"Good to see you Haahqae!" Gregeddin says warmly, "That is a rather nice jacket indeed, you'd look very stylish in the masked dragon where Ismene is staying. Miriam is also over there, they're both renting rooms I believe." Gregeddin pauses to ponder something before resuming, "I'm doing well considering the times, just trying to keep myself busy amidst all the bad news that's afflicted everyone these days." Gregeddin quietly looks over at Tulbas,
"But hey we're going to the temple of Thaksis to find a lead on some Belzorites, a cult of people who tricked citizens into following their false religion but using illusions and magic. You want to come looking for them too?" Gregeddin asks in a chirpy tone.
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CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Moderator: JadedDM
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mgbevan
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Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"Oh you're off to find the Belzorites? That sounds like fun, there are a few questions I was meaning to ask them, but I couldn't find any when I arrived in the city. Whole thing of them being wiped out and stuff like that. I'd love to join you. From my research, it turns out there weren't any in the seeker's headquarters* or in the Steel Tankard. Go figure."
Veni Vidi Vici
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djhyland
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Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Arulia nods at Kendra's suggestion. "If the Qualinesti don't already know, they should be warned...and even if they do know, maybe having a good idea of the army's size and composition might help them."
Arulia considers for a long moment. When she speaks again, her voice is sure and steady. "As I said before, Kendra, you are all but recovered. What wounds you still have are minor, and they'll heal on their own. If you wish, I'll come around and see to you, but I don't think you need me any longer. It's been a pleasure to get to know you again."
(OOC: JadedDM, were there any prominent merchants (or others) who might have had business with the elves in town that Arulia might have known of before the occupation? If so, are they still in town?)
Arulia considers for a long moment. When she speaks again, her voice is sure and steady. "As I said before, Kendra, you are all but recovered. What wounds you still have are minor, and they'll heal on their own. If you wish, I'll come around and see to you, but I don't think you need me any longer. It's been a pleasure to get to know you again."
(OOC: JadedDM, were there any prominent merchants (or others) who might have had business with the elves in town that Arulia might have known of before the occupation? If so, are they still in town?)
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Tulbas listens to the merry chat between Gregeddin and Haaque without showing any emotions. Having nothing to add he just says, "Let's hurry to the temple."
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(OOC: if we arrive to the temple Tulbas will repeat the previous post
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(OOC: if we arrive to the temple Tulbas will repeat the previous post
BishGada wrote:When Gregeddin and Tulbas arrive at the temple Tulbas tells one of the acolytes "We are here on behalf of the wizard Magnus. We need to speak with the authority handling interrogations. Let them know we are here to discuss an urgent subject."
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Haahqae, Gregeddin and Tulbas (Temple of Takhisis)
Haahqae agrees to join them, so the three head east to the checkpoint to leave the marketsquare. They show their papers to the Baaz guards and are allowed to pass. When they turn south to Blade Street, they cross another checkpoint, then a second one. The third checkpoint on the street is staffed by goblins, as they have now entered the harbor district. From there they pass through two more checkpoints, each time showing their papers and waiting for approval. It is a time consuming process. But finally, they reach the temple to Takhisis, formally the Seeker council hall.
The building has gone through some rather dramatic renovations since any of them have last seen it. The most notable is that an elaborate statue of a five-headed dragon has been placed outside the entrance. The heads are all stretched out in different directions, their mouths open in silent roars. It gives the appearance that the statue is guarding the place.
A pair of guards in black armor stand at attention outside the gate, both carrying wicked looking maces. Their helms obscure their faces completely, but they can still see through them apparently. Tulbas approaches them and speaks of their intention. One guard nods. "We have been expecting you," they say. Their mask obscures their voice to the point that it is difficult to determine gender. "Please enter. The High Priestess is expecting you." The guards push open the door and stand aside to let the party pass.
The first thing they notice upon entering is the darkness. To say the temple is not well lit is a bit of an understatement. This becomes even more pronounced when the guards slam the doors behind the party, cutting off what little sunlight was streaming in from outside. It's not complete darkness. There are several candles lit in strategic areas. These are unusual candles, in that their light is dark purple, and consequently they aren't terribly bright. But it is just enough light to let the party navigate by, but also enough to hinder the infravision of Haahqae and Tulbas. Neither can see much better than Gregeddin.
The second thing they notice is a strange...presence. It's difficult for any of them to put in words. But there's an almost oppressive feeling all around them. All three recall memories of their childhood--that feeling one gets when their parents or some other authority figure was angry at them. Their faces feel hot and they are immersed in waves of discomfort. They feel as if they are being watched...which they probably are. There's no telling who is standing there in the darkness, observing them. But it's more than that. It feels more like they are being watched by someone or something incredibly powerful.
With nowhere to go but forward, the three follow the trail of purple lights. Now and again, they can hear something in the darkness. The soft scrape of the sole of a sandal on the floor, or whispering. They can never seem to figure out where it is coming from. At last, they reach the end of the trail, a small room that is a bit more lit than the rest of the temple, although still with the violet lights. There is a desk here with three chairs in front of it. A woman sits behind the desk, facing them. She is wearing black robes and a hood that conceals her face. "Gregeddin, Haahqae and Tulbas...please, have a seat. You are here to discuss the Belzorite problem, yes? Typical of Magnus to delegate," she says, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Kendra and Arulia (2527 Market Street, Gorgeous Greylock's Gems)
Arulia tries to think of any merchants who had a tie to elves before the occupation. There was a vintner, in fact. He was quite old and retired a few years back. But the elves would often seek him out for his wine, which was said to be so good that even the sophisticated tastes of the Qualinesti appreciated it. His name was Toom, and she believed he still lived in the farmer district, on Mill Street.
Haahqae agrees to join them, so the three head east to the checkpoint to leave the marketsquare. They show their papers to the Baaz guards and are allowed to pass. When they turn south to Blade Street, they cross another checkpoint, then a second one. The third checkpoint on the street is staffed by goblins, as they have now entered the harbor district. From there they pass through two more checkpoints, each time showing their papers and waiting for approval. It is a time consuming process. But finally, they reach the temple to Takhisis, formally the Seeker council hall.
The building has gone through some rather dramatic renovations since any of them have last seen it. The most notable is that an elaborate statue of a five-headed dragon has been placed outside the entrance. The heads are all stretched out in different directions, their mouths open in silent roars. It gives the appearance that the statue is guarding the place.
A pair of guards in black armor stand at attention outside the gate, both carrying wicked looking maces. Their helms obscure their faces completely, but they can still see through them apparently. Tulbas approaches them and speaks of their intention. One guard nods. "We have been expecting you," they say. Their mask obscures their voice to the point that it is difficult to determine gender. "Please enter. The High Priestess is expecting you." The guards push open the door and stand aside to let the party pass.
The first thing they notice upon entering is the darkness. To say the temple is not well lit is a bit of an understatement. This becomes even more pronounced when the guards slam the doors behind the party, cutting off what little sunlight was streaming in from outside. It's not complete darkness. There are several candles lit in strategic areas. These are unusual candles, in that their light is dark purple, and consequently they aren't terribly bright. But it is just enough light to let the party navigate by, but also enough to hinder the infravision of Haahqae and Tulbas. Neither can see much better than Gregeddin.
The second thing they notice is a strange...presence. It's difficult for any of them to put in words. But there's an almost oppressive feeling all around them. All three recall memories of their childhood--that feeling one gets when their parents or some other authority figure was angry at them. Their faces feel hot and they are immersed in waves of discomfort. They feel as if they are being watched...which they probably are. There's no telling who is standing there in the darkness, observing them. But it's more than that. It feels more like they are being watched by someone or something incredibly powerful.
With nowhere to go but forward, the three follow the trail of purple lights. Now and again, they can hear something in the darkness. The soft scrape of the sole of a sandal on the floor, or whispering. They can never seem to figure out where it is coming from. At last, they reach the end of the trail, a small room that is a bit more lit than the rest of the temple, although still with the violet lights. There is a desk here with three chairs in front of it. A woman sits behind the desk, facing them. She is wearing black robes and a hood that conceals her face. "Gregeddin, Haahqae and Tulbas...please, have a seat. You are here to discuss the Belzorite problem, yes? Typical of Magnus to delegate," she says, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Kendra and Arulia (2527 Market Street, Gorgeous Greylock's Gems)
Arulia tries to think of any merchants who had a tie to elves before the occupation. There was a vintner, in fact. He was quite old and retired a few years back. But the elves would often seek him out for his wine, which was said to be so good that even the sophisticated tastes of the Qualinesti appreciated it. His name was Toom, and she believed he still lived in the farmer district, on Mill Street.
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"Yes. Umm... Your Highness?" Tulbas admits. He knows better not to ask how she knows their names, or how familiar is she with Magnus and just speaks plainly, "Magnus asked us to find them and report to you. We are looking for leads." Tulbas waits politely for the woman to give them a starter for the inquiry.
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(OOC: If the priestess will not come forth Tulbas will ask, "In order to hasten our search, can you tell us what do you know of them?")
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(OOC: If the priestess will not come forth Tulbas will ask, "In order to hasten our search, can you tell us what do you know of them?")
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Gregeddin hoped his surprise wasn't that obvious in the purple lighting, the bard tries his best to play off the situation as confidently as he could in this intimidating place. "Indeed priestess, Magnus must have sent word." Agreeing with Tulbas he continues, "Yes we wish to understand more about the problem, starting with anywhere we can find them."
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HorizonsDream
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Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"Well, just because I'm not of need of help anymore doesn't mean we can't spend time together," Kendra says. "And I'm sure my husband won't mind spending time with someone like you," she added, glancing to Norris.
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Haahqae only pays half attention to Tulbas and Greggeddin talking to the high priestess, instead he's paying attention to the atmosphere.
"Really nice effects you got going here. Tell me, is the dim lighting useful for some of your rituals or does it just provide the correct atmosphere for thinking. Or is it just cool? The dragon statue outside is really well done, did you get a model to base it off of? How do you get candles to glow dark purple? I was trying to get some to glow green the other day but they wouldn't for me, it just glowed you know, regular fire color, but you got it down to an art here."
"Really nice effects you got going here. Tell me, is the dim lighting useful for some of your rituals or does it just provide the correct atmosphere for thinking. Or is it just cool? The dragon statue outside is really well done, did you get a model to base it off of? How do you get candles to glow dark purple? I was trying to get some to glow green the other day but they wouldn't for me, it just glowed you know, regular fire color, but you got it down to an art here."
Veni Vidi Vici
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djhyland
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Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"Of course! You are welcome whenever you wish!" says Arulia. With a glance towards Norris and a moment's consideration, she adds, "I do has some business to attend to, but I do not think that it will be strenuous. Perhaps you would like to join me and get out into the fresh air? I do not think that a little cold will hurt you, and I think that getting out of your house would be a welcome change for you."
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
Haahqae, Gregeddin and Tulbas (Temple of Takhisis)
The High Priestess chuckles slightly. "Magnus did not send word. But my spies saw you coming some time ago, and as soon as you stepped inside the temple, all was known. There are no secrets here. The Dragon Queen sees everything. Can you not feel her presence?" she asks.
To Haahqae, she answers, "Takhisis is also the goddess of the night and darkness. Part of our training is learning to move in the dark without detection. The enchanted candles are, in fact, for your benefit. Newcomers often get lost otherwise."
She removes a scroll from her desk and using a feather quill, signs it and sets it before the party. "This is a permit that will allow your party to carry weapons while on this mission. It temporarily declares you agents of the church. As for leads, we know that they are operating out of the harbor district. We haven't been able to divine anything more specific than that; I suspect they are using magic to hide their presence. Perhaps that is how they have remained hidden so long. Start in the harbor district, do some digging. You are locals, so you should have better luck finding them than outsiders such as us."
Kendra and Arulia (2527 Market Street, Gorgeous Greylock's Gems)
Norris sighs. "Very well. But do please try and keep her out of trouble," Norris asks Arulia.
The High Priestess chuckles slightly. "Magnus did not send word. But my spies saw you coming some time ago, and as soon as you stepped inside the temple, all was known. There are no secrets here. The Dragon Queen sees everything. Can you not feel her presence?" she asks.
To Haahqae, she answers, "Takhisis is also the goddess of the night and darkness. Part of our training is learning to move in the dark without detection. The enchanted candles are, in fact, for your benefit. Newcomers often get lost otherwise."
She removes a scroll from her desk and using a feather quill, signs it and sets it before the party. "This is a permit that will allow your party to carry weapons while on this mission. It temporarily declares you agents of the church. As for leads, we know that they are operating out of the harbor district. We haven't been able to divine anything more specific than that; I suspect they are using magic to hide their presence. Perhaps that is how they have remained hidden so long. Start in the harbor district, do some digging. You are locals, so you should have better luck finding them than outsiders such as us."
Kendra and Arulia (2527 Market Street, Gorgeous Greylock's Gems)
Norris sighs. "Very well. But do please try and keep her out of trouble," Norris asks Arulia.
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"Ah so that's the feeling I was getting. There aren't actual, like the ones that were ridden, dragons present here are there?" Gregeddin chuckles nervously.
He picks up the scroll, reads it, and pockets it with approval. "Thank you, this will be most useful. To clarify, would you prefer the Belzorites are brought here for judgement, or if they should just, disappear? Gregeddin calmly adds, waiting for the priestess response he wonders when he became so nonchalant about killing. Oh yes that's when...
He picks up the scroll, reads it, and pockets it with approval. "Thank you, this will be most useful. To clarify, would you prefer the Belzorites are brought here for judgement, or if they should just, disappear? Gregeddin calmly adds, waiting for the priestess response he wonders when he became so nonchalant about killing. Oh yes that's when...
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"What do you mean by 'they are operating...', What kind of operation do you know of? What have they done that revealed them as Belzorites? That might help us find them, if you please." Tulbas asks.
Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"If they're using magic to hide their presence wouldn't that make it rather trivial for a powerful mage to find them? Or have they used some sort of anti-detect-magic-magic. Does that exist?"
Veni Vidi Vici
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HorizonsDream
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Re: CH. 6: Nobody Expects the Occupation
"Give me a couple of minutes to change," Kendra says with a smile. The idea of getting out of the house was an amazing idea to Kendra. It also gave her a chance to kind of learn what was going on in the city. She nearly ran back upstairs so she could change, but it certainly didn't take her long to rejoin Arulia. "What type of business do you need to do?" she asks.
