Raam: The City of Anarchy IC

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Zantos and Qaba look on in disgust at the bandaged man. Jiro, however, has a better idea what is going on.

"Faldar, isn't that what happens when one tries to live past death?"

The elves then follow Faldar into the compound of the Jackals.

[RandomWombat]

Pausing at the gates, the bandaged man peers back from beneath his hood at Faldar. "I appreciate the thought, healer. But others have tried, it ain't so easy to heal," his gravelly voice rasps out. Just past him, the other two pause and look back as he clears his throat with a hacking cough.

"Aye, poor sucker got the Rot and survived," the bald crossbowman catches his coin, still spinning in the air, without looking. When a few of the mercenaries take steps back away from the bandaged man, the crossbowman lets out a barking laugh. "Ain't contagious no more, fellas."

"Appreciate the thought," the bandaged man repeats himself and raises a hand in farewell, moving again to catch up with the others as they leave.

Spoiler: Greven and Jiro Nature Check

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The Rot is a sickness that started to crop up in Raam and the surrounding area a few weeks back. Much as the name suggests, it's a fungal infection that takes root in the skin and results in tissue necrosis. At its end stages it digs its roots in deep and the victim dies, leaving a patch of dangerously infectious fungal caps behind all over their body.

Spoiler: Jiro Arcana Check

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Those who survive the disease are rare, as expunging it requires a powerful and expensive Greater Restoration, or extremely difficult surgery with lasting scarring all over the body. The bandaged man appears to have undergone the latter method.

As the curious trio of possibly mercenaries leave, the warband enters to manor. It is decorated with fine marble counters and stone candelabra, alongside a few potted plants, one of which seems to be a small tree bearing fresh peaches.

Just around the corner of the main hall, there is a long wooden dining table. At the other end, seated in tall chairs, are two very similar looking nobles. Clad in bright and extravagant blues, whites, and furs, the two of them have sharp facial structure and dark hair. Each of them has a small streak of white in their hair, though not in exactly the same place due to their different hair styles.

"Ah, Faldar! So good to see you again," the sister, Cleopeta Vespos, raises a mug of water in greeting. There are several pages of documents laid out in front of her. "Feel free to take a seat with your advisors," as she finishes speaking, her brother Jabel takes over fluidly from where she left off the though, "Captain Amon should be here momentarily." "Maybe you can introduce your entourage while we wait?"

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Greven touched his mind to Faldar's and stated, "The Rot is a fungal illness from which most never recover. He is a strange...specimen. The prophets tend to segregate such and let the disease run its course."

Qoheleth watched the trio and said calmly, "The Silt has purpose for these yet to not let their companion enter the Grey.".

Lazaar watched the interplay of the nobles and waited for Greven to enter his psyche once more. This encounter should prove the most interesting of all that had occurred today. The master had prevailed where the Templar had not, securing an audience with House Vespos.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Jiro contributes his knowledge of the disease.

"It can be cured, but it takes magic more powerful than I can access"

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar nods as the bandaged mans politely turns down the offer. "You're probably right, Jiro. I've never restored anything worse then a broken bone. This man looks like his whole body suffered. As for your way of dealing with it, Greven. It is cruel, but understandable. The needs of the many go before the needs of the few." He can't help but think about how interesting it would be to study him though. Not many living rot victims around.

Faldar enters confidently and relaxt, looking forward to discussing the situation with House Vespos.
"It's good to see you as well, Cleopeta. I'm sure you remember Bontar and Ptekme. Besides that I've brought my elven friends lead by Zantos. They are recently acquired mercenaries and have proven quite skilfull. On the other side there are some members of the prophets, whose paths have crossed mine recently. The problem I've come to address concerns them as well. They can introduce themselves better then I can."

[RandomWombat]

"Always good to have more able hands on our side," the male twin regards the elves and their fighting-fit appearance approvingly. "This is my brother Jabel," Cleopeta introduces, holding out a hand towards him, opposite her at the table. "And as Faldar has said, my sister is Cleopeta."

The outside doors open up behind them, and a lean man enters. He is clad in blue monastic robes with long sleeves, and a headdress that is part helmet and part mask, styled after a canine head with horns sprouting from its head. He glides smoothly past the elves and takes a seat opposite the woman with the braided ponytail.

"And these of course are Captain Amon, and Lieutenant Heira, leaders of the Cobalt Jackals," Jabel resumes, as soon as the captain is at his place. "Now, I hear you and your Prophet friends would like to work together against Korno's gang?"

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Greven gave a courteous bow and swept an arm first to Qoheleth, then toward Lazaar, saying, "I am Emissary Greven, the Voice of the Prophets.The Vicar of Dust acts as counsel for our wizened leader. I offer the Mar Raboni's gratitude for this audience. We do seek to remove a common foe who has brutalized the people of Raam. We have heard Krono's killers prepare to move against your noble houses soon."

Qoheleth bowed formally without addressing the pair.

Lazaar stood still, granting the faintest of nods in deference to the leaders of Vespos. Greven was his custom and courtesy. He would let the eloquent emissary carry the conversation.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

The elves wait in the back while Faldar and the prophets talk to Jabel, Cleopeta, Amon, and Heira. They all nod their heads in respect but stay silent, waiting until they are addressed specifically.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar politely nods to the new arrivals. "A pleasure to meet you, Captain Amon, and Lieutenant Heira. Like Greven said, we've come to seek aid in dealing with Korno's Killers. Only several days ago, we were ambushed by a group of their gladiators and slaves. We won the battle and took out a nearby forward post, but these actions can not be tolerated. Before you know it other groups follow their lead. Clearly they don't fear us enough anymore." Faldar then takes a moment for his rant to sink in with the listeners. "Now I besides removing a pest from the city and setting an example, I believe this may interest you also for other reasons. Currently many skilled fighters are flocking to the Killers, lured in by the promises of slaves and loot. With such a lure removed, your mercenary bands might more easily find fresh blood to fill your ranks." Faldar smiles, feeling quite happy about his speech, and waits for their response before diving into details.

[RandomWombat]

"If they have the numbers to no longer fear us, then you are right," Jabel speaks, the furred coat hanging around his shoulders as he leans forwards. "The time has come to cut off the head of the serpent. However..." "The issue with making a large offensive is that both sides will be weak. This is why the city is in such stalemate," Cleopeta picks up, as he trails off. "We need to determine a way to strike at Korno without being worn down by his mobs of followers." At this she looks to Captain Amon, clearly desiring his military input.

"We knew this day would come," the captain begins, withdrawing two scrolls from his pack and laying them upon the long dining table. It is difficult to see them well without everyone crowding in to the one side, but one is a map of Raam marked with territories of the various gangs and factions, the other is a sketched map of the Arena. "My scouts have gathered some information about the area."

The arena itself is fairly simple, as far as the arenas in the city-states go. It is built into a large rock formation, the large portion of the stands carved into the rock. The arena floor is an array of jagged stones from what used to be a lakebed long ago, with sand poured in to give the fighters better traction.

The rest of the arena walls are constructed from wood and sandstone, including guard posts in the event of an attempt by the gladiators to escape, and a heavily warded booth where the Sorcerer-Queen would sit when she chose to watch the games herself.

Most complex are the series of tunnels under and around the arena structure, which were used to house and move the gladiators and beasts.

Outside of the arena itself, Korno's Killers have constructed a tent village around its walls, surrounded by crude ditches and palisades as well as punji spikes to trouble anyone attempting a large scale assault.

"The two main pathways over their ditches are to the north and the west of the arena, letting them move in and out without putting their backs to the territory of House M'ke," Heira adds, pointing to two spots on the map. "Obviously going to be watched."

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Zantos and Jiro watch silently. Qaba, however, looks at his boss and after getting a nod, walks over to inspect the map and then weighs in with options and questions.

"Perhaps we could start with a distracting strike to draw their attention while another force infiltrates from a different direction. We could use the two bridges if we need to. Do we know if the tunnels have any entrances outside the palisades? Starting an attack on both bridges while a small, skilled team entered the tunnels would make for an effective assault. Bontar, did you ever fight in this arena? Do you know anything about the tunnels?"

[RandomWombat]

Spoiler: Bontar

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Having been a veteran of the Raam arena, Bontar is indeed familiar with the tunnels. They extend beyond its structure chiefly to the east, between the arena and the outer walls of the city. There are no proper exits that he knows of, but there are grates in the ceiling that provide fresh air in the underground and allow food to be dropped into beasts' enclosures without the risk of opening the doors below.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldars mind races as it turns out House Vespos was already planning ahead of him. He didn't expect that, and quickly switches to the tactical side of things. At the same time, Bontar had no thoughts on any effect on politics and was happy to switch towards a plan of attack. He responds to Qaba. "Good idea, some of the tunnels do indeed extend beyond the structure. They don't have any actual entryways, so there should be few guards. The tunnels lead to some enclosures where they used to keep animals. They might be populated, which could be troublesome. Getting access to them shouldn't be to hard though. There are some grates that connect the enclosures to the outside world. Otherwise, we could just dig down to them." At which he gives a not so subtle wink to the prophets.

[RandomWombat]

"So we do have a way in. That's good," leaning forwards over the map on the table, Jabel folds his hands together. "Now we just need a plan of attack." "We should be able to recruit some cannon fodder from Urvus' raiders for the frontal assault," Cleopeta adds.

"To improve our odds, we could hit them from two angles," Captain Amon taps on the map, pointing to both of the bridges across the ditch. "Split their forces on multiple fronts. Give the infiltrators a better chance."

"I'm not so sure. Sending too many could risk losing some," Cleopeta drums her fingers on the table, leaning back in thought. Her brother nods in agreement, "And leave the district with fewer defenders." "And - of course - there is the question of where you would like to be," the sister looks up at Faldar and smiles. "This is your plan, after all. Would your warband rather take part in the diversion, or spearhead the strike at the head of the gang?" "Not that we mean to force you to go. You are free to remain here."

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Qaba and Jiro listen and try to show respect to the others in the room by not jumping in to volunteer for the tunnel attack. Zantos, however, has a little more trouble hiding his desires. He tries to make silent facial expressions at Faldar to get him to volunteer for the tunnel strike. While waiting for Faldar's reply, he gives up on his subtle approach and speaks up,

"Faldar, sir. Maybe we should attack through the tunnels since Bontar has been in them before."

Jiro then looks to the Prophets, "What do you guys think?"

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

The prophets stood in silence for some time. Under their veils, the trio held a privy counsel via Greven's mindlink. The plan appeared sound. Qoh's powers would enable swift infiltration into the tunnels and a possible means to seal them should the foe be stronger than expected. Still, this would be traversing into the dark to gut Krono's belly.


Greven at lengths stated, "Two forces with a reserve would be wise, excellencies. A strong force braces the killers on the surface, while a second force slips into the catacombs. Then you may commit the reserve to whichever force you deem has the greatest need--or the greatest certainty of prevailing once the battle pitches in our favor."

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar hesitates for a moment and is happy to hear the advice of his allies. He wasn't sure the alliance was strong enough yet, that they would just follow his lead down such an dangerous undertaking. Bontar pitches in as well. "Aye, I can lead us in."

"Good, I do believe we are most suited to undertake the infiltration. I you could provide with a strong diversion, that would be very beneficial. Do you perhaps have information on Korno himself? Does he have any weaknesses or tricks that we should be aware off?"

[RandomWombat]

Captain Amon nods and takes up answering Faldar's question, "Korno was a renowned gladiator. He fights unarmored, and is proficient primarily in the flying guillotine and grapples. He has two lieutenants who were his gladiatorial partners, a warrior pyromancy who goes by 'Crispy,' and half-giant named Mohali, who uses a maul." This is, of course, information that the warband had already recalled for themselves.

Heira, Amon's own lieutenant, uses her finger to indicate the temple district on the map. "When the city fell, the clerics of the temples scattered. We - the nobles' alliance, that is - managed to gain the allegiance of most of the clergy of Water and Earth." She moves her finger over to the crematory. "However, the crematory outside of the walls had also been the 'temple' of the clergy of Fire and Magma. As a result of their duties there they were deemed unclean, and like other Ghosts were forced to dwell in the slums outside of the walls. That stewed a lot of resentment against the city's system, and they fell in with Korno when he started making moves into the Ghost City."

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Greven comments, "The pyromancer no longer lives, along with a contingent of his strength. Several fell in their presumption to engage nobleman Faldar in our presence."

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Having stated their preference, the elves stand by quietly deferring to Faldar to finish any negotiations and exchange of information. They all nod along and smile hearing Greven tell about our defeat of Crispy.

[RandomWombat]

"All the better!" Cleopeta cheerfully agrees, holding up her hands in celebration. "Korno's inner circle is now one fewer." "It sounds as though you all would like to take his head personally. So, we shall ensure you are provisioned. The diversionary warband and reserve shall be prepared to set out tomorrow, before Korno has time to make a move of his own." Clapping his hands together, Jabel stands from his chair. "If there is nothing else, let us all get some rest. And of course, any of your warband who wish to visit the Recreation House shall be free to do so. You've earned it."

Spoiler: Recreation House

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Faldar is aware of this place as a place of relaxation. The estate of a deposed noble house that fell during the revolt has been repurposed into multiple uses. There is a hot spring - existing before, and part of the reason this particular estate was chosen. There are fine things such as wine and safe places to partake of recreational drugs, as well as - for lack of a nicer word - a brothel upstairs.

Access to the Recreation House is allowed only to those who return from successful missions, and is used as a way to improve the morale of the Houses' warbands. Even the House Heads must have leave from the rest of the council to visit, though they tend to have luxuries of their own at home anyways.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Zantos perks up at the invitation to use the recreation house. He looks at Jiro and Qaba, smiles and raises his eyebrows. Jiro isn't sure what to make of it so looks to Qaba. Qaba, however, shakes his head no.

"Boss, we need to be rested, sharp and prepared for tomorrow. We both know that we won't get any sleep if we stay at a Recreation House tonight. Let's save that for tomorrow night after the mission is over."

He looks over to Cleopeta to see if that would be ok.

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Greven replied cordially, "A tour of this House of Relaxation sounds pleasant."

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar hesitates at the invitation to the House of relaxation. "That is a fine offer, and while I agree that my men have earned it, I would rather have them enjoy it after the raid. We have a risky operation ahead of us, and we need to be ready. With our minds on the goal. Zantos, I'm sure you'll have ample time to enjoy the house when we return. For now, let's rest and sharpen our minds and blades. So that we may strike true at the heart of Korno's Killers."

Faldar then politely thanks Cleopeta and speaks some to Jabel. "Until tomorrow. We'll be ready."

[RandomWombat]

"If you prefer," Cleopeta sees them off with a nod to Faldar. "I will send word if your Prophet friends still want a tour," Jabel adds, with a flourish of his coat. "We will see you tomorrow."

With the meeting concluded, the warband is returned to their own devices. The mercenaries remain behind to discuss more about allocations of their units, and the group is allowed to find their own way out.

[RandomWombat]

Making their way once more through the district, the group does not need to travel far. The Lufi Estate is fairly close. Faldar is greeted warmly by one of his family's psions as he approaches. "Hail, my Lord!" the man motions for one of the kreen guards to unlock and open the gate as the Lufi scion and his guests approach.

Spoiler: Thri-kreen

Show

"Welcome back from the hunt,"

one of the two kreen flicks its antennae and makes clicking and chittering sounds at Ptekme.

The building is wide and long, with an open corridor between the two wings of the manor, lined with shrubbery currently being tended to by a water cleric. At the end are two doors decorated with stained glass. The architecture has a Balic touch with white pillars along the walls, owing to a patrician family's arrival from that city-state generations ago, marrying into the Lufi lineage. But the curtains that adorn the windows inside have a distinctly Raam texture and pattern.

To the side of the manor are two other fenced off sections. There is greenhouse containing exotic flora from the jungles beyond the mountains, the contents of which can be seen through windows. More local grasses have been cultivated in a pen for animals, in which the group can see the carru they brought back, along with some of House Lufi's kanks, and sygra raised for meat. Across from the greenhouse is a familiar style of bunkhouse, serving as a servant's quarters.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Zantos looks to Faldar,

"Well, boss. What should we do with possibly our last night? Anything you need from us tonight?"

As long as it is ok with Faldar, Jiro goes and talks to the cleric. He is curious about the shrubbery since where he grew up all plants had a purpose, whether it be food, medicine, or shade for the rich. No one kept plants just for decoration.

"Greetings, friend. I am a cleric of rain, not too far from your specialty. May the water fall upon you when you need it. These are nice plants you are growing here. What is their purpose?"

Qaba, meanwhile, goes over to the pens to check on our carru. If there is anyone to talk to there he starts up a conversation, asking about their work and eventually getting around to asking for some carru milk in the morning.

"How's my girl doing? We leave for a patrol in the morning. Is there any chance we could get a few waterskins of milk to take with us?"

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

"Good evening, always good to get back home." Ptekme quickly peels off from the group and seems eager to join his fellow tri-khreen. Faldar didn't say anything about it. Over the years he had learned that Ptekme was actually quite a social person. It was not just his communication issue that hindered him in social cross species interaction, his mind and perspective on the world was just different.

"Welcome to the Luvi estate. While it may not boast some of the pleasures found at House Vespos, we do take good care of our guests. I suggest you rest up and do whatever you need before tomorrow. If you need something in the way of armament, ask Bontar. He knows what we have availabe. As for the rest, Zantos, that's up to you. I will need some time alone to prepare." Faldar then leaves the group as well, looking forward to a quiet moment, to prepare himself mentally for the day ahead.

[RandomWombat]

The water cleric is busying himself with a strange container, with a trunk and several holes at the end. Jiro, of course, recognizes it as a watering can. Such conveniences may be alien to wastelanders, but they are plenty common in the cities. "Greetings, raincaller," the man hails him cordially. "This is shrubbery. Primarily for aesthetics. Maintaining pockets of greenery within the estate is important for morale," he explains, in a scholarly tone. "It has been found that moods among staff and slaves alike are improved when plantlife is visibly thriving."


At the animal pens, the carru seems to recognize Qaba on his approach and wanders over to the fence. One of the slaves approaches when he calls, and bows. "May I ask who you are with?" the slave asks. He looks fairly young, with only the hint of stubble growing in around his chin, but nor is he a child. Like the slaves working at Khayrat's house, he seems healthier and better dressed than most Qaba has been.


Meanwhile, Faldar moves through the familiar halls of his home. In the entrance foyer, decorated with potted plants and art - much of it painted by his mother - Faldar is greeted by the guards inside. He turns to the right along a long, white-walled hallway that curved into the west wing of the estate. Along the way he passes by the rooms of his four elder siblings, though whether they are home or not he could not say from a glance. At last he comes to his own, familiar bedroom.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Zantos waits for Jiro and Qaba,

Jiro is intrigued by the cleric and the shrubbery,

"So it's not food or medicine, just to look at for morale. How interesting. Someday, may we have enough rain and water that all the land can be covered in plants that we don't even need. May the water wash over you friend."

Qaba pets the carru and answers the stable hand,

"Hi, my name is Qaba. Along with my cousins Zantos and Jiro over there, I work for master Faldar. We will be guarding him on our patrol tomorrow. It looks like you are taking good care of her, so I thank you."

Spoiler: OOC

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I left it so we can continue or you can tie this in if you want to move ahead to the morning.