Scarlet Snow [IC]

[Yanisa]

"So now what?" Skullsplicer asks after they leave the inn and wander the streets again.
"Wait to tomorrow, sunset. We might need to find another place for some minor sleep."
"Don't worry about sleep, I got you covered. But what then until sunset?"
"Explore the city, get to know it. This might become a stage of future battles and any knowledge could help us."
"Sightseeing, that sounds like a great idea!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Linda will spend her time exploring the city until a few hours before sunset, taking ten on perception for 30 total, then she will move to the meeting spot. Where Skullsplicer (technically Linda) will cast Keep Watch and rest until the rest of the group arrives.

Also after rest I will swap Shining Cord for Phantom Steed, already did that on my sheet.

[ylvathrall]

Spoiler: Voren

Show

Melody shifts in her chair uncomfortably. "Like I said, the other clerics aren't taking me seriously. I think this is my duty to solve, that the Lady's given me a sign of what I need to do, but...I can't go back there alone." She looks at the floor, obviously ashamed to admit this. "I barely made it through the forest last time," she says. "And what I felt at the shrine itself...it scared me, Voren. It's bad, whatever it is. Evil. I don't think I'd have made it back out if it hadn't let me go. I need to cleanse the shrine, and I don't think I can. I...I'm scared."

Spoiler: Linda

Show

You spend some time wandering the city, spending time in each of the city quarters.

Spoiler: Oak Quarter

Show

This is where you arrived in the city. The docks are busy, with merchants and fishing vessels docking, unloading, and setting out again. The shipyards work through the night, with people scuttling about by torchlight, assembling various ships. There are numerous taverns and flophouses catering to the sailors and dockworkers. After dark, the streets are more clear, making the people who remain more obvious. There are thugs and ruffians, a handful of thieves, and quite a few tired-looking prostitutes. Occasionally you pass someone collapsed in the street, unconscious from too much alcohol.

Spoiler: Fire Quarter

Show

The entertainment district of the city, this quarter bustles day and night with activity. It's a higher-class area of the city, overall, with numerous businesses; the people you see here are generally better dressed and better fed than in most areas of Kalsgard. You pass fine inns and restaurants, along with other types of establishment, including brothels, music halls, casinos, and wrestling halls. Also located here are temples to various deities, most prominently Desna, Gorum, and Erastil.

You notice that one pedestrian in particular eyes you with obvious interest as you pass through this quarter. Although they are obviously a prostitute, judging by their dress and bearing, you get the impression there's likely something more to them than that.

Spoiler: Ice Quarter

Show

Continuing west, you enter the Ice Quarter. Primarily an economic district, this quarter contains numerous shops and open markets. You see merchants selling almost every kind of mundane item imaginable, and quite a few magical types as well. The customers are generally of a higher social and economic class than in, for example, the Oak Quarter. You do, however, see several street urchins and beggars who are considerably less well off.

Spoiler: Jade Quarter

Show

Further west along the river is the Jade Quarter. Primarily made up of Tian immigrants, this district of the city is almost a self-contained city unto itself, with its own inns, markets, and smiths. You attract more than a few odd looks here, but otherwise notice nothing particularly unusual.

Spoiler: Ivory Quarter

Show

The Ivory Quarter lies to the south of the Jade Quarter, further away from the river. Another economic district, this area has a much different focus than the Ice Quarter. Most of the businesses you pass are not open to the public, or at least not providing services that the average citizen would be interested in. Instead, there are a few banks, along with moneychangers, large merchant firms, and the like. After dark, this district of the city is almost deserted.

Spoiler: Amber Quarter

Show

Closer to the heart of the city is the Amber Quarter. This region is more industrial, with a focus on manufacturing. You see a great many workshops here, as well as various crafters. Some of them sell their wares in this location, but many are strictly manufacturing locations, not even open to the public.

Spoiler: Horn Quarter

Show

Further south, as far from the river as you can get and still be in Kalsgard, is the Horn Quarter. This region is primarily agricultural, housing many farmers and herders. This district is another one that is economically less advantaged, with most of the residents apparently some type of laborer. Other than that, nothing stands out as particularly interesting here.

Spoiler: Bone Quarter

Show

Continuing back to the east, you enter the Bone Quarter. This district is even more disadvantaged, almost a slum, with no obvious economic strengths. Most of the people here are either laborers or layabouts; many appear shady, likely having some degree of criminal background. Unlike many parts of the city, this quarter is actually more active at night, although the activity in question is less than wholesome. You notice that quite a few of the residents watch you as you pass with more than a passing interest in what brings you there.

Spoiler: Stone Quarter

Show

Finally, having walked a full circuit of the city, you find yourself in the Stone Quarter. This district is another manufacturing one, although it focuses more specifically on stoneworking and forging. There are numerous smiths in this area, most of whom are hard at work crafting weapons and armor. Fewer of them work on more mundane tasks such as horseshoes and plows. Meanwhile, quarried stone rolls in on large wagons and is cut into blocks by the stonecutters. There are a handful of more artistic endeavors going on, including fancy metalwork and sculpture, but mostly this district is highly practical. You also see more dwarves here, although humans still predominate.

[Katana1515]

Voren takes a few moments to consider what he should do. A threat to a sacred shrine is definitely a concern and if it was just about the money he would skip out on the mine clearing expedition in a moment. However people could well be dying down that mine and none of the other clerics seemed concerned....

He decides on a compromise, In that case I would be happy to escort you, if you think that will help you face the place? However I have agreed to join an expedition to clear out some local copper mines, its due to set out tomorrow. Do you think the matter can wait until I return? It should only be a few days and with a little luck I might be able to convince some of my new comrades to come along, further ensuring your safety!

[ylvathrall]

Spoiler: Voren

Show

"I don't know," Melody says hesitantly. "I feel like I've already waited too long. And bringing other people...how well do you know them? Because I don't know if we should bring strangers into Desna's shrine."

She then seems to realize something. "Local copper mine," she says. "Wait a second. You're talking about Kopparberget, aren't you?" She frowns at you. "That's all the way on the other side of the forest," she says. "It'll take you a week just to get there!" She then pauses. "Although...if you're going to Kopparberget, I suppose there's no reason to wait. You're traveling that direction anyway. It's only a few days out of the way, at most."

[Katana1515]

Voren looks a little unsettled, he honestly doesnt know any of his new companions well enough to vouch for them. Whats worse they don't know him well enough to respect a request for a detour. After a few moments thought though he decides the only good course is to try.

Well perhaps you should come out with me in the morning and meet them? If we cant convince them of the need for a detour then we will travel with them partway and split off at the Bough. If they wont help, I will just have to catch up with them at these mines after we finish our business their.

[ylvathrall]

Spoiler: Voren

Show

"That sounds like a plan," Melody says. "It's late, so you should probably just stay here. There are beds downstairs for visitors. I need to talk to some of the other priests and let them know that I'm leaving, and then there are some preparations I should make. I'll see you in the morning."

Note: At this time I think that all characters are caught up at least to the next morning, and in a couple of cases longer. If you have been waiting for people to be on the same time frame before posting anything else, that's where we are.

[ICN]

Vindira spends a few minutes ensuring her room at the inn is private, then sneaks out. Once outside, she changes her clothing to free her wings, unfurling them with a soft sigh of pleasure, and takes off into the air for a bout of much-needed flying. After an hour Vindira lands on a secluded rooftop, where she spends a leisurely preening session gazing out over the city before making her way back to her room to sleep. Over the course of the next day she wanders the city to familiarize herself with it, eventually meeting up with the others after procuring a horse.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Vindira sneaks out with Invisibility and Gaseous Form (from her Slayer's Robe) and wears her Aasimar disguise while out flying, switching back once she returns to her room. She gets back in the same way, and casts Undetectable Alignment and Mythic Heroism before resting for the night.

[Katana1515]

Voren agrees to stay at the temple and turns in for the evening. After a good nights sleep he rises in the early hours and meditates over the scruffy battered old notepad that constitutes his spellbook. Sunder rests in its scabbard, leaning against a rickety bedside table.

I don't really have any spells suitable for a long journey, I usually just walk everywhere .... I suppose I am just going to have to buy a horse.

No need, here let me show you a trick, one of your predecessors developed it some time ago.

Voren receives flashing images of a complex spell crafting a powerful steed that would last for hours at a time. After a few moments Voren is certain he can replicate the feat at least once. Hmm I suppose you are useful occasionally, any more spells you think I might need today?

Well.... I have been thinking on this for a while, their are a few holes in your repertoire, let me show you!

Spoiler: Knowledge Pool

Show

I am really uncertain how this ability is supposed to be 'fluffed' but for a bladebound magus at least this seemed like a really fun way of dealing with it. Also I have no clue what I was thinking when I picked out my level one spells, no Feather Fall? Thats just asking for trouble!

Anyway, in his morning meditations Voren burns 3 arcane points to add Feather Fall, Blade Tutors Spirit (not used that before, should be fun) and Phantom Steed to my list. I have 10 points remaining. Other changes to my spells prepped can be seen on his sheet.

Shortly afterwards, he nips out to buy enough hard travel rations for two people to last 10 days. He returns to the temple and rouses Melody, he guides her out to the agreed meeting point (If she doesn't have access to a horse he will buy her one), once at a suitable place he conjures the Phantom Steed (white skin, black hair and hooves) and mounts, so they should both arrive on horseback.

He waves to those who have already assembled. Hello again, their is someone I would like you all too meet. This is Melody, a servant of the goddess Desna, she has asked me to escort her to an important shrine which is not far off our path. She feels that the shrine might be endangered in some way, so I was hoping people wouldn't mind doing the Church of Desna a favor and making a slight detour?

[trysted]

Enchanted. Currial says. I don't see why we couldn't make a stop at a shrine if it isn't too far out of the way. But I do ask, does the Church of Desna remember those to which they owe favors?

[Mousedigits]

Adolin comes to the meeting place, flying on that weird vulture. When he touches down, he steps off (not in the most graceful manner) and walks up.

I've no problems with stopping by the shrine. Helping people is what we do, he says as he smiles, obviously oblivious to the fact that some might be doing this job solely for the money.

[ylvathrall]

Spoiler: Vindira

Show

You take some time to acquaint yourself with the city, getting to know the layout and what sorts of things you can find in each of the city quarters. No one appears to realize that you aren't what you seem, although you do attract some odd looks, as aasimar are quite uncommon in the city.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Is there anything in particular that you're looking for?

Spoiler: Currial

Show

Didn't notice this until recently, but on your character sheet you have your deity listed as Erevan Ilesere. To my knowledge this is not a deity in the Golarion setting, so...am I missing something?

"Thank you," Melody says. She looks somewhat wary, seated on a horse apparently brought from the temple's stables. "Although this isn't exactly an official action by the church."

[BizzaroStormy]

The rest of the group finds Kazu at the meeting place, a small open area near the southern gate to find him playfully sparring with his twins. Upon seeing the others start to trickle in though, he steps away and the girls follow shortly after one gets a cheap shot on the other. His face returns to the permanent scowl and he lets out an annoyed sigh when Voren proposes the detour. "And just how far out of the way is this little detour Voren?"

[ICN]

Vindira raises an inquisitive eyebrow. "Not an official action? What do you mean by that?"

[ylvathrall]

"The shrine's on the western edge of the forest," Melody says. "And it is official, sort of. I mean, I'm here on their behalf, if that's what you mean. I just can't offer to pay you out of church funds."

Spoiler: Kazu

Show

You think you might know the shrine she's talking about. If it's the one you're thinking of, it's about a hard day's ride to the west of your path through the forest, meaning that the detour would require a minimum of two days total.

Spoiler: Vindira

Show

You note that Melody seems tougher than most of the passers-by, likely reflecting her training and experiences as a priest. Mechanically, your ability to determine how many hitpoints other characters have informs you that Melody presently has 64 HP.

[Yanisa]

Meditating on a nearby vantage point, Linda had observed so far, but now she is finally done resting and stands up. A snap in her fingers and a few words indicate magic, has a rippling goes trough her clothing, cleaning it from any dirt from sitting on the ground. She looks at Voren and Melody.

"I do not like detours in general."
"Aw come on." Skullsplicer sighs out loud without realizing it.
"Then again I am acting as a hired sword at the moment, so I will leave the decision to our impromptu commander." She nods at Kazu. "Otherwise I am ready to leave right this moment."

[BizzaroStormy]

"At the worst, the detour should only take us about 3 days. Minor change of plans then. We'll ride hard tonight to get to the waystation at the northern end of the path. With any luck a friend of mine will be there so we can discuss the best way to get to the temple once we go off the path. While we're doing that, the rest of you will have a chance to cool your heels until sunrise. If anyone has any questions, you can ask them on the way there. Now lets move out!"

Once he finishes speaking, he turns begins to glow slightly. The light quickly obscures his form and shifts in shapes before finally fading and leaving a huge gnarled winter wolf where the imposing man had just stood. Kazu's daughters excitedly hop onto its back as it stares at the rest of the group before it starts walking South.

[Katana1515]

This is one odd group you have found yourself in boy?

Indeed, I suppose I might just fit in.....

Without betraying even a hint of surprise at Kazu's transformation, Voren nods towards Melody and urges his magical steed into a canter, following the mighty wolf.

[ICN]

Vindira gives Kazu an interested look before turning back to Melody. "Well, if you can't pay us with church funds, I hope you at least have something more substantial than enlightenment. Regardless, since we seem to be going anyways, what type of danger is the shrine in?" Vindira fills the rest of the party in on what she found out from the miner as they ride out of the city.

[Katana1515]

As Vindira explains the situation at the mines, Vorens expression becomes increasingly grim.

While scanning the surrounding terrain for threats he remarks "Sounds a lot more like an invasion than an 'infestation.' The Grey Dwarves are no joke, absolutely vicious when it comes to tunnel fighting. They use slaves and monsters bred in Darkland pits as fodder to wear you down but don't let em distract you from the real threat. The short buggers can turn invisible to set up ambushes and actually triple in size when their backs are to the wall. They fight smart too, will scarper when things go sour, leaving a trail of bad magic and nasty traps behind. If we are looking to take back territory they have had time to fortify.... well it isn't gonna be easy."

Considering for a moment, he visibly brightens and shouts in Kazu's direction On the bright side I think we will be well within our rights to haggle for a larger stake than a measly 5 percent! Its not like the mines gonna be worth sod all with them lot occupying it!

Don't suppose you recall anything about the local Duergar clans old man?

The mental voice sounds almost embarrassed, Sorry lad, I feel like I should know something, but its all a blank, my memories been a lot clearer lately for some reason, put theres still plenty of holes.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin follows the group, riding on the bird, looking excited while flying dangerously low to the ground.

[ylvathrall]

"I did not ask you to help," Melody says to Vindira, rather stiffly. "And I do not have any great wealth. The most I could offer would be to assist you with a task which a priest can help with. As to the nature of the threat, I truly do not know." She shrugs. "All I can say for sure is that the last time I was there, I felt a powerful and evil presence. This time, I'm coming prepared to perform a cleansing ritual to purify the shrine from whatever the taint is. And frankly, it might be best that some of you not entire the shrine proper. For such a powerful ritual to be performed in one of Desna's holiest places is...well, if you aren't comfortable being in the presence of the goddess, you'd likely best wait at some distance."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

My assumption is that you will proceed as a group to the waypoint at the northern end of the path. If this assumption is incorrect, ignore the following information as necessary.

Pushing hard, you ride almost due south from Kalsgard towards the forest. This road doesn't see as much travel as the larger trade route that follows the river, but it's well enough established that there's no risk of losing your way. The journey is almost eerily quiet, with no signs of any fellow travelers, and no apparent threats. The peaceful trip is something of a relief, but you know that the greatest dangers lie ahead. As usual when traveling overland in this region, Grungir Forest is by far the most worrisome portion of your journey.

Finally, after having ridden through the night and into the following day, you see your destination in front of you. A small stone building, it wouldn't normally seem notable, but at the moment the sight is quite welcome.

[Katana1515]

Voren looks around at his fellow travellers, The road certainly seems quiet, is that normal? Anyone know what kind of trouble we need to keep an eye out for once we get to this Forest? I got to Kalsguard by boat.

While speaking, Voren canters towards the stone building using his keen eyes to look for signs of recent habitation.

Spoiler: Perception

Show

If necessary (1d20+18)[37]

[trysted]

Currial smiles and throws a laugh at the mention of payment in cash.

I"m not one that will ask for gold from the Gods. A "favor" works out just fine for me. Currial says aloud, remembering the times that she has cashed in favors in her line of work, and occasionally, had to pay on ones others cashed in.

She rides close to the group, paying close attention to the tail end of it, until Voren heads towards the stone building, and then moves to the front and a bit behind and to the side of Voren.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

She then casts a detect magic at the stone building itself just in case.

[BizzaroStormy]

Finally at the end of this leg of the journey, Kazu pours on the speed (running full speed so 480' per round) towards the tower. He glides to a halt once he reaches it and transforms back into his human state, his daughters now hanging off of his shoulders as he flings the door open.

[ylvathrall]

Spoiler: Voren

Show

The building is obviously inhabited currently; firelight is visible coming from the windows, and you can hear speech coming from within. You can make out numerous speakers, apparently discussing the quality of their meals.

Spoiler: Currial

Show

You detect no magical auras on the building itself, although there are magical auras present within the structure.

Spoiler: Kazu

Show

The interior of the building looks much the same as you left it. The members of the Tundra Fangs you left here are gathered around the fire in the main room, feasting on a venison roast. Tatyana and Sasha drop off your shoulders as you enter the room. They nuzzle briefly against Minka, then grab pieces of venison and begin tearing eagerly into the meat.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

My assumption is that you have the following characters in this location; correct me if I am wrong on any points, as this is entirely up to you.
Strelok
Minka
20 level 1 cavaliers
10 level 1 experts
10 level 1 wolves

Also, this may be a silly question, but...I'm guessing Minka has a wolf animal companion?

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu looks back to the rest of the group. "You lot coming in or what? Plenty to eat if you like charred venison!" He enters the small building, waving to the men stationed there, including his right-hand man who is likely lurking in the shadows or drunk in the cellar. He makes his way across the main room before embracing his auburn-haired lover. "Didn't expect to see you on this end of the run my love. It's definitely a welcome surprise."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Eh, more or less fine. The main point of the waystation is so south-bound don't have to wait for an escort to come all the way from the Den. The number stationed here isn't a huge deal since it would change based on the amount of traffic through the forest. As for the details on my named followers, I suppose I really should make sheets for them, and at least basic stat blocks for the rank-and-file. Regarding her animal companion...since i feel like something different, we'll go with a panda.

[ICN]

Vindira seems a bit stiff from the ride, but relaxes a bit after entering the building. She wanders over to one of the mercenaries in the room and attempts to start some idle conversation, asking about the Tundra Fangs company and their leader.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin will ride over to the cottage, dismount, and walk in after apologizing to the bird that it can't come in.


Nice place, I guess.

[Katana1515]

Voren will dismiss his steed, ensure Melody's is properly stabled, then escort her into the outpost.after ensuring they both have a plate of charred venison apeice he starts making a few subtle enquiries amongst the nearby warriors. He asks about the quiet roads, possible trouble in the forest, anything unusual, the state of the roads and the likely weather, basically all the things an experienced traveller asks about.

[Yanisa]

After dismounting, Linda walks towards the entrance and leans against the doorway. "I will keep watch here. The road was too quiet and it's not like I said before, I do not eat."
"But it's roasted veal."
"I prefer to prevent to become roasted veal myself."

Spoiler: Perception

Show

In case needed for keeping the watch.
(1d20+20)[33]

Also casting and concentrating on detect magic as part of the watch.