Ch 2: Part 1: The Great Skymetal Rush: Session 17

[15:39] <@Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:39] <@Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 2: Children of the Void~~~
[15:40] <@Kilarra> In the passage of a heartbeat, the tiny island of Devil’s Elbow changed forever. Known locally as the site of a failed settlement called Witchlight, and reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a notorious siren named Virashi, Devil’s Elbow is destined to become known as the island where a star fell, and the site of a frenzied rush to claim the valuable skymetal the fallen star brought to Golarion. Yet the prospectors who arrive on D
[15:41] <@Kilarra> Yet the prospectors who arrive on Devil’s Elbow are fated to find more than riches on the deadly island.
[15:42] <@Kilarra> \Part 1: The GReat Skymetal Rush/
[15:43] <@Kilarra> -Session 17-
[15:47] <@Kilarra> Evening falls over the city of Riddleport nearly a week after the star fell to the earth. Kilarra, the cleric of Calistria and inquisitor for Shorafa Pamodae, along with Kwava of the Shin'Rakorath, have a vested interest in reaching the Island, largely because of what they found in one fateful journal...
[15:48] <@Kilarra> Kilarra took it upon herself to find additional help for this quest, both in the interest of keeping her own skin safe, and keeping the involvement of Shorafa Pamodae, who is a small fish relative to the other Crimelords of Riddleport, to a minimum.
[15:49] <@Kilarra> To that end, she invited two people she met at the local Tavern-Temple pf Cayden Cailean to join her at the Gold Goblin, currently under the new management of Daroskt and Katarina, former employees of the gambling hall's previous owner, Saul Vancaskerkin, who's betrayal ultimately ended up costing him his life.
[15:50] <@Kilarra> Daroskt and Katarina are presently seated in the tavern are of the bar along with Kwava and Kilarra, their resconstruction efforts for the day concluded. Now they simply await the arrival of Kilarra's draftees.
[15:50] * Kilarra flicks her tail idly as she eats a quick dinner, "Maybe I should have given them a more specific time."
[15:53] * Aluthyra arrives promptly after a meditation on the matter. It takes her a little bit to navigate the unfamiliar streets, new to the town, but she soon makes her way to the Gold Goblin. As she enters, she makes her way to Kilarra, the only familiar face. She gives each in attendance a small smile. "Hello again, Kilarra, and are these some of your other recruits?"
[15:54] * Kjell steps into the Gold Goblin shortly after Aluthyra, making his way inside and declaring boisterously, "Ahoy friends. Let us hear about these secrets of the fallen star."
[15:55] * Kilarra groans and motions for Kjell to come up to the bar, "Keep your voice down, this is supposed to be a private matter... for now at least."
[15:55] * Aluthyra takes a deep, calming breath at the loud man, used to ignoring such sounds.
[15:56] * Kilarra looks to Aluthyra, "And no; Katarina and Daroskt," she gestures to the human woman and the half-orc, "own this place after its previous owner made them partners then tried to stab them in the back."
[15:57] <Aluthyra> Katarina nods, standing behind Daroskt.
[15:58] * Aluthyra nods in understanding. "I see. Then what else do you have to tell us of the star?"
[15:58] * Kilarra gestures to Kwava, "This is Kwava. He's the one who originally brought the betrayal of Vancaskerkin to light, as well the truth of his run of fortune prior to recent events. He originally came here pursuing what his superiors told him was a renegade elf. Kwava, why don't you take it from here."
[15:59] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods and brings out Depora's journal. He also brings out some pages of notes taken based on Kilarra's translation. "Tell me, are either of you familiar with rumours or legends of the dark elves?"
[16:00] * Kjell looks at the journal curiously, "Dark elves? Dark as in evil or as in contrast to the pale skin most posess. No offense."
[16:01] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "I am not familiar with the rumors, no."
[16:02] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, "Both, mister..."
[16:02] * Kjell blinks, then chuckles and extends a hand, "Kjell Cailean."
[16:02] * Kilarra blinks, "Cailean? After the god?"
[16:03] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow at this as well.
[16:04] * Kjell nods, "Aye. I was raised in an orphanage funded by the church and took his name when I became of age."
[16:07] * Aluthyra understands Kjell in that manner, saying, "The monastic life was much the same for me, as an orphan, though I follow the creeds of Apsu."
[16:08] * Kjell has no idea who that is, "Not familiar with that deity. Perhaps one of the lesser known gods from the east?"
[16:09] * Kilarra draws a blank too
[16:11] * Aluthyra chuckles lightly. "The deity of goodly dragons and peace. It is said that He and Tiamat were the original two creators." She sighs. "His temples are rare, and very hard to find in these times."
[16:12] * Kilarra blinks, "Huh... Tiamat I've heard of. Didn't know she had a counterpart. Anyways, let's continue."
[16:13] * Aluthyra nods, waiting for the rest of the information.
[16:14] * Kjell listens more intently than his normally loud personality might suggest. Perhaps he was smarter than he looked.
[16:15] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, "The Dark Elves are, according to the legends, those who stayed behind during Earthfall before the Age of Darkness. In those dark times they were twisted, their skin turned ashen black and their hair bleached white. This journal, and my own eyes have confirmed that the legends are true."
[16:17] * Aluthyra frowns. "And... you believe them to be involved with the recent events?"
[16:19] <@Kilarra> Kwava shakes his head, "If this journal is to be believed, then there is no doubt of their involvement." He gestures to the translation pages, particularly 'the star has been plucked' and 'the apocalypse we wish to usher'.
[16:21] * Aluthyra 's frown deepens. "This is most grave." She nods to Kilarra. "I would gladly offer my services to your cause."
[16:23] * Kjell picks up a mug and bangs it in agreement, "Here here. Tyrants or genocidal maniacs, it matters not. Such dastardly deeds must not be allowed to continue. Bane and I are at your service."
[16:24] * Kilarra nods, "Alright, good. I needed the... wait, who's Bane?"
[16:26] * Aluthyra 's eyes stray to Kjell's sword, seeing as he was talking as if it was alive earlier.
[16:30] * Kjell smirks at ALuthyra's good instincts and draws his sword out. It's a longsword, but it does not seem to be made of common steel. The blade is midnight black and almost seems to radiate power. He sets it down for the others to see. "She is no ordinary blade, and I believe her to be a gift from Cayden Cailean himself. She came to me in a dream and spoke of great purpose, and the following morn when I awoke, she lay at the foot of my bedroll."
[16:33] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow, examining the sword. "It speaks to you?"
[16:34] * Kjell nods, "Place your hand upon her hilt and open your thoughts."
[16:34] * Kilarra looks skeptical
[16:36] * Aluthyra is curious, and so she places her hand on its hilt, closing her eyes as she tries to hear.
[16:38] <@Kilarra> Aluthyra, not being the black blade's intended wielder, can't make out anything coherent, but she does feel the power the sword contains like a charge running through her skin. She also briefly is shown a few flashing images that hint at the sword's purpose.
[16:40] * Aluthyra takes her hand off of the hilt, nodding at Kjell. "I was not able to hear its words, coherently at least, though I believe what you say of it. Very... interesting."
[16:40] * Kilarra blinks, "So... your sword is alive?"
[16:42] * Kjell sheathes his sword, "In a sense. She bears a spirit and a mind, but she requires a wielder to use her power. Whether she was sent to me by Cayden Cailean or chose me herself, she has been my most dependable companion over the years."
[16:42] * Aluthyra smiles. "An interesting companion."
[16:44] * Kilarra nods, "Alrighty then... so long as you can fight well with it, I suppose it doesn't really matter how smart it is." She looks to Kwava for him to continue
[16:46] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, "Miss Kilarra's High Priestess, as well as my superiors, have a vested interest in exploring Devil's Elbow, where the fallen star struck. While the High Priestess of Calistria is mainly interested in simply being informed, my superiors with to know if any additional dark elves remain, and that they be dealt with if so."
[16:47] * Aluthyra nods. "And have you chartered a ship to reach the island?"
[16:52] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, "It took some time due to the damage to the city and its piers, but my superiors managed to discreetly make arrangements for passage on a ship to Devil's Elbow. Unfortunately, we will not be the first there, as a few others with more funds or a larger workforce were able to get going sooner."
[16:53] <Aluthyra> "When should we be on our way there?"
[16:57] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, then pulls out a bag of gold. Inside are fifty gold pieces. "This was provided by my superiors to take care of your passage both to and from the island."
[16:57] * Kilarra chimes in, "And even though Shorafa wants to keep her involvement to a minimum for the sake of protecting those in her employ, she has instructed me to extend an offer for clerical services and sundries at a discount."
[17:00] * Aluthyra smiles. "That is most generous. If we have time, I would like to restock my arrow supply. After, shall I meet you at the pier, or do we have more time to wait?"
[17:02] <@Kilarra> Kwava nods, "The ship will be available to leave at our leisure, within reason. I recommend taking tonight to rest well, and then takign care of any purchases you need to make first thing in the morning. The island is only eighteen miles to the south, and the ship is purportedly fast, so there should be plenty of time."
[17:04] <@Kilarra> Daroskt speaks up, "In the interest of helping how we can, Katarina and I also offer you the Gold Goblin itself as a place to stay. We're about ready to reopen, but will keep the rooms available to you. Since discretion is a large part of waht both Pamodae and the SHin'Rakorath want, we figured having a place to act as a front would be useful to you."
[17:05] * Aluthyra smiles and bows her head at Daroskt and Katarina. "Thank you for your hospitality."
[17:07] <@Kilarra> Daroskt rubs his neck, "I got killed because of Saul, and Katarina's efforts brought me back with some help from Shorafa Pamodae. Aside from being physically run through by the experience, neither of us wished to waste my second chance, otherwise we would also be comign with you."
[17:07] * Kjell smiles, "Does this generous offer include food and drink as well?"
[17:08] * Aluthyra rolls her eyes at Kjell and nods appreciatively at Daroskt. "Thank you, nonetheless."
[17:10] <Kjell> Katarina nods, "Yes, living necessities will be provided so long as you need to remain under our roof."
[17:15] * Aluthyra looks around. "Would either of you be able to show me the living quarters? I would like to rest soon, given with what may be ahead of us," She looks to Kilarra and Kwava. "Unless there is more I must know?"
[17:16] * Kilarra shrugs, "I've given you the most prevalent details, anything else kinda pales in the face of an implied end of the world."
[17:17] * Aluthyra nods. "Then I will be resting early tonight."
[17:18] * Kjell nods, "Aye, I need a good eight hours spell to recharge my magic and prepare my spells for the day."
[17:18] * Kilarra blinks incredulously, "You... can do magic too?"
[17:21] * Kjell nods, "Aye." He lifts up his spellbook, chained to his belt, and sets it on the counter. "Spell and sword in accord."
[17:23] * Aluthyra blinks. "A surprising combination. Is it not difficult to cast spells while swinging your sword?"
[17:25] * Kjell nods, then draws his sword in his left hand, his right crackling with arcane energy, "An uncommon fighting style I am certain, but a most deadly and effective one. Especially to those who think the sword is all I have at my disposal, or those that think focusing on my swordarm weakens my mind."
[17:27] * Kilarra smirks, "Looks like there's more to you than the beer belly suggests."
[17:27] * Aluthyra chuckles.
[17:28] * Kjell pats his slightly protruding gut, "Just more of me to stack muscle onto, and another nice little trick to throw off those who would underestimate me."
[17:30] * Aluthyra looks back to Daroskt. "Where are our rooms, if you would please?"
[17:30] * Kjell adds, "And also a symbol of my devotion to Cayden's brew of choice."
[17:30] <@Kilarra> Daroskt nods and gets up. He gives Katarina a quick hug and then leads the newly rebuilt party to the guest rooms of the Gold Goblin, offering each of them a key.
[17:31] * Kilarra walks in behind the group, her eyes constantly straying down Aluthyra's back and backside.
[17:33] * Aluthyra has a nice and firm backside, her hips nicely proportioned for her size and height, 6 feet tall. She thanks Daroskt one last time before she takes the key, entering her room and closing the door behind her.
[17:35] * Kilarra licks her lips, then slips into her room. Once inside, she mutters to herself about adventurers hogging all the sexy.
[17:35] * Kjell is oblivious to Kilarra's lusty gaze, mainly because it isn't focused on him. He takes his room and smiles at the accommodations before settling in for rest.
[17:36] * Aluthyra changes out of her monk robes and slips into her bed, quickly falling asleep in preparation for the upcoming day.
[17:37] <@Kilarra> The following morning brings sunshine and the fated day of departure to Devil's Elbow. Kwava, being an elf that doesn't actually need to sleep, is the first to rise, preparing himself a simple meal. Daroskt and Katarina join him, eating before getting ready to finish reconstruction and restaffing of the Gold Goblin.
[17:39] * Kilarra wakes up in the buff, never actually sleeping with anything on. This allows her to slip right into her morning prayer ritual and associated personal playtime. Her lack of modesty is as audible as ever.
[17:41] * Aluthyra changes into a new set of monk robes, retaining her vow of cleanliness. She raises an eyebrow at hearing Kilarra's noises, but knows of the priests of Calistria. She tries to ignore it as best she can, making her way to the main hall for a quick and modest meal.
[17:42] * Kjell finds it a little bit difficult to study his spellbook with Kilarra making that much noise, but manages to get his spells prepared and eventually leaves the room to join the others for a meal
[17:43] * Kilarra finishes after an hour, as well as having prepared her stipend of diving power for the day. She gets dressed and comes otu to eat, although her dark hair still looks like she just got out of bed."
[17:43] <@Kilarra> (Shoo ")
[17:46] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow at Kilarra, but says nothing of her... activities, and continues to finish her meal silently.
[17:48] * Kilarra makes herself a meal and looks to Aluthyra, "So, do you not wear any armour?"
[17:49] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "I do not. It would impede my movement otherwise."
[17:50] * Aluthyra shrugs. "I was trained in combat without the use of armor. I imagine I would not fight as well while wearing it."
[17:51] * Kilarra nods, "Can't say I don't approve." She eyes Aluthyra slightly hungrily. That smell was really alluring.
[17:53] * Aluthyra doesn't notice Kilarra's hungry gaze over her, sitting up as she finishes her meal and looking over her supplies. "I am going to purchase arrows while I am out. Shall I meet you back here, or at the pier?"
[17:54] * Kjell eats his meal and listens to the conversation. He wasn't exactly fond of Calistrian Clerics, given the widespread but false rumour about Cayden Cailean failing to romance her. However, there was bigger stuff to worry about here, and she was being both generous and courteous so far.
[17:55] * Kilarra chuckles, "Guess a roll in the sheets before we leave is a little too much to ask, huh? I'm gonna head to the temple and grab some extra potions for you guys, then we can meet at the pier."
[17:57] * Aluthyra blinks. "Yes, I will have to... decline that offer. I will be at the pier then, after shopping." She quickly heads out, unused to the brazen attitude of the Calistrian clerics.
[17:59] * Kilarra pouts, slightly disappointed. There was something about this woman. She was different somehow, and Kilarra wanted her. She typically ignored prudes, but something at the back of her mind insisted this woman was special.
[18:02] * Kjell finishes his meal. "I'm going to grab some scrolls to supplement my own magic. I will meet you at the pier as well."
[18:03] * Aluthyra heads to the market, filling her packs with more arrows. After she finishes with her purchases, she heads to the pier.
[18:04] * Kilarra heads back to the temple and has a slightly frustrated quickie, before snagging some extra potions and heading down to the pier.
[18:06] * Aluthyra waves to Kilarra as she arrives at the pier.
[18:06] * Kjell heads out to get some scrolls. He takes an extra copy of one for later scribing to his own spellbook.
[18:11] <@Kilarra> At the docks, Kwava is speaking to a man checking a mooring line. The ship in question is a four-masted longship that looks as fast as it probably is. It has a narrow beam, a sharply raked stern and square rig, giving it a rather unconventional appearance
[18:12] * Aluthyra doesn't know much about ships, and the appearance doesn't bother her much. She approaches Kwava and the man, ready to leave.
[18:14] <@Kilarra> The man stands up and looks at the rather eccletic group before him. "Captain Josper Creesy, at your service sir and madams." He gives a bow.
[18:15] * Aluthyra bows in return. "Aluthyra, it is a pleasure to meet you, Captain."
[18:15] * Kjell bows right back, "Kjell Cailean, at yours sir."
[18:15] <@Kilarra> Kwava steps aside, "His crew are in town procuring supplies, and he can be prepared to depart as soon as they return."
[18:18] * Aluthyra nods. "I suppose we shall wait then."
[18:19] <@Kilarra> Josper stands up, "I'm curious about you reasons to want to head to that cursed isle. Perhaps you would like to join me for a light luncheon whilst we wait for my crew."
[18:25] * Tognik interrupts the group, calling out as he approaches at a brisk walking pace, as fast as he can manage on his little legs. "A ship! Wonderful!" He shouts in delight, a squeaky, small voice.
[18:25] <Tognik> The gnome, now in sight of all near the ship, has bright red, windswept hair, matching his short red beard. He is wearing a simple jerkin, along with an armored kilt. He carries no weapons, but instead a quiver filled with several wands.
[18:26] * Kilarra blinks and looks down at the gnome, "Um... who the hell are you?"
[18:26] * Kjell raises a curious eyebrow at the newcomer. He did like his hair though.
[18:28] * Tognik waves to the captain, having to look up as he is only 3'6'' tall. "Greetings, Captain!" He looks the man over, mumbling, "I think you're the captain at least..."
[18:29] * Tognik shakes his head and glaces at Kilarra. "I am Tognik Rumbledyne of the Rumbledyne's! Rumbledyne the third, mind you. The second was my father and the first my grandfather." He continues to ramble, "My great grandmother had a different name of course--" He looks as if he's about to detail his entire family tree, if not interrupted, now that he's distracted.
[18:29] <@Kilarra> Josper nods, "Aye, this is my ship, the -Flying Cloud-."
[18:29] * Aluthyra blinks and raises an eyebrow. Not that she wanted to hear all of this... but it is rude to interrupt.
[18:30] * Kjell taps Tognik on the shoulder, "We get it wee Gnomey. What reason do you have for wanting to charter a ship? I'm afraid we already made plans with this one."
[18:31] * Tognik brightens and nods, changing subject back on task. "Wonderful! I'll be coming with you then." He tips his head to the captain, smiling as he begins to strut onto the ship.
[18:32] * Tognik idly chats as he goes. "I bet you're all going to Devil's Elbow, that's where all these ships are going. Catching a ride, I will be."
[18:34] * Kilarra grabs Tognik by the shoulder, "Hold up short stack, what makes you think you're comign with us? This ain't a pleasure cruise."
[18:36] * Tognik beams. "So you are going to the island?" He chuckles. "I bet I can help you, if you let me follow. I'm versed with all sorts of caves and exploration. No charge for my services either. Quite a deal!" He mumbles, "Though I'd like a share of all treasure found on the island."
[18:37] * Aluthyra shrugs. She doesn't mind, and is sure more help would be appreciated...
[18:38] * Kilarra mulls that over. "You pay your own way, and if you're useful, fine. But if you get yourself killed, it'll be your own damn fault, alright?"
[18:39] * Kjell raises and eyebrow, "You sure you're up for this Mister Tognik? The tiefling lady is right, this will not be a safe journey. Is it worth putting yourself at risk?"
[18:40] * Tognik shrugs. "Who knows! But it's one more place I haven't explored. /Yet/."
[18:40] <@Kilarra> -End Session-