[Eberron]Turning The Wheel

[classy one]

Normally when you sleep, it is just a flash of unrelated images. Memories of your collective Quori spirit in a disjointed collage flashing in your mind's eye. But lately, in your sleep, you have been seeing a more coherent picture. A large crystal in what appears to be a dark cavern flickering out. Other kalashtar scrambling towards it in panic. A few seconds later the crystal regains its comforting light.......

You wake up to and contemplate your vision, as well the events that lead you and your atavist cell into the jungles of Q'barra......

A few days ago......
As you turn the corner, you look over your shoulder to make sure you have not been followed. In the diverse and bristling city of Sharn, thoughtstealer assassins have plenty of places to blend in. You walk into the marked alleyway and into a small cellar. You were not given the details of this meeting, but just the fact that it was taking place was surprising enough. There you see many notable Atavists already present, including its nominal leader Tolsereth. As usual he greets everyone with a pleasant smile. A few minutes later, a dark figure shuffles into the candlelight shortly after your arrival. He removes his hood and everyone present lets out a silent gasp. It was the scarred face of Sharserth. He gives a curt nod to his follow conspirators. His murky eye scans the room slowly "I hope none of you were followed" he said stoically. It has been ages since Sharserth and Tolserth where in the same room, if the two of the are here.......

"Let's get this meeting started." Tolserth said. He spreads out blueprints of what appears to be an upside down seed planted in the earth on the table.
Tolserth looks at your cell and says: "we got confirmation from our farseers today. The Inspired are are active in Q'barra, and they are building this" he plants a finger on the blueprint.

"What is it?" another avatist asked
"It's a hanbalani"
Silence

You had heard of these massive crystal monoliths before. That they littered the continent of Sarlona, and that they were somehow the key to the control of the land.

"We still don't know what this does, but we do know it has some kind of shroud on it making further investigation impossible" Tolserth said somberly. "We need you to go there in person to see what the Inspired have planned for this building and the people of Newthrone (Q'barra)"

"So it's true, they wish to start their domination here as well.... if this is true then things will only get worse. We cannot waste time with reconnaissance, we should destroy it and be done with it!" exclaimed Sharserth.

"It is too much of a risk brother, what can a small cell of atavists do against a full battalion of the Harmonious Shield? If word of this attack is traced back to us, the blow back could spell our doom." many nodded in agreement with Tolserth's rebuttal.

Although Sharserth remained quiet, it was clear he was hardly convinced.

Tolserth continued with the presentation: "I need you to infiltrate the construction site and gather whatever you can about this building. You will be taking a lighting rail to Gatherhold. From there a nomad will teleport you to northwest of Whitecliff and wait for you there. You'll be taking the same route back. Here are you papers and needed gear" He hands you a bag with workers' cloths and (well) forged passports.

As you and your group gather to leave, Sharserth pulls you aside and hands you another bag. You look inside to find pairs of mind blade gauntlets with a deep sapprire gemstone impeded on the dorsum.

"Adamantine mind blade gauntlets, just in case you want to break some stuff" he said with a sinister smile.



Back to the present......

The visions in your sleep disturb you, not the way other races' dreams disturb them on a personal basis. You know the visions are not a reflection of your inner desires but of a shared collective memory. You try to brush them out of your mind and focus on the mission at hand.
Your nomad guild walks with you out of eye shot of the other travelers and starts to manifest the power to transport you into the broader of Q'barra.
"One last thing, hold out your hands"
As you grasp his hand a psionic tattoo of teleport with an inducer slithers from his forearm to yours.

"If anything should happen, it will take you back to our rendezvous point. Good luck shadow watchers, we hope to hear of your safe return"

You now find yourself in the humid and lush wilderness of Q'barra. The main road is about 2 miles west of your current location. It does not seem to be guarded.

[Warlawk]

As the disorientation of being transported fades, Sulrhian drops to a crouch, his blade and shield snapping into existence as he scans the surrounding area. Seeing no immediate threats he slowly rises to warily stand.

He says in a quiet voice, pitched to not carry beyond the gathered Kalashtar"Well friends, it seems we have a bit of a hike ahead of us." He pauses while everyone gathers themselves, preparing to set out through the unfamiliar foliage and sticky, thick air.

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Spot check to keep his eyes peeled as they move toward the roadway.
(1d20+12)[21]

[THEChanger]

Raikharth took a moment to let his mind clear from the after effects of the teleportation. The tattoo swimming along his skin was unfamiliar, yet oddly comforting. A connection to home in this foreign land. "So. How do we proceed? News of four Kalashtar suddenly appearing in this area is sure to alert our enemies. With a little while to work, I can prepare us some human guises while we operate."

[Swami Monsoon]

Zulfiqar nudges the new tattoo with a finger until it slips completely under his sleeve.

"That's a good idea, but changing our faces will not change our accents or any number of subtle mannerisms that make us obvious foreigners..."

[Warlawk]

"We'll just have to do our best to blend in. If we can pass for humans, that should at least get us around a bit. They're always going where they don't belong, so we shouldn't arouse too much suspicion at first glance." Sulrhian speaks quietly, absently scratching in mild discomfort at the tattoo intended to keep him safe. He knows it's no threat but the paranoia which ruled his early life still tends to dominate his first reaction to unexpected things.

Keeping a wary eye on their surroundings, he adjusts his gear to more comfortable situation as everyone prepares for the hike.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Thavakri

Thavakri crouches down, taking some time to recover from a moment of disorientation. She didn't really like teleporting, it made her feel dizzy and helpless as the nomad pulled them through space in just a moment.

"A disguise would be preferable, the Inspired could be anywhere." She holds up her arm, the new tattoos moving slightly under her skin. It feels good, but at the same time unfamiliar. The artist who had made it is unknown to her, not like her friends who had made the rest of the art that covers her body, and the psychic imprint of this tattoo will take some time to get used to. That said, the art is beautiful, depicting a kalashtar soaring in a clear, azure blue sky.
"Perhaps we could pretend to be writers, scholars, documenting life in Q'barra after the war? That way we could get away with asking a lot of questions about any recent projects, unusual activities and so on."

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

"Aye, the Morgrave University in Sharn often sponsors such expeditions I believe. That might give us just the cover we need if anyone whould question why we're here."

[THEChanger]

Raikharth

"Researchers from Morgrave, and a couple of servants. I should be able to make that work." Raikharth began his work, the natural materials around him serving as a base to transform four Kalashtar Avatists into four humans from Morgrave University. Finally, satisfied that he had done his best, Raikharth stood. "Ryan Kalen, of Morgrave University. And you three are?"

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Time and Check for each Disguise.

Raikharth-(1d20+15)[26], taking (1d3)[3]X10 minutes.
Thavakri-(1d20+15)[24], taking (1d3)[2]X10 minutes.
Sulrhian-(1d20+15)[24], taking (1d3)[3]X10 minutes.
Zulfiqar-(1d20+15)[32], taking (1d3)[1]X10 minutes.

[Swami Monsoon]

'My academic knowledge in these areas is limited at best, and I don't look like obvious muscle... so I guess a servant it is. At your service m'lord..."

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

Cracking a slim smile, Sulrhian chuckles quietly "I suppose I can grunt and scowl with the best of them if need be. Dray Kalth, hired muscle at your service sir"

[DeusMortuusEst]

Thavakri

Laughing at Sulrhian's imitation of a mercenary Thavakri continues the 'introduction'.
"Tania Vaner, pleased to meet you all." She clasps her hands in front of her and bows slightly.
"I suppose we should be going then, or have I forgotten something? Excellent work, Raikharth." She adds, nodding towards her fellow atavist.

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

"Aye Raikharth, most appreciated. Certainly a useful talent to have." When everyone is ready and has gathered themselves, Sulrhian moves out at the head of the group leading the way toward the road.

[classy one]

About a half a mile towards the main road your group spots movement under the marsh waters. Scaley foreheads and silted eyes watch you cautiously but move aside as you approach. They seem to want to avoid conforntation but their stance indicates they are ready for any hostilities.

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

Sulrhian's head whips toward the movement, his hand jerking up with raw energy crackling between his fingers as he watches them closely. He whispers quietly, never taking his eyes from the things in the water "Does anyone want to try to speak with them? They don't seem interested in coming after us, at least not for the moment."

[DeusMortuusEst]

Thavakri

Falling into position next to Sulrhian, Thavakri adapts a fighting stance when the scaly creatures come into view, but she doesn't form her blade yet. She searches her mind, trying to identify the species.

"I'll try, but it's not sure that I know any language they do." She replies to Sulrhian, not taking her eyes off the water.

"We are not here to do battle, we would like to talk!" She says, holding out her open hands, palms forward, towards the creatures. She waits a few seconds for a reply, before continuing, repeating the same phrase in the languages she knows, except Quor. The does not want to use that language, fearing that it might give away their identities as Kalashtar .

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Rolling knowledge to identify the species:
Know:Arcana - (1d20+14)[25]
Know:Local - (1d20+14)[23]
Know:Psionics - (1d20+14)[20]
EDIT: Forgot know:Dungeoneering roll, it's in the IC, result 15.

Thavakri attemps to communicate in Common, Elven, Draconic, Riedran and Giant. Not Quor.

[classy one]

A lizardman emerges from the waters and speaks in draconic. "What bussiness do you have in our lands? Our agreement with your king was that your kind would stop encroaching on our lands and in return we will leave your cities and roads alone. What we have here appears to be a direct violation of that agreement. "
He is about 5'8" and stocky, wearing leather armor with rusted iron protecting his flank. His long sword is still sheathed.
As he talks 6 other lizardmen rise near him with bows in hand and an arrow knotted. They are about 60' away from your team.

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

Sulrhian spreads his hands wide to his side to show he is not concealing or reaching for any weapons. "Good sir, our only interest in your lands lies in leaving them. I fear someone may have given us bad directions, or we may simply have missed a landmark somewhere. We are searching for the main road, the shortcut we were told of ended up getting us lost here. We sought no quarrel with you and intended no disrespect, we only wished to save our tired feet a few miles." Gesturing in the direction they are headed, he continues, struggling to soften the harsh sounds native to Draconic and convey respect. "We believe the road to lay that way, if that is the correct direction, our only desire is to leave you in peace and offer our sincere apologies for our unknowing trespass."

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Diplomacy (1d20+18)[37]

[classy one]

The leader motions to his followers and they lower their weapons. "You silly humans need to pay better attention. I know all the trees here look the same to your kind but getting straying from the main road is really a bad idea. You're lucky our tribe has no wish to cause a war, but not all of my kind are so forgiving. "
He seems convinced that you are a bunch of bumbling scholar with more book smarts than street smarts. It seems he kind of pities your team.
"Come silly humans, we'll escort you to the main road, there have been an unusual amount of traffic these last few weeks. Something is going on in the capital."
The team flanks your small party and the leader walks in front in the middle.

"You can call me Larl, feel free to ask me anything."

[Swami Monsoon]

Zulfiqar pauses for a moment and then quietly follows the group, content to let Sulrhian do the talking. He appears to be doing a damned fine job so far...

I just hope we get out of here before a tracker in that group thinks to look for our back trail...

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Use Empathy, to see if the lizard men appear to honest about their intentions

[classy one]

Your power seems to confirm that their attitude is genuine. The leader feels a sense of duty to guilde your directionally challenged group to the main road. It seems your follow atavist made a good impression on him.

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

Sulrhian bows graciously "Thank you sir Larl, your generosity is most appreciated. Unusual activity on the roads you say? I hope no one has given you any problems, you seem a generous person, but I would hate to see your patience be tested unduly. I hope there's no trouble in the capital that could interfere with our research."

As he walks, Sulrhian trails one hand along the foliage, simply to feel the life within it. The entire situation makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight and only through sheer force of will does he keep his eyes from darting nervously to find routes to escape the warriors escorting them. Darting eyes and shifting motions would only make them look guilty, but the tension just keeps building. He feels himself starting to slip into panic and desperately reaches for the simple initiate exercises taught to Kalashtar children. Taking a deep breath he begins to let part of his mind run through the lessons known by rote as he walks with Larl.

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

[classy one]

"The capital folks have some big project in the works, lots of laborers, craftsmen and the like. You picked an interesting time to come here. We also noticed they are new comers that are helping with this project. So far they seem content to just build their building. As long as they keep their weird construction to themselves we have no gripe with them. However, we worry this building could be something..... More

[DeusMortuusEst]

Thavakri

Falling next to Sulrhian and Larl, Thavakri joins the conversation.
"Tell me, sir Larl, what are you worried about?" She makes a sweeping gesture.
"As a scholar I am always interested in hearing the same story from several viewpoints, your opinion on these new constructions could prove to be valuable for future writings!"

[classy one]

We always worry when more humans gather in large numbers. Could it mean they wish to take more of our lands? Are they planning an attack? I can't tell you much about the building itself, only that is is big. It also glows a creepy green light at night. Locals say its some kind of power source, lights their houses and street lanterns.
Larl explained.

The newcomers, they are something else. Something almost unnatural about them. We haven't much information on them. If you are writing a book then please mention my people's plight and that not all us lizardfolk are savages.

[THEChanger]

Raikharth, listening intently to the lizard's speech, nodded. "Larl, if all the people in this part of the world are as noble as you, we shall have no problem completing our task. Thank you for your help. If my colleagues and I have need to speak with you again, is there a way we might get in contact? I think you may be of great help in our research."

[classy one]

It seems Larl has revealed all he knows about the monolith. He talks of the conflicting feelings his people have towards the Q'barran settlers. On one hand, they resent being displaced, but on the other hand enjoy the profitable trade between them. He tells you this in hopes to spread more understanding to the mainland. He is worried that the Q'barrans, with the Inspired aid, will decide that coexistence with lizardfolk is not worth the effort and ruin the dilicate balance power in the swamplands.

He also mentions that near the capital, more marshlands are being converted to farmlands (also with Insipred aid). While this conversion is still taking place within agreed upon boundaries, the lizardfolk tribes are worried the humans will not satisfied.....

"I'm not sure if I can freely contact you once you are in the town or on the main road. We have strict arrangements with Q'barrans, but if you find yourself in jungle and in need of help, mention my name and no harm will come to you (at least until I can personally confirm your identity that is).
Me and my people would be very interested in what you have to say, both of the monolith and our diplomatic relations"

He reminds you that he is of the Twilight Walkers, a tribe that is opposed by the Blackscales who worship some elder black dragon.

[Swami Monsoon]

Zulfiqar winces as the conversation turns to the Inspired and their intentions. If they have any plans for the Lizardfolk, those plans probably involve boots, belts and luggage...

The stakes here are high for everyone, whether they know anything about the Quori or not...

[classy one]

Your guild bids you farewell within eyeshot of the road. While heading south, you pass some small tents and camps set up along the road. It seems the construction has gained no small amount of recruits.

You see an attractive girl behind a booth handing out pamphlets to passerbys. She is dressed in what can only be described as revealing. She is flanked by two soldiers, who are also very attractive. As your cell passes by she offers you a pamphlet.

"Good day citizen! I'm Mia, and I am here to answer any questions you may have about where you are to be assigned, your work detail, or whatever questions you may have about the Inspired. We must all work together towards the path of Inspiration.

[Warlawk]

Sulrhian

Sulrhian steps forward, accepting the pamphlet with a nod. He quickly flips it open and scans it to be sure there are no magical traps contained within then offers it to the Professor. A simple "Master Kalen.", uttered quietly as he does. He then steps to the side, keeping himself and a wary set of eyes between the Professor, his servants and the other travelers. Being so exposed in an unknown situation makes him a bit twitchy, but Sulrhian forces himself to stand firm shifting his shoulders slightly to adjust the way his armor settles to try and scratch that intangible itch between his shoulder blades.

[DeusMortuusEst]

Thavakri

Thavakri takes a pamphlet as well and smiles faintly.
"Thank you for the offer miss, but we are not citizens of this place, we are travelers, temporary visitors only." Her smiles widens slightly as she continues.
"Part of our mission is to chronicle the events in Q'Barra since the arrival of the Inspired and add it to our books of history. Tell me, what is it that requires an entire city to work together to complete?"