Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026 
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Post by Geckilian on Feb 1, 2017 19:03:34 GMT -7
Zartak nods and winces in equal measure as Kanir and Sirru relay recent events to him. "My sympathies on the Thoqqua. They're not the most common, but whatever was controlling them seems powerful to me." he says, picking up a nearby book and flipping to the relevant page. After checking something, he nods again. "Yes, they tend to only congregate in very small groups or pairs for the most part. It would take a singular will or affinity to corral a large group of them." He ponders for a short moments, before grunting a slight acceptance. "I've not met this Gillik personally, but I've known creatures like him. If he's as helpful as you say then he'd be welcome here as long as he pulls his weight. With good knowledge of the tunnels he'd easily do well as a tracker, guide or even writing his knowledge down would suffice."
Looking over the notes on his table, Zartak frowns slightly. "The name Jhoi hasn't been mentioned so far. To be honest, you're the first group to come back having actually confronted the mist and survived relatively unscathed, so others may have met her. I'm not sure." Pondering some more, Zartak would look at the pair. "Do you think you'd be able to go and convince her to return here? If she knows of this Shorn'dal then her insight could be invaluable... Also, do you have whatever was in the chest?" He seems quite enthused to have some linked evidence, and holds a hand out to Kanir, clearly expecting something. "It would be useful to have some of the specialists here look over it." he says.
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"You're entirely welcome my dear." Jhoi says with a smile to Talon. "I like to help those who've helped me." Gesturing to the wall of the room they're in, Talon sees that she's indicated what appear to be his effects along with those belonging to Kanir and Sirru. "That was what was around you on the ground. From what I know of Gaki it wouldn't care about such things, though I'm surprised it didn't eat all of you." Jhoi looks thoughtfully at Talon. "Shorn'dal must have his puppets on some short strings to keep them from a meal, hmm?" she says, an amused chuckle accompanying her musing. Taking her pipe once more, she takes another drag before looking Talon pointedly up and down. "So, what will you be doing now?"
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Post by spacemanspoof on Feb 3, 2017 7:10:07 GMT -7
"Well, we did find some unusual calligraphy tools in the chest, but as far as I know they're still with Talon. Unfortunately the papers there were so old and brittle that they fell apart the moment we tried to pick them up." Kanir pauses for a moment. "Oh! I remember. I did pick up this curious inkpot from the settlement. It seems that the administrator was using this to write his coded notes." He hands the inkpot to Zartak. "I thought it was just a curiosity at the time, but given subsequent events the markings here may be of significance."
Kanir agrees that they should go back to the outpost, both to speak with Jhoi and to recover the remains of their fallen friend.
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Post by Rayl on Feb 5, 2017 23:44:09 GMT -7
Sirru would nod at what Kanir and Zartak said, and fill in a few details as needed. "I believe the tools were for inscribing tattoos, more than writing things down. As for Gillik and Jhoi, Gillik would be more than happy to help I believe, he'd be thrilled to have a warm bed and food. Jhoi on the other hand may be more difficult, but we can certainly try. She seems rather attached to her small section of the cave, however." Then, looking to Kanir, he says "We should get his corpse, if it indeed remains. Our weapons too, hopefully."
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Talon nods, and says "Short strings indeed. Thank you again for recovering the gear, and I'll most likely head back towards Zartak, or save that if I can't find my way, the surface. First though, you seem to know this Shorn'Dal well. What can you tell me about him, if it even is that? I was told of a strange black mist, and the Gaki certainly seemed to fit the bill at first. From what we were able to figure out, the Enclave we were in previously, where everyone was missing, had some deal with Shorn'Dal, but failed to follow through with 'the bargain', and that 'recrimination' was coming. Then something about a payment being too steep, so Shorn'Dal will send the 'Shades', which they didn't know what they were, but figured they were some sort of ravenous undead. I can only assume these Shades are the Gaki, from personal experience. Perhaps the Gaki got to them as well, because the notes we found mentioned moving, but the dates told us it was not yet complete. Perhaps you would know, though. They mentioned moving to someplace called 'The Vault.' If there are survivors, it would be prudent to question them as well."
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Feb 7, 2017 7:35:24 GMT -7
With a careful grip, Zartak takes the inkpot from Kanir with a nod. "Caullus, inspect this if you please." A wizened elf, sitting off to the side with a stack of notes, looks up and nods as he comes over to take it with a great deal less reverence. Glancing over it, the elf gives a somewhat dismissive grunt before looking at Kanir.
"This looks like part of a binding set. Specially prepared ink, usually with some blood from an outsider, is used in this and engraved onto a subject to enslave them. If you recover your ally, bring the other tools here please." the elf says in an almost bored drawl before taking it back over to his small desk.
Looking less than impressed with the elf, Zartak turns back to Sirru and nods. "That sounds encouraging at least If she's at less risk than you all were then there's a chance she has the rest of the inscription tools." Glancing over his notes, Zartak nods almost to himself. "If you can get the rest of the tools I'll reward you all handsomely, more so if you can convince Jhoi to join you. Any other questions?"
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With a slight grin, Jhoi waggles her pipe at Talon. "Full of questions aren't you? I knew him, once. He was rather charming back then, though I've not seen him in a long, long time." she says with a shrug. "I can't give you much insight now, but the gaki are likely his, and seem to fit with what you've told me. I'm afraid I don't know of any deal, recrimination or vault, but if they were aiming to go somewhere safe that's more likely to be above on the surface." Jhoi takes another drag on the pipe and exhales slowly, the coloured smoke writhing as if semi-alive. "Go too far down and you come across far worse." she says, quickly signing a few choice words in drow sign language whilst raising her eyebrows at Talon.
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Post by Rayl on Feb 8, 2017 9:04:56 GMT -7
Sirru looks to Kanir, then back to Zartak and nods. "Sounds like a deal. We'll return soon, hopefully without losing another." As(if) they begin to walk away, Sirru would ask Kanir "So, how do you supposed we get Jhoi to come back? I've don't have any idea on that front."
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Talon would nod at Jhoi as she answers his questions, and start to thank her when she does the Drow hand signs. "Thank you again for being so patient...I apologize, I'm afraid I haven't learned Drow-Sign yet. However, please tell me that didn't mean 'Soon'." As he says that last part, he would glance around the room.
AT_80ewH1d20+9Perception
1d20+9
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Post by spacemanspoof on Feb 8, 2017 13:56:52 GMT -7
"No, no further questions right now", says Kanir to Zartak. "I am as interested as you are in discussing these matters further with Jhoi."
Kanir takes whatever supplies Zartak can spare, in particular some extra food and another waterskin in case they encounter Gilik again. He then pulls out his map and plots a course back to the outpost. As he heads off with Sirru, he answers, "I don't know yet, but I hope this little trip passes uneventfully. It has been a long day, and I sure could use a rest."
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Feb 8, 2017 14:41:32 GMT -7
Jhoi gives a hearty laugh at Talon's words. "No, it meant 'beware the depths'. It's a common enough sign here in Salisara." As she continues to enjoy her pipe, Talon freely glances around and see that the small cavern or room he's in has very little in the way of wayward details or items. Aside from a few chairs, the table he was on and some medicinal tools and supplies on a small desk against the wall it's largely bare. Sirru, Kanir and his effects are stacked nearby. The floor, walls and ceiling have generally been smoothed and an open archway leads out to what look like piles of books. Surrounded by tiny colourful fractal butterfly patterns made from her pipe smoke, Jhoi indicates where Talon's looking. "Out there is where you all first said hello, so you should be able to find your way back sure enough. Based on how long it's been, you may run into your friends on their way back here if they're so inclined."
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Kanir and Sirru's journey remains largely uneventful, their retraced steps showing no additional horrors or traps of the cavern depths. The only slight difference they notice is that the usual sounds seem absent, as it everything were significantly quieter. Even their own steps and movements sounds quieter, the knocks and sounds of their travel barely carrying and certainly not echoing. As expected, once the pair return to where Gillik was first met, he's still there. It takes a few moments for him to come out of hiding, not having heard who it was, but his nervous grin at seeing two he recognises seems sincere. "Gillik happy to see both alive." he says, easing himself from a small hiding crevice. "Bring Gillik more food? Gillik happy to help for food."
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Post by spacemanspoof on Feb 9, 2017 10:29:07 GMT -7
"Hello Gilik," says Kanir with a smile. He pulls out some food and hands it over. "Here you go, as promised. We would be happy for you to accompany us again, if you like. We're headed back to the trading outpost to find Jhoi and discover what has become of our other friend."
"Oh, and we spoke to Zartak, the big troll back at the other settlement. He seems to think that your skills and knowledge of these tunnels would be quite useful to his team. I'm sure he would give you all the food you want, in return for helping them."
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Post by Rayl on Feb 13, 2017 1:06:45 GMT -7
Talon would nod, getting up and moving over to gather the group's equipment. After he gets himself pack and set to go, he looks back over to Jhoi and says "Thank you again for the aid, and the information. Do stay safe in these dark tunnels. No matter how powerful some people I've seen, nearly everyone begins to crack at some point. The caves and caverns are as good at cracking minds as they are skulls." With that, he'd offer a slight bow, and head off into the darkness himself, using his dagger and light once more.
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"I would suggest you head back to Zartak's encampment. It is in all likelyhood safer than any hole in the ground. However, be sure to follow the same rules you do at Jhoi's trading post. No stealing or fighting unless its to defend yourself. Friends are friends, hostiles are dealt with. That sort of thing." After telling Gillik this, he'd motion to Kanir and say "Our fate awaits. Pray to whoever will listen that the beast has decided to move on, preferably in the opposite direction."
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Feb 13, 2017 15:21:44 GMT -7
Gillik happily takes the food before looking between Kanir and Sirru with a slight frown at the conflicting advice. Glancing down at what he's been given, he nods and says, "Gillik go to Zartak. If Zartak need help with tunnels, Gillik good at leading." With a nod to the pair, the palsied goblin starts making his way back from where they came, his shaking steps never the less sure and measured.
Talon's journey back starts with a farewell chuckle from Jhoi at his advice, but is otherwise uneventful. With no Gaki to bar his way, and being quite accustomed to the mundane dangers of the caverns, he makes good headway. The sounds of others travelling down the tunnels reaches Talon shortly before he spots Kanir and Sirru, who in turn spotted him from further away thanks to his glowing dagger. Reunited once again, Kanir and Sirru can clearly see Talon's somewhat malnourished and emaciated frame replete with their gear.
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Post by spacemanspoof on Feb 15, 2017 9:43:10 GMT -7
Upon spotting Talon, Kanir eyes him warily, ready to draw his dagger at any sign of hostility. For all he knows, Talon could now be under the thrall of that creature. Nevertheless, he offers a friendly greeting. "Talon! It's good to see you. You're looking... better than I expected." He then thanks Talon for retrieving his gear as he takes it back.
"By the way, have you seen Jhoi lately? We were on our way to have a chat with her."
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Post by Rayl on Feb 16, 2017 18:14:28 GMT -7
Upon seeing the two, Talon would give a slight bow. "I'm looking better than I've expected to for some time. This may be odd to say, but faces are surprisingly warm." He'd chuckle lsightly at his comment, before continuing. "Less of me overall, but thank the Lords that the Gaki decided to not finish me. I've got your things, and some information." He would begin unloading what gear he had of theirs, talking while doing so. "It was Jhoi that brought me back this time. I had a short conversation with her, and I learned a bit about our situation. It seems this black mist is The Gaki that we stumbled upon given both the description we had in the notes along with what I was able to figure out before my most recent untimely demise. There are, more than likely, more than the one. As for Shorn'Dal, He is someone who has been around for a while, by Jhoi's words. Given the name, I would assume Elven, most likely Drow. She also brought up a good point about the Vault; If you wanted to hide somewhere safe, your best bet is the surface. Going down tends to be bad overall in Salisara."
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Sirru would grab his spear, nodding slightly as he placed it back on his back. "Decent information. A Shame no real leads on Shorn'Dal, but searching the surface nearby may prove fruitful. But first, we go to Jhoi to bring her back to Zartak and make our report. He'll want to see those calligraphy tools you found.
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Post by spacemanspoof on Feb 17, 2017 6:59:29 GMT -7
"Gaki, huh?", says Kanir. "Well, now we have a name for it, at least. I'm sure Zartak would find that helpful. In any case, I agree with Sirru. We can check the surface later, but since we're already down here, we might as well go ahead and seek out Jhoi once more. I'd like to find out more about Shorn'dal and this Gaki."
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Feb 17, 2017 16:55:09 GMT -7
The group's journey back to Jhoi is similarly uneventful. When they reach the small trading post there's no current sign of the ratfolk, but Jhoi is sitting quite happily where she was before, surrounded by her books. As she takes a drag on her pipe she looks to Talon with her blind eyes, an eyebrow raised in amusement, as she says, "That wasn't a very long journey for you then. It's good to know your friends got away safely, though coming back is an interesting choice." Putting her pipe away in an inner pocket after emptying it, her face takes on a more serious expression.
"So. What can I help you with?"
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Post by spacemanspoof on Feb 20, 2017 6:28:26 GMT -7
"Hello again, Jhoi", says Kanir. "I apologize for our hastiness earlier. We had tracked that creature to this place and thought that you and your ratfolk friends needed some protection." He chuckles. "I guess we were mistaken. If you don't mind, I'd like to continue our conversation from before."
Kanir pauses briefly as he sits in a nearby char. "We're here representing Zartak the troll. Perhaps you've heard of him? He's hired us to investigate recent disappearances at several settlements around Salisara. So far, the clues we've found point to Shorn'dal and this Gaki. You mentioned that you were once acquainted with Shorn'dal; is there anything you can tell us that might aid in our mission?"
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Post by Rayl on Feb 22, 2017 14:58:09 GMT -7
Talon, having already talked with Jhoi and asked the questions he's wanted to, will stand back and allow the other two to talk. He will, however, keep an eye out, as to not get ambushed by anything.
Sirru would step up next to Kanir, and ask "Shorn'Dal sounds Elven. Is this man Drow? It would certainly explain quite a bit, in the methods he uses to get..well, whatever he's wanting. We don't actually know why he's doing what he's doing, yet."
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