As it all came to pass, the party accepted their fate and after resupplying from the castle stores were teleported to the valley close to the tower.
Arriving here, you notice what once was a beautiful valley, now only a skeleton remains. Trees bending over like old men, tired of living with droopy leafless branches sticking into the spongy mud. The foul smell of death, decay and sulfur fill your nostrils as your eyes tried to pierce through the ever-lasting fog. Clothes sticking to your bodies from the humidity, mud slurping on your shoes, you soon become the dirty ragged band of adventurers you used to be. Following the valley, you end up in a narrow gorge, where several sharp spines like rocks protruded from the sides. Small rivulets of water trickled down the edges onto the already drenched ground, to form puddles and small streams. As the gorge widenen out, you get your first glimpse of the tower, wicked and evil, drawing in the light of the already pale sun and darkening the valley.
Desecrated graves, tombstones overturned and dead trees decorate the area in an almost bizarre fashion, leaving you feeling insecure and unsure of yourselves, seeing so much evil unfolding here in a once holy place. The only animals left here seems to be the crows, whose squawks echo through the empty land, destroying the silence.
The giant stands for a few moments, surveying the scene, a stricken look on his face. He slowly turns around, taking in every aspect of the scene. He looks as if in a trance, "This must be avenged ..." Slowly he removes his backpack, takes a book from it and slowly pages through it until he finds the page he's looking for, and using the book as a guide, starts drawing patterns in the ground with a stick, ignoring the others.
Grayson raises his eyebrow as he watches the giant drawing in the dirt. With a sigh he takes a mouthful of water as swishes it softly in his mouth before swallowing. "Well," he pauses accommodating his wineskin "we are definitely going to run into some undead around here." He draws his two handed sword which almost rings as it comes loose from the scabbard. "Hell, we are probably the only living around here . . . other than the crows."
Grayson turns to the others, "Any ideas on how to get into this place. We had better be careful cause anyway we go is bound to be a death trap." Grayson gazes towards the tower and then into the valley. "When it comes to fighting I am usually better up close. I don't think this crossbow will be much use against undead." His tone turns softer as he adds "hopefully we can avoid fighting, I am not looking forward to death."
Flinx notices the desecrated valley, and falls to his knees, silently, brooding. After a few moments, he stands up, and without looking at the others, move off to the side, walking remarkedly fast and quietly for one so large. He seems to be really home in the wild. He moves forward a few yards, staring at the ground and stops, looking for any tracks.
Aldarin looks at the mud and then at his splendid atire and grins. "A audience with the king, yes. A stoll trhough a haunted valley, No." He then removes his silken robe, revealing a plain set of chainmail, and stashes it in his backpack. The only thing that remains is a golden flail which looks more like a scepter then a true weapon.
He then follows the example set by the others and kneels in prayer.
After a few moments he rises. "The blessings of Lathander are upon you. I am Aldarin dawnlight, High radiance of Lathander. Most of you I know by name if not otherwise. We seem brought together by fate and together we must solve this problem. We will have to cooperate in this and therefor know each others powers. So I sugest we introduce. Mine are in healing and protection although I have my powers in combat, especialy with undead."
Pausing to get his bearings, the oriental man glances around him, then does a slower double take. "Hmmm. Reminds me of friend of mine, it does. Liked places of dead. Liked playing with skulls, always carrying one around if he could, or looking for some dead creature to play with. But this is very bad. Very bad..." He mutters a few more things in a weird language (OOC: Oriental, if you must know) and turns around to look behind him again. Seeing Flinx's movement from the corner of his eye, he realises that he is among strangers, and that he does not know any of them, nor they him. Turning to encompass all of them in a glance, he says, "I am Strider. Ni hao. Good met." He clicks his tongue disapprovingly at himself, then continues, "Well met, one and all. Perhaps we should do our chatting quick and fast, to move on and find place to plan, yes?" He glances at each one quickly, awaiting an answer.
Grayson smiles at Aldarin and Strider as he adjusts the weight of his plate mail armor. "Well, it looks like we have a lively group. I don't have any special skills other than my use of loriel here," and he raises his sword. "Don't get me wrong, I only use muscle when I need to, but when the time comes I will be by your side."
Grayson looks at the others "Now, who will join me at the front?"
Big Jerzal Wildbane listens to the other introduce themselves. "I will probably be the next in line beside grayson. ALthough I am fair with this long bow, I am much better with my axe. ( He hefts a a double bitted silver battle axe into view)"
As Flinx examine the ground, he notice very little tracks in the area. The ground turned iside out by the magic devestation. While he is busy Aldarin keeps on chanting, swinging his holy symbol in the air. A wave of light seem to cover him and as it start dicipitating, his skin shines with almost a metalic glitter. The next wave of light cover him and three more times the light cover him. The last time a brilliant flash covers the whole party, leaving you feel lighter on your feet and thinking more clearly.
As you examine the tower again, a magical light in the top draw your attention, and a low chanting can be heard. It doesn't appear that you have been noticed, as the area around you remain calm is the soft breeze. A chill runs down your spines as the misty form of something once alive open the tower door, walking around it untill it dissappear from your sight.
The minotaur looks at everyone getting ready, and pulls out his silver, double bladed hand axe. "I am Grun. Grayson, I can track things if you want. I don't have a bow, but I can throw my axe if you want me to be in the rear. I would be better suited for the front. I prefer to fight up close, and I can wield my axe better in close range."
The tall human looks at the ground, and takes some in his hand, and sniffs at it. Shaking his head, he stands up, and looks at the rest of the party. "I'll go scout. You stay here." Grimacing slightly, as if that was too many words wasted, he turns around, and sprints off, moving incredibly gracefully for someone so huge. He moves, not towards the tower, but rather, almost away from it! Very soon, he is out of sight...
The earth smell rotten as Flinx bring it closer to his nose. He chuck it away with a disgusted grunt as he jogs away. He stop and pause, there doesn't seem to be any hiding places here in the basin. None of the dead trees seem to give any coverage and the ground is flat. The basin is surrounded by steep cliffs and the two marble godlike figures at the only entrance is scattered over the full area. There is almost no chance of getting to this tower unseen.
Flinx return almost as soon as he has left. Scouting here doesn't seem like a good option. As the party wait for Flinx to reply, The shadowy figure return, in his arms a very old book. He opens the tower door once again, but this time leaves it open, ascending with stairs on the left side of the tower, vanishing from the parties view within a short period of time. The chanting in the top of the tower suddenly picks up and the light suddenly flare much brighter in the top of the tower.
This whole are is something like a panhandle house. A ravine, leading into the burial grounds, a deep basin in the heart of the mountains, now totally desecrated by the lich. The basin is a flat piece of ground with the tower in the centre
Mist covers the basin like a blanket and the few trees remaining in the area is mostly dead and fallen over, the wood rotting. Almost no plants is in the are and no good water either. The water in the area is rotting with dead plant materials and a few crows in the area is busy chowing an some rotten meat lying around. There is no cover between you and the town and from where you are standing, there doesn't seem to be any cover anywhere in the basin
The burial ground is an old elven one and date back to the time of Myth Drannor, in the old world. Nothing here seem to be moving and no undead has been seen for the last while, excluding the one you have seen disappearing into the tower.
As you examine the bottom of the tower, the only thing you can see through the now open door is a staircase spiralling to the top. The tower seem flimsy and seem to have been created in a hurry, not to be occupied for a long time.
As your gaze drif up to the top of the tower, you can see a human shaped creature busy in the process of spellcasting, etched against the light in the top of the tower, His arms weaving the magic and his mouth constantly chanting the spell he is busy casting. A yellow light is becoming brighter and brighter by the secon as he continues his casting, drawing more and more magic out of the area.
As you watch, you see the plants higher up on the rocky cliff face, first loosaing their leaves and start drooping. Moments later they decay into dust, disloging a bolder higher into the cliff and dropping it into the basin. The magical power he draws from the weave astonish you, as you have no idea how this creature can withstand the energy coursing through his body without burning him out.
While you are standing there, a tingeling sensation on your skin notify you of the magical energy being drawn from the weave close to you. Life essence and everything is beinmg drawn from the area and even from your own bodies as you continue standing in the basin. A flutter close to you suddenly draws your attention. One of the crows that was sitting on a branch not far from you has dropped to the ground.
Just before it hits the ground, it takes off once again, trailing feathers as it sours to join some more crows turning round the top of the tower. While it strike you as funny that the crow is loosing its feathers, you suddenly notice it's eyes glowing red. The creature has been transformed into a undead being right in front of your eyes. As you ponder over this, you realise that your own skin is starting to feel cold and clammy, your clothes not fitting as well as they should. Andarian is the first to comment about this. The very life seem to be seeping from your bodies, as the magical energy is being drained from your bodies.
As you examine the weapons in your hands, you notice small particles of rust on the blades and metals, the woods on the staves starting to burst and crack. Even the gold seem to be tarnishing, a thing unknown in magical weapons. Everything in the area seem to be affected by the magical spell that is being casted on the top of the tower. While you are watching, the blue grey second skin of aldarian seem to start flaking and the magical glow that surrounded the party start flickkering almost like small flames that die after a few moments. The spell casting in the top of the tower has grown to an even higher note and the light seem to be growing by the second.
As Vander turn to look back up the ravine, a huge tree to the top collapse, raining wood and rotten plant material into the gorge behind the party, effectively sealing the trail off. The trees seem to be rotting even while your are watching and the fog in the area start dropping lower, obscuring the top of the tower from view.
As your gaze wander back to yourself, you notice that the clothes you are dressed in is busy rotiing from your bodies, backpacks seem to be tearing at the seams and all metal is now covered in a thin layer of rust. Just then the chanting in the top of the tower stops, but the bright light remains. Even the tower seem to be unstable at this moment, with cracks running from bottom to top. As you look at your fellow party members, gaunt eyes with sunken cheeks and hair falling out in patches look back at you. A drained feeling come over you, your body feeling like lead and your mind unfocussed. The decay seem to have stopped around your for the moment and you notice why the door hasn't been closed. The top hinge have become undone and the tower now appear to be thousands of years old. Even as you look ato yourselves, you notice that you yourselves have aged by about ten to 15 years.
Vander look at the tower, then back at the tree. It seems like you are standing half way between the tree and the tower, 120 feet from either one.
As the party members introduce each other, the giant watches on in silence. After everybody has his or her say, he says, "I am Vander Stonebones."
He looks up at the tower, staring in fascination at the figure on top of it, a calculating look in his eyes, while he mutters in an unknown langauge to himself. When the crows starts falling down around him, an alarmed look crosses his face, and he nods slowly at Andarian's comment, still speaking to himself in Firbolg. Then a look of horror crosses his face, and he starts to look around, almost in a panic, looking on in horror as a tall tree blocks the ravine behind them.
Aldarin makes a sign of warding at the tower as the first shadowy figure apears. "Lathander protect us, the dead walk again."
He looks alarmed around as the deterioration becomes apearant. "We must not delay here for much longer. Live itself is being drawn awy from this world. Whatever happens we must stop it as soon as we can. Onwards to the tower, my friends."
As if in answer to his statement, the mist clear a bit and the the sum come through for a second. The hot rays only caress your cold and clammy skin for a second before the mists enclose the area once again, moving even lower this time as the tower and the tree in the ravine disappear from view.
For a moment Vander seems confused, in a panic, first taking out a small stone with an intricate design on it from his backpack and taking a few steps towards the tree, then stops, looks around him, eyes narrowing. He put the stone back into his backpack and grips his staff firmly in one hand. "I agree with you, Aldarien, we must rid the world of this evil." A look of cold fury settles on his face as he starts walking towards the tower.
As Vander firmly close his hand on the shod staff, a large splinter from it let him take not of the condtion of the staff. Two clearly drawn runes on the staff has been runed by the deterioration and a crack is running through the lenght of the staff. The metal has rusted to such an extend that the steel rings is coming appart at both the top and the bottom.
The staff doesn't seem to be in any condition to be used anymore. The first bit of impackt and it will all come appart. Vander pauses for a moment in thought before continuing, with Aldarian following close behind.
As the morninglord starts walking toward the tower he stops in thought for a moment and then starts chanting again. "Lathander, light of the day. Creator. Protect your humble servant from the foul powers that try and draw away your blessing of life." Suddenly another shell settles around Aldarin, one seemingly made out the living force itself. The shell lasts only a second before fading again.
As Aldarin follow Vander toward the tower, he notice the state of his clothes, backpack and weapon. Everything seem to have decayed while the time seemed to have frozen in space. His clothes seemed to have rotten from his body and his bacpack has lost one strap. The fist of Lathander, his pride and joy is tarnished beyond recognition and as he examine it, he notice that it has been affected to such and extend that the gold seem to be of the purest he has ever seen, and as soft as well. The only thing not to be affected seem to be his holy symbol, and as he flick the red hair out of his face, he notice that it is run through with streaks of grey.
As all this come to past, Strider look at the two older companions walking toward the tower. "Older" He say to himself in some oriental language and the examine himself. His robes is in tatters and his trusted old blade is lying on the ground where his belt has come appart by the seams. As he pick up the blade, he notice the rust all along the sides, and the once keen edge is now so blunt, he won't even be able to shave with it should he needed to. As he shakes his head, he notice that his hair has become undone and where it once before had a wonderfull silver sheen to it, it is now striped with streaks of grey. It also seem to be quite a bit longer that what he can remember.
As the rest of the party examine their belongings, they notice that everything is busy decaying. Clothes, backpacks, boots, weapons and magical items are all damaged while rations, waterskins and other consumables has decayed to almost nothing. The only things unaffected by the drain seem to be holy symbols and spellbooks.
Vander and Aldarian close in on the tower and the firbolg twist the door of its hinges in fury, leaving only an opeing in the delapidated tower. He ascend the stairs with the rest following closely behind. The whole tower groans with the structural damage it has taken from the decay and huge cracks in the white walls and stairs show the damage the tower has taken.
As Vander come closer to the top of the stairs, he see that the room on the top has been expanded by magical means to about 40000 square feet. The room is huge, compared to the tower underneath. He climb the last few stares in time to see the lich stepping through a golden portal, a page from the very old book clutched in his hand and a golden green vial in the other. He disappear with a flash of golden light into the portal. No other living or non living entity is seen in the top of the tower. The old book lie on a table in the one side of the room, discarded and open. Nothing else remain in this room, furniture or otherwise, as the party assemble in the top of the tower. A shake on the tower floor, combined with a rumbling noise downstairs, again notify the party of the structural damage the tower has taken. The golden portal on the other side of the room slowly expands and contracts.
Strider's eyes light up all of a sudden as the quiet oriental suddenly start to speak:" That is a time portal and that is why the casting of it has damaged all of our equipment and us. It will only last for another few minutes before it disappear. One need something from the time one travel to to mark the passage where on needs be and focus on the time one need to travel to to get there. That is why the lich needed a page from the book."
As Strider speaks, Vander suddenly turns around, "Ah. So you know how this magic works. How do we go about following this ... creature?"
The moment Strider mentions the portal Aldarin stands ready to jump into it but waits as Vander speaks. "Yes, and will our equipment be restored when we pass through it? Speak quickly, for we have not much time. This tower can collapse any minute now."
"Questions, questions, al you can do. But yes, I know some. Not much, but some." He scratches his chin briefly as he hastily orders his thoughts and rephrases them into Common.
"We need something from there," he points at the gate, motioning to indicate the /other/ side of it, "to travel. And must, chi nang yu-wei, how you say, sharp mind on vision? Uhm, see sharp.. No, that it is not. What the word is? Ah! Concentrate on time to be there. But short is time that gate stay open. Quick choice we must make. Go or stay. Go, we have danger, stay, we have decay. I say go. Better to die with fight than to die by nothing done." He steps closer to the portal, staring into it for a few seconds, then turns to face the rest.
"Choose must each, and act now. Time short." He pauses only a moment to allow the rest to choose.
So? We can always acquire equipment on the othere side. What is important is that this ... thing ... does not escape us. And time is not our ally here." Vander thinks for a second, "So, we need something from there to go there. Fine." He tears off the top page from the book and steps through, holding his nearly useless quarterstaff in front of him.
"Danger of not, we must pass through. That lich may not escape. Lets all who will go grab a page from that book and jump." He pauses. "Concentrate you say, but concentrate on what? We don't know were we are going."
The portal flare up hungrily with a yellow light as the firbolg dissappear in a flash. The airwave it sen out causes the tower to start colapsing even further, huge tears start running through the floor of the tower and sone rubble start dropping from the top as the crack continue through the ceiling. The party are just in time to see the stairs drop away in a crumbling heap.
Aldarin hessitates no longer, grabs a page from the book, whispers a short prayer to Lathander and leaps through the gate following the firbolg.
One after the other, the party jump through the portal and as you enter, vibrant blue tunnel engulf you. As you swirls and swing through the tunnel, you notice several historical events, things memorable from year long gone and wars fought long ago. You continue to focus on the rimpled page of parchment, not even knowing what it might contain, traveling back through time untill nothing is even remotely reconisable.
People are wearing the strangest clothes and building you know nothing about flashes before your eyes. Lights flicker as small blue motes engulf and the tunnel grow thineer and thinner.
Dropping out of the tunnel with a thud, you land not far from a large wooden gate. As you check youseld, you notice that all magical items have disappeared, and it is nowhere to be seen. Your clothes and backpacks seem to be in the same terrible condition, but fortunately, the 10,000gp, devided into pouches of 100 platinum each, is still in good condition.
As you get your bearings together, you notice that you lying not far from the main road and large gates of a city. The huge wooden gates is closed at the moment, as it seem to be close to midnight. Several small camp fires in the area alert you of more people, camping outside the city gates, waiting for dawn to break.
As there is little else to do, you rest on your backpacks untill the morning sun peeks from..... Then your eyes grow wide with amazement. It seems like there is nothing here. You are sitting on a floating island, a city behind you and how in the name of hades did all this happen. How can an Island float. You let your gaze drift over to the city close to you and notice a signpost in the early morning light. Something is written on the post with a huge red arrow, but you cannot read it. Apon closer inspection, it shows the writing "Touch ye here and receive a gazetteer Yeoman's Loft." with a small wooden box underneath. As you touch the arrow, it drops a small parchment on the ground. On closer inspection it seem to be a map of a city by the name of Yeoman's Loft.
Cursing Aldarin gets to his feet and the cursing becomes even more elaborate as he notices that his mace has disapeared and he continues checking his other possesion. As he is busy like that a thought strikes you that being a cleric might have his advantages at learning to curse as his speech is elaborate and inventive. Aldarin finnishes his inspection, looks around and is immediately silent. With widespread eyes he looks at the floating island. Dumbstrucken he wanders around untill the group finds the map. "By Lathanders holy rays," he breathes, "Yeoman's loft. We have been brought to ancient Netheril! No wonder the lich wanted to go here."
Valerion: (8:01 AM) If you want MY opinion on the Rosetouch spell, have it fail until he can talk to Amaunator :) Valerion: (8:01 AM) And maybe entirely, replace all priest spells by Netheril age spells, if you want to be evil ... :) Valerion: (8:01 AM) Of course, wizards would NOT be able to cast spells, until they can learn to tap the weave again (which takes some time, dependant on INT, IIRC.). Detailed in Netheril somewhere :) Valerion: (8:01 AM) Also, most humans had the abiulity to cast cantrips :)
Grayson, who has been strangely quiet, looks around him in amazement. He looks at the map and then shakes his head. "This is too much." He turns to Aldarin, "What kind of place is this Yeomen's Loft that a Lich would want to be here?" He looks at the city and says cynically, "Well, at any rate we had better find some new equipment and weapons." He tosses his rotted and cracked cross bow to the ground, "these are useless now." He starts towards the gate and turns with a half-smile "Any ideas as to where we can find a lich around these parts?"
"Where are we? Aldarin you know of this place? My gauntlets, my axe I can't have lost them." He stops and thinks to himself. "If we are not to far back in the past I may be able to get them still."
Aldarin walks toward the crossbow and lift it gently into his hands. "Don't be so sure about that. Lathanders will heals things as well as beings." He raises the crossbow toward the dawning sun and starts to chant. "Lathander, creator. Foul magics have caused the decay of this weapon which still is needed for a good cause. Bless it with your radiance."
Aldarin passes the bow back to Grayson with a wink and then turns toward the city speaking.
"The name comes from an old legend. 'The story of Netheril'. According to it a vast empire ones existed, many, many thousands of years ago. An empire of magic, ruled by mages of incredable power. Magic was stronger in these days and miracless could be performed of such greatness that it reels the mind. Floating cities and ships that sailed through the skies and beyond. One of those ruling mages is said to have tried to become a god himself. He casted a spell of immense power but instead it backfired and sucked almost all magic from the world. The story is told as a lesson against pride, humans are not ment to try and become gods.
'Yeomens loft' came crashing to the ground, for it's ruler didn't found, success in gaining what he sought, but damnation his people they bought.'
Or something like that. I think it is clear what a lich would want in a place like this. We must go to the city and try and find a clue, I don't know.
Flinx looks dazes at everything that happened, frowning. As he reaches instinctively for his broadsword, he suddenly realizes that it is gone. With an agonizing howl, he falls to the ground, clutching his head in his hands, shaking it sobbing while muttering over and over: "I am doomed, I am doomed..." After a while, he calms down, and looks up, staing bleakly at his surroundings. Ignoring the others, he stands apart, sniffing at the air, while his alert eyes scan for danger. His fingers grab at his decayed leather, and he rubs a hand through his slightly grayed hair.
As he passes you, you can hear him muttering about finding a wizard to help him, as well as reoutfitting... He stops after a few, turns to the rest of the party, and scowls. "I guess we are going to be stuck together for a while. The name is Flinx." He stops, turns around, and continues on to the nearest shop.
"Aye, This a good thing" Jerzal says as he looks donw at the sorry state of his beloved axe. He falls in with the rest as they trudge to the city.
As Aldarin hold up his holy symbol, a fearfull dread hit him. The link, the link to his god, it's gone, all gone, there is nothing. With a cry of pain, he drops to his knees as the agony overtake him. What now? What happened. Then it hit him, Lathander, he hasn't existed at the time where he is now. What now. Panic hits him as he rethinks his position.
The party slowly moves into Yeomans loft, wondering what to do.
Aldarin follows the group in a daze, never in over a dozen years has he lived without Lathanders guidance. He walks through the city looking around, searching for a lead. There must be some way he can restore his guidance? He shakes his head in frustration, certainly he would go mad without it.
Grayson squints down at the map and back at the street signs. "Ok I see where we are on the map but this map sucks. Maybe one of you can read it better. It looks like anything marked 'G' is a General Supply Vendor. There happens to be one at the end of Shadowtop Road. Also there is a small Inn right next to it - might be a good place to set up shop since it is on the edge of the City." Grayson looks at the group to see as if waiting for objections.
"One thing is sure, mapmaking has made a great progress in the last umteen centuries." Aldarin grumbles as he searches the map. "There are several temples indicated but I can't make out to whom." He gives a big sigh. "I think that you are right Grayson. A shop and an Inn might be the best choices for now. We are lucky that we have gotten that money in advance. 10.000 gp, thats err about 1500 each right?"
"Going to the general store is ok with me, if we want something they don't have we can find out where we can get it. I thought we each got 10,000 gold." Grun makes his way to the shop.
The party stop and open their backpacks to check their items. It seems like everything that can be spoiled by age and rust have been spoiled, but the gems and gold is still there. All clothes have also deteriorated beyond recognition and thge smell of the food and water can almost kill you. As you open the backpacks, a swarm of flies almost choke you. You just take all the gold and gems out and throw the rest away to rot.
Inspecting the map you decipher the almost unreadable bits:
A - Neth Gatehouse B - Constable station C - Dock hands Guildhouse D - Tavern or alehouse E - Hostel or inn F - Grocer Cartel G - General supply vendor H - Bath house and masseuse I - Courthouse and jail J - Temple of Armaunator K - Temple of Mystryl L - Temple of Tyche M - Shipwright business N - Oberons Laboratory O - Spacefarers guild P - Warehouse
Aldarian turn away from the sign to notice a temple to Mystral on the next corner and notify the party of this. There is also an inn not too far from the party, just accross the next intersection named The Flying Helmsman.
With a scowl upon his face Aldarin removes the ruined parts of his equipment and looks around. Hessitating he stands looking at the temple. He then turns and looks toward his companions and the shop. With a glance at his own ruined atire and a sigh he turns around and follows the others into the inn.
"I agree with you. Also, the general shop's keeper might be able to direct us to shopkeepers having a more specialized stock, if we need anything." Vander waits for the rest of the party to decide, his hands gently caressing his quarterstaff. He stops for a moment as another thought strikes him, "Also, it might be a good idea to find out if there are any strange local customs or laws we are not aware of."
Strider nods agreeingly with each one's statements, then adds, "Yes, special stock. We all need to buy things to replace those that failed the door. But Vander is right, Carefull we must be; Strange place this is, and many dangers there will be. Strangers are we, and people will distrust us. We must therefore make friends, and take care not to make ourselves any more noticeable than is necessary... Maybe a place to rest and think would be good, yes?
Vander frowns at Strider for a moment, obviously confused. "Hm. I was wondering ... something is bothering me. Earlier you talked anout a friend of yours, likes to play with skulls. Who was or is he? Or is that will be? Hmm ... I must examine that sometime ... But anyways. I'm getting sidetracked here. I also know, or used to know someone like that. Maybe they know each other?"
Aldarin stands ready to step into the Inn but hessitates. "You are right." He says. "We should vissit a shop first. Equipment and also new clothes. We will be less likely to draw attention if we dress like the locals."
The party continue walking down shadowtop road and turn up a bit in Helm road, toward the inn. The roads are deserted at this time of the morning and most of the doors are closed and the windows shuttered up. You enter the flying helmsman and walk up to the bar. The bartender look at them with obvious distate, as he continue to polish the copper mugs. It seem to be an upperclass establishment.
The inn is quite nicely shaped as if made by magic, similar to several of the other buildings in the area, and is decorated with scenes from far of worlds. Like the city, this building is in not a too good shape and seem to be the spoils left from a much better age. Oak wood chairs and tables is scattered through the room and mahogany stairs leads up the second floor, where the rooms is. In the corner, a violin and drums are playing a piece of music and several floating globes of light light up the area in a cosy atmosphere. A maid is polishing it at the moment and you are the only customers in the inn.
Aldarin enters and walks toward toward the bartender. " Hail and well..."
The bartender frown as Aldarian speak to him and then stop him before he get through the sentence. "You are obviously not from around here stranger." The bartender has the weardest accent you have ever heard and it is difficult to understand him, even as he continue to speak slowly in common. "Can you repeat what you said a bit more slowly?" The bartender's eyes almost bulge out of his head as the whole party enter. He seems troubled by several of the party members, but make no comment.
"I said: Hail and well met good sir. As you can see we have ran into some troubles on our way. Could you suply me with a room and perhaps a bath if at all possible?"
The bartender frowns as he listen to you speaking then reply slowly:" A room is no problem around here. I have four open rooms on the second floor. The rent for the rooms is three gold per day and 15 gold per week. For the bath you will have to travel up to the gate on top of shadowtop road. The copper tub bath house will be able to assist you."
"What wouldn't I give for a tongues spell." Aldarin mutters to himself and then continues to the bartender speaking slowly. "I thank you good man, yes I would like to take the room please." He produces 3 platinum pieces. "For a week if possible. Also, could you direct me to a good tailor? I really seem to need one."
He turns around to the others. "What do you say? Have a meal and a drink first? I could use one."
The bartender scratch his chin, looking at the money. "Two rooms for a week, or one. One room is 15 gold for a week and can be locked. So two platinum will do." He take two coins and hand you 5 gold back. Turning the coin over, he examine it. "Whose face is this? The coin look almost like ours, but I don't know the king." He put it away, and look at you again. "Give me your map and I'll show you where to go."
Pointing to the top of pine forest road, just above aero road,he give you directions:" Walk straight down Helm road, untill you reach Pine forrest road. Turn right. The general supply vendor there is the dock traders. The consist of a few shops linked together. You'll find clothes, equipment, magical items, potions, spell components, food and a lot more there. Most of those goods are imported from realmspace you now." He pick up the cloth and the mug he has been polishing and continue his work, avertedly examining the minataur, giant and elves.
Grayson looks up from the map as the bartender finishes giving directions and notices his gaze at the Minotaur, Giant, and elves. He smiles at the bartender, "We are an interesting lot aren't we? You guessed it right, we are not from around here but I assure you we will be good guests." He looks at the other guests and sighs, "I tell you what good sir, let's get a meal and some drink - how much will it be?" Grayson places the necessary funds on the counter for everyone in the party. "Come on guys." Grayson goes over to the table and sits down. As everyone seats themselves he speaks softly enough not to be heard by the bartender. "OK, lets eat breakfast and get some work done. First of all I do not intend to walk around this place without weapons to protect myself. You sa the reaction of the bartender. With a Centaur and Giant it will be impossible to look normal in this place." He leans back in his chair. "Now, a lich has just arrived here about the same time as ourselves. Either this place easily houses some very evil sorts or Mr. Lich will soon jump one of those flying ship things to another location. That is if he hasn't already." Grayson pauses as if waiting for a response from the other members of the party. Then he continues, "We can use this inn as a center for searching this town. Lets eat and head to the place he pointed out on the map. We can come back here and change. Then maybe the bartender can suggest where we can find a not so nice person in this town or at least where they could hop a ride to a different place."
"Magical items and realm space? Err, yes of course. Thank you for the information." Aldarin looks around at his companions. "Now I really need that drink. Magical items and potions for sale at the grocery." He looks at the non human party members. "Saw that look he gave you? Now that I remember most who walked the streets outside were humans. They don't see a lot of non humans here I suppose."
"That's what I was wondering about and perhaps Strider can answer it. How long could have passed between our arival and that lich? Also I doubt that a lich would leave this place. After all they exist to gain more knowledge of magic and what beter place to gain that then in an magical empire? Anyway, I agree with you, lets eat and then go shopping. I would love to see a magical items bazar." Aldarin eats quickly and follows Grayson and the rest to the market.
The bartender frown a bit: I can unfortunately only supply the drink and that only after twelve. We are the only hostel here that supply even that. For food, you will have to visit the market I have pointed out to you." The bartender finish the last mug and put it on the shelf.
He turn around and vanish through the door at the back, returning a short while later with a bucket floatingf next to him. Sitting down behind the bar, he continue polishing the taps on the beer vats, while the bucket float around, watering the plants and remaining full.
Sitting behind the table Grayson watches wide eyed at the bucket as it passes by the plants near the table. "Well" he pauses, "this place is completely different from what we are used to." He closes his eyes really hard "I am going to have remember not to take anything for granted. Lets go to the market place." He stands up and heads for the door and adds as an afterthought, "We need to be careful. Who knows what kinds of laws they have around here."
Flinx follows everyone to the inn, grumbling as he goes. He seems to quite perturbed by his environs. As they arrive in the inn, he listens to the conversation. "I need to go to this dealer." He stops the barman, and, trying to be civil, asks him in his least gruff tone: "Is there a wizard in this place we can see?" He patiently waits for an answer, his fingers nervously playing with each other. As soon as he gets an answer, he leaves this place, and starts walking to the dealer first to re-equip himself, not bothering about the rest of the party...
Aldarin walks after Flinx with others. Now that is a charming fellow indeed. He mutters to soft to hear. Louder speaking he turns to the others shaking the money in his hands. Ye know, either that bartender gave me wrong change or those platinums are worth twice as much here. He asked for 15 gold and when I gave him 3 platinums he returned a platinum and 5 golds. We should take that in account when shopping at that market.
With that Aldarin follows Flinx looking curiously forward at visiting a magical market.
Grayson shoots a glance at Aldarin, "Yesss, I can see that Flinx is going to get along just great with the rest of us." He stretches his neck to see the market ahead, "I wonder what they will have at this market. I don't know much about liches. Are they of those evil types that require magical weapons to hit them?"
Aldarin grins. "I don't know, I ones faced a lich but all I attacked him with was a magical weapon so I don't know if a non magical could not hurt him." He gives a big sigh. "Liches are among the most powerfull of undead. Great spellcasters in live, they only grew more powerfull when they become undead. When we fought that lich he killed over half my group. It was only by Lathanders might that we could smash him, without it.... I do not know." He looks toward the sun. "The mace I carried was one of the greatest artifacts of our faith. I caused its destruction, perhaps it is not so strange that Lathander has left me."
The bartender frown at Flinx:"What is a wizard. I have never heard about such a thing? Is it a animal or object? You sure are a stange bunch." He look at you with that far away look in his eyes.
The party, not knowing what to say to him, turn and leave the inn. You walk the way the barman has told you to go. There is a lot more people in the streets now, and you see no elves or dwarves, let alone any giants or minotaurs. Everywhere where you walk, the people stop and stare at you, wondering what you are doing here and what you are. You soon reach the large shop, where several dealers is bunched into a building, oly devided by partitions.
The there is a lot of people here and knowing what you know, you hold on tight to the money you have. The nameboards of certain dealers are painted above them and you get the idea that everyone here is only renting space to sell their wares. The two empty stales confirm this.
You see dealers with the names of Realmspace fruits, Akeems cheap magic, Argoun's dwarven weapons and armour, They lady's enchanted jewelry, Your owne provisions, The magical fortress, The potion shoppe and then some more.
The dealers in this building is busy trading like crazy and is bargaining as to receive as much as possible. The merchant closest you, Argoun's dwarven weapons and armour, suddenly bellows: "Thief!!" and you see a swathy looking human ducking to the door where you are standing, a shield tightly clasped in his hands.
Vander stares in awe as he enters the marketplace, softly murmering, "By Annam's Unblinking Eye, never in my entire life have I seen somthing like this", looking from side to side, trying to make sense of the bustle around him.
As the man ducks into the door, Vander tries to grab him in a bear hug, preventing his escape. If he succeeds, he admonishes the man, "Now, now, why did you HAVE to go and steal this shield, hmm? Didn't your elders teach you any better?"
Aldarin stand dumbstrucken as well for a moment but as Vander chases after the thief Aldarin follows him ready to give aid if needed. He is more concerned with aiding Vander then catching the thief.
Grayson stares wide eyed at the room they entered. "I have seen many market places, but none that sell such things as if they are nothing."
When hears the words 'thief' he notices the man running with the shield and watches has the party comes to the rescue. Grayson glances around the room looking for other would be attachers and perhaps the law as Flint and Vander manhandle the thief. He mutters sarcastically under his breath, "Great, the last thing we need to do is get involved in something we know nothing about. With our luck 'thief' will be the way deals are closed." He will provide flanking security for them.
At the bellow of the word "Thief!", Flinx reacts with lightning speed, grabbing the man, and lifing his feet off the ground, carrying him by his scruff. "It is not polite to steal, little man..." He carries him back to the shop where he stole from, almost no exertion visible on his face.
The female Elf turned her head towards the running thief. She lifts her hand and concentrates on the shield in the thiefs hands. A blank look crosses her face as nothing happens. She slightly lowers her hand and starts concentrating on the belt of the thief. Again nothing happens. A pained expression crosses her normally impassive face. She tries again, this time lifting and looking at her hand trying to sharpen her nails. Nothing! She gave a shriek and started looking very much like a deer knowing that it is in a crossbow's sights.
Vander manage to grab the thief in a hug, but a bite from the thief let him release his prize almost immediately. The thief ducks underneath Aldarian's arms and as Flinx grab him, he rips a dagger from his belt and plunges it into the human. Flinx drop him as well as he feel the burning sting of poison seeping into the wound. While you looking, the thief drop something on the ground that explode with a bang, fogging the whole area in smoke and vanishes.
Unobstusively stepping over to the elf, Strider mutters to her in Elven. (For those of you who can actually understand Elven, he says, "Control yourself. Enough has been done already; do not interfere anymore. We are in strange surrounds, and our actions may only get us into more trouble. Note that there are only humans here: no elves or dwarves, or any of the other eraces. We have attracted more than enough attention as it is. Let them be.") After speaking, he pauses, looking intently at her face for her reaction. Once she has regained control, he continues, formally, in elven, (Trans. "What ails thee, that thou shouldst lose thy control in such perilous and sensitive a moment? Speak, that I may assist thee in thy hour of need.") He awaits her reaction.
Ice looks at the big minotaur with some consternation in her voice, "I can not cast any spells Hoofed One, the web does not budge against my strength. I am lost, I can not do anything. I am totally useless.I can even get the weave to respond to a cantrip." She replied in elven, and started sobbing. Her entire existance seems lost. She folds her leg under her and goes to sit on the cold pebblestones. She picks up her head and stood up with new strength and resolve in her eyes. She looks at the group and starts cursing in dwarven.
The dwarf behind the counter at Argoun's weapons and armour suddenly grin widely at the abuse of his native language in such a weard accent, the stolen shield forgotten as he continue his sale of weaponry and armour.
Ice ignores the rest of the party and walks to the gruff dwarf in the arms and armory. She walks up to the Dwarf and asks him in Dwarven (trans: "Hello, I see you sell some weapons. My companions seem to have lost your little culprit. I want to know, Do you have any fine dwarven daggers?")
Flinx grunts slightly as the dagger enter him, but doesn't utter a sound, or even twitch. He feels at the wound, grimaces, and swears softly. As he walks to the Weaponshop, he talks to the Shopkeeper in Dwarven, "Do you have any twohanded broadswords?" He will then wait for an answer, while looking for a medicine dealer.
Aldarin coughs and curses in the smoke and manages to find his way to Flinx. "Thiefs are also beter equiped around here it seems." he mutters. He touches the wound with his hand and starts chanting but stops almost imedaitely as he remembers his earlier failure and looks around desperately.
Grayson coughs in the smoke and feels his way to flinx. He closely looks at the wound, "This is exactly what we don't need. We need to find someone that can heal you." Desperately he looks around and points down the large room, "there is a potion shop down the way." The then turns to the vendor at the dwarven weapons shop, "Good sir, our friend here has been wounded by the thief. Is there a shop or location where he could get some aid?" Grayson will aid Flinx in going to where the vendor indicates. If the vendor does not help us, he will go to the potion shop to see what he can find out.
Flinx does not seem too worried about the wound. He will first get his weapon, and then any leather armor, and then he goes to the potion shop, where he tries to buy some potions for the poison.
Flinx shivers and suffers as the poison continue to do it's work. He walk up to the dwarf or two and start speaking:" How about...." The rest of his words is lost as he colapse in front of the stall, the wound bleeding profusely.
Ice carefully step over Flinx and continue in dwarven:"Do you have any daggers for sale." The dwarf turn to look at her, his eyes darting over her appearance. "Maybe, you wanna look or buy. I'm in business here for money." As ice examine her appearance, she notice that the aging effect of the spell has left her in a horrible state as her clothers seem to have deteriorated to that of a street bum.
Grayson pick up the tall human and tote him to the potion stall. Dropping him on the counter, causing a frown from the vendor he explain the situation quickly. "Hmmm." The vendor examine the wond, noting the smell and tasting the poison. "I have what might cure him, but I first need to see the colour of your money before I'll do anything." He look suspisiously at Grayson's appearance. "It is 200gp. He will die within 2 hours if not tended to shortly."
Vander looks around after the smoke becomes less obscuring, trying to locate the thief. Failing, he walks back to the weaponshop. After waiting for Flinx to finish, he approaches the shopkeeper, "My apologies for the failure to apprehend the thief, but he seems to have escaped." After a moment he continues, "I am looking for some weapons, if you have them, or are able to acquire any. Do you have a steel-shod quarterstaff, of about this size", indicating a length of about 10 ft from the ground.
The dwarf grumbles at the giantkin:" Gmff, yeah. Where you think I'll find something like that, fatty. There ain't even trees that size here. Ye better go and check some of the other shops in the area, there's one crazy barberian there who think bigger's better." He point you to the end of the building where you can see a huge barberian selling goods. His stall doesn't seem busy.
Without speaking Aldarin dumps 20 PP on the counter of the potion seller and walks further. "You can't help but love these people." he mutters. "Well it seems that clothings will make the lord around here."
Stopping near a clothing stall he adresses the owner speaking slowly and carefully adresses him. "Greetings good man, as you can see I have run into some troubles. Could you supply me with a new atire please?" As he does so he jingles with his money pouch to show his good intend.
Ones dressed in new clothing he returns to the group and whispers. "I think it may be best if you let us humans do the talking. Seems the best way to avoid trouble.
Grayson looks from the platinum pieces to Aldarin and back to the potion vendor. When the vendor hands over the potion Grayson takes it quickly, "I don't know much about these things." He directs at the vendor. "Does he need to drink this or put it directly on the wound?" Grayson does as instructed either pouring the potion on the wound or sitting him on the floor and aiding the unconscious Flinx to swallow the potion. I will wait with him until he is conscious and then move to obtain some better clothing.
When the dwarf points to the Barbarian, Grun looks to Vander. "That is a shop for two as big as us." Grun looks to the dwarf, "There would not happen to be a hall of historic records or a historian in this city would there?" Once he answers Grun says to Vander, "Let's talk to that Barbarian. I hope he magical weapons, not just normal ones."
After a brief nod to the minotaur, "That will indeed be good if he has any." He walks over to the barbarian, observing the stalls as he passes, looking for an art shop. As he arrives at the barbarian, he salutes the shopkeeper, slapping his fist to his breast, "Be ye greeted. Me and the minotaur here wishes to purchase some weaponry, but nobody can deliver anything suitable for us. I have heard that you specialize in large weapons. Do you happen to have a steel-shod quarterstaff about so long", indicating about 10 ft in length, "for a traveller?" Vander looks straight at the barbarian, waiting for a reply.
As Vander and Grun walk away, Strider notices Aldarin exiting the clothing shop, neatly outfit in his new clothes. Nodding to himself, he makes huis way through the crowd, and enters the shop. He browses through the merchandise on offer, looking for a full-length robe, preferable brown, black or some other dark colour. He also selects a set of dark coloured undergarments, and, when moving to pay, argues about the price with the shopkeeper in attendance.
Once done, he returns to the weaponshop, and rummages for a dagger and a quarterstaff. Once again, he will try to haggle over the price. If there is a smith around, he will go and ask to look at the metal scraps. Once satisfied, he rejoins the majority of the party, whilst keeping an eye out for anyplace that sells general supplies, as well as any herbalist shops.
Aldarian and Strider walk into the clothing shop just to get a look of "you can never afford my prices". Then Aldarian jingle his pouch and start to speak and the merchant get a gleam in his eyes. Taking Aldarian to the back first, listening to his description of the clothes he wants, he take out several rolls of materials and the priest select his choice, a brilliant yellow with golden glitters on it. He quote Aldarian a price of 60 gold and with the priest producing the money another 10 gold for the boots. Carefully opening a box of the wall a pair of sizzors and a measuring tape start floating in the air around the priest. A needle with the same colour thread also make it's appearance and within 10 minutes the new robe and belt is ready for wear.
Next he takes Aldarian for the shoes and make up a pair of boots, made to measure, very comfortable indeed. He grins as Aldarian pays him and tell him to come back again any time.
In the meanwhile, the potion merchant mix up a few potions and hand it to Grayson instructing him in the use. He pour the mixture into flinx's mouth and stand back. Verys shortly smoke start pouring out of the human's ears, he turn all green and shivvers some more. The wound closes he opens his eyes and with a yell dash outside to dive head first into the fire water barrel. Steam pours from it for a few seconds , then Flinx reappearfeeling much better. The potion master grin and wink at Grayson. "Good you stood back like I told ya. He would have given you serious blisters. Have to let them sweat it out, see."
Vander and Grun approach the barberain, wich Vander from his history recognise as to be from the Angard tribe, those who deal and work magic. The barberian greets them with a firm hand, even shaking the mino's hoof. Listening to their request, he take out a huge staff, copped shod on both ends. He sells this to the firbolg for 40 gold and seem to be in a jovial mood.
Diving under his table once again, he take out a 8 feet double bladed axe. It is of ovious excellint workmanship and with the black and red blade appears fearsome. He explain that the weapon was one of the spirit blades, that was taken from a set of cloud giants a while ago, with serious loss of life. He also take out some chain armour that once fitted to the mino, seem to be a bit tight, but that will do the job. Offering this to the mino for 1200gp, Grun think this over.
The merchant from the clothing shop return with Aldarian looking great. He call Strider over and listen to his requirements. He then quote a price of 130gp, thinking to strikew it even more lucky this time. With the haggling, Strider finish at 20 gold and two silver for everything. Taking him to the back the merchant make strider the dark brown silk robe and undergarments and also redo his sandles into a good condition. "It's been a long time since I had such a nice price fight." he exclaims as he finish the job. "Come again and well make you something else as well."
Strider meet Grayson as he come out of the fitting room at the back, Flinx not far behind. He really looks excellent in his new robe and it appears like this merchant really knows what he is doing. Grayson walk over to the merchant, his mind not really made up about what he is looking for. While the merchant show him the diffderent rolls of material, Strider continue to the armoury.
The dwarf examine him as he approaches." Hmm, laddy, now that's much better. What can I sell ya today." As he unpack different kinds of blades on the table, he as Strider to show him his hands. Measuring his fingers and hand, he select a dagger, cheking it for balance. "Now this is a excellent blade laddy. Will do ya well. " He also select two of a cheaper quality and not as well finished. The first's balance is perfect and the blade seem to be needle-thin, sharpened to a very keen edge. The second is of fair quality and the last is poor. "I'll supply the first at 500gp, the second at 200, and the last one at 5gp. Now what is your fancy?" He look at Strider with a calculating glint in his eyes.
Aldarin goes to the potion seller. "I would like to buy a few potions which will heal wounds please." Aldarin wants to buy 2 potions of extra healing. If the stallkeeper names a price Aldarin will offer 15% less as a counter offer.
After that he walks around the market looking around for anything interesting.
The merchant look at Aldarian with a calculating glint in his eyes." Well, I have several type you know. There is a healing potion, a potion of regrowth, a potion of cureall and a potion of lesser heal. The healing potion will cure serious wounds, the potion of regrowth will regrown missing lims and heal fully, a potion of cure all will also cure disease and a a lesser heal cure minor ailments. The prices are 60 gold for the healing potion, 200gp for a regrowth, 210gp for a cureall and a measely 15gp for a lesser heal. Now what will it be?"
While he and strider look around in the market place, strider notice that the potion master also sell herbs, a general dealer sells waterskins, backpacks, ropes, horse shoes, candle holders, lamp oil, bees wax, honey, rations, etcetc. There is also two magic shops, one advertise DISCOUNTED on the door, the other more upmarket. Then there is also the tailor, armour shop, brewery, a smith, a perfume shop, someone selling spices, a jeweler, a place selling hot dishes of home made stew and a few other.
Vander critically examines the quarterstaff, trying to figure out the quality of craftsmanship.
The quality is good. Unfortunate that do not have steel, but the wood is the best he has ever seen, hard, tempered and a smooth rocklike finish
Nodding his satisfaction, Vander looks back at the shopkeeper, "Very fine piece of work you've got here. Do you perhaps have a set of knives of daggers to fit this?"
The barberian look at the staff and frown. "Hmmm, well, I have some blades, but you'll have to ask the smith there if he can fit them for you."
"Ok, no problems. I'll have that done, if you'll sell me the blades. Tell me, where can I find a decent change of clothing around here, and a backpack to put all my travel neccesities in?"
The barberian put two broad, almost shortsword like blades on the counter. They'll be 150gp each. Very good quality too and with the cups to fit the staff. You'll just have to get them fitted. With the clothing, well, the tailor there's very good, made to measure clothes and shoes you know. With the backpack, the general store will be able to help you." He turn back to look at Grun, while waiting for Vander to take out the money.
"200 gold for a regrowth? You must be joking. I will pay you 500 gold for 4 of them and 500 for 10 healing potions as well." Aldarin states.
"I would also be interested in strength aiding potions, do you sell those."
Ice walks up to the owner of the tailor shop and starts looking around for a white cloak. She asks the owner for clothes that is white or blue. She will take a cloak and then go to a tanner. She looks for a piece of leather +- 1m x 1,5m. She will buy this if is a good price and also get leatherworking needles and leather strings. She will then go and look for some whitewash. After that she will go back to the dwarf: "Hello again, Does this look better?" Although she has never seen a dwarf in person, her races' distrust of the dwarfs flows through her. "I need a sword. Will you please give me some selection of what you can offer?".
Flinx walks back into the shop, nodding briefly at Grayson for his help, and thanking the potion master. He then leaves, back to the weapon shop. "I want a two-handed broadsword, leather clothing, and soft leather boots, please." He will not look at anything else. As he finishes here, he walks to the provisions, buying some food and waterskins. Finally, he walks over to Akeems. "I need to see a magic user." With a suppressed growl, he tries and smile at the person behind the counter
"I'll take both of them." Vander places 350gp on the table and gathers together his blades and staff. "Honour be with you and your tribe." He salutes the barbarian and leaves, walking over to the artists's shop he's seen earlier.
The potion master get a look of absolute horror. "You'll have me broke and out of business. I can't do that. I do it for 650 for 4 regrowth and 550 gold for the healings." He look at Aldarian with anticipation. "The strenght potions I have for hill and storm giant type. The hill giant is 150gp and the storm giant is 500gp."
Meanwhile ice is talking to the tailor, who is in absolute aghast when she hear that ice want to buy raw material:"Absolutely not. I sell completed products only. I will not sell you uncompleted clothes. The robe will be sixty gold. You can choose from the white with the glittering blue iceflakes. Nice and cool in summer or you can have the navy blue with white twinkeling stars. I also have plain white, ice white, light blue, dark blue, white and blue striped and white and blue blocks. I also have that in satin, leather, silk and sinthetic.:)"
Meanwhile Flinx is trying to buy clothes at the weapon shop without success. The dwarf is fuming:" Whaddya take me for. A blinking treehugger. I sell metal! METAL!!! Not silky pansy stuff!!!" Get outta here." Looking back at strider he appologize:"Sorry, but one gotta be firm with these barberians. They don't even know what is quality and what's cheap.Now, can I sell you this very nice blade here. It will remain sharp for life. Adamantite blade with real dragon blood toughened magic in it. Nothing better. For 500gp it'll be a giveaway."
The barberian look at Vander, his mouth open in surprise. Scooping the money from the table, his look follow the firbolg as he dissappear in the crowd. As Vander enter the artist shop, he notice no one in the shop, but see several brushes, chisels, hammers, dies and other equipment standing around. A beautifull adamantite carving set on a stand draws his attention immediately as he see the delicate runes on the small hammer and fine pointed chisels.
"WHAT?! YOU MUST BE CRAZY. I will not pay 60gp for ANY cloak. I do agree that I do love this White with iceblue specks but really!! I will give you 30gp at the most!"
The tailor frown:" Nope, can't have that, how about thirty gold and you old clothes." She wait looking for a answer.
Strider picks up the dragon-blood treated dagger, and, using his spellcraft ability, tries to identify the type and effect of the so-called magic.
The dagger is very good, the best you have seen and the blade seem to be so sharp, that if you drop it, it'll go right through anything. Very very sharp, the best you've seen.
Strider tries to cast Detect Magic unobtrusively, trying to ID the magic without startling the smith.
With absolute horror Strider notice what have upset ice. The weave. It has changed. And he cannot tap it. The magic, it feels different, the form unknown. Ohhh nooo...
Strider at first berates himself for not being focussed. Then, when he fails again, he turns his attention inward to find where the problem is. Realising that it is the weave itself that is different, he tries to find a thread of magic to grasp hold of. Repeatedly, he fails, the fine veils of magic slipping through his 'fingers' as it twists and turns in unfamiliar and unexpected ways. Sighing, he opens his eyes and says to the smith, "I will offer you 200gp for this dagger which, admittedly, is finely crafted." He waits for the smith's reply.
Strider thinks for a few seconds, then says, "Hmmm. I agree that this is indeed a very fine blade, and I will be willing to raise my offer to 350gp."
The dwarf start jumping up and down, foaming around the mouth: "You cannot do me in like that. A honest bussinessman am I, trying to make a living in this god forsaken hell hole you call a cite, with no decent tunnels around even. Dang it. 425, and that's my last offer!"
Strider is at first slightly taken aback by the dwarf's reaction, but then he smiles slightly as he says, "Now, now, calm down." Switching to dwarven, he continues, "I am pushing my purse when I offer you 400gp for this dagger. I understand that you are trying to make a living, but you must understand my position too. Cna we make a deal on this?" He waits for the dwarf's reaction, standing ready to jump out of the way should the shopkeeper have another outburst.
The dwarf grumbles: "Ok take tha dang thing an be happy you robbed me, may it only bring you danger and pests." Flinging the dagger into the steel table to the hilt, he take the money and continue:" Now are you going ta waste my time or buy someting else!"
Strider bows to the dwarf, then picks up his newly acquired weapon. "Honour to thy family, kind sir. I was hoping to find some other weapons from my homelands. I wonder if you know about them? Called shuriken, they are small metal stars that can, with the porper training, be thrown far, and can do quite a bit of damage to an opponent, when thrown correctly. Also, I would like to look as your... bo shi-de. Sticks, "He switches to common looking for a translation, " tree, no... staff... Yes! Piece of - no, quarter staff." he smiles and looks at dwarf again, "Quarter staffs, please."
Strider tries to pull the dagger from the table but fails> The dwarf look up frowning a bit. "You'll need a bit more power here, son. See the mage there." He point to the more expensive magic shop"... and buy a green stone." He turn around and take a stout staff from a shelf behind him:T'is is the only one I've got." He also pull the dagger out and hand it to Strider, carefully avoiding the blade.
Strider nods and, using the honourary mode of address, thanks the dwarf. He then moves over to the mage's shop, and enquires after the so-called 'green' stone. He will once again try to employ his spellcraft ability to recognise as much as he can before starting the process of purchase.
Handing the dwarf 10 gold, he walk over to the shop. Wands, scrolls and many other things is stacked on shelves. The old mage behind the counter patiently wait for Strider. Then show him the only green ioun stone he has. " No less than 200 gold for this, the only one in the country at the moment." He awaits the reply.
"Good deal. I will take awhite backpack and three pouches as well!" and hands her the money. She then walks to the dwarf and asks him about the swords.
The tailor take ice back to the cubicle, the tape, sizzors and needle doing their wok and within no time the she reappear in a glittering icy robe with white backpack with three whitre pouches inside, but 60 gold poorer. Walking over to the dwarf, who is fuming with Strider, she wait a while for them to finish, then continue and ask for the sword. The dwarf take out three shortswords, one of excellent, one of good and one of poor quality and ask her to choose.
Aldarin nods "Okay, I'll take them. And two hill giant strength potions. But I am only paying 250 for them together."
After that he walks toward the dwarfs weapon shop. "Greetings to thee, I would like to purchase a mace please, a good one."
The alchemist frown and mutter something about robbing him blind, but take the money and hand Aldarian the potions. He waits his turn with ice while Strider finish. The dwarf finish with Strider then continue with Ice, for now ignoring the priest.
Ice buys a blade, then break it handing the dwarf the blade, muttering something about the scrap he sells, but keep the hilt. The dwarf almost explode with rage, shouting insults and then ignoring her to continue with the priest. "Hmmm, maces. I only have the one. It was made by a cleric of Armaunator and he died, giving the last of his life force to his god." The dwarf rub a tear from his cheek and take out a mithril mace, inscribed with a golden balance, a hourglass and the sun, all in gold. "I can let it go for no less than 3000gp, but I will. You see, he was a friend of mine. But you will have to promise me to wield it with care."
Grayson looks around the clothing shop for something that fits him. He chooses a shirt and pants in blue or brown. "These will do nicely. How much do I owe you?"
Aldarin looks at the blade lovingly. "Armaunator. Is that your name for the Sunlord? I to venerate the sun, but we call it diferent. It is a beautifull weapon indeed but I can't afford to buy it. Not with the other equipment I still need." He ponders for a moment and then raises his head again. "I can pay you 2500 at the maximum and you would have me sleeping on the street because of it."
Grayson doesn't find any clothes in the tailor shop, just a tailor very willing to help. As he explain his needs to the tailor, he listens intently, then take him to the back. Sixty gold later and Grayson look like a new man. Clothes made to measure and just for him. The clothes is of excellent fit.
The dward from at Aldarian:" I do not really know the human gods that well. But I know that he is called the keeper of time. I really cannot do this for that amount of gold. The very least would be 2750gp."
Flinx is thinking of tearing this place apart, cause they don't want to give him leather, and they called him a barbarian and a tree-hugger. (think wolverine here) He walks to the tailor, and asks one last time for leather...
The tailer look quisically at Flinx:"Do you want raw leather, hide or what. I only sell leather clothes and other clothes. What can I help you with?"
Flinx sighs finally. "Leather clothes would do!" He drops a few coins on the counter. "Give me a full leather outfit, brown, with soft leather boots." He will wait, feeling the leather.
The tailor take flinx to the back, the floating needle, sizzors and tape at work. Within a few minutes, the clothes is ready for wear, dressing flinx smartly. It fits perfect and the leather isvery soft, cured to perfection. Sixty gold poorer, but much smarter, Flinx walk out of the tailor shop, a new man.
Flinx almost appears pleasant as he walks out of there, now only looking for a sword, before he is going to bother the mage dealer, Akeem. He walks to the weapon shop, and asks for a two-handed broadsword, magical, if possible. He will examine all the blades, touching them, as if feeling for something, closing his eyes...
Walking over the the dwarf once again, he stop before him, a warning in his eyes not to mess with him again. The dwarf look up at Flinx:"Whaddya want?"
In dwarven, Flinx asks very slowly, and as politely as he can, for a two-handed broadsword, with the exact specifications that he would like. "It must be magical, if possible. And I know a good sword when I see it, so don't hide any away from me!" He drops a few coins on the counter....
Reaching behind him into a cupboard, the dwarf only heft out one blade, a old rusted two handed sword. "T'is be the only one me got, an ye can't 'ave it for For that few cents either. 800 gold and nothing less." The huge rusted blade drop heavily onto the counter.
Flinx, looking at the dwarf with a viscious scowl, reaches out, and runs his finger over the rusted blade, feeling it, trying to sense something about it. If it is his type of sword, he is sure he will feel something...
Flinx feel rusted metal under his fingers. As he takes away his hand, his fingers is red with rust. The blade's uneven form make him shiver all over again. Something about this blade is not right. Simething about the blade spell out something terrible to him. It is amost a hunger, a passion...
Grayson exits the tailor and struts proudly towards the booth of the barbarian in his new cloths. Upon entering the barbarian's shop he states, "I would like to look at the largest sword you have with magical properties."
No. You are not going to do this to me!!!!* Flinx, stumbles back, almost losing his balance. "I am terribly sorry.," he apologizes to the dwarf, his eyes locked onto the sword. He just stares at it, trying to make up his mind whether he wants to buy it. He nods to the dwarf, and goes to the Barbarian first, trying to find out if he doesn't have anything. If not, he will buy this sword...
Flinx join Grayson at the barberian...
The barberian take out a humungous sword, double bladed and shining in the light. "This is an excelletn blade, a defender, the best there is. It is also blessed by Armaunator and has a lot of powers. Very sharp and never need sharpening, made from a solid piece of adamantite, forged by Armaunator himself, there is none to his likeness. 17,000gold for the beauty." He look expectantly ant Grayson and Flinx.
Flinx growls, as he almost drools on the blade. "Not as good as my old sword, but nice." He looks at his remaining gold. A slight problem... He makes an offer of half of that, trying to see what the Barbarian's reaction would be.
Diving underneath the counter once again, he come up with yet another three bastard swords and another sword handle. As flinx make the next offer, the barberian just laughs. " You'll have to do better than that! But' I'll keep it here, should one of you want to have a look agaiun at it later." Picking up the loose handle, a bright weavy blade shoot from it. "This is a spritual blade. One has to be organised of mind to be able to wield this, one of the best there is. 1500gp for this one." Picking up the first of the bastard swords, he smile."Arcania, the blade of magic. This blade react differently to each wielder and have different properties for everyone who wields her, she can be devastating or meek, depending all on the wielder."
Dropping that one and picking up the second bastard sword as if it weighs nothing, he continues:" This blade is the blade of the scale. I will sell this to anyone with 800 gold. It will be your judge." Puting it down he pick up the last blade:" This is the blade of the nightsinger, the only one. Beware all who touches her, as she is dangerous." He drop the blade on the counter, rubbing his hand slightly as if it is stinging."
Flinx run his hands over the the first blade, feeling the raw magic in it, almost like a tingeling. The second blade feel good in his hands, the balance perfect and the feeling right, as if he is one with it. As flinx touches the last blade, a knowing voice wisper in to his mind, searching probing feeling the likeness of him. As he turn the blade over, a huge purple eye, outlined in black wink at him, almost smiling. A feeling of power and strenght fill him as his hands fold over the hilt.
The voice in his head start wispering:"Give in to the power. The power is everything, I can guide you in your strenght, together we will be better. I know your fear and I can help." Flinx feel the comfort of the blade over him, guiding him, guiding his shifting, helping him and opening a bit more of his powers, those of the giant bat to him. flinx instantly know who to shift into it, to power of sound vision and the silent attack, also the thirst for blood and silent attacks in the late of night. Then his vision clear up, with the last though:"Kiss the blade, and I'll be yours..." Lingering in the front of his mind. Looking at the barberian, the barberian grimace and say:" 200 gold, just take it."
Flinx is struggling with self control, as he glances at the Barbarian. "Why the grimace? And why so cheap?" His hand seems to draw towards the sword out of its own volition, bringing the blade up to his lips, slowly...
The barberian grimace once again: "I have no liking in talking blades, the power of that one for me almost too strong to control. I cannot have it here for much longer, it will drive me insane." He continue to run his hands.
Flinx nods slowly, understanding the man's words. "It seems to like me, somehow..." He throws the required gold on the table, as he kisses the sword.
A fire like none ever felt before drive the air out of Flinx's body with a woosh. The everything goes black, and he forget everything but the blade. The blade has become his life, his eyes, his ears. Darkness even darker that the depth of night cover him like a blanket, as he feel himself change. His memories change too, as almost a glow cover him. He feel as happy as he has never felt before, everything feel more smooth, silky. His whole outlook on life changes, everything althers. He open his eyes and Grayson shake him. "You all right flinx?"
Flinx smiles, a almost dreamlike smile on his face. "Yes, Grayson, old buddy, I am just dandy!"
As Flinx open his eyes, you see the his eyes have turned purple, with no pupil whatsover, similar to the one on the blade. His skin also look a bit gray and feel slightly cold, but otherwise he seem to be ok.
Aldarin gives a theatrical sigh and gives the blade a few test swings. "Do you know anything about its powers?"
Regardless of the answer Aldarin buys the mace greets the dwarf and walks toward a stall which sells armour. "Greetings to you. I was looking for a set of armour, could you show me what you have?"
The dwarf confirm that he know very little about the mace, as Aldarian leave toward the armourer. The armourer show Aldarian some piecemail, leather, studded leather, chain and scale mail he has. "I also know this charm to help it fit better." He nods toward the armour:" So what will it be."
Aldarin pulls a set of chainmail from the rack and lifts it in his hands. "I would be interested in a set of chain. Do you have anything with magical properties?"
Grun picks up the axe, "Hmmm, just a little bigger than me. Do you know what it's powers are? What other axes do you have? You don't happen to have any throwing axes that will return to my hand after thrown? This chain feels fine I will take it.
Ice joins the rest of the group at the barbarians shop and tries to get his attenttion. She asks him:" Helll there big friend, I need to buy some nice daggers for throwing. Do you have anything for a nice lady like me?", giving him her best smile, trying to be as alluring as she can be, putting all her elven charm into as well. She waits for him to show her what he has got, before showing him the money.
Grayson's mouth drops as he stares into the purple eyes of Flinx. "Now that is a sword." He adds whispering to himself so that only he can hear "Note to self, don't say anything bad about that sword."
Releasing Flinx with a half smile he turns back to the barbarian, "That large sword is just beautiful - just what I needed. Alas, 17000 is more than I can spend. I would like to buy a two handed sword, however. What large swords do you have that are worthy and yet . . ." he nods towards Flinx "a little less ... overwhelming."
The shopkeeper look at Aldarian with a bit of a frown:" No sir, Magical chain can't be shrinked or expanded to fit and must be made for the wearer. I can make you some, but it will take about 6 weeks. The price will be 4500gp. The normal chain I can sell for 400gp."
The barberian turn back to the huge mino:" Nope, but it is a nice axe. It will serve you well. The hand axes I have is just normal and won't return. I only have the one exceptionally well crafted one, which I can sell for 475 gold."
Turning to Ice as she interupt him:" I have this belt that I got from a thief that attemted to rob the caravan, with 10 throwing daggers in it. I'll sell it for 100gp. The normal throwing knives is 10gp for 3"
"Turning to Grayson and pointing to the blades on the counter:" This is what I have sir. Feel free to test the balance and see which you like. I will probably have the decent blade for a while, so if you secure the money, come and see me and we can do something."
Aldarin looks agast at the merchant. "400 Gold are you joking? A normal suit of chain should cost no more then a 100. What is that suit made of, gold?"
The merchant frown:"Well, I'll take 350, but no less. Otherwise go buy it for 100 gold."
Vander examines the carving set carefully, trying to see if he can interpret the runes, and also assessing the quality of the work. He motions over the shopkeeper, "Greetings to thee. This is a most interesting set. What do you know of its origins? And how much does it cost? And do you have a set of brushes and paints to go with it?" He looks at the shopkeeper, waiting for an answer.
Big sigh. "Very well, I'll take it. If you could adjust its fit please, I would like to wear it underneath this robe."
After that Aldarin visits the merchant who sells normal equipment and buys himself a sling, a pouch of slingstones and a backpack with normal equipment like he had before. After that he will go to the food stall and 'finally' order himself a meal and drink. As the others finnish their buying he will wave them over and buy them a meal as well.
Flinx is very happy for the meal. So happy, in fact, that he orders the biggest meal available. He seems incredibly cheerful, belying his pale, waxy grey countenance. "Why thank you very much, Lightboy!" He sinks into his meal with gusto...
Grayson picks up the spiritual blade first and swings it slowly to see how it handles. Placing it down he picks up the arcania sword and does the same "how much did you say for this one?" he asks as he puts it down. He gingerly picks up the last large sword, "what did you mean by this sword of scale will be your judge?"
Vander doesn't get an answer and as he turn around, he see that the shop remains empty. Looking at the runes he notice that the rune can be translated roughly as follow: Mind/memory; clear picture; think/ and remember; start word - start; automatic carving. Several brushes and paints are available on the shelves close to him.
The merchant fix Aldarian up with the chain and he walk over to the general store. Here he finds a backpack for 5gp, a sling for 1gp and 2 silver, normal sling bullets for 1sp for 20 and some other equipment. like ropes, lanterns, cleaning materials, different oils etc. The shopkeeper stand at the door and collect the money for the goods taken from the shelf. This shop seem to have almost everything in general equipment.
The first sword has an excellent feel to it, the balance superb and the blade very sharp. Unfortunately, you don't have 17,000gp. Arcania,on the other hand, has a much slimmer and slender blade, but it weighs almost nothing. You feel in perfect control as you swin it. The shopkeeper look at the blade and say:"1500gp for that one." As you pick up the last blade with the scale on it, it fits you nicely. The blade self seem to vibrate slightly from the magic in it. The shopkeeper smile and say:" That one is 800 gold."?
"Goodday my weary companions" "I am Amglear for yhose who don't know me" To Flinx:"I do hope the potion will work for your sake as well as ours"
Ice takes the Belt of Daggers from the barbarian and payes for it. She then walks to the mage's shop and asks him:" Hello there. I seem to have a problem. Me and my friends come from afar and we seem to be having difficulties in controling the flow of the weave. Is there any way you can help us. It just seems as if the weave is resisting our attemps to use it."
Hearing Ice's statement, Strider steps back a pace, allowing her to take the shopkeeper's attention, but staying close enough to listen. Muttering to himself, he waits to hear what she'll say next, as well as what the shopkeeper will have to reply. He has no intention of voicing his suspiciouns, and will not answer if asked.
Once Ice has completed her interrogation of the shopkeeper, Strider steps forward again, still holdinh the stone, and asks, "We were arguing about a price, yes?"
The arcanist get this weard look in his eyes:" What is wrong with the weave?" He closes his eyes for a moment and a ball of light appear in his hand, which he throuws to ice:" I can't find anything wrong. You just reach in and take the spell you want, so what is the problem?" Turning to Strider, she frown:"I said 200gp and that's the final price. So take it or leave it. Decide now, cause I want to leave for home." The arcanist tap with his foot on the ground, just as a gnome start walking down the centre walkway:"Closing time, everyone out, Closing time!"
A voice coming out of nowhere almost scare Vander out of his wits:" You gonna take that or what? We'll be closing soon." As he turn around the white mist of an halfling ghost float about 2 feet from the ground. "I also need my rest you know."
For a moment Vander's eyes gleams dangerously as he stares at the ghost, "Yes, yes I am indeed going to take this. How much? And can I have a set of brushes and paints to go with it?"
Strider sighs, shrugs, then hands over the 200gp. He bows formally to the shopkeeper, bidding him adieu in the formal mode. He turns and steps away, then halts and asks, over his shoulder, "I trust I may return again in the morrow, to further perruse your goods?" He waits for the shopkeeper's answer, then, nodding, continues toward and through the door. He briefly steps in to the General store, and purchases a backpack, some glass flasks, new herbs (for healing), rations, some rope (silk, preferably), a waterskin, flint & steel, writing ink, a lantern, some oil, paper, some wax, a belt-pouch, and a (more detailed) map of the known world. :)
Hastily finnsishing his meal Aldarin walks toward the entrance. Upon spying the ghost his hand darts toward his holy symbol and he hessitates. Undead were the greatest enemy of Lathander but obvious his powers of turning would also be unavailable here. With a big sigh he releases the symbol and acompanies the others outside.
Ones outside he looks at the others. "Where to now?"
The ghost select everything vander needs as well as the dies and paint brushes and adding everything, he look back at Vander. That'll be 400gp.
As strider walk up to the general store door, the door refuses to budge at all. It seems like they are closed already and that he will have to return in the morning.
Aldarian look out the door and notice that the sun is setting. Waiting outside for the rest of the party, he notice that the streets are very busy, as everyone seem to be going home. Hunger pains start to nag the human as he think of his god.
"400gp? Isn't that a bit ... pricey? Why so much?" Vander stares back at the ghost, waiting.
Aldarin stands looking at the setting sun for a long moment and then shakes his head clear. "I will try and find a temple of this Amaunator. But when I look at the traffic I would not be surprised if I find it closed. Anyone wanys to acompany me?"
Strider sighs when he finds the door closed, and turns to face Aldarin. Holding up the green stone he just acquired, he pulls out his new dagger, and hefts it experimentally. In response to Aldarin's question, he says, "I will accompany you, Aldarin. There is much I, too, need to think about, and solitude would be preferred." He opens his hand, and tosses the stone lightly into the air.
Grayson picks up the spiritual blade first and swings it slowly to see how it handles. Placing it down he picks up the arcania sword and does the same "how much did you say for this one?" he asks as he puts it down. He gingerly picks up the last large sword, "what did you mean by this sword of scale will be your judge?" As soon as the words leave his mouth he hears a gnome start walking down the center walkway:"Closing time, everyone out, Closing time!". Grayson glances at the gnome and turns back to the barbarian, "well, lets see if we can get this deal done and I will be on my way."
Ice looks at the arcanist and tries to reach into the weave to try to change the color of the white streak of her hair. She then walks out following the rest of the group and still trying the touch the unyielding flow of the weave.
After purchasing the axe and chain mail Grun returns to the Inn. He will eat food there. "I will see the rest of you at the Inn. Maybe there we can discuss our plans of finding the Lich. We need to hurry about this."
Vander looks around in confusion for a few moments, then shrugs. "Ok, you win." He counts off 400gp and puts it on the stand, and takes the carving kit and the paints and brushes, standing around for a few moments, waiting for something to happen. If the ghost does nit re-appear, he will leave, with a last question, "Should I just leave the shop open, or so you want to lock it, maybe?" He will try to find the rest of his companions at the inn.
The ion stone imeediately start floationg around Strider's head and the dagger feel more balanced and handle a lot better. The blade is immencely sharp.
The barberian look at Grayson. "The scale is for justice and the blade is excellent. I'll give it to you for only 700gp."
As Aldarian and Strider stand in the setting sun, they hear a small pop behind them and see Ice sucking her fingers. The Grun joins the, just remembering that the inn doesn't serve food.
Vander and the rest join them a bit later, Vander busy examining the runes on the chisels set he has bought for 350gp. Amglear also join them in a short while, looking just as haggard as before. His clothes is starting to come appart and even his money pouch is damaged. Jerzal and Flinx also arive a moment later, smiling and talking. Examining the map the party see that there is a temple of Amaunator down at the bottom of pine forest road, on the corner of pleasence street.
Walking down to the temple, to see if one of the cleric's can help Aldarian, the smell of hot food assault there sences and everyone decide to first walk past the temple to the food vendor in Spacer street. Even flinx have some more food, his appitite increased by the fall of night. The moonless sky seem to cheer him up tonight, as he start singing in a low voice.
Finishing the meal, the party all walk to the temple, Flinx and Grun returning to the inn. Two priest of Amaunator stand at the entrance, having just finished the eveing prayers. Looking at the approaching party, the smile and the one step forward to Aldarian:" I am Celth, priest of Amaunator. What can I assist you with?"
Ice walks to the inn and sits down with the rest of the group. She goes to the bartender and tries to buy a drink(non-alchoholic).
Strider joins his comapnions in the trek to the inn, and joins them at the table. When they place their food orders, however, he doesn't order anything for himself, and once the orderd have been taken, he quietly rises and pads over to the keeper, and speaks to him in hushed tones.
Ice also leave the party and catch up with grun and Flinx on their way to the inn. Walking slowly, they enjoy the night air a lot as the streets seem to be quieting down. Then, as they walk, a funny thought dawned on them. Strider wasn't there while they where eating. He seem to have disappeared.
"With guidance." Aldarin replies. "I am a traveler who has lost his guidance in life and I hoped that you could help me find it. Could we speak privately?"
Amglear awake form his trance and finaly decide to buy himself a new set of clothes and a footmans mace. He wil be quite content to buy it at the offered price end will not haggle
After this he will go to the temple with the others
The priest examine Aldarian and look at the mace, then open the door for him. "Enter and find Sunlord Arladin, who will be able to help you."
Aldarian enter the temple and look at the lighting and beautifull carved statues in the entrance hall. A priest with a golder robe approach him, a disk of the sun around his neck. "I am Arladin. How can I be of assistance?"
Finding an open taylor, close to the restaurant, Amglear buy himself a set of clothes and boots for 30gp. He joins the party a short while later, outside the door of the temple, where they are waiting for Aldarian.
Vander join the party a short while later on the way to the inn. As there is no moon, the streets are very dark and almost deserted. Walking carefully in the dark, the party must take care not to stumble over things in the road.
After walking a few moments, Vander looks at the rest of the companions, "Hm. A most interesting place. Many of the shops seems to have magical items in stock. Magic must be very abundant around here."
As you turn into oak street, you seel the local militia standing guard. A dozen or so of them give you suspicious glares. From a shadowed alley stumbles a man dressed intattered green robes with dirty golden trim.
His hair is disheveled and his face shows a few weeks worth of ragged growth. Dark circles highlight his eyes, but he appears to have not so long ago been part of the wealthy.
"Alas", he cries, agonizing tears staining his face. Gazing into the sky, he raises his hands one of which is clutching a wine bottle and cries out.
"Amaunator, my lord, what did I do to deserve such misfortune? Tyche, have you abandoned me? How is my beloved to come to me now?"
Vander raises an eyebrow at the performance, then continues, "And apparently the drinks are also of a high quality."
The man doesn't seem to hear Vander and the sorrow on his face seems real. Trouble seem to be his only companion as he take another swig from the wine bottle.
Aldarin smiles at the high priest. My story may sound strange and perhaps even insulting to you but please hear me out for I swear that I speak the truth. My name is Aldarin. Ones I was known as High radiance Aldarin, Morninglord of Lathander the god of sunlight and creation in the country from which I hail. My companions and I were charged with defeating a great evil which roamed our lands but it fled and escaped toward this land, we followed it but when I tried and call upon Lathanders power I felt only emptiness."
He looks at the priest pleadingly. "For all my life have I served the sunlord, I feel empty without his guidance. Can you help me, can Armaunator help me?"
The priest look at Aldarian first with concern then with pity." I will let you into the sanctuary of Amaunator, where you may await him. Pray and seek his guidance, as only he can help you. I will send your friends to the inn, and show you the way." The sunlord motion to another priest and take you through to a chamber in the temple. As you turn around to speak to him, you hear a click of the lock as it turns in the door.
Outside: The party only wait a minute then another appear, telling you that Aldarian will stay the night, seeking the guidance of the Sunlord. You catch up with the rest of the part where a man dressed in a green robe, seem to be in drunken sturpor, cursing the gods.
After a few minutes of watching the man, Vander walks over to him, "What seems to trouble you?"
As you approach him, Vander realises that the man has been drinking for a while. "I am Nopheus, a jewler by trade. A few months ago, a quasi-magical item was planted in a popular tavern here. More than a hundred people was killed by noanar's delayed blast fireball, as well as my precious Amanda. I have spent thousands of gold piece on the preservation of the body, for a possible resurrection."
"I saved all the money I could, and sold my business as well as most of my belongings. Now that I have the money, I cannot find anyone willing to exhume her body. Everyone seem to be tied up in their own troubles. Ohhh, Tyche, why has my fortune changed like this!" He drop his head, looking depressed.
Vander nods slowly, "So you wish to resurrect her? I'm not trying to be rude or deepen your sorrow, but will she be truly happy if you return her to this world? Especially if you have spent all your wealth on finding her again."
Looking back up at VandeR, a fever seem to possess the man:" She is my everything, the only light in my life. We will start over again, me and her. I loved her so much. Where will I find someone willing." He strart crying, the sobs racking through his body.
Where are her body stored, and why can't you exhume her yourself?"
Nopheus look up:"Come into my house, and we will discuss it further." He point to a delapidated shack on the corner of the road, leading you in. Made of stonework and mouding wood, the window coverings are rotting, hanging by a single hinge, waving in the wind.
Nopheus leads the party into his home and silently clos- es the door behind him. The furnishings within are very nice but show great wear. All the furniture has small tags with prices attached with straight pins or stuffed into a tight corner to assure they are visible. He offers them a seat before the fireplace in his den.
"My wife, Amanda, was the only possession I cared about. Yes, I had everything a man would want or even care to have, but without her by my side to enjoy it with me, it was all worthless and trite. When she died, I had most of my money tied up in investments. I barely had enough required to have her body preserved and buried. In the intervening months, I've sold my business and val- ued possessions, liquidated my investments, and rented this shack because it was the cheapest thing I could find. I now have the funds necessary to bring her back to life and to pay those who would help me."
"Everyone seems to be tied up in their own troubles," says Nopheus. "Few are willing to brave the wilds for someone they don't know. I've thought of going out to her gravesite and exhuming her myself, but I'm a jewel- er, not an adventurer, so I'm not well-equipped to do bat- tle with orc raiding parties and other ground-dwelling predators."
"I've managed to collect 2,000 gold pieces and have held on to a few magical items that I've collected over the years. Are you interested in doing such a task for me?"
Aldarin kneels down facing the altar. "Armaunator, lord of the sun. I come to you for guidance. Without the light of the sun to guide me I am like a blindman. Without guidance I am without hope, please hear my cry."
Someone tap Aldarian on the shoulder, and as he look up, he see an old man, with a tenday old silver beard and long silver hair. He is wearing the blue, red and gold robes of a magistrate. In his hand he is holding a golden sceptre. "What are you doing here, son?"
Grayson looks at the Barbarian "I will give you 1000 for the arcania sword." and waits for a reply.
Flinx smirks at the drunk, flexing his hands gleefully. "My my, little man. So you are afraid of a few orcyworcies, aren't you!" He leans forward, and plants his purple eyes right in front of the guy's face, staring him down. "Tsk, tsk tsk. Now, I mean, if we are going to risk our necks in this boring venture, I believe we must know exactly what magic items you are offering. And if to drag a corpse out of the grave is worth the friggin effort...." He leans back, stretching his huge frame, and smiles at the drunk
Aldarin rises. (I though the door was locked. is his first thought) "Seeking guidance my lord. He who guided me all my life has left me, or perhaps I have left him. For all my life have I lived in the blessing of the sunlord, the world is grey without its radiance, and I miss it."
Grayson feel the blade at his side which he bought for 700gp. It really suits him fine and the balance on it is great. Looking at Flinx, and Nopheus, the jeweler continues: "There are several danger on the road and alone I cannot do it. I need someone to help me with it. The main part of the payment is gold, and like I said, I have saved some gold for the task. The magical items is a wand of magic missiles and a ring of protection."
Looking at Aldarian, the old man rubs his beard thoughtfully: "Well, some call me the sun lord, but the one you are referring is is to be borne yet. Mystryl told me about you misfortune and together we have decided that you will work with me, as the weave is under too much strain and she cannot handle any more. I will grant you spells, but I will not tolerate ANY lawlessness. Worship me and you will be fulfilled. May the sun shine on you always. Learn the prayers for morning, midday and night, and be faithfull. Always uphold the law above all else, to the letter." He reach out touching Lathanders symbol. It immediately transmute into a three part golden disk, two gold and a sunstone in the centre. It appear like someone standing, reaching out to the sun's rays. As you look up to thank him, everything disolves around you and you find yourself outside a shack, the stone and wood covered with mould. Inside you hear the voice of Flinx.
Grayson gazes dryly at Flinx and back at the drunken man. "This may take us in the direction we need to go anyway. How far away is the grave? Do you have any idea who set the magical trap that took your wife's live?" Grayson leans back in his chair and looks at the different party members. "Do you guys think the bomb was set by the same person we are looking to apprehend?" Grayson pauses as he waits for others thoughts, then adds "Before we can go anywhere I need to buy some more supplies since the day seems to move like lightening."
Aldarin stands dumbstrucken for a few moments. "Damned." he mutters while looking at his new symbol. "Why do I have the feeling that wasn't an ordinary guy?" For several moments he stands silently, deep in thought but then raises his head and walks inside, a new and determined air surrounds him. "The glory of the sunlord uppon you all. may I ask what is happening?"
I don't think the one we are looking for set the fireball. It was several months ago. He used magic of our homeland. If our mages have trouble with it wouldn't he? I think we should do it. We could learn something from this. We should not underestimate this task though. If he says nobody will go do it, there has to be something we don't know. The people here are all powerful mages. Why are they afraid, maybe orcs are more powerful here. Maybe we can have this man aid our mages on how to use the weave here. Then we will be ready."
"Yea, you are right. The only thing we need to worry about is this man sobering up and disappearing." Grayson looks at the old man and his poor surroundings, "It looks like you got some help. I tell you what. Why don't you gather your things and head come with us to the inn where we are staying. That way you can get a good nights sleep. In the morning we will pick up the supplies we are missing and head out to recover your wife." As the man gathers his things Grayson says to the others "This man will be able to teach us a thing or two of this world we are in. The money is virtually nothing but the knowledge will be of great value. Lets keep an eye on him during the night. We might want to keep the strong drink from him at least until we find his wife's body."
Ice ooks at the man, shakes her head and mutters in elvenunder her breath, "Pathetic". She then turns to him and with a slight frown on her face says that she will go along with the quest toget to know the place as well as the customs better.
Nopheus look up and hopefull:" You will help me. Good. I will remain here for the night, but will drink no more." He throw the bottle away and take out a map.
"Amanda was buried in the Gods' Legion mountain range several miles to the southeast. I was given permis- sion to bury her in the Shadowtop Clan's holy burial grounds located in the Eastern Forest."
"Here's a map of the general area. Her headstone is a heavy stone tablet with the words, 'Amanda, beloved wife and mother, 3482-3519 etched upon its surface. Inside, you'll see a beautiful woman of 36 years. She has long brunette hair and was buried in a white death gown and wore a necklace with a large blood red ruby surrounded by the silvery web of a black widow. The necklace is unmistakable because it's one of a kind."
Grinning and in a much better mood, Nopheus continue:" It isn't that no one want to help me because it is too dangerous, but because they are all busy with their own troubles. As you know, there has been riots in the cities and two cities have fallen already. For the payment, I will give you the wands now and 1000gp per person on your return. Return to me soon with the body of my beloved, as I love her and miss her too much."
"I hope that you also have permission to remove her body from the cemetary again?" Aldarin enquires. "I will set up a contract specifying the arangements which we can sign tomorrow."
He rises and walks toward the door. "Unless you can supply us with other information I will leave for the Inn."
Aldarin will leave for the inn, there he will take a drink at the bar if there are any who wish to acompany him and the retire to his room for prayers and sleep. During his prayers he will try and find out the abilities of his mace.
Flinx almost starts drooling as he hears about the necklace. With a hungry expression, he smiles, and shakes his head. "Of course, my ... good... friend... We will help you. I need the exercise anyway..." He stretch, and as everyone leaves, he looks outside. "What a beautiful night." He sighs slightly, with a pained expression flashing briefly accross his features, with a slight shade of green returning to his eyes, but just as quickly, it is gone. "Excuse me, boring people! There is a night out there, and a town, and I need to find some red paint!!!" He vanishes into the night, as quiet as a cat.
As soon as he is out of range of the others, he will turn into a bat, and fly to an isolated spot, where he will dance and pray. Afterwards, being real careful, he will find a small animal, like a rabbit, and sacrifice it, and then devour the body. If anyone gets close to him, he will use continual darkness, and disappear
Ice nods her head and says: "Yes I think we really need to get to our rooms. I for one needs to go and rest and read up my spells. There is also this problem of trying to find out how to touch and use the weave again. Maybe all the magic users should get together and see if we can put our heads together and see if as a group can't get it done faster.""
Grayson looks over the map, "They have a serious problem with map making in this place. I am going get some sleep." As they head towards the inn Flinx says "There is a night out there, and a town, and I need to find some red paint!" and vanishes into the night as quiet as a cat. Grayson watches him slink off, "Talking about serious problems ... We had better keep a close eye on Flinx. I hope he doesn't get caught. The law has never helped me but he will hinder our quest." With a shrug Grayson turns back towards the inn.
Upon arrival he purchases enough rooms so that everyone has a bed (we had only purchased one room). "First thing in the morning, I need to purchase a few more things and we can head out." With that Grayson heads to a room to sleep.
After retiring for the night, Vander takes out his carving kit and examines it very carefully, studying the runes in detail. After a few minutes, he starts to carve a rune on a stone, every now and again studying the rune carefully and critically, nodding after he has finished. He drops a few drops of water on the stone, then sits back and concentrates for quite some time. He suddenly sits up straight, a shocked look on his face. He starts to doodle on the floor, then just stares at the lines, deep in thought.
The party return to the inn and some move to the bar, the rest up to the room that Aldarian has rented the morning. Grayson head over to the barman, but find the inn fully booker, with only the one room they have rented available for the parties use.
Flinx join them after an hour, a bit of blood spattered on his new clothes but otherwise fine. His eyes gleam quite a bit tonight. The inn is filled with space crews from helmships of all different types and sizes.
Vander start to do the rune in stone, and then stops. Thinking a bit. Then he start carving like a maniac. It seems that the chisels cannot make mistakes and only take out the stone that is supposed to be out. He carve the rune in half the time, with great speed, and then after he put the water on looks confuse. During the night, the inn empty slowly as everyone retire for the night.
Grayson eyes Flinx and his bloody cloths. He leans towards Flinx and whispers, "I hope nobody, like a constable for example, comes looking for you during the night. I am going to see if another establishment has more room. One room will not be enough for all of us." With that Grayson heads down the street to find another inn with an open room. If one is not found he will return to the room rented at this inn.
"There is something we need to find out. I guess I was the only one listening to Nopheus. He said two cities have fallen already. I want to know what he meant by that. The Lich is tying to steal life or magic I am guessing. He might come here soon, if it is him."
Aldarin prayes both in the evening and in the morning very devotedly. The next morning he casts Ironskin uppon himself. Just before he walks down he casts Detect evil and goes to the taproom for (hopefully) breakfest. The ere he looks at Flinx and his sword but is very carefully not to show it.
Sitting in the taproom in the evening Aldarin looks at the others. "I agree with your decision to go and retrieve the woman's body but still I advice caution. We should delay our travels for another day to beter determine the troubles which plaque our spellcasters. My own troubles have been solved and I offer my limmited help and that of Armaunator's temple libraries to solve the problems."
Grayson fails to find another inn with open rooms. They seem top be all booked, so he returns to the inn about 2 hours later. Everyone rest in the room Aldarian rented, which is big enough quite fortunately. The only one awake is Strider, who dutyfully keep watch all night, working through his spell book and Aldarian who prays a portion of the night.
The next morning everyone wake up felling refreshed. With the research done by Strider and Ice, they are begiining to grasp what changes took place in the weave. And even Aldarian seem much better this morning. Standing in front of the window, he greets the sun as it rises in the east, reciting prayers to Armaunator.
Aldarian skin suddenly turn almost a grey metalic as he manage to make contact with someone again and his eyes start gleaming with a dull red. Not noticing anyone with evil intent, he walk down to the taproom and find the barman cleaning glasses from the previous night, and the bucked once again watering the plants.
After his failure of the night before, Vander will start with his practice runes again, trying to shape the weave around him into the runes. Very small, very temporary runes, he'll draw it on pieces of rock when they rest.
Aldarin grins as the light from his eyes subdues he seems to be in a good mood today. "Ah! Does that feel good. The light of the sun warms my soul anew. Praised be Armaunator!"
"My companions, may I invite you to breakfest at the market hall? There we can discuss plans for today and finnish our suplies."
If the others agree Aldarin will go to the market and buy himself a orange/red cloak at the tailor and then walks toward the magical items shop casting a tongues spell to give him the local dialect. "Hail and well met good sir. Yesterday I noticed you selling a magical item known as an Ioun Stone. Do you have any others like that?"
Grayson rises in the morning and attempts to stretch with a groan but his arms hit the roof of their room. He glances menacingly at the ceiling and turns to Aldarin, "Yes, I think breakfast would be a great idea." He gets dressed and goes with Aldarin to the market. He quickly eats a good sized meal. With that he goes to the armorer found yesterday and asks, "Do you have anything that will fit me?"
Vander seems very subdued during the day. As Aldarin offers breakfast, Vander accepts curtly, "Thank you, I would like that", not responding to any attempts at conversation. After eating the meal offered, he looks back at Aldarin, "Thank you, friend. This was indeed a most excellent meal." He quickly looks around the table, "If you all will excuse me ..." and leaves, without waiting for them to reply. He immediatedly walks over to the clothesmaker, "Greetings. I am looking for some clothes, as well as possibly, depending on cost, some warm furs. How much?"
The party walk out to the market in bright sunshine. The day seem to be great for all and everyone seem cheery today, except Flinx, who seem to be agitated by the sharp light. The meal of roasted veal, with bread and goose eggs seem to go off very well and the shop is busy already.
The Armorer outfit Grayson with piecemail of plate which he expand a bit to make it fit and both Aldarian and Vander get the clothes they look for at the tailor. Grayson is 150gp poorer, Vander 60gp and Aldarian 40gp.
Ice examine her spellbook and notice quite a few blank pages.As she go into detail, she note that the spellbook appear as follows:
Level 1: ------- Chill -> Prug's Cold Darklight's Mystic Shield -> Carbury's Shield Ice's Blades -> Blank Page Frost Hands -> Zahn's Cold Attack Ice's Touch -> Blank Page Mist -> Jarm's Obscuring Sight Ice's Minor Hailstones -> Fourfinger's Hail Ice Shards -> Primidion's Ice Shards Whisper's Icicle Assault -> Fourfinger's Ice Shards Level 2: ------- Ice Knife -> Prugs's Ice Blade Bands of Mist -> Carbury's Cloud Ice Bolt -> Primidion's Ice Attack Ice's Lesser Hailstones -> Blank Page Level 3: ------- Alpha's Ice Bolt -> Blank Page Frost Breath -> Zahn's Icy Breath Kallum's Cold Frost -> Fourfinger's Cold Ice Storm -> Primidion's Ice Storm Whisper's Icy Acvalanche -> Carbury's Avalanche Level 4: ------- Alcoreax's Icetrail -> Jarm's Pathfinder Alpha's Chill of the Void -> Primidion's Greater Drain Ice's Cloak -> Fourfinger's Shield Hydro Shield -> Carbury's Watery Shield Ice's Warblades -> Blank Page Uldarks's Conjured Frost Bolt -> Blank Page Wind Blast -> Marvin's Wind Attack Level 5: ------- Blizzard -> Jarm's Falling Ice Ice's Greater Hailstones -> Primidion's Greater Ice Storm Vanquil's Drifting Blizzard -> Jarm's Obscuring Cloud Vanquil's Freeze Ray -> Blank Page Whisper's Cold Imprisonment -> Marvin's Ice Prison Level 6: ------- Darklight's Creeping Frost -> Primidion's Covering Ice Globe of Ice -> Zahn's Ice Protection Sarius Frost Giant Manifestation -> Blank Page Level 7: ------- N/A Level 8: ------- N/A Level 9: ------- Sheet of Frost -> Blank Page
Ice walks to the magic shop and asks the owner if they got some wands and if he has got ant that she wants to see a selection of what they got.
After buying his clothes, Vander quickly dresses in his new outfit, and leaves his rags there as he walks out, "Good day to you. I hope you find some use for these rags, there is unfortunatedly not much left."
He walks on to the general dealer, "Greetings. Do you perhaps have a backpack for me, together with some supplies? Specifically, 100ft of rope, some salt, some spices, flint and steel, a bundle of torches, an oilstone, some cloth, a needle and thread, a waterskin, a grappling hook, trail rations for 20 days and a few fishing hooks." He waits for a reply.
The store manager walk around, gathering the goods that Vander have requested and add it up. 115gp poorer, but very happy, Vander leave the store ready to hit the road to where it might lead.
Vander nods to the shopkeeper, "Thank you for the supplies. Good day to you." He leaves the remains of his old backpack on the counter and walks over to the weaponsmith, producing his 2 dagger blades, "Good day to you. Can you please fashion handles for these dagger blades for me, and balance them?"
The arcanist greet Ice warmly and start unpacking a selection on wands on the table. Ice find that there are wands of Anglin's sphere, Anglin's spray, Efteran's sleep, General Matick's missile, Hamring's hypnopattern and shan's web.
The huge women, covered in soot turn around and walk to the counter. She pick up the daggers and feel them:" They are made for a quartstaff and are already balanced for it. You see the cups here, they fit over the edge of the staff and cut nicely. You only need your staff fitted with the holders for these."
"And how much would that cost?"
The women frown, checking out his staff and looking at the iron she have. "About 25gp I would say. Can do it now, if you wish."
Vander nods at the woman, "That would be very kind of you" as he hands her 25gp. After she has finished he swirls the quarterstaff around a couple of times to test the balance, "Very well done. Thank you for your time." He walks back to the general store, "Greetings again. Can I also acquire a knife suitable for skinning animals and cutting meat?"
"Thank you so much," Grayson says with a bow to the armorer. He heads to other shops and gathers the following gear (100' rope, backpack, 2 water flasks, some meals for the road, 2 pouches for things in the backpack, 1 lantern, 4 flasks of oil, 1 grapple hook). Upon purchasing all this equipment he will look for a shop that has bows for sale. Entering he addresses the shop keeper "I am looking for a bow of high quality. What do you have?"
"I will be a bit more precise." Aldarin says to the magical items shopkeeper. "I am looking for a spellstoring item, either a ring or an Ioun stone. Do you have either?"
When Grun wakes up to see many of the party gone he says to those that are still around, "Obviously getting equipment for getting this guy's dead wife is more important than finding out why two cities have fallen. Maybe the lich has something to do with it, I don't know but we need to find out. So if any of you (those that are still at the inn) want to join me I am sure it would be helpful since you fit in here more." You should be able to detect an extreme sarcasm in Grun's voice. Grun leaves the inn and looks for somewhere he can get information.
Grayson get all the rest of his equipment and a very fine elven longbow for 400gp and the shopkeeper tell Aldarian that the only spell storing item he has is a ring of wizardry. Vander return to the group with a knife which is quite sharp, for skinning meat and 3gp poorer.
Grun exit the building and walk out in the street. The party join him after getting all their equipment. (OOC: Mail me lists and I'll let you know how much poorer you are) After wandering around a bit you find the gatehouse, a portal to almost any of the cities.
The courtyard is crammed with small cart vendors sell- ing spell components, altered magical items, and pre- served meats. The people here are clothed in the finest clothing you've ever seen. Some people wear robes and cloaks that seem to shimmer with a power of their own, producing prismatic effects across their surfaces. Their hair, perfect in every detail, is neatly combed; the skin is perfectly toned and free of blemishes.
As you walk around you see a few pillars holding the attention of a few well armed individuals.
Carbury's mouth spells etch their way along the sur- face of a circular row of columns. As the mouths speak their messages, groups of people move from one to the other, listening and taking notes on parchment. Some speak tales of bravery from annals of histories unknown to you, while others spout legal nonsense about the laws of Yeoman's Loft. One set of pale gray lips speaks this message:
"My name is Nopheus. Please help me. My wife was murdered in a vicious attack and I finally have the funds necessary to resurrect her."
"I can pay 2,000 pieces of gold, five items of magic, and one Book of Mythal to those who would bring her body to me. Please contact me at Yeoman's Loft, on the north- ern corner of Oak and Pleasance Streets."
Another constantly repeating Carbury's mouth, also close by, calls out to all in hearing range.
"A call to arms, my friend. We're in dire need! The groundlings are incessantly procuring arms to wield against the archwizards! The magical nature of Netheril requires the constant vigilance of the archwizards to assure everything stays intact. Without their care, Netheril shall come crashing down upon our heads, leav- ing us open to attack from our ancestral enemies: the orcs and their lackeys."
"For those who wield magic or steel, please register thy- self with the Karsus Enclave constabulary to fight in the war against subversion."
After Vander finished listening to the pillars speak, he turns around to his companions, "I still don't like this idea of Nopheus. Disturbing the dead is a good way to get cursed very quickly. On the other hand, the graveyard might be a VERY good place to start looking for our lich. I suggest we go there to see if we can find out anything."
After having made his purchases Aldarin decides to walk around the town to get a feeling of the place. He joins the others as they are listening at the mouth spells.
"Hmm, strange." he observes. "Nopheus offered only two magical items to us instead of five."
He points to the view beyond the edge of the city. "Quit impressive isn't it? I wonder what they ment by 'cities crashing down'. I don't expect that a lich could just cast dispel magic and make it come tumbling down now could he?"
Grayson looks towards the beautiful view pointed out by Aldarin. "What a beautiful place." Grayson sighs, "Too bad evil is so powerful in such a place. Other cities have come crashing down - who knows how." Grayson turns back towards the group. "We watched that lich suck every bit of life out of the whole countryside. Who knows what he is capable. I wouldn't doubt the downfall of this city."
"I think you are right Vander, this graveyard will be a good place to start. We can get an idea of how powerful these orcs are and get our feet wet - if you will. BUT we need to be careful. This Nopheus character has already lied to us about the number of magic items. Perhaps I am paranoid, but that is what has kept me alive all this time. Lets go find Nopheus and get on the road to find his wife. Depending on what we find out, we may want to register with the Karsus Enclave constabulary to fight in this war."
Flinx snarls, as he listens to the conversation. "I hate this bloody light!" His purple eyes seem to blaze with pent up anger, and a growl seems to come from his throat... He turns around quickly, and strides off. "Let us go to this graveyard. It can only be better than this..." As he hears the mouth speak, a wry grin flash across his features. "Aha. The bastard is holding out on me. How... stupid...."
He buys his supplies quickly, anxious to get out of the sun.
"I think that Nopheus said he would give us two and money up front. Anyway many of you acted like you were doing because you felt sorry for him. Now that you find out he offered us less than what he was planning on paying, you want more. There is no honor in that. Just get what you need and let's go."
"You know Grun, nobody here has complained about the loss of 3 magical items. Who cares about the money - it is practically nothing anyway. What bothers me is the fact that he MAY have lied. If memory serves me nobody felt sorry for the man. In fact most commented on his foolishness for burying her in the first place if he wanted to bring her back. I for one have always kept in my mind that we are here to find an evil Lich that may just be the person who will destroy this ancient world. If we can help some good people in the process - so be it. Now, you are right on one thing - we need to get going."
Vander starts rummaging on the ground and picks up a few rocks the size of his fist. After collecting them, he takes one and squatting on the ground, starts to draw a design on the rock using a stick, drops a bit of water on the design, concentrates on the design for a few minutes and then starts again.
"I vote we go to the graveyard, it is irrelevent if he lied to us. We still need to take his wife back to him. We can then bargain with him, when we got what he wants."
Grun, who was not looking in the direction of Grayson, turns to him and walks toward him. When Grun reaches Grayson he looks down to him. "If no one feels sorry for him and we don't care about the money then why the hell are we doing this? Joining with that group over there that is going to investigate what happened is a better idea."
After some minutes of working on his rocks, Vander slowly gets up, "We should go to the graveyard. Not to find the wife, but to search for the lich. It does not matter what Nopheus promised, or didn't promise us. I doubt it's a good idea to disturb the dead anyway, whether his wants to return or not, some graveyards do look after themselves, seeking to prevent people from doing what he wants us to do."
Grayson looks (up) at Grun in the eye and replies sarcastically "Well, let me see, maybe find clues as to an undead lich?" Grayson stairs the minotaur in the eye for a minute then a smile breaks on his lips. "You know Grun, I have never been a big fan of Minotaurs, but after this I just may change my mind. What do you say we get to this cemetary? There are portals over there which take us to the different cities. There is a city nearer the burial grounds. We can walk from there. After you..." Grayson waves his had with a bow towards the portals allowing Grun to pass.
"Really do I need to say this again, or do you all want me to be like a typical minotaur and bash a few heads in to get my point across. Before we go, we should find out what happened to the other cities. Grayson you might not like many minotaurs, just like I don't like humans that think they are always right."
Smiling at Grun's comments, "You are, naturally, right. Lead the way. I am sure just about anyone will be aware of the cities' downfall. We can find out on our way toward the burial grounds."
As most of the party agree that Nopheus will not accompany them, they decide to leave the city. Taking the way down, through the gatehouse, you end in the bottom half of Yeoman's loft, on the ground and see the magnificent forrests that surround it. Toward the east you see the high God legion mountain, of which the tips disappear into the clouds.
It seems that there is two ways to reach the burrial ground, the first be arround the mountain and the other over it. While you are discussing the prospect of which way to go, you start your exit out of the city, via one of the small paths leading in the right direction.
As you walk on the trail, into the forrest, you notice three figures standing in your path, obviously mages. There seem to be no markings on the ground so the three had to use magic to arrive. Just as you start wondering what they are doing there, the first starts to speak.
"Ah, right on time," smiles an older man in red robes that have a flaring "K" embroidered upon them. "Karsus does reward those who are prompt and faithful to Netheril." The old man bows low. "I bring you greetings from the great Archwizard, Karsus himself. He desires your services in tracking down a few elusive spell components. Are you interested?"
Vander suddenly looks up from the reverie he was caught in, "Huh?" After a moment he recovers, his eyes narrowing in suspicion, "HOW exactly did you know we were coming, hmm? And you just assume we will assist you? Are you those that look into the future, meddling with the path others walk on?"
The wizard laugh:"I suppose you can call me that. Karsus probably did a bit of scrying to find those worthwhile of such a task. You where the chosen I suppose." The wizard look you through: "And it seems like a very good choice."
"Ah. And may I ask on what you base this statement?"
The wizard pause a bit before answering: "Well, you seem to be a well balanced group and you certainly should be able to get the few component's he needs for his spell. The spell is the only one capable of saving Nethril, and prevent the cities from crashing down on us."
"Then it must be a honorable task to perform. What are the spell components you speak of? And why can't someone else gather them?"
The wizard smiles: "I would think it honourable. You where the first the wizard chosen. If you refused, I would have to find someone else. But you seem to be very capable and willing."
"If we do this for you, can we also request a favour in return?"
The mage look you in the eyes: "Of course. You should now that Karsus reward those who help him, and is very generous indeed. I am allowed to make an offer of 1000gp that is open for negotiation."
Then state your needs, mage. What shall we gather for you?"
"Karsus has need of two materials to prepare spell components. The first is the pituitary gland of the Tarrasque. The second is the stone-filled gizzard of a gold dragon." Jaston stops and studies your faces for a long moment.
"Some of you might have reservations about slaying a gold dragon just to get its gizzard for a spell component. I don't blame you. But I'm not here to compare ethics; all I can tell you is that these components are vital to the survival of Netheril."
"The gold dragon Dracolnobalen can be found in the northern reaches of Moander's Footstep. To the west of here in the Flats is the lair of the Tarrasque."
Flinx is growling at these wizards, seemingly ready to kill them if they piss him off more, hand on his sword. "What do you think I am, Stupid? No way I am taking on a Tarrasque! The dragon, tho... " He keeps quiet for a few. "Can we keep the treasure?"
The wizard grins:" Sure you can. All I need is the spell components. You can do with whatever treasure you find what you want."
You want us to bring you the insides of a Golden Dragon, as well as the insides of a Tarrasque? The famed unkillable creature? The ravager of worlds? And you think anyone will actually DO this for you?"
The wizard sighs:" Well, It should be sleeping, if that is a help. Anyway, you should be able to do it."
Flinx grins. Stupid wizards. There will be magic items there... "Why, thank you, oh great ond noble sir, " he says with a sneer on his face. "But , if i may ask, what is the spell for? " He grins again, flexing his great biceps, staring down at them. "If there is a big boom, I am in... And sleeping or not, I adore a challenge..."
"No, no, no, no, no, no. I have other things to do in life. There is NO way I will throw away my life at the whim of this Karsus. And the golden dragons are honourable as well. I will not go to one with the intent of killing it. They have wisdom beyond that of us mere mortals, and their presence is perilous."
Strider at first seems not to hear, then he asks, in a shocked tone of voice, "What!?" He starts starts gibbering in his own language, gesturing wildly, on his face a mixed expression of shock and amazement. When he finally finishes, he says, in Common, "You want us get WHAT!? Kill dragon, that can be done. But Terrasque? Legends speak of chong-quai-jing-kong - everliving souleater from hell. It cannot be hurt, and will destroy qi and eat it alive. Even Masters cannot fight it, even with all Kundalini-qi." He shakes his head, and glances at Flinx. "Purple-eye is right. Terrasque is wang-cho. Not good news."
Vander thinks for a moment, "Yet, I DO think I heard some rumour of this ... if this is fore-ordained, we cannot stop it ..." He falls silent, deep in thought.
The wizard first look at Flinx then at Vander: "It seems like something you will have to sort out between youselves. All I can say, is that if we do not receive the components, all the magical cities will come crashing down, and millions will die. The spell is to save Nethril, and that is honourable too. And it has to be done."
"And the conclusion will be inevitable. It will bring so much destruction - and salvation. How to weigh this against each other? That is the dilemma."
Flinx grins. "On second thought, there is too much magic here anyway..."
The mage scratch his head a bit:" The dragon may have some answers for you, should you stop to talk to it before killing it. "
I will accept your quest, on one condition, mage."
Jason look back to Vander:" Yes..."
Flinx stares at the old man. "Why don't you kill it, loserboy? If you are so mighty with magic?"
The mage laughs at Flinx: "You would like that. Nope, I am Karsus right hand and cannot be away from the conclave for two long. The rebellion is getting out of control and we need this spell to keep everyone under control."
I will search for the spell components, but before the spell this is being gathered for is cast, you will help me find the one I am looking for."
Strider mutters under his breath, his face growing more an d more troubled as he debates with himself. Looking up at the wizard, he asks, "You can teach magic to help in fight, yes?" He lifts his hands, motions to cast a small light cantrip, using all his concentration...
Jason frowns:" I can try to help you find the one. If magic can find him, I will." Then Strider's spell fail and Jason look up once again: "It seems like you have trouble with the weave. I can help you with that as well. And a ring of flying can be added to the bargain."
Flinx shifts his posture, holding the sword so that the wizard can see the eye. "Now what makes you think, wizard, that I want everyone to be meek and doclire as you want it?" He stares at them, purple eyes blazing. For a few seconds, he seems to calm down somewhat, and his eyes flicker somewhat green, but then they shine purple again...
The mage's eye narrow at the sight of the eye, but he control himself and ignore Flinx.
Strider slumps his shoulders, then nods acquisence.
Vander nods, "I am certain magic will be able to find him. Before we arrived here yesterday, a lich has created some kind of gate. We followed him through, but lost him when we arrived here. I want to find him, and make him pay for the damage he's done ..." A dangerous glint shines in Vander's eyes.
Jason look at Vander. "Ok, we will scry on him for you and give you the answer you seek as part of the prise."
A slow smile spreads over Vander's face, "Then I will attempt to find what you seek. Any aid you can give us, would be appreciated, since I do not know if I am strong enough, but that is something only time will tell ..."
Jason smiles: "Yes, None of us would know now." He call over Ice, Vander and Strider and explain the weave to them. Immediately things come into perspective and you understand why the magic is feeling so much different, as well as how to tap it. You also understand how to grasp spells and how the the weave depth works. He also explain that a spell is also only learned once, and the mage will remember it for all time, and just select the right magic for the spell and pull it out of the weave.
"What? have you all gone insane? Killing a gold dragon? The greatest of all living creatures, you must be kidding." Aldarin seems greatly shocked. "Saving lives, how can such a spell prevent the cities from crushing down? You say that it is to keep the populace docile, why are they revolting? Because their leaders are intend on slaying noble creatures like a gold dragon perhaps?"
Jason look up as he finish with the mages: "We need those spell components. If you don't get them, someone else will. Maybe you can get away without killing the dragon, who knows. But we will get those components, come what may. And by the honour of Vander and Strider, who have already receive part of the reward, you are bound by contract." The mage get up and motion to his companions. Mumbeling something, a door open in front of them and they step through, leaving the party behind.
Grayson shakes his head as the mages disappear. "I certainly don't like the idea of killing a gold dragon." He sighs heavily thinking over the options, "it seems that we don't have many options. They will help us find this lich. Then again the dragon may be able to help us. How do we even know these guys are from Karsus and that karsus has the ability to save this place?"
"To be honest I have never killed a dragon. Can we even kill this one?"
"Great, just great. Honourbound to kill the two deadliest creatures in existance and the freedom to speak can be ended. Thanks a lot, a wise choice indeed." Aldarin grumbles. "Well let me tell you one thing, I ain't going to kill a gold dragon if I can help it."
If its a truely big one, I don't think we can. I ones fought a black dragon, a rather young one. And it was mighty dificult getting it killed. A gold will be even worse, more intelligent, spellcaster.... With a bit of bad luck his spellcasting will be more powerfull then ever in this crazy world. But a tarasque is worse than that, rumors call in unkillable."
He stand silent for a moment. "With your permission I will ask the Lord Armaunator for aid, His godly wisdom might provide us with advice."
He kneels down and raises his hands toward the sun. "Armaunator, lawgiver, lightbringer. Bless your humble servant with your goldly wisdom for my mind is in doubt. Should we truely try and kill that dragon?"
Vander stands in silence for a moment, then a torrent of Firbolg burst forth, after which he seems calmer. He turns back to the party, "I agree. There is no way we can defeat a golden dragon, even if we wanted to. The better solution would be to talk to the dragon and get some information from him. Although that is indeed a most perilous path. Dragons are said to have infinite wisdom, this would be a good oppurtunity to test the theorem. I think the best method to proceed is to find the golden dragon. I only bound myself to this, no matter what the mages think, so I will go alone, if neccesary. Those that wish to accompany me are more than welcome."
You are right Vander. About getting information that is, but not about being bound. Are we not a team? We must stick together. When we leaped through that gate we sealed our faith. I will stay with you, even if you intend to truly attack that tarasque. Just as long as your path is streight and right
Vander clasps Aldarin's hand into his own, "Then it is settled, friend. Let us be off then." He turns to the rest of the party, "It seems that fate has pre-ordained our role here. It is said that if the gods want a man to walk down a path, they make the man's desires take him to the path. I do not think there is any power in this world that can stop the events that have been set in motion around us. We can only walk the path and try to have the evil reduced." Seemingly exhausted from his speech, Vander stands for some time, in obvious indecision.
Having been up all night, Strider was in a prime position to see the sunrise and, being in a strange place, didn't think it wise to go outside on his own, especially since he cannot use his spells yet. So, as the sky was starting to pale, announcing the coming dawn, he started his morning rituals, twisting and contorting his body into weird and painful looking positions, his movements flowing and graceful, exercising the full suppleness of his nimble body. His face was impassive, no emotion showing as he slowly went from position to position, pausing between each posture for a number of very slow, deep breaths. Coming to stand facing the window, his hands folded in front of him as in prayer, he sits down, legs folded each over the other, his hands placed lightly on each knee. Closing his eyes, he starts to chant in his native tongue, and continues his meditations until precisely 30 minutes after sunrise.
At this time, he rises, and follows the party downstairs. He walks slowly, his brow furrowed in concentration, and he speaks slowly, clearly concentrating on each word. He does /not/ join the rest for breakfast, however, and rather walks to the market, where he buys a number of items of fresh produce, which he brings back to the table, where he briefly prepares it before eating.
Finishing his meal, he walks over to the general store, where he finalises his purchases, then follows the rest to the pillars. Hearing the voices, he peers curiously at each mouth, but is clearly too tired to see much. He stifles yawn after yawn as he straggles behind the party. He does not speak unless directly spoken to, and then answers briefly. His only response to Vanders suggestion about the grave is a slight nod. He glances after Flinx when he leaves, his left eyebrow slightly raised, but then lowers his head again, the movement seeming to be fatiguing.
"Strider could I perhaps be of aid?" Aldarin asks. "You seem fatigued. The lord Armaunator gives me the power to let you rest an entire night in the passing of meer minutes. I think you should perhaps accept his embrace, you would be much more helpfull if you were rested. It would be my pleasure tol ift your troubles" Aldarin offers.
"You all have little honor. You wanted so badly to help this sad man. Now that something impossible has come across our path you just forget about the promise you have already made." Grun shakes his head in disgust. "I have killed a dragon, not with a small group like this. There were alot more of us. Almost all of them died. But this tarrasque, I know of a way we might be able to do it. But I am not sure if it has happened yet. I am not sure how far back in the past it happened or even how far back we have come. If we could contact those mages again or find a wise man. Maybe the dragon would know, but I am not sure the dragon would like us entering its lair."
Grayson shows a smile as he places his hands on the shoulders of Vander and Aldarin as they clasp hands. "Well we are a team now. I don't know much about Gods or their control of man. I am sure that I don't desire to go into the lair of a dragon but I am about to." Grayson pulls out his Map of the Neth, "Moander's Footstep is way down here. It may be faster to take a ship." Grayson glances up at Grun and back down at the map. "Our four footed friend here is right and we need to keep our word with the old man. the burial ground is not too far. I suggest we go to the burial ground and dig up the lady's body. Not much time will be lost at worst. We still may find important information. If we proceed to Moander's Footstep on foot, the burial ground is almost on the way. What do you say, on the burial grounds?"
Grun puts out his open hand and looks at Grayson, "You know I could crush your head in the palm of my hand. But I don't think the rest of the group would be happy with me. No, I think we should go back to the city and give him his things back and I can find out if the Armor of Kahl exists yet. Then we can kill the Tarrasque with no problem."
Grayson sighs, "Some people are never happy. First of all, we never went to see Nopheus this morning so we don't have any of his things. Second, I thought we were going to the burial grounds to find out more about the Lich in addition to help the old man out. I am here to find a very dangerous Lich and now to keep this world from coming apart. If we can help this old man down on his luck, great. Now Grun, like it or not, we are a team. We will fail without the team. Perhaps the honorable thing to do would be make the most of the situation. The bickering is getting old. Honestly, I don't care what we do just as long as we do something. Make a decision I will follow."
After Grun has finished Vander nods slowly, "You are correct of course. We must first assist Nopheus. Then the things Karsus wants. And no, I do not intend to battle the dragon. There is little chance we will escape unscathed. The only chance we really have is to talk to the dragon and convince it of our plight. Grun, what kind of armor are you referring to? I have never heard of this item. What does it do, and when was it created?"
Strider stands, looking at the ground, absorbed in his own mind, not heeding the discussion around him. He sighs once, then looks up, but the motion clearly is too much for him and he sways unsteadily, arms flailing to try and keep his balance. Falling down on one knee, he plants both hands firmly on the ground, breathing heavily as he asserts his will over his body, bringing it fully under his control once again. He carefully moves himself off the path, and sits down, folding his legs, placing each foot on the opposirte thigh. Folding the index finger of each hand in, with the thumb over it, the other fingers together and straight in line with his arm, he places the back of his hands on each knee, palm facing outward, arms straight. Closing his eyes, he gives three long, deep breaths. His next breath seems not so deep, but they follow regular, and he sits unmoving.
"Grayson what I say seems not to matter. It shows. I have already said we need to find out how the cities came crashing down. Or if we hope to kill the tarrasque we need to find out if the Armor of Kahl has been created."
The party check their backpacks and see that they are stocked up for the journey. Everyone has the basic items like rope, grapling hooks, bakcpacks, rations, torches and waterskins. Judging from the urgency that Jason spoke with, the spell components is very urgent and the party know that this must be collected with all haste or forfeited. Jason already spoke about other parties also on their way to collect it and that mean that the gold is in serious danger of being killed.
Vander, Ice and Strider find that they can now tap the weave with ease, now that they understand it better, and spellcasting is becoming easier again. All that remain is that the spells need be relearned again, but fortunately now only once. From the knowledge that the party already obtained from the ground cities, is that the mood is getting ugly, and the people want to rid themselves from the rule of the wizards or Arcanists as they are known here. It doesn't seem that things will calm down soon, and the spell Karsus is attempting seem like the only solution for now.
As they reach a crossroad, the party stop and prepare lunch, discussing what to do. Should the spell components be left for the other parties and Amanda be collected, or should the party go south, and find another way to obtain the spell components needed, instead of letting someone kill the noble gold. While everyone is busy preparing the meal, the forrest seem to join in the conversation, as several brightly coloured birds perch on a tree closeby and a lion roar not too far away, proclaming his supremacy of the woods.
"Well, it seems that things have changed a bit. The day if half gone. It seems that the task of the dragon is the most urgent although I think we should try to speak with the dragon is important. Maybe killing it isn't necessary." Grayson prepares his lunch as he continues. "At any rate, the mages need to study their spells before we can continue. We will need their magic. I am eager to get on the road, but I suggest we go back to the city and get a place where the mages can study." Grayson motions toward Grun, "While the mages study, the rest of us can find out how the cities fell and if this Armor of Kahl has been created yet and if we can get our hands on it. What does everyone think?"
Flinx keeps to himself, not talking to the rest. He seems somewhat distracted, and in a foul mood, especially with the sun burning. He sits under the biggest form of shade he can find, trying to get as little sun on him as possible. He also made some form of black silken headgear, covering his whole face, that he bought in the market. "I believe the cities fell because of arrogance from people like thsi Jason, and his master. "But if we have to kill a dragon, that is good too. There are too many of them anyway..." He continues chewing on something he got out of his saddlebag, which drips red on the floor, and looks suspiciously like raw meat...
"I think that you are right Grayson." Aldarin agrees. "Its important that all wizards have the spells ready to face the tarasque or any other threat we might face. I am doubtfull about the existance of that armour, legends place this time thousands of years in our past. Besides, do we have time to locate it?"
I must agree with Flinx on one thing, arrogance was reputedly the downfall of the Netherese empire, Jason told us about a rebellion against the archwizards, could it be possible that the killing or overthrown of a wizard would cause his city to collapse?"
HE turns toward Flinx. "A gold dragon is a noble creature Flinx, and it would sadden me if we would have to kill it. You seemingly don't feel the same way but remember that it is also a very powerfull being which might be able to kill us istead of the other way around. Remember that if we stand before it and are offered another way of completing our goal."
"The armor was created in ancient times also. We would need to find it. I know where half of the armor is located, and how to use it. With that much of it, a person would be almost unstoppable. Then one of us could kill the tarrasque with no problem. There are a few other things though. It would take a while. But if we had the armor we could find the Lich and destroy him then with ease. There are enough of pieces in it for us all to become alot stronger. But only one car wear it for fighting a tarrasque, and who would that be?
Aldarian sit and meditate for a while, the symbol of Armaunator growing brighter and brighter. Suddenly his face light up and he says:"Discussions about what the future may hold, decisions on the path we take." He stop and then frown. "hmmm, tricky one ain't it."
"The first issue to consider, would be size. Who will it fit? Also, it will have to be someone who's already a powerful warrior, to be able to withstand the tarassque. And it will have to be a matter of honour as well ... who will be worthy of donning it. And if the armor has any preference in the matter - it might only be wieldable by some." Vander raises a questioning eyebrow at Grun, then continues, "Unless circumstances force me into it, I doubt if it'll be me. I am not powerful enough to face a creature like that, unless I have to. But, the hour is getting late, and we need to start our studying." With that words, he starts walking towards the inn they left the morning.
Aldarin sitts silent for a while. "As far as I understand it, our discussions about the future will get us nowhere. Whatever we do, we choose our path without turning back. If we go and fetch Nopheus wife then we may find leads about our quest but the dragon will be killed in the mean time. Or worse, the Tarasque might be awaken by others who are after Karsus reward starting it on a rampage of destruction. I suggest again we go and speak to the dragon first. Dragons are wise, he might have a solution."
The party finish their lunch and rest there for the rest of the day, the mages studying their spells and Vander his runes. The rest of the party keep themselves busy with games of chance, cleaning and preparing weapons and adjusting the new backpacks. Everyone also check their equipment, test ropes and grapling hooks and oil everything that needs oil.
Everyone finish their daily work by 7pm and go to bed, using a rotary watch system. The night is quiet and relaxing, with everyone having a good night's sleep. Strider sleep away from the party, under some underbrush.
As the sun peek over the mountains the next morning, Aldarian wake everyone with praises to Armaunator. After a hearty breakfast of some rations and water, the party set out for the mountains, the cliffs rising majesticaly to the south. Taking on the mountains seem much easier that travelling through the dense forrests, and the party make use of everything they have, ropes, grapling hooks, outcrops and trees to get to the top.
In some places you use small paths made by deer, and other monsters, and most of the time, it is up and down. On the morning of the second day in the mountains, while traversing a path between two cliffs, a strong stench reaches the party. It seem to be coming from upwind, down the valley, that lead up to the next mountaintop, and in the direction the party is travelling.
Grayson takes his bow and knocks an arrow, ready to draw and let loose. "Well, isn't this special. Lets see what we have here." Grayson will take a position in the rear of the part as they march and approach the stench.
Grayson's arrow fly straight down the deep valley, hitting a rock near the end and splintering to bits, the metal tip flying into some dence shrubs near the edge of the trail. The party hear no sound and nothing stirs.
Flinx walks off into the bush, on the side, until he cannot be seen. There, he starts to change. Slowly but surely, his form shrinks, until he is a snake, dark brown in color. He will scout ahead.
Flinx walk off the edge of the trail and behind some bushes. The party hear a russle of leaves and then everything turns quiet once again. On inspection, you can find no trail of him, and cannot see what has happened to him.
Flinx find his smell now is much more accute. He slithers to the edge of the canyon, remaining in the dence shrubbery and out of the road. As you reach the top, and go around a boulder, you suddenly end up face to face with a huge humanlike head. The mouth let out a yell of surprise and you just manage to enter a crevice in time, just as a huge fist bashes into the rock above you.
As Flinx examine the crack he finds himself in, he notice that it ends in a small tunnel into the rock, which end in a mountain jackal borrough. The smell of the jackal is quite strong, and you suspect that the lair is still in use.
A short while later the party hear a bellow from the edge of the canyon, and then everything return to quietness once again. The breeze has picked up and is carrying the smell stronger than ever.
"Whatever that was, it ain't no deer or rabbit." Aldarin mutters while readying his mace and sniffing the air.
Grayson grimaces, "How wonderful that orc stink has not changed over the last few thousand years." Grayson maintains an arrow in his bow without the string drawn. "This may be an ambush. We can go down the path or risk getting lost be leaving it. By the way, where in the hell is Flinx." Grayson goes to the edge of the path where Flinx disappeared. "He must know what he is doing. There is only one way to find out what for sure what is down there. Grun, didn't you say you were good at tracking? Do one of you want to scout out 50 meters ahead while we follow behind?"
"Are you sure that is wise Grayson? Judging by the strength of the smell that's not just a few orcs. Mayby its even an entire encampment. Obviously Flinx is looking around, lets wait for him to return."
"If Flinx comes back." Again Grayson looks into the woods on both sides of the path. "Is there anyone good at scouting that would like to go ahead while we wait for Flinx? I would go but I am not very skilled."
As he sees the party ready for battle, Vander sits down, takes out his carving kit and his paints and brushes. Rubbing his hands over one end of the quarterstaff, he nods slowly to himself. Taking one of the chisels, he starts to carve a rune into the staff, muttering to himself in Firbolg. After he finishes, he pours a bit of water over the rune and sits for a few moments, concentrating on his work. The rune slowly starts to glow with a faint silver glow that fades after a few moments. Vander nods to himself, satisfied.
"I would want to wear the armor, but I am to big. Human sized creatures are the only thing that can wear it. It might corrupt the wearers mind so Aldarin would be the best choice, since a priest's mind would be harder to corrupt." Grun readies his axe.
Just as Grun readies his axe, another yell, this time more like a war cry sound over the hills. Vander, just finishing his rune look up, to see a huge mountain giant jumping about 40 metres ahead of you, at the end of the valley. As he apear, two more get up on the left side of the valley, almost twenty metres up and 40 metres away, with another one on the right.
The one on the edge of the valley ready his club and as he does this, he shout at the top of his voice "Firbolg!!! Dirty stinking Firbolg!" And come roumbling down the valley, while his three brothers ready huge boulders and strart throwing them down on the party.
Vander sighs and buries his head in his hands for a moment, then nods, "Of course. THAT's where I smelled this before ..." He stares at them for a moment more, judging his actions, then shrugs and charges towards the giant in front, quarterstaff swirling. He shouts at the giant in a language that sounds almost like a mix between Firbolg and the language the giants speak themselves.
"Hmm. rather big for orcs aye?" Aldarin observes dryly. He then snatches his holy symbol and points it at the single giant standing on the right. "Amaunator smite those who wish to harm us with your light!" At that moment a large collum of fire comes roaring down and smashes into the giant.
Jolted from his inner musings, Strider realises that action is required. Seeing the Firbolg charge, he mutters to himself and then, chanting in his own language and waving his arms in intricate patterns, stepping lightly forward and uttering a sudden, sharp shout as he releases a spell on the charging Vander. Pausing a moment to see the effect of his spell, he lowers his arms to his side, and takes four quick, darting breaths to refocus his mind and to ready himself for further action.
"Noooooooo!" Grayson's face turns almost evil and his eyes almost burn as he focuses on the Giants. "They were going to ambush us . . . bastards!" As he draws the string on his bow he mumbles, almost whispering, "Dirty bastards," and he lets the first arrow fly at the giants getting ready to throw rocks (so as not to hit Vander).
I will bite the Giant, and will flee back towards the rest, keeping under rocks and other cover. Back near the party, I change back into a human. Here I try to wrest control from the sword. Might be a good time, just after I changed.
As Flinx get out of the hole, he find that there is no giant in sight. Sliding to the top of the rock, he see the giant running toward the party at an incredible speed.
I slither to the party, where I will bite one of the giants, go back, and then change.
Ice reaches into her beltpouch and pull out a few things. Shouting the incantation, she rises her handes into the air, ripping a hole into the para-elemental plain of ice, felling the giant on the right under an avalanche of snow.
The first giant on the left throw a huge boulder at Vander, missing him with a few inches. Pieces of rock fly through the air as the boulder explode on the ground.
Grayson let fly with three arrows in rapid succession at the two giants on the left.The first two arrows hit the two giants squarely in the chest, while the third get stuck in the furhtest giant's armor.
The other giant roar with fury as the arrow hit him, and concentrate his rock on Grayson, flattening the fighter underneath it, splitting his bow in the process.
Vander's steps suddenly become longer as he grows at an enormous rate. The giant stopa bit, bocoming confused as to why the 9 foot firbolg, suddenly in two steps became the 17foot giant. Being in two minds, he doesn't even block the tree stump with copper rings bashing into him, sending him back a few steps.
Aldarian point's his holy symbol at the mountain of ice on the right and a pillar of flame come soaring down on it, melting the ice. The giant, suddenly not encombert anymore, burst from the melthing slush and loosing his balance, come crashing down the steep side of the valley, almost flattening ice in the process.
Grun raches the giant moments after Vander, and swing his huge double bladed axe, the red blade sinking into the giant. The blade suddely burst into flames and the sickening smell of burnt flesh fill the air as the mino wrench his axe free of the giant. The blue flames almost immediately vanish as it looses contact with the flesh.
The giant recover a bit and with a roar swin his club, bashing it into Vander. Vander stagger back, hearing at least two of his ribs crack like dry wood as the club smashes into him.
End of round 1: Grayson - light wounds Vander - moderate wounds Giant 1 - Moderate wounds Giant 2 - Very light wounds Giant 3 - Very light wounds Giant 4 - Moderate wounds.
Seeing that Vander is apearantly the main target of the attack Aldarin dashes forth and touches the Firbolg. "Amaunator give your champion protection against those who would harm him." A soft light springs forth from his hands and surounds the Firbolg with a shimmering aura which gives the impression of protection.
Grayson stands up and slams his bow to the ground, "What a waste! Try to occupy those giants throwing missiles." He draws his sword and charges the nearest giant with a loud scream.
Seeing the giant distracted, Vander pushes his advantage, continuing to attack, moving to one side to give Grun a bit more room to play in. He continues to talk to the giant in the strange giant language.
"Why are you so stubborn? I'm sure we can work this out more peacefully, and with a LOT of less hurt on both sides. Why don't we stop this fighting?"
Grun looks at his axe, then continues his attack on the giant.
Ice draws power form the weave around her and summons the energy to herself. She unleases the energy to flow from her outstretched hands to her cloak. A light misty aura surrounds her as she releases the spell. This mist gathers on her cloak and then dissappears.
She then starts a second incantation by taking some water and freezing it using a cantix and hurls it at the gaint she first attacked. First spell -> Fourfinger's Shield Second spell -> Primidion's Ice Attack
Strider stand there, looking with astonishment at the effect of his spell, as Vander continues to grow. The giant behind him get up, and swing his club at Strider, just as Ice finish her spell. The club hit strider squarely on the back, launching him like a ball through the air (Homerun!!!). Grayson look at the giant with amazement as he swing his sword, but as the giant bring his club back for another attack, connect with the sword, send in spinning down the valley.
The two giants up top once again throw rocks at the party, , the first hitting Aldarian, as he rushes to Vander, Flattening the priest against the ground, causing his spell to fail. The second boulder catch ice, but just bounce off her, hitting Grayson, causing him to stumble.
Vander while calling something in a language you do not understand, hit the giant with the copper ringed edge of his staff on the arm, braking it with a snap and causing the giant to drop his club. Grun add to the damage by burrying his axe into the giant with the red side of the blade, reversing it and hitting him once again the the black side, effectively killing it as it turns to run. The giant drop mere inches from a black snake on the ground, almost squashing it. Strider get up halfway and as he feel that his arms cannot hold his wight, drop back onto the ground again.
End of round 2: Aldarian - OK +6 to time to get from under rock Vander - Moderate wounds Ice - OK Strider - Moderate wounds - +7 to get up Grayson - Mild wounds Amglear - Confused Flinx - Missing Grun - OK Jerzal - Confused Giant 1 - Dead Giant 2 - Slight wounds Giant 3 - Slight wounds Giant 4 - Moderate wounds
"This is not my day," Grayson says as he follows his sword down the valley. "That is my only weapon."
Translation of Vander's shout: "This one has been defeated, because he did not come in peace. I'm giving you all one last chance. Stop this attack now, or be killed."
Seeing the giant topple over and die, Vander looks around and shouts at the rest of the giants at the top of his voice.
Grun runs to the next giant and when he gets with in 10 or 15 feet from it he will lower his head and let his horns do the work. If he cannot reach them he will just try and dodge boulder's thrown in his direction.
Aldarin glares at the rockthrower and points his holy symbol at him. "Aumanator. Give me the strength of will to control this giants actions."
As Grayson turn to rush to his sword, the giant brings his club around, hitting him squarely on the back and send him flying down to the ground, close to his sword. Pain rake through the warrior, as he pick up his blade and roll over.
The next moment a bolt of ice fly from ice's had and hit the giant in the back, the explosion sending ice relling backward, holding her eyes and shouting with pain.
The two giants up top throw their rocks down at the party again, the first hitting Amglear, shocking him out of his reverie. The other hitting vander on the chest, sending him sprawling down the valley side, bowling ice's legs from underneath her.
Grun then bashes into the back of this giant, tumbling him and grun so that all land in a pile at the bottom.
Aldarian manage to gain control of the last giant, and just to check his spell, forces it to stand on one leg. Strider get up and stand on unsure legs, trying to keep his balance.
The end of this round: Aldarian - Ok Vander - Moderate wounds +6 to get up Ice - Slight wounds +10 to get up Strider - Moderate wounds Grayson - Moderate wounds - +3 to get up Amglear - Slight wounds Flinx - ok Grun - Ok +3 to get up Jerzal - Ok Giant 1 - Serious wounds Giant 2 - Slight wounds - Controlled Giant 3 - Serious wounds + 3 to get up Giant 4 - death
Vander lies stunned for a moment, trying to recover from the unexpected rock hitting him. He slowly gets up, and assist Ice to her feet. He bellows sopmething to them, after which he charges the nearest giant.
"Three warnings I have given you, the giants who pride themselves on being maat. Now, feel my wrath, you who call me maug."
Aldarin grins at the sight of the hopping giant. Then his eyes narrow and with shocky movements the giant reaches for his club and swings it at his companion.
Grayson groans and grabs his sword as he gets up as fast as possible (which is not very fast). Grabbing his sword in two hands he staggers the few feet to the giant who has also stumbled and brings the sword down on him with all his strength.
Grun tries to get up and if he does he slashes the giant with his axe
The controlled giant suddenly comes crashing down from the top, and with this, Aldarian feels his control slipping. Spending all his energy on the giant, fighting it's will, he still fails to keep it under control.
Strider motions with his hands, magic missiles streaking out to the giant attacking Vander. The missiles hit the giant, causing him to grunt with pain as the black scorchmarks appear on his body.
The giant standing snarles at Vander in common:"Don't you call me maug. You know nothing of code and don't even speak our tongue." With that he swing his club, striking Vander on the back. He looses his balance slightly and the blow glances harmlessly from Vander.
The controlled giant charges Aldarian and as the prist lift his weapon to defend himself, The giant smashes his club into him, sending him sprawling, The giants secon attack missing him by mere inches.
Grayson and Grun both attack the giant which just got up. Grayson's blade digging in deep into the giant, but grun, with the blood on the axe hilt, feel it slipping from his grasp, to see it flying to the other side.
Grayson's second attack hit the giant in the leg, causing him to topple and hit the ground once again, his hamstring severed. The giant swing his club low, bringing Grun down as the mino turns for his axe. Grun grunt with anger, as the pain in his legs hit him.
Vander get up, angered by the giant and so hitting him with the staff. You hear bones brumble as the giant cannot take the damage anymore and colapse.
Ice look through her blurry cision at the giant standing over Aldarian and fire of the first spell that come to mind. Five ice shards dig into the giant and he swing around with a roar.
The two remaining giants, assessing the situation, swing around and flee in the direction the party was travelling into, leaving their unconcious partner lying in the dust.
End on this round: Aldarian - Ok Vander - Moderate wounds Ice - Slight wounds Strider - Moderate wounds Grayson - Moderate wounds Amglear - Slight wounds Flinx - Missing Grun - Moderate wounds Jerzal - Ok Giant 1 - Unconcious Giant 2 - Fleeing Giant 3 - Fleeing Giant 4 - Dead
Aldarin rises and dusts of his robe, strangely neither the thrown rock or the club did any damage to the priest. "Thanks Ice. That was a welcome distraction." Looking at the departing giants. "What do you guys think? Will they be back?" With that he walks from one to the other and raises his hands starting to chant. "Amaunator heal the wounds of these valiant warriors." When he has done so he opens a pouch and gives each of the group a small bottle. "Potion of healing, use it wisely."
Grayson watches for a moment as the two Giants flee. "If they come back it will be with others. I imagine that we will have to fight giants again on this trip." He bends down and wipes his blade on the cloths of the unconscious giant and returns the blade to its sheath. "Thank you" he says to Aldarin as he is healed and places the potion in a pouch in his backpack. He begins to go through the unconscious giants clothing, "Lets see what we can find on these guys and get out of here before someone else shows up. Maybe we can find more information about the others."
Grun retrieves his axe and then checks the unconscious giant and dead one for what they have on them.
Vander shakes his head sadly at the departing giants, "They could have had so much, but they stay mired in tradition. It is truly a sad state of affairs." Gratefully accepting the healing potion and the healing spell from Aldarin, he kneels at the unconcious giant, and tries to see what his condition is like, stemming a any obvious wounds, then starts to draw a rune on a cup from his backpack, concentrating the entire time. When he's finished, he pours some water into the cup, and nods to himself.
Strider gratefully accept the potion, placing it carefully in his pack, and stand, head bowed, whilst the incantation is performed. Once it is completed, he briefly watches everyone's actions, then asks Vander, "Do you want the growth-magic to stay until it ends itself, or do you want to be returned to your morning-state?" He busies himself, sitting down in zazen, and will wait for a short while for Vander's response (and dismissing the growth-spell, if so desired) before closing his eyes. He will maintain this position for about 8 minutes, then will rise and rejoin the groups activities, unless they are attacked and his assistance is required.
Ice looks throught her hurt eyes at the fallen giants and shook her head. As Vander kneels at the giant, she just look at him saying; "Men!" She then turns around and looks at the horison. She takes out hewr spellbook reading some of her spells. She then takes out a piece of parchment and paper and starts to write down some notes looking some information up in her spell book.
After Aldarian has healed the party a bit, Vander shrink back to size. It feels good to once again return to the normal, as Vander was a bit clumsy in carving the rune. He finish the rune and it glows briefly as he empowers it.
Using the spells as reference, Ice not that she will indeed need access to a library as well as a Lab to finish the research on the spell. Her mind too uncertain still about the weave and how to construct the new spell, she close her spellbook and get up.
Checking the giants, the party find 5 gold and 16 silver, as well as the two large clubs. After the healing, Vander, Ice, Grayson, Strider and Grun is still injured, with Grayson and Vander the most serious. Flinx is still missing.
Aldarin looks over the wounds critically as he produces herbs and bandages from a pouch. "I'll see what I can do about these scratches, its not decent walking around with blood spoiling your fine new clothings." When his manual work is done he begins chanting letting the divine force of lathander heal the remaining wounds.
As Aldarian finish the curing on all the party members, the giant on the ground groans and roll over. He tries to get up, but just moan and slump back. Thick pools of blood surround him already and he seem to be in a very poor condition. There is still no sgn of Flinx.
Aldarin looks at the giant and then at the others of the group, especialy Vander. "What do we do? We can't leave him like that. Heal him or kill him?"
Grayson slowly draws his sword as he stands just out of reach of the wounded giant. He glances quickly at Aldarin "Interogate him. Then ..." he shrugs has he passes his sword from one hand to the other. "Vander, perhaps you would like to have a heart to heart with our new friend."
"I'll at least have to stabelize him, if not he will be dead before he can speak. Don't worry, he can't hurt me." With that Aldarin kneels near the giant a soft glow encompassing his hand as he starts chanting. "Amaunator, heal the suffering of this creature."
"Heal him a little, not enough so that he can try and attack us again or run. We can ask him if he saw anything or anything else the rest of you can think of." Grun looks around the area. "Where did Flinx go? Does anyone know how he disappeared?"
Aldarian cast a spell that engulf the giant in a light. His wounds close visibly end the bleeding stop. He look a bit better as he roll over on his back again and his breathing is deeper. (CMW) Except for the roll over, he doesn't move much and seem to be asleep.
"I don't like this," Grayson says as he readies his sword. "He could be faking." Without looking at anything other than the giant he continues, "Vander, lets make this quick. Those two that got away could return with a couple dozen more giants and we will be hosed."
Vander shakes his head slowly, "No. Enough death have occurred today. We should leave this one alive, maybe he'll see the error of his way, but so far none of the true giants have ... and with their memories as long as it is ... I doubt any will change anytime soon. I do agree with Grun. We need to find out what dangers lie ahead, and from which direction the giants may attack, if they do. This one might be able to tell us, but I doubt he'll say anything while I'm around. If he needs some more medication, this cup contains a healing potion. Try it on him." With that, Vander puts the cup he has just drawn on on the ground and walks away, in the direction they were travelling.
Realising that the moment would be propitious for him to enter the conversation, Strider rises from his meditations, and walks the few paces to enter the party proper. "Vander-san is right. Too much killing has been done, and even their fight-lust-without-reason is no reason for us to unreasonly kill this ... creature without power?. We must give him chance to think, to see his wrong-way, or we will be heavy with his death-spirit."
He gazes at Vander as he walks away from the party, thoughtful. Turning to Aldarin, he asks, "Can this one be made thoughtful-talking, uhm... you say, conscious? To answer questions about here-and-close-by-area; no, surroundings. Yes, that's right. Can you make him so? I can do ..." Stuck on a translation, he starts talking to himself. "Many-tongues-listen-well ... content speech; no, that's wrong. Languages? uhm, Languages-listen? More like understand. Many-languages-understand?" Glancing up at Aldarin, whom he was addressing, he asks, "That right? Many-languages-understand? That will help to make sense, yes?" He waits expectantly on an answer, glancing furtively at the giant's prone form to make sure he isn't coming to yet.
Aldarin grins "Comprehend languages you mean? Yes I could awaken him but I prefer a sleeping giant. Lets see if this works." Aldarin raises his holy symbol to his forhead and starts chanting softly. "Mighty Amaunator, Lightbringer! Give me the power to know what he knows and to see what he has seen."
"Naturally we shouldn't kill him, but I don't trust them." Grayson watches Vander walk away and looks to Aldarin and Strider "Do want you can." He turns and walks away. "I wonder where Flinx went." Grayson looks into the wood around them as if looking for anything in the woods.
As Aldarian finishes his spell, he start talking to the giant. Vander recogise the tongue as Jotan, while he carefully feed the giant the potion. The Giant swallow everything and then open his eyes. He then look at Aldarian with amazement, but doesn't get up. "I can understand you, yes"
The giant prop himself up on one shoulder, looking in the direction Vander has disappeared. Shouting, his voice echoing up the valley, he start to get up:" You worm, halfgiant scum. Travelling with humans now, are you. You maug rubbish. You better hope I do not get my hand on you."
Vander pauses for a moment, then shakes his head sadly, "I wonder if it's worth it to argue with him ..."
" You are such a fine one talking about honour and the code. The clan above everything, bah. Killing your own kin. I will notify all the giant races herabout about this party. They will take you appart, bit by bit. We will hunt you down, and will not rest before we have killed all of you!"
Shaking his fist in Vander's direction, he pick up his club and finish getting up, still quite weak.
Vander turns around and walks back to the giant, anger glaring in his eyes, speaking in Jotun, "I do not kill my own kin. You yourself have many times said we are not wothy of the name. Now you accuse me of killing kin? Where is the logic in that?"
The giant turn and start climbing up the slope:" The only logic lies in death for the maug! We will meet again!" He continue climbing the slope in the direction the rest has left in.
Vander switches to Common, and shouts after the departing giant, "No matter what I say, you will hunt us down and kill us anyway, Giant. Your hatred or my kind runs too deep. Why can there be not peace between us? We share the same blood, after all."
You have never been willing to even talk to us about our differences, and then you are surprised when we scorn your way. Since you will not concede our place in it.
The giant laughs at Vander and also speak common:" There is only bad blood, if you travel with these insects. Fourty giants in my clan, and those of the cloud, at least 30 close. We will speak again, when you return to Ysgard, the home."
Stepping a few paces back, Strider motions to Aldarin, says, "Get back. He is much yang, angry. He may injure us." As the giant climbs the hill, he thinks for a moment, then sidles up to Vander. "What do you and ... him," motioning to the giant, "talk about? I do not hear-see words you speak."
Whilst waiting for Vander to speak, he glances over the ground, remembering seeing a black snake during the battle. He quickly scans the ground for it, hoping to possibly find some venom to use in the next fight.
Seeing nothing of it and no snake, Strider is forced to stick with what he know. Reaching the top of the valley, the giant turn around one more time:"We will see you again and you will not make it. You will die, and the birds will feed of your corpses."
Vander turns to the rest of the party, "It seems we might have a problem ... he's after our blood, and angry as he is, he might get his entire clan after us. I do not relish the idea of convincing 40 giants not to fight, not when they're howling for blood ... At least one good thing, I doubt the 30 cloud giants would mix themselves with the likes of our friend there ... but then again ... their hatred for my kind and yours runs deep. They will not allow us to tresspass, and will hunt us down ... I see trouble ahead for us. Anyone that can get us to the dragon's cave faster? Hmmm ..." Vander thinks deeply for a while, "Golden dragon ... that might be our salvation after all ... there is also much hatred between dragons and giants ... the two races have once fought to control the entire world, or so the tale goes ... but this was a long time ago. Maybe the dragon have a way of protecting us ...". He turns to Strider, "We were merely ... discussing our philosophical differences. There are ... few intersections in our beliefs about how society should be. Pity, that ..."
Strider calls up to the giant, focussing his voice. "The circle must turn, and neither you nor we can hasten it's path. When it is time, we shall go, as shall you. Beware should you be, lest your time come before ours. I warn thee now; stay out of our path, or the consequences shall descend upon thy head, and the heads of thy companions. Thou hast been warned."
He turns away, no longer interested in the giant, or it's paltry threats.
Vander grins at Strider, "Brave words indeed. I hope you can live up to them." His face turns serious once more, "But they are strong, never doubt their prowess in battle. They have not survived all these centuries by being weak."
Flinx look at the blade in his hade, feeling the insistant tug toward the giant. A warm hatred like he has never felt before start to course through him, his blood suddenly boiling. "Bless thy servant, Shar and may the blood of thine enemies darken the land." A black fog covers you as you walk to the giant pushing the blade through it, Black energy surge down the blade as it drinks from the giant. Standing there, the blade lifted into the air, the feeling of victory coursing through your veigns, as the giant tumble down. Then you realise that the party cannot see you, as shock register on their faces.
A hole suddenly appear in the giant's chest, his heart sliding from it slowly, dropping to the ground at a weard angle. The giant grab hold of his chest and drop down the canyon once again, unrising this time. There seem to be no explanation as to what killed the giant. Goosepimples cover your bodies, as the air turn thick with the smell off blood, death and evil magic. Aldarian and Amglear feeling it the worst, as the feeling of night decends and lightning strike a bush on the ravine, smoke covering the top where the giant stood. A single black cloud covers the sun...
It is weard, as it seems like the heart was sliced from the giant and then slid out of his chest, moving away from his body at a downward angle, before dropping to the ground.
Vander looks at the falling giant in amazement, then shakes his head sadly, "Such a sad way to come to one's end, without seeing the errors of one's ways ... I suggest we get out of here, before who or whatever did this finds us. Anyone knows who or what it could have been? And where IS Flinx? Have you seen him yet, Grayson?"
Strider at once grabs hold of his dagger, starting to mouth the words of a spell, but holding off on the final syllable as long as he can, just to make sure that he actually needs the spell.
The party travel further that day without any disturbances, the thoughts about the day still vividly engraved in their minds. They make camp that night, about 7 miles from where they have encountered the giants. Flinx is still nowhere to be seen. Posting two sentries rotating, everyone go to bed and have a restless night.
As dawn break the following morning, Flinx appears, stubling out of the bushes, blood dripping off his face, clothes dusty and disheveled. He growls at the party, and then collapses, resting some, eyes glinting with... Mirth?
Please note that Strider walked about 30 yards away from the party, made himself a small meal of his supplies, and took to rest there, using his skills in concentration and meditation to enter a restfull but alert state. Also, before he starts his meditations, he makes use of his skill sin reading the stars to attempt to divine the outcome fo the quest to find that dragon, and what the dragon's possible reaction will be to them. If he can do so, he will also attempt to divine the nature of the party members and their future intentions, in particular Vander, Flinx, Aldarin and Amglear.
Strider see that there is a possibility of two ways the party might take with the dragon and on that depend the outcome. He can see that the party should reach the dragon in the next day or so. Learning mostly what he know about the partymembers, he cannot seem to find any information about Flinx. A darkness seem to surround the stars, making it very difficult to learn anything. It seems like a greater power in interfering with the divanation, and so strider learn almost nothing.
Filing the information down in his mind, Strider enters his meditational sleep, keeping as much awareness on his surroundings as he can without sacrificing rest.
Grayson rises and quickly puts together a cold meal and eats it. He makes sure that his backpack is ready to go and takes a seat as he waits for the others ready to keep moving.
Vander glares at the still form of Flinx for a few minutes, then walks over to him, prodding Flinx's ribs with his feet, "And just WHERE have you been last night? And what were you doing? Hmm?"
Flinx growls at Vander, almost attacking him. Then as he sees who it is, he relaxes. "Chased by giants, thank you very much. Hiding out till now. They had me in an impossible situation, I had to wait." He sighs, grinning at Vander.
Vander raises an eyebrow, "Chased by giants. How many did you see?
And what kind of giants?"
Flinx shrugs. "Hill Giants, I think. And a lot of them. I did not stop to count, thank you very much!" He leers at Vander.
"Rough fgure. Ten? Twenty? A hundred?"
Flinx stares at the sky, as if to figure out exactly how many he saw. "More than 20, I think." He grimaces. "They sure smell bad..."
Vander grins slightly, "Let's not comment on that." He looks thoughtful for a moment, "So you were not near us? How far away do you think they are? And what direction?"
Flinx smiles sheepishly, as he stretches out. "I seemed to have lost my direction sense for a while. So many twists and turns, it is a miracle I arrived here." He grimaces at the rest of the party. "They could be next door, all that I know. But I doubt it. We will sure smell them." he lays back, closing his eyes, and grabs a few minutes of sleep.
"Those giants who attacked us are from a tribe which numbers about 30 and lies in that direction, not to far. So much I was able to glean from the giants mind."
"If these giants are warned by the two that got away then we might be in trouble. They will be on the lookout for us. By the way, did anyone know what happened to that giant on the hill? It looked bad."
Aldarin walks toward Vander. "You seem to be the most in danger if these giants return. I will grand you the blessings of Amaunator, may it serve you well." The priest starts to chant and slowly a metalic sheen covers the firbolg from head to toe before susiding again. After a moment, no trace is left.
He repeats the process with Grun and then walks to Grayson. He lays his hand upon Grayson's shoulder and says "I do not have it in my power to perform this prayer more then twice but the Lightbringer has a gift for you as well. Use it wisely." With that a spark of divine power flows from the priests hand into Grun.
He follows that with Nap uppon himself (and any wizard who wants to) and spends the rest of the night in prayers chanting softly.
Grayson listens intently to the news from Flinx. "It sounds like we need to get out of here as fast as we can. Do we have a Ranger here who can go 50 meters ahead and warn us of an ambush?" He looks around for a response and asks Aldarin "Thank you for the spell do that you put on us yesterday. What does it do?"
Do we have a Ranger here who can go 50 meters ahead and warn us of an ambush?" He looks around for a response and asks Aldarin "Thank you for the spell do that you put on us yesterday. What does it do?"
"One of Amaunator's greatest blessings. It will protect you from the attacks of your enemies be they kobolds or giants. Remember how the giants club and rock failed to harm me? that same power now protects your skin. Remain weary though for it is in Armaunator's favor howmany attacks it will hold."
"I might be able to help out in this." Aldarin ads. "Amaunator grand me the aid of the animals of the forrest. Let those who are called smartest listen to my call."
As the party ready to move out, just as Aldarian start his summoning, a young man suddenly stand up in the centre of the group, appearing out of nowhere. "Hmmm." he clears his throught, "Seems like you need a ranger."
Aldarian complete his spell, and nothing happens for a short while. Then in a russle of underbrush, 4 red foxes arrive.
Ice looks at the newcomer and with a frown on her face. She looks at the group and pulls a hair out of her eyelash. she takes something out of her pocket and whispers "Eldo sucha himdar velso, visio impendia haldor consed". A grey mist surround her for a few seconds which fades away taking her with it leaving only empty air.
Vander bows slightly towards Aldarin as he finishes the spell, "My thanks to you." He thinks for a moment, "Unfortunatedly I do not have the time to make my own preperations. Pity, that ... but we need to hurry."
After the ranger appeared, Vander walks over to her, "You seem to know much about us, to make a statement like that. Who are you and where do you hail from? And where did Ice vanish to now?", seeing the mage gone. He looks around the camp, muttering to himself.
Aldarin touches his holy symbol. "Amaunator let the beasts of the woods hear my words and know their meaning."
The short little man hobbles from where he had been standing still as a stone. The reason for his not being noticed is obvious now, he looks like a small tree, wearing a brown hooded cloak that is caked with mud and grime and a pair of green pants that are similarly decorated. After moments of looking your eyes adjust to his outline and he is easilly identified as humanoid. Leaning upon a large stick for balance, he almost drags his right foot as he moves closer. He draws his hood back to reveal gray hair and sharply pointed ears. His eyes reflect a brilliant green, like cat's eyes when light shines into them.
Looking to where Ice currently is, he speaks in well-practiced Elven, "Surely you have nothing to fear from me, sister. I offer you no harm."
Turning back to the rest of the party, most specifically to address the priest again, in common, "I am Kagan, a traveler of this area. I grow bored of wandering alone in this wilderness. You asked for a ranger and here I am to offer my services as a scout." He can easilly sense those in the party that are wary of him and holds his arms out so that his cloak opens to show his unthreatening intentions. All you see is a short man (or is he a tall elf?) wearing a brown leather jacket and green cotton pants under his cloak. He holds his walking stick in his right hand and slung at his waist is a thin, wimpy looking rapier, "Sure, I can defend myself but had I meant you harm it would have been arranged for the lands to finish you off, not I." Then he laughs with genuine humor, "Oh, of course, after seeing how you handled those big ones I'm sure I can take all of you at once." With that he lowers his walking stick and looks as if he's about to charge, but on the first step his leg gives out and he falls to the ground, laughing. He stands with great effort, "I could no more rush any of you than a fox would charge at a hungry wolf." His laughter finally subsides a little and he raises his eyebrows to the priest again, "So, what'll it be?"
Grayson looks at the little man and gives a soft laugh, "This journey gets more and more weird." He adjusts his backpack as the traveler gives his introduction. "I don't know what to say . . . welcome?" He gives another laugh. "I am Grayson. I would normally be suspicious of any tree that suddenly turns around and starts talking to me, but not on this trip. After the way we handled those giants," Grayson overts his eyes embarrassed "we could probably use your help. Why don't we let the foxes take the lead for a little while?"
Aldarin looks up from his conversation with the foxes which sounded like a long series or growls and yeps to most. "Oh come on Grayson. We didn't do that bad did we? I mean we're all alive." Turning to the newcommer. "Greetings, I am Aldarin, Sunlord of Amaunator. We could indeed use your help."
"I can scout ahead, if they smell bad I will smell the long before any of you. The only thing about me scouting is I wear heavy armor and I am big. Kagan you say the land will have killed us if you wanted us to die. I assume you mean traps. I say let the giants come and let this man make traps to kill some of them then we take the rest on ourselves. I am sure you wizards have some spells that will destroy anything in a large area. What I suggest is that the man make traps in the valley since that is the way they came from, then once they pass his traps the wizards attack. What remains we can easily take." Grun holds his axe out in front of him. He looks around, seeing some of the party maybe puzzled by a Minotaur with a plan. "I was a General long ago, I know a lot about strategies and ambushing."
Nodding to all that the beings in front of him say, Kagan offers a hand to shake with all that would shake with him, "Indeed, I was implying traps. Setting snares and deadfalls is no hard task, but for something to hurt giants we'll need some serious mass behind our punch. Here's what I propose...." With that he begins to draw plans in the dirt, tripwires made of bits of the silk rope he pulls from his bag. The tripwires would trigger and release logs held tautly in the treeline. "We'll need some rather big logs for this, and some sturdier rope to haul them with and to hold them while the logs are being held at the ready." He then produces half a dozen daggers, "With these wedged into the ends of the logs and the weight of the logs to propel them once they're loosed, I think even a giant might lose their balance." Now his face takes on a sinister sneer, "We'll aim 'em low, hope to kneecap a few or hamstring 'em so we can carve 'em up at our leisure. Or even... *chortle* If they stand just right we'll put their chances of reproducing in jeopardy." He points in Grun's direction, "Why don't you start collecting a few trees with that axe of yours?" Then he makes a crude map of the area, "We should probably set them here... *pointing to a spot that marks a sort of ravine with rocky canyons around* and watch from above with a few prybars to start landslides down on them. Then, those of us with bows or spells can rain down on them before they can recover." He then pulls a small hammer, chisel, and some metal files from his sack and sets to work. "Don't giants have a good sense of smell? I think I can help with that too, I'll explain closer to when it's time." He continues making preparations.
Ice stares at the group trhough the mists that surrounds her (unseen to the group). "Welcome Stranger" ,she said in elven, "and no I am not scared of you. I can handle myself quite well thank you. I was preparing this spell even before you pitched up." In common she continues, "I am still here, I think I will be traveling like this for a while. It keeps me safe and can give the rest of the group an advantage as well. I will still walk with you and will not be doing anything weird. I personally just like to travel like this."
"Ah, pale angel, please show yourself and do not hide. I yearn to learn more of my kin, the family I have searched for and never known. Where do you come from? I have scoured the landscape far and wide for elf-folk, there is little I would not give to be among elves, living with them." He almost looks sullen now, as if about to cry, "I have been denied my heritage, that which is due me. Every elf-child knows the joy of moonlight festivals, dancing to elven music." Now he pulls his hood around his face, unwilling to let anyone see him in his current state. His tone implies he's crying, though it's not immediately obvious to anyone unaccostomed to speaking with elves. "I have heard elven music once, from a traveling bard. It was beautiful, the most wondrous I've heard in my life, and he APOLOGIZED for his terrible playing. Please, I beg you, show yourself and fellowship with me."
"I ...am...sorry..I myself did not have an elvin childhood...I was ...taken from ..my parents into slavery. What I know about ... my elvin heritage is what I see and feel in my heart. You are the first elf I have seen in years. Me myself are on a sojourn to learn about my own life and heritage. I am so sorry I can't help you." She steps out of the mists in front of the ranger. There were tears in her eyes and the tatoo of the tear under her left eye was glowing in magical energy. She looked very much in a state and then broke down crying, sitting down on the ground.
Kagan pulls his hood back again, unashamed this time. He speaks again in elvish, "Do not let my size fool you.... I.... I... I am as much human as I am elf." With this statement he hangs his head, ashamed, looking her straight in the eye before doing so. His eyes show the wear of years of never being accepted, never knowing love, only being rejected as less than a man; tolerated only because it would be illegal to put him out of his misery or deny him passage. Briefly, he puts a hand on her shoulder, a gesture of acceptance, that of a kindred spirit. The sudden renewed sparkle in his eyes and the slight curling of a smile hinted at by his lip may as well be a shout for all to hear declaring his life renewed, not in vain. His hand leaves her shoulder, but the half-smile remains. "Knowing that I am not alone is more help than I had come to hope for." The plotting and scheming of the upcoming ambush is lost and forgotten as he slowly lowers himself to the ground to sit across from her, taking care to put as little weight on his right leg as possible. After propping his leg up comfortably, he looks at her until she meets his gaze again, his voice nearly a whisper as he speaks, still using the elven tongue, "Your quest is mine, and I intend to see it through. You will find what you seek if it means my dying breath to secure it for you. So swears Kagan Markner." Then he falls silent, his eyes closed in personal introspection and medidtaion. He wonders, as an afterthought, why he would swear such a thing to someone he just met, who has not even shared her name with him.... Bah, hasn't she shared so much more than that already?
The foxes leave in a series of yelps and yaps and return in about an hour, having scouted most of the area the party is about to travel through. They report to Aldarian that have found no trace of any large bipedal humanoids in the whole area except a single pair of tracks on the bottom of Moander's rest, which seem to be a few days old.
With that report the party continue to the mountain and at the evening they only relise what they have let themselves in for. Steep cliffs, as far as the eye can see, reaches majestically into the clouds. Very little foot and handholds and a shrub here and there is all the party can see. It seem like a good three day climb, at night sleeping in nooses on ropes and great danger. Camping at the bottom of the huge cliff face, the party have another quiet night, probably the last of comfortable sleeping in a while.
The next morning, everyone rise early, completing their morning rituals at quite a speed, eager to start the climbing.
As discussed, he would be visibly walking, though still somewhat stiffly. Throughout the night during his turn on watch (if he's asked, on his own at sporadic times if he's not) he concentrates on his hearing ability, listening for anything unusual (hopefuly there are no snorers in the party) or out of place. If the chance presented itself during the night he would have snuck away and brought down some small game and would have it roasting on a fire he built to be ready when everyone wakes up. Throughout the night he will also discreetly watch Ice, the only link he has to anything elven. I think from here on he will actually be defensive for her, not letting her take any risks and keeping her from harm. He gets out his sack and takes stock of his supplies, then repacks his sack, memorizing what goes in and where for quick access if necessary. Throughout the night he keeps his hand crossbow readied under his cloak, just in case. He'll sling it back into a fold of his cloak when everyone else is around, handy for a quick draw if necessary during the day.
Later still in the morning, after a fair amount of walking on both legs, he attempts to practice a little with his rapier using primarilly one foot. It occured to him that it wouldn't hurt to be able to fight with one foot if he had to and the practice could only help his balance for when he's really in a fight. After that, he sets to work with his pen and some parchment to draft up an `official` letter of passage from a local official, stating that he and the travelers with him are envoys from the official to the leader of the giants that the party is intending to encounter. If anybody asks he'll just wave a hand and explain it away as a little something he learned how to do while in the militia. If questions persist He'll shift the subject to ask why the party is here and what they want with the giants in the first place.
Aldarin thanks them kindly, takes some meat from his rations for them and releases them from the spell.
Grinning Aldarin looks at the wall. "Tall and steep, truely a challenge for heroes. I am almost sorry that I will not join you. I can give you an advice, use your imagination and ride, use your brains and climb."
He kneels and raises his hand to the rising sun. "Amaunator, Lawgiver, Lightbringer. make wat is unreal, real. Send me thy aid in winged form." With that a cloud of mist appears out of nowhere and a group of pegasi comes thundering forth from it. Aldarin laughs and jumps on the back of one of the animals which gracefully rises into the air.
OOC: cast Solipsism creating the illusion of one pegasus mount for each member of the group. If they believe it they can ride.
Grayson arises in the morning and has a quick breakfast. Once ready to travel he looks at the mountains ahead and back at his armor. "I don't know what is worse, the giants ahead or the giants behind. I don't know how I can do this with armor on." Aldarin casts the spell bringing winged creatures out of nowhere. Grayson grins, "Now there is a creature I could use at home. Aldarin, if this continues I just may take Amaunator as my own god of worship." He approaches one of the Pegasus and slowly passes his hand over its mane. "Its OK my beauty," he whispers to it. "I am just going to take you for a little ride." As gingerly as a large man in plate mail is able (in reality not at all) he slowly mounts the steed. Once steadied on the Pegasus he looks at the others with a big smile, "lets go."
"Aldarin I don't think I can ride it. I can't ride a horse let alone a flying one. I don't need to ride horses, and I am a little to big for them. As I assume Vander would have trouble on a small horse. Is it possible to make something else. Or we could make a platform that myself and any others can ride in. Then we tie it to some of the horses."
"Perhaps you can create a harness and sling yourself from the Pegasus." Grayson removes two ropes from his backpack. He slowly walks the Pegasus towards Grun and hands him the ropes.
As dawn breaks over the canyon, Kagan rises with the sun. He walks normally, thought with great difficulty now, leading a brown speckled horse into the campsite. He offers some roasted meat to the others, it can't be more than a few hours old. After the makeshift breakfast, he strips the horse of its riding gear and saddle bags, then slaps it, sending it careening through the valley, "You are free now, old friend. You cannot come with me where I am going and I would hate to think that I caused your death for no better reason than loyalty." If it allows, he begins to saddle up a pegasus; strapping on the saddle, placing and tightening a bit and brible, and finally attaching saddlebags to the saddle. By now his walking is getting less and less jerky and looking more and more natural. His confidence returning, he draws his rapier and practices using a tree, lunging, leaping. As his practice continues his thrusts and pokes come faster and faster, his arms move at a near blur. Suddenly, and without warning, his leg gives out again and he falls to the ground, seeming to have overstepped his body's limits. Satisfied with his workout, he sheathes his blade and nurses his leg, cradling it and massaging it through his pants.
The party gather their horses, and believing in Aldarian, they get on. Aldarian take hold of valder, and with amazing strenght, lift the giant off the groung, levitating him up the cliff face, with the assistance of Strider and Grayson to remain close to the cliff face.
Just as the party reach the top and float over the edge, the spells give way and everyone land with cling of metal and crashing of other goodies as the spells dissipatate.
About 30 metres from the party, in a huge cave opening, a huge giant is woken from it's slumber. Getting up, a huge blade in its hand, glowing fiercely with magic, it stand up in the cave maw. A voice, rumbling like thunder accross the open, reaches the party: "What do you want?!"
Ice walks to the nearest pegasus. She speaks to it in elven. "Hi beautifull , I need your help to get to the top of the mountian. Thanks for allowing us to ride the winds with you." She then gets all her stuff together, when Kagan fell down she looked at him with a frown, but desided not to be to inquisitive still not entirely trusting humans, even half humans.
Aldarin flies his steed toward the group. "Carefull Grayson, Kagan. A pegasus will not accept bit, bridle or rope. It has agreed to let you ride on its back but that is it. Do not worry Grun, a pegasus is the steed of the gods. It can lift enormous amounts of weight, you it will be able to carry, Vander we must see."
As his Pegasus leaves the ground Grayson suddenly grasps a little harder to avoid falling "Wooow". He follows the Pegasus with Aldarin.
With that Aldarin's steed soars up followed by the other's of the group who can ride them. He flies to the top and circles above it for a moment scouting the area after which the flying steeds land on the ground.
Ones down he dismounts his pegasus and pats it on the flank. "Thank you my friend. Now be on your way again." After which it rises in the sky and disapears in a suddenly forming golden hued cloud.
Vander stands up from his fall, and shouts, "We come to speak to the mighty Draconobalen."
Kagan takes advantage of some local cover to assess the situation (and attempts to vanish)
The giant pull himself up to his full height, squinting at the half giant:" A firbolg, bah! I guess you are coming for the gizzard, hmmm" The giant motion with his hand at Kagan:" You, get back there with the rest!", just as the thief tries to snuck into the shadows.
Kagan quietly complies, maybe Vander will say something to make the giant overreact and leave an opening.
A sudden thought cross your mind, "Hmmm, the other party's been here already, and the dragon's ok.
Vander pauses for a moment, then continues, "You know I cannot lie. I have no wish to harm this dragon. But we must speak with the golden one, to determine if there is another way to solve the dilemma. If we fail, others who are more violent will come. It cannot be avoided. I have seen the end of this."
The giant scratches his beard: "I'll allow you in, but you must all leave your weapons in this bag here. " He points to a huge leather bag. "And I mean all your weapons!"
Vander walks up to the giant, and hands him the quarterstaff and the knife blades, "Here. Look after them well, they have been ... useful in the past."
Heh, ok. Kagan calmly stands up, produces the note for the giant and says "There's no need to be so gruff, we're here for peaceful negotiation."
The giant take the staff and blades, putting it into the bag, looking up at the rest of the party. Vander notice runes on the side of the cave wall and the giant follows his gaze. "Ahhh, that is to stop any non dragons from casting spells inside. Sure death for them should they try."
Then as Kagan step up to the giant, the giant look at him through squinted eyes: "Yeah right. Show the peace by handing over all your weapons."
Kagan surrenders his rapier and the holder for his shortbow and crossbow.
The giant take the weapons, looking at the ranger very thoughtfully. Suddenly an itch in your back makes you wonder, and as the stick start to smolder, you drop it, ripping of your clothes to remove all red glowing hot hidden weapons while dancing and shouting a rain dance. "The giant grin, picking it up and adding it to the bag.
Muttering under his breath in his own language, Strider walks over to the giant, stops before him, look ing him in the eye. After a pause, he removes his dagger from it's sheath, holding it by it's handle, pointing the blade at the giant. Then with a deft move, he flips the weapon, holding out the handle. In Common, "Take care."
Oh yeah, forgot about that."
Vander tries to examine the rune as well as he can.
The giant take the blade, looking at it. "Going to need the sheath for this. It'll kill my bag." Taking the weapon's sheath from Strider, he add it to the bag, waiting for the rest of the party.
Vander can only see some of the runes, and there is a lot, almost fifty he can see for now. As Kagan start's speaking, the giant turn to him once again: "Hmmm, I bet you did. Don't get all forgetfull in there, of Draconobalen will have you for lunch."
Better have him hand over the dagger in his pen too. For good measure he'll also hand over his pouch of marbles and ask the giant to count them to make sure that they're all there so Kagan will know how many to expect back. Then he'll also hand over his tiny hammer and chisel.
The giant take everything and add it to the bag, counting the marbles.
Flinx growls. A green flicker reaches his eyes, as he arttempts to drop his sword in the bag. Suddenly, with a grimace of pain, he turns away, hand on his sword. "No way I am leaving my sword. You would have to kill me first. " He stands there, very determined.
Kagan mutters something under his breath about how `honorable` it is to disarm visitors and place runes and glyphs around that spell their doom and not have the same in place for themselves. Oh wait, it's hypocrisy, not honor.
The giant look at flinx for a moment. With a flick of his wrist, the blade in his hand slap the blade out of Flinxes hand, dropping it in the bag. "Hmm, that should be better! I know this blade. I't's bee here before." The giant ignore Kagan.
Flinx explodes into action, tackling the giant, in a mad rage. He is out of control, scratching and hitting. The green flicker seems to return to his eyes, for a moment...
The giant extand his hand, handling flinx almost like a baby, keeping him out of reach until sanity returns. He seemed to knew this was coming.
Strider raises an eyebrow at Flinx's response, and watches him intently out the corner of his eye, afrain that Flinx may cause trouble. He is slightly surprised that the giant was able to disarm him so easily, and even more surprised at the giants words. Looking from Flinx to the giant, he asks, "How do you mean, 'been here before'? We have never been here..."
Flinx collapses, all energy seeping from him like a wet sponge. He looks defeated, drained. But, somehow, also hopeful?...
Kagan walks up to the archway, "C'mon, let's get this over with."
The giant turn to Strider frowning. : "The blade of course. Seen it. know it." He frown. "You should too."
Strider cocks his head to one side, gazing at the giant intently, "I do not understand what you are know-say, no... meaning?"
The giant look at Strider:"Enough! Hand over the rest of the weapons and you can speak to Draconobalen
Grayson frowns as he puts his sword and arrows in the bag. "I don't like this one little bit." And he walks throught the opening to the cave.
After the party deposited their weapons in the bag, the giant escort them into the cave. As they turn a corner, a huge golden wall fill their vision. Suddenly the wall start to move, and the party is struck by awe, as the huge golden dragon turn it's head to face them. It is the most magnificent view the party have seen in their whole life, an incredible sight.
The dragon start to speak in a voice that cause the cavern to rumble, with a tinge of amusement in her voice: "Another party for my Gizzard Dynatius? These humans show a bit more tact though." Then a note of steel creep into her voice: "So, adventurers, what do you have to say for yourselves."
Grayson stares wide eyed at the dragon with his mouth wide open, "Wow! I am glad we didn't bring any weapons in here." He moves away from the group a couple of feet, keeping his hands in view and closes his mouth.
Kagan attempts to bundle up his courage and stand before the great being, trembling at first, but realizing that if he was going to be killed out of hand it would have happened already. After a moment, he finds his voice, "Please, excuse us for barging in your immenseness. I... I must admit that those who were earlier.... Well, they were associates of mine. No, it's not like that. I left them, knowing what they intended and did not wish to meet the same end they did. I stand before you now, to plead the case of the people of Yeoman's Loft and the surrounding cities. The group I was formerly with, we were told that...." he falters, unsure of how to proceed, but having come this far decides to plunge in, "We were told that the cities were in danger and the only way to save them was a spell cast by a very powerful wizard. This spell requires many components, my former associates and I, as you already know, were charged with bringing back the gizzard of a gold dragon. I.... Well, I know what I would say to that. I would say no. But here I am, to plead with you, to beg for the lives of all those people that are doomed. I don't expect mercy or compassion from one who has lived the great life that you have and that you have in store, but please... Is there anything that can be done? Is there anything else to your knowledge that will fulfill the needs of this spell? I understand that the cost for intruding here may well be my life, but I am determined to try to save all those people and.... Well, yes, and to save myself as well." With that, he falls silent, about to faint as the dragon considers his words.
The dragon pauses a bit: "I care little for the wizards of the floating cities. The damage they do, it is incredible and they care for nothing but power. I will offer you a deal. My mate, Agence, has gone to die. Unfortunately, we were not able to deal with the threat of the terrasque down in the valley of the Angardt barberians. It will awaken soon, and when it does, many of the gentle barberians will die. And will be forced to flee their lands."
Draconobalen digs around her treasure horde and produces an iron flask that contains a thick, syrupy liquid. "After battleling the Terrasque, pour this over its body. That will return it to a state of slumber. If you have accomplished this, I will retrieve the gizzard of my mate for you."
Aldarin shakes of his awed silence from viewing the dragon. "After battling' is what worries me. A tarasque is reputedly unkillable, undefeatable. We will have a very tough time defeating that creature, is there any aid you can give us? Also, you say that the tasasque is sleeping now, can we not pour the liquid across it while he sleeps?"
Grun looks at the dragon and all his treasure. "Will we be able to get the Pituitary Gland from it while it sleeps? Well, if so then will not need the Armor of Kahl. But it would be helpful in getting the Lich."
Kagan looks around at his traveling companions like a mouse trapped in a room full of cats, "Tarrasque? Armor of Kahl? Lich? Wha......?" Then he turns his attention back to the dragon, "We pour this stuff on it after we've fought it? I'm guessing that either it or we will be dead when we're done fighting, this potion would bring it back to life, just asleep? If it's dead it won't threaten anybody, why bring it back? While we're at it, does this thing have any weaknesses?". He looks around, gaze going from face to face, wondering what he's gotten into. Maybe it's time to move on again...
Grayson looks toward the dragon, "We are truly grateful for your willingness to help. Where do we find the lair?" He pauses for the answer.
After he gets the answer, he continues "The truth is, as you may know, we are really looking for a lich that came to this land from a different time. We need to rid the worked from his evil. Do you know where we could find him?" Grayson winces as if waiting for a blow as he waits for the answer.
"Kagan a tarrasque is the most ferosious beast known. It is the ultimate killer. No one has ever even been able to scratch it. It has laid to waste enitre civilizations in hours. It won't be dead when we pour this stuff on it. One of us will need to get close to it and pour the stuff on it."
The dragon look from one to the other as the party continue their discussion: "Well, the terrasque is unkillable, but not undefeatable. Be carefull not to cut pieces from it, because that will grow new terrasques. You see, a terrasque is like a troll, except that fire and acid cannot kill it. But it has to be defeated before you can pour this potion over it, otherwise it won't be affected. And what would you need the pituitary gland from it and what is the armor of Kahl?"
Kagan asks of the dragon, but also of the party, "How do you defeat something that knows it cannot die and will only grow more powerful?" Then to the party and not the dragon, "I agreed to help you scout this area and act as a ranger for you, would you still have need of my services once out of here? I do think that taking on something as big a task as this sounds seems rather crazy but..... I'm sure if you wished to retain my services we could work something out." Kagan doesn't like the idea of being killed while giving a monster a bath, but this adventure's been .... entertaining so far. Who knows, maybe tales of heroic deeds would cause elves to seek him out? Yeah, we'll see how far this Terrasque thing goes and then maybe there's that lich to be dealt with too... We'll see what they have to say for themselves.
"The pituitary gland is another component of the spell we spoke of earlier." Aldarin tells the dragon before turning to Kagan.
"In fighting a tarasque any help is welcome although I can imagion that most would not look forward to facing a tarasque so there would be no hard feelings if you decided to quit." Aldarin says. "To us this is a sidequest how incredable that may sound but if those wizards speak true then we could save thousands of lives by fighting that beast. And anyone who performed such a task would have his name sung for years to come, even if elvish."
He turns toward the others. "If it is still sleeping then I might be able to give us an edge, I just need to get close enough to touch it. Amaunator's greatest gift of live can be turned against the creature touched sapping its life away. It is not something I look forward doing but with it I can weaken it so that we could slay it. At least temporarily.
We should also plan this very carefully. Leave only tomorow so that I can use my powers to the fullest and use that which I have left today to prepare us for what is to come."
The dragon turn to Aldarian, totally shocked: "What! What is that mage thinking, awaking a terrasque for a spell component. I cannot belive it! Anyway, I will honour my agreement with you. She hand the potion to Aldarian for safekeeping.
The party leave once again, going down the mountain, into the valley. Arriving in the valley, they are met by a troop of 30 Angard barberians. The leader, a huge man, wielding a warhammer, walk up to the party and looking at Aldarian, asks: "What is it that you want in the land of the angard barberians?"
"We seek the greatest of all beasts which sleeps in your lands. The great tarasque." Aldarin relies "Dragonobalen the great wyrm has charged us with ensuring that the beast will continue its slumber."
The leader responds:" Well, then you are welcome. Follow me." He lead the party to a huge cave entrance where about 100 barberians are camped. Taking you to the entrance, he point to the inside. "The beast is in there."
"Well, here we are. The moment of truth." Grayson looks at Aldarin "I say we forget this petuitary gland, whatever it is, and concentrate on the gizzard. How do we get close to this thing and poor the liquid over it?"
Grayson pauses for a minute. "Perhaps just one person should approach the animal without armor. Obviously someone who can move silently. Do one of you guys have a spell to make someone quiet? The rest of us could watch in case there are problems. What do you guys think?"
"I can make someone silent but I do not think that the potion would work like that." Aldarin answers. "Why wouldn't the dragon have done it herself if it would be that simple? And besides Karsus needs both. One is probably useless without the other and he might send other groups who are not as skilled and they may only awaken it."
He looks toward the opening and sighs. "No, I am afraid that we will have to face it." Giving each a look over he continues. "Those of you who are willing to try and fight it. Lets see how we could acomplish it best.
First I will do all in my power to give you the strength needed. With the plan I have in mind I think we have a good change of defeating it, what do you say?"
I suggest that you will let me go inside. When the tarasque awakens you will hear and you must come to my aid but with luck it will be severely weakend by then.
What do you all say?"
Kagan chimes in, the conversation seems to go on without him though, "The dragon said that it had be defeated first, that pouring it on it wouldn't be enough."
Kagan steps around the huddled beings, still trying to add to the conversation, he's either moving silently or they're making too much noise.
Kagan says out loud, though more to himself now, "Exactly, she said it had to be defeated first."
Ah, finally, a chance to be heard, Kagan almost screams; they're probably looking at him like he's an idiot now, "Why don't you let us know what your plan is first, then we can tell you what we think of it!" Then realizing that every eye within earshot is probably focused on him, he wishes he could vanish into thin air, he says sheepishly, "Um... why don't you share your plan with us?"
Grayson looks strangely down on Kagan. "You are right it was said that they have to be defeated but not killed. The question is how to defeated it without killing it?"
Grayson turns to the Barbarians, "Why are you guys assembled so near the lair of a dangerous animal?"
Strider nods having noted the conversation continuing above Kagan's protestations and earnest attempts at contribution. He looks toward Aldarin, says, "Much thinking you do, but little speaking. Plans that involve all must be shared by all, or much may die. Speak now, and share the coming-action-thoughts you have."
Hearing an interesting question, Strider cocks an ear to hear what is being said at the same time as he keeps his gaze fixed on Aldarin, waiting for him to collect and order his thoughts beore he speaks.
Aldarin looks into the cavern. "I plan to sneak inside using my spells to remain unseen and unheard. When I reach the beast I can lower his ability to heal its own wounds. After that I will cast a harm spell on it to sap its liveforce away from it but I need to touch it for that to work."
Kagan's almost shout echo's in the cave mouth, and everywhere barberians scatter, leaving the area as quickly as their legs can carry them. Grayson's question is lost in a immense roar from inside the cave, and suddenly the ground start to shake as something BIG just moved close by. (Combat 24hours to respond)
He pauses only a second or two to gice them a change to decide then he steps back a pace, to be out of everyone's way, then starts chanting in the strange, oddly tonal language of his birth, weaving his arms in an intricate pattern in front of him, seeming almost as if trying to disperse some smoke from a non-existant fire before him. His chanting continues for a few moments, before he comes to a atonal and incomplete sounding end. His form seems to sharpen momentarily, then fades, as his substance becomes reduced to that of a fine mist. His shape is still intact, but he now has very little substance, and he almost seems to float above the ground, though his 'feet' are in contact with the ground. OOC: Wraithform.
Vander shakes his head as he hears the roar, and stands ready gripping his quarterstaff. He slowly mutters something in Firbolg, attacking the moment he sees the monster.
Aldarin's eyes flare like daggers at Kagan while backing away to the side of the cavern entrance. "Part of it consisted of not being heard, idiot."
He starts to cast softly his hands moving around in intricate patterns and a black aura begins to form around his hand.
As Aldarian finish shouting at Kagan, a huge dragonlike beast appear in the cave opening, it's shadow on the ground causing most of the party to stop everything they are doing in fear, except the barberians that scatter in all directions. Aldarian, frozen in terror, feel the beast running over him, stomping him about 10cm into the ground and watch his spell fizzle.
Grayson draws his sword and runs toward the edge of the cave (without crossing the opening of the cave). As he runs he hollers to the barbarians, "Barbarians! Join us in fighting this evils monster. Together our strength will be tripled! You will be HEROS for freeing the world from the beast that has killed so many. Join us, we will fight together in this great cause!"
Grayson stands with is back to the mountain, his huge sword grasped by both hands. He is about 10 feet from the cave and behind a rock (if there is one large enough). He waves for any barbarians who can see him to follow him but makes no other sounds.
Flinx snarls at the others, as he pulls his sword, and runs to the entrance of the cave. Stopping a safe distance away from it, he pauses, and mutters some strange sibilant words, as he gestures with his fingers. He will release the spell as soon as the Tarrasque is sighted. He then grins, and with a great howl, storms forward, hacking at the legs. OOC: Blindness.
With surprising silence, Kagan pulls apart his walking stick to reveal a mean-looking long sword which he tucks into his belt. While the barbarians scramble around him, he very calmly and deliberately climbs the side of the outside of the cave near the opening. After scaling higher than the entrance, he works his way to over the opening (This action is of course, preceeded by a climb walls roll. Please let me know if it fails so I can change his consequent actions). Quickly anchoring a small piece of rope with a dagger, he runs the length of rope behind him and anchors it with another dagger to make a crude seat. Now seated and using his feet for tension to prevent falling, he pulls a small vial from his sack. Opening the vial, he carefully pours the contents (poison) over the tip of his sword so that it drips down the blade. Storing the vial, he positions himself for a controlled drop to land just in front of the cave entrance or on top of whatever emerges from it. A piercing blow from above shouldn't be very likely to break off fragments of body. Kagan judges his moment, most likely waiting for all the spells he sees being prepared go into effect, waiting for the exact second of maximum weakness. If this doesn't work, it's time to grab the bull.... er terrasque by the horns and hold on for dear life.
As the beast appear, Ice turn around showing the beast how the Yeoman's loft running games should be won. Flinging her backpack and weapons away, she follows the barberians, catching up with the slow ones in a short while
Amglear motions with his hands through the air, creating a glowing sword in his right hand. The blade glitter and glow in the sunlight and almost appear to be part of his hand.
Grayson Run around with his back against the wall, attacking the beast from the rear as it immerges. Following the beast out on it's rush, the huge man cut deeply into the terrasque from behind.
Grun hit the beast with his axe from the fron just as it stops, sinking the red blade into the creature and causing it the pause for a moment, before continuing it's attack.
Flinx wave his arms and a black ray races from his fingers out to the beast. As the black ray cover, it's eyes, the beast shake it's head and continue.
The terrasque's claw slashes through the air, cutting through Amglear's armor, only stopped by the iron skin from doing damage, while the other clawpress Aldarian even deeper into the ground, as the beast makes his stand on top of the priest.
The tail of the terraque come around bashing into Flinx, flinging him into the cave and casing him to hit the wall with a thud.
Strider completes his spell sucsessfully, fading into a fine mist, almost disappearing from view in the shadows.
Kagan successfully sneak in behind the beast, jumping over the tail as it narowly miss him, beating the hell out of Flinx standing close to him. As He push his dagger into the terrasque, he find that the weapon is way to blunt, not even damaging the beast's thick hide. It seems like this weapon will not work against a beast this size.
Jerzal turn around and flee as quickly as his legs can carry him. rushing away from the beast.
Feeling the attemp on him from behind, the terrasque swing his head around, biting into the scout and shaking him like a dog, in the processruining his clothes, backpack and rispilling items and weapons everywhere. Cutting the ropes, clothes, backpack and waterskin to shreads, it also break all flasks and bottles in his backpaqck, covering him and the terrasque with oil. Flinging him through the air, the scount hit a tent with a thud, the whole thing colapsing on him.
The beast hit Grun with his one horn, boring him into the ground and as the mino lie before him, gouge him with the other horn as well, trying to push it right through him.
Vander smashes his staff into the terrasque, but with the creature's thick hide, it has no visible effect. The beast totaly ignore him, still gouging the mino, that unsucsessfully tries to block the beasts attacks with his axe.
End of round one: Terrasque - a few scratches Everyone unhurt but: Aldarian - unable to get up with terrasque on top of him. Grun - +4 to roll free and get up Flinx - +2 to get up Kagan - Out of action for the round as he triest to untangle himself. Ice - Fleeing
Calling out to the barbarian warriors running down the slope, Strider calls, "Behold the power to defeat this enemy..." He turns to face Vander, and starts to chant, loudly, and clearly, for the benefit of his audience, gesturing the movements for the spell clearly and slightly slower than normal, for effect. As soon as the spell takes hold, he pauses just long enough to make sure the spell is working correctly, before he restart his incantation, this time focussing on Grun. As soon as that spell is done, he calls out to the warriors again. "Behold! Stand, and destroy your enemy! Would you run, like cowards, and have this evil shadow your lives for ever? Or would you stand, like /warriors,/ and fight the good battle?! Many will be the heroes that descend from this field, and long will your names be sung in the songs that tell of this glorious battle. But only if you stand, and fight for your freedom, for your clans!!" He ends with a thunderous roar, striking his fist in the air, cheering the warriors, even as Grun and Vander grow behind him.
Uncomfortable with the huge beast on top of him but unharmed due to his Ironskin spell Aldarin hisses out the words of command and touches the tarasque standing on top of him. OOC: Cast another Harm spell, seems that there should be little trouble touching that thing now it's standing on top of me.
Flinx hisses in anger, and gets up, somewhat dazed, but very pissed off. With a shout, he rams his sword home, trying to pierce the tarrasque's skin. With an audible laugh, he hacks and slashes, trying to get its attention, but always darting out of the way. he is fighting, and looking, like a demon, purple eyes blazing, spit dripping out of his mouth, teeth unnaturally sharp....
Vander glares at the creature when he hits it, but does no visible damage, not even making the creature flinch. He takes his quarterstaff and attempts to hit the creature again.
Grayson barely makes a sound as he continues with hacks and slashes at the beast. He tries to stay towards the rear of the animal near the hind legs to avoid the tail and head.
Aldarian finds casting impossible with the huge beast on top of him, but using all his strenght, he manage to suirm from under the beast, just as Ice find control over her legs again. Kagan cut the tent to ribbons trying to get out, and finaly manage to, starting the search for a real weapon.
The terrasque claw Aldarian some more, sending the priest spinning away with his blade as the huge claws hit him.
Grayson move to the rear, and as he come close, the huge tail bashes into him, sending him spinning off into the cave. Roaring with anger at himself for being unable to see it coming, he charges in again.
Grun once again sink his axe deep into the terrasque, extracting the blade and hitting him once again. The creature roar with pain, moving forward and bashes his horns against the mino, the iron skin preventing much damage.
Grayson charges back in and as he swing the blade forward, he trips over the beast's tail, dropping his blade in front of him. He bend and pick it up again, readying it to attack.
Strider complete the casting of his spell, and Vander feel that growing feeling again, as he suddenly towers above the terrasque. The beast fling it's head around grabing the charging Flinx in it. The warrior smell it's putrid breath as it shake him too and fro, before once again chucking him into the cave wall.
Vander once again smashes his staff into the beast with little effect. The beast seem to ignore him. He pull back the staff, examining it with a frown.
Jerzal swing his sword and the moment, it sink into the beast, a huge anger come over hism. raging like a madman he start hacking and slashing into it.
End of round 3 Very angry terrasque with slight wounds Everyone unhurt, but: Amglear +4 to act Flinx +2 to act
Amglear finish his spell and a soft moonglow descend on flinx. A sudden hate caurse through him and the blade in his hands glow black, absorbing the magic sending a fireball in Amglear's direction. As it explode, the fire surge through everyone and even the terrasque roar from pain.
Kagain ignore the fire that remove most of his hair and clothes and pull the tent in front of the beast, hiding in it. The beast kick at it, missing the thief, but in the process entagle himself in it a bit.
Flinx grip the blade tightly in his hands, trying to control the anger that surge through him. He rushes at the terrasque, hitting it with the huge blade severing the one front claw.
Aldarian finishes his spell the same time as grun hit the terrasque again, his axe sinking deep into the beast, but the second time glancing off. A bright light hit the beast causing it to roar with anguis as it start striking blindingley in all directions.
Grayson attack the beast and for a change his blade sink deeply into it. He withdraw the blade and strike again, and once again the beast roar with pain and anger. Big gaping wounds now covers the beasts body.
Vander step back from the fray and take of his backpack, but in the process step on a dry branch. The crack sound through the air and the beast turn, venting his anger on the huge firbolg. The one claw bash vander back as the huge maw close on his shoulder, shaking him and throwing him on the ground.
Jerzal also step closer and sink his blade into the beasts back, just to be hit by the huge tail, sending him sprawling, the blade dropping from his grasp.
Strider and ice complete their spells in the same time, ice vanishing from view and Grayson growing quite a bit in a very short time.
The beast use it horns once again on Vander, and the huge giant grip them tightly in his hands, pushing the terrasque back.
The beast seem very tired and blood covers the party, with the stench of burnt meat flowing through the air.
Jerzal, Flinx, Grayson and Grun step forward, their blades flshing in the sunlight as they attack the beast from all sides. The blades bite deeply into the beast dropping it to the ground, is body wide open and it's heart spraying the party with blood. Even while it is lying the the party can see it's wounds closing and it's body recovering.
The party is all slightly (fire) damaged, ands the terrasque is down, but regenerating.
"Ha!" Aldarin jumps to his feet. "Behold the wrath of Amaunator. Nothing can stand before it."
Again he raises his hands and a soft chanting is heard, a soft pale yellow glow encompasses his hands and streams toward the motionless Tarasque. "Your wounds will not heal, Amaunator will not allow it."
He turns towards the others. "We must hurry, it will not be to long before it rises again. Keep wary, his wounds may still heal, though at a slower rate. I believe that we must administer the potion only after we have completed what we came for."
Aldarian look gray from effort after finishing the last spell. The magical energies expended is taking it's toll, but the terrasque doesn't heal anymore. After an hour of cutting with magical blades, the party manage to get the gland out, but this in itself present a bit of a problem. It weighs only about 25 pounds but is the size of three large bacpacks, made out of a spongy material.
The party carry the terrasque back, putting it on it's pedestal and then administer the potion from draconobalen. For a moment the whole body glow yellow as the beast heal and return to a deep slumber. The party quetly exit the cave and find the barberian shaman on the outside. Moving back to to the tents, he ask in a wisper: "Will the beast sleep again for the next decade?"
While moving back the party notice that their clothes is once again in a very bad state. The fireball and terasque has made short work of it and all the clothes is in a very bad state.The party, except for ice is also very dirty and covered with blood.
Grayson surveys his clothing along with the other members of the party. "Well, that was some nasty business." Turning to the Barbarians, "That beast should sleep for a long time." Looking down he brushes himself off with no visible affect, is there a stream near here where we can wash up?" Grayson looks around as he waits for an answer.
He directs himself to the other members of the party. "We ought to clean up before we head back. We could build a stretcher to carry this messy thing back with us since it is bulky although light weight." He pauses again, "Hmmmm, that is interesting. Where are we going find these wizards to take them this thing anyway?"
While carrying the terrasque to the pedastal, Kagan checks out the weapons carried by the barbarians, looking for one that he might want for himself... Though he has no money, he makes an attempt to `acquire` the one that seems most suited to him... And as an afterthought, some money would be good to buy new clothes and gear with at the next stop in civilization, he'll attempt to acquire some money for `traveling expenses` from the most unsuspecting and witless looking prospect around. If anyone catches on or moves to stop him, he very loudly reminds everyone within earshot that the severed claw of the terrasque will probably have regenerated into a full terrasque .... right about.... now. Kagan also keeps an eye out for anything that he thinks might be useful to his new companions, though whether or not he'll attempt to acquire those items will depend on the risk and usefulness of the item(s) in question. If the chance presents itself, he will also make an excuse to not be part of the group bearing the terrasque, leaving his hands and senses free for whatever might happen and with all the muscle power available it shouldn't be hard to avoid carrying duty. Anything he does acquire on behalf of someone else will remain hidden for now, to be presented as gifts later.
Aldarin nods, at first to tired to answer. He then takes a ragged breath and speaks. "Yes, it has been defeated and will be sleeping for another decade, unless it is disturbed. Will you be looking after it?"
"Perhaps these people can sell us something?" Aldarin asks indication the barbarians "A few extra backpacks for instance. Also we should be quick to spread the news, no other group may dare and disturb that monster again. Not even speaking about Dragonobalen. Speaking of which we still need to collect that gizard. About karsus isn't he at that other city?"
Kagan look around and notice several weapons standing around. Most of the weapons is huge, like bastard swords, long swords, axes and hammers. There is also several handy utensils like ropes, lanterns and a few other things. Several carved shrimshaw carvings finished and half finished also litter the area where tents have been scattered.
Kagan picks up a longsword that nobody's sure to miss (until they go looking for it) and a handy coil of rope, stuffing the rope into a bag found nearby, the lantern is an afterthought but it goes in too.
He manage to pick up the items without anyone noticing. He then notice two carvings, one of the goddess Sylune and another of a man fighting a bear that will fetch nice prices in whatever city you reach. A glint also draw his eyes and then he notice the most beautifull longsword he has ever seen, golden runes on the blade and a gem encrusted scabbard to cover it. The blade glimmer in the sunlight, small rainbows running up and down the blade.
Kagan thinks of Armglear as he pockets the carving of Sylune, followed by the one of the bear and man fighting... He can't seem to stop thinking of the sword though, he discreetly checks to see if anyone's watching it or if anyone's near it. If given the chance, he takes the time to watch the patterns of people walking around, waiting for the best moment to get closer... moving through a shadow here, sneaking there... wondering if this is a good idea.
As Kagan look around, he notice the huge barberian talking to Aldarian. Thinking back, he remember seeing the blade on the hips of this huge warrior, when they first met. At the moment though, he seem to be pretty preocupied. The whole camp is a mess, and remembering how these guys have disguarded weapons and anything else on their flight, it might be possible to seek for the blade for at least a few hours.
Kagan scouts around to find the former owner of the sword to make sure that he is unaware of its location, then after selecting an appropriately sized bag to hide it in, he moves in quietly when nobody is around. He switches the longsword he's already stolen for the rainbow sword, which goes straight into the sack, then he looks immediately for a good place to hide it while the party is still around the barbarians. If a good place can't be found, he'll go up the trail to hide it then come back.
Kagan pick up a large leather bag and adding the stolen items to it, he uses the shadows to sneak up the trail. Hiding the bag is some undergrowth, he returns to the party, to find them still in negotiations with the large barberian, with some washing themselves in the stream down in the valley.
More than satisfied with what's been a good morning's work, Kagan joins the others at the river to wash up. After that, he'll see what kind of hospitality (food and clothing) is due one of the heroes that saved the barbarians from the monster.
The huge barberian that met them coming into the valley, smile at Aldarian: "Well, you can wash yourself in the stream in the valley. We would not sell you anything, save the shrimshaw carvings we make, because then we would have to go back into the cities, and they do not like us there. Anything else we can help you with?"
Some of the party members walk down to the stream that the barberian indicated, while the rest of the barberian party returns with the shaman, trying to repair the havoc the beast and themselves have wrought. Tents, carvings and all types of utensils litter the campsite.
Still tending to his small burns from the fireball Grayson says to the barbarian leader, "Thank you for directing us to a stream. We could use some help making a stretcher or something to carry that thing." He points to the dragons organ. "Some cloth to cover it would be good if you have some.
Maybe one of your unrepairable tents?" He waits for a response from the barbarian and then turns to the stream with the other party members.
At the stream he strips down to wearing just pants and washes up, but never lets his sword more than arms length away. He washes his platemail and puts it back on and returns to the barbarian camp. If the barbarians have not made a stretcher, he makes one himself.
The barberian leader show him the tent that kagan has dragged to entangle the beast in. :"You can take that one. It should suit your needs. Using his skill, Gray manufacture a stretcherfor the gland, finishing it in about an hour.
Having cleaned himself and rested while Grayson prepared the strecher Aldarin feels himself refreshed enough to use his healing powers on the wounds of his companions. "Amaunator, you have given us strength and protection, now grand us your healing." OOC Use Cure moderate wounds on each of the companions.
After that he kneels down and raises his hands again to the heavens. "Amaunator, lawgiver. I call upon your powers again. The battle has teared the robes of your priesthood and I will not walk like a beggar. Grand me the power to heal cloth as well as people.
Most of the party fully healed, the priest "heal" his clothes, rendering them as good as new. The barberians in the meanwhile, have continued their repair and by the time the party finishes, their tents are rigged once again and the mess is cleaned. Some barberians still wander around, looking for some of their belongings.
"Lets get some distance between us and this cave," Grayson says with new found energy that comes from a semi-bath and a healing spell. "The question is where do we find this Karsus fellow? I don't recall that in our instructions." Grayson addresses the barbarians, "do you know of a mage named Karsus and where we may find him?" He pulls out his copy of the map and points to the city of Frothwater. "This is the closest city to where we are now. Someone there may be able to direct us to Karsus." Grayson pauses hoping for input from the party.
"Aldarin can you do that Fox thing again to scout out ahead. We are bound to run into those giants again."
"I thought this is the LIZARD GIZZARD!" Grayson exclaims without raising his voice. He glances towards the cave where the huge beast sleeps, "I am no expert on Dragon anatomy but that is all we were looking for. If this is the gizzard, then there is no need to go back to the other cave. If this is not the gizzard, we might as well go back in there and kill that beast AGAIN and rip it out of him."
He looks around at everyone, "I say we head to Frothwater for three reasons. One, I don't want to take the same path back to Yeoman's Loft where those giants can lay in ambush for us. Two, Frothwater looks to be about a days travel. Three, we may be able to get one of those flying ship things back to Yeoman's loft. I may not be a mental giant but my instincts have kept me alive this long."
Kagan helpfully informs Grayson that he can lead the group to Frothwater and then to Yeoman's Loft from there, "It would be easiest to contact Karsus from Yeoman's Loft. However, a small detail's been omitted. We need to return to Draconobalen if we hope to retrieve the lizard gizzard." Kagan seems to take delight in the sound of `lizard gizzard`.
Kagan continues to address Grayson, "There is little doubt we would run into the giants if we intend to visit the dragon's cave again, that area is their home. Have no fear, however, I can lead us through the territory and we can avoid most or all confrontation." Kagan sets about scavenging anything from the site of battle that could be useful; cloth, tent poles, rope, lanterns, and anything else that might help the journey back. If the party members are willing, he distributes the scavenged gear among all the travelers so that everyone is equipped and ready. He walks to the edge of the clearing and returns bearing the saddle and other equipment that his horse had carried and sheepishly looks up at Vander to ask, "Would you mind helping me carry this? I can't effectively scout if I'm loaded down with it and you look like the extra weight won't make a difference to you." Kagan searches the local area for useful herbs and plants as well as his misplaced walking stick.
Kagan founds his walking stick where one of the barberians have made it stand against the cave wall. Nothing remains in the campsite after the tidying up, and some barberians is still walking around searching for some misplaced goods.
The party return the way they came, travelling back up the mountain with Aldarian's help. Reaching the dragon cave without incident, with Kagan leading them around two mountain orc patrols.
On the morning of the third day, the party reach the mountaintop, just as the sun is starting to heat the earth. Tired from the journey, they just let the cloud giant lead them into the huge cave, after once again collecting their weapons.
The huge gold, a magnificent sight as ever greet them a bit more friendly this time. " Morning. I have the gizzard of my mate here as per our contract. You may take it through to Karsus and tell him to call his hounds off." The dragon look tired and a cut on her side is still oozing a bit of blood. Even the giant don't look so well.
Although he's not much of a healer, Kagan inquires if there's anything he can do to help the dragon or the giant ease their pain or to help them recover.
Flinx looks at the dragon, and shrugs. "Darn. A little blood never hurt anybody." He winks at the Giant, and saunters out, an evil grin on his face. Every now and then, however, he would stare at Amglear, pure hatred on his face. As soon as he is out of the cave, he will dissappear into the bushes, going scouting.
Aldarin watches Flinx go and turns toward the giant. "You mentioned that you recognised the blade. What can you tell us about it? It seems a strange weapon, our companion tried to cast a beneficial spell on him but it retaliated in great anger."
"Aye, that we shall." Aldarin answers. "I pray to Amaunator that what we have done is just. The tarasque will sleep for a new decade and the barbarians will be save for that time. But you are hurt, may I offer my services of healing to you and your companion?"
"I agree Grayson, we can best get as quick as possible to a city closeby, remember those gate things they had in Yeoman's loft? They may get us where we need to be in a hurry"
The dragon sighs: "Yes well, the blade was forged by a group of paladins in the service of the goddess shar. Four hundred people were murdered that night and their souls, together with some of the essence of the night goddess herself was forged into this blade. It is an intellegent weapon, with a soul and life of itself, also the blade of the avatar of shar. How he came by it remains a mystery."
The dragon relax once again as Aldarian heal her and the cloud giant. The wounds close visibly as the light of the spell cover both creatures. "For the service I will transport you to the Karsus enclave. Get the party together, and I will cast the spell, opening a portal directly into the city."
"He bought it at Yeoman's loft, so presumably the former owner is dead." Aldarin replies and sighs. "The blade of the Nightmistress, that explains much. And especialy a cleric of her eternal opponent would cast a spell on him to aid him. Fate sometimes has a cruel sense of humor."
Aldarin gives a short bow "Your offer is gratefully recieved. We will make sure that the hunters will stop comming."
He looks at the others, "A golden opportunity, lets get Flinx back and get going."
"Thank you great one. Your sacrifice and aid is great. I will try and grab Flinx." Grayson grabs his sword jogs out of the cave. He looks for Flinx without venturing far. If Flinx is not in sight, Grayson yells, "Flinx, come back. The Dragon is going to send us back through a portal!" Grayson will not venture into the woods and returns shortly to the cave with or without Flinx.
Grun looks up to the dragon, "I do not trust these archmages or whatever they called themselves. With all your knowledge I think you might know the answer to what I am about to ask. What kind of spell could they be casting with components like these two?"
The dragon look at the mino. :"I have no idea. It must be some new spell karsus have researched over time." Turning to Kagan as he take out a very nice longsword with jewel encrusted scabbard, the dragon's eyes narrow for a moment.
"Ahh, I see you have found grinbald's sword. I'll keep it safe for him." The dragon reach out with one claw, taking the blade from kagan. Magical energies rush down the blade and envelop the scout for a moment as the dragon take the blade from him, adding it to her treasure hoard.
Gray arrive with flinx in a short while and the dragon nods: "I see you are all here now. Now, please do not disturb me while casting: "She intone a few arcane phrases, while her claws draw magical runes in the air everyone more complex than the first. As she complete them, they slowly fade away, to only leave the smell of woodsmoke. At the sixth rune, a smill pinpoint of light appear hovering in the air and then grow larger till it resembles a glowing circle.
"The dragon hisses, a bit of strain in her voice:"Go through quickly, as I cannot hold it open for much longer." The cloud giant hand Vander a the bag of weapons and shoving the spell components through the portal help them on their way.
As you climb through the portal, a feeling like walking in a cool misty rain evelop you. It only last for a moment, before you end in the market square in the Karsus enclave. People rush around you, ignoring your presence as they use the gates to the other enclaves, also fighting for better prices with merchants who is trying to sell their wares.
In the distance, you see the spire that mark the house of Karsus, about three blocks from the market square self. A magic mouth in a pillar close to you bawls out its message to the world:"A call to arms, my friend. We're in dire need! The groundlings are incessantly procuring arms to wield against the archwizards! The magical nature of Netheril requires the constant vigilance of the archwizards to assure everything stays intact. Without their care, Netheril shall come crashing down upon our heads, leav- ing us open to attack from our ancestral enemies: the orcs and their lackeys. For those who wield magic or steel, please register thyself with the Karsus Enclave constabulary to fight in the war against subversion."
Flinx grumbles at all the strange happenings, as he cowers against the hot, blazing sun. "I am not going to fight in anybody's war, thank you very much!" He scowls at their surroundings, not liking it at all. His skin is now very dark in color, almost black, and his purple eyes blaze with an inner fire. "Well, this Karsus fellow has got his stuff now. He had better reward us, or else..." He wanders to a spot with shade, and relax somewhat.
Kagan scans the marketplace, looking for someone to trade with.
Kagan see several jeweler type merchants standing around, pedeling their wares.
After choosing the one most likely to buy carvings, Kagan heads for the merchant.
He see a merchant standing quite close to one of the gates, his pouch bulging with gold. Several shrimshaw statues on his counter, indicate him to be a likely buyer. Walking over to the merchant, he just wait for him to finish with the last customer. Then the merchant;s eyes fall on him, appraising him:" Good day, you do not seem to be my regular type customer, what can I help you with?"
Kagan produces the two statuettes, showing them to the merchant, "I have these two carvings to trade, they are fresh from the plains barbarians."
"Take note, if you will, of the fine detail of the Moon Mistress. Does this bear not terrify you?"
The merchant take the statues, examining them:"Well, they certainly seem to be fine work. May I ask how they come to be in your possesion?"
Kagan responds without a blink, "They were acquired from the tribe after a great battle. I accepted them as thanks for aiding in their defense."
Continually examining the statues, quite happy with Kagan's explanation, the merchant ask:"Well, so how much do you want for them?"
Kagan concentrates for a moment, "Three thousand gold for the set would please me. See the look in the eyes of Sylune? Almost as if she were looking at us...."
The merchant ponder a bit. "I do not have that amount of money, but I'll give you 1500gp and this ring. It is magical, but I haven't a clue what it does."
Kagan hms for a moment, appraising the approximate (true) capacity of the merchant's money bag. There appear to be about between one and a half and 2000gp in it.
Kagan appears to hesitate for a moment, then extends his hand to shake, "Very well, it is a deal."
The merchant shake kagan's hand and count out the gold, handing him the ring and the gold. "If you need do any more business, I'll be here to help you." The merchant turn around handing the sylune carving to his aid. "Take this to the temple and ask for Emprium. He's ordered it. Also collect the moneyt for me," The merchant look past kagan and greet another shopper standing just behind him. He is wearing dark blue robes with gold trim, a red K embroided on his tunic. "Good day Jason, What do you need today?"
Kagan steps away so that he does not interfere with business, but stays around to observe for a moment, impressed with the new customer and slightly curious.
Aldarin looks around. "Ah civilisation." He turns toward the others. "Lets get these discusting things delivered so we can attend to more interesting matters, like a good meal and a hot bath for instance. It would also be good to pay my respects to Amaunator in a more proper version."
Without any objections he walks toward the home of Karsus. When arived there he speaks to the doorwarden (I asume there is one). "Greetings, please informn Karsus your master that we have the components he looks for, including the tarasques organ."
The party see Jason, one of the mages that they have conducted business with, just finishing with a merchant. Jason is standing not too far from Kagain, the scout's eyes watching him closely.
The man, obviously a mage, step up to the merchant, looking through his wares. Taking the statue of the bear, he mention to the merchant: "I'll take this. How much for it." The merchant frown a bit. :Two thousand five hundred gold." The mage turn around: "Send to the tower for you money. " Then noticing the gizzard his eyes raise a bit. "My my, you got it. Please bring it through."
Kagan nods to the mage and motions to the party to follow him, "Of course my lord, also the gland of a terrasque was requested it seems. That has been brought also."
Jason nods:" Yes, several parties where sent to collect. If you will deliver to the spire, you will receive your payment there." He turn around walking through the crowd, heading to the spire.
Kagan follows Jason, hoping the rest of the party will follow too.
Kagan follows Jason, hoping the rest of the party does also. He tries to continue the conversation with Jason, "If possible, lord, may we be granted an audience with Master Karsus? That is, if he has time to spare for the deliverers of these components?". Then he says discreetly to Aldarin, "I heard you mention that a flying ship would be a boon to you. If anyone can make attaining one easy for you, it will be Karsus himself. It is doubtful, but perhaps you can play upon his generosity after a job completed...."
He whispers back to Kagan "A flying ship would be a boon to all I think but as you know we are trying to locate a lich of great power. It would be wiser to ask for something to aid us in that quest. Either that or something for my temple."
Vander walks off behind Kagan, deep in thought. After a few minutes of walking, he falls back to walk next to Grun. "Tell me, how much do you know of the spell that Karsus is planning to ask? I heard you ask the dragon earlier ..."
Strider follows the group, trying to stay roughly in the middle. He walks silently, quietly, and stealthily, as he'd been trained to walk if not wanting to be obvious. He tries to overhear as much of each conversation as he can, and when he hears Vander bring up magic, he focuses his attention slightly more in that direction, the subject being of interest to him. He doesn't stop monitoring the other discussions, though, and he will try to catch the gist of each as much as he can.
Amglear walks along with the party frowning while murmeering to himself He position himself as far from Flinx as possble and will ignore everything but a direct action towards him
The mage look at Kagan:"Sure, he'll see you. You have retrieved his spell components and will be his best friends." The mage duck through the crowd and the party can see that he is one used to be in crownds. Following him, various smells from stalls to the side of the road assault their senses.
They soon reach a huge gate close to the spire and the mage lead them through. Knocking on the huge door, a servant open and bow low to the mage, who ignore her and lead the party into a green and gold marble lined passage. Rugs with differen bright colours cover the walls and magical globves of light line the walls.
Opening a huge oak door, Jason show the party into a room with several red velvet chairs. A huge oak table in the centre of the room, gleam as if polished just moments before. "Wait here. Karsus should be with you shortly." Motioning with his hands in the air, a green light envelop both spell components with the stretcher and they vanish promptly.
Jason turn around and leave the room, the huge oak door closing behind him. A hidden door in the one wall open, with several maidens, dressed in rich red robes entering. They are carrying a golden bath, with steaming hot water, big enough for quite a few people.
A short moment later, another group follow them with a similar bath. Several cakes of fragrant soaps and a room devider follow shortly, as one of the ladies clap her hands twice. The oak table and chairs slide to the walls and the room is setup as a bathhouse in no time at all.
"Feel welcome," One of the ladies smile: "Freshen up for dinner." We are here to be of assistance should you require anything. Dinner will be served in 1 hour, so don't take too long." She giggles and retreat to the wall, the other maidens following them as they continue to chat behind the bath screens.
"This is an opportunity that we shouldn't pass up." Grayson briskly undresses down to his shorts and slowly enters the hot water. A groan escapes from his throat as he lowers into the water. He pauses a minute or two before quickly washing up.
He exits and dries himself, "Seems a shame to put these nasty old cloths back on." He dresses in preparation for the dinner that was mentioned. "I am hungry now that I think about it."
Kagan and the serving girl provided him disappear behind the privacy screen. Sounds of splashing and laughter drift from over the screen, easilly filling the room. A much refreshed and clean Kagan eventually steps out from behind the screen and as the serving girl also walks out he gives her a playful swat to the behind as she leaves. Grinning broadly, he joins the rest of the group. His natural hair color, light brown, is now visible and hangs unbound around his head. He asks a servant for a mirror and small basin of water and shaves his face before dinner with a rather sharp-looking dagger.
Once everyone is dressed, the ladymage clap once again, and the baths are removed. After drying the floor with a cantrip she go around and after chanting softly, touch every party member. All the clothes clean out and mend themselves on her touch. Finishing with the last, che clap again and the chairs and table line up. "Have a seat. Karsus should be here shortly." She vanish once again through the door in the wall.
After everyone is seated, the huge door open once again and an elderly mage come walking through the door. He bright blue robe, has a huge red K on it. He take a seat at the top end of the table. "Welcome! Welcome!. You are my best friends. Thanks for what you have done for me. I will not forget it." The mage clap with his hand on the table and the serving door open once again."
Several plates with roast pork beef and chicken, a whole range of vegetables and crisp baked potatoes, as well as golden cutlery and plates fill the table. The food smell delicious and only now you realise how hungry you are.
Eyes wide in glee, Grayson digs into the food. Once his mouth is full he remembers his manners. He forces his mouthful of food down his throat, "Thank you Mr. Karsus" he stammers and continues eating only a little slower.
Kagan respectfully waits for the host to begin eating before sampling the food and drink, waiting to see if a conversation begins.
Aldarin offers a short silent prayer to Amaunator before the meal starts and waits for their host to begin the meal.
Karsus don't let the party wait and as soon as the food appear he fill his plate with roast meat and some veggies. He flick his fingers and a serving wench appear with a barrel over one shoulder, filling everyone's glasses to the brim with wine. The food really smells great and taste even better.
Karsus don't let the party wait and as soon as the food appear he fill his plate with roast meat and some veggies. He flick his fingers and a serving wench appear with a barrel over one shoulder, filling everyone's glasses to the brim with wine. The food really smells great and taste even better.
Waiting carefully for everyone else to start their meal, Strider quietly open his backpack, and removes the few remaining fruit from his backpack, which he quietly eats in silence. After completing his meagre meal, he sits back, watching the rest, and examining the mage carefully, trying hard not to be too obvious. He glances at the room, carefully observing as much as he can with each passing glance.
As the food is brought in, Vander slmiles broadly and immediately reaches for the meat bowl, and start to dig in, eating food at an amazing rate, while washing it down with several glasses of wine, not saying a word. At last he finishes, reaching even his considerable bulk, and stands up, bangs on the table, "My thanks for your generosity, Lord Karsus. This was a meal fit to be served in the halls of Annamm himself."
Strider finishes his meal, takes a short drink from his water skin, then neatly stoppers it back up, stores it away. He makes sure his backpack is securely closed, then turns his attention to the rest of the party, observing them as they each finish one by one. He darts glances at the mage at the head of the table, curious to know as much as he can make out about this mysterious personality.
After thanking our host for the meal Amglear will pick a place at the table as far as possble from Flinx
And also ignore almost eny thing not directly concerning his meal
While trying to find a place as far as possble from Flinx and as close to Strider as possble around the table
Amglear sits down and grasously acc the host and Compliments him on the meal. Amglear will keep to himself.
"Vander I have no idea what the spell is. It has to be something big for components like these. I aksed the dragon hoping he would know if maybe it would be something bad. I think it was Aldaran who told us the fate of these floating cities. I thought that this might be the spell to do such a thing."
When the tubs come Grun decides not to bathe. When Karsus comes with food Grun picks out meat only.
"So what is this reward we hear of for these things. And what will this spell do, if you don't mind my asking?"
The party enjoy the food and the meal is absolutely excellent. Karsus just make small talk during the meal. After the main course several plates of different types of cakes and sweets make their appearance. The serving maids clear away the used plates and cups, while others serve more wine.
Karsus seem to enjoy himself. After everyone has had more than enough, he clap his hands twice again. A small bald fat man come into the room, struggeling under the weight of several bags.
Karsus hand each companion a bag of gold and also hand Strider a ring. "Well, that is it for your payment. I must apologise, but spell research calls. The maids will take you to your rooms. You are my guests for tonight." The mage turn to leave the room.
Kagan attempts to follow Karsus, to ask him about the ring and the ring he saw Karsus hand to Strider.
As Kagan start to follow Karsus, the mage turn around, looking at him. His eyebrows arc up a bit: "Yes...?"
"I was wondering if you would mind telling me what this ring is. If you don't mind, please do tell me."
Karsus take the ring from Kagan examining it: "Hmmm sure. It is one of my own works, in my younger days. It is a ring of invisibility, though this one had some quirks if I can remember."
Kagan arches an eyebrow, "Oh? What kind of quirks?"
Karsus smile: "Well, sometimes it would not work, other times it will work up to a certain point, then I would become visible, and sometimes I would turn to mist when attempting to become visible. Sometimes my clothes or other objects attached to me would also remain visible, and the worst thing is, you cannot see the difference. There was also some other benefit. Once you are invisible, you can see other invisible things. You would only put the ring on, turn it around to become invisible and turn it back up to become visible again."
Kagan smiles, "Thank you, your excellency. I have one other request, if I may. It concerns my career in the militia....."
Karsus frown a bit: "Yes, what about it?"
"These peole and.... beings that I came in with. They are not from our realm. They also mentioned a lich among other things as well as needing a flying ship. Perhaps I could stay with them, to look out for the interests of our cities. I would report back at intervals when means are possible to do so."
Karsus 's eyes narrow to a glint: "Hmmmm, well, yes, you may do that. "Digging in his pocket, he take out another ring with a blue saffire. :"I will contact you. Wear this all the time."
Kagan nods, "May I also requisition a proper weapon? The blades I have were useless against the terrasque. If nothing suitable is available, could you tell me where I may acquire something.... suitable?" as he slips the sapphire ring on.
Karsus grin: "Well, rich man, you certainly have enough to buy quite a nice weapon from the market. You can do that before returning to Yeoman's loft."
Kagan retires to the room set for him, rearranging his equipment and finding suitable hiding places on himself for his new wealth. He spends the night preparing for the adventure ahead.
Kagan get up and discuss something with Karsus. After finishing his discussion, karsus look back to the party: "Ahh, yes and the lich of course. I am currently unable to scry on him. It seems he is protected from that, but by using divination, I have found out that the current quest should get you quite close enough to him to make you happy." Karsus smile widely as he turn around, attemting again to leave the room.
Amglear "Vander? What about we have a little chat before we go to bed It might be a good idea if you ask Strider to join us too"
As Karsus turns to leave the room Grayson says, "Thank you Karsus, your hospitality is truly great. I hope I am not imposing if I may ask you one question before you go." Grayson waits for a response before continuing.
"We came to this place looking for a powerful Lich which could pose a great threat to all alive. We intend to kill it. Could you give us an idea where to find it?" Grayson waits again for the response.
After Karsus leaves he grabs his bag of gold and directs himself to the maids, "Which one of you will show me to my room?" He follows the maid to his room. The long bath and meal after such a long battle and travel take their toll. He locks the door, places his armor on the floor up against the door and removes his boots. Laying on the bed he says to himself, "I will just rest my eyes a moment before taking off my cloths." Grayson immediately falls asleep, fully clothed, on top of the bed covers.
Aldarin will also thank karsus for his hospitality and retire to his room. He is a bit surprised about the bag of gold, he suspected that a mage would give magical presents.
He then also retires to his room, prays to Amaunator and goes to sleep.
Vander quizically looks at Amglear for a moment, then nods, "Why not? I'll join you in your room in a few moments, after I have settled down in mine." He calls over his shoulder as he leaves the room: "Strider? Come and join me and Amglear for a few minutes, why don't you?", then turns to one of the maids, "Where do I sleep tonight? And can you afterwards direct me to his room?" pointing at Amglear.
" ' the current quest' " Grayson chimes in, hesitantly. "What current quest?"
Glares at Vander and then turns to Grason and invite him to join hin in his room after he setles down.
Karsus frown: "I'll not say answers already know." With this he turn around and leave the room, most of the party retiring to their rooms, except Vander, Strider, Amglear and Gray that all go into one room to confer about some private business.
After being guided by the maid, Vander enters Amglear's room and sits down at once. "Ok, Amglear. Why have you asked me to come here?"
Strider enters silently, takes a step away from the door, then comes to a halt. He stand watching Amglear, his hands folded in front of him, head tilted ever so slightly forward, as if looking at the floor where Amglear is standing, though his eyes are locked on the priest, watching his face and body intently for every movement, each expression... He does not say a word, but listens, and watches... For now...
Grayson goes into the room yawning as he sits down. "What's the scoop Amglear." Grayson leans back in his chair as he waits for the conversation to start.
Some of the party members get together for a cup of coffee in Amglear's room and a while later everyone go to bed. The night is quiet and restfull in the castle and for once the party can rest safely.
The next morning, Jason accompany everyone to the gatehouse where he pay for their transport back to Yeoman's loft. At about nine in the morning, the party arrive in the busy market and gatehouse section of Yeomans loft. Everywhere merchants are selling their wares and the smell of food drift through the air from several stalls. Bright colours assault your sences as you travel through this area, and almost everything can be bought here.
Aldarin turn around at the rest of the party. "We still have another mission to acomplish. I suggest we do some shoppings and then carry on with the mission. Unless you have decided diferently during your private chat of course."
If agreed Aldarin will go to the market again and also pays a brief visit to Amaunator's temple.