(Luxaene would not have a mask. Soulmasks are only granted to spellcasters of significant talent - given you’re level 1, you wouldn’t quite have shown enough power to receive one.)
The Dragonborn bids the more Wilderness-looking folks a good day and reclines in his seat, throwing a questioning look mixed with suspiciousness towards Lazarus and his evident curiosity with the surroundings. He makes no hostile movements, though - simply observes.
A small, circular, well-kept, moat-like river divides the Morka into three; a stone walkway bridges the clear water as the party enters the second circle of the Morka. Here, mask-wearing individuals are more common - as are the stares the party receives upon entering. The change in atmosphere is startling: while the outer caste appeared welcoming and, at worst, indifferent upon noticing the Imperial appearance of Lazarus, most within whisper in hushes to each other before calmly avoiding the party’s movements. More identical huts line the spiderweb-like streets as the party moves towards the one designated as the residence where Juno is rumored to work.
Plastered above the evident shop’s entrance is a sign - SANKOVO TRINKETS, JEWELLERY, AND ENCHANTMENTS. Pushing through the front entrance requires rustling through a series of dried leaves suspended at the ceiling, creating a barrier from the outside world. The first thing that hits you is the strong scent of burning incense within this building - apparently the unifying factor between Imperium and Wilderling smithies is the difficulty breathing comes when in the stores. A small entryway with comfortable seating and furniture greets you. Behind a countertop is an assortment of jewellery, rings, piercings, and necklaces apparently held aloft midair - each item for sale seems to be rotating slowly as if being shown off at every angle so customers could see each item in full.
Even more strange, however, is the cluster of people inside. Apparently having a conversation which finished just before the party arrived is a tall, middle-aged, lavender-skinned Tiefling who carries a soulmask in one hand and wears a neutral expression. To his side is a dark-skinned human who matches the description of Juno. She appears to be mildly irritated, even if attempting to compose herself before the people before her. Her jaw strains as if she is restraining herself from commenting. She huffs and crosses both arms over silver armor which appears neither Imperium nor Wilderling in design.
Swiveling around is a singular man wearing purple-pink, elegant robes and carrying a staff with a glimmering crystal ball affixed to the top. On his face rests an especially ornate Soulmask - threaded silver mingles with the wood to carve sprawling tapestries of eyes and Morka symbolism on the wood. Piercing blue eyes shine through two slits meant to provide vision through the mask - he quickly seems to analyze the party, cease walking, and tap his staff as if expecting something. Juno’s evident annoyance turns to puzzlement as she switches her gaze to meet the party. The Tiefling simply watches neutrally.
DC10 History check - Morka members automatically know:
Judging by the man’s mask, this is Femor the Elder - the reigning spiritual leader of the Morka. He is known for being extremely keen and insightful - and also a very powerful Divinator. His word is ultimate and his actions are said not to be questioned, as he rules the entirety of the Morka tribe. He is additionally the one responsible for judging those who wish to ascent the Morka castes.
Also known is this; he is only a recent leader of the Morka. He took the position from his brother, Tumor, after a dispute concerning the relationship with the Morka and the Imperium. Tumor was radical in his hatred for the Imperium and its people to the point of organizing bands to slay Imperial troops. The Imperium considered Tumor akin to a terrorist in tactics and threatened to reinstate the war - Femor drove Tumor out of the city in a grand battle of the arcane and assumed rulership over the Morka in hopes of avoiding further conflict. Femor is known to be more peaceful than Tumor; forceful in negotiation and tactics, definitely, yet much more open to negotiation with the Imperium.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
History: 18
Lazarus recognizes Femor the Elder from his previous research on the Morka and immediately tenses. His face grows serious, dropping his awestruck expression from before. He does, however, take a brief glance at the floating jewelry to ascertain any potential magical properties.
Arcana: 15
As he listens to Ralnor speak to Juno, he inches closer to Femor, taking notice of the ornate Soulmask and staff. Lazarus remembers how his mentor, Mr. Demar, told tales of legendary spellcasters from his foreign home-land, yet this would be his first time meeting one in person. Knowing that being the sole Imperial would attract attention to him, he tries to remember the Morka conventions for greeting someone in such a high place.
Hush looks to Juno and telepathically says to her, "Old Grey, the man in the woods, sends his regards. We've come with word for you. Nothing sinister or ill-toward."
Lazarus can tell Femor expected the party to simply part and clear the way for Femor to walk through the door. Beyond what he can tell, he ascertains the Morka are meant to defer utterly and entirely to the reigning elder. Those in the lower castes are expected to constantly be aware of the elder's mood, anticipate the elder's requests, and recognize subtle gestures of hands, head, and body language which indicate given commands. Regarding the trinkets? The best Lazarus can ascertain without directly contacting or coming closer to the trinkets are they are meant to aid in channeling magical energy - advanced foci come to mind.
Femor's gaze lingers on the party as their initial reactions to the store's tense interior become known. A moment passes - the tiefling makes a motion to speak before Femor raises a wrinkled fist to silence him, skin wrinkled and aged. Any with a passive Insight of 14 or higher recognizes Femor to be somewhat surprised at the party's arrival. His hand withdraws beyond his pink-purple robes as he leans forward on his staff. "There is little I do not expect," he muses, masked eyes slowly sweeping over the party. "I did not forsee your arrival so quickly. Dark ones - why have you come here?"
The tiefling remains indifferent and fights the urge to yawn, although a twinkle of interest appears in his eyes at Femor's words. It's customary to remove Soulmasks when speaking to those in higher positions - as such, now his conversation with Femor has concluded, the tiefling places a mask over his expression.
Juno, on the other hand, furrows her brow as she is addressed - both verbally and mentally. Her face shifts in confusion - her mouth snaps open to speak before she lays eyes on Femor and recognizes it might not be the best time to speak. She locks eyes with Hush and nods.
Femor’s eyes swivel towards Holden as he quiets for another moment. He resumes speaking in his ancient, weathered voice which is reminiscent of one who has seen too much in their fair share of time. “Hush. That is your name - am I wrong? I happened upon a vision which startled me, and I connected it with a prophecy I obtained through other means.” He thoughtfully taps his staff. “It is rare for me to accept the presence of magically dry outsiders within the inner circle of the Morka. However, I extend an invitation to an audience within the temple whenever suits you best.”
"Magically dry..." Hush snorts in contempt. "I for one am not all that interested in what this shrivelled up old supremist thinks of us, or has to say," Hush says telepathically to the minds of his travelling friends, though keeps his eyes squarely on Femor and his jaw firmly set.
Whether or not Femor registered the party's reactions to the clear favor Femor shows towards those who wield magic is difficult to tell - after all, only a small portion of his eyes is visible beneath his mask. His eyes linger on Ralnor curiously as his rather humorous gesture is met with an utter lack of reaction on Femor's part. Either way, Femor calmly nods his head and begins striding out towards the street. Most wanderers halt in respect. "All of you. Whenever convenient," he simply calls before striding away towards the looming Morka temple.
The Tiefling - you can reasonably tell he's the primary enchanter of this shop - turns around without a word and disappears into a doorway leading from the main shop. Juno unleashes a half-snort, half-sigh as she stands and makes her way to the counter. "Hey. A warm welcome to the Morka, am I right?" she calls, resting her chin on her fists as she places her elbows on the counter. "I am Juno, though you probably already knew that. You said you had something for me? You're clearly not from around here," she continues, gesturing to where Femor exited and rolling her eyes. She finally decides to smile. "Not like that's a bad thing, but who am I to care? Oh, that telepathy thing is pretty neat," she nods to Hush. "Anyways - I'm obligated to advertise our wares. Enchantments, trinkets, and all the magical stuff I came here to learn to make and have ended up vending instead."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hush nods and leans against a wall, looking around the room more now that the initial encounter is over, looking for anything that looks valuable or important (Perception: 23).
Holden stands quietly in the corner, and although seems less deferent than when Femor was in the room, he still appears to have no want/intention to speak.
Luxaene retains her manners, especially in the presence of so esteemed and regardless where he stands. She gives a nod of approval at the Elder's request, and bows gently as he passes... avoiding his gaze a lot of the time.
A slow sigh is exhaled as he leaves, and is appreciating of company to occupy her mind for now, "I share the curiosity of my companion; how did you establish yourself here... considering your capabilities."
Hush sees around the same amount as Lazarus - various trinkets, necklaces, rings, and all sorts of magical items lie suspended midair along one wall, slowly rotating as if on display. A hanger of silken coats - some emblazoned with eyes, others stars and cosmic imagery, others simply and plain. Notably, no labels or methods of identification for each item can be seen - apparently it is expected any who browse the aisles to identify the items themselves, through likely magical means.
Juno rolls her eyes as Ralnor speaks, though her ire isn't intended towards the party. She flips on a pair of glasses and brings a watch-like mechanism to the main counter. Juno begins to fiddle with the mechanisms, swearing under her breath at times. "They've taught me something. Taught me how to learn for myself, I guess - look, I've just been observing the owner of this shop work. I haven't gotten much chance to practice myself." She smiles and indicates the item she's working on. "It's not too bad. Not too busy. I can tell why. As for how I got here? Well, I just found a Morka working in the Zavas, expressed my curiosity and magical talents, and boom - I met a Morka representative and showed him what I could do. He reluctantly accepted I had talent and...here I am." She gestures around. "I'm more trained in the mundane form of artifice. These people claim they have no need for generic metalworking - magic solves everything, apparently." She winks. "You'll be surprised how people manage here without cutlery...I guess they shun 'Imperial' inventions at all cost." As the party expresses their reason for being here, she lights up with genuine joy. "Ah! Miko. Good to hear from her. I've been trying to inscribe this watch here with the Sending spell - it should be ready soon. I'll give her a call. Thanks for checking in on me, though! She's very concerned about me at times. Oh, well."
(Further questioning of Juno reveals the items to each contain the ability to cast one first-level spell from the Wizard or Sorcerer spell list once per day, costing 50 gold each to purchase. One of each item for each spell exists.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hush pushes off the wall as the others talk, wandering around the room. He stops occasionally to look at the suspended items and slyly tries to get one of the rings without being noticed (Sleight of Hand: 17).
Luxaenelooks around, she attempts to keep a neutral face but it slightly shifts to disdain. Retaining manners, Luxaene bids Juno farewell and good luck, while telling the others she is to wait outside...
Luxaene turns to Ralnor, greeting him politely, "You speak of this Hush, and his sly fingers?"She shakes her head, "we are comrades but not friends. if he think it is wise to test the scorn of a wonderous city, let him try - I will not vouch for his innocence."
"What about you? Is that your usual method of acquiring attractive objects?"She asks with a tone of humour.
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(Luxaene would not have a mask. Soulmasks are only granted to spellcasters of significant talent - given you’re level 1, you wouldn’t quite have shown enough power to receive one.)
The Dragonborn bids the more Wilderness-looking folks a good day and reclines in his seat, throwing a questioning look mixed with suspiciousness towards Lazarus and his evident curiosity with the surroundings. He makes no hostile movements, though - simply observes.
A small, circular, well-kept, moat-like river divides the Morka into three; a stone walkway bridges the clear water as the party enters the second circle of the Morka. Here, mask-wearing individuals are more common - as are the stares the party receives upon entering. The change in atmosphere is startling: while the outer caste appeared welcoming and, at worst, indifferent upon noticing the Imperial appearance of Lazarus, most within whisper in hushes to each other before calmly avoiding the party’s movements. More identical huts line the spiderweb-like streets as the party moves towards the one designated as the residence where Juno is rumored to work.
Plastered above the evident shop’s entrance is a sign - SANKOVO TRINKETS, JEWELLERY, AND ENCHANTMENTS. Pushing through the front entrance requires rustling through a series of dried leaves suspended at the ceiling, creating a barrier from the outside world. The first thing that hits you is the strong scent of burning incense within this building - apparently the unifying factor between Imperium and Wilderling smithies is the difficulty breathing comes when in the stores. A small entryway with comfortable seating and furniture greets you. Behind a countertop is an assortment of jewellery, rings, piercings, and necklaces apparently held aloft midair - each item for sale seems to be rotating slowly as if being shown off at every angle so customers could see each item in full.
Even more strange, however, is the cluster of people inside. Apparently having a conversation which finished just before the party arrived is a tall, middle-aged, lavender-skinned Tiefling who carries a soulmask in one hand and wears a neutral expression. To his side is a dark-skinned human who matches the description of Juno. She appears to be mildly irritated, even if attempting to compose herself before the people before her. Her jaw strains as if she is restraining herself from commenting. She huffs and crosses both arms over silver armor which appears neither Imperium nor Wilderling in design.
Swiveling around is a singular man wearing purple-pink, elegant robes and carrying a staff with a glimmering crystal ball affixed to the top. On his face rests an especially ornate Soulmask - threaded silver mingles with the wood to carve sprawling tapestries of eyes and Morka symbolism on the wood. Piercing blue eyes shine through two slits meant to provide vision through the mask - he quickly seems to analyze the party, cease walking, and tap his staff as if expecting something. Juno’s evident annoyance turns to puzzlement as she switches her gaze to meet the party. The Tiefling simply watches neutrally.
DC10 History check - Morka members automatically know:
Judging by the man’s mask, this is Femor the Elder - the reigning spiritual leader of the Morka. He is known for being extremely keen and insightful - and also a very powerful Divinator. His word is ultimate and his actions are said not to be questioned, as he rules the entirety of the Morka tribe. He is additionally the one responsible for judging those who wish to ascent the Morka castes.
Also known is this; he is only a recent leader of the Morka. He took the position from his brother, Tumor, after a dispute concerning the relationship with the Morka and the Imperium. Tumor was radical in his hatred for the Imperium and its people to the point of organizing bands to slay Imperial troops. The Imperium considered Tumor akin to a terrorist in tactics and threatened to reinstate the war - Femor drove Tumor out of the city in a grand battle of the arcane and assumed rulership over the Morka in hopes of avoiding further conflict. Femor is known to be more peaceful than Tumor; forceful in negotiation and tactics, definitely, yet much more open to negotiation with the Imperium.
Ralnor enters the shop with the others and takes in the group they find within.
(History Check: 5 )
He gives the trio a short stiff bow then turns to Juno.
"You are Juno, yes?" Ralnor asks. "If Juno you are, we have something for you."
History: 18
Lazarus recognizes Femor the Elder from his previous research on the Morka and immediately tenses. His face grows serious, dropping his awestruck expression from before. He does, however, take a brief glance at the floating jewelry to ascertain any potential magical properties.
Arcana: 15
As he listens to Ralnor speak to Juno, he inches closer to Femor, taking notice of the ornate Soulmask and staff. Lazarus remembers how his mentor, Mr. Demar, told tales of legendary spellcasters from his foreign home-land, yet this would be his first time meeting one in person. Knowing that being the sole Imperial would attract attention to him, he tries to remember the Morka conventions for greeting someone in such a high place.
History: 19
DMing:
Solo Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Playing:
Baral- Coliseum of Conquest, Lazarus Vernon- Tale of Mercenaries; Bernard Lionsbane- Solo Curse of Strahd
Holden gives a small bow to Femor before standing quietly towards the back of the room, allowing the others to do the talking.
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Hush looks to Juno and telepathically says to her, "Old Grey, the man in the woods, sends his regards. We've come with word for you. Nothing sinister or ill-toward."
Lazarus can tell Femor expected the party to simply part and clear the way for Femor to walk through the door. Beyond what he can tell, he ascertains the Morka are meant to defer utterly and entirely to the reigning elder. Those in the lower castes are expected to constantly be aware of the elder's mood, anticipate the elder's requests, and recognize subtle gestures of hands, head, and body language which indicate given commands. Regarding the trinkets? The best Lazarus can ascertain without directly contacting or coming closer to the trinkets are they are meant to aid in channeling magical energy - advanced foci come to mind.
Femor's gaze lingers on the party as their initial reactions to the store's tense interior become known. A moment passes - the tiefling makes a motion to speak before Femor raises a wrinkled fist to silence him, skin wrinkled and aged. Any with a passive Insight of 14 or higher recognizes Femor to be somewhat surprised at the party's arrival. His hand withdraws beyond his pink-purple robes as he leans forward on his staff. "There is little I do not expect," he muses, masked eyes slowly sweeping over the party. "I did not forsee your arrival so quickly. Dark ones - why have you come here?"
The tiefling remains indifferent and fights the urge to yawn, although a twinkle of interest appears in his eyes at Femor's words. It's customary to remove Soulmasks when speaking to those in higher positions - as such, now his conversation with Femor has concluded, the tiefling places a mask over his expression.
Juno, on the other hand, furrows her brow as she is addressed - both verbally and mentally. Her face shifts in confusion - her mouth snaps open to speak before she lays eyes on Femor and recognizes it might not be the best time to speak. She locks eyes with Hush and nods.
"Dark ones?" Hush says out loud. "Why do you call us that?"
Femor’s eyes swivel towards Holden as he quiets for another moment. He resumes speaking in his ancient, weathered voice which is reminiscent of one who has seen too much in their fair share of time. “Hush. That is your name - am I wrong? I happened upon a vision which startled me, and I connected it with a prophecy I obtained through other means.” He thoughtfully taps his staff. “It is rare for me to accept the presence of magically dry outsiders within the inner circle of the Morka. However, I extend an invitation to an audience within the temple whenever suits you best.”
"Magically dry..." Hush snorts in contempt. "I for one am not all that interested in what this shrivelled up old supremist thinks of us, or has to say," Hush says telepathically to the minds of his travelling friends, though keeps his eyes squarely on Femor and his jaw firmly set.
Ralnor looks from Hush to Femor.
"It is true. Magic I do not have," Ralnor says. "You are magically wet, then? See you all of us or just Hush?"
Whether or not Femor registered the party's reactions to the clear favor Femor shows towards those who wield magic is difficult to tell - after all, only a small portion of his eyes is visible beneath his mask. His eyes linger on Ralnor curiously as his rather humorous gesture is met with an utter lack of reaction on Femor's part. Either way, Femor calmly nods his head and begins striding out towards the street. Most wanderers halt in respect. "All of you. Whenever convenient," he simply calls before striding away towards the looming Morka temple.
The Tiefling - you can reasonably tell he's the primary enchanter of this shop - turns around without a word and disappears into a doorway leading from the main shop. Juno unleashes a half-snort, half-sigh as she stands and makes her way to the counter. "Hey. A warm welcome to the Morka, am I right?" she calls, resting her chin on her fists as she places her elbows on the counter. "I am Juno, though you probably already knew that. You said you had something for me? You're clearly not from around here," she continues, gesturing to where Femor exited and rolling her eyes. She finally decides to smile. "Not like that's a bad thing, but who am I to care? Oh, that telepathy thing is pretty neat," she nods to Hush. "Anyways - I'm obligated to advertise our wares. Enchantments, trinkets, and all the magical stuff I came here to learn to make and have ended up vending instead."
Hush nods and leans against a wall, looking around the room more now that the initial encounter is over, looking for anything that looks valuable or important (Perception: 23).
"He is imperious," Ralnor says as he watches Femor leave. "He will have enemies."
Ralnor, not being with the group when they got the message, defers to the others in telling Juno what they have for her.
To be polite, he looks at the goods Juno is showcasing and describing.
"Have they not taught you any of there magic then?" Ralnor asks. "You are in this inner circle, so there has been some acceptance, no?"
Holden stands quietly in the corner, and although seems less deferent than when Femor was in the room, he still appears to have no want/intention to speak.
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Luxaene retains her manners, especially in the presence of so esteemed and regardless where he stands. She gives a nod of approval at the Elder's request, and bows gently as he passes... avoiding his gaze a lot of the time.
A slow sigh is exhaled as he leaves, and is appreciating of company to occupy her mind for now, "I share the curiosity of my companion; how did you establish yourself here... considering your capabilities."
Hush sees around the same amount as Lazarus - various trinkets, necklaces, rings, and all sorts of magical items lie suspended midair along one wall, slowly rotating as if on display. A hanger of silken coats - some emblazoned with eyes, others stars and cosmic imagery, others simply and plain. Notably, no labels or methods of identification for each item can be seen - apparently it is expected any who browse the aisles to identify the items themselves, through likely magical means.
Juno rolls her eyes as Ralnor speaks, though her ire isn't intended towards the party. She flips on a pair of glasses and brings a watch-like mechanism to the main counter. Juno begins to fiddle with the mechanisms, swearing under her breath at times. "They've taught me something. Taught me how to learn for myself, I guess - look, I've just been observing the owner of this shop work. I haven't gotten much chance to practice myself." She smiles and indicates the item she's working on. "It's not too bad. Not too busy. I can tell why. As for how I got here? Well, I just found a Morka working in the Zavas, expressed my curiosity and magical talents, and boom - I met a Morka representative and showed him what I could do. He reluctantly accepted I had talent and...here I am." She gestures around. "I'm more trained in the mundane form of artifice. These people claim they have no need for generic metalworking - magic solves everything, apparently." She winks. "You'll be surprised how people manage here without cutlery...I guess they shun 'Imperial' inventions at all cost." As the party expresses their reason for being here, she lights up with genuine joy. "Ah! Miko. Good to hear from her. I've been trying to inscribe this watch here with the Sending spell - it should be ready soon. I'll give her a call. Thanks for checking in on me, though! She's very concerned about me at times. Oh, well."
(Further questioning of Juno reveals the items to each contain the ability to cast one first-level spell from the Wizard or Sorcerer spell list once per day, costing 50 gold each to purchase. One of each item for each spell exists.)
Hush pushes off the wall as the others talk, wandering around the room. He stops occasionally to look at the suspended items and slyly tries to get one of the rings without being noticed (Sleight of Hand: 17).
Luxaene looks around, she attempts to keep a neutral face but it slightly shifts to disdain. Retaining manners, Luxaene bids Juno farewell and good luck, while telling the others she is to wait outside...
Ralnor nods his thanks to Juno, doing his best to keep his eyes away from Hush.
"To the temple to see what Femor wants?" Ralnor says to the others as he turns to leave.
He then continues outside to join Luxaene. Once clear of the shop, he leans in a little closer and says in quiet voice.
"Does he do this often?" Ralnor asks in a whisper nodding his head back towards the shop indicating Hush and his actions.
Luxaene turns to Ralnor, greeting him politely, "You speak of this Hush, and his sly fingers?" She shakes her head, "we are comrades but not friends. if he think it is wise to test the scorn of a wonderous city, let him try - I will not vouch for his innocence."
"What about you? Is that your usual method of acquiring attractive objects?" She asks with a tone of humour.