[5e] At The Emperor's Command (IC)

[TheManicMonocle]

"The Emperor will see you now," says a voice from the door. The same servant who ushered you in is back to bring you to your audience. As you walk down the hall, you note that the carpet is a deep blue. The walls are polished marbled with gold dressed marble pillasters every few feet. Rich tapestries hang on the walls, and pricless works of art rest in depressions in the walls. You emerge from this hall into a much larger hall, supported by colonnades on either side. The cieling stretches above you a good 40 feet. Even more beautiful tapestries and marble statues of long dead heroes decorate this space. At the end of this hall are a set of massive golden doors guarded by two soldiers. Their armaments are much more richly decorated than the common soldier's, but even so they look perfectly functional. As you approach, the soldiers bang their shields with their spears in unison three times and the doors swing inwards.

Inside, you find the throne room, even larger than the previous hall. Supported by a double row of massive gold-dressed columns on each side. The carpet in the throne room is a deep crimson. You walk down the center of the four colonnades until the throne, made small by distance, becomes startlingly large.

On your way to the throne you all see massive piles of treasure to the right and left of you just passed the double rows of columns. It is almost an open challenge, the way the Emperor's treasure is out in the open. Then, you notice one of the piles shift slightly, and you realize that they are not just massive piles of treasure; they are massive piles of treasure with a dragon resting on each one. The dragons are of an odd color, each one with scales in a mix of three colors: gold, bronze, and silver. It is no wonder they blended in at first. Along the walls of the throne room are golden statues in a variety of opulent armors from different times and places.

You reach the emperor's throne, or at least as close as you can get. The servant stops before two decorated guards and kneels before the throne, which sits ten feet above you on a raised dais with it's own set of stairs. Sitting on that throne, his face betraying nothing, is Emperor Lathandus. Standing next to him on the dais, is a man in a blue tunic with a gold-trimmed toga.

[In4Dimensions]

Ka’rej, Tiefling Gunslinger

All throughout the walk, Ka’rej kept his head forward, but he couldn’t help glancing at the opulent furnishings. He’d never admit it, especially to the Baron, but he thought it was highly impressive. When he reached the Emperor, he said a simple ”Emperor” and dropped to one knee. The Baron probably wouldn’t have liked it if he had kneeled fully, and the Emperor wouldn’t have liked it if he hadn’t kneeled.

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN


Turi looks at all the impressive decorations, the more impressive dragons. He's used to the extravagant, but this, this was something different and he was speechless.

Once they arrived at the throne, Turi bows curtly, and with much revere, and respect he says Emperor.
He then takes a knee, head bowed.

[miinstrel]

Aaric Devarlo 5th level Cleric of the Forge Aaric had lived in Amaunaton long enough to be accustomed to the wealth the center of the world had to offer. The paintings were elegant, and he appreciated the craftsmanship of the sconces set against the marble, but above all were the dragons. To have such power openly displayed was both intimidating and inspiring, and he made no attempt to hide his awe glancing between the two as they walked past. With helmet under his left arm, he presses the closed fingers of his right fist against his heart and bows deeply forward as he takes a knee, taking care to never look directly at the Emperor as though his visage might sear the eyes with its brilliance. He waits unmoving for his lord to speak.

[Fishybugs]

Tyria Dizindi 5th Level Paladin Amaunaton was quite the city, but it paled in comparison to the richness of the throne room. No amount of gold could compare to the fact that she was about to meet the man who kept civilization running so well. The man who made everything possible. Lathandus. Her eyes were fixed upon the emperor as she walked with the others down the aisle of the room, barely noticing the dragons amid the pile of wealth. As she approaches the dais, Tyria notices she is trembling and attempts to compose herself. She falls to one knee, her eyes down toward the floor. "As you have summoned, so have I obeyed, your Imperial Majesty."

[LazyFisherman]

Fang
5th level Barbarian Beserker

He tried not to care for the glitter all around him. The treasure and the dragons, he knew it was all there to intimidate those that would come see the emperor and Fang wasn’t someone to be intimidated easily. However, it was with great mixed feelings that he walked there. He felt humbled, again, like the day he had to surrender his sword on the field. He felt angry, knowing that the treasures of his people might be among the dragons nests. But he also felt a strange sense of pride, knowing his own accomplishments in the legion. He himself had helped bring other tribes down, and his outlook on life had changed significantly since nine years ago.

Fang was conflicted, he hated him but couldn’t help but respect the man that had showed grace by offering pardons and the ability to earn citizenship to his people. Maybe after that final defeat so long ago, the Gorgonhide clan could regain standing and honour again.

As the others kneeled, Fang stood straight. He saluted the emperor as he would any superior, showing his respect, but he didn’t kneel. His entire people had bent the knee, and Fang had sworn his sword in the service of the man before him. It would have to suffice.

[TheManicMonocle]

A moment passes. The servant looks up and sees Fang standing and pales slightly. "Why-," he starts, but then the guards begin to advance, their eyes on Fang. Just as one begins to lower his spear towards the half-orc, the two guards stop almost in unison. Looking up, you see the emperor has raised a single hand, open, palm outward. The guards stand still for one tense moment, then the tension bleeds out of the room as the guards move back to their posts and the servant sags in relief. The emperor smirks a small smile for such a small moment that you almost miss it, then his face is impassive once more.

"Rise!" says the man in the toga. Looking at Aaric, he gives the blacksmith a wink. Aaric suddenly recognizes him as the messenger. His voice sounds much grander now, no longer the petulant and foppish courier his clothes seem much more fitting. Is it just a change in his bearing? Or something more? He speaks again.

"On behalf of the emperor I greet you all! As you may know, the emperor's status as a demigod makes hearing his voice perilous.. at best. I am the speaker to the emperor, his trusted servant, and here for your comfort." As he speaks, he begins to descend the stairs until he stands at the foot of them, just behind the guards.

"The Emperor has decided that it is time. Time, and past time, to begin the formation of a new extra-military group, to handle the things that the legions can't. You five, will form the group, called 'The Emperor's Hand.'" He holds up a hand and makes a show of counting you all to illustrate the pun. The emperor sits impassively.

"The rewards for you will be great," continues the man. "Honor, Glory, riches. Even if you only serve a year, the emperor always keeps his promises!" He seems to be saying this last part directly to Fang.

[Fishybugs]

Tyria Dizindi 5th Level Paladin The Emperor's voice barely gets his last sentence out as, still kneeling, Tyria dares to peek toward Lathandus and state, "It will be my honor to serve, your majesty. My life, and death, are yours to command." Internally, she is already trying to puzzle out how her life will change. Will I still report to Antilius? All my things...where will I keep Sunlight?

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN

Turi tensed up as the soldiers approached them spears aiming at Fang, power surged through him as the tension mounted. As this t's seem to ease up, Turi takes a deep breath and sighs.

As it is explained what he was there for, Turi listened with great interest. After it was explained, Turi had but one question that came to mind.

What exactly would we, as the hand, be doing for the emperor?

The idea of riches, didn't really perk his interests as much as one would think. He has lived a lavish life while in the service of the Dutchess, He is also used to being in the field. What he might do is save the riches and decide what he will do, but that is not something he wants to think about right now.

[LazyFisherman]

Fang
5th level Barbarian Beserker

The reaction of the servants didn't surprise Fang, but he had to admit that he gave a inward sigh of relief at the reaction of the Emperor. Whatever Fang had accomplished to stand here now and be judged worthy to serve the Emperor, he was glad to know that the Emperor had withstood his own little test, and that Fang had judged the Emperor worthy of serving.

At least it meant that he hadn't wasted nine years in pledging his blade to the wrong chieftain, and at most it implied that there was a chance at redemption for Fang.

Fang gave the Emperors voice a nod in return, when it was mentioned that he keeps his promises. He knew what that implied, and he was all for it.

"Let me be the middle-finger then, and point me at your enemies." He said with grim determination. It was the first time he spoke up amongst this particular group of people, and his voice sounded deep like a rolling thunder.

[miinstrel]

Aaric Devarlo 5th level Cleric of the Forge With his eyes dedicated to examining the polished marble tiles of the floor, Aaric only heard the commotion, the sudden silence, and the slow retreating footsteps of the guards. As commanded he brings himself up, standing tall in the eyes of Lathandus and... was that... no... he winked! It was!! Aaric immediately felt a flush of color enter his face, a mixture of embarrassment, honor, and confusion. Why would the voice of the emperor hand deliver a message to me? I've been a good and loyal follower but nothing as noteworthy as THAT. While he disapproved of the snide nature of Fang's comment in the face of their illustrious host, he couldn't help but smirk at the enthusiasm, something they shared. The others had already said everything that needed saying. Aaric remains at attention, carefully following every word pouring from the speaker's mouth while fighting the urge to stare at Lathandus, keeping the impulse to merely furtive glances.

[TheManicMonocle]

The emperor nods, in recognition of your loyalties. The man speaks again."Ah, straight to business then," says the man in response to Turi's question. "Your first job will be to head to an old Olman temple in the jungles on the edge of the province of Orkland." The man takes the helmet off of one of the guards, examines it for a brief moment, then puts it on. The guard, his brown hair now exposed, did not react. His show of frivolity concluded, the man continues, "This temple has recently proven to be a nuisance to those around it. We sent a squad of legionaires to deal with the problem and... well. Suffice to say we never heard from them again. Your job is to go there, neutralize the temple, and save any living soldiers you find." He pulls a coin out of his tunic and flips it to Tyria. [Tyria, roll a DC13 Dex check to catch it] Regardless if Tyria catches it, he says "Once you are done, break this coin and say my name. My name is Akaraj'ak. You can then deliver your report to me."

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN

Spoiler: Coin catch roll

Show

[roll0]

Turi reaches out to catch the coin, fumbling a moment but catches it. He takes a mental note of his name, and places the coin in his bag of holding.

Any idea on what kind of trouble is there? How many men did you send? I only ask so we can be better prepared.

Turi keeps an eye on Akaraj'ak as he continues to speak.

OOC: The original roll was 17

[Fishybugs]

Tyria Dizindi 5th Level Paladin Tyria stands and begins to reach for the coin tossed to her by Akaraj'ak, though Turi is faster and reaches out before her. She throws a startled glance to the man she had just met, but says nothing. "What...type of nuisance, milord?"

[miinstrel]

Aaric Devarlo 5th level Cleric of the Forge Aaric remains attentive, awaiting the speaker's response to Turi and Tyria's questions. It may look like the cleric wants to ask something, but he refrains from adding anything further at this point.

[In4Dimensions]

Ka’rej, Tiefling Gunslinger

Ka’rej waits patiently. He’d ask what kind of nuisance there is, but it’s already been asked.

[TheManicMonocle]

"What...type of nuisance, milord?"

"Creatures from the temple have begun terrorizing the nearby town; mostly undead. After the last group of legionnaires failed to return, our legions have pulled back and are defending the town from more incursions."

"Any idea on what kind of trouble is there? How many men did you send? I only ask so we can be better prepared."

"We sent 25 legionnaires to scout the area."

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN

At the sound of the undead something surged in Turi, a small surge of power. An inner voice screaming at him. "You must Bring peace to the dead, destroy the undead."

Turi shakes his head slightly trying to hide what happened.

Sir, if the undead is a problem, then we must make haste, they must be destroyed.

[Fishybugs]

Tyria Dizindi 5th Level Paladin Tyria smiles when she hears their first mission will be against the soulless. She had some nasty tricks she liked to use against undead. As a small smile escapes her lips, she bows even deeper. "Then we should be on our way, milord. We have some travelling to do."

[TheManicMonocle]

All of you are given horses and provisions for your journey and you depart the next dawn. Passing out of Amaunaton, you see a slightly disturbing site. A few miles from the gates you see a crucifixion; several men with signs declaring their crime to be "banditry." Though it is gruesome, it is not unusual for crimes to be punished this way. Over ten days to the southern border of Orkland you get a small measure of each other. Arriving in the town of Tlatelolco (The town closest to the temple) weary from your travels, you rest the night and decide to head out the next day.

The next day dawns bright and early, as the more diligent of you browbeat the others out of bed. Before heading out, you briefly speak to the centurion in charge of this town's defenses. He points out to you the path that leads to the temple, and you take it. You walk through overgrown jungle until you at last arrive at a clearing, in which rests the ruins of a temple. As you head toward the pyramid temple, you tread across cracked and overgrown flagstones, stepping over fallen and shattered pillars, pushing aside vines and briars. When you are nearly at the temple, the sound of creatures crashing through the underbrush comes from behind you. You turn around and, before you can get a good look, the earth shudders and gapes open beneath your feet and you are falling amid the roar of collapsing masonry. Dust fills the air and the sunlight disappears as the darkness swallows you.

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN

Turi takes stock of his body, making sure nothing was broken. After that he opens his eyes and looks up for a minute before finally standing up.

Turi begins to look around and helps others to their feet.


Is everyone ok?

Turi continues to look around him to see where they have fallen and if there was a way out, either back up, or through a tunnel or door.

Spoiler: perception check

Show

(d20+6)[13]

[miinstrel]

Aaric Devarlo 5th level Cleric of the Forge "Fine," Aaric replies bluntly with a cough to expel the dust from his lungs. Picking himself up off of Ka'rej, Aaric offers a hand and pulls the tiefling to his feet. "Hwul," he commands with a wave of his hand giving a soft yellowish glow to his armor and illuminating the chamber around them. Spoiler: OOC Show Casting Light on myself. 20' bright + 20' dim radius.

[LazyFisherman]

Fang scrambled up and picked a leaf from his face as he looked around. He helped anyone near to get up, but he was focused on his surroundings.

“I’m alright.” He answered Turi-Yun briskly, while carefully unsheathing his weapon.

Spoiler: Rolls:

Show

Perception: (d20+4)[21]

[TheManicMonocle]

The light from the cleric illuminates a long, narrow chamber running east-west. There is a strange orange haze in the air that has naught to do with the dust stirred by the collapse. In the center of this apartment is a domed shape on the floor. In the east wall is a blank-faced stone door. The west end of the room is blocked by fallen stone and rubble, apparently the result of the very same collapse that brought you here. The two side walls appear to have several niches cut into them.The shape in the center of the chamber appears to be a small alcove, protected by a half-dome with the open end facing toward the door in the east wall. This alcove is set in a recessed, shallow, tiled well, one foot deep and ten feet wide. The alcove itself is four feet high. The recess contains some sort of display.

The display appears to be a diorama depicting a hunting party of Olman warriors in feathers and deer-hide garments in a mountainside scene. The Olman are all orcs. Some have pulled down a stag with the aid of a dog another group is cleaning a small mule deer, and others have cornered a panther with their spears. A scout watches the panther from an outcropping above. He holds a metal staff with a loop in its end. It looks like a shepherd's crook. Three niches on both the northern and southern walls are five feet wide and about three feet off the floor. Each niche contains a diorama depicting some aspect of tribal life. The six-inch-tall figures in all of the displays appear to be made of stucco, realistically and brightly painted. The scenes portrayed represent fishing, farming, religion, warfare, the creation story, and crafting. The cave-in completely blocks the west end of the chamber. At short intervals, small amounts of rubble and dirt come spilling into the room. Several large stones appear to have wedged themselves tightly, closing the collapse.

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN


Not sure what to do, or where he was at, Turi begins to walk towards the dioramas in order to study them a bit. After he has done this, he then moves towards the hall that is open and not full of debris.

We should be careful in here. It doesn't appear to be too stable in here to me.

Turi moves ahead so that he is ok of the light in the dark so he can see ahead a bit better, taking care where he steps.

Spoiler: Checks

Show

[roll0] insight check on the dioramas [roll1] history check on the diorama [roll2] perception check as he walks down the hall.

[LazyFisherman]

Fang
5th level Barbarian Beserker

“No ****.” Fang replied with a smile. He carefully walked into to the stone door, and just casually inspected it while keeping his wits about him for an ambush of some sort.

“What do you think, can we get out he way we came or should we see where this leads?”

He was interested in the Olman architecture and art, but avoided it. He wasn’t exactly sure why himself.

[In4Dimensions]

Ka’rej, Tiefling Gunslinger

Ow. That hurt. Ka’rej stands up and looks around. I’ll go investigate the tunnel and see if there’s a way out. With a wink, he slowly fades into the darkness.

[TheManicMonocle]

Turi Yun examines the Dioramas and thinks back to his knowledge of Olman culture. He knows only slightly more than most; they were an Orcish society, the precursors to the modern day orcs. three-hundred years gone, the Orcs controlled far more territory than they did before the empire's conquests. A terrible civil war brought their realm to ruins. Only 70 years before this did Fang's grandfather bring the orcs to some semblance of their former unity. (Though, Turi does not know Fang's parentage.) All of this is swept from Turi's mind as he realizes that the figure he mistook for a shepherd isn't holding a mini-crook at all; he is holding a regular-sized key.

Meanwhile Fang and Ka'rej examine the door more closely. The door is carved with a sun symbol which appears to open into the room; there are hinges on this side and scratches on the floor. There is no visible lock or handle on it, although a slight gap stretches across the top of the door. Eight holes seem to have been bored into the door; they are about an inch in diameter, but nothing can be seen in them. The door seems to be fairly thick. The lintel is arched with a keystone at the top.

[Jrpergande78]

Turi Yun
Half Elf Warlock HexBlade 5 CN

Turi studies all the figures before he takes the key. He figures it would be useful at some point. He then walks to the door with the others as they study the door.

I found a key, not sure what it goes to, but I figured I'd take it in case we need it.

Turi gives the door a glance to see if it has any traps, if not he gives it a little nudge to see if it'll open.

Spoiler: perception check

Show

[roll0] checking for traps on the door.

[miinstrel]

Aaric Devarlo 5th level Cleric of the Forge Aaric approaches the door with the others and runs his fingers along the image of the sun. "Hwul," he says again, causing the sun symbol to glow. Spoiler: OOC Show Is the sun design related to Amaunator or a more generic solar depiction?