Trixip could not hide his excitement.. A magical axe? The chance to return it to its rightful place? His mother would be proud if he were to help do such a thing.
"Greetings milady. I am Trixip Ravenhide. Forgive me for askin' this, milady, but what will be done with tha axe? Willit be return'd to its rightful place?" Trixip inquired without thinking.
After a slight pause, he added "Also, does tha Taint have anything ta do wit this?"
Sanity? Why would I need a useless thing like that? Now posting as Motor-Runner."Our primary purpose is to keep the axe out of the hands of the Red Moon Empire," An the Veiled replied. "With it, they'd be able to tighten their grip on New Pavis and Prax, and we'd never be able to get them out. While I doubt that any Tainted creature could use the axe, they'd certainly move it, and getting it back might be troublesome.
"At present, while we are not officially employed by the temple of Pavis, they are the ones who would be the best hope for finding a suitable wielder for the axe. Thus our plan is to turn it over to them if we find the axe."
Her voice turned grim. "The remains of Randol's Raiders were taken to the Temple of Humakt for interment, in accordance with their wishes. The manner of their death is very worrisome. While Tainted monsters have come into the Big Rubble for centuries, ever since about a decade after the Taintlands appeared, it's usually been one or two at a time, or small bands of broo. The level of organization they'd have needed to overwhelm the Raiders is unprecedented in our area."
As for the question of payment....
"Since Balastor's Axe is the primary objective of this mission, and due to its great value, the guild will only require the axe itself, and forego its usual cut of any other treasure found. The Temple of Pavis will no doubt be grateful, but I can make no promises as to just how grateful they will be."
Grax smirked slightly: The smart thing to do would be to decline then go for the axe anyway. It's not like the guild was going to give them logistical support, after all. They've been kind enough to reveal the location, and that was all they needed. The next step would be to auction off the axe... Elsewhere, if they had to.
"Gimme one single good reason to give up on the most valuable piece'o'loot.", Grax said. "'Cause I don't think there's one."
You exist because we allow it and you will end because we demand it."Allow me to supply one, then," Francis remarked, momentarily put off by the avaricious air that he sensed from the others in the room. "Grax, was it? Bear in mind that you are but one goblin, and that those who seek the axe would send armies after you if they knew you had it. Do you think that they will pay for what they can simply seize by force?"
He paused, looking over the room again. "I'll be frank. The Order of St. Cuthbert, no doubt, would be interested in the axe as a relic of great power. I know that even if I vouch for the integrity of our faith, some of you will not accept my word as my bond. But I am certain of this one thing: should the wrong people get their hands on the Axe of Balastor, none of us will be safe, and we may well be plunged into a repeat of the Tumbling Times all over again. It would be in our best interests to get the artefact out of evil's reach first, and then we can squabble over its ownership like dogs over scraps later."
Behold, the Ninja / Cleric dual-class!
edited 7th Dec '11 5:57:26 AM by Pyrite
Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.-Isn't it obvious twerp? This goes farther beyond what a regular fetching adventure entails. I suppose it would take atleast... 6 adventurers to accomplish this mission.
I myself wouldn't feel right carrying such a potent political tool, and I am sure it would hard for a man of your stature to convince 5 able-bodied me-
looks at ana -Peop-
looks at ana again -Persons to accompany you on a quest that they themselves weren't after in the first place.- Mono'a "thought"
Mono'a turns to look at the priest who said exactly what he was thinking.
Ninja'D! nooooo
edited 7th Dec '11 5:49:49 AM by SaintDraze
Sparks Make horrible santas... This one is no different!Francis nodded to An. "Thank you for your info, milady. I'll give you my answer by the morrow, but in the meantime, I should get in touch with Karba. Who knows, dead men may tell tales after all," he added cryptically, and walked out of the room - but not before whispering to Trixip.
"Your heart's in the right place, I can tell. Just make sure it stays connected to your head."
And with that, he was out of the room.
The temple of Humakt was a cold and forbidding place, well befitting the God of Death. As Francis ascended the stairs to the threshold, he found himself accosted by two sallow-looking acolytes who guarded the entrance.
"I would speak to High Priest Karba concerning the recently-deceased Randol and his Raiders, if it is not too much trouble," he offered.
edited 7th Dec '11 6:45:34 AM by Pyrite
Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.Elail listened to quietly and absorbed the information, during his time he learnt information was worth just as much as gold. The goblin spoke Elail's thoughts but the rebuttal that followed was a more sound argument.
"So we must brave monsters, cultists and race against the Empire and the god's know what else to find a highly sought after relic which we will neither be able to keep nor sell and in return we keep whatever we find, something we do anyway, and a possible reward from a religious institution...." Elail sighed in resignation, "This, this is why I was a bounty hunter, you actually get paid for that.... I'm in, just provide me a room to board for the night."
With business concluded Elail looked around at the others after the cleric left "He's investigating the remains it seems, so we can probably assume he's in. I'm Elail I'Faron, how about you two, I've never met a dark elf or a monk before."
"Insert philisophical/funny rambling here""Well, I coulda—" Trixip began, but paused to listen to what he human cleric had to say to him alone. His expression changed from thoughtfulness to a smile to a frown. He began to say something, but thought better of it. No use antagonizing the Cleric.
The gnome turned to the veiled lady. "What if, after retrieving the axe, I disguised it using my illusory magic, hm? You may count me in, I'm with tha bounty hunter."
edited 7th Dec '11 7:01:22 AM by ShadowBender
Sanity? Why would I need a useless thing like that? Now posting as Motor-Runner.Ana gave the smile one normally would associate with a shark, full of sharp teeth and hungry. "Aww. I'm touched, the fake monk looking after me."
She then immediately went back to business. "I know I can trust the cleric," With that she thumbed to the departing Francis, " to do the job, and I know the goblin is at least consistent with his planned betrayals. I think we can work together just fine."
It was, afterall, a matter of profit. If Anara'wata was anything, she was a professional.
"Now to discuss price."
A very mercenary professional.
Elail chuckled at the two's candid demeanours, "Of course, but it is usually not best to do business with strangers, I do believe some introductions are in order. As you know I am Elail I'Faron, ranger and pseudo bounty hunter, the gnome speaking with Lady An is Trixip Ravenhide, illusionist, I'll let the goblin introduce himself."
edited 7th Dec '11 8:39:57 AM by Hevchenko
"Insert philisophical/funny rambling here""Ah, yes! I am Trixip Ravenhide, a gnomish wizard and illusionist." Trixip said, addressing everyone present in the room. "Which is why I inquire if any illusory magic could work on tha axe, milady. It woulda make it easier to bring back."
Sanity? Why would I need a useless thing like that? Now posting as Motor-Runner.@meeting: An the Veiled chuckled. "I would have thought an experienced mage such as yourself would remember that cold iron is notoriously difficult to enchant, though I suppose it might be possible."
Turning to Elail, "I think we can arrange some sleeping space for you tonight. Anyone else in need of a bunk?"
"We're not sending you into the Big Rubble entirely barehanded. You can have the use of one of our pack mules, a fairly recent map of the Griffin Gate area with the approximate location of the Barracks marked, and a set of Big Rubble passes so you can get past the Red Moon guards." An paused. "You might want to recruit another heavy warrior, though. Brother Martel is a rock in a fight, but he's also your healer, so you won't want to over-risk him."
—-
@ Temple of Humakt: The senior acolyte, a woman who Francis remembered was named Lubell, fixed her not quite unnerving enough gaze on him. "High Priest Karba will be in his office. Allow me to escort you."
The temple had a hushed quality to it, even in the bustle of the back corridors. They walked swiftly past the preparation rooms, with their scents of decay and spice. Karba's office was where it had been at least since Francis had taken over his own shrine.
A knock, a soft "enter" and Francis was announced.
Karba's office was as austere as ever, decorated in stark black and white, with the only spots of color the torches that gave light to the room. Karba himself wore white robes with the black sword insignia of Humakt, god of death and truth. Though he looked closer to the grave than most men, Karba's eyes were alive, and acknowledged Francis' presence.
"Welcome, Francis Martel. What is so important that you must see me directly?"
Mono'a tries to do a subtle fist pump, since his favorite animals are mules.
And then he looks around feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Erm... I'd love to spend a night on a bunk for once, instead of the streets. Thank you for your hospitality." Mono'a said with a bow.
(which he quickly scolded himself for, because what does he look like? A Coy monk that thanks everyone for the simplest of kindnesses? No! He is a hardboiled rogue with a knack for knocking people out.)
Sparks Make horrible santas... This one is no different!"Your Reverence." Francis deferred to the high priest's seniority, though they served different powers. "I'll come straight to the point. You have the bodies of Randol's Raiders, and no doubt know - at least in part - what happened to them and how they were so cruelly served. You probably also know by now what they sought."
He paused, considering his next sentence. One did not lie in the temple of the God of Truth, even if he'd been so inclined, but his choice of words was crucial.
"I have come for two reasons. As the one who blessed them prior to their ill-fated departure, it would be unseemly if I did not pay my respects. Call it a guilty conscience if you will."
"The other reason is more selfish. I go to the Rubble tomorrow to investigate these abominations and blasphemies, and would wipe them from the face of the earth if I could. But I will not go in blindly, not against an enemy that slew this group of experienced adventurers with such ease. High Priest, I seek your permission to speak with the dead.
"
edited 7th Dec '11 5:45:43 PM by Pyrite
Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.Trixip tapped himself on the head. "Of course! I'm sorry, milady. I cannae believe I forgot tha'. A magical cold iron axe." He pauses and thinks for a while, then continues "It can be done, but not by one person, and... Oh well! We be crossing that bridge when it's time, methinks."
"Ah, well! It was nice meeting ya, Ana and Mono'a. I look forward to journeying with you all." Trixip says to the two with a smile, then leans into Mono'a's ear and whispers "Donnae worry about appearances, lad. It be what's inside tha' matters."
Sanity? Why would I need a useless thing like that? Now posting as Motor-Runner.Karba stared into Francis' eyes for several long breaths.
"You have shown your good faith in the past. I will allow it. Also, I may have a favor of my own to ask you, depending on the answers to your questions." Karba moved stiffly around his desk.
"Randol himself had his throat and jaw too badly mangled for your purposes. The one called Krim the Swift had the most intact corpse; we'll find him in the maggot room."
The temple of Humakt offered several different methods of disposal, based on the deceased's wishes and the ability of their survivors to pay. The maggot room was for those who wished their bones to be placed in the ossuary below the temple. The hungry worms quickly cleansed all the flesh from a corpse's skeleton; their breeding from ordinary maggots to this fast-moving variety was a secret of the Humakti.
Fortunately, the maggots had only started doing their work on Krim the Swift, and though his corpse was badly mangled, it should be able to speak.
Francis stared at Krim's body, hiding the twinge of guilt that passed through him. This is the way of all flesh, he reminded himself.
Raising his silver cross, he said a short prayer over the body and commended the deceased's soul to his own gods, whoever they were. In Karba's hands, at least, he could be sure that they were well-treated, and no doubt they had their own rituals for undesecrating the bodies.
And now to business. He incanted the words of the spell over the body slowly:
OOC: Roll for Speak With Dead.
The questions are:
- Who did this to you?
- How many of them were there?
- Who is their leader?
edited 7th Dec '11 6:21:14 PM by Pyrite
Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.Ana felt her excitement building, as her mind worked over the number of ways to make a profit off of the expedition. People didn't visit the Big Rubble often, and often times one could find all sorts of treasures, even ones that most adventurers would overlook.
Like plants. There could be breeds of plantlife that hadn't even existed before Pavis had collapsed. Plants that might have effects that could be valuble to certain clients she had on her books. The dark elf was practically salivating.
Of course, this didn't stop her from smirking at the fake monk's gratitude.
Trixip and Mono had left to there quarters leaving Grax, Ana and Elail.
"Now with formality and information out of the way we can talk business," Elail motioned to the two others to follow him to the side of the room to Lady An room and themselves some privacy. "You two seem most in it for the profits, correct me if I'm wrong here, so I assume you will want to talk business up first. The three of us harbour no trust between us, there is very little reason to do so, thus if we all know our cut and honour the bargain we can be more trusting with eachother out there, where it matters."
"Insert philisophical/funny rambling here"The corpse of Krim jerked grotesquely, some white maggots falling from its extremities. Karba held the torch he carried high, allowing a better view.
"Who did this to you?"
"Tainted Ones...broo...from park."
"How many of them were there?"
"Eight...maybe more...had surprise."
"Who is their leader?"
"Broo shaman...must be nine feet tall...bleeding death..."
Krim's corpse stiffened and fell back into the maggot bin. Karba handed Francis the torch and tenderly rearranged the body for a better fit.
"Sleep now, Krim. The sleep of the just and the true."
Ana looked at the elf (Wait, no. Half-elf), with a critical eye. Cold merchant bitch was back in full force. "I will assure you, Mr... L'Faron, wasn't it? Yes, Mr. L'Faron, I can assure you that I am a business woman, first and foremost. I'll honor the contract of this job, both in letter and in spirit." Afterall, making good on a contract meant good future business prospects. "My only question is if you will do the same?"
This was generally the point where Ana the merchant started to scare people.
Elail smiled at the women's hidden verbal riposte, but it seemed they were on the opposite sides of the same road, "I'm sure Francis will enforce our honour regarding the guild's contract, I was speaking more on the collateral items we procure on this journey, that being the true payment. To put it bluntly; how will we be dividing the loot?"
"Insert philisophical/funny rambling here"Ana's lips quirked. That was a good question. How should the loot be divided? While it was logical divide things equally, some loot was more valuble to some more then others. Money was money, but worth more then money were material goods which could be bartered for connections. To her anyway.
"Any money that we discover shall be divided evenly. However, I shall concede any first claim to weapons, as long as I can get first pick of any other goods that may have monetary value."
Negotiation at work.

"Many have searched for Balastor's Axe," Francis continued, "not only as a relic of great power, but also as a symbol of the divine mandate. The wielder of the axe would probably be recognised as blessed by the city's spirit, and thus the next legitimate ruler of Pavis - no, the entirety of Prax itself, even. I don't need to elaborate on how this could cause an upset in the political balance."
If the cloud of divination had been raised, Francis could probably think of at least a dozen parties who'd want to acquire such an artefact for themselves. Even the Order would take interest in an item of power, even if only to keep it out of tainted hands. And it certainly provided an explanation for the cult of Malia's involvement.
He ended the narrative and turned to An. "And so the Rubble Trekkers have been tasked to retrieve it, I assume. At least, Randol's Raiders died trying... And from what I've heard, they died most unceremoniously at the hands of Malia's minions, subject to vile and unholy rituals that no-one should have to endure." He refused to elaborate further.
"So, a few questions and a request, Lady An. I believe I speak for all interested parties by asking: Who's backing this expedition, and what will they do to ensure its success? Any additional information you have on the current situation would be most welcome."
He paused, knowing that his next words would sound rather unnatural to all in hearing.
"As for the request... If you have managed to retrieve the bodies of Randol's Raiders, I would like to see them later. Good adventurers should not be subject to such indignities without proper last rites."
That was true: he had every intent to bless the recently-departed... but of course, there were other considerations.
edited 7th Dec '11 4:27:50 AM by Pyrite
Not a substitute for a formal medical consultation.