Dark Days in Sion - Act 3: Scene 1

[narayan]

Act 3: Scene 1

​

Continent of Akhenaten

Kingdom of Vulkh & Surrounding Region; Year 3500 - 11th day of Mid Spring
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< We are using DDS 311 now on rolz.org... please everyone roll up new Fate Pools ​>

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Billanverthorne: NEW FATE POOL Part 3 Act 1 Scene 1

Ok, folks, here we go:



Bill is a cat's whisker (1,550 xp) away from 5th level He has a total of 2 Fate Points available at the start of this act.

Long Live Sion!

 

[Fangor the Fierce]

Svexyn - Dragon Shaman 4

[sblock=Fate Pool Roll]Fangor77:20D20 → 256(14 +6 +19 +17 +11 +5 +18 +3 +15 +18 +19 +20 +20 +18 +13 +3 +8 +7 +14 +8)#Fate Pool, 200 or more to be valid - Roll 3[/sblock] ~They say many things about death... life passing before your eyes... regrets... bright lights and long tunnels... But they don't tell you that you feel everything... the pain.. the burning flesh.. your mind grasping to hold on... It's more like being paralyzed while being dissected from the inside out... yet voices are nearby...~

Svexyn cannot make out anything, as his wounds have not healed enough to bring him back to consciousness. Instead, his mind drifts, wandering the unknown. Memories take hold, as what passes for a few seconds in time seem like an eternity to him.

~Qiang had handed over the coin with reverence. Something about the way he looked at you seemed to hint that this was something more than just a simple trinket. As it was handed to you, you instinctively turned it over, viewing both sides. It was simple, but held an even larger secret than could be known. Qiang had tasked you with keeping it safe at all times, and when the time came, it would be used for its purpose. You recall that ancient Caishian coin and the marking you made on it.

You also remember the sound it made when spun on the floor of your room; always landing face down. The sound of the coin spinning was familiar, as you now realize that is the sound that fills your mind. As the familiar spinning overtakes your mind, the sound changes. Will it land face down, or face up...~

[sblock=Svexyn Status]-1/46HP, No Weapons, Unconscious[/sblock]

 

[narayan]

Aust Thale

Aust Thale: ~Splendid. Simply splendid.~

Shifting the weight on his shoulder he stands with the sack toward the dwarves, his opposite hand within reach of his rapier. Using the strain of the load to mask Aust's re-direction of the nosy dwarves' questions, he replies: "Well met! Actually, thank you no. I'm 'earning my keep'. Let's hope Avar appreciates it (with just a hint of feigned indignation). If you are looking for him, try Putyuk's or another tavern nearby. And if you find him, tell him thanks for leaving me this chore."

Sharpening his focus, Aust hones in on their intent (Sense Motive skill?). These fellows showing up at this time of night right after this bad business is a little too coincidental. Sundered dwarves are shaping up to be right up there with gnomes. They can have Avar. If they are here for Jabbar or me, however, they will find themselves 'responsible' for this murder, or worse. And I will be dragging dead bodies to the sewer all night.

The dwarves look at each other with something akin to amusement and barely withheld judgement.

Sundered Dwarf 2: "We'll do that... but if we don't find him, we'll come back looking for you."

He says with a not-so-veiled threat. Together, the pair turn and make their way back into the alleys. As they walk away you overhear the bear-voiced one make a comment.

Sundered Dwarf 1: -Snorts- "What a weak elf."

Sundered Dwarf 2: -Chuckles- "Is there any other kind?"

[Aust: What do you do?]

 

[narayan]

Avar, Billanverthorne, Burrai, Elloral, Jabbar

Burrai scowled as Elloral brushed by. She had always been forthright, but clearly the events of the last few days had ground her temper down to rock dust. Caution, especially after the ambush not a few moments ago, was wise. Sensible. Hurtling around in a town like Cabarda to speak to people they’d not met more than six hours gone, in the shade of a Vulkyrie temple, carrying a book literally written in evil, seemed at best rash. He wouldn’t say foolhardy – Elloral wasn’t, hadn’t been, and never would be, a fool.

“Elloral, we’ve just stormed out of there. I don’t want to sit outside as much as the next dwarf, but I don’t think risking suspicion by playing rock hop with an inn door is the best – “ And then, just as she disappeared inside outrunning his words, the reality of what she’d said really hit him. “Elloral! Wait! What do you mean they know you have it? Kong and the Black Lions are employed by…? How do you know they…? Oh by the bloody sacred mines of Dal Moreth!”

And with that he darted inside after her.

Putyuk’s seemed to largely ignore his re-emergence. A few patrons turned his way, sotted grins plastered across their faces along with ale foam. He shouldered through the crowd, catching a glimpse of the Elf leading Elloral, Avar and another out towards the front door. He growled, becoming more irritated by the constant running around than by Kong’s ambush. At least that was something he could face – this felt more like chasing mine dust through breezy caverns.

He managed to hold back from knocking people aside, opting for the less conspicuous route of weaving round the patrons, and finally stepped back outside. The noise dropped suddenly, like a bubble bursting, spilling quiet onto the empty streets. The Elf slunk to one side in the shadows, eyes darting about. Elloral and the others huddled nearby, caught between inaction and caution. Burrai took a deep breath, calming himself.

“Well,” he whispered, “Now we’re all here can we decide on a location to talk and stay there? Because if we traipse in and out of one more inn I swear I’ll find Kong right now and cut some answers out of him.”

……Perhaps the constant tension was fraying his temper too….

Avar: -Speaks to Burrai- "What was that all about with Kong? Nothing you couldn't handle I trust?" He asks, remarking on the black stain across his face.

[sblock="Avar Physical Description"] This dwarf looks like he’s rarely ever slept on a bed… his bearskin cloak is deeply soiled and unkempt, matching his own hair and beard grown wild and untrimmed, so black they look almost tinged with blue. Standing 4’-10" he has the height of a hill dwarf with a warriors build, but his skin is unusually pale.

His garments are made from animal skins. His leather leggings are stuffed into tall moccasins strapped around his shins. He carries a bone-handled hunting knife and horn-handled throwing axe tucked into his waistband. Over his upper body, his leather tunic is pulled open partway where it’s normally cinched tight, revealing a tattoo across his lower neck that looks like broken chain-links?


You glimpse more tattoo’s of chain-links around his forearms where the tunic pulls up as he stretches. He looks to be barely an adult by dwarven standards, but there’s enough confidence behind his grey eyes to give you the impression he can take care of himself.[/sblock]

Elloral: "Forget Kong!" She interjects with venom. "He was wise to retreat and I made a promise to see he's dealt with. What I have an issue with is how long we had to wait for you to return..." She remarks to Avar. "We can't afford to sit around and expose ourselves like that, we have enemies everywhere."

Avar: "You aren't the only ones. We had a little skirmish of our own getting back inside the walls." He says, gesturing to Billanverthorne and Jabbar.

Jabbar: Holds up his hand, calling for calm. "Let's hear a reason for this meeting before we decide if it's necessary or not?" He asks, looking to Burrai for an answer.

[sblock="Jabbar Physical Description"] Jabbar is likely in his late forties, thin, yet still evidently fit and strong. His face is well-weathered by the sun with a short-cropped beard and grey hair. You note a pale scar across his jaw and cheekbone that carries on down the side of his neck and likely across his shoulder and back currently hidden by a tunic. By the look of it the scar isn’t very old, perhaps a year or two at most? His eyes are clever and confident yet also dark with the hint of cruelty.[/sblock]

[Billanverthorne, Burrai: What do you do?]

 

[thisthingcantbedeleted]

Ersun quickly follows Ren's note on the guards with his attention, although he still feels a little slow. There is so much new to process and filter out in this new environment, its hard to know where to put his focus sometimes. He can't help but feel somewhat flustered by it. He likes to think himself steadfast, yet he is out of his zone of comfort, he must foster caution, yet balance it not to sway into timidity.

He nods to Ren and whispers:
"I see. I will be careful." and with that follows him. He is somewhat nervous about having to sneak around, as even though his kind is renowned for its camouflage, he's never been one to exercise their sneaking prowess. There are so many things do to, and it is a hassle... but he stops himself form making excuses. Whatever he thinks, the fact is it would be most useful to be adept at it in this situation.

Nevertheless he quietly follows Ren in the darkness.

[Wisdom check: 12; -2 on further attentive checks here]
[Hide check: 25]
[Move silently check: 20]

 

[Tellerian Hawke]

Billanverthorne Bets His Life On Burrai

Jabbar: Holds up his hand, calling for calm. "Let's hear a reason for this meeting before we decide if it's necessary or not?" He asks, looking to Burrai for an answer.

[Billanverthorne, Burrai: What do you do?]

Although Jabbar is looking to Burrai for an answer, it is Bill who responds: "Jabbar, if I may be so bold, and with all due respect, my gut tells me we can trust Burrai, the same way it told me that I could trust you and Avar. Judging by the way Kong and his men came at these two with such force, I'd say that someone wants to silence them, permanently. And in my experience, the people you want to avoid are the people who would stoop to using hired assassins. Conversely, the people you want on your side are usually the ones who are the assassins' target. We can trust him, I'd bet my life on it; in fact, after the pasting I just gave Kong, I have already done so. I'm sure he'll come looking for me. He'll want revenge on the one who flayed the skin from the top of his head, and nearly put his eye out." Bill smiles a becoming smile, glancing around to see everyone's reaction to his words.

~Ok, Burrai, the initiative is now yours. Say something that will prove your nobility and worthiness to Jabbar; I have opened the door for you, please don't make me look foolish by slamming it in my face.~

 

[narayan]

Aletia, Rhea

Despite this blasted inconvenience, Aletia maintained a calm demeanor as she was escorted over for the "meeting". A professional and successful lady it seemed, that bode well at least, but what the hell did she want? The young elf did her best to take note of the details during her approach, the fanciful sidearms and rubies... oh yes those lovely earrings! ~Ruby; firey and captivating, a certain sign of prosperity.~

As her visual appraisal of the "Lady of the House" ended, the scolding facial expressions and stern words began. Aletia's paper-thin mask began to slowly tear away. Her optimism, regardless of how "manufactured", fell to the floor in a heap at her feet. This blondie was upset about something, or definitely insecure in the presence of someone both new and young. Aletia was in no fine mood to cop a verbal beating from a local upstart, but before Aletia could develop an exit-strategy, the wound-up wench introduced herself...

~Burlock? This? No! Wait... yes... I serve in his honor, and will honor him so.~

She bowed deeply with respect, for just moments which felt like far longer, nodding her head low, thinking of what to do, before returning upright with face still hanging low in regret.

"Burlock... Lady Burlock? Please be assured that I meant no disrespect to you by failing to greet you so, and for whatever reason you scold me with those eyes, it is inconsequential to this pit of grief that I carry in my soul. Lady... Burlock..."

Aletia's eyes met with Burlock's again, a lonely tear trickling slowly down her cheek. Her cover was blown, the smile flattened, her heart raced. It was all becoming extremely uncomfortable.

"May... may I have the honor to talk in private with you my lady? I... I... was to accompany a mutual friend here, a dear friend, the kindest soul to ever have lived, the one who taught me who I am and much that I know. If this name means anything to you..."

She leaned in closer a moment, speaking softly with as much grace as she could muster.

"Vallio."

"He was seeking you dear Burlock, yet all I can offer you is myself, a pale light compared to my dear friend's shining spirit. I offer you my sorrow. My apologies for bearing dark news. The outright exhaustion with which I entered your Inn, I could not bare to face this truth without rest. I bring also an apology, for assuming that my room had been paid for by a helpful stranger earlier this night. A chance to share words with you is all I seek. I am Aletia Moonborn. With the words said and done, if my coin is all you find of interest, then we shall settle that now. Name the price for one eve on your premises and we will call it done, and I will promise never to set foot in your Inn, or your life, ever again."

A guilt trip.

~I only pretend to fear you. I only share this evening's air with you because it was Vallio's wish. I can only hope you redeem yourself and show that Vallio's faith in you was true.~

Her expression softens as she infers the dark news you speak of. She is pained... but not as much as you.

Rhea: "You are mistaken. It is my father Vallio befriended, not I..." She swallows "This news will go hard on him. I was going to ask you about Vallio's whereabouts since you brought his horse along with yours. I assumed he must be nearby, but there was a possibility you had stolen it and I intended to learn the truth..." She frowns. "...I apologize."

She pauses, eyes unfocused in thought. You get the impression she is pondering what to do, and only reluctantly asks the following.

"I must ask you to share this news with him as gently as you can. He is in poor health, but it would be impossible to keep such a thing secret."

[Aletia: What do you do?]

 

[97mg]

Aletia: Sharing the pain

Rhea: "You are mistaken. It is my father Vallio befriended, not I..." She swallows "This news will go hard on him. I was going to ask you about Vallio's whereabouts since you brought his horse along with yours. I assumed he must be nearby, but there was a possibility you had stolen it and I intended to learn the truth..." She frowns. "...I apologize."
She pauses, eyes unfocused in thought. You get the impression she is pondering what to do, and only reluctantly asks the following.
"I must ask you to share this news with him as gently as you can. He is in poor health, but it would be impossible to keep such a thing secret."
[Aletia: What do you do?]

So it wasn't entirely her place after all. Of course there would be more than one by the Burlock name. Aletia was somewhat relieved at the news. Vallio's trust and faith was held in another, older, wiser and less trumped-up soul, or so she hoped. None the less, her presumption and willingness to act before thinking left her feeling somewhat embarrassed. Yes, Aletia was bright and quick of mind, but her wisdom was somewhat lacking, and charm and a pretty face were never made to cut through situations such as this.

~There I go again, making a fool of myself. It's time to grow up Aletia. Snap out of it! Tis time for dignity and grace.~

The young elf softly sighed and returned a more friendly expression as Rhea spoke. She looked up to her attentively, absorbing each and every word, and finding some comfort within the facts. They knew Vallio's mount by sight. That indicated that these folk must have spent substantial time with him in years gone by.

Aletia gently took Rhea's hand into her own, giving it a soft comforting squeeze, a symbol of understanding and means not to cause ill.

"Dear Rhea Burlock, it is I who apologize for causing you such concern and for not making myself, and this news known to you earlier. I am also most sorry to hear of your father's suffering."

~Even the seemingly most perfect ruby encrusted lives carry dark weight.~

"I am honored that you would let me speak with him and softly deliver this news. Vallio brought us here, into your foreign lands to meet him, and to complete this wish is something I deeply desire to do..."

She squeezed the woman's hand a little again.

"... together... if you wish? Let me know when your kind father, friend of Vallio, is ready to receive me, and I promise to treat this with the respect it deserves."

[sblock="Aletia Character Details"]

ALETIA - Shining in the darkness Sheet: http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=725599 Level 4 Sorceress Init 3, HP Max: 22 Current: 22, Speed 30ft AC 14, Touch 13, Flat-footed 11, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2 Longbow +5 to hit / D8 damage (+1 point blank +1 with magic arrows) Longsword +2 to hit / D8 damage Familiar Crez (Tiny silver viper) Init 3, HP Max: 11 Current: 11, Speed 15ft AC 19, Fort 2, Ref 2, Will 4, Base Attack Bonus 2 Poisonous Bite +2 to hit / D1 damage (+poison) Abilities: Deliver touch spells, Alertness, Improved evasion, Spare spells, Empathic link

[/sblock]

 

[Hillsy7]

"Let's hear a reason for this meeting before we decide if it's necessary or not?"

"Jabbar, if I may be so bold, and with all due respect, my gut tells me we can trust Burrai, the same way it told me that I could trust you and Avar. Judging by the way Kong and his men came at these two with such force, I'd say that someone wants to silence them, permanently. And in my experience, the people you want to avoid are the people who would stoop to using hired assassins. Conversely, the people you want on your side are usually the ones who are the assassins' target. We can trust him, I'd bet my life on it; in fact, after the pasting I just gave Kong, I have already done so. I'm sure he'll come looking for me. He'll want revenge on the one who flayed the skin from the top of his head, and nearly put his eye out."

~So this is Jabbar~ Burrai thought, taking in the man. Despite the obvious signs of age, Burrai could see the strength still in his bones. Lean, like the sun had dried him out like tough leather. The scar was deep and long, not unlike his own, and Jabbar wore it with a similar acceptance. Yes, this was a man he could understand. As the elf finished his enthused endorsement of Burrai's character, he felt a smirk hitch up one side of his mouth. Youth: so brash and powerful.

"Reasonable arguments, lad." He said softly. "But try not to rely too much on the feelings in your guts - otherwise at some point, you'll be trying to stop a blade with them. But today isn't that day." He gave the elf a pat on the shoulder, as much in thanks for his arrows as his words.

Burrai made a show of looking around. "Jabbar. I don't know how much is safe to say out here, even though it appears clear. Elloral here has acquired an...artifact that is far darker than her pure noble soul should be carrying. This ambush our friend here was describing is the second attempt on our lives in a day, and Elloral is right that we've got enemies creeping out of every crack at the moment. I'm hoping you might be able to help us with a..." he considered the most prudent word to use that might dissemble should anyone overhear, but convey his need. "...an explanation as to it's origins and uses. So if you have somewhere we can do some private business, I'll pay a generous rate for your expertise."