A Hive of Scum and Karl

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| Reader Note: A copy has been
| sent to Ondemeira the White.
| At the castle of King Guy the First
| in the city of Credia.
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17th of Set, 343 year of the Dominion of Man

We tried to leave Caer Itom today only to find out this city taxes you leaving like that wretched hive of scum and villany in Troker. However, Troker, did not charge you to come in where this huge city must be so destitute it needs to rake you coming and going! We paid for an extra month at the Biboca docks and we worked out shore leave with the acting-captain – Jershon as to what the method of time off for the extended shore leave. This way the ship was never left unattended. Master-Sister Caminata did have a good idea about flying but the Hooman government makes getting anything done so frustrating and futile in many ways. Lines to wait in only to be turned away! It would seem they are not as well off as they proclaim and seek to detract petitioners with needless, repeated acts of supplication before granting the most meager of requests such as leaving the city!

We opted for Master Azariel’s plan of the carriage since I can drive one. We found a covered one with two horses and a hitched rear wagon for extra gear we might have. Tens of Thousands of gold race away akin to a raging river. One might think Hoomans here ingest this the yellow coins to further their life the way they hunger for them.

18th of Set, 343 year of the Dominion of Man

We picked up the wagon in the morning after finding the some of the crew of the Redbeard had “change of heart” and opted to come with us and finish what the late – Captain Overkill had started. I am unsure as to the change of heart but happy none the less. Rogtilda will not be alone to wait and wonder and I believe him to be a social ship if there ever was one.

I am vexed by a situation – however – as Master Tyvernos has stated i do not believe this is a return of my days as a minoteen. The Great Lady of Goodness and glorified light, Isis, wife of my lord and Lawgiver, Osiris, had bequeathed me a relic that has grown in power with me so I may accompany my friends along this quest. I have fleshed out the Hooman persona of Captain Osric Orghaller, Wizard, Mariner to tell my story with lying as little as possible past my race. Now though I found myself lying about the items I had within my dimensional pocketed bag to avoid taxes because I knew not where further monies would be coming from. I wanted to make sure I could aid my friends and not solely rely on draining the Dragon Coins of the good Master Azariel.

Am I evil for this?

They say the path to Hades begins with small steps and yet I wonder knowing I will set foot in the dark world of Demons is this understanding a necessary preparation? The Defilers said to survive in Hades one would have to fit in. Master A’zad always said the only thing that is clear is the past and even then we have to concentrate. Would that I had the chance to ask those among what line in the sand they would not cross? To what end would they go to fit in among the Demonic lands so they could accomplish the “Greater Good?”

We are putting the Lawgiver back together and I feel the single biggest thing we are being tested against is what laws are we willing to break? What is our temper line that snaps if we go past it? My prayers did not bring clarity of thought last night but I know my Lord and his Lady wife can hear them. When they are not looking upon the other worlds that search for her husband’s bones I am sure I will be given clarity or set upon the path of thought to find my own answers. I must be vigilant and patient they are the force that guides my spirit, but ultimately “I” am my only moral compass.

19th of Set, 343 year of the Dominion of Man

Arriving in Syrefald as Ra’s Eye was bearing down from upon its zenith I witness another sign of the decay of this Hooman empire. Brother Indaris and I (mostly him) paid 700 Western Imperials to gain access to the city and get basic instructions to Karl. We began winding through the mountainside terrace city of clear Dwarven influence. Our group began trying to use their skills of tracking by smells and social habits of Hoomans to track a location. We bungled our first two attempts to get information from a psychic and warlock in the town as we looked for Boggan Meats. I will not point out how the bungles went down because we are a group and we will succeed or fail as one.

While I drove the wagon from that point forward my companions found out we could arrange a meeting at a brothel called: Darla’s Darling Doxies. Brother Indaris smirked as Master Burlap made some joke about “Triple D” and teats that I did not get. With Master Azariel’s cunning we made our way to a special doorman, a odd looking Hooman that had almond-shaped, slanted eyes and went by the name Kim Jung Lil. Soon we found the “Hive of Scum and Villany” ran by none other than Karl the Great! What airs he puts on, however, seeing giants – yes giants – and every monster race I could think of underground, I paused. We were in his bailiwick and here he set the rules. However, I was given less than gracious comments by a Rakshasa Demon going by the name, Catmandu. Not one smart enough to remember my observation of not 30 hour glass sands ago I disrobed and change back to Minotaur, naked. Ready to unleash hell and then like that we were introduced to Karl the Great amid whistles at seeing me walking bare fleshed as though I was unaware any harm could befall me.

Not one of my brightest moments but certainly one of my barest.

Karl quit ReSet, helping those of the underworld that support CrIsis. Making a profit as a purveyoor of goods to the underworld regardless whom they root for. He’s in it for himself. So now he hid the piece at the bottom of a trapped filled dungeon maze!?!? If we get it then we get to leave with it. If we don’t, well the story of the one good Minotaur will have a rather abrupt ending. Karl is selling the privilege of viewing us through a gigantic scrying pool to those in the underground bar. He is Greed and Avarice on the side with a smidgen of pride.

I put on the Harness of Law and draw forth Callandor because it is unlikely I will be associated with the weapon in this form to not affect my Hooman guise. Well that is it we are head down and I will send word if we succeed or soon a new member of CrIsis will tell you of how I died.

FORWARD FOR THE LAWGIVER!!!!

Xerx’ses Goldenhorn,
War Wizard of CrIsis,
aka: Captain Osric Orghallar of Rogtilda

P.S. Although I am no priest may the Lawgiver’s judgement keep you and yours safe.

>>> Written by Xerx’ses Goldenhorn, upon the of the closing hours of the 19th of Set, 70th Year of the Wolfen Empire, 2nd year of King Guy the First of the Timiro Kingdom, and 343 year of the Dominion of Man. <<<

Lady in yellow dress, picture by Nomuh.
Map is from PFRPG® Book 8: The Western Empire™ and edited by me.