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Post by DM Bob on Nov 21, 2020 4:58:44 GMT -12
Hurk continues to "talk" to Shardivan...
<"No, travel is not an issue. The Dragon's army of Ebe has taken Tyr... and there are debates, strong arguments and lines being drawn as how the Order will react. Some are calling for war. I believe my arrival is tempering drastic calls to action...">
There is a pause as if he's considering your words.
<"How do you know the Shadowking Nibenay's true name? And what of Zhen from the Obsidian Lands and Harkor? I know of what you speak, but vaguely. Hundreds of fiefdoms and undying nations lie fractured on the obsidian battlefields. One word of advice concerning the south. Best leave them to their own insular warring than to let them realize the living are in decent numbers to the north. It seems that the Game has once more begun in earnest, that the stalemate on the board has been changed due to player Kalak's death. Falling stars, psurlons, Entropy itself... there is much to meditate on. I charge you and your friends with taking on the threat of psurlons, while I consider our next moves.">
***
Belial will remark to Laahk...
"I would prefer you not to examine my blade unless you have gold on the table. While we have no forge in Altaruk, you could purchase one of these trikals and have it melted and fashioned in Balic... I'm sure you could have them reforged into arrow heads or spearshafts if you you had the time and patience for it."
As far as old silt hands and boats, Abez is actually more helpful to answer.
"If you want a weapon like that for the Gambit, South Ledopolus or Balic are the places to get such things. Not sure we're too welcome back to purchase such things directly, but maybe one of your friends could purchase something like that for ya."
***
Mak learns that there are very few glass bottles in use here. Pottery, urns, clay, often with wax stoppers or resin sealed are the norm. The amount of fuel needed for most glass work is more common in Nibenay, Gulg and Urik.
The potter next to the weaponsmith has a wide selection of such pots that he fires in the same communal oven used for bread and roasted eggs. You can learn that he often only gets to fire such things once a week on schedule.
Dowsing the area leads Mak to believe that one particularly stone ridden debris area once held a well, as he detects ground water in a concentration closer to the surface of the earth. Perhaps Hurk can focus on that stretch on the morrow. It isn't too far from outside the walls, a little to the north of the port and not too far from where the goliath has been currently working.
***
Rizla talks to the gladiators... no, he isn't up to brawl either of them. The half giant is gruff, his name is Kindrok... and originally hails from Nibenay (but never fought in the arena). He is owned by a noblewoman from the stone city that currently resides here.
The mul, Morg, is heavily scarred... almost as heavily as he is muscled. He mutters to himself constantly.
This is interrupted by the arrival of a late caravan, causing a bustle of activity. Beggars beg. Guards huff, puff and act important. Three large mekillot drawn caravans, worn, dusty, pocked with arrow shafts lumber into town. A small contingent of warriors, merchant-types, drivers and slaves go about entering the town.
The arena should be pretty full tonight.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2020 5:52:42 GMT -12
Mak will head back to Altaruk and find Hurk. "Hey large one. On the morrow, would you be willing to gather stones from a specific area? It's near the area you worked this day."
Mak will then peruse the goods of the caravans that pulled into town. Specifically looking for fruits, nuts and seeds but also keeping his eye open for anything else of interest to himself or his new companions.
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Post by Niachi on Nov 21, 2020 7:00:01 GMT -12
Before the arena fights are scheduled, Laakh will tag along with Mak to check out the caravan goods. If any juicy transactions look promising, he'll guide them back to the wineshop, chatting with the owner and buying a round for the pair of women they saw earlier, if they're present.
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Post by Attilius on Nov 21, 2020 9:14:49 GMT -12
Hurk continues to "talk" to Shardivan...<"…Dragon's army of Ebe has taken Tyr...”>The massive B’rohg takes a stumbling step backwards as if a hafling named David had just slammed a sling stone into his third eye. Clearly the giant is heavily stunned by this news. <”T… The… Dragon has an ARMY?!?!”> If the elder can see HurKs thoughts he would see a massive swath of little human sized bipedal dragons, all swarming the ill-fated city state’s walls.<”…and there are debates, strong arguments and lines being drawn as how the Order will react. Some are calling for war. I believe my arrival is tempering drastic calls to action...">
The giant quickly sits on the scalding hot sand so as not to loose his balance and fall. The heat barely registers to his stunned mind. <”Forgive me elder, as I do not know much about you and The Order, but what can you and 'IT' do against the will and might of the Dragon? And what is this 'Ebe'?”>
There is a pause as if he's considering your words.
<"How do you know the Shadowking Nibenay's true name?”>The dwarf’s question brings the half giant’s conscience soaring back to the present moment like a lightning bolt tearing out from a dark and heavy storm cloud. This request of logical deduction and order calls to HurK and his mind shines with the opportunity to answer: <”It was an educated guess that you just confirmed for me, elder. I recently heard the phrase “Gallard and his shadow wivesssss…” Plural! Now I can only think of two beings that would have MULTIPLE wives that also have the descriptor name of SHADOW: Lord Nibenay or his cilops looking son.”> <”…And what of Zhen from the Obsidian Lands and Harkor?”
<”What is a 'Zhen' anyway elder and can you tell me what you know of this King Harkor?”
<”…I know of what you speak, but vaguely. Hundreds of fiefdoms and undying nations lie fractured on the obsidian battlefields…”>
<”The lieutenant spoke of an ancient southern war that brought the fiefdoms together against a common foe as well. “Insectoid-Zhen”: kreen and spiders were even added to their ranks. Do you know what southern war he’s referring to?”>
<”…One word of advice concerning the south. Best leave them to their own insular warring than to let them realize the living are in decent numbers to the north…”>
<”Are you saying we shouldn’t try to convince them an ally with us in our coming conflicts? Would they not be useful against the Dragon’s army?”>
It seems that the Game has once more begun in earnest, that the stalemate on the board has been changed due to player Kalak's death. Falling stars, psurlons, Entropy itself... there is much to meditate on. I charge you and your friends with taking on the threat of psurlons, while I consider our next moves.">
HurK is shocked by the powerful psion’s request <Y… Yes elder. But if I may, how would you have us take them on? Both you and master Iphignea have told us they are master manipulators. Do you have a better suggestion than a frontal assault into the dry well tunnels under south Leo? Do you know of a map of this ancient and massive cistern?”>
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Post by DM Bob on Nov 21, 2020 16:42:52 GMT -12
<"Ebe was an island nation in the Sunrise Sea, of what is now the Sea of Silt. It is where Borys, now the Dragon ruled before he... changed. Ebe is now known by the name of it's former capital, Ur-Draxa. The Dragon's legions train to this day in anticipation of their terrible Lord's need. I do not know what this zhen means. Perhaps it is a self proclaimed title? The undying kingdoms have always fought, even when "allied". It is one of the main reasons we have not attempted to deal with the menace... as well as the mindless having, well, no minds to easily manipulate. We among the Order believe that the Dragon may have confronted them at some point and some truce was hazarded. But to think to use them in liberation? No. They would simply steal the bones and flesh of all and revel in the same immortal decay that they're doomed to repeat. This is the first time I've heard of undead insect and arachnids though. I will need to talk to the kreen and see what they have to add on the matter. Necromancy is not something I'm an expert on.">
There is a brief pause.
<"As far as the psurlons, perhaps you can bait them out of hiding. You said before you had empowered relics? If you had rumor spread of them somewhere you felt comfortable defending, you might have some luck in drawing them out. As far as their numbers? I'm still working on that. I have one of my friends studying the amulet you took. I will get back to you as soon as I learn something more definite. Good luck and kank's speed, Hurk. Please communicate with your friends and inform them of everything that I've told you.">
The message is cut off from there.
***
The caravan itself is not set up for day-to-day trade. It has purpose. Purpose enough to have bypassed Balic to trade with Altaruk... they probably left South Ledopolus just a day or two ago. Whether this is an end stop or part of a continued journey? Well, the ragtag caravan company keeps a tight lip. They seem content to rewater and spend the night at the very least before conducting business.
As it gets darker (dusk) you notice something that those of you that made home in Nibenay would be familiar with. They have wicker baskets set on hooked poles that contain masses of glow worms. Something that night travellers covet and generally make their homes in the agafari of the Crescent Forest. Interesting that they hail from Celik.
***
Rizla is up as the first fight of the evening, against the half dozen gith. They are to be released at separate ends of the arena in a half hour. His weapons are taken from him (or you can store them prior) as the fight is to be hand-to-hand.
The others have a chance for a few observations or actions prior to any fight and socialization in the stands (which I will begin tomorrow).
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Post by Attilius on Nov 21, 2020 18:13:02 GMT -12
Mak will head back to Altaruk and find Hurk. "Hey large one. On the morrow, would you be willing to gather stones from a specific area? It's near the area you worked this day." "Sure but why THAT area?" The half giants demeanor becomes serious "After the fights we all gotta have a sit down in the Gambit." |
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Post by Attilius on Nov 21, 2020 20:07:43 GMT -12
Rizla is up as the first fight of the evening, against the half dozen gith. They are to be released at separate ends of the arena in a half hour. His weapons are taken from him (or you can store them prior) as the fight is to be hand-to-hand. The others have a chance for a few observations or actions prior to any fight and socialization in the stands (which I will begin tomorrow). 15 minutes Before the Mul's fight begins, HurK will find the betting area and put 20 silver on Rizla to win his bout. |
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Post by Niachi on Nov 21, 2020 20:20:02 GMT -12
On the glow worms, do they have any other main uses or significance from his upbringing?
Laakh will see if Info Gathering with 20 CP will loosen any caravanner's tongues in a discrete corner of town, then in wine shop chatting with the women from the other night, or any newcomers.
"Better get a good seat at the pits, I hear the Mad Monkey is taking on a pack of gith bare handed! Never seen such Agile Savagery... "
He tries to get a crowd to join him at the arena, buys whatever treats are hawked by vendors, runs Poison Sense on everything they hand him, and joins Coden and the others in the stands.
If bets are placed, he will place 10 silver on Rizla.
Info Gather, need 18, rolled 8.
Poison Sense, need 20, rolled 18.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 22, 2020 3:37:48 GMT -12
Mak answers Hurk, "There is water there. It'll be easier to bring to the surface without all those rocks in the way." Thinking for a moment he continues, "You met with the leader of this place. Did he mention what his plans were for the area once you cleared it of the rocks and stone?"
Hearing that Rizla the Mul will be engaging in combat for entertainment, Mak will make sure to be at the arena early to grab a seat close to the action with an unobstructed view.
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Post by DM Bob on Nov 22, 2020 7:10:43 GMT -12
Laahk has little luck with gossip until the games, where a fancy woman remarks, "The Mad Monkey you say?" Nodding she continues, "I've seen him fight. I'm pretty sure he'd give my Kindrok a challenge." A bit more talk and you find that she hails from Nibenay as well, which would explain the yellow skirt, headscarf and little else but sandals. Her dark hair is mid length, skin deep copper and has olive colored eyes, like the sky on a clear day. She is about 6 or 7 inches shorter than Laahk. You detect no poisons in the roasted, salted red cactus grubs or broy being passed. Bets of your amount are not taken at the floor, those that drop silver are brought up to where the Governor and the Captain of the Watch sit. This raises a few eyes... especially Hurk's bet of two whole gold pieces worth of silver. 2:1 odds are offered, but with side eye as they pass chits. Coden is brought close to Tellamon, who smiles intently through his scarred face. "We rarely get a decent fight out here. This should be fun, eh, Coden was it? Makes one miss Balic." Rizla finds himself with the best view out of the lot... ground floor and in the middle of it all! "HAILING FROM THE STONE CITY ITSELF! RIZLA THE HAIRY! UP AGAINST A HALF DOZEN GIBBERING GITH! NO WEAPONS... UNLESS YOU COUNT TOOTH & NAIL!" A bowdy cheer, thrown garbage and hoo-hahs call out from the audience. It seems the Celik folk are a bit, er... unruly. The bone fence is raised, and true to word, six gangly gith spread out and regard their opponent. Initiative and intent. Distance is about 40' for the closest opponent, the gith to Riz's far right.
Bloodsand Arena current layout w/ opponents:darksunsouthtablelands.obsidianportal.com/maps/124335
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Post by AthasianLaborer on Nov 22, 2020 7:30:52 GMT -12
Rizla will remain meditating until fight time. Initiative 1.
Flesh Armor (14 needed, 17 rolled, fails)
If he goes first, he'll assume a dragon style stance (fighting irish!) and charge the closest gith to him.
Attacks rolls (bonuses included) follow:
1) rolled 16, modified 23
2) rolled 17, modified 24
3) rolled 9, modified 16
4) rolled 16, modified 23
5) rolled 8, modified 14
6) rolled 17, modified 24
His first round of attacks will just be a direct barrage of jabs (right-left, right-left, right-left) to that giths face for a grand total of 54 points of damage (6 jabs, each for 2 (base)+1 (str)+6 (unarmed proficiency))
Assuming that gith drops, Rizla stands over him while surveying his remaining opponents.
Edit: Assuming Rizla is the Dragon icon, he will charge #4.
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Post by Attilius on Nov 22, 2020 8:16:52 GMT -12
Bets of your amount are not taken at the floor, those that drop silver are brought up to where the Governor and the Captain of the Watch sit. After placing his bet he calls to the two men to speak closely, away from prying ears "Ah good, you're both here... [HurK proceeds to describe the area Mak has told him about]
What would it be worth to the city if my Druid associate and I were to not only clear THAT area of stone for your defenses but ALSO create a new and strong flowing water well for consumption AND crops in that area?"This raises a few eyes... especially Hurk's bet of two whole gold pieces worth of silver. 2:1 odds are offered, but with side eye as they pass chits. Seeing the side eyes. "What? I've heard he's gython fast with his fists. We'll see if it's enough against 12 sharp claws though..." |
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Post by Niachi on Nov 22, 2020 16:40:12 GMT -12
Laakh chats with his new frenemy, offering her a roasted grub, cheering Rizla.
"You're a ways from home. Sigh I do miss those vanilla cakes from Harana's bakery. Is your fighter up tonight?"
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Post by DM Bob on Nov 23, 2020 9:54:17 GMT -12
Oof. Well, the issue with being this distant? You aren't in melee. The gith begin moving counter-clockwise in a retreat that positions them away from your charge. The one you targeted makes sure one of the four columns (as seen in the map) is between you and him. More on those. It looks like they're there for flag capturing games and between 6 and 7 feet high. Rizla has the feeling that these hunched reptile elves are trying to set up a flank and perhaps testing your stamina. There are some boos and calls to "get on with it". Yes, the dragon icon is Riz. Hover over any of the markers for names. Map to be updated shortly. darksunsouthtablelands.obsidianportal.com/maps/124335*** Meanwhile, Laahk's acquaintance replies... "He'll being playing a flag game later against the mul savage. Tellamon will have the scorpion loosed at the same time to make it interesting. As far as home goes?" She sighs. "I wish I could go back sooner, but there's business to be done here before I can return. Plus, it's good practice for my goliath." |
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Post by Niachi on Nov 23, 2020 13:41:58 GMT -12
Laakh tries to start the crowd chanting over the Celik cretins:
"Riz! Riz! Riz..."
No matter if the crowd picks it up or not, he sits back and with completely neutral tone, he sips his broy and replies "Same. Business first. I'm hunting horrible boneless monsters, underground, and far away, we hope... Always on the lookout for magical trinkets, aren't we all. What's your business in Altaruk besides outshining the moons, if I may ask? "
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