Tandriel looks at Moltaris and seems worried about her change of demenaor.
"I know just the place" she says "come..." she leads them downstairs and off the tower.
Just two streets down the tower she climb some stairs and opens the door of an establishment with a turtle shell upwards hanging over it.
The sound of music, laughs and conversation can be heard even before she opnes the door.
"Welcome to the Fallen Turtle!" Tandriel says, raising her voice so they can hear her over the now louder sounds of the tavern.
They enter and the scene could be better described as a party than a typical night in a tavern. Almost everywhere people chat, laugh, drink, eat, even dance and in one corner there is a very lively arm wrestling competition. All kind of patrons gather inside, but most of them seems to be sailors from the nearby docks.
Art by Jason Engle
They descend a small set of stairs and traverse the room towards the, seemingly only free table in the stablishment.
They all manage to sit around it, borrowing some free stools of nearby tables and order some drinks to one waitress as she passes by.
"You got it love!"she replies as she walks by, not even stopping so they wonder if they will get what they asked for or something entirely different.
"This is great!" says Shallan to Kyne's ear as they sit, obviously excited for the merry demeneaor of the place, specially after facing certain death just a few minutes ago.
Surprisingly for them, the waitress come back sooner than expected and with their drinks. She leaves as fast as she came, darting to attend other clients.
Kyne is right at home at the Fallen Turtle, although he watches Moltaris with concern. If half of what he thinks that he knows about Riedra is true, then their lives are only about to get more complicated.
Seb takes in the conversations and the meetings silently. She has no desire to draw attention to herself for now and her brother negotiates the thing they need without any intervention of her magic. Her failure in getting them onto the ship still shook her mind. These are no simple people easily brushed aside by simple tricks. The thought made her uncomfortable and Moltaris' warnings only deepened her unease. She shifts uncomfortably in her stool. "This is not a good place to concentrate. Good for what you need but altogether it makes my mind itch." Seb'riel's words are almost lost to the background cacophony. "Not a good place to make the impression that we are upstanding diplomats who will be respectful of their wishes though."
"I am sorry, Seb'riel. Truly I am. And we will be done quickly. I think you understand why. The others, not so much maybe." Moltaris takes a deep breath and grabs a bottle of wine. She gulps one swallow, then another.
"I am kalashtar. My people are blessed with connection to the Realm of Dreams."
Another swallow, then, "The Chosen, the rulers of Riedra, are creatures from the Realm of Nightmares... what we call the Dreaming Dark. They are powerful telepaths and - please don't hear this as an exaggeration but the simple truth - they dominate every creature in Riedra with their powers."
One more pull, then, "And they have a special place for kalashtar in the cesspit where their heart would be."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Seb nods sadly. "I understand, and I did not mean to weigh on you. It is just that I cannot think. But that is, I suppose the point. Importantly though, if we travel with them, how will we prevent ourselves from falling under their control?"
Hurosk sits there sipping his ale quietly listening. "Hmmm... Is this how you're able to speak in my head? Don't get me wrong. It's a handy talent, but still sends shivers up my spine." He gives the cleric a warm smile then takes a large drink from his mug. "So, is it only these 'Chosen' that can take over our minds?"
While Moltaris nods and brings herself up to answer his friend, Hurosk senses notices something.
In a nearby table there is a pair of individuals, a woman and a man, wich seems to be trying to overhear their conversation. With all that noise that would be impossible and reading them a little bit better he would say that they are not trying to pry, but to know when it's the best moment to interrupt them and talk to them.
The woman has the head shaved and wears a plain dark robe. The man wears a burgundry cloak and hat that conceals most of his features.
Kyne nods slowly as he listens to Moltaris's story.
"That aligns with what little I have heard of Riedra. The books that I have read called these Chosen the 'Inspired'. Mortal vessels for psionic creatures from another plane."
Hurosk less than subtlly clears his throat and gives Moltaris a nod to the pair apparently trying to listen in. "I think your precautions for wanting to have a private conversation here aren't enough," he says quietly leaning in towards the cleric
Hurosk less than subtlly clears his throat and gives Moltaris a nod to the pair apparently trying to listen in. "I think your precautions for wanting to have a private conversation here aren't enough," he says quietly leaning in towards the cleric
Molly cocks her head and eyes the eavesdropping pair. She sees a woman in Riedran dress and her eyes widen slightly - what the **** is a Riedran doing HERE? Thankfully, it isn't another kalashtar. Her companion seems to be paying more attention to the rest of the clientele, and seems like a kindred spirit -- a dangerous fellow who prefers not to be in the light, or in crowded situations like this.
In fact, his alertness catches the kalashtar cleric out! Their eyes meet and he gives her the slightest of nods. Molly's lips quirk in a tiny smirk, and she sighs and waves them over.
"I think we should talk to them," she murmurs to her group. "If nothing else, they'll go away and we can get back to our plans. But my gut says they have information we want."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
As if he was waiting for that cue, the man stands after whispering something to the woman.
She looks at them and stands, perhaps a little bit faster than normal, showing that she is anxious, but another whispered words of her companion seems to calm her down.
- Well met -says the man when they are finally in front of them - I am so sorry to disturb your evening and to jump to you in such manner, but we would like to discuss something to you, if you don't mind -he says offering the only vacant chair to the woman.
- Allow me, please, to get straight to the point. We know that you are the ones responsible of stopping the attack at the Lyrandar Tower today. We also know that you are invited to a dinner with the Riedran Ambassador and that you are in a unique position with the Lyrandars. -his tone is calm and he is just pointing facts. - We also recognize that you have a rare insight knowledge of Riedra - he says impliyng Moltaris - and that you want to go there. The reasons for that... We do not know, yet. -he adds with a smirk - Thing is, we think we can help you if you help her. -he puts a hand over the woman's shoulder and she gives the party a shy smile. - Before I continue. ¿Are you interested? -
Moltaris arches an eyebrow and looks to Seb. What do you think? she send telepathically.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Could be a test, or a trap. We could hand her in to generate some good will. Or we could trust them. I'm not sure how we could hide her along with us though.
Seb offers the slightest shrug as a response as she feels Moltaris's presence in her mind. If she resents the intrusion there is not sign of it.
Best to see how they think they could possibly help us, see if the reward is worth the risk.
With the nod from Moltaris the man motions his hand to the woman who start to speak with a strong riedran accent.
Imagine russian accent.
" My name is Miira "she starts " Riedra is home but it is like..." She mimics manacles around her wrists. “I farmer from Borutesh. Life was hard, but then I met Shiaali. Shiaali was special, she see through mind, into heart. Our Spirits, il-altas, watch with Thousand Eyes but they do not see.”the woman struggles with the words as she speaks the Riedran name for the spirits. “Shiaali says we cannot pair in Riedra. That the Path is not for us. So she sends me to city with towers. Here. To get help for her too. To be safe. So you go to Riedra, to Borutesh. You save my Shiaali. You bring her back here. She tell you everything about our people.”
The man nods and adds
"And you get safe passage there to pursuit your own business. I highly doubt that you will be safe " he says talking directly to the three elves of the group " there. They do not allow your kind into their borders. You don't want to hear what I've heard they do to the elves..."
"They kill all elves. They say they are demons. " says Miira.
" I think that you are invited to a private dinner with the ambassador. Be really careful in that encounter. I do not know why he would have suffer your presence but you are treading dangerous waters. "
Seb smiles and rolls her eyes dismissively. "And they feed on our flesh and life blood, filtering it through their evil bodies to give to the populace to make them a slave to adiction? No? Or they will keep us tortured for months until we crack under madness and betray our closest friends?" She shoots a nervous sideways glance at Kyne. "I suspect I have survived worse than they can offer to me, and if not, I should like to see the new tortures they have that are beyond my imagining. A test for the ages. If you cannot see why they would dain to meet with us, then you are clearly of less value than they are to us. For they see our value and why we would be worth meeting." She scowls. "Unless you can tell us what you could offer if we have already managed to get in, rescue your love, and escape with her. At that point it seems we have already achieved what you say you can do for us."
The woman seems to cower under Seb's words but the man looks at her with no signs of being impressed.
" You go with him. You never reach Riedra alive " says Miira, clearly frightened by Seb's boldness
"Maybe out of curiosity or because he wants something you got or know, but that are the reasons that... creature had invited you to dinner. Be warned. I agree with her that he will play you and you'll never get to Riedra. I will not hide that Miira's predicament has some interest for the right people, that's why we are trying to help her. We can provide you with cover identities and altering magic so you can go safely to Riedra. You will pose as archeologist that had been called to help Shiaali's Exalted in identifying a set of old ruins that had been uncovered near Borutesh. Thanks to the apparent efforts to open diplomatic relationship with Khorvaire, this has been arranged. You will have to explore by your own if you don't tread far from Borutesh. I guess that we can arrange a charter transport too? "he says looking at the Lyrandar's captain that is sharing the table with them.
"I guess that something could be arranged if that's what they want to do, yes..."she replies.
"Where is Borutesh relative to Dul Zerath?" Kyne interjects with open interest, tilting his head curiously as he swills drink about in his cup.
"It is true that your description of Riedra bears a close resemblance to the tales that I have heard," he continues, turning his attention on Miira with intense focus, "but we must go there. Now, I have some experience with oppressive governments and dictatorial regimes and, if I didn't know better, I would say that you, my friends, sound like the resistance. So, why don't you tell us a little more about that, hm?"
The elf's words are challenging, but the beaming smirk and the glint in his eyes tell a different story.
"Dul Zerath?"Miira asks, apparently surprised that Kyne even knows the name " The ruins are a few days north east from Borutesh. Across.. "she looks for a better word " In middle of swamps"
Then she looks confused. "Resistance?" it seems that she doesn't really understand, either the word or the concept.
"There is no resistance in Riedra Kyne"says the man "The only ones who defy the Chosen power are her people "he nods towards Moltaris " And they aren't inside Riedra proper. What we have here is just a couple in love wanting to be reunited and live their lives in freedom. " he smiles " Isn't true love worth enough?. Of course we could use the information we will obtain with this but, first things first right? "
Seb sighs and looks away, mumbling. "We know he's toying with us, but if he toys with us and lets us in, we can deal with what he throws. Kyne, if they don't talk straight, we can learn less from these people than the actual powers, even if they are hiding everything from us, they will give it away to my minds eye. Perhaps." She falls into a semi-trance state, calling upon the undying. She reaches into her pockets, pulling out the bag of dragon bones and dropping them onto the table. Her voice has become higher pitched and slower paced, calling out almost in song. "Let us divine the truth in what they are saying, who it is that can get us to what we need."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Tandriel looks at Moltaris and seems worried about her change of demenaor.
"I know just the place" she says "come..." she leads them downstairs and off the tower.
Just two streets down the tower she climb some stairs and opens the door of an establishment with a turtle shell upwards hanging over it.
The sound of music, laughs and conversation can be heard even before she opnes the door.
"Welcome to the Fallen Turtle!" Tandriel says, raising her voice so they can hear her over the now louder sounds of the tavern.
They enter and the scene could be better described as a party than a typical night in a tavern. Almost everywhere people chat, laugh, drink, eat, even dance and in one corner there is a very lively arm wrestling competition. All kind of patrons gather inside, but most of them seems to be sailors from the nearby docks.
Art by Jason Engle
They descend a small set of stairs and traverse the room towards the, seemingly only free table in the stablishment.
They all manage to sit around it, borrowing some free stools of nearby tables and order some drinks to one waitress as she passes by.
"You got it love!" she replies as she walks by, not even stopping so they wonder if they will get what they asked for or something entirely different.
"This is great!" says Shallan to Kyne's ear as they sit, obviously excited for the merry demeneaor of the place, specially after facing certain death just a few minutes ago.
Surprisingly for them, the waitress come back sooner than expected and with their drinks. She leaves as fast as she came, darting to attend other clients.
Tandriel smiles to Moltaris
"Crowded enough for you?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kyne is right at home at the Fallen Turtle, although he watches Moltaris with concern. If half of what he thinks that he knows about Riedra is true, then their lives are only about to get more complicated.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Seb takes in the conversations and the meetings silently. She has no desire to draw attention to herself for now and her brother negotiates the thing they need without any intervention of her magic. Her failure in getting them onto the ship still shook her mind. These are no simple people easily brushed aside by simple tricks. The thought made her uncomfortable and Moltaris' warnings only deepened her unease. She shifts uncomfortably in her stool. "This is not a good place to concentrate. Good for what you need but altogether it makes my mind itch." Seb'riel's words are almost lost to the background cacophony. "Not a good place to make the impression that we are upstanding diplomats who will be respectful of their wishes though."
"I am sorry, Seb'riel. Truly I am. And we will be done quickly. I think you understand why. The others, not so much maybe." Moltaris takes a deep breath and grabs a bottle of wine. She gulps one swallow, then another.
"I am kalashtar. My people are blessed with connection to the Realm of Dreams."
Another swallow, then, "The Chosen, the rulers of Riedra, are creatures from the Realm of Nightmares... what we call the Dreaming Dark. They are powerful telepaths and - please don't hear this as an exaggeration but the simple truth - they dominate every creature in Riedra with their powers."
One more pull, then, "And they have a special place for kalashtar in the cesspit where their heart would be."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Seb nods sadly. "I understand, and I did not mean to weigh on you. It is just that I cannot think. But that is, I suppose the point. Importantly though, if we travel with them, how will we prevent ourselves from falling under their control?"
Hurosk sits there sipping his ale quietly listening. "Hmmm... Is this how you're able to speak in my head? Don't get me wrong. It's a handy talent, but still sends shivers up my spine." He gives the cleric a warm smile then takes a large drink from his mug. "So, is it only these 'Chosen' that can take over our minds?"
While Moltaris nods and brings herself up to answer his friend, Hurosk senses notices something.
In a nearby table there is a pair of individuals, a woman and a man, wich seems to be trying to overhear their conversation. With all that noise that would be impossible and reading them a little bit better he would say that they are not trying to pry, but to know when it's the best moment to interrupt them and talk to them.
The woman has the head shaved and wears a plain dark robe. The man wears a burgundry cloak and hat that conceals most of his features.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kyne nods slowly as he listens to Moltaris's story.
"That aligns with what little I have heard of Riedra. The books that I have read called these Chosen the 'Inspired'. Mortal vessels for psionic creatures from another plane."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Hurosk less than subtlly clears his throat and gives Moltaris a nod to the pair apparently trying to listen in. "I think your precautions for wanting to have a private conversation here aren't enough," he says quietly leaning in towards the cleric
Molly cocks her head and eyes the eavesdropping pair. She sees a woman in Riedran dress and her eyes widen slightly - what the **** is a Riedran doing HERE? Thankfully, it isn't another kalashtar. Her companion seems to be paying more attention to the rest of the clientele, and seems like a kindred spirit -- a dangerous fellow who prefers not to be in the light, or in crowded situations like this.
In fact, his alertness catches the kalashtar cleric out! Their eyes meet and he gives her the slightest of nods. Molly's lips quirk in a tiny smirk, and she sighs and waves them over.
"I think we should talk to them," she murmurs to her group. "If nothing else, they'll go away and we can get back to our plans. But my gut says they have information we want."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
As if he was waiting for that cue, the man stands after whispering something to the woman.
She looks at them and stands, perhaps a little bit faster than normal, showing that she is anxious, but another whispered words of her companion seems to calm her down.
- Well met - says the man when they are finally in front of them - I am so sorry to disturb your evening and to jump to you in such manner, but we would like to discuss something to you, if you don't mind - he says offering the only vacant chair to the woman.
- Allow me, please, to get straight to the point. We know that you are the ones responsible of stopping the attack at the Lyrandar Tower today. We also know that you are invited to a dinner with the Riedran Ambassador and that you are in a unique position with the Lyrandars. - his tone is calm and he is just pointing facts. - We also recognize that you have a rare insight knowledge of Riedra - he says impliyng Moltaris - and that you want to go there. The reasons for that... We do not know, yet. - he adds with a smirk - Thing is, we think we can help you if you help her. - he puts a hand over the woman's shoulder and she gives the party a shy smile. - Before I continue. ¿Are you interested? -
PbP Character: A few ;)
Moltaris arches an eyebrow and looks to Seb. What do you think? she send telepathically.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Could be a test, or a trap. We could hand her in to generate some good will. Or we could trust them. I'm not sure how we could hide her along with us though.
Seb offers the slightest shrug as a response as she feels Moltaris's presence in her mind. If she resents the intrusion there is not sign of it.
Best to see how they think they could possibly help us, see if the reward is worth the risk.
With the nod from Moltaris the man motions his hand to the woman who start to speak with a strong riedran accent.
Imagine russian accent.
" My name is Miira " she starts " Riedra is home but it is like..." She mimics manacles around her wrists. “I farmer from Borutesh. Life was hard, but then I met Shiaali. Shiaali was special, she see through mind, into heart. Our Spirits, il-altas, watch with Thousand Eyes but they do not see.” the woman struggles with the words as she speaks the Riedran name for the spirits. “Shiaali says we cannot pair in Riedra. That the Path is not for us. So she sends me to city with towers. Here. To get help for her too. To be safe. So you go to Riedra, to Borutesh. You save my Shiaali. You bring her back here. She tell you everything about our people.”
The man nods and adds
"And you get safe passage there to pursuit your own business. I highly doubt that you will be safe " he says talking directly to the three elves of the group " there. They do not allow your kind into their borders. You don't want to hear what I've heard they do to the elves..."
"They kill all elves. They say they are demons. " says Miira.
" I think that you are invited to a private dinner with the ambassador. Be really careful in that encounter. I do not know why he would have suffer your presence but you are treading dangerous waters. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Seb smiles and rolls her eyes dismissively. "And they feed on our flesh and life blood, filtering it through their evil bodies to give to the populace to make them a slave to adiction? No? Or they will keep us tortured for months until we crack under madness and betray our closest friends?" She shoots a nervous sideways glance at Kyne. "I suspect I have survived worse than they can offer to me, and if not, I should like to see the new tortures they have that are beyond my imagining. A test for the ages. If you cannot see why they would dain to meet with us, then you are clearly of less value than they are to us. For they see our value and why we would be worth meeting." She scowls. "Unless you can tell us what you could offer if we have already managed to get in, rescue your love, and escape with her. At that point it seems we have already achieved what you say you can do for us."
The woman seems to cower under Seb's words but the man looks at her with no signs of being impressed.
" You go with him. You never reach Riedra alive " says Miira, clearly frightened by Seb's boldness
"Maybe out of curiosity or because he wants something you got or know, but that are the reasons that... creature had invited you to dinner. Be warned. I agree with her that he will play you and you'll never get to Riedra. I will not hide that Miira's predicament has some interest for the right people, that's why we are trying to help her. We can provide you with cover identities and altering magic so you can go safely to Riedra. You will pose as archeologist that had been called to help Shiaali's Exalted in identifying a set of old ruins that had been uncovered near Borutesh. Thanks to the apparent efforts to open diplomatic relationship with Khorvaire, this has been arranged. You will have to explore by your own if you don't tread far from Borutesh. I guess that we can arrange a charter transport too? " he says looking at the Lyrandar's captain that is sharing the table with them.
"I guess that something could be arranged if that's what they want to do, yes..." she replies.
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Where is Borutesh relative to Dul Zerath?" Kyne interjects with open interest, tilting his head curiously as he swills drink about in his cup.
"It is true that your description of Riedra bears a close resemblance to the tales that I have heard," he continues, turning his attention on Miira with intense focus, "but we must go there. Now, I have some experience with oppressive governments and dictatorial regimes and, if I didn't know better, I would say that you, my friends, sound like the resistance. So, why don't you tell us a little more about that, hm?"
The elf's words are challenging, but the beaming smirk and the glint in his eyes tell a different story.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"Dul Zerath?" Miira asks, apparently surprised that Kyne even knows the name " The ruins are a few days north east from Borutesh. Across.. " she looks for a better word " In middle of swamps"
Then she looks confused. "Resistance?" it seems that she doesn't really understand, either the word or the concept.
"There is no resistance in Riedra Kyne "says the man "The only ones who defy the Chosen power are her people " he nods towards Moltaris " And they aren't inside Riedra proper. What we have here is just a couple in love wanting to be reunited and live their lives in freedom. " he smiles " Isn't true love worth enough?. Of course we could use the information we will obtain with this but, first things first right? "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kyne sighs. Clearly this was going to be more difficult than he had hoped.
"Your fiancé. Shiali," he replies with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Who are her 'Exalted'?"
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Seb sighs and looks away, mumbling. "We know he's toying with us, but if he toys with us and lets us in, we can deal with what he throws. Kyne, if they don't talk straight, we can learn less from these people than the actual powers, even if they are hiding everything from us, they will give it away to my minds eye. Perhaps." She falls into a semi-trance state, calling upon the undying. She reaches into her pockets, pulling out the bag of dragon bones and dropping them onto the table. Her voice has become higher pitched and slower paced, calling out almost in song. "Let us divine the truth in what they are saying, who it is that can get us to what we need."