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Post by greentongue on Aug 22, 2016 15:54:33 GMT -6
While Lord Seer waited under a portion of the tent, Huruyan directed the clansmen to lash together the poles for carrying the palanquin and the dowry to create some crude ladders.
With those in place everyone was able to clamber up to the first level of the road.
After some time and organization, everything was back in order and everyone was able to take their places.
While the rain had lighten to a fine drizzle, it hadn't stopped.
The slight slope of the road and the side drains kept large puddles from covering the road. To avoid all of them some winding between was necessary.
Everyone agreed that the best thing was that the wind was still coming from behind.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 22, 2016 15:55:39 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar "We need to send someone ahead to alert the guard tower that we are coming, so they can have provisions ready."
With that he called over one of the younger servants and handed him a token. "Show this to the guards and tell them that we are coming," he commanded. "Go!"
Huruyan Due to the lack of food Huruyan kept an eye out for possible edible plants or animals.
--- Though visibility was limited, ahead there was a collection of people that filled the road. Tents were set up below the road and a couple on it. Close to a hundred people were working on repairing a section of the road including those in the encampment beside the road.
There were chlen carts loaded with rock in the encampment and swarms to people lugging them up ladders to the collapsed section on the second tier of the road.
The rain does not seem to have impacted the working more than the workers moving slowly.
There is a predominance of black, orange and purple in the clothing of the overseers.
[Private to Huruyan; Kumahl: You notice that the people working are unusually quiet.]
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Post by greentongue on Aug 22, 2016 15:56:54 GMT -6
Kumahl As his procession halts Kumahl notices the work going on ahead. Hands over top of his eyes, Kumahl tries to assess what happened and the repairs. His next step will be to see if he can lend any further assistance or direct to encourage a better repair.
Noticing that the workers remain silent, Kumahl checks to see if they are alive. Maybe they are being controlled telepathically. After this assessment he approaches the foremen and offers his findings and assistance.
Huruyan Believing that there is something wrong, Huruyan tries to stop Kumahl from approaching the foreman. When this fails he speaks quietly to the soldiers and gets them ready for possible problems. He then approaches Lord Seer and asks him to come down and see if he can smooth the way for them.
--- Kumahl paused long enough to survey the damage and the work before heading towards the large tent that has many people coming and going from.
[Private to Kumahl: From what you can tell a bolt of lightning had struck and a steam explosion had blown away a section of the wall between the first and second levels. Most of the damage has been cleared away and preparations are well under way to repair the damage. It looks like someone with Engineer-architect skill is directing the work. You also notice that a lot of the laborers that are carrying rocks are dead old people. As far as you can tell the people directing the workers are alive but have unusually pale faces. ]
As you notice them, so to do they notice you. A man in plate armor with a couple of servants supporting an stretched fabric over him intercepts Kumahl.
He has the clan symbol of a copper shovel and rank marking of a Kasi (Captain). Nearby there are a handful of soldiers in brown and purple stripped cloaks over their armor watching everyone.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 22, 2016 15:59:12 GMT -6
Kasi Dresu "Hail to you travelers." "I am Kasi Dresu of the Copper Shovel." "I'm going to have to ask you to descend here as this repair work has been authorized by the Provencal Governer and cannot be interfered with."
"Sorry for the inconvenience. We will assist with your transit however we can."
With that he points to where there are a crude set of steps leaning against the wall to make going down easy.
Kumahl "Greetings Captian Dresu, I am Njashte Kumahl of the Stone Masons. I see that you have repairs well in hand. Perhaps you sent along a Blazoned Crescent servant as well. Would you please tell me how far the next station is from here?"
Kumahl keeps alert as his surroundings are unfamiliar and a bit unnerving.
Kasi Dresu Looking you over again and glancing towards your companions, as your clan insignia does not match the clan you are proclaiming, "Njashte Kumahl of the Stone Masons".
"I see..."
"Yes, a Blazoned Crescent servant said that you would be coming." "He should be at the tower by now." "If the weather wasn't so miserable, you could see it from here."
"Please, this way," was added with some insistence while pointing towards the steps down.
Huruyan Huruyan sends the rest of the party toward the steps, staying in the rear to see that all made it down safely.
--- Standing in his elaborate copper trimmed plate armor, Kasi Dresu looks expectantly at Kumahl. The fine fabric of his cloak is mostly dry as the cloth above him protects him from the rain. His cloak has more orange swirls than purple mixed with its multiple shades of brown and is obviously well made. Unusually, his nails glisten with a copper sheen.
He keeps an eye on the others as they move to comply with his wishes.
Below the road there is a clearly marked path that has been hastily cleared to make a wide circuit around the encampment with the workers.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 27, 2016 12:05:56 GMT -6
Huruyan Huruyan, encourages everyone to follow the path and get back on the road after passing the construction.
--- The party made its way past the surprisingly quiet encampment as the shrouded workers unloaded rocks from the carts with chlen attached and lugged it up to the construction site.
The chlen drivers kept a watch on their charges while the hooded guardsmen watched everyone.
Hard looks from the guardsmen were directed at anyone that drifted too close to the encampment.
The rain did not seem to effect the workers. Methodically plodding up and down the muddy path without concern for any puddles.
The path the party followed didn't look to be heavily traveled but Huruyan could see that they were not the first, in either direction. There were no wagon tracks, only the signs of foot traffic.
Huruyan As soon as possible the party returned to the road and continued on their way. Huruyan however tried to see as much as possible of the camp and workers, to discover why they seemed so wrong.
--- The rumor spread that the road tower was only a short distance away and the morale of the soaked soldiers, servants and porters improved noticeably. [Private to Huruyan: You notice that a lot of the laborers that are carrying rocks are dead old people. As far as you can tell the people directing the workers are alive but have unusually pale faces.]
Grumbling Lord Seer climbed back out of his palanquin and it was once more lifted up the steep incline. For everyone the climb back up was a little more difficult than the lowering down but, after some delay the party returned to the lower roadway.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 27, 2016 12:07:16 GMT -6
Huruyan "Well, Lord Seer that wasn't as bad as it could have been and now we are back on track to get somewhere we can resupply."
Lord Seer Epengar "Hunter Huruyan, I don't see how you can stand there in the rain when we have servants doing nothing but walking around."
"If your's have their hands full with baskets. you are welcome to borrow some of mine." "It is good to stay dry in this weather and there is no reason for someone of your stature to be rained on."
Huruyan "Thank you Lord Seer, I appreciate the offer and accept. Please tell me which of your servants I can use, for as you can see all of mine are indeed already carrying baskets."
--- Lord Seer commands one of his senior servants to make the arrangements for Hunter Huruyan to be covered from the rain.
One of the servants seemed most agreeable to the duty or at least didn't grumble, even behind people's backs. Soon a triangle of fabric in Blazoned Crescent colors was held suspended above Huruyan's head at an angle. No longer did the rain water run down into his eyes.
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Post by greentongue on Aug 27, 2016 12:08:46 GMT -6
Huruyan "Lord Seer, did you notice anything odd about that work crew?"
Lord Seer Epengar "The work crew?" "Why would I concern myself with them?"
"I did notice that Kasi Dresu favors the immanence of Sarku."
Huruyan "Ah, that fits with everything else I noticed."
Kumahl Kumahl follows up as the last of the procession anxious to speak with Huruyan. Noticing the interchange between Lord Seer and his brother about servants and such, he almost laughs but does manage to keep it to himself.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:11:29 GMT -6
Kumahl Kumahl follows up as the last of the procession anxious to speak with Huruyan. Noticing the interchange between Lord Seer and his brother about servants and such, he almost laughs but does manage to keep it to himself.
Huruyan "There you are, did you find out anything of interest, Kumahl?"
Kumahl "Brother, all the workers are old and dead. Whatever power has brought them back to life has infused them with strength and most likely left them mindless and subservient."
Nodding for Huruyan to hold up and wait for Lord Seer, Kumahl poses a question to Lord Seer, "What do you know of the Masters of the Dead?"
Lord Seer Epengar "The Masters of the Dead?" "You mean Sarku, Master of the Undead, I assume?"
"He is one of the 'Dark Trinity' of which my master Ksarul is also one of." "We all die eventually but his followers wish to retain their consciousness into death." "I believe the semblance of life without knowledge is pointless."
"Why do you ask?"
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:12:53 GMT -6
Kumahl Looking to change the subject, Kumahl gestures in the direction of the dowry, "How far to return the dowry?"
Lord Seer Epengar "Huh? What left you with an uneasy feeling?"
"As for getting to Urmish and delivering the dowry, at this pace, I expect it will take at least a week and a half."
"For now, I am certainly looking forward to just reaching the road tower and getting a meal." "While I usually like a drink with my meal, this rain has dampened my enthusiasm for one."
Huruyan "That sounds awful, Kumahl but, a good meal sounds wonderful."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:14:47 GMT -6
Kumahl As they continue their march along the road, he speaks to Lord Seer. "Everyone needs a good meal and some rest. In order to ensure the dowry's delivery we cannot afford to lose anyone."
Looking the procession up and down Kumahl makes some mental notes.
[Private to GM: I could use some names and status for those needing healing and medical attention at evening's rest.]
Lord Seer Epengar "I agree Craftsman Kumahl." "I can even hope they have accommodations for us all as we no longer have that big of a party."
[Private to Kumahl: Emerald Fisher Guardsman Lazhato is grievously injured. Blazoned Crescent Guardsmen Nalukkan, Ek’ne are injured. Guardsman Todukai is seriously injured. The others have minor injuries that only need rest to heal. The porters and servants are just hungry and tired.]
Huruyan "Weapons and equipment are fine, as we have fewer who need/use them. However some of the armor has been badly beaten up and could use replacing or at least repair. With any luck there will be some available in the town near the tower, if not in the tower itself."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:15:01 GMT -6
The guard tower straddled the wall and all three levels had doors that could be sealed. Ahead, on the other side of the tower, the wall stretched as far as the eye could see. Which in the drizzle wasn't actually very far.
A lone soldier stood guard at each level. The guard at the top most level was standing under an awning.
The buildings of a town fanned out from the tower on the road side. Enclosed compounds with high walls clustered along the main streets. Standing aloof and imposing were the humped heights of several temples. Between these and along the wall were lesser building. Some clearly warehouses, others homes of wealthier clan members. As the buildings approached the edges of the jungle the quality of building materials visibly declined. Some of the building at the far edges looked to be barely more than stacks of palm log walls.
The sentry greeted Lord Seer Epengar and welcomed him to the Crossed Palms Tower. The servant that had been sent ahead was waiting for them and said that one of the local hostels had space available for them.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:16:39 GMT -6
Kumahl "Well, let us get this party sheltered and I will look to the healing of the more grievously wounded. You will be needing the Emerald Fisher's services to return the dowry, correct?"
Lord Seer Epengar "Emerald Fishers?" "Is that Hunter Huruyan's clan name?"
"I'm sure I can get assistance in this town but I trust your resourcefulness more." "My clan would also like a chance to compensate you for all you have done to make the recovery happen."
Kumahl "Emerald Fishers is OUR clan name."
"We can with your current resources make the necessary purchases to get us a few days further to the destination."
Huruyan "First lets get to this hostel and get something to eat, and then a good nights rest. That alone will help all of our wounded."
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:17:23 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar "I am confused by this as I am sure I heard you tell Kasi Dresu that you were of the Stone Masons clan."
"Prior to that I was lead to believe you were both of the Fishing Bird clan."
In a thoughtful tone, "Maybe I should question everything I thought I knew about you."
Kumahl "Questions are good, Lord Seer, and I have no issue with answering those questions when they come. For starters, I am a man of many talents and therefore have many affiliations and associations. The Stone Masons are architects and builders on the isle of the Emerald Fishers. I like Huruyan there were born and raised among and within the Emerald Fishers,"
Feeling that he has given Lord Seer enough to think about, Kumahl moves up and down the party making mental notes of who to tend to first and who get after.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:19:37 GMT -6
The Jade Girdle representative approached Lord Seer Epengar while he was still looking thoughtfully after Kumahl.
The Guardsman waits expectantly nearby as the rest of the party stands dripping in the roadway.
Courtesan Arusa "Greetings great lords, I am Courtesan Arusa of the Jade Girdle and I welcome you to our clanhouse." "We have dry rooms, fresh food, drink and other pleasures waiting for you."
"If you would follow me?"
Huruyan "I have a good feeling about this, Kumahl."
Kumahl Trustung Huruyan's judgement, Kumahl follows him and will look for a place to sit and attend to the wounded.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 7, 2016 18:20:15 GMT -6
Lord Seer Epengar "It would have been very unfortunate if there had been no rooms available and we would have had to camp here in the rain."
Handing the waiting soldier a small but heavy bag, "Please share our gratitude with your fellows for making the arrangements for our accommodations."
"Lead the way Courtesan Arusa." "A dry place to eat sounds excellent to me." "I may even be interested in entertainment after, if the meal refreshes me enough."
--- Following Courtesan Arusa down the tower ramp, the party was lead a short ways into the cluster of building nearby.
The sand and gravel of what passed for a road drained the water well and they were not squishing through mud this close to the wall.
Within sight of one of the squat temples sat the Jade Girdle clan house. That they were followers of Dlamelish, Green-Eyed Lady of Sins. Statues showing her as a voluptuous human female with a bestial crocodile-like head flank the entrance.
Scantily clad servants flock to greet everyone and led the porters and bearers off to a secondary entrance on the left.
Lord Seer, Kumahl and Huruyan are led into the carved column lined main building in the middle. Off to the right is another entrance with a jade and silver decorated double door.
Everywhere in the main building you hear the faint chiming of small bells. In one corner is a musician playing a tune while a couple of children are being taught to dance.
Soon you are led to a dais with appropriate mixed level pillows account for your stations in life. Before you can even get settled appetizers begin arriving. Though you don't recall seeing the type of beetle on the skewers before, you can tell they are properly roasted.
A practically nude youth pours wine from a pitcher into each waiting glass cup.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2016 8:54:20 GMT -6
Kumahl After eating Kumahl stands and excuses himself to tend to Lahzato with Cure Serious Wounds and Todukai with Cure Light Wounds. He will continue his check of the other Guardsmen by cleaning again their wounds and dressing them.
Returning to Huruyan and Lord Seer, "We will need to secure healing services tonight or remain here for a few days until I can do what is necessary myself. Also we need to secure the dowry. Suggestion?"
Kumahl takes his spot on the dias, asks for another helping of roasted beetle, and settles into meditate while and when he can.
Huruyan "This is truly a great meal, Lord Seer we thank you for your generosity." Turning to one of the servers, Huruyan instructs him to convey their appreciation for this wonderful meal to the cooks and other servers. "Kumahl, you should sit and enjoy while you can, I certainly plan to."
--- While the setting is much nicer than the Emerald Fisher clan meeting barge, after some time to look around the wear and lack of maintenance was clear.
To Huruayn and Kumahl a lot of the motif was familiar as this clan followed the same Goddess as the Emerald Fishers.
Lord Seer did not seem as jaded by the environment and looked to be easily distracted by the antics of the surrounding clans-folk.
He drank extra wine as he exclaimed that the food was unusually spicy for him. The lewd dancing and decorations often caught his attention.
[Private to Kumahl: The servants and guards were separated into a few small connected rooms with the baggage piled outside under the eves out of the rain. They had been brought food and water for all and chamber pots were available.]
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2016 8:56:00 GMT -6
Huruyan "This seems so much like home, doesn't it Kumahl?" Huruyan felt relaxed and right at home.
Kumahl Seeing the relaxed state of Huruyan and Lord Seer, Kumahl was glad that he did not drink wine. There was much weighing on his mind and soul. Chodo was dead. The Hlyss assault. Loss of clansmen. He tried to sort it all out. Putting every detail into its appropriate place.
Having had enough of the meal and being unsettled with the circumstances, "Lord Seer, is there a need for guards for the delivery?"
Lord Seer Epengar "Guards?" "Certainly." "After all that we have gone through I would hate to lose ..." Catching himself before he said dowry,"... our cargo before we deliver it."
Signaling to a nearby Jade Girdle clansman, "Would you have Guardsman Turisan from our entourage attend us."
--- The Jade Girdle clansman hurried out a side entrance.
[Private to Kumahl: You noticed a look pass between him and a more senior Jade Girdle clanswoman. She gave a hand sign back.]
Dancers moved closer to Lord Seer and Huruyan and incorporated them into their dancing by rubbing themselves and cloths against and around them.
You recognize most of the dance as a classic that you grew up performing yourselves occasionally.
The wine was not the best but the cups were never left empty.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2016 8:59:11 GMT -6
Kumahl [Private to GM: 22:40, Today: Kumahl rolled 7 using 2d6. Heal Serious Wounds. 22:40, Today: Kumahl rolled 6 using 1d6. Heal Light Wounds.]
Pushing dancers aside Kumahl leans in and puts hands on both wine cups of Huruyan and Lord Seer, "There is treachery afoot. The time is now to be alert."
With his comment he hopes that they will come to their senses enough to be a distraction as questions begin to be asked.
[Private to GM: Kumahl casts ESP and begins sorting thoughts from among those gathered. I assume 20 foot radius is sufficient to cover the entire area we are in.]
Huruyan Huruyan looks to Kumahl and says quietly, "I think so too and will be ready, I didn't drink to much and this wine is weak."
Kumahl [Private to Huruyan: Then we are the security. I follow your lead.]
Kumahl gives his own sign to Huruyan "Give me 10" and he follows through with his search.
Kumahl "Lord Seer, I think I must go check and see how our people are getting on."Huruyan then gets up and asks the nearest servant to take him to see their servants so he can check up on them.
--- The dancers were upset by Kumahl's actions and comments. They pulled back from the table while still flirting with Lord Seer. The youth with the wine pitcher almost poured some on Kumahl's hand.
[Private to Kumahl: Your ESP confirms that you are surrounded by upset Jade Girdle clansfolk. Through the thoughts of discontent from your actions you detect a level of fear and concern. A stronger feeling of concern comes from the woman you noticed doing the signaling. From her you get the thoughts of worry that she will not be able to get the needed tribute for Copper Shovel from your party. She wonders if your possessions will be worth enough or if you will have to be enslaved instead of killed.]
Huruyan makes to follow after the Jade Girdle clansman while a Jade Girdle Guardsman moves to join him.
[Private to Kumahl: The guardsman moving toward Huruyan is just thinking to do his duty and escort.][/i]
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2016 9:00:15 GMT -6
Kumahl As Huruyan leaves the room Kumahl says loud enough for all to hear, "Lord Seer, it appears that the Copper Shovels influence extends here as well. There is more at work here than simple services of pleasure and taking care of weary travelers."
Looking directly at the senior woman in attendance, "Courtesan Arusa, it is not wise to deceive one of Dlamelish's faithful much less several of her worthy souls. If the Great Lady finds you unworthy you might find yourselves servants of the Copper Shovel. Choose wisely your words and your actions."
Kumahl remains seated, focusing while the duration lasts.
--- The senior woman in attendance had a startled look. She looked intently at Kumahl and Lord Seer.
[Private to Kumahl: What does he know of the Copper Shovel and what did Courtesan Arusa tell them when she lead them here? Who is this Dlamelish's faithful he is talking about? None of them have insignia of Dlamelish. The mention of Copper Shovel sparked a buzz from the minds of those in hearing. What will they do to us now? I don't want to be fed to the Ever Hungry Mouth of the Dark!]
To a almost naked man next to her she commanded, "Send for Courtesan Arusa."
[Private to Huruyan: As you are leaving the room you year Kumahl's outburst.]
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2016 9:02:29 GMT -6
Kumahl [Private to GM: Lying is very uncharacteristic for Kumahl. But stretching the truth is becoming an almost regular thing.
I made some assumptions and a couple of them seem to be in correct. #1) The lady by the door, I thought was Courtesan Arusa. #2) The statues outside the doors to the hostel were of Dlamelish. True we bear no insignia, except myself who has the Emerald Fisher. #3) The Emerald Fisher's on the Isle from which we came, I imagined speak of the Chosen of Dlamelish as it seems the Gods seem to have favorites. I assumed it translated across and to all the followers. #4) Copper Shovels worried me when we passed them. I figured it was worth mentioning to cause a distraction long enough for Huruyan to see to the delivery.]
Kumahl stared intently back at the senior woman.
[Private to Huruyan: I think that our party was allowed to pass the Copper Shovels only so that the hostel could perform an extortion later.]
Lord Seer Epengar Lord Seer glances back and forth between Kumal, Huruyan and the dancers.
"Yes, Hunter Huruyan, that sound like a wise idea." "I will stay here and enjoy the entertainment until you need me."
"What are you speaking of Kumahl?" asked Lord Seer with a slight slur of speech. "Have you been here before or heard something that I haven't?"
"The Copper Shovel sounds like a Sarku worshiping clan, why do you think they have anything to do with the Jade Girdle?" "Dlamelish and Sarku are known not to be bedfellows, as it is called."
--- In the company of a Jade Girdle guardsman Huruyan followed the servant to the exit from the main hall. Guardsman Turisan entered just as Huruyan got there, in the company of another Jade Girdle guardsman.
The guards look like they are more concerned in the look of their weapons than in their use. They have a lot of shiny enamel. The chlen hide of their armor and maces are dyed bright trim colors along with the green.
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Post by greentongue on Sept 10, 2016 9:05:26 GMT -6
Kumahl Leaning in close once more to Lord Seer so only he can hear, "There are signs that state they intend to use us to barter for their freedom. Their is a debt to be paid and it seems we are to be it. Maybe our passing along the Sakbe Road was not as fortuitous as we thought. There are many things here to dull the senses, Lord Seer. Try and separate yourself and see what I mean."
With that Kumahl checks on his fishing knife strapped to his leg, making sure it is finely honed by swiftly carving the wings, then the legs, and then splitting the carapace from one of the roasted beetles. Eating the fleshy insides from off the end of the knife he deftly cleans the knife and re-sheathes it.
Huruyan As Huruyan passes Turisan he whispers, "stay alert, there seems to be a problem."
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