Monday, 29 May 2023

Xoth - Shadows of the Ragged King. The parties Meet.

 

  1. First Encounter...
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  2. The day after the great sandstorm. Moggojin, Zoya & Mei Hua are circling the cyclopean black stone fortress of ruined Akharon atop its high crag. The raiders they're tracking were definitely headed in this direction. Then they spot a good-sized party approaching through the desert. Severos and Lothar spot the three strangers, at almost the same moment. Are these newcomers friend or foe?

  3. Hi there friends, have you been harassed by those damned cannibals as well?

  4. Chamash, a burly Zadjite slaver with red face-veil, eyes up the three newcomers. Probably estimating their worth on the auction block.

  5. Mei Hua glares at Chamash. And says to Severos, without taking her eyes off the slaver. “Friend? That depends. Are you with that mob of foul-smelling brutes? How came you to be here?”
  6. Mei Hua glares at Chamash. And says to Severos, without taking her eyes off the slaver. “Friend? That depends. Are you with that mob of foul-smelling brutes? How came you to be here?”

    Chamash raises an eyebrow at Mei Hua. "The desert sun is hot, beautiful one. When we return to Dipur, I will be happy to bathe and scent myself for your pleasure..." His men chuckle dutifully.

  7. Here, here...both of our groups have been ambushed by the dark cannibals. They are holed up in the citadel. We are just regrouping before going in after them. We could use all the help we could get.

  8. BOT

    :game_die: Result: 1d20 (13) Total: 13
  9. :game_die: Result: 1d20 (3) Total: 3

  10. One of the men speaks up to Mei: "I know you! You are Mei Hua, Priestess of Nakhramat. I have seen you at the Temple. I am Arshaf Abu, tracker in service to Haram Baal." He bows respectfully.
  11. (he looks vaguely familar to Mei) 😄
  12. Arshaf Abu
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  13. Mei Hua inclines her head at Arshaf. "You seem familiar to me." She seems to come to some internal decision, looking over her shoulder at Moggojin and Zoya "It seems perhaps our meeting is fate. Do you know how many lie within and...do they have any prisoners with them?"

  14. (Mei failed INT check to recognise him, Arshaf succeeded in INT check to recognise her)
  15. Chamash: "They are Ikuna. Escaped slaves - cannibals! We are hunting them. But the black devils attacked my camp before dawn, took the two Nabastissean slave girls with whom we intended to lure them. Ten have been slain, one captured" - he indicates Borak. "Perhaps a dozen remain?"
  16. He does some counting. "Twenty eight escaped the stockade - but surely some have been lost since."

  17. Mei takes a good look at Severos and Lothar , who seem differently dressed than the others. She asks Severos, "It is not clear -- do you work for them or they for you? Do you hunt these cannibals for the harm they did you or another reason?"

  18. Arshaf Abu: "The one we are hunting kidnapped a mute girl, Jamila, from Haram Baal's caravan last night. Her lover, Azam, is most vexed."
  19. Arshaf Abu: "The one we are hunting kidnapped a mute girl, Jamila, from Haram Baal's caravan last night. Her lover, Azam, is most vexed." 

    Arshaf looks to Severos for confirmation. "Azam seems rich. He came with us after Jamila, but was wounded in battle, and has remained with the camels while we rescue his beloved."
  20. Chamash the Zadjite
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  22. Chamash eyes Zoya appreciatively. "You are far from home, Lamuran." He glances to Moggojin. "You, not so far, Sheng." He turns back to Mei Lua. "You too are hunting the Ikuna? They have taken someone from you, also?"


  25. Arshaf looks to Severos for confirmation. "Azam seems rich. He came with us after Jamila, but was wounded in battle, and has remained with the camels while we rescue his beloved."

    Indeed

  27. Mei Hua raises an eyebrow. "He remains with the camels while you search for his beloved? A strange man, indeed."
  28. "Or a rich one, I suppose."
  29. Mei Hua raises an eyebrow. "He remains with the camels while you search for his beloved? A strange man, indeed."

    Arshaf nods. "Azam is indeed strange. But rich. He has a story that he wooed Jamila, princess of the Al'Jafari. A fierce clan, led by her grandfather, Muleh Al Jafari, Shaykh of the Al Jafari Bahramites. But yet though she was mute, entirely without voice, Shaykh Muleh would not allow her to marry one not of his clan. And so they eloped together to Fort Yirlat, where we met them."

  30. BOT

    :game_die: Result: 1d20 (6) Total: 6

  31. Arshaf: "At first he seemed greatly concerned for her wellbeing. But then when he was wounded, and esteemed Lothar here promised to 'take good care of her', he was strangely ...unconcerned, I thought." Arshaf shrugs. "But what do I know. I am but a humble pathfinder."

  32. BOT

    :game_die: Result: 1d20 (12) Total: 12

  33. Chamash eyes Arshaf. "You know my friend, I saw them both at the tavern at Fort Yirlat. She seemed in demeanour more his slave or concubine, than his noble betrothed. I have an eye for such things."

  34. I knew something smelled funny...

  35. GM: The wind shifts, and screams drift towards you over the desert sands, from the direction of the Akharon fortress. A male voice crying in anguish, and the panicked wails of two or more females, it sounds like.
  36. Chamash frowns: "I think I hear the cries of our stolen slave girls. I hope the Ikuna like to play with their food."

  38. Chamash frowns: "I think I hear the cries of our stolen slave girls. I hope the Ikuna like to play with their food."

    To Chamash: 'Hah! And you'll no doubt be going hungry yourself tonight, unless you can rescue them'.

  39. I think that is our signal. We know a secret way in.
  40. Will you help us

  41. I don't help anyone for free. What do we get out of risking our necks?

  42. Mei Hua subtly taps Zoya's shoulder and whispers, "We may find who we seek in there as well. It would do well to have more men with us, if there are that many cannibals inside."

  43. sigh. You have a point Mei. Let's hope they survive this skirmish long enough to assist us. They've already shown their incompetence by losing those slaves.
  44. To Chamash: 'Hah! And you'll no doubt be going hungry yourself tonight, unless you can rescue them'.

    Chamash: "Oh... there are those in my sight who could slake my hunger." He seems to grin beneath the mask. "But, you are right. Plump Penelope and gentle Chloe should not be left a feast for Cannibals. Nor should this Jamila, who I know not. And whatever man screams to us on the wind, likely deserves at least a clean death. As Severos here says, our Ikuna captive claims to know a hidden entry. Join us, will you not?"
  45. The Ikuna prisoner, Borak, speaks for the first time. "You must all go before the Ragged King, to be judged in His Sight." Borak turns to Moggajin . "You - you are of the ancient race! Your ancestors stormed these walls in ancient time. You may be a strong vessel for His Spirit."

  46. (Zoya fights back the temptation to compare Chamash to a Lemuran male concubine and talk about his 'hidden entrance'.) 'Well, it will pass the time, I suppose. Try not to die, will you?'.
  47. (Zoya fights back the temptation to compare Chamash to a Lemuran male concubine and talk about his 'hidden entrance'.) 'Well, it will pass the time, I suppose. Try not to die, will you?'.

    Roll a d20 vs (full) CHA Zoya

  48. BOT

    :game_die: Result: 1d20 (6) Total: 6

  49. Ha
  50. Oops

  51. You have CHA 12 - pass. (Good thing about Dragonbane, you don't even need your PC sheet!) 😁

  53. Chamash nods to Zoya. "For you, my heart, I will try my best to survive the trials that lie before us. When we return to Dipur, I know a little place I think you will find most delightful..."

  55. Zoya smirks and inclines her head towards Chamash.
  56. Mei takes a good look at Severos and Lothar  , who seem differently dressed than the others. She asks Severos, "It is not clear -- do you work for them or they for you? Do you hunt these cannibals for the harm they did you or another reason?"

    "A beautiful women got captured by cannibals, I do what most men should do in that save her from danger. Currently I Lothar and Severos are in an alliance with Chamash and his group to storm this black fortress to save the capture maidens and to eliminate the Demon worshiping Ikuno. If we complete this mission I suggest you three to join us in Haram Baal merchant caravan as guards, adventuring is a risky venture and the merchant lord is quite generous with his coin"
  57. Chamash eyes Arshaf. "You know my friend, I saw them both at the tavern at Fort Yirlat. She seemed in demeanour more his slave or concubine, than his noble betrothed. I have an eye for such things." 

    "If that is true than after rescuing Jamila, I would ask a reward from Azam either in gold or Lady Jamilla"
  59. "A beautiful women got captured by cannibals, I do what most men should do in that save her from danger. Currently I Lothar and Severos are in an alliance with Chamash and his group to storm this black fortress to save the capture maidens and to eliminate the Demon worshiping Ikuno. If we complete this mission I suggest you three to join us in Haram Baal merchant caravan as guards, adventuring is a risky venture and the merchant lord is quite generous with his coin"

    "I am no mere guard, but I will consider joining you if our goals align. A lord that is generous with coin is always a good thing."
  60. "If that is true than after rescuing Jamila, I would ask a reward from Azam either in gold or Lady Jamilla"

    Of course

  61. "I do not ask for coin, so much as connections and influence. If you can offer me those, then the Ten Thousand Eyed will gladly cast her gaze upon you.
  62. "I am no mere guard, but I will consider joining you if our goals align. A lord that is generous with coin is always a good thing."

    "Of course, Warriors should be free but having a patron offers plenty of benefits. My Lady Alana princess of Dipur have gave me arms and a mighty warhorse for my service."
  63. "I do not ask for coin, so much as connections and influence. If you can offer me those, then the Ten Thousand Eyed will gladly cast her gaze upon you.

    "Follow us back to Dipur after this Caravan job and it would be an honour for us to introduced all of you to our Lord Tarkhan Bey the Satrap of Dipur"

  64. "Very well, Warrior Lothar. It seems the strands of the Web intertwine. You have my assistance." Zoya makes the sign of Yot Kamoth and inclines her head.

  65. Moggojin approaches mounted on his shaggy black warhorse. Deftly dismounting with a smooth and agile grace, Moggojin stands before the gathered group. "I am Moggojin, from the Steppes. May you all be blessed by the Lord of the Blue Sky!"
  66. Moggojin listens to the others gathered speaking, watching each of them with a steady, confident gaze, and the hint of a friendly smile on his lips.

  67. Moggojin slowly reaches into a shoulder pouch, pulling out a smaller pouch made from dark gray and black Marmot fur. Moggojin pulls out a finely-crafted pipe, and smokes some aromatic, strong tobacco. Slowly extending his hand holding the tobacco pouch, Moggojin offers to share his tobacco with the others gathered nearby.
  68. (Speaking still in the Khazari language); Moggojin says, "Does this band need another warrior? I, Moggojin, have a sword. I possess a few skills that can be useful."

  69. OOC; Simon, what does this Borak look like? What status does he look to be? Aside, of course, from being a prisoner. Also, when Borak speaks to Moggojin, what language does he speak in?
  70. OOC; Also, Simon, what race is the Zoya woman look to be? Does she look to be from a Steppe tribe?

  71. Zoya has the pasty-pale look of the Lamurans, a hill folk
    Image

  72. In between puffing on his fine pipe, Moggojin watches the different women with attention, and subtle appreciation. Slowly drinking Horse milk from a waterskin at his side.

  73. Borak is an Ikuna, a black race from the southern jungles.
    Image
  74. Borak is an Ikuna, a black race from the southern jungles.

    Unlike the noble black warriors of such mighty realms as Shoma and Azimba, the Ikuna have a foul reputation as swamp-dwelling cannibals ruled by evil witch-women.
  75. Image
  76. Moggojin slowly reaches into a shoulder pouch, pulling out a smaller pouch made from dark gray and black Marmot fur. Moggojin pulls out a finely-crafted pipe, and smokes some aromatic, strong tobacco. Slowly extending his hand holding the tobacco pouch, Moggojin offers to share his tobacco with the others gathered nearby.

    The Khazrajite tracker Arshaf Abu nods gratefully and lights his pipe with Moggojin's tobacco. "And may the Great Mother bless you likewise, my friend."
    Image
  77. The Zadjites hesitate, then several of them also take tobacco - Chamash declines.
  78. OOC; Simon, what does this Borak look like? What status does he look to be? Aside, of course, from being a prisoner. Also, when Borak speaks to Moggojin, what language does he speak in?

    He seemed to speak in Khazistani/Khazrajite. But on reflection there was something odd about his speech, as if the words appeared directly in your brain, bypassing your ears!

  79. Moggojin smiles at the men with a gracious manner, nodding in approval.
  80. Moggojin says to the tracker, Arshaf Abu, "Yes, yes. You are welcome! Thank you for blessing me with your gods."
  81. (Speaking still in the Khazari language); Moggojin says, "Does this band need another warrior? I, Moggojin, have a sword. I possess a few skills that can be useful."

    Chamash the Zadjite slaver nods cordially. "If you can climb, you are welcome to join us, Moggojin of the Sheng. Our prisoner speaks of a crumbling wall section on the south-west edge of the Citadel, whereby we may enter upon the rooftops, bypassing their gate guards."

  82. Moggojin gazes steadily at Borak, speaking "Yes, outlander. Be sure to tell your witch women that when you hear the throat singing, and the rolling of thunder, you will know that I, Moggojin, of the ancient Sheng, have returned. All shall kneel before my armies."
  83. Moggojin looks at Chamash. Saying, "Yes. I see. Excellent. My scimitar needs to be fed soon." Moggojin gently pats his wolf-headed Scimitar.
  84. Moggojin gazes steadily at Borak, speaking "Yes, outlander. Be sure to tell your witch women that when you hear the throat singing, and the rolling of thunder, you will know that I, Moggojin, of the ancient Sheng, have returned. All shall kneel before my armies."

    Borak nods. He points south, along the western edge of the Citadel. "This way. It is not far now. The Ragged King awaits you in His royal chambers." He looks to Zoya. "The Ragged King has the knowledge you seek. Ancient sorceries of the Giant-Kings. If you are judged worthy, you shall become His Sorceress-Concubine, as He rises to claim this new world in the body of this Sheng warrior" He indicates Moggojin. "All this has been foretold."
  85. The Zadjites shift uneasily at Borak's words. Chamash looks to Lothar and Severos. "Perhaps it might be best to slay this Ikuna now. I do not like his tone." Borak is impassive.
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