OOC: Kai feel free to go ahead and post here when you are ready.

As Kai walks down the streets he is greeted with most people closing up shop for most of the day. As the day continues downward into dusk he finally reaches the temple which a decent walk across town. Before he is able to enter the gated court yard, he is greeted by a man in a robe with his hands clearly placed behind his back.

"Greetings traveler. What is your business?", the man says. His thick accent gives way to something very foreign about this character.

Kai gently nods at the robed man. Pulling down the hood of his cloak, it reveals a man where burn marks show on one side of his face.

"And greetings to you. I'm new to Stormharbor, and thought it would be good to come here. I am not pious, not a faithful of any specific god. But I was raised to show respect. Plus,"

Kai then gestures to his leather armour and assortment of weapons he has.

"I have found that churches sometimes have problems that require a certain skill set, one that they lack. Whilst I am not one for prayer or quiet contemplation, the gods seem to have other plans for me."

The monk looks at your with very curious eyes.

"Come in traveler please talk with our head Master. Please refine from using your weapons here."

The man opens the gate and shows you in. As soon as you pass the threshold of the gate you can feel a strange feeling almost like a tugging, you can tell the temple is protected, by what you are unsure but it's strong.

As you walk past lushes court yards of green you are taking to the main area inside of the temple. Glass and work of the temple itself is amazing to behold. It must be thousands of years old.

Monks of many pass by, all races and creed with no words only silence. The man himself opens large wooden doors that leads to a secluded shrine of sorts.

The man stops you at the door. "Please wait here do not cross into the circle.". The man walks quickly over to another figure that is partially hidden by the light but then comes forth revealing himself in the light of the temple sky lights.

You notice at an instance his is a Rakashan. While not uncommon they are pretty rare. You assume he is only here because of the port town itself.

"Please forgive my monks. We are not familiar with visitors. Most stay away. Tell me Kai. What brings you here?"

The Rakashan is dressed in clean white robes flowing to the ground tied at the waist by a giant belt. The symbol something of a figure with wings flying.

"But of course." Kai replies when the monk asks Kai not to use his weapons.

Feeling the magic as he moves through the gate, Kai can't decide if the cathedral is resistant to him coming inside, or if it his own body pushing back against the magic. Either way, he worried that whatever is protecting those inside, won't protect him.

He had seen churches, temples, shrines, though they were all simpler, smaller. Some just a statue on the roadside with offerings left beside. Nothing like this. Stormharbor continued to show how everything here was bigger, older, grander.

At first Kai was surprised to see the Rakashan, as he hadn't had many interactions with them. Looking at symbol on his belt, he tried to see if he recognised it, but he wasn't certain.

 But then that was replaced by how he knew Kai's name.

"How did.. How did you know who I am?"

Figured I'd roll Common Knowledge to see if I recognise the symbol. OOC I'd guess related to Solara, but Kai seems not to know.
19:45, Today: Kai Wasser rolled 3,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Common Knowledge.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:59, Mon 28 Aug 2023.

OOC: You are unsure of the religion but you know for sure it's not one of the darker gods.

"Hahaha." the man laughed at Kai question.
"I know many things as you will come to learn. Strangely enough the one thing I don't know is why you are crossing my path. I did not foresee this event. My name is Ezekiel. Please step inside of the circle."

Ezekiel gestures for you to enter and then turns away from Kai and walks to the giant shrine behind him. Candles and flowers litter the statue as a token of thanks from the people.

"Divine guidance, perhaps?" Kai replies with a chuckle, showing he isn't serious, and hoping to keep the mood light.

Kai follows Ezekiel to the shrine, stepping inside the circle.

"I came looking for work. I don't see it as a purpose, but perhaps, a calling? I know I am... different to others."

As soon as you step into the circle you are hit with a blast of energy that seems to course through your body.

Ezekiel smiles a big cat grin, "Good. One's intentions are never sure. Had you been something of the darkness your body would be laying on the floor with the life sucked out of you. But I am sure you already had a feeling of that."

He walks to the statue with you in toe. The statue towers over you like a giant throwing shadow into the temples light and making the room much darker than what it really is.

"We have an issue. Infernals have been arriving by the droves in our city. This is usually not an issue as these being tend to be kind but the ones showing up are devils. Their intentions are not that of simple travelers. They have evil deeds but I am unable to sense their true intention. This tells me that they are here for a very specific reason and I worry that this rat plague is only the beginning. You said you feel a calling in you. Reach out to that calling and find an end to this madness."

OOC: Internals are Tieflings from D&D. Should give you an idea of who are what they are.

Kai took a deep breath as he came out the circle.
He considered himself a good person, and what he considered to be darkness, may not be the same as them, and his life would have ended much quicker than he planned.

"Do you know where I can these new Infernals, Ezekiel? I wouldn't want to end up finding the kind ones, and make a mistake.

As for ending this madness, what did you have in mind for me to accomplish that?"

Ezekiel turned towards Kai with a smile, "Why yes, I do."

He took his hand out and gently touched the top of Kai forehead.

In a flash a wave of memories flooded Kai's thoughts as clear a dream. In this thoughts the Infernal appeared to be similar to the one Kai saw earlier today on the stage. The man's body showed a blackness weaving in and out of his cloths like a poison. Kai is then wisped away to somewhere else inside of the city. Strange runes cover the door which are blurry and then instantly it's like you can read them, "Covenant". The vision doesn't last too much longer and then Kai is snapped back in place.

Ezekiel walks around Kai, "Covenant refers to The Arcane Covenant. A group of Infernals, Elves and Humans who have made a bargain with a very dangerous god. This is likely where you should start. Finding it will be a challenge by yourself but getting into the Covenant will be something different. You are walking a fine line and about to throw yourself into a dark, dark path. Their god blocks my visions and I have no doubt the corruption is deep to the core."

When the vision nds, Kai steps back, and places his hands out to his side as if he were trying to balance himself.

Composing himself as Ezekiel explains the Covenant, Kai becomes visibly tense when he hears of a bargain made to a dangerous god. Clenching his fists as well as his jaw, he loosened them by the time Ezekiel was finished.

"Then it seems most fortuitous that I came here when I did. Now, I'm no common sellsword or hireling, but this all sounds very dangerous. And that means help or rewards, of some kind."

"A reward?", says Ezekiel, "Still surprising me. I thought you said that you had a calling? Does the angry not stir in you? Besides what do you think a temple like this would be able to give you? Our monks, they work for free. There is no coin put in their pocket. No silver to be snatched."

Ezekiel shakes his head laughing, "Time is short. Sellsword or not. The enemy knows thy name. In time they will find you."

"Time to go!" Ezekiel taps the mans chest and all of the sudden Kai is back at the gates of the Temple as if pulled through time and space.

A monk greets Kai, "Hello traveler. What brings you to the temple?".

Your not sure what just happened. Was it a dream, no it couldn't be. You went in the temple right?

The monk continues to smile at Kai, "Are you alright traveler?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:25, Mon 28 Aug 2023.

"Wait, what?!" Kai exclaimed, just before Ezekiel touched him, and sent him back to the entrance.

A confused look crossed Kai's face as the monk spoke to him.

"No. Yes. I'm..." Kai paused for moment and looked at the cathedral. "I'm here to pray. Please, which god is worshipped here?"

"Why Solara", says the monk "But I am afraid you are much past the time of prayer."

Kai realizes that it has turned from dust to night.

"Best not be caught on the roads after midnight.", says the monk.

"Solara, of course. Thank you. And yes I, I should back. Good night to you." Kai politely replied, as he pulled up his hood, before beginning to make his way back to the tavern to get some rest, knowing he will likely have a long day ahead of him finding clues about the Covenant and their members.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Mon 28 Aug 2023.

As you make your way through the streets of the city you cut through a few alleys to get back to tavern but before you make it to the tavern you get a strange feeling. You think possibly you are being tailed by someone. While night time has set in the torches from the houses and businesses are all still flickering their orange flames giving you enough light to see the area.

When you stop the feeling subsides.

Brightkin followed the hunter to the temple but didn't dare to go in himself he waited without until the hunter reappeared....

Then he followed at a distance, the darkness his small size, his natural stealth and just a little touch of magic to darken the shadows kept him hidden from sight for the time being

Kai couldn't help but have that continued sense of being watched.

Was it Ezekiel?
A member of the Covenant?
Something else?

Taking a pause of his walk back to the tavern, Kai takes a long look around, to see if anything unusual stands out.

16:27, Today: Kai Wasser rolled 3,10 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+4)10.  Notice.

How good is your Stealth + modifiers Brightkin ;)

12:29, Today: Brightkin rolled 7,9 using D6+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Stealth roll.

Kai sees Brightkin pretty easily lurking in the shadows behind him. Not so much in a threaten manner but more curious. The two lock eyes at just about the time that some men come walking down the street.

The men are obviously drunk by the stumbling stance. At first they appear relatively harmless but then upon seeing both people they make a bee line towards them. One bigger and broader man steps up to Kai.

"You...loook funny. Does he look funny *hic* guys? I think I want your shoes...", says the man slopply. The two men behind him laugh in enjoyment.
One man from behind perks up, "Yeah...givem your shoes. Nice boots they are."

Kai catches the eye of the fairy.

Why would a fairy be following me? he thought to himself, but before he had a chance to confront the fairy about what it's doing, he was confronted by the pair of men after his footwear.

"My boots?" Kai replied in a confused tone.

Grabbing his silver chakram, Kai held it up before the larger man before him.

"You're drunk, now sod off, or you will have more than a hangover in the morning."

18:35, Today: Kai Wasser rolled 2,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Intimidation.
Not a great roll, hopefully they roll poorly for Spirit to resist...

21:12, Today: Brightkin rolled 2,2 using D8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Spellcasting fear spell.

Spend a, bennie

21:14, Today: Brightkin rolled 13,1 using D8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,1.  Spellcasting fear

Brightkin watched as the group of men approached and got the sense that they meant his new friend harm.... Calling forth his fairy magic he attempted to cast his fear illusion but he'd mist a hand gesture in his rush....

Calming himself he recast thsi time with a satisfying smile on his face his spell took form

From the shadows of a nearby alley the biggest bull mastiff storked into the glow of the street lamps....
It moved with menace as it topped just in front of the hunter facing the group of me....

It's back arched and it's heckles raised as its massive Jaws pulled back to show a mouth full of large and dangerous looking teeth..... A low unearthly growl eminated from between them....

It was obvious for all to see this beast was there to protect it's master and these men would have to go through him to get to him

The men see the dog and instantly start sobering up.

"Boys! That's a big mutt"

The illusion lets out a fearsome low roar as it get closer to the men.

"I'm not getting bit", one of them says as he runs off.

Within seconds the group is cleared and the two are left alone once again.

The little fairy flew out of the shadows and hovered in front of the witch hunter's face a smug smile playing across his own.

Atcthe same time the monstrous bull mastiff became ghost like and quickly faded away.

there you go... No need to thank me for saving your life.... I'm sure on a good day you could have taken them but I'm hungry and would like to sup before too late..... And you fighting would have delayed that happening..... Oh and you can call me Brightkin..... he added offering the huge man his small hand

When Kai saw the dog appear, he knew it wasn't his. She was at the stables with the pony.

Then, when the fairy appeared and the dog faded away, he knew what was going on.

"Oh trust me, thanks aren't needed. What brings you all the way into the city, Brightkin?" He replied, gently taking the fairy's small hand and shaking it.

"And why in the hells have you been following me?"

The fairy looked a little sheepish it's a long story but my queen banished me for a misunderstanding and I must stay away for a year and a day.... I must prove to her I am worthy..... I saw you at the market and thought if I was going to prove myself then I needed to accompany someone who has potential to help me do it..... So I chose you
The replied with a, wide smile as it had already been settled that he would accompany the man

oh and I liked your little doggie he added

Out the corner of Kai's eye his spots something he did not see before. A shop with the lights on, lamps lit people inside. Not strange on first thought you most likely think but why would a shop be open in the middle of the night? With the rat plague hounding the city, it seems out of place. Could be nothing. Might be something.

"Next time, ask the person, rather than stalk them, when you want help from someone." Kai replied, before following up with "And yeah, she is a good girl."

They're open late. Wonder what they sell at this hour? Kai thought to himself, seeing the lights from a shop open long after everything else has closed.

"Come on." Kai said to Brightkin. "I'm Kai, by the way."

Heading to the shop, Kai looked to see if it was a shop that would be of interest to him, or something mundane like a candlemaker, using the darkness to help advertise their wares.

well master Kai I was not stalking you.... If I had been you would not have seen me.... No I was observing you to make sure you were worthy of my friendship.... the smile was stl on his face.

Nodding he hovered over the witch hunters left shoulder as they moved towards the shop

Inside of the shop you find that there is a person standing talking to a person behind the counter. You can only assume that it's the shop keeper themselves.

The outside of the building says, "Silver's Maps & Odds". Appears to be somewhat of a random shop of thickets and maps. It still does not answer why it open?

Mere moments ago...

Aeress threw her cloak back and entered the shop.  The door struck the bell, which annoyed her.  The truth was Aeress was a little annoyed, even though she understood why she had to come back for it.  If it were actually here, it'd be worth it.

Though... could she afford it?  The fact he hadn't been willing to show it implied he thought it was valuable.  Well, it was valuable, but it wasn't... valuable.  Yeah that made no sense.

If it were here, well... okay it wouldn't fix anything, but she would want it.

Presently...

"So, do you truly have an authentic House Veles signet ring?"  Aeress asked critically, surveying the store and its many maps and miscellanies.  She was skeptical the shop did, but intrigued that it may.

"Silver's Maps & Odds. I know I could do with a map of this place, and always intrigued by the odd. Coming with me?" Kai asked Brightkin, before opening the door and heading in.

(Assuming they have no reason to say no).

Opening the door and causing the bell to ring, Kai nodded as he entered, and began to peruse the wares, not disturbing the conversation currently ongoing.

Brightkin flew in and alighted on Kai's shoulder looking round the place from his vantage point

As you walk into the shop you are greeted by the two people doing business. The half-elf behind the counter looks a little startled. He turns to the girl, "We will have to continue this later."

He looks at the guest, "Welcome to Silver's fellow travelers. What brings you out this late at night? May I interest you in some rare tea that can cure the worst of conditions or maybe your interested in maps?"

The half-elf gives a very fake performance.

OOC: Make a perception roll. You can all do it.

16:22, Today: Brightkin rolled 5,3 using D8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Notice roll

"Good evening to you. I was on my way back from the Silent Cathedral, when I saw the light was on here, and thought I would see what you have, and do. I'll pass on the tea, though I would be interested in your maps, or other curios you may have."

16:54, Today: Kai Wasser rolled 3,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice.
Same as brightkin, just the other way around!

Well that was rude.  Aeress stood there aghast at the shop-keep's terrible manners!  What kind of establishment was this!?

16:06, Today: Aeress Veles rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Notice.

You all notice pretty quickly that in the corner of the shop their a stack of things that don't fit into the shop. While the shop sells trinkets and what not this is clothes and supplies. Something doesn't make any sense.

The shop keep apologizes to Aeress, "Sorry my lady. I am trying to be polite to our *ahem* guest."

He turns back to the guest, "We have all manner of bobs and doodads.".

He walks from behind the counter and grabs a map of the city. "Maybe this would tickle your fancy?", he smiles.

Kai looked at the map that the shopkeeper produced.

"It would, for the right price. I wouldn't want to robbed, simply for being new to your fair city."

Aeress couldn't believe this!  After a moment she found her voice.

"What kind of business do you run where you ignore one patron just because another walks in?  I should have been suspicious of this whole situation, what kind of trader asks you to come back later to speak about an item?  This is no kind of business and I doubt you ever had anything I wanted."

She shook her head.  She turned toward the strangers, or at least the big one.  "I beg you sir, buy nothing from here for any price and take your custom elsewhere.  This is ridiculous.  My dealings here have been most irregular."

The man turns to Aeress, "I am sorry my dear. Due to the nature of that item. We clearly have to keep it under wraps. I will work out a discount for you shortly once we can deal with these travelers concerns."

You get that the man is trying to give you a hint but you aren't sure why. What is his reasoning for all this?

He then turns back to Kai, "I could part with the map for new less than 35 gold pieces. Look at these details and textures, it takes some time to have a map like this created."

The half-elf strangely stops in the middle of talking to Kai and walks over to the counter.

He looks at all of you with a glare, "Interesting lot you are."

You see him reach down and push something under the counter. He then whispers for a few seconds before you see him cast something. A second later you hear and see gas coming up from the floors of Silvers. The effects of the gas take hold of your lungs as you feel yourself slip into darkness. The man chuckles to himself as the last image you see is him standing over you laughing.

OOC: I will be moving all of you to scene 2 shortly. I'll let you roleplay the effect if you wish otherwise expect a new post soon.

Brightkin looked at the woman and for a split second thought he might have chosen the wrong person to give his abilities to... Then he sighed and decided to stick with Kai after all..... He was uptight but didn't seemed nearly as wound up as she was.... Just then he noticed the shop keep press something by the counter and heard the hiss of gas.... He took flight trying to make it to the roof to find a route out

"You... bastard!"  Aeress struggled for a better invective as she hissed at him and lunged forward, only to come up short.  She even crawled a step or two like that was going to do any good before passing out.

OOC: Continue this thread in chapter 1: scene 2: Hostage Situation