Esmerelda and Jacqueline both receive a message from The Librarian, requesting their attendance at the library, at the same time the nether Security Agency get a message asking them to send a representative along.

Once everyone is assembled, and comfortably seated with cups of green tea, The Librarian speaks.

Niska has asked that we deal with a small problem for her.  As you well know, she is a very senior devotee of the god Nethys, and she has become aware of a small chapel that has recently been desecrated.  The desecrator is still in the tower that holds the chapel, but apparently has a prisoner, and she has decided that she would like the prisoner released and the desecrator killed.  Apparently, you will be dealing with some sort of warped druid, but I don't know much more than that.  She also asks that the altar service and symbols of Nethys are taken and returned to her, but says not to worry about damaging the chapel, as it has already been desecrated.  She indicates that, when you have completed the task, the tower will be destroyed.

If you take this task on, you will be handsomely rewarded, although Niska doesn't specify what the rewards will be.

Jaqueline was in a good mood for once, she had setup a small workspace for herself at Lilianne's and was looking forward to craft some beautiful jewelry for the locals or anyone who wanted something custom made. Taking the offered tea the tiefling sniffed at it and quietly grunted in disapproval. She pulled out a small flask from a hidden pocket, unstoppered it and poured some of the golden liquid into the tea. Noticing the quiet in the room she looked up at the Librarian and shrugged "Just for the flavor." Jackie clarified and put the flask away.

"So, just to clarify: We are to kill the druid? Did I get that right?" she asked, intent on making sure they just received an assassination contract. As a tiefling she had little love for most people and while she studied religions out of curiosity, the woman was not a particularly pious person. If a temple or shrine was desecrated the perpetrator had to be punished, whether that justified execution on the spot she was not sure but if they were ordered to do so, she would be sure to cover her sweet derriere that there were no legal repercussions after the act.

"Also, I believe we will need some extradimensional storage space for the symbols and such. That way the items won't be damaged or slow us down should the tower go up in smoke in the process of extracting the prisoner." the tiefling continued, convinced that whatever awaited them inside would need some 'cleansing fire' to be dealt with.

Esmerelda sips at her tea as the initial information is stated for what task lies ahead.

She stands up and paces for a bit before returning to her chair....

"Do we know for certain the desecrator and the occupier are one in the same person?  It seems an assumption, with an apparent hostage to boot, just as easily the other way around, the mastermind and the scapegoat.....if I know anything it is goats....."


She sips her tea....

"I know of two lesser druid sects neither of which should be killed without question.....Natures sickle and natures children; I would rather agree to obtain the items and clear the tower, then sort out the survivors after the fact through the proper authorities...no need to start animosity with an entire sect of druids."


In case anyone wants to know what I am talking about.....

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Two nature focused holy symbols;  From Complete champion (p.135)

Nature's Sickle: This symbol resembles a small
{stone sickle cutting four Stalks of wheat. The wheat
looks fresh and real, even though it is carved of stone. When the
symbol is in use, the wheat actually smells like grain and seems to shine
in the sun. When used to cast any spell from the Earth,
Plant, or Sun domain, a nature's sickle increases your effective caster level by 1.

Nature's Children: This wood or stone carving depicts from three to more than a dozen local
animals, depending on the fecundity of the region and the intricacy of the carving. Sometimes when
you look at it, you catch a glimpse of movement out of the corner of
your eye, though further inspection always shows the animals right where they were before.
When used to cast spells from the Animal domain list or
spells that aid, protect, speak with, or summon animals, this
symbol increases your effective caster level by 1.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Wed 10 Aug 2022.

The Half Orc looks to the Librarian.

Kill the Druid. Save prisoner. Don't break everything.
Ready - Who is the boss?

He gestures at the two crafters.

Tasch is a guard often working in the area, he is generally quiet unless talking with other security agents. He looks strong and he moves easily like an athlete. His feet are barely covered by thin leather shoes almost sued and low and easy to kick off. He has baggy trousers rolled at the ankles and dull maroon in color. His blouse is the color of old parchment and has ties at the wrist, no collar but could be pulled over his head with a bit of attached hood.

He is armored with a longer version of a woolen Fearnought or reefer jacket, it is blue and has bronze buttons and lamellar plates of steel rectangles sewn into it and covering all the body of the coat to mid thigh. Several silken scarfs adorn him including a black one around his waist, a red one around his neck A gold sash from one shoulder with a few small roped in it indicating its use to prevent items from being lost. He has a heavy chain around his neck and waste.

The Librarian nods at Tasch's summation.  "Yes.  Niska has specified that the desecrator should be destroyed.  It appears that she has taken offence at his actions  -  although I suppose it might be a 'her' or an 'it'.  Niska didn't specify."

The Librarian pauses and considers for a moment.  "I believe that Niska is a devotee of Nethys, and quite high up in his regard, as well.  I suspect that she would just have destroyed the tower and everything in it, except that there is a prisoner in there.  I know she intends to do that once you have completed the task."  he almost throws his hands up in the air as he continues, "I don't know how she knows, not how she intends to destroy the tower afterwards.  And I don't question a being with that much power, when they are angry and determined - so destroy the druid, is the instruction."


OOC:  Sorry for the delayed post, but I have had a particularly nasty cold for the last few days, which has made me feel very 'fuzzy'

"I suppose it will not hurt to see what is what and sort out what can be sorted out, seems a good enough past time, so we can get everyone incouding ourselves out of the way and watch as the tower is destroyed....I will have to see that as it happens, the symbology of the tower seems to fit well in this assignment.  I suppose if an execution is in order, the security agent can handle the messy details."

Esmerelda refreshes her tea...

A human of average height, just a handful of years past the onset of adulthood, trots up.  He has shoulder-length dark hair, dark eyes, and a light complexion.  His clothing looks to be of particularly good cut, and has been well maintained, with an ornate breastplate worn over the top, which does an admirable job of appearing to simply be part of his accoutrements.

"I received a summons from someone named 'The Librarian,' if any of you know who that is," he begins with little preamble.  "I'm just getting my workspace set up after having arrived a couple of days ago.  I had heard that this would be a good place to stay and work my crafts, and hadn't expected to find myself called before anyone who had the authority to summon me."

He casts about the group, looking for some sort of clue as to why he might be here.
This message was last updated by the player at 21:00, Sun 21 Aug 2022.

"I thought you might like the opportunity to meet some of your neighbours." The Librarian replies casually.

"This is Esmerelda, Jaqueline and Tasch." he says, indicating them in turn, "They are going to sort out a small problem for Nishka, one of the patrons of this strange little world of ours, and I think that you should go along with them.  Nishka will certainly be aware of your participation, and will certainly reward you."

He smiles, then continues.  "It is always thus for those of us who make our homes, and our living, here.  Although, in all honesty, it is pretty much the same anywhere else, as well."

"Calm yourself youngling.  I am Esmerelda, I run roots, brews and remedies, and make most of the pear based spirits around here, I am obviously a witch, looks like you are new here.  You will sort it all out soon enough."


The tiny gnome stands up and offers a hand to the oversized man....

"Good tough strong hands, if you get some free time you can come and split wood and such for the fire, I sometimes pay in help, so  if you have no coin and have
 been struck blind, I can offer to cure it, but you will have to work off the debt after....."

A Half Orc stands quietly. He has the air of a seaman and a far off look as he waits patiently, daydreaming perhaps.

The tiefling seemed to have been engrossed in enjoying the tea provided, at least she had not actively participated in the conversation. Putting away cup and saucer, Jaqueline offered a better view at herself. The woman seemed to be in her early to mid twenties and looked rather plain with her brown hair and brown eyes, not being exceptionally small or tall either. Some small bumps on her forehead - mostly hidden by her hair - gave away that she was not quite human, otherwise she did look rather unremarkable.

Contrary to Esmeralda, a glint of a mithral chain could be seen under her shirt and a heavy darkwood shield leaned against the wall not far from her. Sighing as the details on the assignment were made clear, the tiefling picked up the shield "Seems that I need to get a decent weapon for myself, which means I need to pay the Emporium a visit before we leave."

"As to the question who's leading: The best idea for completing the task wins, so it's circumstantial I'd say." Jackie told them with a grin, not elaborating any further.

"Did we get the incident with the soul fisher added to the archives, so to speak, and did we find any use for the line we collected from it?"
I am referencing a prior mission, so feel free to ignore it......

she sips her tea, no need to feel the hand of the one with orcs blood, their hides are always thick.....like their heads....she muses to herself....


"Jaqueline is our resident adventuring archivist, though she says she is a factoti...whatever that is..."

Esmerelda pours herself another cup of tea and pages through a book...

"Be good lads and tell us your talents so we know what you qre good at afore we get too far into thing..."

Tremaine's distracted expression seems to slip for a moment as he considers Esmerelda's request for an accounting of his skills.

"I trained for a time with my family's armsmen, and know well the use of my sword, bow, and shield.  I have, however, spent the last several years learning the methods required to create nearly every useful item known to intelligent beings.  The clothing, armor, and weapons I brought with me are of my manufacture, and I had come here hoping to set up shop.  It rather sounds more like we've been tasked with physical conflict.  I am not unprepared for that, as can be plainly seen, but it's surely not what I expected."

The man again seems to cast about a bit as if expecting some servant to be cringing in a corner, ready to bring him a drink or take his cloak.

Seeing Tremaine's look, the Librarian rejoins the conversation.  "There are hooks on the wall, over there," he says indicating a corner close to his desk, "And I can pour you a cup of tea, if you would like."

The pot and some spare cups still stand on his desk.  "Anyone for a refill?" he asks, as he tops his own cup up.

Tremaine looks a bit confused at the offer of a hook on the wall, and it is evident that it never occurred to him to hang up his cloak himself.  He still doesn't seem to realize that he could (or should) do so, but gives a curt nod to The Librarian in response to the offer of tea.
This message was last updated by the player at 20:17, Tue 23 Aug 2022.

The guard, stands quietly, his eyes flick briefly over the doors and any windows then back to the discussion. He makes no motion for tea or comfort.

A sound rap at the door is heard, and upon the invitation to come in a tall tanned man with brown shoulder length hair, hazel eyes, and a brooding expression steps in. A flip of his wrist that holds the invitation is his way of an initial introduction as his eyes rove the gathered.

He introduces himself as Camber of Culdi, fully expecting all to know from the mantle covering his plate armor that depicted a right-handed gauntlet held upright with palm forward that he was a cleric of Torm. Little would they know that he was a reluctant cleric and his heart and true calling was to piddle away his time crafting wood and leather items in his shop.

“What is the meaning of this?” he asks as he again waves the invitation in the air. His tone is neutral, but has a hint of trepidation towards the end.
To cover his anxiety, he adds, “Is someone hurt? Have you need of my services?”

"Tea?" The Librarian asks the newcomer.  The pot is already in his hand, as he pours a cup for Tremaine, then flips over another cup and pours one for Camber.

"No.  No one is hurt, or at least not yet." he adds absently.  "But these fine people are going on a small job for Nishka.  You probably haven't met her yet, but she is one of the 'patrons' on this small world of ours.  Actually, I don't think any of us have ever met her?" That half becomes a question as he looks around at the others in the room, to see if any of them have had the pleasure of Nishka's company.

"Apparently, there has been a temple desecrated, and a prisoner taken.  Niska would like the prisoner freed, and the desecrator punished.  I thought you might make an excellent addition to the group, and help make sure that they all survive."

Camber's face remains impassive and a simple nod of his head indicates he'd be willing to accept the cup of tea.

It doesn't seem that the desecration of a temple stirs any emotions in the man. His face has a bland stony countenance, and the hazel eyes remain cold as he accepts the proffered cup. He balances the small saucer in his large palm, and properly lifts the cup from it. He breathes the fruity, floral yet woodsy aroma of the tea before taking a careful sip.

His mild manner and bland expression belies his forthcoming comment after swallowing the pleasant beverage.

"I've given up the calling and merely wish to wile away my days plying my trade. Surely there's another you can send?"

One would wonder why Camber wouldn't have worn his simple crafter garb to the affair, than choose to wear what he's wearing. Perhaps he's warring with his convictions would be a good presumption.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:24, Wed 24 Aug 2022.

"Send?  You are always free to refuse anything that is asked of you.  There is accommodation for everyone in the residential area, and sufficient food and water whenever you want it.  Netherworld is a welcoming place, and a place of refuge for many.  However, those who contribute more are looked on more favourably.

For example, Esmerelda, has her small farm and cider business to support her work - and recently found that she had a new mill.  Not only does it take some of the drudgery away from crushing pears, it also makes an interesting addition to the landscape.  Then, of course, there are people like the NSA.  They have more comfortable accommodation and all the training facilities they need.  I understand that recently they discovered that their armoury had been upgraded.  Both helped out with a small task that was asked of them.

Some people are lucky enough to be based in the public workshops.  Making use of the tools that are available there, with free run of the resources, and getting to meet the adventurers who arrive here hoping to buy new equipment and, perhaps, helping them out as they practice their skills.

The more helpful people are, the more that either Nishka or The Keeper look favourably on them."  Once he is finished, The Librarian takes a sip of his tea then wanders back around  behind his desk, and reclaims his seat.

Camber mulls over what is said, and has to grudgingly admit he could use some help getting set up here in the Netherworld. A smirk fleetingly crosses his face as a thought crosses his mind.

Would Torm even favor him with a blessing since he'd turned his back on his order to come here? Well, if the God would favor him again, he sure could use some new equipment and a bigger shop which the man at the desk had suggested could be the reward for his help. A bit of work to bring about some good, should he be redeemed by the deity, wouldn't chafe him too much. Even if he didn't get a blessing, he was fairly good with his weapons, and could dole out a healing potion just as fast as a spell. His blasphemy didn't cause any guilty feelings inside him, so perhaps some worship time was in order, he muses.

"Aye, I get your point, and would be happy to lend a hand,"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 23:03, Wed 24 Aug 2022.

"The Librarian speaks true, My concerns are roots, brews and remedies....an herb witch by trade, and the defense of this place is defense o my place in it, and my livelyhood as well.  You see you are part of this places, with great power comes responsibilities, it is not all your rights here, you owe services.  You can opt out at times, but not always....."


The gnome lady walks to the new comers...
"Always glad to have straping yopung lads to keep me safe, and in return we keep each other safe."

It wouldn't be out of character for Camber to isolate himself from everything but his work since leaving the order. The propagandized bamboozling from his family as well as the order had made him resentful of most religious practices, yet he remained pious and committed to worshiping Torm. He'd begun to find solace in his reclusiveness, and should have realized that such comfort still would demand a price.

Camber was beginning to understand what would be required of him should he stay in the Netherworld, and in his mind, it was a small price to pay for the bliss he felt as he answered his true calling.

"I understand, milady, and will do all that I can to protect the Netherworld from within as well as out."

Camber raised the right hand of his white spiked gauntlet, palm outward, a gesture that finalized his statement. He had said what was needed to be said, committing himself and his morningstar to the cause.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:23, Thu 25 Aug 2022.

It is a killing mission. We have a target, a druid. And a hostage to free. TO make you feel better we can say it is a rogue or insane Druid, something about history and the people who write it I think.


Does that challenge your conscience?

"As much as Esmeralda deals with brewing beer and remedies, I'm working with jewels - NOT lifting them from others, I have to stress. But if you need a nice ring for your bride to be, a necklace or a fancy headband to be enchanted, I'm the one to visit." the tiefling shared, whether anyone cared or not.

"And no, I don't have a challenge of conscience going up against this druid. Kidnapping is a crime and needs to be answered."

"A problem of conscience?  With someone who kidnapped another and desecrated a temple to Nethys?  Hardly," Tremaine offers in an offhanded way.  "If those in authority here have declared his life forfeit for his crimes, then I can't see how that's a problem, and even moreso because they  actually sound like they are crimes."

A surprised and please look crosses his faces as he sips the tea.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:41, Thu 25 Aug 2022.

"If the druid finds death from one of my spells, then so be it.  If instead she is captured, her death will be at the hands of the Security agency, as they are the closest thing to a legitimate non-deific authority, judge,jury executioner, we have here.  No worries with that though as they have never abused their authority in any way, that is just my view of it, however."

Esmerelda sips her  tea....

"If an agent ever gets out of line, with me, I would cook him in a pot, dearies, so there is that."

Tasch chuckles and bows to Esmerelda. His question answered he faces the Librarian in silence.

Jaqueline seemed to reflect on something before turning to address Tremaine directly "Did I get this right, you craft weapons? - If that is right, would you have a scimitar of masterwork quality that I could purchase from you?" she asked seeming quite interested.

"A scimitar?  Yes, it so happens that I do.  I've been carting it around for a while now.  Would you like to come take a look at it?"  Tremaine seems to brighten more than a little at the prospect of showing off his handiwork, and loses some of his slightly abrasive air.
This message was last updated by the player at 03:06, Sun 28 Aug 2022.

Esmerelda laughs a little....

"A nice new scimitar to kill a druid, I like the cold irony of it....."

Jackie raised an eyebrow at Esmeralda's comment "Cold iron? That's a thought for another day." she answered and took out a notebook and started scribbling something into it.

Once the tiefling was ready with whatever she had written, she turned to Tremaine "Indeed it would be nice to take a look at that scimitar, you have it with you or should we visit your place before we leave?"

"It's at my shop, of course," Tremaine replies, "and I'd love to show it to you once we have a free moment."

He turns to The Librarian and absently half asks, half demands, "Well then, where is this place?  How shall we find it?"

OOC:
Apologies here, all.  I'm trying to play a character with below-average charisma, in the form of slightly lower levels of social grace.  I keep writing dialog for him which is overly harsh, instead of mostly-OK-but-occasionally-awkward-or-rude.  After I write it, I go back and try to revise it to make it fit.

Camber looks expectantly at the man, waiting for an answer to Tremaine's question. He finishes his tea, returns it to the saucer, and sets it down on the table The Librarian is sitting at.

Esmerelda finishes her current cup of tea...

"Are we ready?"

The guard perks up ready to act.

The Librarian nods.  "Follow the South Wing, and walk through the caves you will find there, then keep going.  Eventually you will find another cave mouth, with will lead you to your destination.  Be sure to mark your exit well, for that same cave will lead you back here, once you are ready to return.""There is a short pause, then The Librarian smiles softly and continues, "May you have the blessings of The Lady, and complete your task successfully and safely."

Once Jaqueline's new scimitar has been collected, and you have gathered your possessions together, you meet again in the central hub.  There are a few people milling around, collecting fruits and even some of Esmeralda's pear cider, and even a few vendors selling, or bartering, small home-made items - but the South Wing stretches before you - becoming you forwards.

The ubiquitous pergola rafters and overcast sky.  Stone benches are paced either side of the walkway, close to decorative brick walls, under the ubiquitous pergola rafters and overcast sky.  It makes a good place to sit and talk, when you have leisure, but that gives way to rough stone walls and an uneven floor with a winding path that leads the way onwards.  Soon, the roof closes over completely, and you are in a narrow cave, where the pale grey walls drip with water.  Dim light comes from glowing mosses, growing in patches on the roof and upper walls, while the lower walls are covered in dark green moss and has strange-looking ferns cling to the bare rock. The cave floor is covered in a rich, dark loam, punctuated by loose boulders and rocks.  A stone path leads between banks of mosses, ferns and fungi that you know help to provide sustenance to the residents of Netherworld.

Eventually, the path leads into a smaller, drier, cave with a shingle floor - and the path winds on towards another cave entrance.  You can see a night sky beyond, speckled with stars of a constellation that you don't recognize.  But as you press forward, the darkness is replaces with a growing light, and soon you are standing in another shallow cave.  Beyond, you can see the early morning light of a brand-new day.

OOC: You all got some XP for good RP :)

Tremaine cautiously moves forward, taking in the area beyond the cave mouth while his eyes are still in shadow, trying to get a sense of their surroundings before his eyes are dazzled by the more intense light.  He also moves his cloak to cover his breastplate, so that errant rays of light cannot be reflected and give away his position to anyone looking toward the cave.

Camber stands silently amongst the others, looking out as the sun peeked out over the horizon. He thought to himself that the sooner this was over the better, as he waited for someone to take the lead. He planned to stay in the second rank of the party to lend support with his morningstar or a prayer to either the front or back of the party as he was needed.

Jackie was taking notes in her notebook and barely paid attention as they walked into the cave and only looked up when the light of the day was illuminating the second cave. The tiefling looked around appearing a bit like a dreamwalker waking up. "Are we there yet?" she asked, nobody in particular and not exactly expacting a reply.

Seeing that nobody was taking point the woman shrugged, might as well be her. With that she moved forward, out of the cave, blinking in the bright light...

Esmerelda sets down one of her jugs just inside the cave,
"There is a mark for us to know we are back in the right place....."

"No." the Librarian responds, "Although you could mark the cave when you get there."

Tasch follows Esmerelda as he sees her as the leader. He arrives with the others, he shows them a piton with a link, and some chalk "I'll mark it." then pockets those follows Jaqueline through the next cave, a heavy spiked chain over one shoulder as he walks.

If they come to an exit - he will mark it with chalk and look around and listen and smell for any threats before considering his hammer and pitons.

21:36, Today: Nether Security Agency rolled 24 using 1d20+10.  perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Fri 02 Sept 2022.

To be continued ...