Starfall Game

[Sunless Echo]

After defeating the Nightmare with little damage to surrounding area's and keeping it quite discreet. Your meeting with the Lord Commander went fairly smoothly as the group made minor bargains in their interested rewards with the Imp name Tep. Who was working as a medium for the group as well as talking with the ranked Commander himself. After this, you were given a Hush-Hush mission by the Mayor of Highmount, Kindoc Kindizok. Look for the one causing the chaos in the town and that summoned the Nightmare. A long night's rest and retrieved rewards in the morning let everyone decide a better course of action in the morning.

With Our Group arriving at the Merc Guild (small and humble). This was just before they noticed the massive Minotaur with a Greatclub that met them face to face at the door when they entered. He was sitting on a small chair watching them and others seemingly relaxed at the moment. A large Magic discharge was let loose moments later. However, this discharge of magic was "Masterfully" controlled by the Gnome man (Calziver) sitting on the counter by the receptionist. It was then that the Party heard a loud voice coming from a Changeling in their original form who sounded Irritant at the Gnome Calziver for letting his magic run loose. They looked to be studying large map-like parchments.

A riled up guild for how small it is for sure. Unfortunately one of our group was spotted by some suspicious men with a paper pointing one of them out. They both looked eager, yet hesitant in the moment. One even willing to draw blades while the other looked to be the voice of reason and calmed this ally down. The stare-off from across the guild holds as the party now decides what to do.

Edited August 28, 2023 by Sunless Echo (see edit history)

[TheRaconteur]

Eandri Venos

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 25/25 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: +13 | Pact Magic: 2/2 |

Spell Slots: 3/3 (1st)

---

Not wanting to let the other two out of her sight, Eandri walked to the back of the room and consulted the jobs board there. She wasn’t sure what she was even looking for, save for commissions hunting for bulk shipments of wood or iron. Posters recruiting laborers, perhaps? She doubted that she would be so fortunate to find a poster that said “look for the Fire Genasi and the man with the broken arm, they frequent the Boar and Board Inn,” but she still had to check. 

 

 

[Unkabear]

Jarren

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 41/41 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: +12 | Battle Meditation: 3/3

---

Jarren watched the others and just kept his mouth closed. He felt that this was not the time for him to instigate anything further. Though he also made a mental note to watch to see if they are followed afterwards. He was still not sure if there was a price on his head or not. But perhaps Eandri may see if there is on the board while she was there. For the moment he just kept his hands away from the hilt of his blade and remained ready to back up Lerisel should her interaction goes south.
 

 

Edited August 17, 2023 by Unkabear (see edit history)

[Sunless Echo]

 

Merc Guild

Unfortunately, Eandri does not find a poster that says, "look for a fire Genasi or a Man with a broken arm." She does however Catch a poster tacked off to the top right under another one with some strange squiggles drawn on it. The top request seems to be about paying a healer to help tend to injuries in the Combat tournament from the previous day. Seems like it is going to be held again.

However, the bottom is what catches your eye, and you take a look to see that the scribbles you saw were actually that of a fire drawn upon the paper. The request says explains there was attempted arson and theft. There is a location and name:

Rusty's Board

Gerald's Shop - Attempted arson and theft.

Thief hid identity; seemed Human.

Rusty's Board is open to Helpers. Information is appreciated.

Reward - 20 gold.

 

It's about that time you notice how close you are to the two that are pointing out Jarren and Lerisel. The Armored Man looks like a parent scolding a child at this point.

 

 

 

 

[TheRaconteur]

Eandri Venos

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 25/25 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: +13 | Pact Magic: 2/2 |

Spell Slots: 3/3 (1st)

---

Eandri made note of the name, and moved back to her two companions.

"I actually have a lead."

She said, as surprised as anyone that it had worked. Yet not without consequence it seemed, for they now had company.

"Can I help you two?"

She asked the pair inching closer, slipping her shield from her back and sliding her arm into it as she did so. She'd made no overt moves, no calls to violence, but the gesture was clear. She was expecting to be attacked, and readying herself. Within her grasp, the Fellstaff pulsed once duly. Its power still infused her, held her in its grip, allow its hunger to be her hunger. It was an alien thing, far too strange to be anything comprehensible. Yet as she stared at them it became more clear, as it always did. She could taste the magic, if there was any to find, taste it on the tip of her tongue. What was the scent of magic, the flavor? She didn't know how she knew, save that the Fellstaff pushed at her mind, pushed at her senses. Driven half to frenzy already by the fiery demonstration of magic that the Gnome had put on, she felt the ache as if it were her own.

OOC

Detect Magic is still active as she looks at the two.

 

Edited August 23, 2023 by TheRaconteur (see edit history)

[Sunless Echo]

Merc Guild

---

The Armored man grabs his ally by the scruff and leads him away from Eandri, Parchment in hand. This scene looks like a parent dragging a misbehaving child away due to them throwing a tantrum. They both make a slow beeline to the exit...Straight towards Jarren and Lerisel. The tension is heavy in the air, although they do keep distance and try to make it to the door without getting within striking distance. Each party keeping their eyes on each other until the Two Men are gone and have left the building.

 

Magic Eyes

Eandri - You see no magic coming off of the two who seem to be in some sort of violent stare off with your companions. Though now that your in the back of the room and have done a bit more of a sweep of the building. You notice once again that the Gnome has an aura of Magic (can't pin down an exact type it's very wild), The changeling has a glowing aura by their beltside, seems like Illusion magic.

There are a few minor pings here and there on some people taking jobs. The items are mainly weapons or armor and most seem to be minor enchantments that you can easily guess are enhancements.

 

[TheRaconteur]

Eandri Venos

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 32/32 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: +13 | Pact Magic: 2/2 |

Spell Slots: 3/3 (1st)

---

Eandri watched them depart, comforted that her thoughts were own, and not twisted by unknowable. It did not take any of the danger out of the moment, but it left that threat in the mundane, in the concrete. The world was simpler that way.

"Have I missed something important?"

She asked, and as always with the Half-Elf her tone was the epitome of polite concern. The woman shrouded herself in an armor of etiquette, masking her true thoughts. It was a side effect of not just her training, but the manner in which she had survived. To be anything else was to let her emotions slip, to evoke concern that her control was weakening. Such concern could be fatal, as she had witnessed first hand. Yet she was no longer under the thumb of the Shahim, free from the Old Hound's pointed stare. She didn't know why she had earned such a reprieve, but she had found she cherished it.

Edited August 30, 2023 by TheRaconteur (see edit history)

[Guardian Angel Haruki]

Nululia Ashteross

Level 4 Cleric of Peace, Accursed Acolyte

---

AC: 18 | HP: 26/26 | Initiative: +4 | Passive Perception: 16 | Passive Investigation: 10 | Passive Inisight: 16 | Cleric Spell Slots: 4/4 1st Level, 3/3 2nd Level | Channel Divinity: 1/1

---

Outside of the Mercenary's Guild, a young lady is setting up her little soapbox stage. This seemed like the least guarded place, so it seems like she can give a sermon here, spend a night, and then leave in the morning. She was a little nervous. She hadn't given a sermon in so long. But...she could feel it. It is Ouarus's will: She is to preach for her in this spot.

Nululia would trust in her goddess.

After taking a few deep breaths slowly, to calm her nerves, she would begin her sermon.

As Nululia's sermons typically go, she first sings a psalm for Ouarus. Normally, this signified that a sermon was going to begin. In Nululia's eyes, this allowed for the people to choose for themselves: If they wanted to listen and/or worship Ouarus, then they would be able to stay and listen. If not, then they would be able to leave before the sermon began.

After the song finished, she performs the sermon. It seems normal at first, with her simply reciting the teachings of Ouarus and performing the usual rites. This was to make sure that anyone who was guarding would not be so attentive when she gets to the main point of her sermon: The true purpose.

The more observant, or those who were listening among the audience, would soon hear the section when the priests deliver their own thoughts and feelings to the people...

This time, it is vastly different than what may normally be heard at this point...

"Friends and Loved Ones all around! I wish this wasn't so, but I deliver grim tidings in mourning and with a heavy heart!

We all know of the teachings we learned growing up. The Empire of Emprin is a bastion of light, led by our fair and just Emperor, who has lived so long under our Divine Lords' and Ladies' blessings. All things magic and metal are condemned and shunned as evil.

My Divine Lady, Ouarus, My Guide and My Light, has guided me to see a terrible truth! Emprin is no longer that glorious beacon of light!

Heresy and Hypocrisy have created an unholy union in the heart of Emprin, and have made the Emperor its child! No longer does the Emperor shield his people and hold hands with them in friendship and unity. Now, his hand is that of a metallic grip, tightening around the peoples' minds as one would tighten their grip around a neck! He punishes those who question him and his teachings much more harshly than he would punish those who question the Gods' teachings!

Is that not strange?! Is that not arrogant of him, to deem his own words holier than that of the Gods?!

I have seen his true form! The Emperor has abandoned all forms of love except Philautia! He has taken measures of his own accord to enhance and lengthen his lifespan, and he only cares about the citizenry only if they obey him like mindless drones! From what I have seen...what he has chosen is not truly living! The Emperor we knew is dead!

I deliver this news unto you out of love and concern for your safety! Please, reflect on my words and take action! I do not expect anyone to take up arms, but at the very least, please gather your friends and family and flee Emprin! A ruler's power comes from the citizenry's cooperation, after all!"

After Nululia spoke her piece, she finished the sermon as any priest or priestess would end it, and she would step down from her soapbox.

---

OOC: Let me know if I need to add or roll anything. ^_^
The Psalm would sound something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBjQOm269Tw

Edited August 30, 2023 by Guardian Angel Haruki (see edit history)

[Polyphemus]

Aedric Mollens

---

AC: 15  |  HP: 36/36 | Initiative: +8 | Passive Perception: 14 | Spell Slots: 3/3 (1st)

---

What an outspoken woman... It's amazing she's still breathing.

Aedric leans against his staff as he watches Nululia’s unorthodox sermon with a pleasant expression on his face. His thoughts quickly move away from the strange woman’s dangerous words, back to his task at hand.

He had watched Eandri and her two companions enter the Mercenary guild hall, catching glances through a window of their interactions inside, and decided a direct approach would be best. Subtlety is a useful tool, but there's something to be said about being in close proximity to the subject. Besides, even trained Black Hounds reveal more than they think when they know they’re being observed.

As Nululia's sermon is coming to a close, Aedric enters the guild hall and approaches Eandri's group.

"Welcome to our guild," he flashes a wide smile at the group, careful to not display any more attention towards Eandri than the other two. "I'm sorry about the cold welcome you received, civility doesn't exactly run rampant among mercenaries. Anyways, what brings you to the guild on this fine morning?"

"My name's Aedric by the way, who do I have the pleasure of meeting?" his smile shining brighter than the sashes of throwing knives he wears.

He finds it too risky to use another name, as he doesn't know how long he'll be monitoring Eandri or who he'll run into during that time. No one outside of the black hounds have any association of him with them anyways, making his true 'self', minus a couple details of course, his longest running and most thoroughly cultivated alias.

Edited August 30, 2023 by Polyphemus (see edit history)

[Unkabear]

Jarren

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 41/41 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: +12 | Battle Meditation: 3/3

---

Finally with the two breaking the standoff and retreating, Jarren keeping a mental note to watch for either of them, or for another shadow on their tail for that matter, he turned his attention to the new man.

A quick glance showed that he was confident, and perhaps competent as well. He had another brace of knives across his chest, perhaps it was a guild thing. And Jarren himself has been apart of bands that were very civil, and some that were boarding on the edge of bedlam and chaos. In a city such as this, strict rules and decorum should be observed, and already he had witnessed two individuals that had weighed and measured the cost of starting a fight in the middle of the guild hall itself. Jarren would need to buy Lerisel and Eandri a drink. When he had coin to his name.

That was another problem that he had to fix.

Jarren had been living on the edge of civilization, hiding from his and Torgene's pursuers have not done well for his belt pouch. Did Jarren question taking the sword pommel over a reward of gold? No, not for a moment. But he could use the coin.

Jarren shook off the train of thought and brought himself back to the man before him. He was confident and claimed a leadership position, so he may even be competent, and dangerous, Jarren would treat him as a live viper until proven otherwise.

Jarren remained calm and coiled. His hands away from his sword hilt. But then it has been a while since he killed someone with his bare hands. He really did not relish the thought of having to do so today.

 

[RpgNott]

Black Lerisel Fallen Aasimar Oathbreaker Paladin (4) - >>CHARACTER SHEET<<| FeaturesSaves Str (+4) Dex (+1) Con (+2) Int (+0) Wis (+3) Cha (+5) Racial features – Fallen Aasimar Darkvision Celestial Resistance Healing Hands Light Bearer Necrotic Shroud Class - Oathbreaker Paladin Divine Sense Lay on Hands Fighting Style : Dueling Divine Spellcasting Divine Smite Divine Health Channel Divinity-Control Undead Channel Divinity-Dreadful Aspect Languages: Common, Celestial, Abyssal, Primordial|   Condition: Normal AC: 19| HP: 36/36 | Initiative: +1 | Speed: 30ft | PP: 11   Lerisel watched the pair depart which gave time to Eandri to get to her and posed her question. She just shrugged and suddenly grinned ""I think the small one wanted to invite me to dance but then his boyfriend got jealous and dragged him out?" Honestly she had no idea what this was all about when a strange fellow accosted them. "Time to show my people skill." ""HI! I'm Anne! Anne Noyed to be accusted by a complete stranger while we were in the middle of a private conversation. You deal with the peddler" she said to Eandri as she took a few step back brushing the fellow off "this is boring...".

 

Edited August 30, 2023 by RpgNott (see edit history)

[TheRaconteur]

Eandri Venos

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 32/32 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: +13 | Pact Magic: 2/2 |

Spell Slots: 3/3 (1st)

---

Eandri had largely ignored the prattling Cleric, at least at first. As a child, her faith in the Emperor had been absolute, a burning flame within her breast that had guided every word and every deed. It had been the faith of a child, unquestioning of her parent's convictions, mirroring what she knew. During her adolescence, she had first begun to encounter those who had not shared her faith, rubbing shoulders with people from many lands and of many faiths as she helped her parents on the Docks. Her first instinct at the time had been to pity them, for the Emperor's love had been a comforting thing. Those encounters had not been the catalyst that had begun her crisis of faith, and would not have been enough on their own had it not been for the Old Hound. Jandris Kallith had opened her mind to the true horrors of the Empire, the military atrocities, the depths of the hypocrisy.

Such thoughts were damnable heresy, and yet as the content of the Priest's sermon began to sink into her conscious mind it dawned on her that her private musings were but a drop of rain in the hurricane compared to the words being spoken aloud. No, not spoken, shouted! A sermon of profane sacrilege, shouted into the square. She couldn't help it, she did a double take, her piercing eyes searching up and down for soldiers or Vanguard of the Empire. Had there been, the situation would have rapidly descended into brutal violence. As Shahim, she was under no compulsion to act, the woman's words placed no burden of duty upon her. The woman was a threat to the Empire, a threat to the Emperor, but not one she was compelled to deal with. The Fellstaff within her grip did not so much as stir, whatever alien senses it drew upon blind to the blasphemer. Yet Eandri's mind was stil a roaring cyclone of emotions, the decades of her upbringing clashing with the moral code she was only just starting to shape.

And into that maelstrom of emotion walked not just one of the Shahim, but a thrice-cursed Stalker of Shadows.

Eandri stared, no, glared as Aedric approached them and introduced himself. She reeled, her base instincts telling her to bolt and run, and the last decade of psychological trauma disguised as training rooting her to the spot. The staff, the damnable Fellstaff, slumbered in her grip, reacting not at all to the sudden threat. Because that was what he was, that was what his kind had always been. A blade at her throat, plucking drops of crimson if she so much as breathed a wrong word. She tried to answer, a decade of polite formality snapping into place too late.

Too late!

Lerisel was already speaking, the words leaving her mouth before Eandri could react. Damn, damn, damn. Her brain scrambled, trying to find some way to salvage the situation.

"Officer Aedric Mollens, there is no need for caution. While I cannot personally vet these two, both the Lord Commander and Mayor Kondac Kindizok hold them in some esteem."

Would those be the last words she spoke? Her jaw was clenched so tightly around them she worried her teeth might break.

 

Edited August 30, 2023 by TheRaconteur (see edit history)

[RpgNott]

Black Lerisel Fallen Aasimar Oathbreaker Paladin (4) - >>CHARACTER SHEET<<| FeaturesSaves Str (+4) Dex (+1) Con (+2) Int (+0) Wis (+3) Cha (+5) Racial features – Fallen Aasimar Darkvision Celestial Resistance Healing Hands Light Bearer Necrotic Shroud Class - Oathbreaker Paladin Divine Sense Lay on Hands Fighting Style : Dueling Divine Spellcasting Divine Smite Divine Health Channel Divinity-Control Undead Channel Divinity-Dreadful Aspect Languages: Common, Celestial, Abyssal, Primordial|   Condition: Normal AC: 19| HP: 36/36 | Initiative: +1 | Speed: 30ft | PP: 11   Now safely out of the way, Lerisel watched Eandri handle the newcomer with a bit of puzzlement. Her body language seemed tense and Lerisel almost heard her grind her teeth from where she was. Did she know the fellow? Maybe she owed him money. "Well it’s either that or she does not know how to respond to people. Not everyone have good people skills like me."

 

Edited September 6, 2023 by RpgNott (see edit history)

[Unkabear]

Jarren

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 41/41 | Initiative: +2 | Passive Perception: +12 | Battle Meditation: 3/3

---

"The man is a hunter," Jarren replies softly, well aware that Lerisel must know this as well, he was just voicing it for himself. They move from two men hunting him to one man who placed fear into Eandri. "I fear by the moment we are less likely to leave this establishment without drawing blades." he says with a sigh. Though he is familiar with combat and feels at home there, he also knows that a body count tends to upset the local authorities and may land him in prison, or fleeing as a fugitive.

 

Jarren shifts his position, not as a threat, he had a feeling that this would only cause things to escalate unnecessarily, but instead as a show of support, his hands still away from his sword, though in truth that did not make him any less deadly. Jarren moved to a place to let Eandri know that though in this instance they were outsiders, she still had their support.

 

[TheRaconteur]

Eandri Venos

---

AC: 16  |  HP: 32/32 | Initiative: +0 | Passive Perception: +13 | Pact Magic: 2/2 |

Spell Slots: 3/3 (1st)

---

Paralyzed while she waited for Aedric to answer her, Jansaadi felt Jarren shift. She hoped, she prayed even, that none drew a blade. It was the first actual prayer to enter her thoughts since she’d first realized tasted the horrors of war, and the fact that it was genuine caught her so off guard that she almost lost her balance and toppled over. 

Within her grip, she could feel the Fellstaff shifting, an unknowable consciousness that barely even qualified for the word. It felt, it yearned, but it was impossible to truly capture any of it with human emotions. Those were the only tools she had to describe it though, and so she was forced to try and understand the unknowable through such faulty lenses. She could feel the hatred it felt for Aedric, and yet at the same time she felt to the devotion to him it demanded. Neither word truly captured the emotions, the mind behind them was too alien to even be called a mind, yet the aftershocks of those sensations rocked her body as she stood.