Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026 
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 21, 2017 17:57:56 GMT -7
Rumours are rife that the Empire is falling apart from the inside. Turmoil is rising, with Keldersfort rife with charlatans and false prophets decrying the solid regime of the Beacon. Martial law threatens to erupt with civilian casualties as the paladins of the Enlightened struggle to combat the rising civil unrest. The High Pontiff of the Beacon has gone missing, a bad omen that detractors latch onto to fuel their conspiracies and rumours. Glimpses of the Faith Incandescent, known to some as Shining Children, have been seen stalking the streets to prey on the faithless. Increasingly desperate for aid, the Arch Lector of the Light has swallowed his pride and sent out for help, offering great reward and social status to those who can assist with quieting down the heresy, locating the High Pontiff or even to mitigate the lawlessness beginning to sweep the city.
Those who have a vested interest, or even a passing curiosity with the Empire, currently reside in a relatively nondescript tavern inn known for its discretion and privacy. Arranged around a table, the various sell swords, adventurers or 'interested parties' have coalesced thanks to the requests for aid, though the meeting is not yet within the capital of the Empire itself but rather a small town on the edge of the wave of unrest. The room hosts good food and drink on a solid table and chairs and, more importantly, is shrouded with a private sanctum. Though the Empire has requested aid that isn't necessarily the course of action to be taken, as various choices and options present themselves. In the candlelit room, the last of those scheduled to arrive enters, taking a seat.
Looking like a fairly nondescript young man in the armour of the Enlightened, he gives a confident smile at the rest of the assembly that is entirely out of keeping with his station or predicament. "Thank you all for coming. My name is Galian, and I only recognise a few of you. Please, introductions are in order."
((OOC notes will be placed in double brackets. After you guys have introduced yourself to each other and effectively said hello, or tomorrow whichever comes first, then I'll continue.))
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Jan 21, 2017 23:00:39 GMT -7
As Galian walks in, Cydo looks up and raises his hand slightly. "Name's Cydo. I've...been around here before, but I don't think I've met you yet." Cydo will then wait for Galian to give more useful details to see if his skill set will be useful here.
On the way to the tavern, Zakryk has thought about pretending to be optimistic this time, even if this isn't guaranteed to go better than the rest of his career. Or, at least then he can avoid giving up on himself. That said, he's still a little suspicious of Galian. "Zakryk. So what were you here to ask for, exactly?" Zakryk will also try to remember what he can about Beacon.
Arcana (1+5)
Local (1+5)
Nobility (3+6)
Planes (20+5)
((I will also be color coding my rolls by character. Are these shades of yellow acceptable? If they're causing problems, let me know.))
((EDIT: Sorry, had trouble with the ProBoards dice roller, never used it before. Should have had a +5 mod on all of those except Nobility, a +6.))
((EDIT 2: Can't believe I forgot pre-session preparations. Cydo's new replacement +4 bow is his Warrior Spirit weapon, Zakryk has a 10d6+10 electric Burning Arc loaded in his sword as always.))
((EDIT 3: Added mods to the rolls, now that I know the forum roller doesn't take +X into account.))
20+5·20+5·20+6·20+5bwQ0aic4
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Post by Michael T on Jan 22, 2017 19:30:51 GMT -7
One of the many non-script sell swords steps forward. The human is wearing a chain shirt with a rapier and dagger at his side, his hair is black and his eyes are brown, he looks at the assembled group and says, “I am Ebon.” His accent for those listening carefully would place him as being from Rook. He gives a slight nod to the assembled group.
((Cydo and Zakryk would in general recognize the feature of Ebon the wizard from Nyhaven who is an Assimar on this humans face. The following dice are Linguistics +22 to mimic a Rook accent, Local +14 any famous people in the room, Nobility +11 for anyone of noble birth, Perception +18 for disguises and other hidden things, History +11, Planes +24, Religion +15, Arcana +24, for information on the beacon. Take a 20 on the disguise using the spell Disguise Self+32. Non detection CL 15, plus standard combat related spells active.))
18+22 Linguistics
2+14 Local
2+11 Nobility
9+18 Perception
18+11 History
2+24 Planes
16+15 Religion
2+24 Arcana
·······bziN3wCf
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Post by dragonus45 on Jan 23, 2017 9:16:50 GMT -7
Faelyn eats sparingly, a small ball of guilt settling into his stomach as he considers his role in the current dangers facing the empire. After waiting a polite moment for others to introduce themselves Faelyn stands, "I am Faelyn Lenci headmaster of Falcon Crest Academy. As someone who still thinks of himself as a citizen of the empire I am of course happy to assist with the unrest." From there he quickly sits, as usual preferring not to draw a great deal of attention to himself although his insistence on wearing some vestiges of his long worn away military uniform and his several minor medals every time he crosses the border here likely make that effort meaningless. Still, the moment of disconnect as the average racist noble in these parts faces the disconnect between his race and his technical social standing was always worth it.
((Faelyn won't bother with to many rolls in this case, as he was kind of already there for a lot of these shenanigans in the first place.))
Sitting more towards the front of the room, Denshi Kobushi gets so involved in eating some hearty food without his master over his shoulder to give him disproving looks he almost doesn't realize he is the last to speak. He stands up somewhat brusquely, "My name is Densi Disciple of the Empyreal Way, it is nice to meet you all." He quickly sits and resumes his meal, listening a bit more intently than he had before.
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 23, 2017 10:16:15 GMT -7
For those pondering on the nature of the Beacon, it's known as a figure of redeeming light, a quasi-deity which represents purity of thought, purpose and deeds. A remarkably tenacious and pious religion surrounds it with an Order that can, at times, be very single minded and purgative. Zakryk and Ebon, not to mention Faelyn, would know that the Beacon is some type of cross-planar entity, more of a pathological thought virus than a true being. Feeding on and propagating through faith and belief means once in a population, or even known about, it is a tenacious parasite that in the past has proven nigh impossible to truly eradicate. Though its powers wax and wane based on its followers, its agents of the Faith Incandescent aptly named the Shining Children can always simply co-opt more followers through force.
Though Galian seems a newcomer to most of the group, Ebon recognises the name if not the person as belonging to one of the noble Houses of Keldersfort, the Monataques. An old established family with old wealth, it's said that most of their younger sons joined the Enlightened when the religious fervor swept the nation in the past. Galian himself inclines his head at the various introductions with a smile. "I dare say you've not met me before Sir Cydo as you've had no cause to have. I mainly deal with maintaining order within the capital which, as you may guess, is not going particularly well." he says, unhooking his scabbard from his belt and leaning the sword against the table before removing his gloves.
"As for what I ask, there are a great many avenues of help that you all would be able to provide. From what I've been told by my uncle, at least one of you had had direct interaction with our deity, may his light bless us all." he says as he makes a quick and almost automatic gesture with one of his hands - a benediction or holy signum that seems to mimic some form of expansion or bursting motion. Looking around the room, he continues, "I'm sure some of you are skilled at speech, others deeds of valour. As such, I'm here to answer questions you may have about the situation as it is and to listen to what you all can offer to help."
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Post by dragonus45 on Jan 23, 2017 16:02:28 GMT -7
Fealyn chuckles lightly, direct interaction is an interesting euphanism for his one time stint as a deicide, still he had thought his role in that scuffle had gone unnoticed, his name eclipsed as always by "adventurers" happy to show off thier power and prestige. His laugh dies in his throat as he thinks of a room made of semi-divine flesh and the cowards who had abandonned the fight half way through, he had little patience for people not willing to see through a commitment. As if something like stumbling into a room that was also an ascendant diety that wants you dead is any excuse to flee. Sure he had died at the tail end of the fight but even then the fight was all but won. Still, if the things avatar on this plane had somehow survived the confrontation or was reborn then that would be cause for concern. Faelyn makes a note to contact house Malfuron about that, as they had provided the anti-outsider rod he had used. For now it would be best to remain quite, let others ask the questions. Less chance of exposing himself, in the meanwhile he ponders. How to end the reign of this thing without collapsing his one time home in the process. ((Spell check me on the ][ noble house name if you geck cant remember the spelling. I'm actually posting from work so I don't have time for Denshi's post. I will post it later.))
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Jan 23, 2017 19:14:41 GMT -7
Cydo takes a moment. "On the topic of what I can do, I tend to be better at fighting than anything else, but I can also track if needed." He then decides to ask about the most explicitly mentioned job, which his tracking abilities may be relevant for. "So what can you tell us about the High Pontiff?" As Galian responds, Cydo keeps a careful eye on his behavior.
Zakryk thinks about what he's remembered, and isn't actually sure who the real bad guys are. However, he figures that if he can do something to reduce civilian casualties (unlikely as that may be), that would be a good thing no matter who wins. If there are any jobs relating to clearing out or protecting an area, he may have an easier time than with pursuing escaping targets. "I know this is a bit of a weird question to ask, but have there been any specific areas that tend to more consistently have problems than other places?"
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Post by dragonus45 on Jan 23, 2017 21:22:04 GMT -7
Denshi had to ponder for a moment, he was starting to get tired of such national scale disasters and troubles. Life was so much simpler when all he had to do was punch bandits till they either gave up banditry or died. Now he had super spys and nations on the brink of collapse. He felt distinctly out of his depth as he raised a hand, "For all this rioting and shit, have you just giving them a bit of what they want to calm them down. I imagine that your reaching a tipping point where you'll only make the problem worse by trying to crack down on people. With all these talks of fiery monsters stalking your streets that's gotta be a larger concern."
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Post by Michael T on Jan 24, 2017 19:04:54 GMT -7
Ebon will take a seat, he listens carefully to what the others have said before speaking up, "Has this been investigated using magical means? I have found that although the young can make radical changes in there behavior older people seem to be more set in there ways. Have many older people converted to this new belief? Have clerics of other religions convert over to this shinning beacon?"
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 24, 2017 20:16:11 GMT -7
Galian inclines his head at Cydo. "The High Pontiff is, as you may surmise, a highly pious man. He's utterly devoted to the cause and pours his time and effort into venerating the Beacon and spreading the faith. Rather than me simply listing a multitude of details about him, what specifically would you like to know?" he says and he begins to help himself to some of the food. His overall bearing seems remarkably relaxed considering all that's going on. After picking up a glass and having a quick sip, he seems to consider Zakryk's question.
"I would say from what I've seen, much of the trouble stems from the cloisters and various churches within the capital." he says, taking another sip before continuing, "As focal points for the faith, and stationary to boot, they make easy targets for rioters and heretics. More than one has been set on fire in recent days, but marble doesn't burn particularly well thankfully." He smiles at Denshi's suggestion. "The buildings most beset already give aid and alms to their surroundings and work to better the lives of their congregation. The only specific demands of the heretics have been that we renounce the faith. That simply isn't an option. There's no denying the real and for many it's a pure way of life."
"We've tried locating the High Pontiff via magic," Galian explains to Ebon, "though as of yet he's been undetectable. Then again, such is the purity of his mind and faith that it was oft a quiet mirror of reflection. Many of us couldn't discern him even when we knew him to be around, so there is no large change there. As for new belief, it's been around for a long, long time, in some form or another. Our Enlightened are still several years old at this point." Continuing to eat between his answers, he gives an encouraging nod to Ebon. "I do agree about people being set in their ways, though nearly the entirety of our clergy are converts from other faiths and the vast majority of them could be described as middle aged or somewhat older. Certainly not youngsters."
Finishing off his drink, he gives another confident smile. "You could say the Beacon is very persuasive when it comes to affirming the faith."
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Post by dragonus45 on Jan 25, 2017 14:33:14 GMT -7
Denshi ponders the mans response for a moment before giving him a puzzled look and replying without quite finishing chewing his chicken leg, "It seems clear the major religion in the area so its not like your a minority group, and supposedly your passing out alms and all that other good stuff. So why is it that they have such a specific demand. Renounce your faith and stop preaching, get the hell out, is a rather extreme demand for a bunch of locals. Are you certain everything is order in your own house so to speak? If nothing else you might want to find some way calm them down, and I might be able to help out with that. I'm known to have a charming personality an all. Still gonna need to end all that one way or another what with the whole fire monsters stalking your streets thing."
Faelyn still says nothing, considering the nature of those present now more than the bag of wind speaking currently. How many of them may have an inkling of the nature of the religion they were here to save? Who could he trust here to assist him in his real goals? For a moment, he wishes for the reliable friends of his past but only that. He knows better than to add a favorable tint to the madmen he has traveled with before willing to work for being like the Beacon with no real hesitation and cut deals with intelligent undead. As for this missing "man". Someone of such empty nature possibly be a true holy man, or more likely a burn out shell with no real mind or force of personality. Knowing the "god" he spoke for Faelyn had a good guess which.For know, it was still best to remain silent and wait for the time being.
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Jan 25, 2017 15:01:21 GMT -7
Zakryk thinks about Denshi's comment...he should have thought about what the protesters were asking for. Of course, now that it's confirmed they wanted the faith renounced, maybe something related to the faith could be resolved helpfully. "I guess I have two questions now. First, do we know anything about who's been leading the protesters or, as you called them, heretics? And second, what do we know about where these...Shining Children are coming from? If they were related to the Beacon, maybe people are getting sick of them?"
Cydo is aware the current topic seems to be the complaints, although he decides to keep getting information, just in case. "I only really have one question at the moment, since everyone else has a different focus. Did the High Pontiff change behavior at all before disappearing?"
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Post by Michael T on Jan 26, 2017 20:01:09 GMT -7
Ebon considers his next question, he uses a mithral dagger to trim his finger nails, "So Galian did you follow a different faith before becoming a member of the Enlightened? And if so what faith would that be?"
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 27, 2017 14:30:59 GMT -7
Galian nods at Denshi. "Everything is is order as far as I'm aware. As for knowing why they have such a specific demand, if we knew that in its entirety then we would have less of a need to help." He gives Denshi an understanding smile before continuing, "The fire monsters that you speak of are actually closer to beings of divine light. They're on our side, and punish heretics. There's only so many of them however and there are always more outspoken heretics abound." He turns and nods to Zakryk. "They only seek to punish those who actively go out of their way to harm others and denounce the faith. If someone didn't ascribe to the state religion but treated others well then they are left alone. Indeed, we still help maintain multiple places of worship for other religions within Keldersfort and the entire Empire."
He seems to consider Zakryk's other question for a moment longer. "I can't say I know who specifically leads those who campaign against us and who stirs up the largest bouts of civil unrest. In truth I'm not entirely sure there's any one single individual though it does seem likely." With a thoughtful look, he continues. "That's something I'm sure you all could help us find out. If such a person were to exist, engaging them in healthy theological debate and potentially swaying them to our faith would do much to lessen the pointless harm and loss of life we're seeing now."
"Considering the High Pontiff," he says, turning to Cydo, "he seemed to be fully within his usual self up till the disappearance. Those we've asked who work and volunteer close to him stated that they noticed nothing out of the ordinary. He simply returned to his chambers after midday mass and never turned up for the evening service. His attendants said nothing seemed changed in his room though, I expect, you all are more capable than they in arcane matters." As he finishes his food he politely dabs his mouth with one of his own napkins, retrieved from a small pocket, before neatening up his plate and cutlery. Looking at Ebon, a slight grin at the man's astute question flickers across his face before it settles into the same friendly and placid smile.
"Before my faith in the Beacon I was somewhat of a vagabond. No purpose, no higher calling. A young son in a noble house has nothing but vice to occupy his mind after all. This gave me a way of life but before it, no other faiths I'm afraid." he says, amusement in his voice.
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Post by Michael T on Jan 28, 2017 21:23:56 GMT -7
After inspecting his nails, Ebon puts his blade away, he keeps his hands below the table, "Well Galian could you elaborate on the exact the story behind your change of heart and your conversion to your new faith? I believe that some find your faith to be a bit more persuasive than what is natural, and I believe that some may consider it to be some type of magical enslavement. Which maybe why you are finding so much resistance to you religion's spread through the Empire."
((When Galian is not looking at Ebon he will use Arcane Sight as a Spell Like Ability to examine him.
eYae7Xdg1-20+24 Kn. Arcana
1-20+24 Kn. Planes
1-20+15 Kn. Religion))1-20+24·1-20+24·1-20+15
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Jan 29, 2017 15:30:18 GMT -7
Zakryk is somewhat disappointed that this situation boiled down to yet another 'try to find and/or track down this person, only to lose all our leads and have nothing to show for our work but one or more obvious dead bodies' job -- actually two such jobs in one. Of course, upon Ebon's comment, he is disappointed in himself that he didn't think of this question earlier: how exactly IS Beaconism spreading so quickly? Could he wind up a convert without intending to? At this point, he decides to let Ebon and Galian do their respective things for now.
Cydo will try to assess Galian's reactions more closely at this point.
hRYhN5oQ1d20+19 Sense Motive ((Does Cydo notice anything off about Galian's description of his transition from his past life to his current one, or about his description of the High Pontiff's normal behavior?))
1d20+19
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Post by dragonus45 on Jan 29, 2017 21:55:18 GMT -7
Upon hearing Galian's story Denshi smiles still talking through half of a new chicken leg,"I to found faith from after a life as something of a vagabond. Korada has a little less in the way of your Faith Incandescent as you put it. I also worry about the nature of these beings. Could you ask them to back off a little? Perhaps having less of them in the area could release of the tension?"
Faelyn remains silent, still trying to get a better read on the room. Although he is appreciative of some of the more skeptical questions he sees being posed from Zaryk.
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Jan 30, 2017 8:55:07 GMT -7
"Apologies Ebon, but finding religion is often a very personal story. In the same way I'm not asking you to elaborate on private parts of your life, I'll not elaborate on mine." With a relaxed shrug, he smiles once again before continuing. "As for magical enslavement, most who want something are wont to say a variety of things. If it were truly magical, I doubt there'd be quite as much outspoken resistance. To be, this feels more like an ideological clash." As Galian turns to address Denshi, Ebon is able to get a closer look at the man's auras - rather than the usual layers of magic one would expect from a typically warded individuals, there is just a bright searing light, cold white and pure, that seems to radiate from within Galian. Such is the brightness and intensity under the arcane gaze that Ebon feels stabs of pain in his eyes.
Cydo, paying close attention to what's being said and how, doesn't get the feeling that anything is inherently wrong, and Galian doesn't appear to be coming across untruthfully. So far his reactions have been normal, though the repeated questioning of his faith seems to be starting to gently annoy him.
"If I had the power to ask the faith incandescent to back off there is no doubt we'd be having less problems currently." he says, almost apologetically to Denshi. "The one who has the most sway over them is the Beacon himself and, through him, the Arch Lector. From what I understand he's not reigned them in as he sees violence being purified by the light to be a justifiably correct course of action. That it begets more fighting is unfortunate, but several of us have at least made the recommendation to him already." he says. Reaching into a pocket, he pulls out a small scroll case and unfurls a map from within it that appears to be of central Keldersfort. Spreading it out on the table after he moves his plate to the side, he points at several locations.
"If you wish to try and converse with the Shining Children themselves then these three locations were where the last purges took place. You may also be able to find some evidence of the recidivists there." Looking up at the group, he gives another easy shrug. "Or not, if you'd prefer to go to Lightbourne Cathedral. That's where the Arch Lector is, as well as the High Pontiff's aides and friends." he states, before indicating multiple other places on the map that are annotated. "All of these are smaller cloisters, churches and chapels of our faith as well as differing ones. You could also visit there to get a clearer depiction of what is happening 'on the ground' as it were."
Leaning back in his chair after gently pushing the map closer to the centre of the table, Galian looks round at everyone. "Whatever courses you take, I'd appreciate it if you could keep me appraised. I'll be staying here for the next week, at which point I'll be going back to Lightbourne."
((Ebon needs to make a Will save DC 21 vs blindness. Failure further causes his eyeballs to burst within his sockets with a flash of bright light, cauterizing the wounds. This is somewhat obvious.))
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Post by Michael T on Jan 30, 2017 16:27:13 GMT -7
((
T5RhvCAp1-20+14 Will Save
1-20+14 Will Save (Second Chance if Needed.)
))1-20·1-20
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Post by Michael T on Feb 1, 2017 14:29:33 GMT -7
Ebon closes his eyes quickly and tilts his head downward. He takes out a handkerchief and coughs a few times while studding the map carefully. He stands after Galian finishes speaking Ebon says with conviction, "Well I have certainly seen enough, and I must say that I will gladly help the people of the Empire deal with this threat that is in their lands. So if unless there is some other questions that the others have I could use a break and some fresh air." Ebon starts walking for the door, he will keep going unless some one speaks up. If some one speaks up he will pause at the door.
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Post by dragonus45 on Feb 1, 2017 16:03:44 GMT -7
Faelyn, noticing Ebon's sudden departure will politely stand and excuse himself before stepping out to follow.
Denshi simply sits and ponders with a confused look on his face.
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Feb 1, 2017 18:11:01 GMT -7
After noticing Ebon and Faelyn leave, Zakryk follows them. He doesn't think he can get anything else useful out of Galian right now, and there are some things he wanted to talk about with just the party. Maybe Ebon already has an idea of what to do, who knows. Zakryk himself already has an idea, although it's merely the one that's slightly less likely to end in failure than other possibilities.
Cydo will look at the map and take it in for a few moments. He doesn't leave quite yet, but he's considering joining the party soon.
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026
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Post by Geckilian on Feb 1, 2017 19:49:17 GMT -7
Galian looks at the others as they leave, before turning to the last pair of others in the room. "So, Denshi, Cydo." he says before indicating the map. "You're welcome to take that map, it's one of many and I purposely annotated it to be of use to you. Was there anything else either of you wanted to ask before you head off to join your companions?" he asks as he begins to clear away the various clutter on the table around him. Picking up his sword he stands and buckles it onto his belt again before taking his seat once more. "On the off chance you would all prefer not to be followed, or to have a private conversation without me, I'll remain here for another ten minutes or so before heading to the common room."
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Outside of the room lies a short corridor leading towards the central common room of the tavern. The polished wood floor, walls and ceiling, coupled with regularly bracketed everburning torches, gives a nice rustic, yet professional, look to the place. It is evidently well cared for and regularly spaced along the walls of the corridor are nicely rendered paintings of various places throughout the empire. There don't appear to be any doors aside from the one leading to the private room. At the end of the corridor the sounds of conversation and dining can be heard along with the occasional laugh and exclamations from those gambling.
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Feb 1, 2017 20:01:56 GMT -7
Cydo will get up and take the map. "One more question: does this map have any magic on it? I'm just making sure before I store it, since I can't scan it myself." As he asks, Cydo thinks to himself that Galian has seemed overall helpful, but one can never be too careful these days.
T|SoXb3a1d20+19 Sense Motive ((On both Galian's final statement in Geck's last post and his answer to this question.))
1d20+19
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Post by Michael T on Feb 1, 2017 20:51:24 GMT -7
Ebon makes his way out of the Inn, he looks around carefully at the people are here. He wonders to himself how many of them are under the sway of the Beacon. And whether or not their souls are already lost to what ever being has consumed them.
He steps outside and will wait a while for the others to leave, hopefully none are foolish enough to be alone with Galian.
((What time of day is it?))
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