[5/8/2026, 4:57:14 PM] CBN
passing through the failwall (foundry login) and entering whalefall
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:08:35 PM] Gul Banana
ngl, as someone used to self-hosting foundry the extra load time is mildly annoying for a couple of seconds
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[5/8/2026, 5:14:22 PM] Crion
oim gtg
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[5/8/2026, 5:16:01 PM] CBN
same!
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[5/8/2026, 5:16:17 PM] Ram Banaram
frogsame
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[5/8/2026, 5:16:29 PM] Dammitwho
Alright, just a sec i need to check something
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[5/8/2026, 5:17:37 PM] Dammitwho
perfect, excellent
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[5/8/2026, 5:17:43 PM] Dammitwho
Nicolae?
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[5/8/2026, 5:18:08 PM] Gul Banana
he's also perfect and excellent
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[5/8/2026, 5:18:33 PM] Nicolae
oh shit i'm here, sorry, the pizza driver called to clarify my address
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[5/8/2026, 5:23:01 PM] Nicolae
and now the pizza's here, one sec
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[5/8/2026, 5:23:15 PM] Dammitwho
Alright! While Nicolae's pizzaing:
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[5/8/2026, 5:24:33 PM] Nicolae
y'all want any of this
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[5/8/2026, 5:24:35 PM] Crion
im good
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[5/8/2026, 5:24:42 PM] Crion
...i might order a 14 incher later
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[5/8/2026, 5:24:49 PM] Dammitwho
yeah you will
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[5/8/2026, 5:24:49 PM] Crion
from Da Late Night Place
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[5/8/2026, 5:25:04 PM] Crion
ok look imran isn't even one of my horny characters.
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[5/8/2026, 5:25:35 PM] CBN
religious types are just horny for the afterlife is all.
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[5/8/2026, 5:25:49 PM] Dammitwho
You've broken from the woods, and gazed in wonder on the City At The Center Of The World. Even from a great distance, its size and grandeur are overwhelming. You have a little while yet to go, however: you've entered the Cairnlands, the blasted plains around the city walls, also known as the Siege Graveyard.
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[5/8/2026, 5:26:12 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
We're not here to besiege the city, so we should be fine.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:26:43 PM] Imran Traveler
Interesting.
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[5/8/2026, 5:26:54 PM] Imran Traveler
You'd think they'd do something with the land, but.
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[5/8/2026, 5:27:16 PM] Dammitwho
Millennia of conquerors have attempted to seize the City of the Starstone, and all (as Absalom boasts) have failed. Their siege towers, constructed battlements, and fortifications both rudimentary and terrifying in their arcane might all lie broken and decaying in the ground. A challenge and a warning to the next would-be ruler of the city that Aroden built.
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[5/8/2026, 5:28:32 PM] Imran Traveler
One assumes a record like that inspires lots of cults to try to take the city from within. Midnight gatherings in the sewers, things of that sort. Perhaps that's just the Nidalese in him.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:28:52 PM] Dammitwho
As you pass through it you can see a more literal graveyard as well - stone barrows, ordinary graves, and makeshift tombs for those who fell here, far from their native soil. Roaming through the towers like crows, you notice the occasional Pharasmin priest, intoning the prayers of their creed while swinging censers of blessed incense.
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[5/8/2026, 5:29:27 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak wonders if Absalom has a similarly-vertically-impressive-but-in-the-other-direction dwarven underground.
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[5/8/2026, 5:29:43 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
As we've entered on a cart, nothing could bring Dubnoom down now. He's off his feet, For Once.
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[5/8/2026, 5:29:44 PM] Dammitwho
There's a fair few cults and secret societies in Absalom in general. It's a big place.
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[5/8/2026, 5:30:29 PM] Dammitwho
The man driving the cart, who was on his way to Absalom anyway and took you on as a favor, doesn't remark on any of these things unless you ask him. He's seen them all his life.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:30:54 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran looks around to his fellows. "I could ask after the Nocticulans in the city. Do we have any other better connections?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:31:34 PM] Dammitwho
You got a letter of introduction from Captain Marcellus that will at least mark you as Reliable for the harbor's bureaucracy.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:31:59 PM] Tak Ironflame
"I could find some local dwarves. Probably a few around these parts who've heard of Dongun Hold."
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[5/8/2026, 5:32:36 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran thinks. He has some other favors he could call in, even this far from Cheliax.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:32:44 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I could find the Vudrani community, or multiple separate squabbling communities, whatever they've got. Can't tell 'em why I'm out here, of course."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:32:53 PM] Imran Traveler
Well, probably.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:33:04 PM] Imran Traveler
It's a really big city, and it depends on finding certain kinds of people...
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[5/8/2026, 5:35:50 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Hey, so what are we actually looking for? Via these contacts. Sources of work and trustworthy orb-sages?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:36:03 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"What's your favorite inn in town, cart-driving friend?" Dubnoom asks the helpful man.
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[5/8/2026, 5:37:38 PM] Imran Traveler
"Work is good. Place to blend in and lay low. Yes, orb-related studies are paramount." He wants to remain circumspect around the driver.
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[5/8/2026, 5:39:51 PM] Dammitwho
"Favorite?" The man falls silent for a while, so long you almost think he'd forgotten your question. "The Gilded Goblet. 'Tis a ways from the gate, but quieter for it. The Bell and Hammer is nigh-upon the gate, if you find sleep easier to claim than I do."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:40:13 PM] Dammitwho
"As for food, prices, and all... not much to say between them."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:40:28 PM] Crion
imran has an icon point with the hellknights which is negative, and would like to use it to Gain Knowledge about places to go and things to see which avoid local hellknight or their affiliates' eyes
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:41:01 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
??? Why would anyone have trouble falling asleep, thinks Lindal, the teenager who spends all day running around and jumping on things.
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[5/8/2026, 5:41:11 PM] Crion
this was his 5 i believe, he went 6 5 6, i don't think 6 has any special meaning for icon rolls though
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:42:24 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Gilded Goblet. Mm. Sounds fancy." Better than, Dubnoom mentally adds.
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[5/8/2026, 5:43:43 PM] Dammitwho
Yeah differences between 5s and 6s were a 13th Age 1e thing which we're not using
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:46:48 PM] Dammitwho
Imran knows that the Hellknights cluster around the Cheliaxian Embassy in the Foreign Quarter. Their presence and influence drops sharply the further from the building you go. They consider themselves able to go anywhere in Absalom they wish in pursuit of their brand of justice, of course, and the various city watches are equally willing to assure them that no, they're really not.
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[5/8/2026, 5:47:34 PM] Dammitwho
In practice, so you've heard, there's the occasional negotiation between the two groups that allows the Hellknights to go after a particular miscreant or engage in joint investigations, but you have to be pretty unlucky to be caught up in one of those.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:48:04 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Yes, let's find the inner-city inn. Since we don't know where we're going, it'll be closer."
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[5/8/2026, 5:48:07 PM] Nicolae
iirc tak got an okay roll on his gm-assigned Decemvirate icon-ery. can he leverage that to have heard tell from other pathfinders upon the road of good places to talk to mages, find lodging, food, dwarves, etc.
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[5/8/2026, 5:48:49 PM] Imran Traveler
"We might start there, but we should strive to get out from the Foreign Quarter as soon as we can. Logically, that'll have most of the people we want to avoid in it. And we should especially stay clear of the Embassy to Her Majesty Queen Abrogail I of House Thrune.
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[5/8/2026, 5:49:07 PM] Imran Traveler
"For perhaps obvious reasons."
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[5/8/2026, 5:49:34 PM] Dammitwho
Also, it's no secret: Cheliax appears to be caught up in some internal issue these days. Possibly the aftereffects of the Glorious Reclamation, though of course accurate information about Cheliaxian internal affairs (infernal affairs, hehehe) is hard to come by.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:51:14 PM] Dammitwho
Nicolae: I'll say that your icon connection spend will let you have answers to more specific questions of that type up to a point, though within limits: some places have deals with the Pathfinder Grand Lodge that you as a normie don't have access to
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:52:23 PM] Crion
marking off point as spent. what quarter are the inns the driver pointed us towards in, the foreign quarter? presumably that's where we immigrants are being dropped off
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[5/8/2026, 5:52:33 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal scratches his head. "...not obvious enough, sorry. Are Cheliax and Nidal allies? Or do you just want to stay away from devils?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:52:44 PM] Nicolae
Fair! I don't know all the system deets, if we only get to leverage a roll once I'll hold onto it then.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:52:45 PM] Imran Traveler
"Allies. Ha. Hahaha."
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[5/8/2026, 5:53:09 PM] Imran Traveler
"Nidal is a tributary vassal of Old Cheliax."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:53:41 PM] Imran Traveler
"In better standing than Isger, at least. Those miserable slobs."
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[5/8/2026, 5:53:49 PM] Dammitwho
Nicolae: nah, for this it won't be a one-time leverage thing. I'll let you have like a floating cloud of Basic Information that will last for a while about things that adventurers might want to know from the perspective of Pathfinders
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 5:54:17 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom swings his feet contentedly off the side of the cart. Politics are a problem for other people. People with swords who stand between Dubnoom and other people, sometimes with swords.
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[5/8/2026, 5:54:31 PM] Imran Traveler
He's so wise!
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[5/8/2026, 5:54:45 PM] Dammitwho
To pop off the top of the stack: The dwarven community in Absalom is centered in the mercantile district known as The Coins.
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[5/8/2026, 5:57:27 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Woa. So the triune guys and their impersonated star-god are actually the subordinate ones here?"
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[5/8/2026, 5:59:17 PM] Imran Traveler
"To Hell itself, yes. One does get the impression it is something of an alliance of convenience. But if it came to war, Cheliax likely would win."
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[5/8/2026, 5:59:35 PM] Imran Traveler
He considers the orb, in his mind. "At least given what we know about both forces."
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[5/8/2026, 6:00:47 PM] Dammitwho
They already won the first war, certainly.
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[5/8/2026, 6:01:08 PM] Imran Traveler
The mercantile district sounds like a great place to lay low for a few days, considering we have the coin for it.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:01:49 PM] Dammitwho
You're coming up on the gates... any other questions for the cart driver?
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[5/8/2026, 6:02:36 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Hmm. I know it's probably all complicated and based on land and stuff, but maybe that's what you get for putting too much effort into crushing your own people? Less external strength, or whatever." Lindal's solved politics.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:03:12 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Any other sights you'd recommend beyond the Gilded Goblet, sir?" Dubnoom inquires of the driver, as the gates approach.
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[5/8/2026, 6:04:16 PM] Imran Traveler
"It's mainly based on devil worship. And demon worship. And void worship."
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[5/8/2026, 6:04:38 PM] Imran Traveler
"But I'm told yes, there are material factors."
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[5/8/2026, 6:05:27 PM] Dammitwho
He grunts thoughtfully. "Plenty of cathedrals to see. The Starstone, the Clockwork... Iomedae's got a biggun." He scratches his chin. "Don't bother with the Pentagon. They'll tell ya they're a marvel of Azlanti engineering, and maybe they are, but they're just big grey apartment blocks. Not much to look at."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:06:15 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom nods, stroking his beard thoughtfully, or because it's a little itchy. "Dubnoom appreciates options. Thank you."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:06:39 PM] Dammitwho
"You being a goblin feller, might want to head over to the Puddles if you're lookin' for other goblins. I wouldn't, though. Place is a shithole."
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[5/8/2026, 6:07:23 PM] Imran Traveler
Are we close to getting off the cart?
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[5/8/2026, 6:07:37 PM] Imran Traveler
If this guy starts shouting slurs we can just walk, correct?
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[5/8/2026, 6:07:48 PM] Imran Traveler
If so, Imran will ask about Nocticula and her followers.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:08:18 PM] Dammitwho
"Nothing to do with the goblins, you understand. It's called the Puddles because it's half underwater these days. City never rebuilt the flood walls." He starts as if remembering something. "Lot of scam artists at the gates. Don't pay more than five silver a day for a guide, and if you're looking for work don't pay more than a silver a recommend for a tout. Uuup. Here we are."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:08:43 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom nods. "Good to know!" It IS good to know.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:11:08 PM] Dammitwho
He pulls on the reins to slow the horses as you come up on a short line of similar carts, sitting in the shade of the looming walls of the great city. Guardspeople of the First Watch in their turquoise and white uniforms walk about, inspecting the carts for contraband and noting their owners and cargo.
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[5/8/2026, 6:12:08 PM] Dammitwho
To Imran: "Can't say I know much about that. I'm an Erastil man, me."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:12:33 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom enjoys the shade. It's nice being in treeshade and not waiting on the side of the road for a caravan to get jumped by other guys so you can swoop in later and pick it over. So much nicer to be the caravan, and NOT have any of that happen.
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[5/8/2026, 6:12:34 PM] Tak Ironflame
What sorts of things are contraband in these parts? More importantly, do we have any of that sort of thing on us at the moment? Forbidden potions, illegal wizard beards, lament configurations, etc.
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[5/8/2026, 6:12:51 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Thank you and your horses, good man," although Lindal's not getting too near the horses themselves. "This place is a m a z i n g."
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[5/8/2026, 6:13:16 PM] Dammitwho
There doesn't seem to be a posted list anywhere. Presumably they'll tell you if they find some on you, which seems a little unfair.
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[5/8/2026, 6:13:41 PM] Imran Traveler
"Fair play, good man. Good roads with good ruts in them."
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[5/8/2026, 6:13:54 PM] Imran Traveler
He hops down from the cart and takes up the packs.
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[5/8/2026, 6:14:27 PM] Imran Traveler
Without Brun here, he'll be carrying more of the party's load. All the more reason for us to find lodging immediately.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:14:40 PM] Dammitwho
"Aye. Hope you do well on whatever it is brings you to the city. You're not the first I've carried this way, and I never learned what happened to them either. Just how it goes, I guess."
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[5/8/2026, 6:15:05 PM] Imran Traveler
"If you learn what happened to us, that means we've been in the news. Not good; not good."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:15:22 PM] Dammitwho
"Heh! Isn't that the truth."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:15:57 PM] Imran Traveler
Alright, what's the play here? Are we waiting in line to go in through the side door?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:16:14 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom juggles his own belongings, which are numerous enough for him. Especially because he's already used his purloined Highleaf carriage trickery to keep a boat from sinking. His righteous sacrifice...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:16:14 PM] Dammitwho
As pedestrians, you can at least skip the cart line and go straight to the guardhouse. This is the Widdershins Gate - one of the least used gates to the mighty city, opening as it does on essentially nothing but the outlying villages.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:16:50 PM] Dammitwho
(There's a Deosil Gate on the western side, suggesting that the city is in some sense spinning constantly. Probably not, though.)
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[5/8/2026, 6:16:54 PM] Imran Traveler
"Hup." Imran will take something off Dubnoom's hands, if he wants. He's got a lot of shoulder space.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:17:09 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak grabs his pack and tips his hat to the cart driver. "Thankee. Pleasant journeys to you."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:17:36 PM] Nicolae
more like absalom morpork
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:19:55 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
The whole world spins, right? In an airless void, or on the point of Irori's finger, or as Horus moves it through the sky. Absalom is part of the world... although that's probably less obvious inside those great walls.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:20:09 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom gladly hands off a poorly-lashed rucksack with rope, books, vials of, something?, all packed with the grace of the looter (none). "Thank you friend Imran." His hands are clean.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:21:27 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal has his clothes and all the things strapped to his rattan harness - tools, pouches, more pouches, belts upon belts. He hops off the cart and into DESTINY
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[5/8/2026, 6:22:23 PM] Imran Traveler
Youth. But he's not wrong. Hey there, Ram Banaram.
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[5/8/2026, 6:23:23 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran puts on his Traveler face. He's gained entry to many walled cities before. Maybe not this big, but.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:23:28 PM] Ram Banaram
The frog also hops. More slowly, gazing in unbothered wisdom upon the city, which is no different to any other city from a frog's point of view.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:25:29 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom, unburdened, strides confidently along, phantasmal minion shadowing his steps. What a life.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:25:31 PM] Dammitwho
Heading up to the guardhouse? In this particular case, it guards a wicket gate in the vast seamless-stone ("concrete", you believe it's called - older and wealthier cities use it sometimes in their civic works, supposedly it can be poured like liquid metal and hardens in place) wall that, as you approach it, seems to be holding back an audible roar and chatter as of many hundreds of people all shouting at once. Which it may be.
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[5/8/2026, 6:27:06 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak has his clan pistol in its holster at his waist. To translate the dwarven idiom, "you know he keeps that thing on him".
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[5/8/2026, 6:27:31 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
A commotion! Dubnoom combs his fingers through his beard. Never hurts to be presentable.
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[5/8/2026, 6:28:02 PM] Imran Traveler
Mmmm. Imran will take lead, unless someone else wishes to.
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[5/8/2026, 6:28:36 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
It's probably a normal thing in the big city. Oh, were you at the commotion today? Good one, wasn't it? My niece was a part of the ruckus for the first time this year-
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[5/8/2026, 6:31:10 PM] Tak Ironflame
Based on the reactions of the other travelers, does this appear to be a Scheduled Commotion or an impromptu one?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:32:35 PM] Tak Ironflame
Imran is the face, he can take the lead. Tak will take the rear, just in case we get jumped from behind while walking into the largest city in the world.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:32:57 PM] Dammitwho
The commotion itself isn't visible. The sound is leaking through the closed gates from the other side of the wall.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:33:26 PM] Dammitwho
(and through the partially *open* larger vehicle gate, but you can't see through it from here)
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[5/8/2026, 6:34:11 PM] Imran Traveler
Unfortunate. Commotion inside means longer wait outside. Might mean more distracted guards, but...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:34:20 PM] Dammitwho
About five visibly bored First Watch are sitting in the guardhouse. At the sight of you, one of them stands up in surprise and addresses you. "Looking to enter the city? Business or pleasure?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:34:38 PM] Imran Traveler
"Business."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:35:37 PM] Dammitwho
He nods, marking a piece of paper with a rather ragged feather pen. "Have you visited the Gravelands or the Worldwound within the past six months?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:36:04 PM] Imran Traveler
Without hesitation, but not eagerly: "No."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:36:08 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Assuming they mean some other gravelands, not the ones just behind us?
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[5/8/2026, 6:36:30 PM] Dammitwho
Those were the Cairnlands. The Gravelands are the area around the Lich King's tower/prison, the Gallowspire.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:38:28 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak shakes his head no, supporting Imran's "no".
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:40:03 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom's emphatically shaking his head no. He barely knows what half that stuff is!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:40:27 PM] Imran Traveler
Best if the guard is only looking at Imran. Well, no. Best if the guard is only looking at his list.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:42:40 PM] Dammitwho
He nods, then turns his head to the guardhouse and says "Oi. Larsen."
Back to you, he says, in a manner that indicates he's reciting something he's said many times before: "A member of the varlokkur will now examine you for illegal magics. Be advised that while all spells are legal within Absalom unless specifically outlawed, the varlokkur have determined that some spells have no legitimate defensive purpose and are only useful for the commission of crimes. These include, but are not limited to, invisibility and confusion. In this specific case, the varlok agent will be seeking magics over a specific potency which will require you to register their existence and your possession of them with the First Spell Lord. You may refuse this examination, however your request for entry into the city will be denied until such time as you undergo it. The examination will be brief and will not require an unpacking of your belongings."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:43:11 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran looks back. Tak, Dubnoom, Lindal? Ram?
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[5/8/2026, 6:43:19 PM] Imran Traveler
If no one stops him, he'll assent.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:45:06 PM] Dammitwho
While you're considering, another man in a variation on the guard uniform comes out of the guardhouse. He has magical knick-knacks and charms around his neck and on his belt in an eclectic way that Dubnoom might sympathize with. Bald and with a white beard, his face nonetheless suggests he's no older than late 30s - his hair must be naturally white or have bleached for some other reason than age.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:46:03 PM] Gul Banana
lindal used to know invisibility before respeccing to divine ;_;
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:46:10 PM] Crion
lucky~
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[5/8/2026, 6:46:33 PM] Gul Banana
in fact i am going through replacing level 2 spells as we speak, but invis isn't on the divine spell list so it won't be among them
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[5/8/2026, 6:46:53 PM] Gul Banana
sorry about not having finished this yet X( the 3rd rank ones are all complete, if that helps
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:48:20 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I'm no magician, but the spirits of light see fit to grant me some aids-to-justice. None of them solely criminal in purpose."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:49:03 PM] Dammitwho
Even this guy won't be able to tell what spells you have prepped. It's free real estate (in your mind)
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:49:20 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom sympathizes AND appreciates. Does Dubnoom recognize any of his accoutrement?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:49:25 PM] Gul Banana
oh, is it just looking at magic items? phew
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:51:18 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
19
1d20 + 1 = 18 + 1 = 19
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[5/8/2026, 6:52:12 PM] Dammitwho
Nope! Dubnoom doesn't recognize most of this stuff, except for one or two that promote good health or something. Can't know about every magic gewgaw in the world, you suppose...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:52:38 PM] Imran Traveler
Can Imran make the same examination?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:54:18 PM] Dammitwho
A Check has been Requested
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:54:32 PM] Imran Traveler
29
1d20 + 12 = 17 + 12 = 29
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[5/8/2026, 6:54:46 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom assumes you only accessorize like that for magical reasons. All you really need to know.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:58:33 PM] Dammitwho
Imran actually has a better idea of what the guy's got than Dubnoom does, because he actually went to school and can read books without tensing up! Most of what he has on him are one-use magical items with pretty obvious value for a guard or mystic investigator - a twisted brass knot that turns into an apple that heals wounds and wards off poison, a small sword charm that when activated turns into a heavy wooden shield and masterwork longsword, a bracelet with a dove on it that emits a calming aura (good for furious mobs), things of this nature.
The item he's bringing out at the moment is a stick with a crystal on the end (NOT a wand! They're different!) which allows him to cast detect magic at will.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:59:17 PM] Imran Traveler
Hm. Probably fine. If that worked on the orb in the box, Vaustin wouldn't have gotten to the water, let alone down to Moonglow Bay.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 6:59:47 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
And a motley group entering Absalom turning out to be festooned with an eclectic selection of low-power magic items... is probably not outside of this guy's experience.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:00:09 PM] Dammitwho
In fact you know that it *doesn't* work on the orb while it's in the box. You tested detect magic on it while open and closed.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:00:43 PM] Dammitwho
If nobody objects to him doing so, Larsen the varlok points the crystal at you, and a white light pulses briefly inside it. He steps closer, giving each of you the once over with a critical eye. He pauses only to say "Nice." at the pearly white aeon stone orbiting Lindal's head, and again at the impeccably (maybe?) groomed wizard's friend that Dubnoom is wearing.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:01:09 PM] Dammitwho
"They're clean." He announces to the first guard, and walks back to the guardhouse without another word.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:01:12 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom smiles and nods with (un?)earned pride.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:02:59 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran looks to the guard with the quill. Are they good to go?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:04:28 PM] Dammitwho
The first guard sighs and continues his mechanical recitation. "Thank you for your compliance. Be advised that spells, like ordinary weapons, may be used in self-defense or for the good of the city and for no other reason. Be advised that the good of the city is solely within the discretion of law enforcement, the High and Low Councils, and the Primarch. If you have a weapon with significant range - " Here he looks directly at Tak. "- you are responsible for collateral damage regardless of what you were intending to hit."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:05:40 PM] Dammitwho
"Absalom prides itself on freedom of religion. You are free to worship any gods you wish provided said worship does not violate any other laws of the city. Attacking citizens due to their professed religion is considered assault. Vandalizing houses of worship is still a crime."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:00 PM] Dammitwho
"Welcome to the city of Absalom, please enjoy your stay."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:00 PM] Imran Traveler
'Still?' Imran doesn't say out loud.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:06 PM] Imran Traveler
"Thank you," he does.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:19 PM] Imran Traveler
11
1d20 = 11 = 11
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:30 PM] Dammitwho
whats dis
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:36 PM] Crion
see irc chat
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:06:43 PM] Crion
it's for my icon. no complications
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:08:02 PM] Dammitwho
GAH
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:08:31 PM] Dammitwho
sorry the discord chat i'm in, somebody just started streaming star trek V
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:08:35 PM] Crion
lmao
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:08:38 PM] Dammitwho
so i just heard VERY LOUD star trek theme
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:09:53 PM] Dammitwho
Anyway! The guard steps back and pushes open the wicket gate, ushering you in to the city. The hubbub grows louder, and now you can hear and see it directly - there's a large square on the other side where carts are pulling off and unloading, and a small bazaar has grown up around it!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:09:56 PM] Dammitwho
Stepping in?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:10:45 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran will stride forward, into the City at the Center of the World.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:12:47 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom absolutely strides forward. He got a compliment. This is the best day.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:13:15 PM] Imran Traveler
Big crowd. "Dubnoom!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:13:22 PM] Imran Traveler
"Up on my shoulders! Look over them!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:13:28 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal creeps around the edge of the gate, caution and excitement mixed. There could be Literally Anything inside, a whole world in miniature. And now he's one of those things too..!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:14:03 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran's got a pack slung across there, which is a good platform to stand on.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:14:08 PM] Dammitwho
A large statue of Aroden stands in the center of the square, boldly holding up a replica of the Starstone (Imran was wrong before. It wasn't five different towns that grew together to form a great city. Aroden personally raised the isle of Kortos from the deep and founded Absalom as his first divine act as an ascended god, Absalomites are (were) smug about this)). Around you, tents and awnings flap in the breeze, as merchants shout, hawking their wares to new arrivals to the city.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:14:13 PM] Dammitwho
Group Perception Roller Name Roll + Mod Total Dubnoom "The Wise" 8 + 12 20 Imran Traveler 14 + 10 24 Imran Traveler 6 + 10 16 P. P. Lindalsivranragdya 3 + 8 11 Tak Ironflame 16 + 14 30 Ram Banaram 7 + 9 16
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:14:52 PM] Imran Traveler
To Tak: "Where in The Coins do you think we should look first? Or should we just head in?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:15:29 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom obligingly scrambles up to see. It rules.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:16:04 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak shrugs. "I know as much about the place as you do. Let's head over and I'll ask around when I start hearing some dwarvish." Do we have a rough idea of which direction the Coins are in? Is in?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:16:18 PM] Dammitwho
Behind the tents are flat-roofed stone buildings, one or two stories tall. Lindal is a bit overwhelmed, but the rest of you notice details out of the commotion - a small group of young adults running across the rooftops, leaping over streets, a dark alleyway where a huddled figure climbs out of a sewer grate...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:16:37 PM] Imran Traveler
What's that now?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:16:50 PM] Dammitwho
A small shoony in a uniform strolls down the sidewalk, delivering rolled up papers to each building in turn.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:16:51 PM] Imran Traveler
Teens on roofs, that's normal behavior.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:17:02 PM] Imran Traveler
The sewers, now--
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:17:10 PM] Imran Traveler
Oh my.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:19:19 PM] Dammitwho
Nearby, a loud voice calls out "PETS AND ASSORTED MEATS! GETCHA PETS HERE!" The man(?) behind the makeshift counter beneath the merchant's tent kind of resembles Brun, if he were from a race that were more rabbit-looking than dog. He's shirtless, revealing a heavily muscled physique.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:19:31 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Friend Imran. Can you get one of those newsed papers please?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:20:26 PM] Imran Traveler
"Yes." Imran will walk over to the uniformed shoony. Are they delivering news or eviction notices?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:20:43 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Hang on, Lindal's not *overwhelmed* overwhelmed - he's used to cities. All this country wandering was the weird thing to him, with its arbitrarily wide open spaces. It' s just that this is... a very very *big* city.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:22:17 PM] Dammitwho
Jerky and plucked chickens dangle from strings at the nearby stall, the [kangarooman] standing next to a few small cages drinking occasionally from a skin of alcohol.
The shoony newspaperman? boy? woman? is close enough that Imran can reach them at a swift jog.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:22:41 PM] Imran Traveler
Yeah, he can do that.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:22:55 PM] Imran Traveler
To Dubnoom: "Grab my hair."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:22:59 PM] Imran Traveler
And he sets off.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:23:59 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom holds on, momentarily giving his beard a brushing-break. It's not a -better- feeling.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:24:11 PM] Dammitwho
"Aaaruf! Anon & Afar! Get your Anon & Afar! The latest news from across the Inner Sea and beyond!" The little fellow pants as he continues to stroll down the sidewalk, pausing to look at Imran as he approaches.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:24:29 PM] Imran Traveler
"Greetings. We are from afar, anon."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:24:40 PM] Imran Traveler
"So we are an audience."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:26:21 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"You there, boy! We would love a copy of, of that." He points at the paper.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:26:25 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran looks up. If it requires throwing the pug some coin, Dubnoom will have to handle it.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:26:29 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
There are so many things to look at that it's briefly paralysing. With a brief glance at Tak - a landmark to return to - Lindal slips into the crowd to peer at all the stalls and stalliers. He's mostly watching the rhythm of commerce, to start figuring out how the natives and sellers and tourists interact; on some level, looking for how they bamboozle and heist each other. For those things surely happen.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:26:33 PM] Dammitwho
"Wuff wuff! Six silver pieces a copy!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:26:38 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran's limbs are occupied.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:26:44 PM] Gul Banana
six?!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:27:04 PM] Dammitwho
Anon & Afar is a monthly broadsheet.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:27:52 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
In Absalom they have newspapers instead of a mere newspaper...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:28:06 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom fishes around for coins. "First time reader's discount...?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:29:00 PM] Dammitwho
"Arooo, very funny joke!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:29:29 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak isn't used to seeing this many people taller than him all at once. He looks around at the various vendors, not buying anything just yet, just seeing what the big city has to offer. There are a lot of varieties of meat, he's noticing.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:30:35 PM] Dammitwho
Well, that one specific guy is selling a lot of varieties of meat. Wait, is he shouting at you specifically? "Oi! Tourist!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:31:38 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom fetches the requisite silver and hands it down to Imran.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:32:23 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran takes his hand away from the bags to ferry the silver down to the pug, then picks the bags back up.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:32:53 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak supposes that he is, technically, a tourist, and also, that his outfit is no longer the standard cosmopolitian garb. He moseys on over to the specific guy yelling at him. "Howdy," he says, looking around the vendor stall.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:33:21 PM] Dammitwho
"Ruff ruff, pleasure doing business with you!" The shoony hands Imran and Dubnoom a newspaper and bustles away, looking positively adorable.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:33:50 PM] Imran Traveler
"Hup." Imran gets his shoulders up again. "Wait, where's Tak?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:34:03 PM] Imran Traveler
"Oh Noc dammit."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:34:24 PM] Dammitwho
"G'day, mate!" responds the sort-of-kholo-but-not-quite looking guy. "You're from out of town? Lookin' for a snack, or a little friend? You like orbs?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:34:27 PM] Imran Traveler
He'll head over there.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:35:13 PM] Imran Traveler
Presumably this gives Dubnoom time to read.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:35:30 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
It's only by virtue of the implicitly-cast Dubnoom's Arcane Mount that we haven't vanished in *four* different directions.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:36:13 PM] Tak Ironflame
"What gave it away? Was it the hat?" he says, smiling a little as he touches his hat. "I have a little friend already, but I reckon I wouldn't mind learning more about the local delicacies."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:36:37 PM] Tak Ironflame
It is not clear from context whether he means "little friend" in the "I'm brushing off the vendor" sense, the "Dubnoom" sense, or the "say hello to my-" sense.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:36:59 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
How many languages can Lindal hear being spoken around the market? Is Taldane totally standard, or is the noise as distinct as the appearances?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:37:01 PM] Tak Ironflame
Fortunately, the meat vendor was still pretty close to where we split up, so Tak hasn't wandered too too far.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:37:49 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom hates to read, but he loves to learn. It's rough. What's there to learn, in this, Anon & Afar?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:38:48 PM] Dammitwho
"No worries, mate. We've got chicken, rat, pork, deinonychus, all salted and dried. Good eatin' on every one of them!" He gestures to his arrays of jerkies and fillets, then leans in conspiratorially. "You sure you don't like orbs? Got this fella in this morning. Used to be a wizard's familiar, but then one day... his scrying orb simply vanished!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:39:18 PM] Crion
ok what the fuck
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:39:29 PM] Dammitwho
who could say where the orb went...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:39:38 PM] Imran Traveler
"What's he cost?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:40:22 PM] Nicolae
dammitwho where on earth (or not) did you find that picture
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:40:36 PM] Dammitwho
"SKREEONK!" A cage near the vendor's foot rattles as something makes an outraged noise. "Aw, shut it Steve! No bloodyfella's gone in for you anyhow!"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:40:52 PM] Imran Traveler
"Let me see that one."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:41:28 PM] Imran Traveler
"I'll ask you again what he costs."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:42:26 PM] Dammitwho
"He's one of them bleedin'... ovoraptors." Taken aback, the vendor says. "I'll let you have 'im for a gold piece, and I'll throw in the orbfella."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:43:42 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran pretends to think about. He makes a face. "Maybe we can do that. Can you throw in that little cushion orbfella's sitting on?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:44:05 PM] Dammitwho
Dubnoom, examining the broadsheet, determines that Anon & Afar is a foreign events broadsheet, covering news from across Golarion. Is there anything in particular he's interested in? The biggest news, or a specific country?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:45:17 PM] Dammitwho
"Good on ya. Two copper for the cushion, gotta make a living don't I?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:46:03 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran: "That you do, and a little more." He gives him the gold piece, and the .27 after in silver. "Just for your understanding, you know."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:46:32 PM] Imran Traveler
"If you don't mind -- what's the clearest way from here to The Coins?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:46:38 PM] Tak Ironflame
Tak gets out his own coin purse. "And throw in one of those deinonychus jerkies."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:47:22 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Because he's heard the name recently, Dubnoom is curious about news of Nidal. But also, if there's any sort of international-crossover-event coming to town, like a delegration of visiting diplomats come to Absalom or a summit or something. Also, anything to do with weird magic where the writers are clearly writing around not knowing how stuff works.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:50:08 PM] Dammitwho
Pleased, the kangarooman responds "Cheers, mate!" and pockets your money, handing over a bundle of dinosaur jerky and two little creatures. The orbfella makes a nervous little noise like "moopmoopmoop" and waddles over to squat atop Imran's backpack, while Steve glares at you from inside his cage.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:50:50 PM] Imran Traveler
"Alright."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:51:06 PM] Imran Traveler
"Do any of you wanna try with Steve first, or should I take all this regalia off?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:51:08 PM] Dammitwho
"Now, the Coins, couldn't be easier."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:52:16 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom is keeping his distance. A big bird is like a dog, or a small horse. Hate, caged in flesh.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:52:23 PM] Dammitwho
"She's the center of town, right? Just head west 'til you smell it, then further west 'til you step in it." He laughs, pleased with his own joke.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:52:31 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Lindal steps out of the crowd to point at the cage we're apparently taking into our possession. "What in *various* Hells is that?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:52:49 PM] Dammitwho
I haven't forgotten Dubnoom, just a sec
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:53:01 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"I'm with these fine folk," he notes to the vendor, "and their appalling choices."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:53:22 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran, setting down some luggage: "That's Steve."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:54:23 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Man here says Steve is an ovoraptor," Tak says, taking a bite of the jerky. "Oh, that's good..." he says. And he's a man who knows his jerky.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:54:55 PM] Dammitwho
Dubnoom's newspaper is visibly frustrated at its inability to claw much information out of Nidal. There is a travel warning, reprinted from Absalom's High Council, informing Absalomites that Nidal is engaging in some sort of religious crackdown, and they travel there at their own risk. Several columnists add their own speculations to this, suggesting that (with the recent rebellions in Cheliax), Nidal may itself be looking to make its own way in the world again.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:55:31 PM] Imran Traveler
Mmm.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:59:14 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom narrows his eyes. Reading and NOT learning arcane secrets or how to kill a monster...how do people do this?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 7:59:24 PM] Dammitwho
There's a similar warning from Lastwall, but phrased in different terms. Uluthun II, the Watcher-Lord of Lastwall, wishes it known that the Knights of Ozem are urgently seeking applicants for a life of fulfilling service.
Anon & Afar analysts add additional reporting here: the knights of Lastwall have tightened security around the Gravelands, and several expeditions to the Gallowspire have failed to return.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:00:05 PM] Crion
so steve is a weird dino. i have no idea where these guys are from in the setting, probably the jungles of the southern part of the setting? but if there's a way to use the black triune negative relationship to Secure Help here
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:00:10 PM] Crion
i would like to do that
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:00:22 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
I guess even a life of service isn't enough when you've got a Lich King to contend with.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:00:48 PM] Crion
like if nidal uses weird dinos and he hated his nidalese masters, etc
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:01:08 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom nods slowly. Learning slowly but surely. Frustrating, but neat. Seems like it points AT weird stuff without naming weird stuff. Half the battle!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:01:26 PM] Dammitwho
are you trying to Secure Help to befriend Steve?
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:01:32 PM] Crion
yes
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:01:45 PM] Dammitwho
no need for that much expenditure. he's an ovoraptor, just give him an egg
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:01:53 PM] Crion
no.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:02:05 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
We apparently have an orb-shaped pig - might count as egg-like? Or what's within it might.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:02:29 PM] Dammitwho
no egg? no egg for poor steve????
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:02:38 PM] Nicolae
you have to feed your steve! a steve is a big responsibility!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:02:58 PM] Crion
ugh fine. if the party is fine with us throwing this adorable egg baby to steve to eat, then let's do it.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:03:09 PM] Dammitwho
NOT THE ORBFELLA
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:03:12 PM] Dammitwho
I MEANT A REGULAR EGG
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:03:37 PM] Crion
and now a humble nidalese is getting judged for suggesting war crimes--
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:04:06 PM] Dammitwho
if you do still want to expend your icon connection you can befriend steve with it and i'll give you additional benefits from that later
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:04:09 PM] Dammitwho
apart from having a steve
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:04:20 PM] CBN
gaol for one thousand years
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:04:28 PM] Crion
we literally do not have an egg, so i think i will do that
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:04:29 PM] Dammitwho
i'm just saying you don't *have* to, if you just want a steve.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:05:06 PM] Crion
ok actually
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:05:15 PM] Gul Banana
IN character I don't understand why we want a steve, but would be happy to help secure an egg
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:05:17 PM] Crion
i am going to expend the point, and also get him an egg
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:05:32 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran: "Lindal, could you run over to the market and get us some eggs?"
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:05:41 PM] Imran Traveler
"Larger the better. Spend a little, not too much."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:06:35 PM] Imran Traveler
He walks up to the cage, takes the rest off his shoulders, and squats down. Takes off his glove; puts his hand up on the wooden bars.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:07:05 PM] Imran Traveler
"There will be food here soon. You will be free soon. I see the scars across you; you understand pain. I think you understand waiting. Let's see."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:07:30 PM] Imran Traveler
If he snaps, Imran withdraws, then returns; more snaps, more feints, more returns.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:07:56 PM] Imran Traveler
"Where are you from..."
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:08:06 PM] Imran Traveler
17
1d20 = 17 = 17
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:08:36 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Wordlessly, Lindal retreats from the ovoraptor. He'll attempt to apply his recent studies into the rhythms of local commerce. Can he haggle for, nab or otherwise acquire an egg without seeming like a foreigner to be harassed and exploited...
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:08:49 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Eggs plural, if trivially available.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:08:57 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
Or one really large egg? They might have some interesting stuff around here.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:08:59 PM] Crion
no complications! i would like to suggest a brand on steve that suggests a lesser house of cheliax that gets seconded to nidal or directly a nidalese noble house
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:12:42 PM] Dammitwho
Okay! Imran puts his hand near the grating in the front of Steve's cage, and surprisingly, instead of snapping at it, he sniffs it curiously. As Steve turns to one side, Imran notices a brand from the Chaintongue family, a minor noble house. While you encountering this is an interesting coincidence, Nidalese noble families having exotic pets isn't unusual - though how Steve ended up here is a bit mysterious.
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:12:54 PM] Dammitwho
Lindal! Roll Society!
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:14:04 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
19
1d20 + 12 = 7 + 12 = 19
---------------------------
[5/8/2026, 8:14:06 PM] Imran Traveler
Chaintongue. Incredible. He knew a son and two daughters. The daughters pronounced it Chan-tange. Like the fucking grape drink. The son killed himself. Looking back on it, maybe he didn't.
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[5/8/2026, 8:14:19 PM] Gul Banana
(after dragging a number of strange-animal pictures out of the way)
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[5/8/2026, 8:14:29 PM] Imran Traveler
"Hello. Hello."
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[5/8/2026, 8:14:51 PM] Dammitwho
Steve makes some chrrup-chrrup noises and cocks his head at Imran.
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[5/8/2026, 8:15:47 PM] Imran Traveler
"I know where you're from. I will not be like that, unless they were good to you. Maybe they were. I liked Diamantha. Look at me. Hey. You wanna get out of here?"
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[5/8/2026, 8:15:59 PM] Dammitwho
Lindal is able to buy some eggs, which he thinks he got at a good price but actually only an adequate price.
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[5/8/2026, 8:16:32 PM] Imran Traveler
That's fine, as long as when Imran says, "Take a look at this," and reaches back for an egg, there's one waiting.
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[5/8/2026, 8:17:08 PM] Dammitwho
"SKREEONK! SKREEONK!" Little man wants some eggs!
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[5/8/2026, 8:17:31 PM] Dammitwho
"Moopmoopmoop..." The orbfella has crawled up on Imran's shoulder and is watching Steve with fascination.
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[5/8/2026, 8:17:46 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
There is, but Lindal's holding out the wrap-paper carton at the very extent of one arm's reach while holding his other arm behind him as if to keep as much of his body as possible away from the egg-creature.
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[5/8/2026, 8:18:09 PM] Imran Traveler
He'll give him one through the bars, then as Steve is dealing with that one, open up the cage and wave everyone back -- "Hullo, stay here." -- as he handles the rest of the carton with his other hand.
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[5/8/2026, 8:18:16 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
The egg-eating creature, that is. Not the one shaped like it's swallowed an egg and failed to digest it.
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[5/8/2026, 8:18:16 PM] Imran Traveler
"Thanks Lindal!"
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[5/8/2026, 8:18:57 PM] Dammitwho
Steve curls his tongue around the egg and swallows it whole, then begins chirruping again and doing a little dino-dance behind the bars, clearly hoping for the rest of the eggs.
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[5/8/2026, 8:19:28 PM] Dammitwho
(unfortunately we'll have to wrap up sooner than i'd like, i have to pick up my parents from the airport it turns out)
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[5/8/2026, 8:19:55 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran throws open the bars and holds up the carton. "You ready to roll?"
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[5/8/2026, 8:20:03 PM] CBN
np! we will simply brainstorm steveventures for the future,
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[5/8/2026, 8:20:04 PM] Crion
rip/here's my outro hook
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[5/8/2026, 8:20:51 PM] Gul Banana
it's all good!
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[5/8/2026, 8:21:27 PM] Dammitwho
"SKREEONK!" Steve bursts out of the cage and eagerly devours the remaining eggs. He then hops - with surprising delicateness, given the large hooked claws on his feet - up Imran's arm to perch on his other shoulder. He seems to disdain the orbfella, at least from a food perspective. So now Imran has two little guys riding his shoulders, and possibly three if Dubnoom gets back up there.
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[5/8/2026, 8:21:32 PM] Dammitwho
Babysitter party indeed.
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[5/8/2026, 8:21:49 PM] Crion
oh i extremely miscalculated steve's size
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[5/8/2026, 8:21:54 PM] Crion
excellent
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[5/8/2026, 8:22:11 PM] Nicolae
what does the orb fella eat...?
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[5/8/2026, 8:22:29 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
Dubnoom will take his own shoulder thank you very much. These...animals...can occupy the other. Make friends fast, you two.
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[5/8/2026, 8:22:29 PM] Imran Traveler
Imran nods, takes up his luggage, and straightens. "Tak! Let's figure out where we're going."
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[5/8/2026, 8:22:48 PM] Imran Traveler
Three parcels, three little guys. Strong as hell.
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[5/8/2026, 8:23:30 PM] Tak Ironflame
"Man said west."
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[5/8/2026, 8:23:58 PM] Imran Traveler
"West it is." Dubnoom, you can take the spine and head; orbfella on the left, Steve on the right. Balance.
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[5/8/2026, 8:24:00 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"Ram Banaram, I'm going to need you to infiltrate the society of some alien creatures and report back. I need to know whether they merely *appear* evil."
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[5/8/2026, 8:24:43 PM] Dubnoom "The Wise"
"Westward!" Dubnoom agrees, and totally not because he has no control over where he's going now. The important thing? He's not walking there.
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[5/8/2026, 8:24:50 PM] Prabesh Pranavikram Lindalsivranragdya
"There's a round pink one - might just be dinner - and a false-bird that delights the tall. It may have hypnotic powers."
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[5/8/2026, 8:24:54 PM] Dammitwho
Yeah Steve's like knee height, a little big for shoulder riding but he's very light so it balances out
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[5/8/2026, 8:26:06 PM] Dammitwho
https://i.imgur.com/BF0I3T9.png a bit smaller than would be suggested by this
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[5/8/2026, 8:26:15 PM] Crion
we're missing nicolae next week so we should decide if we're skipping or writing around tak doing something else
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[5/8/2026, 8:26:32 PM] Crion
i would prefer to play but it is what it is
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[5/8/2026, 8:26:41 PM] Dammitwho
I'd like to run next week, maybe we can do a just-Tak gaiden?
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[5/8/2026, 8:27:08 PM] Dammitwho
Regardless, the three of you will enter the Coins district and find a place to stay... NEXT WEEK