[Pathfinder] A story unfolds!

[Orikanyo]

Where are we? Golarion, a land filled with vast plains, deep oceans, mountains that stretch further then you could possibly see and more monsters then you can shake a stick at, but that doesn't exactly stop people from trying.


In this game we will be exploring the many paths ahead of us and the things that follow such paths, be is dangerous, magnificent, mundane or simply a drunken dwarf laying down in the middle of the road babbling about something unseen between the stars. The strange world is open to you as i, the DM, guide you on your magnificent quest to.. do the thing! whats the thing? well thats what you choose to make the thing be, save the princess from the dragon? Save the dragon from the princess? marry the dragon to save the princess and live happily ever after with your draconic lover as you continue your wizardly studies to obtain absolute power over the universe!?


Who knows what will happen, I do, kind of, maybe, bah who cares, we'll figure out soon enough!


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Now hurry up and enter those gates, quests wont solve themselves damn it! or.. or will they? Not like that treasure chest is gona grow legs and walk awa- hey!

 

[TacoMann]

I grin, eyes growing wider with each step as I approach the gates. My deck patting against my thigh in its case as it sways from my sash. As I step past the walls, I give the case a pat, and look for an inn. The moment I find one, I walk to it. And sit myself down against the wall a good five feet from the door, looking much like a common beggar, as I take out my tarot deck, and begin shuffling. The hero usually gravitates to the inn at his first stop. I begin scanning the crowd, as I continue shuffling the deck. Hoping to find my perfect fool.

 

[folclor]

The day was a bit bright for her tastes as she stepped out of the inn, frustrated at her light coin purse. Ah, well, there would be time to gain more gold. It had been months since her last lead and things were getting a bit desperate. Darker thoughts gnawed at the back of her consciousness and she contemplated beginning a journey home. The thought brought the taste of rich soil to her tongue and she grimaced.


"Okay, no return journey," she murmured, unsure how to rid herself of the taste. It wasn't often Pharasma signaled displeasure with her. Perhaps she would check out the festival that appeared to be in full swing. It wouldn't be horrible to take a day off and this did not seem the place for undead.

 

[TacoMann]

The urchin looks to the recent exit. A small smile pursing their lips as they look to the Cleric.


"Well, no point in retreading the path one has already seen. You don't want to hear about the hero pulling the sword a second time! ", a soft, light, serene voice makes itself known beside Amaya. The Hermit waves, with a bright grin. "Good day, stranger! Good day, stranger! A way I can ease the day, Stranger?" They say, in an odd, sing-song tone, before chuckling. "Forgive me, stranger, forgive me. But would you care for a reading? A gleaming of what's the come, and an introduction to myself?"


The Hermit pulls out their tarot deck, a surprisingly quality, ornate set of cards, each bearing detailed, vibrant depictions of various figures, scenarios, and sets. "Past, present, and future. Sit with me, pick a three, and I'll help you see." They say, grin growing broader. "Good friends, could be we!"

 

[folclor]

Amaya eyed the strange little... urchin. She'd always been at once curious and suspicious of fortune tellers and this one did nothing to instill courage in her.


"Thank you, but no," she intoned. In reality she had no use for someone to look into her past, lest they discover the unsightly, she knew her present, and she trusted Pharasma with her future. Picking three cards seemed harmless enough but she did not wish to tempt fate. Still, something inside her tried to force her to stay. She found it hard to move her feet and she glowered at them. Her soul warred with itself.


After all, the fortune teller didn't seem inherently evil. She struggled with herself to move and found she could not. Internally she cursed herself.

 

[TacoMann]

"Are you well, Stranger? Do not worry, I use no magic. The story does not need my nonexistent magics to flow." They smile again, with a gesture to take a seat, before pulling out the deck, and splaying it flat, so the corner of each card may be pulled. "Select, but do not look. Unless you wish to carry forth on your own. However, I would like to know your role, If you would so indulge a wanderer, Stranger?"

 

[SephirothSage]

A woman wearing a foreign looking suit of armor is walking towards town- sword at her hip, spear slung over her back. She hums calmly- looking with vauge amusement back at the child she encountered on the road. She's not sure where the child came from- or why they seem to lack the ability to speak common... but she's patient with children- and besides that, bringing them into the town can only have good results. She hums as she walks along the road- an old war song on her lips, but the words failing to escape. Black hair frames a pretty enough face- ghostly pale and almost haunting in it's features- and the armor is worn over a muscular, strong frame.


She speaks with a soothing tone words the child won't actually understand. "Come along, let's not be slow, aye?" She says soothingly, calmly. Her tone is simple, and her gesture is for the child to follow closer as she walks forwards. Her eyes gleam faintly- purple with a glint of red... and her smile remains serene. "I'm sure you'll love it, the festival is beautiful." She continues on, as she turns to face forwards- humming that tune once more. Her accent is thick and foreign- but understandable enough, at least. She looks to the horizon, to the town not a mile away.. and grins with expectation, as she reaches for a swig of her ale-skin.

 

[folclor]

"Role? Could you explain?" She kept her voice calm though her mind was in turmoil. She was managing to keep her body under control for the most part and she prayed she'd have the will to keep walking soon.


'Lady of Graves, Mother of Souls, give me the strength to move under my own will,' she prayed.


Should she trust the urchin? She didn't like talking to strangers. It ended badly for her in the past. Unbidden, her hand reached for the cards. The unwelcome curiosity was winning and she knew there was little she could do to stop it at this point. She might as well accept it.

 

[TacoMann]

"Your purpose! Your name! As I am the hermit. I wish to find, who you are!" The figure says, stirring from their stance, holding out the cards for three to be picked. "Gently pull three. That is all we shall need!" Their grin dominates their face as they nod, eyes close to closed as their thumbs run along the cards.

 

[folclor]

Amaya didn't want to touch the deck. She didn't want to take the cards. But she did. She did and she did not look at them, as instructed. It wasn't a charm or a spell. It was only by her own curse she was unable to walk away.


'Curse you. Curse you to hell.'





But it was out of her hands at this point. She could resist no more.

 

[SeemosYantra]

-[Rubbing his hands a bit and breathing some warm breath on them, whispering while looking around] Shinning Lady, please make me accostumed to this weather.


Varisia was different in all regards. It wasn't particularly cold, of that Ianos was well aware. The problem was him: having spent most of his life in Osirion, the temperature ranges to which he was accostumed were quite different from a place like this one and, even when he was, somehow, preternaturally resilient to cold, it was taking him some time to get accostumed to have what he dimmed "winter temperatures" all time.


-[Walking towards the town gate] Well, at least, I'll be likely to have a little warmth at the hearth and, with luck, an onion... [!][suddenly pulling on his hood] Better not scare the people around too much. [Looking around to see if there other persons nearby]


[dice]12551[/dice]

 

[TacoMann]

The fortune-teller smiles, and folds the deck together into a single tall stack, the three selected cards standing out, before they are pulled complete from the deck. The dealer closes their eyes, and sets the on the ground, folding over the left-most card.


"The nine of swords...a past haunted by loss, a pain or a curse that refuses to leave you, that follows you to this day, guides you against yourself. A card of conflict. Of ill fortune."


Slender hands spindle off of the card, showing a young woman, awake in bed, lying next to an unmoving figure, a depiction of nine blades laid straight across the sky above


Over to the center card. "And who are you then? Why- I shall know you the King of Cups!", the figure smiles, an image of a man sitting upon a throne, clad in regal attire, a scepter topped by a chalice, as his throne floats amidst a vast sea. "A card of contradictions. You did not want this reading did you? Heh. Indeed, there is much beneath your surface, even that which you yourself may not know. Those who know certainly know it not. You are kind, you are compassionate. You would make a great healer, advisor, or protector. A natural leader. But indeed, you have your secrets beneath the surface. But the question is. Shall beneath the surface prove to be..."


The self-proclaimed 'Hermit', pulls a card from the top of the deck, and uses it to flip over the final card, an image of a man and a woman, hold hands as an angel blesses their union. "Shall your future prove the lovers drawn, a union of two halves to form a greater whole? Or shall it prove the devil?" The urchin flips the held card on top of it. "A cancer, rotting you from within and splitting your being apart? Most curious. King of Cups who plays Lover or Devil. Most curious." The figure pulls back their cards, and shuffles their deck, before placing it away as they stand.


"Well, greetings to you, and fair tidings, King of Cups. I am The Hermit, It is most good to meet you on this fine occasion. In such a fine day as this!" A bright smile, as a hand is extended in greeting.

 

[folclor]

Amaya carefully accepted the hand and shook it. "King of Cups? Hermit? You speak in riddles. I'm assuming any questions I ask will not get straight answers." The answers, the reading bothered her immensely. Her heart was beating too fast and she worried she'd give something away. This was no good.


"Pharasma, give me strength," she murmured.


"Hermit, your appearance is strange and unsettling. What's your purpose here?" The question wasn't born out of curiosity. But she couldn't step away, not yet. The contact was too long and she withdrew her hand.

 

[TacoMann]

The Hermit merely smiles in a manner that would normally prove reassuring, "My purpose is simple. I seek The Story. Here, in this town, I will find the heroes, to whom I shall play my role. You. King of Cups, are but one of them. Others shall join us, united under common goal I suspect. Regardless. I believe that you shall be one of the many my travels along the path provided by the force that drives us all guides me to."


The figure pulls away, looking to the three newcomers to head for the city gates. "We shall speak again. In time. May your chapter to follow be a happy one!" A warm smile as they wave, and turn to walk towards the foreigner and child, bringing the hood of their robes over their head so as to be just abit more conspicuous whilst they approach, bowl in one hand, cards in the other.

 

[folclor]

Relieved to be free of the situation, relieved her feet finally moved, she walked away. She wanted to run but that would cause a scene. Causing a scene would be the least intelligent thing she could do in this situation. She wandered, clearing her head as she walked. Her mind wandered, thoughts swirling wildly.


The sunshine was not her friend but she stopped at a stand for a local bakery and bought a treat. The taste of pastry and cream calmed her and set her mind at ease. Sugar, sweets, delicacies. Life held such good things. Though she sometimes wondered why Death took such precedence in her life, she knew she had to continue walking this path. No temple to her goddess would be found here, but she would venture to the graveyard.


After she finished her food she left the festival and walked down into the graveyard. She would stop to pray at every stone.

 

[SephirothSage]

The foreign soldier continues humming as she swigs back her ale- sighing contently as she lowers the skin from her lips and wipes her mouth. She sighs at the childs continued silence, before looking forwards in the path- and just in time, it would seem, as she but narrowly avoids the robed waif before her. She chuckles softly- holding up her hands in apology.


"Sorry, little one! I didn't mean to run into you there- are you quite okay?" She says warmly- a cheerful gleam in her eyes and on a warm smile on those pale lips. Violet eyes gleam from a full, lively face, and black hair frames it all as she comes to a stop, smiling broadly.

 

[TacoMann]

The figure chuckles. "Oh no need, no need. I am more than well, stranger." They smile, gleaming over to the child whom the soldier brings with them. They turn to the soldier again, and pull back their hood, the smile only growing wider and broader. "Your path has brought you far to tales to come, your voice belies it." The figure raises a hand for a moment, as if to snatch something, before settling on patting the stranger on the shoulder, and awkwardly folding their hands together. "Tell me, stranger. Would you allow me to know your role? To read you, with cards, and see what is gleamed through the twists of fate?" The youth gazes, eyes wide, as they take a step back and pull out their tarot deck yet again.

 

[Orikanyo]

The wheel of fate turns.


A group readies to set out.


A story is started.


All things start somewhere, all things must have a beginning. A tree from a seed, a page from a tree, a story from a page. But what makes these things come about? Choices, a choice to plant the seed, a choice to let it grow, a choice to make the tree to paper, a choice to write the story. You are the product of so many choices, and so you make choices on your own, such is why we exist, such is why everything exists, from the simplest beast, to the mightiest god, we make choices that effect all...


Every story has choices, which ones will you all make I wonder?


A young woman reads the future.


A man seeks warmth and others like him.


A warrior seeks friendship.


A child is taken with her, no doubt wishing to be elsewhere.


A few of the many who start their story, let us pave the future for them, for they are us, and we are them, as I am every person you meet, you are your character in this game they call life.


Let us breath life into them.


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The Red Dragon INN is bustling with people today, nary a soul inside is alone, people dancing, singing, or simply laughing, a place of revelry to welcome the new festivities in town. The place streams with excitement and friendliness, for in this town, on this day, all are welcome to the hearth, the hall, the meed, the food and a seat to rest themselves. A waitress comes to you, @SeemosYantra eyes filled with happiness but sweat covers her brow from her work, she seems to be enjoying herself.


"Hey there, abit chilly out today huh? been awhile since we had to light up the fire but don't seem to be botherin' anybody though, can I get yea anything? First round for all is free in mark of the festival, something to heat you up eh?"





Outside can be heard the shouts and talk of the festival, many people sell wares and treats along the way aswell as artists showing their many piece and welcoming all to gaze upon them. The day's slight chill bothers none as they set about their revelry. today is Sheyln's day, misery is not welcome and will be met with joy and merriment should any dare to lack them.


Joining our three fellows.


@TacoMann


@SephirothSage


@vinom (when your ready to come in, no sense kicking you to the curb, bad metaphor, sounds mean)


No one seems to bother you three in the moment, though a waiter seems to be eyeing you three in wait to serve you all, should you call on him. he seems to be a meek yet handsome man, his eyes glance up to the three of you, then the floor in equal time like a frightened dog.


Joining our friend in the graveyard.

Relieved to be free of the situation, relieved her feet finally moved, she walked away. She wanted to run but that would cause a scene. Causing a scene would be the least intelligent thing she could do in this situation. She wandered, clearing her head as she walked. Her mind wandered, thoughts swirling wildly.
The sunshine was not her friend but she stopped at a stand for a local bakery and bought a treat. The taste of pastry and cream calmed her and set her mind at ease. Sugar, sweets, delicacies. Life held such good things. Though she sometimes wondered why Death took such precedence in her life, she knew she had to continue walking this path. No temple to her goddess would be found here, but she would venture to the graveyard.


After she finished her food she left the festival and walked down into the graveyard. She would stop to pray at every stone.

(Since apparently I cannot link your name here)


The somber place lacks the joy and merriment the main square holds, but you can still see a few people talking to old friends long and gone and laying flowers here and there. two people give way for you to resume your prayers, seeing your emblem, it is not often you get folk welcoming a cleric of the lady of the Boneyard with smiles and joy, today seems little different save for a small meek. "Good day miss." from the two men who were gazing sadly at the stone. The stone reads a faded letter, warranting closer inspection if you wish to ordain whom it may be, you can also seem a metal flask and a long rusted dagger laid next to it at it's foot.


The two men are built tall and strong, but age has withered them considerably, they look similar enough to be brothers, but one wears the cloth of a richer man as the other wears clothing of a man who works with wood, or atleast came here directly from such work. "Come to give respects priestess? We came to see our brother here, he were a soldier yea see, thing is he survived every battle he came to by the skin of his teeth, said death didn't want him cut tah pieces." the woodworker stated, then laughed heartily as his brother smirked abit at the memory, but remained quiet. "Well, till sickness took em that is, how it is ain't it? Can't get your head lopped off by die to a cold, always was a sickly one." he shook his head but remained jovial.

 

[TacoMann]

The Hermit nods with a smile, accepting the shelter and inviting their companions with them. As they sit down, they slide out their deck flat along the table, the back of each card entirely exposed.


"...You know. I suppose this qualifies as a special occasion. I've found the story after all..." The urchin mutters, before looking over to the waiter with a warm smile. "I wouldn't mind a nice, hot tea. If it wouldn't be too much to ask."





They look back to the soldier. "Now. I'd ask you pick three- Do not look, but select three after you've ordered your drinks."

 

[folclor]

(should be able to do so from here on out. link to 'folclor')


Used to the dislike, she passed through the stones and few mourners easily, continuing her prayers until she came upon the two men. Surprised at their appearance as well as the greeting she stopped and listened. Both were at least a head taller than her and, though she usually wouldn't let something seemingly trivial disrupt her devotion, she knew to respect her elders.


"Urgathoa's hand is merciless," Amaya agreed, her tone grim. "It is good that you remember him in joy. That gives his soul happiness in the afterlife." She smiled. "What was his name?"


From the satchel on her side she pulled out a black, thornless rose, one she'd found on her path on the way in, and a vial of holy water. She'd been saving a blessing for a stone in this cemetery and thought it might be best to honor this gentleman. Though it would do him little to no good as he was already passed, she always took it upon herself to honor a fallen hero when she visited a town.


She looked closer at the gravestone, trying to discern it.


[dice]12569[/dice]

 

[SephirothSage]

The soldier woman chuckles at that. She gestures for the feral elfling to follow- hoping that the kid enjoys the novel experience of a warm inn full of life and vigor; unsure if the child is old enough for alcohol or not due to not knowing how to judge elven age. So she hums as she settles in, and turns to relax in her seat- to find that strange wandering child there with her again. She crooks an eyebrow at the Hermit, as the figure seems to identify itself... and shrugs.


"Something damn strong, aye?" She says- flashing a smile at the waiter as she orders.. before turning to the Hermit, expecting her drink to arrive and surprise her shortly.


"Sure, I'll indulge you I suppose. The winds of time blow ever on, after all- may as well see which way the Dragon of Fate's decided I'm being pulled." She says jovially- and with a quick motion of her hand, she pulls three cards without sparing them a look- her eyes roving to search for a certain elven child, to make sure no mischief is being had.

 

[TacoMann]

The Hermit smiles, and swiftly folds her deck into a single stack, sliding out, first, a single card, flipping it to reveal an image. A man in splendid robes, a wand raised towards heaven. A table before him, bearing a pentacle, a wand, a sword, and a cup. A symbol of infinity coursing over his head as a halo "Your past draws the magician. Curious. Yet it is not a fate your own. One who bore power before you. One who guided you, divined for you. Their passing was the first major course of your journey, and they where the first lost before your lift spiraled to drink...but is it drink you turned to....ah..."


The figure's hand spindles over, flipping out another card. "...indeed it is...knight of cups..." they mutter, leaning forward as they expose the image of a knight upon a white horse, carrying a golden chalice in hand. "Messenger. Dreamer. And a warrior who wields seduction and charm so much as he wields pain and injury. The slowest of the four, but the most cautious, and a gallant warrior nonetheless. And in your future- Huh."


She exposes a simple image, of a hand bearing a coin. "...The ace of pentacles. The foundation of all goals of the world. A turn for the better in wealth. In your future, you shall have the means to acquire great wealth, to lay the seeds of your greatest material desires. But shall you, is the question. And why shouldn't you? The Knight of Cups often presents himself as a warning, as much as an invitation to joy. Be cautious, Magician's Child. And may your chapters be fortunate." She smiles, folding up the cards back into the deck, and shuffling.


She grins, and begins looking for the child as well. One final reading. Perhaps the perfect fool.

 

[Orikanyo]

"Egbert, hated his name wanted everyone to call him Bert, still stupid soundin' if you ask me." the rich looking man scoffed with a chuckle.


[success, DC 5] As you examine the stone it states on it the name "Egbert Gherman." Died about 21 years ago.


"It'd been a long time since he died, nothin' but bones down there probably, bones and his helmet I guess, thing that kept him alive so long I hear, blades just couldn't cut it, no idea why though." the woodworker shrugged and looked to the town once again. "Gotta go Eric, lest Maria has a fit that I've gone to long." "Aye, good luck." the two parted ways as Eric Gherman looked to your once more.


"The towns a lovely place, if you fixing for some friends among the living look to join in on the games later, have a chapel in town aswell but yea don't look a Cleric of Sheyln to me, offerings to the lady of the dead are made to the tomb stones here really, town of artists, don't dwell to much on the dead... Lest its the newest "thing", don't see many painting the way I used to way back when, not much time for it nowadays with my work... speaking of which, I have to be going. Good luck to you." he stated as he started to walk away, a small wave to bid you good bye, and once more, you are alone in with the dead.


Finally you spy something not to strange for the chilly weather, but a slight fog seems to be rolling in with the wind. The chill today was sudden after such warmer days before, seems to have brought some interesting weather with it, wont be to thick you could wager. (High wisdom gifts insight in some things, be warry not to gift TO much insight to others.)

 

[folclor]

"Good day," Amaya murmured as they left. She knelt, laying the rose on the plot and offering a blessing as she sprinkled holy water on the ground. Staying there a few seconds longer, the chill passed over her skin and her gaze drifted to the fog. "Rest well, Mr. Gherman."


Keeping the brothers' words in mind as well as the invitation (something she would not partake in) her blessings continued until she'd stopped at every stone and plot. She would spend the rest of her day here, though her presence unnerved most other visitors. To make herself less of a nuisance she sat beneath a tree at the far end of the fenced area. Clearing her mind, she decided to meditate. Thus she would pass her day unless someone roused her or she perceived something was wrong.

 

[SeemosYantra]

The Red Dragon INN is bustling with people today, nary a soul inside is alone, people dancing, singing, or simply laughing, a place of revelry to welcome the new festivities in town. The place streams with excitement and friendliness, for in this town, on this day, all are welcome to the hearth, the hall, the meed, the food and a seat to rest themselves. A waitress comes to you, @SeemosYantra eyes filled with happiness but sweat covers her brow from her work, she seems to be enjoying herself.


"Hey there, abit chilly out today huh? been awhile since we had to light up the fire but don't seem to be botherin' anybody though, can I get yea anything? First round for all is free in mark of the festival, something to heat you up eh?"





Outside can be heard the shouts and talk of the festival, many people sell wares and treats along the way aswell as artists showing their many piece and welcoming all to gaze upon them. The day's slight chill bothers none as they set about their revelry. today is Sheyln's day, misery is not welcome and will be met with joy and merriment should any dare to lack them.

Taken a bit by surprize, Ianos turns to glance upon the waitress a bit disoriented at first to then greet her presence with a warm smile, sincerely happy about being treated normaly, a welcomed change from the routine.





-[Making slight gestures, as if reciting a poem] I entrust my sense of taste into your care, fair maiden. It is but a bit of warmth what my heart yearns at the moment, but I bet you ought to gift me a treasured memory of taste in your brews and meals. [Putting his hands together as if praying and closing one eye, still smiling to the waitress] I entrust me to thee.


[dice]12571[/dice]