Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Story of the Surf, Tales of the Deep

Sorry for taking so long, but I'm back in the groove!

Keratia: Story of the Surf, Tales of the Deep

Your men followed their orders as they cleared the deck, took the prisoners, and readied themselves for battle. Storming through the doors you find nothing of note at first; there was a table bolted to the deck inside with what looked like some sort of elven bread, dried fruit, and a spilled goblet. Nearby were a few bags and barrels that were torn open revealing their contents to be canvas, likely for mast repairs. Nothing of particular note as your crew stormed down the nearby stairs, and there you'll find those goblins you were looking for. One was just turning down the hall when he spots you and shouts. You see another sea goblin past him, and vaguely recognize him as one of the sea goblins who was on deck but fled down here. And off in the corner of your eye you see another sea goblin in the hall next to you, looking like he's rummaging through the bags and shelves, but hearing the commotion he already has his javelin in hand. It was time to battle again, and this time in close quarters!

Rolls and Info

Talogan (28/28) = 21
Sea Goblins 2 (A 16/16) (B 16/16) = 8
Talogan's Pirates (Derrick 11/11) (Oliver 11/11) (Hector 11/11) (Johnathan 11/11) (Tayang 11/11) = 6
Sea Goblins 1 (D 16/16) = 2

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia was just about to head over to the water closet to wash when you wanted to speak to her. So she sat back down and listened, but it wasn’t long before her face turned Stoney and solemn. After a while her eyes drifted away from you and turned to look at the fire place, as if she could y look you directly in the eyes. She sat in silence, unmoving like a statue, as you told her the things you’ve seen, your thoughts, and your questions. After you finished talking Pylia was utterly quiet for about five minutes. The only thing that broke the silence was Shortfang leaving the water closest, blissfully unaware of this discussion as he mentioned going to get something to eat.

“I... Um... I... I need something right quick.” Pylia sputtered out as she head towards door as Shortfang was leaving. But sure enough her path was blocked as Buddy closed the door behind Shortfang and stood in front of Pylia, his arms crossed. Despite lacking emotive eyes it a face, Buddy seemed to look at Pylia with disappointment that she was trying to runaway. So she sighed, going into the closet to get her pipe and herbs to smoke in the room and calm her nerves.

A few more minutes of silence and smoking and eventually Pylia was able to form a sentence for you. “First.., I want to say sorry. But there are things in this world that... That you don’t need to know. Things that you have no reason to know, which has nothing to do with why we’re here. That’s what I was thinking when... When all of this was happening. I figured... Sooner or later, you and I will go out separate ways. Last thing I need to do is make you deal with my problems which I didn’t even know was going to be a problem until recently so...”

Shaking her head at these rambling thoughts Pylia had more to say. “And second I want to tell you I’m offended that you’d spy on me like this. I just needed time to be alone and you... You invade my privacy so...” Closing her eyes Pylia buried her face into the palm of her hands. “No. That’s wrong for me to say and I know it. You’re only caring for me which is why you looked into it. And I... I want to be angry, because no one has ever done something like that for me before. Sorry. I’m still angry but I understand why you did it.”

Pylia was quiet for a while long until she ran out of herbs in her pipe to smoke, so she added some more, lit it on fire, took a few puffs, and then handed it off to you as an offering. “Alright. I’ll... Ill keep this as short as I can. Basically... A long time ago, as a child, a friend and I... Studied Necromancy together. We were both stupid and naive. I was still a dumb girl who just wanted to help heal people, even bring them back to life. I learned that Necromancy was the only way to do that so I studied it but... It wasn’t long before we ended up making some very serious mistakes. Made friends with really bad people. My friend died because we were young and dumb. So... I ran. Ran away to Cassari. Tried my thing there and well... You know how that turned out.”

Clutching her hands together Pylia noticed tears starting to form on her face. She tried to hide them from you and wiped them away but that just made sure they’d start falling, so Pylia chose to stand near the fire place so you couldn’t see her face. “Ever since we got to Gransys they found me. When I ran from the camp, when you tried to message me in your ghost form. I thought they found me and I wanted to make sure they wouldn’t hurt you guys in your sleep, so I ran to fight them. Then... Then they found me for real. But they said they forgive me. That they understand my fear and hesitation back then and that they’ll gladly take me back. But I know I can’t trust them. The things they did Sylvia... I wanted to believe there are good necromancers in this world. But I didn’t find them that day. Those people, those monsters, they...”

You could hear the fear and sadness in Pylia’s voice as she tried to compose herself. But she failed and started crying. She tried to stop but all of her feelings were coming out too strong for her. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry I... Hust give me a moment please I’ll stop soon.” She said between sobs. She blew into her sleeve, tried to wipe her face clean, but still she was feeling the burden of her past squeeze every emotion out of her all at once. Fear. Regret. Spite. A lot of negative energy.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia would break out her healing kit, applying the stingy bitter smelling medicine to your cuts and wounds. “Well... You already know how I feel about the Duke. Personally, I don’t think he’s being manipulated by others like Aisha says. I think he knows very well that others are trying to control him, and he uses that to his advantage so if anything goes wrong, it’ll be someone else’s problem.” Pylia says with a flat tone as she begsun to bandage you up.

“I’ve... Heard about how he does it. Put the clues together. He’s the type of leader who would claim his followers accomplishments but throw them aside when they fail. Honestly I don’t even think he truly skew the Black Dragon. At best he helped slay the dragon. But I think he is stealing the credit from the true hero, one who might’ve died defeating the dragon, so the duke took credit for it.” Pylia seemed to say these things as if she was reporting factual information, even though she doesn’t actually have proof. “Not to mention some of his other policies he’s passed that benefits no one but himself and his interests. Disbanding the navy in order to centralize trade in his city instead of other coastal towns like Cassari for example.”

After finally finishing with your injuries Pylia began to mend your clothes. “But that’s just politics. No need to concern yourself with that, unless you intend to speak as some sort of civil leader! Which... You might. You are here to represent Cassari after all, not to mention your promise with the kobolds. You’ve taken quite a bit of responsibility for a newcomer and stranger to these lands.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

With a wave farewell, the group split, with Shor and Aisha heading towards the castle while you and your friends went back to the Silver Stag. It was as busy as ever and even the hostess was helping in the kitchen as large families came in to dine, workers came for lunch, and even a few warrior types seem to stop by to rest or rent a room. Upon returning to your room Shortfang was the first to go into the bathroom to do his business, and Buddy stood by his usual spot at the door. Pylia went to her bed, sitting down to take off her armor and allow her body to breath easy without the weight of plate. "Ah, I am never going to get used to wearing armor like that. Ugh. Maybe I can buy something lighter on my shoulders... Oh by the way Sylvia, let me treat your wounds. The air down there was foul, and I don't want any of our injuries to get infected. And your clothes are ruined again... Well at least these are your spare clothes."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Aye, tis a fair question. You seem like a foreigner, so I'm not surprised that you don't know much about em. Let's see..." Shor ponders as the group walks towards the surface. "Well, sixty odd years ago, the Duke, Erod Blackbane, slew the Black Dragon who was ravaging the lands. That foul wyrm tore through the Kingdom of Bray to the north, seemed like he was going to continue his war path down south, destroying anything he felt like attacking. Not to mention his army, thousands upon thousands of monsters, demons, fey, and the like, following the Black Dragon and bringing chaos wherever it went." Shor seemed to reminisce on these times like they're a fond memory for him. "Aye, I myself fought in his army, before he was formally a Duke. Back then he was but another mercenary looking to raise an army in the hopes of earning glory and prestige. I wasn't a captain back then either, just another foot soldier along with me cousin Ferric. In any case, the Duke is an honorable man by my reckoning. He kept to his word and paid all of us well, listened to our concerns and addressed out complaints in a timely matter. If I had to mention his faults, I'd say that he's far too beholden to his people, and seems to lack a will of his own at times." Shor sighed as he mentioned this. "Like for example, the war he committed to up north. Bunch of lizard folk had rallied and began attacking lands far to the north. Now, I'm a loyal man of my country, and I'd gladly die for it, but I also know when to pick my battles as well. The lizardmen up north, that's way up north. And for the duke to take his standing army up there seems... Excessive. Especially during these trying times what with Elysium out and about. They were a problem even before... You know."

"Anyways as for the Senaschal, I'll admit I don't know him too well. He's not the first Senaschal the duke had, the third in fact, but the first one died due to being elderly, and the second turned treasonous and was executed. This third one I don't really know where he came from aside that he came along with the Duke's current wife. Apparently as part of an alliance to some southern lords, the duke was to marry a Princess Eleanor, and an adviser from her father's court would come to serve as the duke's new Senaschal. As for the man himself, his name is Julian Fournival. As I said, I don't know much about him personally. Only worked as the Senachal for about four years now, and he keeps to himself and does his job well. Stays out of trouble at least, but not a married man either. A real mystery."

After Shor explained his thoughts Aisha spoke up, pushing her glasses up on her nose as she seemed a bit annoyed, as if she's restraining herself from speaking angrily. "While the captain has nothing but kind words about the Duke, I will speak far more candidly." Shor just sighed but did nothing to silence Aisha, so she continued. "The man is beholden to the nobility. The reason he committed to the war in the north is because of the warhawks among his court, who wished to use the chaos in order to elevate their own prestige as well as plunder the land taken by the lizardfolk. Land which I should inform was owned by the duke's own allies, simply under enemy occupation. Because the duke is toothless however, he essentially allowed his underlings to loot the burning home of his neighbor, under the guise of 'saving' their valuables. Indeed, when the captain says the duke is beholden to his people, he was putting it lightly. A leader must lead his men, not simply be their mouth piece. A king who does nothing but follow the commands of his people is nothing more than a figure head which can be manipulated by all and anyone. And frankly I would not be surprised if he already is."

Eventually the group would finally reach the surface. It was indeed somewhere around noon, as the sun was still very high into the air. The market place was loud and bustling, almost as if no one was even aware of the bloody battle that was fought below. After Aisha got out and put her hood on she continued speaking. "The Senaschal to me seems like a shady man. No mortal is without sin, and yet he seems to go out of his way to ensure no controversy by limiting his presence, using work as his excuse to minimize his interaction with others. Now, do not mistake me as some gossip. I've not interest in spreading lies and rumors for the sake of entertainment. But as a guardsman, it is my job to notice people who are acting suspicious, especially if it looks as though they are making preparations to commit crimes." At this, Shor seemed to give Aisha a stern glare. "Aisha, you aren't accusing the Senaschal of something, are you?" The dark elf however brushed off his concerns. "Captain, I am simply being cautious considering what happened to the second Senaschal. He was also a reclusive man, and needed to be considering his involvement in slavery and selling kingdom's secrets. The fact that sir Fournival is just as reclusive makes be concerned that he too may be following a similar pattern. After all, it's not as if there is anyone to grant over sight of his activities except the duke, who is current off to fight some pointless war."

The group would finally arrive to the main market street, and the sound of people going about their business was almost deafening. It was hard to hear Aisha's rant over the noise, and she noticed, so she tried to wrap it up. "In essence, I do not trust the duke, for he is a puppet, nor do I trust the Senaschal, because he does nothing to earn trust." With her statement made Shor just looked over to you. "Well, I hope that'll give you an idea of who they are. As far as etiquette goes, just don't bring any weapons into his court for obvious reasons, do not speak over or try and interrupt the duke or his Senaschal when they are speaking, and overall don't act a daft twat. The duke was a common man after all, so he is not going to offend easily if you are not familiar with the customs. As for the Senaschal well, same thing I suppose. He's an outsider too so as long as you can avoid looking like a fool, you ought to have no trouble."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

With a relieved breath Shor extended his hand. "It's a deal. 11k for the Wakestone. Obviously I don't have that money on me here, so how about you hold onto that stone for now and we can do the trade tonight when we come back to Dragon's Watch for the celebration? I mean... I might not be here on account of reporting everything that's happened so far, but I'll make sure one of my mates has your money." After you seal the deal with Shor, Aisha would stand up and wipe herself down. Her body was drenched in sweat and sewage. "Yes yes, as much as I enjoyed all of this, I honestly have had enough of the sewers. It's only a few hours past noon and I feel like I haven't bathed in days. Why don't we head back to the surface, freshen ourselves up, and then maybe come back down here when it's smelling less... Sour." Pylia and Shor chuckled at the dark elf's distress. Shortfang was eating one of the massive burgers they got from this morning, questionably cold. Buddy simply stood up to leave as well.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of the Void

Gren did a sort of shrug with his shoulders. "I mean... Yeah sure maybe they got off on the wrong foot, but I think maybe we should come back later? When things are a bit less... Weird." Gren says to Blaze when she suggests trying to join the guild properly. It's not as if he doesn't want to, but maybe he should see them in action first? He just sort of got tangled up in this strange thing after getting lost in the forest. He still wasn't entirely sure where he was at. He just wanted things to make a bit of sense and for him to be able to gather his thoughts before he goes overboard. Though oddly enough he also felt... Drowsy? He wasn't entirely sure, but he just chalked it up to being a very busy day. Soon a Sunflora came over and eagerly introduced herself to the group, which made Gren uneasy again. But when she mentioned that she was going to show them to their rooms well, Gren did want to finally have a nice nap after his long journey. "Yeah... Resting would be nice, wouldn't it?" Gren would follow Gavin for now, looking back towards Blaze. "I guess we could at least talk about this more in the rooms."

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

"Well..." Pylia thought about it. "Something like this... It's very powerful. We could certainly use it. And honestly? I feel like ten thousand is rather low for what is effectively an instantaneous resurrection. Takes no time to cast, no costly materials, just have it on your person when you need it. It has to be worth at least twenty thousand." Shor visibly flinched at Pylia's words. It was a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Your not wrong that this is powerful, lass, but twenty thousand... I can scrape up eleven thousand at the most." Pylia shook her head. "Then it won't be worth it. Sorry Shor." Shortfang on the other hand seemed more acceptive. "Shortfang think, Wakestone only good if we die. So if no one die, don't need Wakestone, yeah? But coin, coin help us not die! And! We real lucky! We find Wakestone in sewer! Maybe we find more Wakestone later, keep if need, yeah?" Shortfang said confidently. Buddy wrote his thoughts out for everyone to read. "For the sake or no stalemate, we should sell the stone for 12.5k. If we are careful we will not die. We can also use the money to invest in our adventure." He then flipped to another page and wrote a small question which he directed to Shor, but everyone could see it. "How much would it cost for a small house? So we don't have to live out of a inn."

Shor thought about it with Aisha helping him remember some real estate. "I mean, suppose if you wanted to live near the market district, decent place to live would cost you about three thousand gold. Of course, you don't have to pay that all at once, but depends who you go to buy from. Some places say you only need to pay five hundred as a down payment and you can work out mortgaging with the seller. Of course you'll also need to pay taxes to the city. Honestly, I don't really know much about that, Buddy." Buddy shrugged and scribbled a response. "I was just curious." Either way Pylia looked back to you. "That's two who vote to sell it. I don't mind selling it, but we should get more than 10k for it. I say 20k, Buddy says 12.5k, and Shor says 11k. Thoughts?"

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Perhaps they tried to bring the stones together? Remember, we found the cultist and the trog dead before we got the last stone from Red Stain. Maybe they did try to bring them together but perished before it could happen.” Pylia pointed out. Aisha nods in agreement. “From your report and what we examined from the body, I’d imagine gat the trogs were not quite as unified as we thought. The Jabrani tribe must’ve killed the cultist who was to deliver the stone without ever realizing his purpose.” Shortfang nods vigorously as he looked over the table. “And other trog killed by ooze cube! Maybe he try and bring? Just due in way.”

“In that case were very fortunate thy died before they could have gotten the stones together. Who knows what might happened if she had turn out backs in Red Stain after mistaking him for dead.” Shor says grimly, he holds the Wakestone in his hands and looks at it closely. “This might be rude to ask, but would you be willing to sell this stone to me? My men could certainly use something like this in our line of work. Of course, if you all choose to continue going in these adventures you might too. Still I’ll give you a good deal for them, say ten thousand gold?”