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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 14, 2016 21:32:32 GMT 8
White shrugs and heads to one side. When Thorkam come over, he asked. "Up for some climbing? I can be some lookout and if required, distract them with my trading talks or gun skills"
Thorkam glare at White... As he start taking of his armor n tower shield. "Quit staring and start helping". 30sec of taking of his armor, Thorkam turn around n tell White, "help me be a lookout while I climb, and don't look up, else I make an extra hole in your face! " Thorkam give White a stare, look around to make sure no one is looking, before looking Around for support to climb.
White nodded seriously. "Watch your steps."
He set an fruit (apple, oranges or anything he can find) on a rock and stood 50 feet away from it. He look around, watching for people.
Pake Jake respectfully takes his leave as his master and lord Jakti make conversation about things above his station. he goes to look for White and Thorkam to see if they need any help with removing the armor. he blinks as Thorkam seems to want to climb - he is not sure for what, seems to sneak into room - and offers his strong arm to help support. hopefully the hairy smell wouldnt put him off.
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Thorkam successfully clambers up the window on to the second storey but not before a servant who was tasked with attending to the guests on the lawn turn into sight of the northern side of the manor, where a furry butt naked Thorkam's legs can be seen scrabbling over the ledge into the room.
White, seeing the servant, quickly shouts out "come come! Who wanna see the prowess of a musket made from Tian Xia or bet against me! I can shoot that fruit from here easily!"
The male Qadiran servant looks quizzically at White, as if he had seen an insane man... For here, is the funeral of one of the noble princess of the land, & here, the dwarf wants to set up a shooting bet, as if it's some simple carnival.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 14, 2016 22:59:24 GMT 8
Pake Jake couldn't find White and Hairy so he ended up trying to strike up conversation with Pellius. "Greetings good sir! It is good to others not from these parts here for this austere occasion. Might you be the good lord Pellius Melkior? I have the honor of hearing of your good name from the lord prince himself, and also understand from others from Andoran that your cause is ever noble freedom for all under the sun." Thinking to bring up any past dealings with Pathfinders of Liberty's Edge about the values dear to Andorans. That said Jake was not duplicitous. He probably had not heard much of Melkior prior to this and he would not pretend so. Genuine admiration, even if constrained by experience and knowledge, beats false flattery, especially with one who he hears deals so true.
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(Pellius) "Greetings, Mr.? It seems that you have the advantage over me, for the Trade Prince did not deem fit to introduce someone like you to myself. Are you ship owners here to make deals in Qadira?" As he blows his sandy-brown hair out of his eyes.
(Pellius) "Andorens might love freedom, but without trade, how else can they secure their freedom? Freedom without trade & stable economies will most likely result in a crazy land like Galt, don't you think so?"
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 14, 2016 23:35:16 GMT 8
Thorkam attempt to stealthy climb in n roll over into window if it open.
As Thorkam trying to make it in one smooth action, as a faint memory of his recall how he did it during one of the battle in worldwound, scaling an enemy castle wall and acrobatically flip across it like a pro.. standing in the midst of the enemy.
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Thorkam successfully rolled into the room like a ball of hair & beard as he rolled straight into a table *Thunk* just as the servant glanced up. Sensing nothing out of the ordinary rather than the carnival show here, the servant politely inquires as to what is the purpose of White setting up "stall" here.
In Temel Passad's room, there is a wooden table on which rests an extremely fine velvet bag with a golden string loosely tied around it. The bed is meticulously kept & next to the bed is an armoire (a cupboard) which has its doors closed. Otherwise, the furnishings are relatively sparse.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 15, 2016 0:32:05 GMT 8
White seeing Thorkam was safely within, he kept his weapon away and looked down. "Or do you prefer to see a big dwarf cry..? Oh poor Trade Princess"
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Shaking his head, the servant wondered how in the world would the Trade Prince bring in such unruly guests, but it is not his place to make such judgments. The servant bowed & even though it is obviously a fake front, the servant acquiesce "I shall leave you to your sadness, sir." & thus turns away, walking back towards the front of the manor to attend to other guests on the lawn.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 15, 2016 0:56:00 GMT 8
Thorkam move towards the table, open the the velvet bag with golden string, to check the content & Thorkam replaces the content in the velvet bag, with the itchy powder carefully, ensuring he is not in contact with the itchy powder.
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The velvet bag indeed contains the snuff powder, it's fragrance irritating your "sensitive" dwarven nose & you carefully swapped its contents without touching the itchy powder at all.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 15, 2016 1:30:09 GMT 8
Thorkam will take a peek out the window, to see if it clear to come down and also to see if White is still around the vicinity..He will wait for a good time where there will be less movement or people at the area before climbing down, stealthily.
White sighed a breathe of relief as the servant left, falling to his ruse, he quickly kept the fruit and looked up the window... Just in time to see Thorkam coming down. He quickly averted his eyes and waited.
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Like a freaking 4 foot tall ninja, Thorkam skillfully made his way down on to the ground floor with nobody the wiser. White wisely averted his eyes & now, the only thing left to do is for Thorkam to don his armor & make their way back to Metella.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 15, 2016 14:58:29 GMT 8
Thorkam come down with White by his side, " Quickly help me wear this!" As he told White to help him put back his armor before heading back to the main hall, with a smirk on his face, knowing things is going to more "fun" later..
Before Thorkam went back into the hall, he make sure he tidy himself.( though you probably cant tell the difference) He walk back confidently into the hall with White by his side. Thorkam move to a position nearby where he can see Metella, wait for the moment where his eye met Metella, swing his hair backward in a dwarven sauve style, giving her a thumb up and wink, to let her know it done(without letting other know), before moving off in style, happily hoping to impress the girl.
(Jake) "Ah good lord Pellius, my name is Pake Jake. I am but a simple Pathfinder who also plies a separate trade as a fisherman from the Exchange. the Lord Prince is unfortunately a little caught up at the moment, but if you are interested in dealing with the Qadiran ship owners I could make use of the next intermission to direct them to you, especially if you know the name of one you seek."
Pake Jake smiles and nods. "Indeed, good lord Pellius, trade is the lifeblood of all ventures, and the goodwill it brings priceless. Even the noble aspirations of the Andorens would come to naught without it, while even the relatively dangerous and often enough brutal River Kingdoms claim legitimacy thanks to trade. Arguably just as important as trade itself is the goodwill it brings, and hopefully peace as well. Freedom is so much more valuable, methinks, when one can travel and see more of the world with less conflict and strife, instead of freedom to eke a difficult existence worrying for the next meal to fill one's belly." Jake could relate to these concepts himself. "Most of us here at the Exchange do believe it is best for every man to have his own means, and a man without freedom has nothing."
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Metella catches a glimpse of Thorkam's thumbs up & she smiles a little devilishly. Luckily, Pellius is distracted by Jake at the moment & did not notice this little exchange between the dwarves.
Congratulations! The party now have 5 influence points with Metella.
As Jake is talking to Pellius Melkior regarding trade between the various regions, Metella politely stepped into the conversation & Metella seemed to be in a really good mood, swinging the conversation heavily in Aaqir's favour. Suitably impressed by Metella, Pellius seems fully convinced of Trade Prince Aaqir's intentions to do good.
Congratulations! The party now have 6 influence points with Pellius Melkior!
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 15, 2016 23:11:05 GMT 8
Seven looked around and spied the Taldan wine lady. He looked at Thorkam, grinned and walked towards Doritannia, tapping on his wayfinder.
(White) "Greetings Lady Rafella. I am White Snowbeard, although my mead customers and fellow drinkers always calls me Seven due my love to game with dice while drinking." He bowed formally.
(White) "I have heard of the tales of your great business acumen, and it would a great honor to me and the trade prince if you could share some knowledge with us. As part of a fair deal, we will surely impart what will prove to be advantageous to you."
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Peering at you from behind her veil, Doritannia gave a curt smile. "A dwarf. It is an honor for me too that you are willing to grace me with your presence. Regarding knowledge," she gives a quick glance at Temel before continuing, "how can I possibly be of assistance to you, good dwarf?"
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 15, 2016 23:36:59 GMT 8
White stroke his beard. "Well, there are so many ways of trading, and no one can really claim to know all the secrets. I'm sure why the Exchange is formed, so all of is who's interested in trade can progress and assist one another"
He noticed her looking at Temel and disregard it. "What do you think? Can we be allied to one another, especially on trade so we grow to greater heights, especially with the help of the kind and esteem Trade Prince"
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(Doritannia) "I am really not sure what you have to offer me." She shakes her head. "Trading for information to me is valueless, without the appropriate actions to back them up. Tell me, how successful of a merchant are you, Seven?"
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 16, 2016 0:21:45 GMT 8
(White) "How successful? Well it depends on what one believes in. I piled my trades on many lands, going from poverty to richness each time, but before jumping anywhere, I usually fall into desperate times due to my bad gambling habit. It is fortunate, that now is have joined the Paladins and gain enough resolve against gambling... Well enough anyway, to keep my family in Tian to be well off."
White suddenly have a flash of inspiration. "Or why not tell How can one prove my prowess in trading to you?"
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(Doritannia) "Well, I really thank you for your honesty, sir dwarf." Her crisp Taldan accent sounding a little cool now. "Perhaps, in time when you are a more accomplished merchant with a bit of savings that I might be able to talk more with you. You have so much to learn from our Prophet of Kalistrade here..." as she starts to coo over Temel.
Temel looked at her passively & give a little shake of his head. He is simply not interested in her at all.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 16, 2016 11:58:54 GMT 8
Thorkam quietly observed Doritannia while they are having an exchange of words.
Thorkam wonder to himself what does those movement look like, as she move. For he has travel far enough to witness different trade. Also to see if see if she is well build, possibly suggesting she might physically trained or work out. More about her background.
(Thorkam) "Good day, Lady! I am Thorkam, a young merchant that has just started out. I might have travel far & wide but i have yet to see woman of such young age with such status n success around! You must be pretty successful at what you are doing. Would you mind share your secret? "
"Pardon my curiousity, for I haven't doing much too well in my trade for a while.. I have and idea n have been asking around to see if several merchant will want to come together to help each other, and possible successful one like you will provide your valuable asset and experience in these joint project. Will you be keen to join us? Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam has shown interest. We are also going to invite Temel Passad to join us in this venture as well.. What your thought in these? " Thorkam say it professionally, sincerely and with a smile.
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Doritannia rolls her eyes & you can almost hear her thinking: Harrumph... another dwarf.
Thorkam unfortunately is not experienced enough to see a trained fighter when he sees one. Perhaps, she really is a commoner who had risen to a higher status on account of her business acumen?
(Doritannia) "I think for starters, to be a successful businessperson, you will need to be more... presentable. Personal hygiene is such a big issue back there in Taldor. I'm afraid that unless you do something about your appearance, otherwise there isn't much we can talk about. To be honest, & no offence intended, dear Thorkam, I am really not in the mood to entertain unsuccessful merchants. There are sim-ply too many merchants who would gain the benefit of my advice & at no cost? I believe that in the future, someone of my calibre will probably be able to be hired as a consultant of sorts... Regarding involving Temel? Hmm..." A quick glance at Temel again. "He didn't tell me anything about this at all so I think that you are lying."
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 17, 2016 0:34:38 GMT 8
(Thorkam) " You might not believe me now, but i will still hold my side of the invitation. We shall continue this conversation at a later time. i shall be on my way then. Later.. " With a bow, Thorkam respectfully withdraw from this conversation, hoping in his heart that the other team manage something with Temel, as he walk briskly away..
White seeing a chance when Thorkam came, he bade the lady his leave, although he doubted she even cared. He headed off to see he can catch the last target or find out more about the interest between Tamel and Doritianna.
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Just as the two dwarves gracefully departed from Doritannia, the party can spy the shadows lengthening, the cleric Umut emerges from the temple, calls for the guests’ attention, and requests they honor the deceased. With that, Aaqir al’Hakam and several other members of the Bahjari household carry a wooden bier bearing the shrouded body of Zarmina through the front door, up the stairs, and into the temple, where the guests file in afterward. Aaqir al’Hakam and the others lay the
bier atop the altar of Sarenrae, and then join the other guests in the pews.
Umut opens the service by recognizing the goddess to whom the temple is consecrated as a sign of respect before transitioning to an invocation to “our lady of eternity, who shepherds the deceased to an everlasting afterlife.” This title and the rest of Umut’s service are dedicated to Pharasma.
Most of her prayers are in her native Osirian language, though her bidding the soul safe voyage down the River of Souls is delivered in Common.
With that, she invites the guests to come forward, place any gift to be interred with Zarmina on the table near the altar, and address the guests and the deceased. The merchants who have come to honor Zarmina all give splendid gifts. Doritannia Raffella speaks highly of Zarmina, and she further cites Temel Passad as a similarly upstanding member of the mercantile
community who will certainly carry Zarmina’s torch of fair business practices into the future; Temel seems to expect this praise and nods in recognition of her kind words. Pellius Melkior likens memories of Zarmina to finely crafted dwarven stone—enduring, beautiful, and formed gradually over many years of virtuous work. Metella Rauger is somewhat embarrassed by this reference, but by the end of the Andoren’s speech, she is smiling in appreciation. Jakti al’Awar’s gift is a goldand jewel-embellished ledger, and his speech praises Zarmina for having lived a virtuous and charitable life
yet suffering neither the kowtowing of sycophants nor the underhandedness of villains.
When it comes time for you to bring forward their gift and give a speech, Jakti, Metella, and Temel all watch you closely. Wondering how you will give a speech to honor the Princess Zarmina Bahjari.
It is at this point that Temel starts sneezing uncontrollably, his carefully powdered face looking a little flushed & his nose is almost as red as a certain red-nosed reindeer. Metella giggled to herself quietly, unobserved by most, except for Jake, Thorkam & White. His snuffbox in his right hand, he uses his left to cover his nose & to clear his of any unsightly bodily fluids whilst waiting for the representative of the Pathfinders to give a speech.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 17, 2016 14:59:05 GMT 8
al-Asahari takes the shield from the party and paces up to the altar. Taking a deep breath he turns to address the present attendees. " Greetings Lords and Ladies. I am but a humble diplomat sent from the society, a sign of respect for one as great as Princess Zarmina Bahjari. Forgive my words of ignorance - I did not know the Princess personally and cannot speak of her greatness as most of you do. Yet her name transcends her physical body does it not? While the dear Princess breathes no more it is clear she continues to live on through our memories. And that is perhaps the greatest gift she has given us. Lessons in experience, gratitude in moments.Let us not forget the Princess as she was, so that in many years to come, she will continue to be remembered. A simple treasure that most of us overlook." He pauses for a moment then lifts the heavy bulk of the shield up with some difficulty. " Of course we have not come unprepared. This shield is unique. Brought before a cleric of the deity even he could not identify it's magic. But is this but a simple magic item as well? Nay. The shield is a symbol of hope. A bastion for dark times. Strength over all trials and tribulation. A fitting gift, for a woman as capable as Princess Zarmina Bahjari." His speech finished, al-Asahari hands the shield over to an attendant before walking back to join the rest of the party.
Pake Jake would smile, and nod, initially merely to show support, but damn the speech was good. it became more genuine as Al Asahari spoke.
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After the speech concluded, all the guests stood up and clapped, for all agree it was a really good speech. Jakti looked especially satisfied with the speech.
After a few minutes, Jakti al’Awar proposes everyone raise a glass and toast Aaqir al’Hakam and Emir Thalzar Gaatan. The guests each take a moment to praise the two. Metella's, Pellius' & Jakti's toasts were especially generous.
Jakti al’Awar is the last to toast the hosts, concluding his remarks by saying, “And may our hosts carry on the legacy of the departed, may Sarenrae see her safely to Nirvana and its city of High Ninshabur.” As he says this, Zarmina’s body twitches to life.
Zarmina tears herself out of the shroud with a pained moan and begins attacking the guests. As she does so, she points toward the door — in the same direction as Jakti, Metella, Temel, and Aaqir — and rasps “You have failed me! Betrayer!” Most of those in attendance flee, and Aaqir al’Hakam hurriedly signals for you to intervene while he tries to keep the crowd under control.
As she staggers forward, you can feel a strong heatwave radiating from her body washes over you, telling you to lie down and rest, for you are so very, very tired.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 18, 2016 1:27:50 GMT 8
Round 1
Pake Jake was already on his feet, then his eyes widened as Zarmina rose to her feet before the crowd and the heat washed out presumably from her. rushing forward with a yell of shock, he drew his Heavy flail as he stepped into the pews before Zarmina, 2 rows in front of Jakti. "With all due respect, Trade Princess, we value the living, before the dead. Rest... In... PIEECEE!" he roared the last word out as claws burst from his hands and he swung the heavy flail at her with all his might.
Before Thorkam gets a chance to move, Jake rushes in & swung it hard at Zarmina... If it is the actual lady, she will definitely fall before such a strong blow, but alas... She is no longer human & thus, her unnatural hide deflected the heavy flail aside, rendering the blow useless.
The heatwave washes over ALL of you before she attempts to swipe at Jake.
A raging Jake definitely felt that blow as a pulverizing force hits him squarely in the chest.
The heatwave washes over White & suddenly, he felt like he is the victim of a heat stroke...
White felt the great heat, like he's in the seven Hells.
He looked at the reanimated corpse, pulled out his musket at took a shot. It was a clear shot to his target!
The musket bullet thuds into Zarmina's body, jerking her back but still, onwards she advances.
White saw his shot hit and grunted happily. "Reloading!" He shouts to his party.
What is very unusual is that as the bullet burrows into her body, you noticed that some of the force from the bullet seems to be dissipating as it slowly enters her body.
Al-Asahari feels so tired from the heatwave...
Al-Asahari grumbles as the heatwave rolls over him. "Blasted heat!" He turns towards the fleeing guests and grunts "Kind lords and ladies we require your assistance! We have no means of identifying this strange creature. It would greatly benefit both you and us if one of you were to help out!"
Aaqir al'Hakam motions to Al-Asahari, "I beseech you to take on this abomination. My guests are merchants, not warriors. I do not want them harmed! Now, GO!" Before he turns & joins the rest of the guests in running.
"Your wish!" Smiles Thorkam..
Al-Asahari grumbles again "When one says don't shoot the messenger, I inferred it also meant to keeping him alive." He points towards the creature "FOUL PERVERSION OF LIFE. TASTE THE COLD WINDS"
The beam hits Zarmina on the side, freezing up her left arm a little.
Thorkam move to flank, "Damn you monster! Come! "
The monster that is Zarmina does not hesitate to take advantage of the opening given by the dwarf & swings hard at him.
But the dwarf proved a little too quick as his armor deflects the blow away.
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Post by Richard Loh on Mar 18, 2016 13:43:54 GMT 8
Round 2
Pake Jake 's eyes are red with rage and wrath, as he drops the heavy flail, steps to flank with Thorkam and rips away with his two deadly claws in a mad fury.
The sidestep made the left claw feels a little awkward hence not fully utilizing it's potential thus bouncing off her thick hide, but the second claw has enough leverage to deal a blow to Zarmina. Also, thanks to Thorkam providing a much needed distraction. The right claw, fueled by Jake's unnatural bloodline tore into her savagely, almost ripping her left arm to shreds, but still, she clings tenaciously to unlife.
Turning on to Jake, Zarmina opens her mouth & moan, black ichor spilling from her mouth as another heat wave washes over the party. With her good right arm, she swings at Jake again. And Zarmina's blow settles this fight & demolishes any idea that Jake could ever defeat her as he sinks to his knees & keel over. The fisherman Pake Jake is knocked out cold & bleeding from his heavy wound. The unrelenting heatwave emanating from Zarmina wears at both White & Al-Asahari.
White seeing his companion going down, quickly finished reloading and walked forward. "Hang in there my friend!" He bellowed.
Al-Asahari fires off another frost ray at the creature but due to chance and perhaps, the fear of seeing his companion goes down with two solid blows, misfires the ray & it scatters harmlessly on the windows behind Zarmina.
Thorkam attempted to strike a blow at Zarmina, crying dwarven warcries but alas, if only warcries could physically hurt...
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