Entering Abbaddra
Revisiting a previous post from late 2022
Posting again from the forum site/txt based game. These scenes were from about a year ago after the PC’s and the NPC’s had arrived in the Stygian city of Abbaddra, after narrowly surviving an ancient crypt the desert winds had unearthed that was full of ancient tech and ravenous serpent men. The scene takes place between one of my groups actual meet up games and uses the Cypher system rules set in my homebrew numenera game. Lots of RP and story progression,A.K.A. “setting the scene”
Cast:
Zu-Orphaned Dawnlander Kid
taken in by Amber Monks
Tessa Lai’Renna Xiu-Pi- Mutant adventurer
with hidden talent
Dacc-Dacc- Mutant Nano who
Controls Gravity
Otsgar-Seeker/Northerner Merchant & Rogue
Isaiab-Grizzeled old Sorcerer and thief
Asrafel User-son-Young adventuring exiled Stygian noble
GM:
It is not long before you enter the foreigner’s district proper and then onto the grounds of Otsgar himself. The multi-storied building is sprawling and while constructed as and in the same style as that of the local culture. It and the grounds are ordained with decorations featuring Otsgars Northern lands. Outside on the grounds a feast and revelry are taking place. With much music, feasting,and dancing. The local time of the veneration of the local gods is in full swing. You all sidestep the partiers from local bureaucrats playfully arguing among their peers, stopping their debates only long enough to down potent liquors and sample cooked meats. To local men and women of some renown, to the peasant family, blessed by the gifts of Otsagar. Sidestepping a troop of temple virgins beginning their routine. You all come to the main door. The large double wooden door, (Those must have cost Otsgar a fortune wood is scarce enough but these doors are three times the height of a man and twice as wide), and is guarded by a humanoid of some type.
The doorman is a hulking,crab-like creature who narrows his myriad eyes at you suspiciously and folds three sets of arms across his chitinous chest. Tessa rolls her eyes and struts up to the doorman. “Hey, we’re supposed to meet someone inside. Get out of the way, would you?” He blinks his eyes in series and flexes his chitinous armor, blowing an exasperated sigh out of his spicules in a shower of salty froth. Then he speaks in a wheezing voice. “You ain’t comin’ in dressed like that and you ain’t comin’ in with your weapons.” “And just what’s wrong with how I dress?” asks Tessa. “Nothing. If you were on stage. As to the weapons, the problem is obvious.” He rattles his hindlimbs against his shell aggressively as you all eye the weapons on your persons.
“I have but this knife,” states Dacc-Dacc as they slowly remove it from within their robes. “I am loath to part with it, as it is the only token I have left of my family. If you have a way of binding it to the sheathe for the time I am here, I would be happy to oblige.”
Zu shrugs and unfastens the bracers that hold his snap blades without protest. He kneels down and pulls a dagger out of his boot, then hands all three items over in bland silence.
The doorman bodyguard nods and places a bio identity tab on it. No need to worry, it’s biodegradable and will mark your dagger for a few hours at most. After collecting all the weapons, he waves you all in with a lumpy, red-hued claw. His mouth parts and his pretasters are clicking and moving quickly.
Dacc-Dacc frowns to be parted from the tool but follows along behind Tessa as she enters. “Are we to see Otsgar first, or did you want to try to examine the data? If there is a usable workspace you can access, I’m fine with either option.”
They try to take in the structure and ground plan of the building, noting the people they see and what technology is present.
They enter into Otsgar’s abode. A multi-storied structure, more mansion than a house, and part merchant house to boot. The music is loud, and all Tessa can do is nod at the query. Looking around the house of Otsgar is in full revelry. There is much food and drink, and it is being brought and placed in the center of huge tables for those seated and even for those who wish to pick succulent delicacies, of warm spice breads, sweets, roast meats, and various bounties from Stygian farmers’ fields. Various wines and spirits are also flowing freely.
The music is a traditional Stygian style, but light and festive. Several dancing girls are undulating in time to the music, their nubile forms shining from the various lighting of the positioned stages. Of the patrons, there are many. Foreigners mostly of the same foreigners enclave, here in the city. Fellow merchants and less savory peoples have come to enjoy Otsgar’s hospitality. You spy a troupe of Bravos from far off Jorrdabba their method of dress the tell-tell sign, as are their long thin cutlasses at their hips. They speak loudly and with purpose, their brittle pride ready to answer at the slightest spark of affront. Looking more you see what you think is a Djinn sitting in a corner of the room. Shadow and smokeless flame covering him as would a fine cloak. You even see an extorter and kidnapper from far off Kush speaking to a very young dancing girl his hand on one of her bare buttocks, much to her blushing and giggles. Tessa looks back at the two of you after taking in the whole scene, raising her left eyebrow and then rolling her eyes at the gaudy display Otsgar has put on.
Dacc-Dacc merely stands silent and takes in the revelry. They note Zu’s response to the scene, as well. The idea of so many bands of humans and humanoids reveling together under one roof would summon furious disbelief from the elders of-,…….
They bite their tongue. There have been enough memories for one day. Dacc-Dacc bows slightly and motions for Tessa to lead on. Zu-Zu’s mouth hangs open a little as his gaze lingers over the girls. He’s too busy to notice Tessa’s reaction. After a second, he snaps out of it, licks his lips, and stares hard at the floor. He nods and indicates his willingness to follow.
The two follow Tessa through the tangle and display to the largest and most debaucherous of those in the establishment. Gilded cups and platters heavy with food and drink nearly bend and fall under the very weight of their contents. Dancing girls and even noble women, dressed as provocatively as their lesser sisters, sit on this lap or that, human and otherwise speaking things and promising pleasures to make a common street trull blush. Of the males, all are either taking in some form of bodily delights, at least those if barely proper for public display. Representatives of warring tribes human and others slap each other on their backs and trade bold boasts and lively jokes. If anything can be said for Otsgar, it is his ability to bring people, no matter their differences together.
Tessa makes a mental note of this seeing in him a similar thing as her friend Modellii. She wonders if one learned it from the other, and if so whom from who? Or was it some common trait shared equally and outside of both? Looking around you see the Conjurer, Isaiab seated at a table but on a smaller one set slightly apart from the grand one. No dancing girl offering her fleshy pleasures, or food piled high before him. A single black stone goblet its contents smoking an arid green smoke and fumes from it are his only companion.
Of Otsgar, he is literally standing on a clear area of the table pouring wine from a silver decanter to waiting cups held high. Spilling as much as that made into them, his deep laughter rebounding off the wall.
“So there we were. Stranded in the desert! No food or water to any of us! Death waited,.. it’s thrice cursed bony hand ready to snatch us all to its hungry maw!” “What happened next!?”, someone nearby shouts “Did you slay any of your own to take what water they had you scoundrel, and dog hair ridden Northerner!”
“Fah!”, answers Otsgar a pearly smile on his lips. He takes a big gulp of his heady wine a thrusts his arm forward to Isaiab. “Our own Isaiab the mad, conjured a very angel from heaven that led us to an unknown oasis. Saving all our flea bitten hides!” With this he laughs even louder, and staggering a bit gulps down the remaining contents of his gigantic tankard. The rest of this table see this as another opportunity to cheer again and toast Isaiab, and to drink even more.
Dacc-Dacc tries to remain as unobtrusive as they are observant, taking in names and stories as much as the raucous din of debaucherous merriment will allow. They keep their limbs close within their robes. Dacc-Dacc makes special note of the boasts about Isaiab, perhaps someone to learn from later. Zu is familiar with Ostgar’s bluster and with the luminous grandiosity of his hospitality. He hides behind Tessa a little, afraid to get spotted and called out by their boisterous host.
Otsgar exclaims loudly, “Ah! Is it not my lovely multi-breasted adventuring companion!” looking in the direction of their entry. “Won’t you join us? Your triple femininity is a very earthly sight of the goddess Derketo herself” he adds hopping off the table and moving forward. His long woolen cloak dragging on the floor behind him.
“I see you have brought,the young lad Zu.” Turning to those at the table, he says in a loud voice. “This one saved us again in another fell tomb of aeons past not a week ago! His skill in unarmed combat ,brought from the teachings of masters from a far off land; the only thing that kept us from being torn to shreds!” This gets a hearty cheer from the table. Turning back towards you he address’ the trio. “I see there is another of a strange bearing, but if you are with these two,” he points to Zu and Tessa,”Then by Mitra! You are welcome in Otsgar humble abode!”
Dacc-Dacc bows. “I am grateful for your hospitality. I would like to discuss future employment when it is convenient for you.” Dacc-Dacc stands a bit awkwardly a moment before leaning toward Tessa. “Would this be a good time to ask about workshop space for examining your purchase?” Zu bears the attention mostly by keeping his head down and blushing with fervent intensity, but he looks up bright-eyed at the mention of a workshop.
“Purchase?” he asks Tessa and her friend with interest. “What kind of purchase?”
Dacc-Dacc grips the data crystal within their sleeve, just inside the long cuff, and holds it an angle Zu can see, but that other attendees are unlikely to notice. Even given the extravagance of the celebration around them, Dacc-Dacc considers information to be of intense value. They guard it accordingly, and the crystal quickly disappears again within the folds of their robes.
Tessa explains to Otsgar, “A small and interesting crystal storage unit from a street vendor. Although that certain vendor is quite famous in Abbaddra,” she shakes her head. “Something about him gives me some measure of dread, and it’s not just that he has a case of the dropsies/leper”
Otsgar nods, agreeing, “Tis true. Many strange folk and non-men walk this city. The city, now as we speak during the very celebration of Derkato, has been visited by members of the order of the Amber priesthood, and with them it is said they have secreted away into the city their own Dark Inquisitors, such are the rumors spoken.” Moving on to other matters, he says, “As to your young companions. I do have a workshop you may use, alas, however, if I remove myself from the festival, more than one eyebrow will be raised, and I trust you wish your investigations to be as private as possible?” Not waiting for a reply, he adds, “Take a seat and speak with the old one Isaiab and the brash young Asrafel at their table,” he says cocking his head a bit. “I will open any of my resources to you.” Turning back to the lovely Tessa, Otsgar says,” Tessa, my dear, perhaps I can offer that you dance with Zafriti in the Lusty Maidens Revel? The two of you are sure to tempt even the most pious of men and women here. After all, it was said that Derkato herself sampled the pleasures of not only Gods but of Goddesses as well,.....mayhap you would perform in honor of the Goddess? I hear that Derkato is venerated in your far-off land, were narrow eyed sword masters are true masters of sword, bow, and riding beasts. Unlike their counterparts in other nations that hoard such treasure, they wear fine silk and gold-adorned armor into the most deadly of battles.”
Dacc-Dacc’s eyes widen a hair at Tessa’s mention of disease. They hope it isn’t catching. Searching for a curative cypher is now much higher on their list of priorities. Still, it’s too late to worry about infection at this point, after so much contact with the crystal.
“Thank you for your hospitality, dear host. I look forward to seeing more of your facilities.” They bow to Otsgar and move to join the table indicated. No need to offend the host, and Dacc-Dacc had wanted to speak to the older man anyway.
Dacc-Dacc heads to the old conjurer and young sell swords table, measuring his steps, “I am Dacc-Dacc. You are Isaiab, if I heard correctly. Can you tell me more of your recent time in the desert? If his description was at all accurate, you have wielded great power and well. I would know more if you will speak of it.”
Zu’s eyes are set alight by the intrigue of new information, but Otsgar’s admonition reminds him of his own business. “Er,” he stammers. “Modelli was watching my... um. Woman.” As he whispers the last word, he flashes a self-conscious glance in Tessa’s direction. “For me. Is there any news on her condition?”
Tessa takes an offered goblet from Otsgar, ”Perhaps I will, but the cost of such,….“entertainment”, will not come cheap.” She takes a sip and raises an eyebrow at the fine quality of the wine. She waits for Otsgar’s reply. Otsgar bellows in laughter. “My dear fine creature. I would nary dare to ask for such without some payment!” Grinning, he adds. “Let Zafriti know the when and where and let the dance commence!” With that, he chugs the rest of the contents of his tankard. Before letting Zu or Tessa leave, however, he speaks lower and with a serious tone in his eyes and voice. “As for the white-haired girl,...she is resting and under the care of a berber of sorts. A highly skilled physician, who deals in exotic medical needs and those of an,..”adventuring” nature. I have placed the girl under tight guard, and even the said doctor. He is good, and his skill, silence, and loyalty are mine as long as my coin flows. He says the girl should revive fully in the next few days and that he will take his payment and leave when she does. The doctor is called Nagilum. A strange, “fellow” of lost tech and stranger construction. They are on the topmost floor in the tallest tower spire of this very abode.” Looking back, once he adds. “As to Modellii. I fear a fell curse has befallen his flesh. Not a day ago, he was attacked, and if rumors are to be believed It was the very undead fiend that your pirate captain keeps in her ranks. Seems there was a debt of bad blood between them, and the vampire took his revenge. While Modellii still lives,..if living it can be called. The undead’s curse now courses through his veins, and he is slowly succumbing to a hell that there may be no return from.” Otsgar, having refilled his tankard, drinks and swallows hard, his eyes harder still. “Why your flame-haired captain would allow such a creature around,” he shakes his head, “In my own country, such creatures were quickly put to the sword when one was discovered, without pity or mercy, and nay, even a one has been seen in a thousand years. Alas, a friend of Modellii’s has been sent for. A warrior mystic, more a holy man, who in ancient times were called paladins, in hopes of a cure. I fear we will be burying the charming lout in a tenday. I scarcely think this friend will make it on time. The annual storms in this region this time of year are intense. Pity I really had grown to like the friendly dark-skinned scoundrel.” With that, he turns, flinging brash and crude jibes at his guests, but before doing so, whispers, ”Ask me more later.” To Zu and Tessa
Dacc-Dacc makes his way to the table indicated by the young warrior and the old man. The young man raises a cup at your approach, and as you sit, he says. “May the blessings of Derkato be on you, traveler. I see that you accompany the young Zu and the beguiling Tessa. Are you a new member in their party, eager to seek fame and fortune in tomb-haunted Stygia?” Looking at the old man, you notice his face and form stay as rigid as a stone. His eyes however, betray his sober demeanor, but a slight twinkle and soft bearing puts Dacc-Dacc at ease. He, the old conjurer, nods once in Dacc-Dacc’s direction, at least he seems to. The green and black smoke (that lingers about him for far too long) from his pipe obscures his face. A seat is offered, and in the background, a more mellow and slower tune is struck up by the band.
Dacc-Dacc nods in response and takes the proffered seat. “Thank you for your hospitality. In answer to your question, I do not yet consider myself a member of any party. I was looking for work, seeking Otsgar by his reputation. In this search, I encountered Tessa, who was kind enough to guide me here. Zu accosted us on the way, and after a brief misunderstanding, joined our trek to this extravagant place.” Dacc-Dacc again took in the opulence of his surroundings and sized up his table-mates. “What is it each of you do in this city or for Otsgar?”
Asrafel answers first, ”I am Asrafel User-son, an adventurer of late and exiled noble of grand Stygia. I have hired out my sword and skill with it to Ostgar for the time being. A noble, even an exiled one, must eat ? Besides the title of prince sell sword has a certain ring to it, don’t you think?”
“As to our elderly friend here,” he says, indicating Isaiab al-Nazir. “He is a foreigner from the trackless wastes to the east and south. At first, we thought him a prophet, scribe, beggar, or madman. Turns out he is all those things and a summoner and conjurer of no small measure. As to why he serves Otsgar? Mysterious and dangerous is the path of wizards,” he says, crossing himself with a sign against evil.
Back where Tessa and Zu stand, Zu gulps loudly. Zu is deeply troubled by the reports of Modelli’s ailment. He goes off to learn more about his friend’s condition so he can do some investigation of his own for a cure. He’s very aware that Numenera are powerful and have countless applications for healing, strengthening, and rebuilding the body. In particular, Zu knows that his friend Gaiu commands secret knowledge about drugs and alchemy. If he can describe Modelli’s condition and perhaps provide a sample, he has an idea that Gaiu might be able to share some insight on Numenera that might help.
Dacc-Dacc: ”If I am lucky and wise, perhaps I can learn from both of you. Although I think my talents trend more toward ‘wizardry’ and less towards swordsmanship.” Dacc-Dacc offers an awkward smile. Considering the massive revelry all around, they ask, “At what time is this celebration expected to end? Or at least quiet down so that some may sleep or may retire to more quiet quarters to work?” Large parties were never Dacc-Dacc’s favorite events; parties populated entirely by strangers, even less so.
“The revelry of Derkato is one of the largest of the holidays in all of Stygia. As are the ones to Mitra. Even Set’s feast days are revered by some. However, few partake in that fell god’s rites other than dark beings, both mortal and otherwise,” says Isaiab.
“Merely an excuse to revel,” says Asrafel, sampling some of the dates and cheese at their table.”Why, while we have temples and many priest a true example of the god’s intervention or power has not been seen in ages. Yet the people still pay homage and follow the tenets of those long-forsaken orders. Only to fill the coffers of high priests and to placate the masses for the kings and rulers.”
“There was, of course, the very encounter with the star spawn from the outer dark that Zu’s own party faced and defeated last season? Do you deny that or that there have been hints at the return of restless gods from aboard?” asks Isaiab “I dont deny that they ran into something,” replies Asrafel. “Why even now reports of one of Zu’s former companions the mutant warlord Gorn, there is talk of him absorbing a portion of the god spark and that he now is massing a cult and army to the far east. Even if what you say is true I fear that if the gods have indeed begun to stir; it can mean nothing but trouble for the affairs of men.”
“Forgive my young friend,” says Isaiab regarding Dacc Dacc. “He has a temperament as sullen as that of a jaded king that has sat too long on the throne and seen too much.” Inhaling and puffing more on his pipe he adds” Is there something we could do for you? You mentioned wizardry.”
“I am not offended by your words, Asrafel. Each is entitled to their own opinion, and I do not know enough of these events to have a defensible view of my own.” Dacc-Dacc also partakes of the food available. One never knows where one’s next meal might be coming from. Turning to Isaiab, they continue, “I have some knowledge and some small skill with what some might consider mystical arts. I do not consider it wizardry myself, but the effects are often viewed similarly. I am eager to learn all I can of skills in this realm. And truly, books are treasures I greatly appreciate, too.”
Isaiab nods “Truly such things are treasures, and while others like our host value shiny stones and minted metals,” he shrugs, “true value is lost on such.”
“As to books and tomes probing the secrets of the universe,...I myself own a few and there are more than enough priests in Stygia that hoard large collections of such. For a price or apprenticeship, some would share. Others guard them jealousy. Still there are many that peddle in arcane wares even here where the Holy Guard restrict this. Better yet is those found in crumbling ruins and ancient forgotten places.”
Dacc-Dacc nods and replies, “I am hopeful that the information I uncover is useful, and being so, widely shared. When I am properly outfitted, I would go exploring in these ruins you mention, or perhaps such a place is the destination of one of Otsgar’s next expeditions. Having been starved of options for longer than I care to think of, I am a bit spoiled for choice, right now.”
Dacc-Dacc smiles a bit, the scales of their face blunting the expression. “At least, that is how my imagination is interpreting my current circumstances.” They continue to pluck from the trays, tasting a variety and looking for food that may not spoil easily. Pockets are good for more than data crystals.