"Is the perfume you want unique or what name should we be looking for... just so we get it right and you are pleased with our efforts?"
Zarbyn lets someone else take the bag of 500 gold coins while he focuses on finishing up eating the orange, he couldn't shake the sense that they would be leaving very soon to perform the two tasks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
The Serpent Queen slithers smoothly toward Zarbyn, her steps making no sound as her outfit seems to fluidly wave and ripple behind her.
"My, you are so thoughtful young man. I mussst ssssay I am impressssed." She smiles seductively.
"The perfume is called, 'Essensssse of the Veil.' It is ssaid that it was originally crafted by desert alchemistsss sssseeking to capture the essenccce of power itself-- a fragranccce that bendsss will and desssire alike."
She moves to the center of the chamber and again addresses the group.
"Please, finish both taskssss by thiss time tomorrow. Arrive early, and you pressssume. Arrive late....and you might offend."
Zarbyn bids the Serpent Queen farewell, "We shall return tomorrow at around the same time then."
After leaving (not only the building but grounds and estate itself) Zarbyn will summon Twiggy from her pocket dimension, use Gaze of Two Minds with her, and then have her become invisible. Zarbyn begins filling her in telepathically.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
(OOC: Dietrich Zuvember, alchemist is (G10: Garden district, close to the entrance to the garden and very nearby (5 minute walk). The House of Pain is located in the Temple district (T), across the catfish river (South west).The group has not been in that area yet. You will also need to secure lodging for the night and the Serpent Queen does not want to see you again until tomorrow)
Lira knows the following:
The House of Pain
The House of Pain is a shadowy establishment that caters to the cruel amusements of the wealthy and bored.
It is said to offer “less than death, but more than suffering,” and the clients are often nobles, guildmasters, or foreign dignitaries seeking to humiliate rivals.
The House of Pain has a large RED Door identifying it.
LEV
Lev has heard the following about the House of Pain
The house was founded by a renegade Dark Elf named Serethys Hookblade (This could be helpful in that Vydar is a dark elf)
Some says she still leads the House Personally, taking the most exquisite contracts herself.
Beggars, merchants, and dockworkers might receive an invitation to a game at the House (Think: Squid game). Most do not return after the game.
The City Guard ignores the house, and some say may even encourage it.
Once they’re outside the Serpent Queen’s lair, Lira exhales slowly, the tension easing from her shoulders only when the door shuts behind them. She glances at the heavy purse of gold, then toward the others, her expression grim. “The House of Pain...” she murmurs with a grimace, voice low enough to blend with the noise of the street. “It’s where the powerful go to break someone’s spirit without getting their own hands dirty.”
She adjusts the strap of her bag, the glint of Shareella’s amulet briefly catching the light. “Its red door is supposed to be easy enough to find, but what happens inside…isn’t meant to be seen. 'Less than death, but more than suffering' they say. At least we won't be party to a murder, but this will be closer than I'd like."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts |Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
Amdaeng shrugs, the Phraya Houses of Fang would do far worse to each other for far less and, looking around, she doubted that the nobles and merchants of Blacksand were any better.
" Can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.......kneecaps.......etc."
Zarbyn will have Twiggy (currently invisible) fly up 40 feet and follow from directly above Zarbyn to give him a bird's eye view of their surroundings.
"I'm having Twiggy scout from above, just as a precaution."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Knowing that the alchemist is closer and that arrangements with the House of Pain may take more time, the party heads south, crossing the catfish river on one of two bridges and enter the Temple District.
Like the Garden District, the Temple District rises above much of the city’s grime, its wide, paved streets surprisingly clean. The air here smells faintly of incense, candle smoke, and seawind — a strange blend of sanctity and decay.
Rows of stone temples line the avenues, each devoted to a different god or creed, their facades carved with weathered symbols of balance, justice, war, and the sea. The faithful move between them — sailors making offerings to destiny, beggars muttering prayers to fortune, and priests in tattered robes calling out their sermons to anyone who will listen.
Itinerant holy disciples shout prophecies from corners, wave relics above their heads, and promise redemption for a coin or two. The moment you glance their way, half a dozen voices rise — each claiming your attention, your faith, and your purse.
One catches your attention. A gaunt priest in frayed gray robes stands atop a broken fountain, his eyes wild and unfocused.
"The balance tilts! One by one, the stars disappear. Justice turns her face away, letting evil and frost creep into our hearts."
In addition to a number of temples including those to your deities and several to dedicated to sailors, you note: T1: City Courthouse, T15: Jumping Fish Tavern, T16: Jury's Alehouse, T14: Hog and Frog Inn.
Lira slows her pace, her gaze lingering on the gaunt priest as his cracked voice echoes off the temple stones. She says nothing for a long moment, only listening as the city’s noise dulls beneath his frantic sermon. The amulet at her throat gives a faint, cold pulse, whether from Shareella’s unseen presence or her own unease, she can’t tell.
“I’ve never put much stock in gods,”she murmurs finally, her voice quiet but firm. “Never seen them do much for the people who needed them most.” Her green eyes drift upward, toward the pale sliver of daylight filtered through drifting incense smoke.
She looks back toward the priest, then to the others. “Let’s find the alchemist quickly. The sooner we’re done here, the sooner we can get out from under this city’s shadow.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts |Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
A quick stop outside the temple of Logaan gets you directions to the infamous Red Door. (T4)
As you travel through the temple district, you hear a chorus of shouting, laughter, and the wet smack of something heavy hitting wood. Then, the smell follows: Brine, salt, and fish. You enter a large open area (The Fish Market).
The square is filled with rows of fish and sea food stalls, each piled high with glittering heaps of herring, eels, salmon and other interesting sea life dredged from the deep. Sailors and venders in tar-stained coats bellow orders and jokes, as they hurl great silver fish through the air from one to the next. Every successful catch draws cheers from the crowd as the fish reach the merchants stands.
One grizzled merchant wipes his hands on his apron and calls out, "Fresh from the Storm, Still twitchin', mind ye!"
A nearby boy is selling a crab the size of a small dog from a rain barrel. Sea gulls fly overhead, hoping to grab scraps of anything as they scream angrily at each other.
Pick pockets are aplenty in this area as are many watchful eyes.
Past the stalls, the alleys grow narrower and quieter, where perhaps fewer smiles linger.
Zarbyn places a hand on Lira's shoulder, "Steady, Lira. We're here now," nodding toward the red door that suddenly looms before them, "After we hire the House of Pain we can get the perfume for the Serpent Queen."
Speaking telepathically, Zarbyn will have Twiggy fly back down and hover about 5 feet behind him.
"The hard part is probably still to come... convincing Nicodemus to help."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Twiggy has a birds eye view of the area. It is very busy, with priests and religious rites occurring at most of the temples and shrines. Many sailors want blessings before they go on a journey or give thanks upon arriving safely.
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
Lev doesn’t relax as they leave the serpent’s lair, instead looking more tense once they are outside her walls. He can’t help but feel like it’s his fault they must complete two rather than just one task, but there’s not much he can do to change that.
“I don’t know much about the house of pain,” he says when Amdaeng asks about contacts. “Though I do know that the founder of the group is a dark elf by the name of Serethys Hookblade.” He gives Vydar a glance as he says this, likely wondering if their dark elf companion can give them some sort of edge in this upcoming interaction.
He keeps his head down as the priests shout their messages at them. He isn’t sure whether or not to actually believe any of these people are actually priests, considering where they are. Still, his amulet hangs heavy on his neck, and that weight seems to increase as the grey robed priest delivers his message to them. “And what is that supposed to mean?” He mutters irritably. “Evil and frost? Tch.” He shakes his head, “These things may creep in, but its mortals who let them take root.” His expression hardens, but softens again when he hears Lira’s response. His eyes drift downward, but he says nothing as he once more pulls his hood over his head. He’d never been much of a believer himself, and in spite of what he’d discovered about himself and the dream he’d had, he still isn’t sure how much faith to put into these so called gods.
He keeps his head down as they enter the fish market, staying at the back of the group to keep an eye on the rest of the group and watch out for pickpockets. He nods to Zarbyn, thinking the same thing about the wizard… who’s to say this whole trip wasn’t for naught. In the back of his mind, the words of the priest start to bother him for a reason aside from his initial reaction. Evil and frost? Why specifically choose the word frost? Could that have anything to do with Shareela? He pushes the thought aside, not wanting to get distracted from the task at hand.
"Is the perfume you want unique or what name should we be looking for... just so we get it right and you are pleased with our efforts?"
Zarbyn lets someone else take the bag of 500 gold coins while he focuses on finishing up eating the orange, he couldn't shake the sense that they would be leaving very soon to perform the two tasks.
The Serpent Queen slithers smoothly toward Zarbyn, her steps making no sound as her outfit seems to fluidly wave and ripple behind her.
"My, you are so thoughtful young man. I mussst ssssay I am impressssed." She smiles seductively.
"The perfume is called, 'Essensssse of the Veil.' It is ssaid that it was originally crafted by desert alchemistsss sssseeking to capture the essenccce of power itself-- a fragranccce that bendsss will and desssire alike."
She moves to the center of the chamber and again addresses the group.
"Please, finish both taskssss by thiss time tomorrow. Arrive early, and you pressssume. Arrive late....and you might offend."
Amdaeng put a hand on Liras arm and nodded to the Serpent Queen.
Lira glances at Amdaeng with a slight smile, nodding to the Queen politely as well. "We'll be here right on time."
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
Zarbyn bids the Serpent Queen farewell, "We shall return tomorrow at around the same time then."
After leaving (not only the building but grounds and estate itself) Zarbyn will summon Twiggy from her pocket dimension, use Gaze of Two Minds with her, and then have her become invisible. Zarbyn begins filling her in telepathically.
Once outside Amdaeng looked to those with links to Blacksand, " Do you have any contacts within the House of Pain?"
(OOC: Dietrich Zuvember, alchemist is (G10: Garden district, close to the entrance to the garden and very nearby (5 minute walk). The House of Pain is located in the Temple district (T), across the catfish river (South west).The group has not been in that area yet. You will also need to secure lodging for the night and the Serpent Queen does not want to see you again until tomorrow)
Lira knows the following:
The House of Pain
The House of Pain is a shadowy establishment that caters to the cruel amusements of the wealthy and bored.
It is said to offer “less than death, but more than suffering,” and the clients are often nobles, guildmasters, or foreign dignitaries seeking to humiliate rivals.
LEV
Lev has heard the following about the House of Pain
The house was founded by a renegade Dark Elf named Serethys Hookblade (This could be helpful in that Vydar is a dark elf)
Some says she still leads the House Personally, taking the most exquisite contracts herself.
Beggars, merchants, and dockworkers might receive an invitation to a game at the House (Think: Squid game). Most do not return after the game.
The City Guard ignores the house, and some say may even encourage it.
Once they’re outside the Serpent Queen’s lair, Lira exhales slowly, the tension easing from her shoulders only when the door shuts behind them. She glances at the heavy purse of gold, then toward the others, her expression grim. “The House of Pain...” she murmurs with a grimace, voice low enough to blend with the noise of the street. “It’s where the powerful go to break someone’s spirit without getting their own hands dirty.”
She adjusts the strap of her bag, the glint of Shareella’s amulet briefly catching the light. “Its red door is supposed to be easy enough to find, but what happens inside…isn’t meant to be seen. 'Less than death, but more than suffering' they say. At least we won't be party to a murder, but this will be closer than I'd like."
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
Amdaeng shrugs, the Phraya Houses of Fang would do far worse to each other for far less and, looking around, she doubted that the nobles and merchants of Blacksand were any better.
" Can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.......kneecaps.......etc."
" Red door. Lead on!"
Zarbyn will have Twiggy (currently invisible) fly up 40 feet and follow from directly above Zarbyn to give him a bird's eye view of their surroundings.
"I'm having Twiggy scout from above, just as a precaution."
Knowing that the alchemist is closer and that arrangements with the House of Pain may take more time, the party heads south, crossing the catfish river on one of two bridges and enter the Temple District.
Like the Garden District, the Temple District rises above much of the city’s grime, its wide, paved streets surprisingly clean. The air here smells faintly of incense, candle smoke, and seawind — a strange blend of sanctity and decay.
Rows of stone temples line the avenues, each devoted to a different god or creed, their facades carved with weathered symbols of balance, justice, war, and the sea. The faithful move between them — sailors making offerings to destiny, beggars muttering prayers to fortune, and priests in tattered robes calling out their sermons to anyone who will listen.
Itinerant holy disciples shout prophecies from corners, wave relics above their heads, and promise redemption for a coin or two. The moment you glance their way, half a dozen voices rise — each claiming your attention, your faith, and your purse.
One catches your attention. A gaunt priest in frayed gray robes stands atop a broken fountain, his eyes wild and unfocused.
"The balance tilts! One by one, the stars disappear. Justice turns her face away, letting evil and frost creep into our hearts."
In addition to a number of temples including those to your deities and several to dedicated to sailors, you note: T1: City Courthouse, T15: Jumping Fish Tavern, T16: Jury's Alehouse, T14: Hog and Frog Inn.
Lira slows her pace, her gaze lingering on the gaunt priest as his cracked voice echoes off the temple stones. She says nothing for a long moment, only listening as the city’s noise dulls beneath his frantic sermon. The amulet at her throat gives a faint, cold pulse, whether from Shareella’s unseen presence or her own unease, she can’t tell.
“I’ve never put much stock in gods,” she murmurs finally, her voice quiet but firm. “Never seen them do much for the people who needed them most.” Her green eyes drift upward, toward the pale sliver of daylight filtered through drifting incense smoke.
She looks back toward the priest, then to the others. “Let’s find the alchemist quickly. The sooner we’re done here, the sooner we can get out from under this city’s shadow.”
| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Kessintra - Drow Assassin Rogue - Curse of Strahd |
A quick stop outside the temple of Logaan gets you directions to the infamous Red Door. (T4)
As you travel through the temple district, you hear a chorus of shouting, laughter, and the wet smack of something heavy hitting wood. Then, the smell follows: Brine, salt, and fish. You enter a large open area (The Fish Market).
The square is filled with rows of fish and sea food stalls, each piled high with glittering heaps of herring, eels, salmon and other interesting sea life dredged from the deep. Sailors and venders in tar-stained coats bellow orders and jokes, as they hurl great silver fish through the air from one to the next. Every successful catch draws cheers from the crowd as the fish reach the merchants stands.
One grizzled merchant wipes his hands on his apron and calls out, "Fresh from the Storm, Still twitchin', mind ye!"
A nearby boy is selling a crab the size of a small dog from a rain barrel. Sea gulls fly overhead, hoping to grab scraps of anything as they scream angrily at each other.
Pick pockets are aplenty in this area as are many watchful eyes.
Past the stalls, the alleys grow narrower and quieter, where perhaps fewer smiles linger.
That is where the so called House of Pain awaits.
Zarbyn places a hand on Lira's shoulder, "Steady, Lira. We're here now," nodding toward the red door that suddenly looms before them, "After we hire the House of Pain we can get the perfume for the Serpent Queen."
Speaking telepathically, Zarbyn will have Twiggy fly back down and hover about 5 feet behind him.
"The hard part is probably still to come... convincing Nicodemus to help."
Twiggy has a birds eye view of the area. It is very busy, with priests and religious rites occurring at most of the temples and shrines. Many sailors want blessings before they go on a journey or give thanks upon arriving safely.
(Perception roll for Twiggy)
Twiggy's perception: 6
The Sea gulls are quite aggressive and Twiggy finds it difficult to stay up to far away from Zarbyn in this area, even though she is invisible.
Lev doesn’t relax as they leave the serpent’s lair, instead looking more tense once they are outside her walls. He can’t help but feel like it’s his fault they must complete two rather than just one task, but there’s not much he can do to change that.
“I don’t know much about the house of pain,” he says when Amdaeng asks about contacts. “Though I do know that the founder of the group is a dark elf by the name of Serethys Hookblade.” He gives Vydar a glance as he says this, likely wondering if their dark elf companion can give them some sort of edge in this upcoming interaction.
He keeps his head down as the priests shout their messages at them. He isn’t sure whether or not to actually believe any of these people are actually priests, considering where they are. Still, his amulet hangs heavy on his neck, and that weight seems to increase as the grey robed priest delivers his message to them. “And what is that supposed to mean?” He mutters irritably. “Evil and frost? Tch.” He shakes his head, “These things may creep in, but its mortals who let them take root.” His expression hardens, but softens again when he hears Lira’s response. His eyes drift downward, but he says nothing as he once more pulls his hood over his head. He’d never been much of a believer himself, and in spite of what he’d discovered about himself and the dream he’d had, he still isn’t sure how much faith to put into these so called gods.
He keeps his head down as they enter the fish market, staying at the back of the group to keep an eye on the rest of the group and watch out for pickpockets. He nods to Zarbyn, thinking the same thing about the wizard… who’s to say this whole trip wasn’t for naught.
In the back of his mind, the words of the priest start to bother him for a reason aside from his initial reaction. Evil and frost? Why specifically choose the word frost? Could that have anything to do with Shareela? He pushes the thought aside, not wanting to get distracted from the task at hand.
" Was there a special knock? Eh, I'll try first.", Amdaeng quipped heading towards the door.