and proceeded to explain that the Runish Government believes it has located a long-absent relic of Rune from a previous iteration of the Conclave, from before Animus' fall, when it was in its hey day.

"Unfortunately, it's been nabbed up by an unscrupulous collector in Tashraan. The government can't abide such a thing and has asked that we travel to Tashraan to retrieve it."

Tashraan, one of the world's largest cities, if not the largest. Oldest, too. Situated on the Goldcoast of Veyshan, it is a place of decadent wonders, slave bazaars, and ancient buildings and even more ancient secrets.

With the mission set, you were each given a chance to make preparations at markt for the trip to Veyshan, just across the inner sea, and that's how you've now wound up on a boat for the last few days.

Long enough to lose your appreciation for the ocean, but not so long to be cured of any sea sickness in the storm-tossed waters you might be otherwise suffering.

Paenitia has been spending most of her time at the rear of the ship. It's one of the few places Ramirez isn't always in the way. Her large peacock-andalusian hippogryph is not terribly troubled by the movement of the ship. However, he does not like being in storms, getting wet, or violently tossed. The little Lucht has set a tarpaulan over him, but the waxed cloth only does so much.

She stays with him, and keeps asking the captain, "How many days until we land? Is that the port?"

Rocky has little fondness for strange cities, softskin lands, or slavery. A place that combines the three, and the greyscale is a bit grumpy. He does, however, have important looking papers making it clear he belongs to the Silver Empresses. Just how official such papers may be is questionable, but if it gives a slaver reason to hesitate, is worth carrying around. The heavy armor and large blade fill a similar task, with fewer big words.

Aryia, to be quite honest, was incredibly glad to be on a ship for a change of pace. She integrated herself with the crew, expertly helping out where she could. Be it hoisting sails, tying ropes, or moving barrels about. But slaves? That made her skin crawl. And whatever it was they needed to get done was met with fervor.

Despite never having been on a ship before, the silver sith'makar was quick to find things she could do to help on the ship to pass the time. Cleaning, manual labor that didn't require too much knowledge of shipwork, preparing meals, anything was fair game to fill in the hours at sea each day, and take a bit of strain off of the crew taking them to their location. It was growing on the silverscale already, or at the very least, was not an unpleasant experience.

Fallon does not often travel on ships, but has thankfully kept himself from projectile vomitting over the side. While he managed to stave off the worse of his seasickness, he -was- eager to get back onto land. Even unfamiliar land. He's perched on a barrel, gazing up at the seabirds gliding up above... wary of any incoming droppings. "I have not been to Veyshan," he announces to no one in particular. "But I hope it smells better than this ship."

Farland, of course, accompanied you. He's not going to let this mission go on without some degree of oversight. Adventurers from Alexandria may be renowned for thier successes, but they are equally known for their reckless bravery and tendency to ignore the potential consequences of their actions.

By reputation, anyway.

Farland sits on the deck on one of the barrels and flips through his book. The stormy weather is apparently of no consequence to him.

"Tashraan, ho!"

Indeed, as you've travelled across the ocean, getting closre to the great city has meant a noticable increase in traffic. Worryingly, a number of vessels bearing the flags of the Stygian Dominion of Charn have been in evidence as of late. They seem to be ignoring the phoenix, the Alexandrian symbol, that your own ship bears. Thankfully. Hostility between the powers is not unknownm, after all, nor are acts of piracy.

But for the moment, the great spires and domes of the ancient city come into view, and it is indeed a marvel to witness. Alexandria's stony cliffside city is impressive, but Tashraan qualifies as uniquely wondrous, full of bright colors and vibrant life and even numerous groves of trees set along the banks of the river that runs the length of the metropolis.

Rocky has zero love for Charn, eyeing the ships bearing it's flag with suspicion. But nothing seems to come of it all, and the Sith turns his focus to the approaching city. The arcitecture is certainly impressive, but nor really suited to his tastes.

Aryia is tense as the Charn vessels show, her finding work below deck when they were around. Though when they approach the city, she squints from the crow's nest, pursing her lips. She wasn't sur ehow she was going to like this. But thankfully there was enough here to talk for her.

Fallon eyes the Charn ships, but his full attention eventually settles on the majestic city they were approaching. That must be it. "Finally..." He stands from his seat, takes a moment to steady himself, and moves to get a better look -- and to make sure he's one of the first off the ship when it docks.

The Red Knight remains on the aft castle with her Ivory Steed. Charnese ships get long and lingering attention, a weapon usually close at hand. Other times she is cheerful. She doesn't assist the crew, she's a Knight, they are sailors, she knows their job as little as they know hers. She does take the time to cheer Aryia on whenever the Mul'niessa is nearby, "Ha! See? Now I am the one that is cargo weight."

Paenitia has introduced herself to everyone on board, and watched Farland. She's been on a retrieval mission for the Resurrectionsts already, and has decided they all have a certain reputation as well. Not exactly trustworthy. Stealing from theives for thieves, who sell it on to the Resurrectionists seems to be how it goes. That they are heading to a place known for slavery isn't exactly a surprise.

Still, Veyshan is brightly colourd and interesting, the opposite of her homeland, with interesting trees. "Soon Ramirez, we are ashore. Look, the nuts on that tree are so large you can see them from here."

Seyardu had no expectations of the city, but as they approached, she too found herself on the decks, leaning against one of the deckrails. It was another city to discover, though she could not do too much exploring while they were there on the current task.

"I assume we will be on ground again soon. And then, our search will begin, however that will present or shape itself."

"Our search will be scouting the auction location, meeting the players, determining who is the most likely to make a serious attempt to purchase the artifact in question, the Seal of the First Magister, and attempt to disuade them from purchasing it. And then purchase it ourselves, or get them to purchase it on our behalf. This is going to require diplomacy."

Farland pauses a moment. He looks between the adventurers sent with him for a moment, then clears his throat, "... you ... can do diplomacy, right?" he asks, haltingly unsure all of a sudden. Let's just say that some appearances do not exactly seem to inspire confidence. Fallon's hair cut, for example.

The mute woman, now in line with the rest of the party, looks left and right before giving a large shurg. "Maybe?" she says with a single gesture. <Handspeech>

Rocky nods. "Saa, This One can do diplomacy."

He smiles.
Big mouth of alligator teeth.
Heavy armor.
Big sword.
'Diplomacy.'

Fallon may need a barber, but he could still be charming! Sometimes. He gives the rest of the group each a glance, before turning to Farland again. "I think we can manage. Rocky has a -very- persuasive smile, as you can see," he replies. They don't necessarily have to be -nice-, right?

"As a Knight of the Pillar I am familiar with all courtly ettiquette." Paenitia laughs vigorously, standing up some stairs so she's a similar height as Farland. The dark-skinned Lucht has a wide stance, with her hands on her hips, wearing her rusty red armour and red cloak, and wide brimmed hat with the gigantic peacock feathers. Also, that mask, of a smiling man's face with a curled mustache that she never, ever, removed in anyone's presence.

The granite-scaled Sith'makar gets another chuckle from her, "I adventure with comrade Tenoc, he teach me much about the Am'shere diplomacy too!" Her attention turns back to Farland.

"I know how to kiss hands and steal hearts, and treat the paramours with dignity. Do not worry about my diplomacy, my friend. So look for the Seal, see who try to buy, and then talk. How much gold we have to offer?"

"Resolving this by speaking to the relevant parties should be our first course of action." Seyardu nods, turning along to the suggestion as others spoke. "I could, if required, speak to those who we need to address. Though I understand that the standing of my kind may not be best suited for these matters. That being said, I can put forth the best effort that I am capable for it. I do know little about nobility, which could be an issue, as those making such a purchase are likely of that sort, or similar who would have similarly sizeable coffers." As each person looks at him, Farland looks increasingly pensive. It's as if he can see a great delayed blast fireball being cast and it's about to slowly explode in front of him... right up until Paenitia starts to speak. He seems somewhat relieved.

"...well, perhaps there's one of you. That'll have to do."

The ship puts to port once it's turn comes around and soon you're able to start disembarking.

"The auction is in one of the market squares. I know the one. Follow me, and please, for the love of the Gods, don't get too distracted by Tashraan's many wonders. If you wander off, we'll probably never find you."

And so Farland starts to purposefully head into the city, stumbling a bit to get his legs back under him. "We'll get a set of rooms near the market square. Everyone can wash yp and make themselves more presentable."

Fallon denotes his disappointment in being told not to explore the city with a wistful sigh. There wasn't anything in particular he wanted to see, but there was a good chance it'd be awhile before he could return after this foray. Still, he obliges, and follows after their chaperone. Maybe he'll get those split ends snipped soon, after all.

Rocky doubts he'd be hard to track, doesn't exactly blend in. But the greyscale makes a point to stay alert and keep close, trying to keep an eye on the others in turn.

"Ramirez! I... oh. Ramirez, how are you the sea green? Come with me, we walk slow." Paenitia carefully leads her peacock-andalusian from the ship to solid ground. He's wobbly on the gangplank, but talons do grip the edges of the board and stop him from tumbling over. It's a procession, as one might imagine, leading a horse sized peacock with a wagon sized tail-train through the docks.

Once her mount has had a few moments and stopped swaying, the little Lucht climbs on a barrel then leans and slides belly first onto her saddle before twisting and sitting up. "We go for the wash up. I brush you down nice, warm stables. This very exotic, you will draw many eyes here. Follow that one."

Paenitia has a good vantage on top of her hippogryph, and she keeps an eye on the party, Farlon, and her surroundings.

Aryia was plenty presentable! Regardless, why should she wash up for a bunch of slavers? They should get beat up instead! However, she follows along with the others, used to switching from sea to land. And perhaps she'll clean up. Only because she doesn't want another job to go awry so quickly.

"Very well, I suppose that would be a good idea in this case." Seyardu agrees. "Time to collect as needed for all of us. Some spoke of sea legs, and those somewhat ill can rest on solid ground, if for a moment while we prepare."

She was one of the last down the gangplank, but found her way to somewhere in the middle of the group, mostly to keep herself from getting lost than keep an eye on others.

GAME: Fallon rolls will: (9)+3: 12
GAME: Aryia rolls will: (12)+4: 16
GAME: Seyardu rolls will save: (12)+6: 18
GAME: Lyme rolls will: (18)+5: 23
GAME: Rocky rolls will: (2)+2: 4
<OOC> Paenitia says, "Lucht Luck +1 to the save"
GAME: Paenitia rolls will+1: (8)+4+1: 13
GAME: Paenitia rolls 1d20+2: (13)+2: 15 (Ramirez Will)

It is ... difficult to avoid distractions in Tashraan, when passing through it. It's time consuming. Hard work. Mentally fatiguing. There are people soliciting constantly for your attention as you move into the markets, ever eager to sell you something, anything, from live animals to undead ones. It is a place where anything and just about everything is on offer at one place or another. It is the heart of the Gold Coast's mercantile empire and it shows. Dominant buildings belonging to a variety of merchant companies are visible, and it must be noted that the Dominion of Charn has a number of people present as well to go with all those ships you saw in the harbor and in the ocean. Seems like a definite trade convoy. Noticable and perhaps curious in its scope, but not your problem for the moment.

Farland has to stop several times as Rocky especially gets pulled away and boxed in by people trying to t ake advantage of his distractinn to sell him on things he needs. Why, there's brushes for his scales, paints straight from the jungles of Jammur, which is another name for the continent that Am'shere rests on.

Finally, *finally*, you're approachign an inn and each of you is feeling exhaustion just from the sheer crush of people you've had to deal with.

Rocky is dedicated, focused, will not allow himself to be distracted. Not even by the exotic leopards just walking around on leashes with their long long tails and silkly smooth coats and yes they're very delightful but no he couldn't possibally afford one and yes that's a very reasonable price but where would he even keep it and oh hello Farland have you seen the kitties?

Oh.
Right, yes, moving on, focus, focus, what kind of bush did you say that was that sounds very fancy yes I'm sure it would be very nice hello Farland.....

Fallon observes the wares offered to him, but balks when he's offered an undead parrot. Animals in captivity was bad enough, but zombie animals!? They should be left to rest! Fortunately, he -just- manages to tear his attention away and refocus on the task at hand, which evidently was just seeking an inn at the moment. "Aaaand my curiosity has been sated. Can't wait to get back to the smelly ship," he grouses, once again at no one in particular. Civilization sucks.

Aryia was not a people person. And doubly so not a 'dealing with Charn' people person. It was only a matter of time such work would land her near denezins from there. There were many baps to keep goods away from her, not wanting any part of their goods. The sight of the inn was a very, very welcome sight, a tension releasing that she could have some peace and quiet. She liked the ship far better.

Paenitia is less easily distracted than the bright-eyed sith'makar, and harder to box in on her hippogryph. Her friendly and outgoing nature acts against her, as well as her mask. It makes her attention seem obvious, and invite reciprocation. If she isn't calling out "Hola!" to someone, she replying in kind when someone greets her. There are many beautiful things she might want for herself. Perfumes, brushes. Perhaps even more for her Ivory steed. Brushes for his horse parts, feather-combs for his bird parts. Shampoos to keep the feathers and hair their brilliant white.

Ramirez, for his part, struts proudly forward, gazing regally around. Imperious and full of aires. He is handsome, yes. He is powerful, yes. He deserves all the attention, yes.

Seyardu was overwhelmed by too much information, and too little time to process all of it. It was all she could do to keep moving, and not stop for some of the wares hawked almost incessantly. Perhaps a brush or paints would be useful for negotiations to come, she had been made aware of the importance of presentation when dealing with softskin-

No, there was no time for that. They had to continue until they reached the inn, and she could rest against a wall, the sith'makar resting their eyes just a moment. "I am not used to so many people vying for my attention in such a manner. And I wonder how many were planning to take advantage of my being in a new place."

Farland pushes his way into the inn, whose sign is decorated with a great, dancing lady with snakes for hair. The Gorgon's Rest, they call it.

Fortunately, there's no medusa's inside. Rasther, a considerable number of Charnish merchants and sailors alongside a large number of mercenaries. And in walked the Alexandrians.

They all turn to look at you.

"Oh," says Farland.

"Bother."

Behind Farland is the even smaller figure of Paenitia, resplendent in her red clothes and rusty armour. A wide brimmed hat floating at waist height to a human, with a stylized grinning mask of a man's face on a body that is feminine, somewhere under all the armour if its shape is to be believed.

"Hola!" The Red Knight barks, loud and large like some wild breed of canine, perhaps even a gnoll, "there any Mad Dogs in the cantina?" <gnoll>

And then she laughs, giggling with an impish gleam in her eyes, one that shines through the holes in her mask as she turns it slowly to each and every one in front of her.

Aryia had no clue what Paenitia said, but she trusted her lead, and she walks in nonchalant with her hands in her pockets. Despite how much she wanted to glare down the Charnish folk.

Rocky is big. Mildly tall but Sith standards, not so midly wide, he makes a decent backdrop to the jabbering lutch. And gives a friendly smile.

Fallon just stares back at them. "So, um... nice weather we're having, yes?" He also has no clue what Paenitia said, but it sounds a lot more convincing.

Seyardu was clueless as to what was said, but she did not show it. She took a step back to beside the other sith'makar. Not nearly as imposing looking, but still armed and armored, with a smile of their own, and a wave to the building in general.

Silence grows as the two groups stare...

Ghoulish cp line.png
GAME: Seyardu has purchased 2 Potion of Cure Light Wounds for 100 gold.
GAME: Rocky has purchased 1 Spidersilk rope for 100 gold.
GAME: Seyardu has purchased 1 Alchemists fire for 20 gold.
GAME: Seyardu has purchased 1 Healers kit for 50 gold.
GAME: Seyardu has purchased 1 Antitoxin for 50 gold.
GAME: Seyardu has purchased 2 Antiplague for 100 gold.
GAME: Aryia has purchased 1 Potion of Cure Light Wounds for 50 gold.
GAME: Seyardu has purchased 1 Antitoxin for 50 gold.

<OOC> Whirlpool says, "I'll ask for rolls on that front when they're needed :)"
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Andalusia doesn't exist in theme, though! ;)"
<OOC> Paenitia says, "it's a type of horse"
<OOC> Paenitia says, "from a place"
<OOC> Rocky says, "A place in a different world. But when we start getting into that stuff, language gets weird fast."
<OOC> Paenitia says, "without the place it can still be a name for a type of horse. I've used gypsy-horse as well, and I think there are gypsys here and that implies 'egypt' which isn't."
<OOC> Aryia has no idea what Andalusia is. Googles it and scratches head.
<OOC> Seyardu says, "Andalusian, it's a breed of horse, I think"
<OOC> Rocky says, "And chicken. Appropriate for a hippogryph"
<OOC> Paenitia says, "it's a tiny town in Isobar that breeds pretty horses that no one has heard of? doesn't that solve the issue. Yes, also that Rocky. that's one of the hidden jokes."
Stjepan pages: How's it going in there? :)
<OOC> Whirlpool grins!
You paged Stjepan with 'Whirl stepped away RL and somehow we're talking about whether I should be able to use peacock-andalusian to describe Ramirez the Hippogryph'
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "It's fine. I just want to remind people because, well you know"
From afar, Stjepan laughs. Wow.

<OOC> Aryia says, "Praise be Ramirez"
<OOC> Paenitia says, "heee!"
<OOC> Rocky grumble grumble, spanish peacock, grumble, best part of the sequel we don't talk about, grumble...
<OOC> Paenitia says, "blame Canada"
<OOC> Paenitia says, "I mean, Khamsin."
<OOC> Whirlpool says, "Haha"