Forgotten Realms (Pathfinder) : A Most Unusual Undertaking

[Rivine]

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When thinking of a vision of an idyllic place to pass through, to spend a night in, to share a beer with strangers, that place would often be clean, warm, cozy and welcoming. To put it lightly Soubar was not such a place. Though it was located on the Trade Way, nobody had really put any forethought into the small village's creation, rather it had just grown up, first an inn, than a second, some houses, a smithy, and more until it became the ramshackle place that it was. Ruins of an old Banite temple sat next to a newer inn, while an alchemist sold his wares out of a cart down the street. It would be obvious to anyone new to the village that the place had no overall authority, but was rather run by the needs and wants of it's inhabitants. The motivations of most of the people of Soubar were rather simple, with most living there because, as a way station on the Trade Way, it was far easier making a living there than working on a farm or some other menial form of work. In Soubar you could sell your goods and services for more, because who else would travelers buy from?

But this year things were a bit different, for as Flamerule passed to Elesias there was to be a celebration. Not only was the festival of Midsummer to be celebrated this year, but there was also to be a Shieldmeet. Already the week of the Shieldmeet was approaching, with the day itself only nine days out. Soubar was already bustling with anticipation. Though many people often traveled to larger cities or made pilgrimages to holy sites, the various merchants, innkeepers and mercenaries who made Soubar their home liked to put on a festival that many locals and a fair number of travelers considered to be one hell of a shindig. Already the village common, a cobbled space in front of the ruined temple, was being filled with various stalls and stages as vendors, performers and holy people alike all vied for space. While Shieldmeet in many other places was a more somber event, in Soubar it was a festival of life. Already wagon loads of ale, wine, food and entertainers of every sort, from bards to strumpets were starting to clog the streets. Into this atmosphere people of every kind were arriving, some seeking to enjoy the festival, others looking for more.

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Here is the opener! It's meant to just set the scene so you all can get an idea of the mood in Soubar. Feel free to have had your character there for a few days or just arrived. But if at the end of your first post your characters could all be around the village common, then we can get things moving easier.

 

[Rivine]

Beldar had been on the road for a week and decided it was about time he took a break from his travels. His feet had certainly thanked him for that. Soubar was not the biggest town he had ever been in, but he figured that it would do for the time being.

 

[mystictiger]

The sunlight made for a welcome change from the perpetual fog and rain and mist that seemed to characterise Waterdeep. No wonder these gweilo made their buildings so strong and heavy, and full of fireplaces. The problem was that on days like this, the indoors tended to get a little ... close. He wrinkled his sensitive nose at the thought, and then focused on the road ahead. He was dressed in loose-fitting charcoal-grey tunic with sleeves rolled up. This expose part of the tattoo that runs from collar-bone down to wrist of foxes, dragons, and monkeys in an ornate, interlocking foreign style.

He had been chatting aimlessly with his companion - the lovely firehead cleric - but abruptly stopped as Soubar came into view. "This can't be Baldur's Gate already, can it? I... had assumed something a little bigger. Still, it looks like they're warming up for Shieldmeet. Might be an easy way to make some coin en route..."

Ancient languages, arcane glyphs, Orcish choral music - those he could read, and do so with ease. But maps? Those really weren't something he had much interest in. Which is why they were following the road.

The wagon was something of a curiosity - the over-sized wheels and intricately carved and lacquered woodwork combined with the very traditional Watderdeep horse are entirely atypical. Even the haughty Calmishan merchants gawp. The wagon's full of tea and various odds and ends; the kind of thing that one packs 'just-in-case'. It meant that the wagon smelled really quite pleasant.

 

[lilithsboy]

"Frivolous" the tall elf in white silk mutters in an old abyssal dialect. "There is simply no need and it is a waste of time and resources time I could use. The whole town has basically shut down and I won't be able to get permission to examine these ruins till this foolishness is over."

Skirting the crowd and shuddering visibly as an overdone strumpet tries to get his attention the elf settles on an overturned collum of the ruins he wishes to examine. "Seriously if they want to prance around and make morons of themselves the least they could do is have the decency to do it in private. Don't you agree?" He holds up his arm looking at the back of his hand which is soon occupied by a scorpion skittering out of his robes the tiny arachnid waves about its disproportionate stinger as if to ward off any of the passing crowd before retreating back to wherever it was hiding before.

"So we are in agreement then." The elf watches the crowd with a scowl trying his best not to remember how much fun Shieldmeets are back home. And battling any wondering at what his former friends are doing today during theirs. "This festival has always been a waste of time and now it is a waste that is hindering my progress."

 

[dancrilis]

Sune'lel

She had arrived two days ago to the village - somewhat of a dour place she felt, but one where people still wanted to live their lives and enjoy them as best they could.

She had been stopping at small villages like this to learn songs and dances that might only be known locally - and had spend much of her time in the pub talking to the locals about the area, learning there names and what problems they might have, and helping where she could.

The one topic she had avoided was the temple to Bane - she had spoken to other paladins in recent months and knew that there was some apprehension regarding his return ... she had some apprehension on that front herself, but shrugged it off.

This was about preparing for a happy time and so she avoiding asking the locals when the temple had fallen into ruin and focused on more positive topics - it had not triggered her casual look at it as harboring evil at any rate.

At the moment she was sitting in the common area watching the dances that the locals undertook where constructing some new songs in her head for the event - she might not be here in nine days depending on how things went but hopefully she could leave something for the locals to appreciate.

 

[Hyborian Gamergirl]

Lyre

The wagon was a mixture of styles, like another that has come into town before it. On the one hand, there is every sign of it being of human construction, from the simple robustness of it's frame and wheels, to the ox that looks like it was mildly annoyed at the world around it. It's decorations however, was far more elvish in style, natural scenes mixed with arcane glyph of protection and warding, though they are not charged, and merely decorative. And there is no space on the entire wagon that has not had the artists touch on it.

Still, as she sat on the wagons top, dressed in her usual attire, reigns in her companions hands as she pursued her book, she looked up at the teeming mass of humanity, and a smile curled about her lip. "Well, this is a lively place." And indeed, it was. Breathing in though her nose, she shuddered. Oh, a party, though more provincial and less decadent then she was used to, was always a fun thing, and so close to the ruins as well!

 

[khan]

[img=190x300 align=right]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/73/fc/2973fc426b2b9ada69b76ccaff99aa64.jpg[/img]
Armine Thundercraft

Armine was no criminal still she felt like one as it had been an unexpected killing blow the one that had granted freedom over her previous master. Full of anxiety she had not been able to take anything at all and just run away just with the same chains she wore all the time, the very same chains she had been instructed to build knowing they would restrain her to her master's bidding. Wearing no clothes she grew used to the chains which covered her whole body serving not only as an instrument of slavery but also as weapon and armor for the usually submissive human.

Staying away from every city, town, hamlet or even farm she was able to survive in the nature for a while, but even when she had learned how to hunt when she was free, so long ago she couldn't clearly remember when, she wasn't too good at it. It had already been several days, weeks perhaps when she though she would already be far enough, safe enough to adventure herself into a settlement and look for job maybe or even for a new master. It was then when she met Lyre and, fully glad to be accepted as she was, she was quick to join her as her new willing slave.

 

[Tenshi]

Talinda Embersong skipped a few yards ahead of her exotic companion. The young girl was petite and lovely. Dressed for the road in snug leathers that hugged her shapely figure, she gave a twirl that sent fiery hair dancing around her shoulders. The spiked chain she had wrapped from shoulder to hip chimed against her holy symbol—a copper flame leafed with gold. “Oh, but this is a jolly town, Horatio. I think we're in Soubar. We'd best be sure of it, and get good directions. We're just as likely to wind up in Cormyr from here as Baldur's Gate, and I trust your sense of direction slightly less than my own!”

Talinda danced up to her slightly older companion and took his hand, did a twirl against him and then fell into the crook of his arm, all without slowing the cart or provoking him to remove his other hand from it.

Down in the crook of his arm—she hoped!--Talinda looked up into Horatio's eyes and grinned, “What do you say? We can surely make a pretty penny at the Shieldmeet festival!”

 

[mystictiger]

Horatio couldn't help but laugh at Talinda's attitude.

"Of course. Now, my father would say something like..." he pauses for a moment to switch to something more stereotypically Kara-Tur

"Grasshopper! Remember that the word for Crisis - Weijī contains both the character for danger and opportunity!"

He then switches back to his normal tone of voice. "But that's not, strictly true. The jī actually, in this tone, means "device for weaving". So beware of looking unfashionable. Not a problem either of us will have"

 

[kckolbe]

As an unranked priest, Shieldmeet held little responsibility for Kelman, so the fact that one would be approaching was not entirely pleasant. He had not yet learned the Ritual of Gilding to honor Deneir (nor did he have the magical talent to meaningfully contribute), nor would he have a place in more than the audience for the Ceremony of Honor. He was too restless to sit in a crowd, to watch the observances. After years of learning, of sitting sheltered in sanctuary, he wanted to do something. Appropriately enough, it was an observance to Marthammor Duin (and possibly Waukeen as well) that came to mind first. He would walk the Trade Way, ensuring that the path was clean, any overgrowths trimmed. Then, he decided he would add to this pilgrimmage. In each town he would stop, visit a library or a bookshop, and transcribe one small document for free, occasionally scribing other things to pay for lodging, food, etc.

When he reached Soubar, Shieldmeet was approaching, and rather than simply scribe and move on, he had determined to stay, to join in a celebration he could feel he was at least beginning to earn. Having spent the morning at work, he made his way to the common to take in the goings-on.

 

[Hyborian Gamergirl]

She smiled at her chain clad companion, amusement tugging on her lips, even if she was thinking of what relics she may be able to uncover, or better yet, documents to research, from the ruins close at hand. Still, it was also a meeting ground, a place that many people would come too, and that meant the possibility of information from far off places, that was being withheld from her at the current time! It was of course, a mistake and tragedy that she would be eager and pleased to correct! Still, there was fondness in her eyes.

"Well my dear, let us find an inn, a stable for Homer to find his own rest for the day." It was spoken in a quiet, conversational way, but it masked the order inside.

 

[Rivine]

The smell of roasting meet, ale, baking sweet rolls and far more unsavory scents wafted through the streets of Soubar. Beldar did not find any of the goings on around him as something unusual. The shield dwarf strode slowly through the streets of the village that he had been staying in the past two days, taking everything in. Soubar reminded him of many a village that he had traveled through in his youth with his family, helping them ply their wares and taking on various odd jobs when he could. But now that he was without them, out on his own, he was seeing things in a new light. Long gone were the carefree days of making new friends, playing with them and the like. No, now his life was less carefree, yet he felt lighthearted despite that. Beldar was his own man now, no longer at the Academy and no longer beholden to his family's wishes. Now his reasons for traveling would be his own.

His steps had carried him to the main square of the town and he paused there, leaning against a building for a moment to take in the sights. He probably was a bit of an odd figure, being tall for a dwarf and carrying weapons that were not all common with his people. Though he was not wearing armor at the moment he knew well enough to remained armed, especially since Soubar did not have it's own guard force, so he kept his falcata and kukri on his person, just to be safe.

As his eyes scanned the crowd though he noticed one figure in particular that was a might bit odd. An elf seemed to be hovering near the ruins of the temple of Bane and Beldar couldn't help but wonder what that was about. Curious he slowly made his way through the crowd until he drew up before the other male. "Seems to be a fairly big shindig that these folks are getting ready for. But then again, every Shieldmeet is pretty celebrated. What brings you to these parts?"

 

[dancrilis]

Sune'lel

Finishing her song she began so sing gently to herself to get the tone and intonation correct, stopping and starting a half dozen times to make sure that she was happy with it.

That done she decided to see how the locals found it and stood to offer a rendition, her eyes did however notice some new characters enter the area - including a half-elf that looked familiar, she didn't have the best memory for faces at times but choose to make her way to him and introduce herself or reintroduce herself of appropriate.

"Hello" she greeted as she moved within hearing distance "sorry to intrude but you look familiar so thought I would say hello".

 

[lilithsboy]

(he gets a wisdom check DC 15.)

Though his smile is friendly the elf sits on the ruined column as a king would a throne. He regards the dwarf for a moment weighing his options.

"Yes the town is quite busy and I feel it best to simply stay out of the way animals don't tend to like me and I would not like to spook a horse in a crowd this size... I am here doing historical research so these ruins are of interest to me. What brings you into town? If you would like you may sit with me and watch the festival.

 

[khan]

[img=190x300 align=right]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/73/fc/2973fc426b2b9ada69b76ccaff99aa64.jpg[/img]
Armine Thundercraft

Armine had her chains (re-skinned locked gauntlets) unlocked most of the time so she could perform the tasks that Lyre required with easy and only being secured mostly for some intimate situations yet they would still be hanging from her wrists allowing for a ready weapon at any time as well as offering some protection to her otherwise fully naked body. It had been that way with her previous master and she really didn't bothered it this way gladly allowing Lyre, her new owner and master, to use her anyway she wanted.

"An inn?, sure Miss Lyre, it shouldn't be a problem", but considering how crowded the streets were that could in fact be something a little troublesome to find a inn with available rooms, giving it another thought just as she jumped off the wagon the tanned scanty clad human turned around and asked "Or should we head to the ruins first?" She stood tall and imposing yet an obvious submissive tone in her voice denoted she asked for permission rather than just asking a regular question

 

[Hyborian Gamergirl]

She considered her servants words, finger tapping the pages of her book, weighing the options in her mind. On the one hand, she had given an order, on the other hand, she may as well as her why, though to be fair, given the traffic, she could guess at some of the reasons. Still, she nodded, inclining her head. "Very well my pet. To the ruins, though we shall have to hire someone to look after the wagon while we are inside."

And so, she would look for an urchin, or at least someone that was... somewhat reliable looking.

 

[kckolbe]

The smile on Kelman's face was a large one as he recognized the woman approaching him. He held out his hands toward her as though silently inviting everyone around them to look at the unlikely event before them. He'd not seen her in years, in what had likely been his first real pilgrimage. "I should definitely look familiar!" He shook his head in disbelief, before suddenly considering a possibility.

"Are you here to help perform the guilding?"

 

[dancrilis]

Sune'lel

Well he definately recognised her which was good, but if it was a few years ago it might have been when she first started with Andras to clearher calling - she was having difficulty placing him still, there had been many people that she was introduced to over the years and at the time she would have been barely more than a girl.

"Well your memory is clearly better than mine for faces" she smiled, "Sune'lel" she introduced, "well just Lel normally" She looked at the man curiously "guilding?" she queried, it was likely something she was supposed to know but she generally followed action rather than ritual.

 

[Rivine]

Beldar had noticed how the elf held himself, but did not take it as a personal offense. He'd known many elves who thought rather highly of themselves and knew that is was just the way that some of them were. But when the fellow began to speak the dwarf was surprised by the polite non-aloof tone. Perhaps he had misjudged him?

"Thanks for the offer. I'm usually one to like participating in festivities rather than observing them. But now you have me curious. I'm a bit of a scholar myself after all. So what about these ruins interests you?"

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As more and more people moved towards the center of town, a low, barely noticeable sound started to fill the air. It was subtle, more of a background, but to those who were perceptive enough they would be able to discern the direction of the source... and realize that the keening was coming from the ruins.

(DC 15 perception to see if your character can figure out where it is coming from)

 

[dancrilis]

Sune'lel

As she spoke she heard some new sound mingled with the other background, and assumed it was some new performer preparing to begin.

 

[lilithsboy]

https://rolz.org/embed?X20704094
You know how us arcane academics can be is there a new spell that no one remembers locked away some bit of lore that might be pertinent one day?

 

[khan]

[img=190x300 align=right]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/73/fc/2973fc426b2b9ada69b76ccaff99aa64.jpg[/img]
Armine Thundercraft

Armine really didn't know how persuasive a woman in chains could be but she still walked into the crowd looking for someone who would look reliable to her to help looking after Lyre's wagon. Perhaps it would be interest in being paid, or following a gorgeous chained naked woman or simply it would just be an opportunist trying to steal from them but she would try to find someone no mattering race, gender or even age.

Perception=16
Something caught the attention of the tanned redhead though, a subtle sound that was coming from the ruins, making her wanting to rush to find someone and pulling aside the very next person who came in front to her, "Excuse me, My mistress an I are about to explore the ruins and she needs someone to take care of her wagon, can you help us?

 

[Tenshi]

Talinda Embersong

See more

Percpetion 23

Lookign up at Horatio, the young redhead gave a delighted giggle. She twisted up to her feet, facing him, and for a moment, her breath kissed Horatio's lips. "I like your father. That must be where you get your charm."

She stretched up on her tip toes to give the shou man a teasing kiss on the nose, then pirouted clear before he could think to ask for--or claim--more.

The redhead skipped ahead a few paces with a winsome giggle. Then she paused, jaw dropping, at the redheaded beauty clad in chains! "Wow..." she whipsered. "that's... Diferent."

[img=190x300 align=right]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/29/73/fc/2973fc426b2b9ada69b76ccaff99aa64.jpg[/img]
Armine Thundercraft

Perception=16
Something caught the attention of the tanned redhead though, a subtle sound that was coming from the ruins, making her wanting to rush to find someone and pulling aside the very next person who came in front to her, "Excuse me, My mistress an I are about to explore the ruins and she needs someone to take care of her wagon, can you help us?

Mention of the ruins caused the younger redhead to glance that way. She cocked her head at the odd noise. “Perhaps... Horatio and I should join you. It does seem a curious and dangerous place. I'll see to it that Kosuth's blessings protect us. But we have a wagon to secure as well.”

“Hey, Horatio. There's something going on in that old ruined temple. Let's secure the wagon and join this girl and her mistress in checking it out.”

Turning back to the chained girl—was she a slave? They didn't have many slaves in waterdeep, and with her fashion choices so odd she wasn't sure... “My name is Talinda Embersong. My friend is Horatio.”

 

[Hyborian Gamergirl]

Looking at the group, as she let Armine hold the reigns, she rolled her eyes, watching her companion move off. Humans. What can you do? Still, all said and done, as she heard the sound, keen elvish ears pricking, she frowned. Yes, this would put a damper on her plans at the moment for sure, or at the very least, require some adjustment. So, she places her book down, in a little box under the seat for mostly this purpose.

She would have to wait for the red-heads return, granted, even as she looked over the crowd.

 

[kckolbe]

Kelman grinned at the compliment to his memory. "When one's purpose is to preserve information, then a good memory is of great value." Seeing that she wasn't aware of what he meant, he nodded to himself, having unintentionally confirmed that she was not there for that reason. "The gilding is when Oghma's words are cast in gold using a ritual known only to the higher-ranking priests, and only those who are blessed with the divine gift. I thought, as you served and had said gift, that might be why you were here."

He'd been about to ask why when an unexpected sound caught his attention.

kckolbe:1D20+10 → 16(6 + 10)