Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="talien" data-source="post: 1874243" data-attributes="member: 3285"><p><strong>Temptations of the Flesh - Part 1b: Meeting the Guests</strong></p><p></p><p>It was two days since they had begun to negotiate the trade routes and trails when finally, in the late afternoon hours, the group turned down a barely noticeable path that spilled out into a verdant valley. Just south of Nevanne, the ensconced estates of the val'Tensen lands spread out before them.</p><p></p><p>There was a whistle behind them, a warning from a hidden sentry. Five heavily armed and armored legionnaires road up shortly after. Quintus rode ahead to speak with the vanguard. </p><p></p><p>"The Legion of the Defiant Shield demands you state your name and business!" shouted the lead legionnaire.</p><p></p><p>"I am Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, Signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun. I and my companions are guests of the Tensen-Balin family."</p><p></p><p>The legionnaire squinted at Quintus. "Signifer, hmm? What proof do you have of your invitation?"</p><p></p><p>Quintus reached into a saddlebag and pulled out a wooden box. He snapped it open, revealing a silver dagger. </p><p></p><p>Kham, who had ridden up behind Quintus, leaned over to look at the dagger. "You kept yours? I sold mine."</p><p></p><p>Quintus' glare stopped him from speaking further.</p><p></p><p>"Follow us," said the lead legionnaire. He wheeled his horse about as some of the other legionnaires' mounts fell in step with the others.</p><p></p><p>The legionnaires escorted them to the main entryway of the estate. Waiting in the doorway was a bald, heavyset man wearing a plain tunic and sandals. He wordlessly motioned for a couple of young boys to grab baggage and stable mounts. </p><p></p><p>Sebastian was having difficulty getting his mount to stand still. The bald man took the reins. </p><p></p><p>"Thank you," said Sebastian as the major domo led his horse away. The man simply nodded, carefully avoiding Sebastian's gaze.</p><p></p><p>"Why does he not speak?" asked Sebastian. "Have I offended him in some way?"</p><p></p><p>Quintus looked sideways at the Cancerite. "He is a mute," he responded. "All servants have their tongues cut out so that they cannot easily repeat what they witness."</p><p></p><p>"And they call Coryan the cradle of civilization," Ilmarė said in disgust.</p><p></p><p>They were ushered down a short tiled hallway to a large atrium built in the center of the house. Four massive-yet-elegant colonnades surrounded a large fountain. At its center was a huge bronze statue of the storm god Hurrian, his hands spread above him as he captured an arcing lightning bolt. Seated all around the statue were guests reclining on divans, all of them doll-like in comparison to the statue that towered over them.</p><p></p><p>A servant was the first to greet them with a silver plate balancing several goblets of wine. </p><p></p><p>Quintus led by example, taking a goblet from the plate. </p><p></p><p>Kham spotted a fair-skinned young woman across the room, idly playing with her long blonde dresses. He grabbed two goblets and began sipping from one of them.</p><p></p><p>"It is customary to sacrifice some wine to the divine patron of the household," hissed Quintus. </p><p></p><p>Kham, in mid-sip, spat the wine back into the goblet. "Now you tell me," he muttered.</p><p></p><p>Quintus walked up to the fountain, bowed, and poured some of his wine into the fountain. Sebastian and Beldin did likewise. Ilmarė's lip curled into a sneer as she turned the goblet's entire contents into the fountain. </p><p></p><p>Kham looked from his two goblets to the fountain and back to the blonde woman. He flicked his fingers into one of the goblets and flicked a few droplets into the fountain. When he looked up again, Sebastian was talking to her.</p><p></p><p>"Damn," he muttered, scanning the room.</p><p></p><p>Quintus had joined two other older men. One wore the long dun-colored robes of the Beltinian clergy. The other wore a long, dark purple robe that covered him from chin to foot and was adorned with all manner of strange sigils and mystic amulets.</p><p></p><p>A dark-haired beauty dressed in a diaphanous scarlet toga, cut much too short to be modest, was leaning on a tall, powerfully built man wearing dark breeches and an orange-red tunic that matched his shock of red hair. </p><p></p><p>Kham wandered closer to her, pretending to admire the gigantic fountain. He was listening to several conversations at once.</p><p></p><p>"I am Elandre Val'assante," said the blonde woman, "the first daughter of Prelate Acastus val'Assante of Coryan."</p><p></p><p>"I am Sebastian Arnyal of Canceri," he said. "I could not help but notice that you seem to be very melancholy."</p><p></p><p>Elandre smiled wanly. "Sad? Me? Not at all, I'm to be wed next month. I couldn't be happier."</p><p></p><p>Sebastian smiled politely back. "To whom, if you don't mind me asking?"</p><p></p><p>"Oh, to Gaius val'Tensen, the General's nephew."</p><p></p><p>Sebastian nodded. "I am not familiar with Coryani politics."</p><p></p><p>"Gaius is a man of noble birth and rank," Elandre said forcefully. "He shall be a most perfect a most perfect husband."</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė stood where she was at the fountain. Beldin joined her, watching the others. "Not joining the party?" asked Beldin.</p><p></p><p>"I see and hear enough, dwarf," said Ilmarė. "That woman that Sebastian is speaking to? She wears too much makeup. Do you know why?"</p><p></p><p>Beldin stroked his beard thoughtfully but said nothing.</p><p></p><p>"She is trying to cover up a bruise." She shook her head. "Human women are weak. And Kham is eavesdropping on the two lovers there."</p><p></p><p>Kham hadn't moved from his spot. He was riveted by the conversation he was listening to, one ear cocked.</p><p></p><p>"I hear Nierites wield huge swords," said the raven-haired woman, her ruby lips pursed. She was practically devouring the larger man with her eyes. "One must possess a strong sheath to contain its full length."</p><p></p><p>"M-my lady," said the man, obviously flustered, "you flatter me."</p><p></p><p>"Flatter you? I can do much more than that." She traced one finger along the man's collarbone. "Have you ever heard of the Sacrament of the Goddess of Forbidden Pleasures?"</p><p></p><p>"No. I really shouldn't—"</p><p></p><p>They were interrupted by Quintus' shouting.</p><p></p><p>"All religions should be unified under the Mother Church," he said loudly. "This division is disastrous—look at the Nierite attack on Ventaka! Unity with the great nation of Coryan will ensure harmony, and religion is no different. All should return to Illiir's bosom."</p><p></p><p>"See, here's a man who understands the importance of reintegration," said Morushun val'Ishi, standing next to Quintus.</p><p></p><p>"Nonsense," said Garan val'Mehan, his accent betraying his Cancerite origins. "De Nihang Council has always followed de true path of unity."</p><p></p><p>Quintus jabbed a finger at the Cancerite. "Are you implying we are heretics?"</p><p></p><p>"Not at all," the Cancerite said with a smile on his lips. "After all, it vas your Patriarch's visdom that initiated dis integration. Are YOU implying dat his Divine Grace is erring?"</p><p></p><p>Quintus raised one hand, finger pointing in the air, to make another dramatic point, when the tinkling of a bell echoed throughout the chamber. It was the major domo, gesturing for them to follow him.</p><p></p><p>As they began to walk out of the room, Kham handed Beldin and Ilmarė a gold Imperial. </p><p></p><p>"What's that all about?" asked Sebastian as he caught up with them.</p><p></p><p>"Oh, nothing," Kham said, smiling to himself. </p><p></p><p>"We were betting on which would happen first: Quintus would start a fight, the Larissan priestess would leave with the Nierite, or that you would insult the lady of the house."</p><p></p><p>"What part of 'don't tell anybody about the bet' didn't you understand?" said Kham through gritted teeth.</p><p></p><p>Ilmarė ignored him. "Stupid human politics," she said.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="talien, post: 1874243, member: 3285"] [b]Temptations of the Flesh - Part 1b: Meeting the Guests[/b] It was two days since they had begun to negotiate the trade routes and trails when finally, in the late afternoon hours, the group turned down a barely noticeable path that spilled out into a verdant valley. Just south of Nevanne, the ensconced estates of the val'Tensen lands spread out before them. There was a whistle behind them, a warning from a hidden sentry. Five heavily armed and armored legionnaires road up shortly after. Quintus rode ahead to speak with the vanguard. "The Legion of the Defiant Shield demands you state your name and business!" shouted the lead legionnaire. "I am Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, Signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun. I and my companions are guests of the Tensen-Balin family." The legionnaire squinted at Quintus. "Signifer, hmm? What proof do you have of your invitation?" Quintus reached into a saddlebag and pulled out a wooden box. He snapped it open, revealing a silver dagger. Kham, who had ridden up behind Quintus, leaned over to look at the dagger. "You kept yours? I sold mine." Quintus' glare stopped him from speaking further. "Follow us," said the lead legionnaire. He wheeled his horse about as some of the other legionnaires' mounts fell in step with the others. The legionnaires escorted them to the main entryway of the estate. Waiting in the doorway was a bald, heavyset man wearing a plain tunic and sandals. He wordlessly motioned for a couple of young boys to grab baggage and stable mounts. Sebastian was having difficulty getting his mount to stand still. The bald man took the reins. "Thank you," said Sebastian as the major domo led his horse away. The man simply nodded, carefully avoiding Sebastian's gaze. "Why does he not speak?" asked Sebastian. "Have I offended him in some way?" Quintus looked sideways at the Cancerite. "He is a mute," he responded. "All servants have their tongues cut out so that they cannot easily repeat what they witness." "And they call Coryan the cradle of civilization," Ilmarė said in disgust. They were ushered down a short tiled hallway to a large atrium built in the center of the house. Four massive-yet-elegant colonnades surrounded a large fountain. At its center was a huge bronze statue of the storm god Hurrian, his hands spread above him as he captured an arcing lightning bolt. Seated all around the statue were guests reclining on divans, all of them doll-like in comparison to the statue that towered over them. A servant was the first to greet them with a silver plate balancing several goblets of wine. Quintus led by example, taking a goblet from the plate. Kham spotted a fair-skinned young woman across the room, idly playing with her long blonde dresses. He grabbed two goblets and began sipping from one of them. "It is customary to sacrifice some wine to the divine patron of the household," hissed Quintus. Kham, in mid-sip, spat the wine back into the goblet. "Now you tell me," he muttered. Quintus walked up to the fountain, bowed, and poured some of his wine into the fountain. Sebastian and Beldin did likewise. Ilmarė's lip curled into a sneer as she turned the goblet's entire contents into the fountain. Kham looked from his two goblets to the fountain and back to the blonde woman. He flicked his fingers into one of the goblets and flicked a few droplets into the fountain. When he looked up again, Sebastian was talking to her. "Damn," he muttered, scanning the room. Quintus had joined two other older men. One wore the long dun-colored robes of the Beltinian clergy. The other wore a long, dark purple robe that covered him from chin to foot and was adorned with all manner of strange sigils and mystic amulets. A dark-haired beauty dressed in a diaphanous scarlet toga, cut much too short to be modest, was leaning on a tall, powerfully built man wearing dark breeches and an orange-red tunic that matched his shock of red hair. Kham wandered closer to her, pretending to admire the gigantic fountain. He was listening to several conversations at once. "I am Elandre Val'assante," said the blonde woman, "the first daughter of Prelate Acastus val'Assante of Coryan." "I am Sebastian Arnyal of Canceri," he said. "I could not help but notice that you seem to be very melancholy." Elandre smiled wanly. "Sad? Me? Not at all, I'm to be wed next month. I couldn't be happier." Sebastian smiled politely back. "To whom, if you don't mind me asking?" "Oh, to Gaius val'Tensen, the General's nephew." Sebastian nodded. "I am not familiar with Coryani politics." "Gaius is a man of noble birth and rank," Elandre said forcefully. "He shall be a most perfect a most perfect husband." Ilmarė stood where she was at the fountain. Beldin joined her, watching the others. "Not joining the party?" asked Beldin. "I see and hear enough, dwarf," said Ilmarė. "That woman that Sebastian is speaking to? She wears too much makeup. Do you know why?" Beldin stroked his beard thoughtfully but said nothing. "She is trying to cover up a bruise." She shook her head. "Human women are weak. And Kham is eavesdropping on the two lovers there." Kham hadn't moved from his spot. He was riveted by the conversation he was listening to, one ear cocked. "I hear Nierites wield huge swords," said the raven-haired woman, her ruby lips pursed. She was practically devouring the larger man with her eyes. "One must possess a strong sheath to contain its full length." "M-my lady," said the man, obviously flustered, "you flatter me." "Flatter you? I can do much more than that." She traced one finger along the man's collarbone. "Have you ever heard of the Sacrament of the Goddess of Forbidden Pleasures?" "No. I really shouldn't—" They were interrupted by Quintus' shouting. "All religions should be unified under the Mother Church," he said loudly. "This division is disastrous—look at the Nierite attack on Ventaka! Unity with the great nation of Coryan will ensure harmony, and religion is no different. All should return to Illiir's bosom." "See, here's a man who understands the importance of reintegration," said Morushun val'Ishi, standing next to Quintus. "Nonsense," said Garan val'Mehan, his accent betraying his Cancerite origins. "De Nihang Council has always followed de true path of unity." Quintus jabbed a finger at the Cancerite. "Are you implying we are heretics?" "Not at all," the Cancerite said with a smile on his lips. "After all, it vas your Patriarch's visdom that initiated dis integration. Are YOU implying dat his Divine Grace is erring?" Quintus raised one hand, finger pointing in the air, to make another dramatic point, when the tinkling of a bell echoed throughout the chamber. It was the major domo, gesturing for them to follow him. As they began to walk out of the room, Kham handed Beldin and Ilmarė a gold Imperial. "What's that all about?" asked Sebastian as he caught up with them. "Oh, nothing," Kham said, smiling to himself. "We were betting on which would happen first: Quintus would start a fight, the Larissan priestess would leave with the Nierite, or that you would insult the lady of the house." "What part of 'don't tell anybody about the bet' didn't you understand?" said Kham through gritted teeth. Ilmarė ignored him. "Stupid human politics," she said. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)
Top