Glyph eyes the group’s new surroundings, attempting to hide the derision that appears in his narrowing brow. He watches the revelers and the storefronts with an uncharacteristically cold expression. Having been in countless similar environments, he cannot help but note the disparities between the Royal Ward and the others. He wonders about the city’s poorest districts, for, despite the city’s glittering appearance, the half-elf was sure Anjara, like every other society on the map, hid its destitute behind the veil of wealth and stability. Perhaps Anjara was different. Perhaps he was wrong about this particular culture. Time would tell, though he’d never been mistaken to this point.
Snap out of it, Glyph.
The half-elf pastes a smile back onto his face. Despite retrying his typical countenance, the very perceptive would note some change after he entered the Royal Ward. Something in his eyes perhaps, or maybe in the somewhat perfunctory smile. There is a note of judgment, of restlessness, of a hunger that was not there before. He sighs, folding his hands neatly over Beatrix’s hilt. Noting the long wait, he decides to try another story.
“You know this reminds me of a story that I often hear back in Rexxentrum.” Though his fellow travelers have no doubt heard these words more times than they can count on their combined fingers, his tone is much different. Gone are the wild-yet-controlled hand gestures and overly-exaggerated exclamations.
“It happened long, long ago, in a far-off land, in a city of emeralds, gold, and silk. A young countess-to-be, a girl really, had been raised in the lap of luxury her entire childhood. She had what she thought was her heart’s desire, and she wanted for nothing. So accustomed to a life separated from the common people, she became a self-imposed prisoner. Then she met a boy. A sneak thief. He broke into the palace to steal . . . not riches, not jewels, not even gold. Food. Simple food. You see his family was starving, as the life of the common people floundered under the weight of aristocratic excess. Initially shocked by the boy’s presence, she became more shocked at the thought of people living in poverty and squalor.”
“Weeks passed, and she became friends with the boy, helping him obtain food and learning about the common folk. He even spirited her out of the palace one time. She quickly learned that her life was a farce, a soul-taking joke paid for on the backs of the poor. The two quickly bonded and fell in love. I could go on. In the end the boy was caught, sent to the dungeons, and most likely executed. Regardless, she never saw him again. Rumors abound about what happened to the girl—who refused to remain a silent songbird in a gilded cage—most suggest she fled, leaving her family and the palace behind. Others suggest the entire story was a convenient falsehood, and she was murdered to shore up the line of succession, for though she was the firstborn child, she was, to the great displeasure of her father, simply a girl.”
Glyph pauses, a momentary gleam of sadness in his eye, looking again at the overwhelming displays of wealth in the city surrounding. “What really happened is a mystery to most, though I often think of the girl, and wonder how many silent songbirds sit, locked in their gilded cages when I enter a place such as this."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
The group of bipedal beasts like humanoids pause enthralled by Glyph's tale. As his master is occupied the human man answers Jada in a low tone of voice.
"A party to celebrate the city's founding day. It's actually at the end of the week but some of the noble houses like to celebrate early, " he says his expression and tone underwhelmed by the whole endeavor but his spirits seem to lift in hearing Glyph's wild tale! "What brings your group to the city, " the attendant then asks Jada. "You..well al of you will find yourselves strangers amongst the city's natives but the tourist you will mingle well," he adds as if it's a compliment!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As they pass the gate a thought occurs to Ophelia. Perhaps there is another explanation for the absence of the house of Barakah-Set. Perhaps it is not that they have fallen out of favor. Perhaps the recent attacks have been targeting the house, and house Barakah-Set would make themselves a target by announcing their presence. Discreetly, she speaks to Jada and Firebrand. "Keep your eyes open, gentlemen. I worry danger may be afoot." She turns to speak to the human man. "Quite a gathering tonight. Every house is here: Nasser, Saeed, Magda, Rahim . . . wait. Am I missing one?"
Jada has a singular raised eyebrow as he was not sure if that was a compliment. "Well yes I suppose." says Jada. At Ophelia's warning he looks around for anything out of place. Then he whispers "We should get moving"
"I will certainly do my part to protect our company," Firebrand tells Ophelia. "Though with any luck, all the security measures in place around here will keep us as safe as everyone else."
Jada spots the two robes figures that were aloft now hooded and entering behind the party! They skirt the larger crowd then disappear down a side street as the revelers begin to move away.
"Good luck," the human attendant calls. " Strange city, " he adds gesturing around them as he and his group depart leaving the party on their own inside the walls of the Royal Ward.
"I just saw the royal guards that were tailing us go down that side street. I am not sure if they are following us, but I think we should quickly move on"says Jada with a tone of urgency. Once everyone is ready he will head out out for the house of Barakah-Set
Firebrand is surprised to find out that guards are tailing them again... this is starting to get annoying.
"Don't these people have anything better to do?"the dragonborn mutters under his breath, taking a discreet glancing over his shoulder. "Or did one of us commit a crime that I don't know about?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
As Firebrand speaks the party is approached by a figure in deep purple robes wearing a similar golden mask like Maitland. They however are taller with broad shoulders.
"Greetings and may the light of Aten shine upon you," the figure says with a similar accent to those native to the city of Me'at Halwa. The figure gives a deep bow. "What brings such...interesting people together let alone to the City of Mages I wonder," the figure asks. Thier voice is gender-less as is their figure beneath the fine purple fabric. Their masked face seems to stop at each of you in turn.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Recovering his usual gusto, Glyph smiles widely at the masked figure. His eyes narrow at the genderless quality of the voice, suddenly feeling some sort of familiarity with it, though he shrugs it off as coincidence. Quickly placing a hand on his hip and looking at the back of his hand, he pipes up: “You know, a bit of this, a bit of that. Sightseeing mostly. Lovely city, really truly a wonderful hub of culture and commerce! The wealth in this square is surely a sign of the health and strength of the Kingdom and of all its people!”
The half-elf’s cloak begins to billow in a slightly unnatural way as he praises the city and raises an eyebrow. “My dear, dear friend here asked a question to one of these, ahem, rowdy folk, but he seems to have missed the question in his revelry.” He places a hand gently on Ophelia’s shoulder, not breaking his eye contact with the masked figure. “She’s dead clever with history and politics and such, in truth, a real expert. As she very astutely pointed out, the sign of one of the noble houses seems to be missing, but, being tourists, we can’t quite seem to remember them all . . .”
He leaves the unspoken question hanging in the air, hoping this seemingly witty mask will pick up the hint.
(Glyph wants to roll an insight on this masked figure: 18
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
Jada curiously eyes the creature before him and does not shy away from their scrutiny. What is it with the gold mask and obscuring clothing. Is it some form of tradition or something else. So far most of the people I've seen do not cover their faces. Well lets see if they answers Glyph's question.
"Well since you have approached us, perhaps you can tell use who your are and why you are offering your services" says Jada skeptically. Hmm...I don't trust this creature. Does it intend harm or is it some spy for someone else.
Firebrand considers the stranger's offer... and pretty quickly concludes that they are probably somehow connected to Maitland. The dragonborn doesn't necessarily trust the being, but he doesn't really feel like the party has a lot of better options to get to where they're going.
"I for one think that following this individual would be our best course of action right now,"the Paladin tells the others hesitantly and in a whisper so as not to draw attention to others who are not privy to the conversation. "It seems likely to me that they are in some way familiar with our employer, based on their clothing choice."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
"Alright then. You seem trustworthy, so please guide us to the house of Barakah-Set."says Jada. He gestures for the guide to begin when ready. "I will be right behind you"
Ophelia regards the person with friendly skepticism. The presence of a mask like Maitland's reassures her, but she's been involved in enough family intrigues to have a healthy wariness around unfamiliar faces. "We would greatly appreciate your guidance. I don't believe we caught your name, mister . . . ?"
Glyph surmises that this new guide is more likely to be a help than a hindrance, and that, if worse comes to worse, the four companions could take care of them if necessary. He picks a bit of food out of his tooth, somehow making it look a bit more glamorous than it should, as he looks around at all the revelers.
“A guide would not be a bad idea,” he says quietly, but not stealthily, to the party. “Perhaps we should consider it a boon that we’ve got someone to lead us as we wend our way through wily wen.”
The half-elf ponders for a moment, before flashing a dashing smile at the masked figure. He maintains the smile as he employs his Psychic Whispers ability, creating a telepathic bond with Firebrand, Jada, and Ophelia.
Do not panic, it’s me, Glyph, the not-at-all-like-Glyph voice echoes in the party’s heads. The voice’s tone and cadence have a lyrical quality but resonate feminine and deep in the party’s minds.
Recall the time we all spoke to Moira aboard the Stargazer about her love of fairy cakes,he adds to validate his identity. I’ve invoked this power so we can speak freely without our new acquaintance meddling. If you wish me to hear a thought, I will. Though you cannot speak with each other, I’ll hear you and repeat what’s necessary. I’ll maintain the link until it is no longer needed. As to our current situation, I feel we can trust this person to lead us out of this quagmire of revelry, though I’m open to ideas.
His grin widens ever so slightly as he watches the masked figure.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
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Glyph eyes the group’s new surroundings, attempting to hide the derision that appears in his narrowing brow. He watches the revelers and the storefronts with an uncharacteristically cold expression. Having been in countless similar environments, he cannot help but note the disparities between the Royal Ward and the others. He wonders about the city’s poorest districts, for, despite the city’s glittering appearance, the half-elf was sure Anjara, like every other society on the map, hid its destitute behind the veil of wealth and stability. Perhaps Anjara was different. Perhaps he was wrong about this particular culture. Time would tell, though he’d never been mistaken to this point.
Snap out of it, Glyph.
The half-elf pastes a smile back onto his face. Despite retrying his typical countenance, the very perceptive would note some change after he entered the Royal Ward. Something in his eyes perhaps, or maybe in the somewhat perfunctory smile. There is a note of judgment, of restlessness, of a hunger that was not there before. He sighs, folding his hands neatly over Beatrix’s hilt. Noting the long wait, he decides to try another story.
“You know this reminds me of a story that I often hear back in Rexxentrum.” Though his fellow travelers have no doubt heard these words more times than they can count on their combined fingers, his tone is much different. Gone are the wild-yet-controlled hand gestures and overly-exaggerated exclamations.
“It happened long, long ago, in a far-off land, in a city of emeralds, gold, and silk. A young countess-to-be, a girl really, had been raised in the lap of luxury her entire childhood. She had what she thought was her heart’s desire, and she wanted for nothing. So accustomed to a life separated from the common people, she became a self-imposed prisoner. Then she met a boy. A sneak thief. He broke into the palace to steal . . . not riches, not jewels, not even gold. Food. Simple food. You see his family was starving, as the life of the common people floundered under the weight of aristocratic excess. Initially shocked by the boy’s presence, she became more shocked at the thought of people living in poverty and squalor.”
“Weeks passed, and she became friends with the boy, helping him obtain food and learning about the common folk. He even spirited her out of the palace one time. She quickly learned that her life was a farce, a soul-taking joke paid for on the backs of the poor. The two quickly bonded and fell in love. I could go on. In the end the boy was caught, sent to the dungeons, and most likely executed. Regardless, she never saw him again. Rumors abound about what happened to the girl—who refused to remain a silent songbird in a gilded cage—most suggest she fled, leaving her family and the palace behind. Others suggest the entire story was a convenient falsehood, and she was murdered to shore up the line of succession, for though she was the firstborn child, she was, to the great displeasure of her father, simply a girl.”
Glyph pauses, a momentary gleam of sadness in his eye, looking again at the overwhelming displays of wealth in the city surrounding. “What really happened is a mystery to most, though I often think of the girl, and wonder how many silent songbirds sit, locked in their gilded cages when I enter a place such as this."
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
Jada asks the human attendant who's about to speak when Glyph's story captures the attention of all the revelers ahead. They pause to listen.
Glyph make a performance check.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Glyph performance check + 1d8 for Psi-Bolstered Knack!
20 total rolled in game log (7+6 on the d20 + 7 for psi-bolstered knack)
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
The group of bipedal beasts like humanoids pause enthralled by Glyph's tale. As his master is occupied the human man answers Jada in a low tone of voice.
"A party to celebrate the city's founding day. It's actually at the end of the week but some of the noble houses like to celebrate early, " he says his expression and tone underwhelmed by the whole endeavor but his spirits seem to lift in hearing Glyph's wild tale! "What brings your group to the city, " the attendant then asks Jada. "You..well al of you will find yourselves strangers amongst the city's natives but the tourist you will mingle well," he adds as if it's a compliment!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
As they pass the gate a thought occurs to Ophelia. Perhaps there is another explanation for the absence of the house of Barakah-Set. Perhaps it is not that they have fallen out of favor. Perhaps the recent attacks have been targeting the house, and house Barakah-Set would make themselves a target by announcing their presence. Discreetly, she speaks to Jada and Firebrand. "Keep your eyes open, gentlemen. I worry danger may be afoot." She turns to speak to the human man. "Quite a gathering tonight. Every house is here: Nasser, Saeed, Magda, Rahim . . . wait. Am I missing one?"
Real Life Healbot
Jada has a singular raised eyebrow as he was not sure if that was a compliment. "Well yes I suppose." says Jada. At Ophelia's warning he looks around for anything out of place. Then he whispers "We should get moving"
Perception
24
"I will certainly do my part to protect our company," Firebrand tells Ophelia. "Though with any luck, all the security measures in place around here will keep us as safe as everyone else."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Jada spots the two robes figures that were aloft now hooded and entering behind the party! They skirt the larger crowd then disappear down a side street as the revelers begin to move away.
"Good luck," the human attendant calls. " Strange city, " he adds gesturing around them as he and his group depart leaving the party on their own inside the walls of the Royal Ward.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"I just saw the royal guards that were tailing us go down that side street. I am not sure if they are following us, but I think we should quickly move on" says Jada with a tone of urgency. Once everyone is ready he will head out out for the house of Barakah-Set
Firebrand is surprised to find out that guards are tailing them again... this is starting to get annoying.
"Don't these people have anything better to do?" the dragonborn mutters under his breath, taking a discreet glancing over his shoulder. "Or did one of us commit a crime that I don't know about?"
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
As Firebrand speaks the party is approached by a figure in deep purple robes wearing a similar golden mask like Maitland. They however are taller with broad shoulders.
"Greetings and may the light of Aten shine upon you," the figure says with a similar accent to those native to the city of Me'at Halwa. The figure gives a deep bow. "What brings such...interesting people together let alone to the City of Mages I wonder," the figure asks. Thier voice is gender-less as is their figure beneath the fine purple fabric. Their masked face seems to stop at each of you in turn.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
Recovering his usual gusto, Glyph smiles widely at the masked figure. His eyes narrow at the genderless quality of the voice, suddenly feeling some sort of familiarity with it, though he shrugs it off as coincidence. Quickly placing a hand on his hip and looking at the back of his hand, he pipes up: “You know, a bit of this, a bit of that. Sightseeing mostly. Lovely city, really truly a wonderful hub of culture and commerce! The wealth in this square is surely a sign of the health and strength of the Kingdom and of all its people!”
The half-elf’s cloak begins to billow in a slightly unnatural way as he praises the city and raises an eyebrow. “My dear, dear friend here asked a question to one of these, ahem, rowdy folk, but he seems to have missed the question in his revelry.” He places a hand gently on Ophelia’s shoulder, not breaking his eye contact with the masked figure. “She’s dead clever with history and politics and such, in truth, a real expert. As she very astutely pointed out, the sign of one of the noble houses seems to be missing, but, being tourists, we can’t quite seem to remember them all . . .”
He leaves the unspoken question hanging in the air, hoping this seemingly witty mask will pick up the hint.
(Glyph wants to roll an insight on this masked figure: 18
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
Jada curiously eyes the creature before him and does not shy away from their scrutiny. What is it with the gold mask and obscuring clothing. Is it some form of tradition or something else. So far most of the people I've seen do not cover their faces. Well lets see if they answers Glyph's question.
OOC Glyph gleans very little, the mask seems to block anything he might perceive and the figure stands confident, that's all he gathers.
The mask figure (who's not brandishing the kopesh FYI) gives a bow.
"Might I offer my services as a guide. For the Royal Ward is a maze and full of the unexpected," the gender-less voice adds.
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Well since you have approached us, perhaps you can tell use who your are and why you are offering your services" says Jada skeptically. Hmm...I don't trust this creature. Does it intend harm or is it some spy for someone else.
Insight Check
8 in game log
Firebrand considers the stranger's offer... and pretty quickly concludes that they are probably somehow connected to Maitland. The dragonborn doesn't necessarily trust the being, but he doesn't really feel like the party has a lot of better options to get to where they're going.
"I for one think that following this individual would be our best course of action right now," the Paladin tells the others hesitantly and in a whisper so as not to draw attention to others who are not privy to the conversation. "It seems likely to me that they are in some way familiar with our employer, based on their clothing choice."
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Jada this person looks like a professional. They offered to guide you in the city and seem totally capable of doing it!
Sometimes a Nat 1 tells a better story than a Nat 20 ever could.
"Alright then. You seem trustworthy, so please guide us to the house of Barakah-Set." says Jada. He gestures for the guide to begin when ready. "I will be right behind you"
Ophelia regards the person with friendly skepticism. The presence of a mask like Maitland's reassures her, but she's been involved in enough family intrigues to have a healthy wariness around unfamiliar faces. "We would greatly appreciate your guidance. I don't believe we caught your name, mister . . . ?"
Real Life Healbot
Glyph surmises that this new guide is more likely to be a help than a hindrance, and that, if worse comes to worse, the four companions could take care of them if necessary. He picks a bit of food out of his tooth, somehow making it look a bit more glamorous than it should, as he looks around at all the revelers.
“A guide would not be a bad idea,” he says quietly, but not stealthily, to the party. “Perhaps we should consider it a boon that we’ve got someone to lead us as we wend our way through wily wen.”
The half-elf ponders for a moment, before flashing a dashing smile at the masked figure. He maintains the smile as he employs his Psychic Whispers ability, creating a telepathic bond with Firebrand, Jada, and Ophelia.
Do not panic, it’s me, Glyph, the not-at-all-like-Glyph voice echoes in the party’s heads. The voice’s tone and cadence have a lyrical quality but resonate feminine and deep in the party’s minds.
Recall the time we all spoke to Moira aboard the Stargazer about her love of fairy cakes, he adds to validate his identity. I’ve invoked this power so we can speak freely without our new acquaintance meddling. If you wish me to hear a thought, I will. Though you cannot speak with each other, I’ll hear you and repeat what’s necessary. I’ll maintain the link until it is no longer needed. As to our current situation, I feel we can trust this person to lead us out of this quagmire of revelry, though I’m open to ideas.
His grin widens ever so slightly as he watches the masked figure.
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!