You give the tower a wide berth, heading in the direction that is probably east. As you progress, the forest grows deeper and deeper, until it shades out light.
To continue your progress adequately you will need perception, nature, ect. checks.
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
edited January 2012
Riishi follows in Shen's footsteps, trying to step lightly as the exuberant plants become denser. The thick canopy makes direction finding difficult, but the path remains clear to her forest-trained senses. Where has Cherka gone? she wonders. In this dim light, she'll never know unless Cherka wishes to be known.
AnialosCollies are love, Collies are life!Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered Userregular
The shady forest was as much home to Shen as any city ever could be. Never having been in this particular one made no matter, it was like visiting the house of a relative that always welcomed you with open arms. Breathing easy, Shen scans the path ahead, looking not only for enemies, but for anything the forest can tell him if he is quiet and listens.
Perception I'll take my passive 20. Nature=28 crit! the trees, they talk to me man. Stealth=25
Persecutus remains at the front of the group picking his way through the underbrush of the forest and listening to Shen's remarks on where the best paths are. He keeps his eyes open for any marks that might show anyone else passing through the forest.
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
Alise followed closely behind the others, looking this way and that as the forest darkened. The lack of light made it hard for her to pick anything out of the darkness, so she resigned herself to following along silently, trusting the senses of the others to get them through the forest.
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
Walking gives Riishi time to think, which isn't her favorite past time lately, and her eyes narrow as she focuses on Shen's pack before her. Dipping underneath a fallen tree, she passes Shen as he clambers over it and catches up with Persecutus, falling into step just behind him.
"That tower was bad news, huh?," she says softly. "Kinda spooky."
"True," Persecutus rumbles.
"So, how long have you traveled with Shen?"
Riishi's question draws Persecutus's gaze over to the shifter, pinpricks of red light shining out from his eyes in the shaded forest. His face gives no hint of any emotion lying underneath his gaze. He looks for just a moment before turning his attention back to the forest. When he speaks it is very matter-of-fact.
"I came upon Shen in the desert the day before we located you, Alise and the half-orc who has disappeared. I believe that would make it 3 days."
A few moments pass in slience, then he speaks again. This time his voice seems a little less heavy; more soft than his normal booming voice. It's the first time you've seen him sound or act almost...human...
"What brought you and Alise together on your quest?"
Illianthar on
0
Options
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
“Oh, it’s not really a quest, so much as… well, a quest, I guess,” Riishi answered ever so smoothly. “We met only recently when—” she caught herself. How much should I tell him? “When we both overnighted at a large gypsy camp, that was raided by Nk’barra. We survived and escaped together, and neither of us had been over the mountains, so,” and she punctuated this statement with a shrug of her small shoulders. “We thought maybe we could find help here for everyone that needs it back home.”
“Why do you walk with us? Are you working the same contract as Shen?”
"Why do you walk with us? Are you working the same contract as Shen?"
Persecutus shakes his head. "I know nothing of Shen's contract. I work for only one thing, the destruction of the nk'barra and all who support them. I travel with you and Alise because..."
His voice trails off at this point, and he stares off into the distance. His face contorts as if he's searching for an answer and conflicted about what he's finding. The seconds that pass feel like hours with only the footfalls of the companions breaking the oppressive silence. Finally he speaks again, "I travel with you only because arcane power will draw the nk'barra within the arc of my blade. They will come, and then I will destroy them."
The words seem forced through Persecutus's lips as if he knows that is what he's supposed to say, but he doesn't really believe it himself. No further explanation comes forth and Persecutus's eyes turn back to their surroundings, his face a mask completely devoid of emotion once more.
0
Options
AnialosCollies are love, Collies are life!Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered Userregular
Catching little snippets of the conversation in front of him Shen falls back beside Alise, matching her pace while just off the path. "So, it seems that gem is quite useful. Anything special about it? Or we can talk about you or me if you'd prefer." Shen shrugs, not wanting to force conversation, but it has been an awful long time since he had female companions.
0
Options
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
"...Let's keep it to the gem, Shen. As far as I know, the show of magic that got us here was a one-time deal - it was only possible because of the high concentration of magic in the area, multiplying the amount of energy you would normally be able to call upon...so unless we encounter a similar situation I wouldn't count on it." Alise paused for a few moments, reflecting. "In the end the most interesting thing about it is that it contains a fragment of the power of what was once a powerful being in this area, which in itself is no mean feat... I mean, how does something like that work in the first place? There are so many questions..." Seeing Shen's eyes start to glaze over, Alise switches topics. "The only thing between you and me right now is that we're on the same path and want to kill the same people. And I trust you well enough that I can sleep at night. I hope that's good enough for you," she says, tossing a wink his way.
Actually, Enthrexa, if you're around...now that I think about it, I don't really know much about this whole situation. How did this - you, the gems, getting tossed under the mountain - how did that all come to pass?[color] she asked. Alise was getting more used to having a conversation in her head, but it was still weird not really having anything in particular to look at when she was 'talking'.
0
Options
AnialosCollies are love, Collies are life!Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered Userregular
Blinking a couple times to clear the glaze of the deluge of information, Shen gives a wry smile. "Well, its good to know I'm not keeping you up at night." Only just a little more seriously he continues,"My benefactor really only gave me your description and a way to find you, what set you on this path? Perhaps it is a reason good enough to not even be paid for." It was only a matter of time till this particular contract was up after all.
0
Options
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
Alise was silent for a few moments before responding. "...Freedom. Ever since I was a child, I've had the nk'barra hunting me for what I can do. If there's a way to get the nk'barra out of the way...if there's a way for me to live where I want, how I want, without having to look over my shoulder every second expecting to die - then I want to do all I can to make it happen."
0
Options
AnialosCollies are love, Collies are life!Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered Userregular
"That, my friend, is the best reason of all. It is my honor to fight at your side. You can count on my aid past the term of this contract if you will have it." Ah, freedom. The most valuable thing in the world. That this young woman was willing to do so much for freedom makes Shen smile, and he cares not who sees it.
0
Options
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
Riishi decides she needs to capitalize on Persecutus' unusual sociability.
"You're dead, right? I mean, of course you're not dead dead, you're walking, but, like, you died?
"Are you cursed? Or a messenger of the Black Quill?
"Did the Nk'barra kill you? Is that why you hunt them now?"
Riishi's jaws audibly snap shut as she simultaneously realizes that she's chattering and that, just maybe, bouncing back from death might be a sensitive subject.
0
Options
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
Shen's smile was contagious, and Alise found herself grinning as well. Freedom for all...that would be the best outcome."Thanks...It'll be good to have you along for the ride," Alise responds. Looking around, she asks no one in particular, "So...are we going in circles? It all looks the same to me..."
Just as Alise says that, and before Persecutus has a chance to answer Riishi's questions, five figures almost seem to glide out into the path about thirty-five feet before you. They are tall and unlike anything you have ever seen before, with glowing green eyes, light skin and hair, and imperious expressions on their faces. They wear woodland greens and look like they are quite at home in the forest. They hold up notched bows and the one in front shouts, "Halt and state your business, by the order of the Emperor!"
Persecutus opens his mouth to respond to Riishi as they are interrupted. Turning his attention to the newcomers he immediately enters a defensive stance, reaching for his axe.
Riishi's words stay his hand and the revenant waits wordlessly to see the outcome of the exchange; his hand ready to draw his axe at a moment's notice.
0
Options
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
"Yes! I'm so glad this wasn't a dead end," Alise exclaims. Suddenly she notices the bows pointed in her face, and the questions that came with it. "We just want to meet your Emperor. Maybe have a chat with him, see if there's any way we can help him...and him us. Nothing harmful, we swear," she responds, smiling disarmingly at them. While she waited for their reply she just stared, noting their strange features. This was her first time seeing something like that, and she wondered how often other races managed to get this far as well. Remembering what little there was in the books, she guessed not often, not in these times anyways.
AnialosCollies are love, Collies are life!Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered Userregular
"Nothing harmful at all! See, hands are already where you can see them." Shen says with a perfectly straight face, his hands indeed where they can see them, but never not ready to draw and fire in an instant.
The fey in front cocks his head at the silly gibberish spouted by Riishi, but when Alise talks he takes notice. As she finishes he begins to laugh. "See the Emperor? You must be joking." He addresses Alise directly.
"Witch. How does someone like you travel in the company of one cursed by the Black? And the rest of your bodyguards. You allow them to speak?"
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
Cursed by the Black? Is he referring to Persecutus? Aloud, she responds somewhat haughtily, "But of course. Is there a problem with that? Many times they have valuable input...especially when my powers are inconvenient." She knew she should really try to be more polite about this, but honestly, what kind of world did these people live in? She needed more information. A question for a question... "But that aside, how did you learn the common tongue? My studies indicated that you would have your own language, and that your kind would have had little contact with ours for quite some time."
history and insight to find out what they mean about the cursed in black business and bodyguards: history = 15 insight = 21
"You are not from here, witch? I understand then that you would allow your bodyguards to speak for you, in case a word of magic escaped your lips. You are from the gray realms, where the cursed dragonfolk live."
"The common tongue which you speak is that which we use for trade with the reaches. Our lord has all border guards learn it. What brings you to our lands, witch?"
He smiles in approval of your haughty tone and you can tell he is sizing you up. His eyes unfocus for a second and then he assumes a little more reverential demeanor.
"Lady witch, I did not know that the gray realms could hold someone of your power. Why do you seek my lord?"
Your insight tells you that he just assessed your arcane signature and was very impressed.
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
Alise was surprised at his assessment. Did she really have that much talent? She supposed that she had never really had a good chance to develop it, fearing for her life and all. In the end she decided that it was just the presence of the gem that was throwing the guard off. She wasn't about to argue when she had the advantage, though. "If you can sense my...power, you can imagine the difficulties in my life. You know of the troubles we have where we come from. I want to eliminate the ones causing the problems, and restore a ruler more sympathetic towards people like me." She paused for a few moments, hoping her companions were okay with where she was going with this and the guards' attitude towards them. "Your lord seems like the one in the best position to help us towards that end," she concludes.
0
Options
AnialosCollies are love, Collies are life!Shadowbrook ColliesRegistered Userregular
Shen is all too happy to keep his yap shut and tries to look as much the part of a mindless bodygaurd as he can, given his normal dress and manner, this isn't too hard.
0
Options
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
Her welcome ignored, Riishi tried to catch up to what was happening.
Bodyguards? Alise a “witch”?
She decided to follow her friends’ leads. Seeing Shen strike an imposing stance with a stern face, Riishi leaned on her spearshaft with one fist on her hip, trying to look like a brute. She would have been appalled to know the overall effect was less intimidating than cutely theatrical.
A low growl akin to a beast protecting its pack escapes Persecutus's lips at the accusatory tone the fey uses when the conversation begins. The revenant tenses further, prepared to cut the disrespectful lout down.
He relaxes, however, once the fey's tone changes to one of respect. He remains ready for battle but not overtly aggressive, allowing Alise to respond.
The fey looks amused. "No one sees my lord. I could escort you towards the city, however. There you might be able to meet with a lord of the realm. An adviser, perhaps?
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
Alise frowned. At least they wouldn't have to wander around in the forest anymore, but...how much could they accomplish without meeting any of the important people? But at least they had a more concrete starting point. "An adviser is better than nothing, but I wonder how much bureaucracy there is to navigate through to get anything important done. In any case, it appears that we don't have many other options. Lead us to the city then."
The eladrin sets off towards the east again. His cronies follow you, blending into the background. People with lesser vision than you would probably not even see them. Meanwhile, the guy in charge introduces himself to Alise. His name is Kal and he was born in the Golden City. He doesn't really like his job much because there is so much of the Golden City that is impressive and enjoyable.
"What about you, witch? What set you on your path to learning the greatest art?"
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
edited February 2012
"Forgive my rudeness. I am Alise. As far as what set me on this path..." Alise's face turned grim. "As you are aware, those of us with the talent are killed as soon as they start showing signs. So growing up, 'greatest' is not exactly what I would have called this... If anything can be said to have set me on the path, it is survival." She smiled sadly and continued, "It may seem harsh to you, but that is how it is where we are from. I am fortunate to have found people sympathetic to the situation to help me."
"But enough of that. What exactly awaits us in the Golden City?"
mightyjongyo on
0
Options
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
Riishi walked with the group, apparently at ease, trailing a finger along a tree trunk or idly pulling leaves off a bush’s twig as she passed. But these unobtrusive marks would make an easily followed trail if they needed to return in a hurry. Pacing one of the borderguards who strode a few yards off the path, she stage-whispered, “You’re boss is kinda full of himself. Is he always like that?”
The eladrin just looked at Riishi with mild distaste and continued walking.
Meanwhile, up ahead, the fey in charge smiled at Alise. "You would not believe the wonders of the Golden City. For you, as someone who has not experienced the beauty and joy of using magic openly, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised."
Persecutus keeps pace with Alise and the leader of the fey, still wary of a double-cross and on his guard. He remains silent, listening to all that is being said around him.
0
Options
mightyjongyoSour CrrmEast Bay, CaliforniaRegistered Userregular
"I'll take your word for it until we get there," she replies. Without much else to say, Alise falls silent, enjoying the rest of the trip as much as she can while under the guards' watchful eyes.
It gets dark, and you keep walking. Eventually, you begin to see lights through the trees. And then the trees clear and across a wide plain where a river glistens like silver, snaking here and there, you see huge shining towers. Hovering above the towers are what look like stars. As you get closer, you see that they are balls of golden light dancing in the air all around the city. Smaller buildings spiral up in graceful curves, lit from within.
"The Golden City," breathes your guide. He smiles. "Is it not the most beautiful sight? And this is night, you will not believe it in the daytime."
He guides you over a bridge on the water and down a path. A huge shape looms up, then passes you. It is a beast you have never seen before, carrying a rider.
Your guide salutes the rider, then continues. You pass beautiful waterfalls that spill over floating gardens into the river. Air scented with flowers you have never smelled before wafts over you. All around, floating balls of light illuminate your path.
Your guide turns down a narrow path, walks up some steps onto a floating dais and waits for you to assemble. The two other guards step back. He touches something and you sense the same rushing motion as when the gem took you out of the cave. You look around, and you are in a lavishly furnished hall.
He speaks some words in elvish and a door opens. A tall man with piercing, glowing green eyes walks towards you. A huge dog, larger than a mastiff, walks slowly by his side.
"This is Talansi," says your guide. "He will house you for the night. He is also providing you with a guard and translator."
BhowSunny day, sweeping the clouds away.On my way to where the air is sweet.Registered Userregular
Entering the fabled city, Riishi is speechless and subdued, but her eyes shine brightly as they leap from sight to sight, and her nostrils flare, luxuriating in the new scents. She lets her mind quiet and stretches her senses for the spirits that guide her. What can they tell her of this place?
Riishi isn’t looking for a specific message, but more of an impression. Are the familiar primal nature spirits active here, or is this an entirely new sensation? Does she feel welcomed, or any foreboding? Nature: 1d20+1016
And while we're at it: Perception: 1d20+1017
You don't get a good sense of the primal spirits here. Perhaps they have built over them, perhaps something else is blocking them. You can still tap in to the primal force, but this is not a primal place, if that makes sense.
While you walk in, there are a very few eladrin and elves out, and they look at you with a little interest, but they don't seem completely shocked by your appearance. You really are too dazzled by the splendor to care too much.
Posts
To continue your progress adequately you will need perception, nature, ect. checks.
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
stealth: 1d20+8 = 17
"That tower was bad news, huh?," she says softly. "Kinda spooky."
"True," Persecutus rumbles.
"So, how long have you traveled with Shen?"
"I came upon Shen in the desert the day before we located you, Alise and the half-orc who has disappeared. I believe that would make it 3 days."
A few moments pass in slience, then he speaks again. This time his voice seems a little less heavy; more soft than his normal booming voice. It's the first time you've seen him sound or act almost...human...
"What brought you and Alise together on your quest?"
“Why do you walk with us? Are you working the same contract as Shen?”
"Everywhere I turn the nk'barra attack with impunity. The beasts must be put down, once and for all!"
Persecutus shakes his head. "I know nothing of Shen's contract. I work for only one thing, the destruction of the nk'barra and all who support them. I travel with you and Alise because..."
His voice trails off at this point, and he stares off into the distance. His face contorts as if he's searching for an answer and conflicted about what he's finding. The seconds that pass feel like hours with only the footfalls of the companions breaking the oppressive silence. Finally he speaks again, "I travel with you only because arcane power will draw the nk'barra within the arc of my blade. They will come, and then I will destroy them."
The words seem forced through Persecutus's lips as if he knows that is what he's supposed to say, but he doesn't really believe it himself. No further explanation comes forth and Persecutus's eyes turn back to their surroundings, his face a mask completely devoid of emotion once more.
Actually, Enthrexa, if you're around...now that I think about it, I don't really know much about this whole situation. How did this - you, the gems, getting tossed under the mountain - how did that all come to pass?[color] she asked. Alise was getting more used to having a conversation in her head, but it was still weird not really having anything in particular to look at when she was 'talking'.
"You're dead, right? I mean, of course you're not dead dead, you're walking, but, like, you died?
"Are you cursed? Or a messenger of the Black Quill?
"Did the Nk'barra kill you? Is that why you hunt them now?"
Riishi's jaws audibly snap shut as she simultaneously realizes that she's chattering and that, just maybe, bouncing back from death might be a sensitive subject.
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
"We found them," she happily observes to her companions.
"We're here--they're here!"
Riishi's words stay his hand and the revenant waits wordlessly to see the outcome of the exchange; his hand ready to draw his axe at a moment's notice.
"Witch. How does someone like you travel in the company of one cursed by the Black? And the rest of your bodyguards. You allow them to speak?"
To your surprise he speaks Common.
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
history = 15
insight = 21
"You are not from here, witch? I understand then that you would allow your bodyguards to speak for you, in case a word of magic escaped your lips. You are from the gray realms, where the cursed dragonfolk live."
"The common tongue which you speak is that which we use for trade with the reaches. Our lord has all border guards learn it. What brings you to our lands, witch?"
He smiles in approval of your haughty tone and you can tell he is sizing you up. His eyes unfocus for a second and then he assumes a little more reverential demeanor.
"Lady witch, I did not know that the gray realms could hold someone of your power. Why do you seek my lord?"
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
Bodyguards? Alise a “witch”?
She decided to follow her friends’ leads. Seeing Shen strike an imposing stance with a stern face, Riishi leaned on her spearshaft with one fist on her hip, trying to look like a brute. She would have been appalled to know the overall effect was less intimidating than cutely theatrical.
He relaxes, however, once the fey's tone changes to one of respect. He remains ready for battle but not overtly aggressive, allowing Alise to respond.
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
"What about you, witch? What set you on your path to learning the greatest art?"
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
"But enough of that. What exactly awaits us in the Golden City?"
Meanwhile, up ahead, the fey in charge smiled at Alise. "You would not believe the wonders of the Golden City. For you, as someone who has not experienced the beauty and joy of using magic openly, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised."
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
"The Golden City," breathes your guide. He smiles. "Is it not the most beautiful sight? And this is night, you will not believe it in the daytime."
He guides you over a bridge on the water and down a path. A huge shape looms up, then passes you. It is a beast you have never seen before, carrying a rider.
Your guide salutes the rider, then continues. You pass beautiful waterfalls that spill over floating gardens into the river. Air scented with flowers you have never smelled before wafts over you. All around, floating balls of light illuminate your path.
Your guide turns down a narrow path, walks up some steps onto a floating dais and waits for you to assemble. The two other guards step back. He touches something and you sense the same rushing motion as when the gem took you out of the cave. You look around, and you are in a lavishly furnished hall.
He speaks some words in elvish and a door opens. A tall man with piercing, glowing green eyes walks towards you. A huge dog, larger than a mastiff, walks slowly by his side.
"This is Talansi," says your guide. "He will house you for the night. He is also providing you with a guard and translator."
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus
And while we're at it: Perception: 1d20+10 17
While you walk in, there are a very few eladrin and elves out, and they look at you with a little interest, but they don't seem completely shocked by your appearance. You really are too dazzled by the splendor to care too much.
Zithra Melitch in Star Wars: An Empire's End
Jellica in In the Shadow of Zeus