Death's End IC

[esorscher]

"I just want to sell off all the loot we picked up, and order a guild signet ring."

[OhMyGodImOnFire]

If the gods are good, Phalen won't be part of this. But of course, it would please the gods more to see two parties who were already at odds with each other forced to work together, and Soryn knows better than to pray against the gods' amusement.

[3SecondCultist]

There is a loud jangle as Caius tosses a sizeable bag across the desk towards you. Through an opening at the top, you catch the glint of gold and silver.
"There, recompense for a job well done. If you divide it all up equally, you should have 1500 gold marks apiece... except that when I was counting, there was another. You've lost a party member, it seems. Unfortunately I don't have the time to debrief you all properly, but I would hear the full story at the appropriate moment. Miss di Serafi was a remarkable young woman. As for the matter of any funds, I can send runners into the stores to fetch any items you might desire with this money, or sell any loot you may have acquired on your journey. All goods will be waiting for you here in the morning, including the signet ring." As if avoiding the question of who will be accompanying you, he gets up from his chair, walking over to the doors to escort you out. The half-elf turns to Rosamund, asking her to arrange for the transfer of funds and the woman nods sagely.

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Now, does anyone particularly mind me doing a skip until morning? Add 1800 gp to all of your character sheets, or you can buy things from the general store, the armory, or the wondrous item shop. You can also sell the gemstones for 200 gp a piece, and the figurine is 500. I'll calculate the values for any items if you don't care to. Finally, the field infirmary has several clerics who can cast Lesser Restoration, which on top of the day having passed means that both Calia and Lirian are restored of their missing Strength points. You will all get full rest and the chance to recover spells.

[Sen isSaqqara]

"Sounds perfect." mumbles Lirian. "I'll just get one of them to pick up the ring I left at the forge, then go find somewhere to curl up and heal." With this, the sorceress walks off seemingly aimlessly, muttering occasionally to her cat.

[esorscher]

"Agreed, I'll see you at dawn." He takes out his journal and a pencil and hastily scribbles down a shopping list for the runner, which he tears out and hands to Caius. He bids his friends good night and heads upstairs to his room. Once there, he removes his shiny new breastplate and hangs it on his armor stand (a wood mannequin torso supported by a wood pole with a wide, flat wood circular base). He removes his old armor and stores it in the trunk at the foot of his bed, as he does so he thinks about all the memorable battles it has protected him in and feels its retirement bittersweet. He will treasure it always, and keep it with him in his home for as long as he has one. Then he settles into routine, and hangs his sword off his headboard. He places his bow and quiver in their usual place just under the bed. Then, as usual, he puts on his leather sleeping armor and checks to see that the dagger under his pillow is where it should be, and falls asleep. He dreams a dream of home, and of the Army.

[gallagher]

I need to leave an offering to the gods, But if you are sending runners, Kamose has been looking for a book for me to assist in my potion making. I get up early to prepare my spells anyway, I won't hold you guys up with my matters with the church. I also think we should all chip in for a wand of Identify, so a runner for that would also be valuable to us. And do you know if any store in town has a pair of Boots of Agile Leaping?

[3SecondCultist]

The pale grey sky of the morning greets you with the sounds of Fiorne in the throes of labor. From your various rooms, you can see the walls being fortified with extra planks, and what look like occasional turrets. The meal hall is suitably bare of almost anyone else, save for a few figures hunched over their morning roll and fresh fruit. You also notice that the doors to the guild office is still open, and you catch a glimpse of Rosamund standing on the other side of the gaping portal. She beckons you in, to partake in the magical items that you have transacted from the good merchants of the town. A simple carved wand, a glass vial of silvery fluid, and two rings bearing the mark of the guild lie across the surface of a dark green cloak. Off to the side are a pair of crocodile skin boots, two gleaming steel bracers, and a small shield adorned with miniature spikes. The last thing on the desk is a surprisingly simple bow - it radiates superior design through elegance. Meanwhile, the woman is obviously impatient, tapping her armored foot against the floorboards.
"Hurry up and prepare yourselves. Caius and Aveline are both out helping with the defenses, so I've been instructed to tell you that we're leaving in less than an hour. The other party will be meeting us at the stables."

[OhMyGodImOnFire]

Soryn nods, and proceeds to take his spoils. Throwing the cloak over his shoulders and clasping the bracers to his arms, he quickly picks up the bow, admiring the smooth finish of the wood, then pulling back on the bowstring. It resists him just enough, seducing him to release an arrow or three from it. Satisfied, he turns to leave. "I am ready - for now, I will be in the Training Hall." He beckons his wolf to follow him, and slips out the door.

***

When he awoke this morning, Soryn knew that something had changed within him as he rode back to Fiorne with the unconscious apprentice. Sure enough, as he stood in the early morning sunlight, concentrating on the world around him, nature responded. It whispered to him, a light breeze caressing his skin as the rustle of the trees seemed to almost speak coherently. He sat outside for the next hour, meditating with Phanine as his focus. As the hour came to a close, he felt as though some incorporeal being had lain her hand on his mind, its grip gentle but firm. Use this, it said to him, and in an instant he knew what he was to do. Now, standing forty paces from the large practice dummies, Soryn nestles an arrow on the fresh string, and breathes deeply. "C'thenna," he calls, his hand going through a range of arcane motions as he feels the magic flow from him. Once complete, he turns to his animal companion, sitting on its haunches, observing him with eyes that seemed even more intelligent now than it had already been before. Content, Soryn turns back to familiarizing himself to his new bow. "So, my friend, we may speak at last. I wish to know more about you," he says as he lets his arrows fly, each leaving his bow with a solid twang and driving itself into the dummy with more force than before.

[Ajadea]

Calia wakes up slightly early, and spends another fifteen minutes silently staring at the ceiling. Thinking. Ordering tangled threads into patterns - nonlinear webs and forms too complicated for mere words, though those indeed would be triggers. She had no spellbook. She didn't know enough magic to need one.

She gets up and prepares herself swiftly, flexing revitalized muscles. The priests had done a good job the night before. Outside, she can hear the sounds of Fiorne, awakened far too much too soon. The smell of baking bread mingles with the pounding of hammers. Sunrise streams in through the windows. Her mind is occupied with the ruins so old, story so long, shadows cold and deep black. She smiles to herself and begins twisting together new ideas with a few basic formulae she still remembers, adding them to a knot she had been working on for a while. Maybe it would help

Her scabbard smacks against her leg as she heads down the stairs. The hall is devoid of people, with only a few weary folks picking at their bread and fruit. She grabs a small winter apple for herself, and heads over to the open guild office to gather her things. At the entry, she pauses and acknowledges Rosamund with a nod and a smile. "Of course."

She takes the thin vial of silver liquid and slides it into her pack, safe where it would not break. Then her new shield. The shape was slightly different, the spikes unfamiliar and heavy. Apple in one hand and shield in the other, steps just outside into the training ground and hefts it experimentally, careful not to spear anyone on the very sharp spikes. Of course, the shield was of excellent make - nothing else was to be expected. She performs a few experimental bashes, noting with satisfaction the straw leaking out of the unfortunate dummy. With a nod, she straps it to her back and returns to the hall, taking large bites from her apple as she goes. At the end of the hall, she discards the spindly apple core in the rubbish basket.

"Ready to go, ma'am."

[Sen isSaqqara]

Lirian rises just in time to get a quick snack before meeting the others at the office. She is still tired, but better than the day before. Upon hearing of their plan to leave in an hour, she decides to make a quick run to Zed's Shop of Indeterminate Things (or so she likes to call it).

[esorscher]

Arran arises and goes through his usual morning rituals before meeting the others. As always before a trip he bathes and has a big meal. He is wearing his shiny Justinian armor proudly and has the Justinian longsword he kept (instead of selling) on his waist. His greatsword is packed. Also with him are his trusty seed, Windfarben, whom he rides after picking her up from the stable early in the morning before the meeting. She bears his lance as well, ready for use in a charge, and on the other side of the saddle his shortbow and full quiver of arrows.

[gallagher]

Ben rises and takes the boots he had ordered. What fashionable boots! And they go well with my outdoor gear. Ben says facetiously. He changes out his old boots for the new ones, and picks up the wand and places it in his bag. By any chance we you able to stop by Kamose's shop? He ordered a book for me and I was hoping it would have arrived. I believe Soryn would like to meet him as well, they share a common interest.

Ben then crosses his legs and chants lowly to himself as he prepares his spells for the day. Hopefully a two minute stop at Kamose's shop wouldnt cause too much of a delay.

[3SecondCultist]

Ben: Your ambling through the now crowded streets takes you to Kamose's alchemy shop in a matter of minutes, although the trip is a bit longer than you would like to remember. There are a few guild guards in front of the storefront, but upon seeing you they move aside to let you in. You can see the elder craftsman sitting at the small table near the secret hatch to the basement, and seated opposite him is the familiar half-elven form of Caius. Kamose looks shaken, and the guild leader's face is locked in a cold grimace.
"Oh, hello Ben. We were just talking about Ambrose, among other things. Did you know that when your friend Soryn returned to the guild yesterday, he brought a vial of pale fire with him? I'm just surprised that it wasn't you, given the fact that it was you and not your elven friend who made the illicit pact to bring a barrel of the stuff back into the town."

Lirian: There seems to be quite a crowd outside of the gnome's magical item shop, but those who recognize you as a member of the guild or just stop and stare at your strange feline features let you through. Soon enough you find yourself in the dimly lit parlor, face to face with Zed himself. The fake nose disguise is gone, replaced by a clearly wooden attempt to replicate the iron mask and purple robes of a long disappeared Aurifex.
"Ah, well if it isn't my great furry friend! What is it you would like at this hour?"

Soryn: The eyes of your wolf seem to reflect your own in the solemn moments that follow the utterance of your newfound magic. When it speaks at last, you can hear a distinctly female voice reverberate within the confines of your mind. Strangely enough, the voice you hear also seems to mirror your own melodic tones.
"Hello Soryn, my name is Th'ennael. I am glad to finally be able to communicate with you, as I have watched you for some time. The lonesome hunter, always watching from afar. I know you." She gets up, padding over to where your arrows have met their mark in the pincushions. Thankfully the training hall is nearly empty as well, the sight of a fully grown wolf might still alarm some. With a sharp tug, Th'ennael pulls out the arrows and brings them back to you wordlessly. Other than faint teeth marks, you can tell that she was as careful as possible in returning your ammunition unscathed.

[gallagher]

Ben stops to think about what he says, for Caius is an intelligent being who has risen to a position of power. It will take a certain skill with words to get out of this jam.

What is so illicit about returning stolen property to its rightful owner? Not only that, but also the person most likely to figure out the secret to pale fire? Anyway, Soryn is a tracker and was more likely to find the whereabouts of the substance, though he had not yet told me if he was successful or not. Were I to accompany him, I would likely have slowed him down, and finding the substance and retrieving it from the hands of those who would use it for ill was the highest priority.


Ben sees Kamose is visibly shaken, Caius has likely intimidated him, and it could be partially Ben's fault. Times like these makes Ben wish he didnt stick his neck out so damn often.

Anyway, I am sure you are here to ask Kamoses help in figuring out the secrets of pale fire, so that you can mass produce the substance to help defend this city. I commend you for your proactive approach, by coming to him in person. Ben adds, hoping to persuade Caius to let Kamose off easy, and maybe see that the old alchemist is a useful resource to the guild.

[Sen isSaqqara]

"I've decided to take you up on your offer about the chronocharms," replies Lirian, "assuming you haven't sold them yet. I can only buy three at the moment, but I'll be back for the others soon."

[3SecondCultist]

Ben: As you have already noted, the intelligent Caius brooks no excuses with you, although his tone does soften somewhat as you mention your methods.
"If nothing else, you were right to send Soryn after Ambrose and the pale fire. He brought back a vial of the substance and delivered to Aveline and myself in person," he says as he pats a little sewn pocket on his vest. "And you should already know that pale fire is incredibly dangerous. A vial of the stuff isn't dangerous, where it can be kept safe. But an entire barrel? There is no way any of the elders would allow it, and neither would I. Had I known that Kamose was holding onto it, I would have petitioned for his immediate expulsion from Fiorne. As it is, we all have bigger things to worry about. What I really want to know is this: where is the rest of it?

Lirian: Zed flashes you a winning smile as he dashes to one of his closets, bringing forth several of the golden amulets for you to examine. There is one that looks like an ebony starburst, a few that look like gold spindles danging from steel, and a tiny hollow glass flower to the right end of the chain. On the other side are a trio of charms that look like a half-rising sun, a miniature hourglass, and a blood-red eye.
"Which one would you like?"

[gallagher]

As to that I cannot answer you, I wasnt there when it was lost, I wasnt there when it was found, and I havent yet talked with Soryn on the subject. I am not even certain I knew that there was an entire barrel, only that the substance existed in this establishment at the time. But it seems like you have Kamose quite frightened. Far be it from me to judge you on such matters, but Kamose is a friendly man, not an enemy.

Ben turns to Kamose with a large, easy going smile on his face.

By the way, Kamose, your potions saved a life while I was on my mission. I was wondering if my book has come through yet? If not, my party is unfortunately leaving again soon, and it would need to be delivered there. I could still use your help, though, if you have any other potions or potion making tools that might be of help to me?

Spoiler

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Diplomacy, in the hopes of diffusing the situation and calming everybody down: (1d20+2)[3]

[OhMyGodImOnFire]

"Th'annael, is it?" Soryn takes the arrows from her maw, running his fingers over the tiny teeth marks. I can shave over those later, he thinks. Standing, he continues to fire at the dummy. This new bow was starting to feel like his old bow once again, but with a stronger punch. He likes it. "So, you say you know me," he replies, "and you have been following me. No doubt you are a formidable hunter yourself - I had not noticed you even once. Why is it that you shadowed me?"

[Sen isSaqqara]

Lirian smiles back. "What does each do? I'll need to know before I choose."

[3SecondCultist]

Ben: Kamose speaks quickly, for he is indeed wary of Caius at the moment, but after a half-minute of nerves the elder man does manage to form coherent sentences.
"Thank you for your kind words, disciple of Necrovian. As it has only been a day, I have not yet had the time to acquire your book. But it should be in Fiorne within a few days, if that pleases you. Caius told me about your new assignment, when you get back I promise it will be waiting for you." His smile falters as he glances at the guild leader's scowl, which you also notice is gradually fading. Whatever emotion Caius is trying to convey, you can tell that he isn't actually all that angry at you. If anything, he seems disappointed.
"Look, right now I have two jobs to take care of. The people of Fiorne must be protected, and that means being smart with the risks we are taking. Based on all the reports we've heard, the goblins are roaming unchecked throughout the foothills, and it's only a matter of time before they arrive at our doorstep. When that does happen, we need to be ready for whatever comes, and that means not keeping a barrel of pale fire within the city walls. This man has endangered us all, and the general meeting is not for another week. With that in mind, I was wondering if you might take him with you." The alchemist seems to open his mouth as if to protest, but closes it just as quickly. Although they are both on the town council, it is becoming more clear just who is wielding the authority in this situation.

Lirian: Zed explains to you the functions of each of the chronocharms on display. To your knowledge, only these six permutations of the item exist, and the gnome has at least one copy of each. The titles of each chronocharm are as follows: the Celestial Wanderer, the Fateweaver, the Grand Master, the Horizon Walker, the Laughing Rogue, and the Uncaring Archmage. These charms are all slightly different, but each and every one of them seems to revolve around manipulating the flow of time by slowing it down to your advantage.

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All of the chronocharms have an activation time of 'immediate' (except for the Horizon Walker and the Uncaring Archmage, which are swift actions and thus can only be activated on your turn), and are activated using a silent mental command. For all chronocharms involving rerolls, you may activate the use after you've rolled the dice, but before you know the result of the roll. The second roll always replaces the first one, and if you replace a result of 1 you still get the bonus XP.

Celestial Wanderer: 1/day reroll a Spot or Listen check.
Fateweaver: 1/day reroll a Balance, Climb, or Tumble check.
Grand Master: 1/day gain a +5 bonus against a since ranged attack.
Horizon Walker: 1/day move up to half your move speed in a straight line, avoiding all attacks of opportunity.
Laughing Rogue: 1/day reroll a Disable Device check.
Uncaring Archmage: 1/day speed up the casting time of any spell of 3rd level or lower from 1 round to a standard action.

Soryn: "I do not even know myself - it's as if you stepped out of the shadows of my world. I left my den one morning, only to find that a new life was waiting for me beyond." The she-wolf does not go and get the arrows this time, cocking her head slightly to the side as if asking your permission. Your link can tell you that she does not want to risk damaging the arrow shafts any more than they need to be damaged, and this sensation is tied to a greater worry lodged deep within both of your minds.
"There are dangers in the woods now, creatures that have come down from the hills-of-ice-and-rock. We have fought them off already. They do not belong here, Soryn."

[gallagher]

I would gladly take him with, I need help in my potion-making, and he would be an excellent tutor. In the meantime, you need to ask Soryn where he found the pale fire. If it is on the way and we can recover it, Kamose and I can do more research on the substance away from the city. I will need someone to be sent with the book I ordered when it gets here.

Ben walks over to the window and looks at the sun, making the appearance that he can tell time using its placement in the sky.

It seems as we have a short time before we are expected to rejoin our party. Kamose, can you pack in that time? Bring a few days worth of supplies for survival, all the potions you can grab, tools you need and anything else you might want. We have an additional adventuring party with us, as well as what I assume to be a diplomat of the town we are headed to. We may have a cart, then, and you may be able to ride in it.

[Sen isSaqqara]

"I'll take these three," says Lirian, indicating the Chronocharms of the Grandmaster, Horizon Walker, and Uncaring Archmage, "And I'll be back for the other three as soon as I come by more money." She smiles to the gnome as she quickly counts out and pays up the gold, then holds out a paw for the purchased charms.

[gallagher]

As Kamose begins to gather his things, Ben whispers to him: Constructive exile is never fun, but it could be worse. You could be stuck inside a city that doesnt want you around, or with a company that can't protect you. You'll be safe with us as long as you follow orders on the road.

[3SecondCultist]

Ben: After one last quick confirmation from the guild leader, Kamose begins to pack his things. A more comprehensive look at the store reveals that there seems to be more glass equipment here than before it was robbed, but none of the reagents or actual potions have been replaced. Caius gets up, any trace of anger long gone. In its place is a sort of grim determination.
"It seems that Soryn told me more than he told you. When we debriefed him, he told us where the cave site was. Nearly everything was already cleared out by the time the crew got there, and to be honest I expected as much. Ambrose had a partner, someone to help him with organizing his little rebellion of the guild. But finding the pale fire is my job now, you should get back to yours. Rosamund is waiting for you at the stables." He turns to Kamose suddenly, with an expression devoid of any malice. You cannot read his face.
"I'm sorry it had to come to all of this, I just wish you had trusted Aveline and I with the knowledge of the pale fire from the start. We might have been able to help. Go with the adventurers or don't. Either way, we're done." With that, the half-elf walks out of the storefront, not looking back once. The old man doesn't seem all that shocked, and he gestures for you to help him gather the remainder of his supplies. There isn't much left, and by your estimates a horse would be able to carry the alchemical gear Kamose has with him.

Lirian: After you successfully make the transaction with the gnome, you remember the arrangement that has been made with Rosamund and the rest of the party. At a guess, you would say that Arran and Calia are waiting for you at the stables: you remember the other two members of your group going off to run errands just as you have.

[Sen isSaqqara]

"Well, I should likely be leaving now, but before I do, I don't suppose you've got any other interesing new items. Y'know, perhaps a bit cheaper..."

[gallagher]

Ben assists Kamose and then leads him to the stables to the rest of his party. On the way, he asks Kamose to list off everything he brought, so that he knows of the inventory. When they arrive at the stables, Ben informs the others that Kamose will be joining them to assist in the defense of the town, but does not tell them why Kamose must join them.

He then hands Kamose one of his invisibility potions, and instructs him to drink it if they come into trouble on the road.

[esorscher]

"Welcome, Kamose." Arran says. (What does Kamose look like?) "Well met. Have you traveled these roads before?" He wants to discretely gauge the man's combat ability. Beyond that Kamose is an alchemist, Arran knows nothing of him.

[3SecondCultist]

Arran, Ben, Calia: Kamose takes the potion gratefully, examining its contents with a small smile before slipping it into one of his pockets. In the sunlight, he does seem younger than he was before, healthier. His smile grows a bit wider at the prospect of a day's ride out in the country, and he tells you that a bit of fresh air might do him some good now. His salt and pepper hair catches the sunlight of the autumn skies.
"You know, I used to travel quite a bit more when I was younger. I'm originally from Siara, way down in the south near Longspar. It's a little port city, I doubt you've heard of it." He goes on to greet Rosamund, who sits atop a white mare near the open gates. Behind her, you can see a small cart being loaded with rations and weapons by a group of guards, and three other riders preparing themselves. There is an heavily armored dwarf, a woman wearing a shawl of midnight blue, and a halfling who looks to be more asleep than awake.

Lirian: The gnome pauses for a moment, obviously confused that you didn't just make your transactions in one go. However, he does show you the same cabinet of less valuable pieces that you saw yesterday. Dozens of potions, scrolls, and other little creations line the shelves, winking back at you.

Spoiler

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The cabinet holds copies of every item in the wondrous items section of the DMG below 1000 gp. That means everything from Feather Tokens to more Cloaks of Resistance +1.

[gallagher]

To Kamose, prior to arriving at the stables: I have indeed not heard of it, and you likely have not heard of where I am from. I was born in the middle of nowhere in Arva, and my family traveled around the fringe settlements killing orcs and goblins who threatened the villagers. Hence why my life always seemed to follow one road or another.

When they arrive at the stables: Ben sees a couple new faces, and pulls his holy symbol from around his neck and lets it fall, so it is apparent that he is a cleric. He introduces himself as "Ben, of the Road." And asks in a congenial way who they might be, and where their talents lie.

[esorscher]

"Sounds like you'll be alright on the road, then," Arran says, satisfied. "My name is Arran," he introduces himself, then looks to the dwarf, woman, and halfling. "Are you the others the Guild is sending?" As he asks, he adjusts his new signet ring emblazoned with the guild seal.