The EARTH story - June 17, 1372
A night of rest and relaxation finds you ready to move on the next morning. It is June 17th.
When you are ready, Farad does his mind thing, and takes you to the astral plane. Going to the nearest colour pool, he brings forth an image of Laurie's temple, and then you step into the pool.
You find yourselves standing outside of her temple, in her enclosed compound.
"Whoa!" says a man, standing nearby, in surprise. It is Grim the druid. "Startle me or what! What's happening? Oh, someone's looking for you, Jo-owrn."
Aldarin speaks, "I suggest we all go have a good meal, split up the treasure, and then those of us who need to train can head off to our respective guilds. By the way, anyone here able to train me to use spells of the 4th level?"
"I can probably do that," Beth says. "But at that point, you'll have caught up with me, so I won't be able to train you any further. However you get there, you're gonna love casting fourth level spells. Remind me to teach you Polymorph Other -- you get to turn people into things!"
Beth cackles with glee.
Aldarin, "Great! I will train with you and we can also Identify the magical Long Sword we found, along with any other items that may contain enchantments."
"Who wants to see me?" Jo-owrn asks Grim curiously.
"I'll get them. They're from Sandas."
You head into Laurie's temple, while Grim sends Rameen the dwarf to fetch the visitors. A few minutes they join you, along with Leslie and Laurie.
Two parties meet in Laurie's temple.
Leslie takes a deep breath and introduces everyone.
Pointing to the people who just arrived, she introduces:
Aldarin Hawk: a male high elf
Mikodin: a human male
Ayazin: a half elf
Farad: a very serious looking grey elf
Brennon: a human male
Kelar: a male wood elf
Jon: another male wood elf
Jo-owrn: a middle aged man
Kithus: a human male
Sharone: a human female
Devlin the True: a human male
Elizabeth Eastlake: a human female.
Turning to the other group, she draws another breath, and introduces...
Even the Wise: a human female
Tracey: a human female
Op Code: a human male
Alhamet: a human male
Drinor: a human male
Vardui: a high elf male
Equinox: a human male
Aron: a human male
Tully: a human male
Devlin steps forward.
"I am Devlin, known as the True, for my word is my bond," he says in a deep baritone. "I have been helping Jo-owrn and these others in their explorations, though I usually work with Leslie and Laurie. "I am originally from another world, known as Krynn."
He is a powerfully built warrior in plate mail. A broad girdle encircles his waist.
"I'm Vardui, and I'll work with anyone if I feel like it," says the elf with a sideways glance at Devlin. "I'm from Strabath, once upon a time."
"Milord," says Even to Jo-owrn, "These people approached me several months ago in Omaha, seeking your whereabouts. I have guided them to you, for their mission seems dire."
Jo-owrn nods.
"Hello," he says unpretentiously, "Why have you been looking for me?"
"Greetings."
A tall attractive woman steps forward. She wears an emerald green doublet over a suit of chain armour. A smile fills her face.
"My name is Sharone, Prietess to the God Idun. I am pleased to see some friendly faces for a change."
Equinox smiles back and extends his hand in welcome. "My name is Equinox. I am a Druid of Thor and it is nice to meet you."
"Well met, lady, I am Alhamet Horuson, cavalier of Thor," the good looking cavalier/priest says with a smile as he takes her hand and kisses it.
Ayazin nods to the newcomers and watches the proceedings intently, occasionally taking notes in a small, leather-bound notebook.
"We have been looking for you, Jo-Owrn, because you may be the only person who can help us. Adventurers other than this group found a sceptre which was then stolen and somehow delivered to a netherworld being who goes by the name Vrith. We later learned that the sceptre is an extremely powerful artifact and has almost certainly by now been turned over to Hecate.
At about the same time we learned of a riddle. The riddle is:
'THE SCEPTRE, THE SWORD, AND THE ROBE
THE SOUTH, THE NORTH, AND THE EAST
THE SCEPTRE, THE SWORD, AND THE ROBE
THE GRAVE, THE BRIDGE, AND THE CITY
THE SCEPTRE, THE SWORD, AND THE ROBE
WHO SHALL HAVE THEM
SHALL HAVE AN EMPIRE
ARISE AGAIN.'
The sceptre is probably in Hecate's possession now and her minions are probably searching for the other artifacts right now. We are trying to find the sword and secret it away so that it will not be found by the evil creatures trying to raise the empire. Unfortunately, we presume the sword is in the North somewhere in the vicinity of a bridge but we have no further information as to the location of the sword. Vardui suggested finding you because you know the North better than anyone. Our problems have been compounded by the fact that Occa, an Arch-mage whom I travelled with for a time, has been possessed, or changed, and may or may not be working for the nether beings. Therefore, it is likely that the nether beings know all our plans and the identity of all of us who have travelled to find you. We believe this matter is most urgent. Can you help us find the sword so that it may be secreted away from the evil beings and thus prevent the return of the 'Empire'?"
Jo-owrn produces a piece of straw from somewhere and proceeds to chew on it while regarding the druid.
"Hey Vardui," he says to the elf after a few moment's contemplation, "Is what he says for certain?"
"For the most part," Vardui replies, "The story I heard is that a cleric of Tyr in Sandas named Verona approached a party of adventurers and asked them to find the Sceptre, thinking she could use it herself to aid the forces of Nlad in their war against Mestom. This they did, but then they apparently started arguing about returning it to her, as some of them did not trust Verona. During the confusion a paladin named Zanax took the Sceptre and made off with it, apparently having his own plans for it. At this point it gets strange. Another party was adventuring in hell, on a mission to rescue one of their kind who had been imprisoned by this Vrith guy. The leader of the party, this arch mage named Occa, was captured and had his soul removed by Vrith. He stuck the soul of another man - an evil arch mage - into Occa's body and sent him back to grab the Sceptre. Zanax was intercepted and taken back to Hell, and so Vrith got the Sceptre. Occa - with the soul of this evil arch mage in his body - then returned with Zanax - who had also had the soul of another evil person put into it and been polymorphed into a female elf - having earned their freedom from Vrith.
"Equinox here was the one who smelled a rat, but no one really believed him. He convinced a couple of members of his party to come to a commune session, and Odin and Thor confirmed his suspicions. After that things fell apart for the fake Occa and this creature in Zanax's body, and they were captured. The elf in Zanax's body escaped, but the fake Occa - whose real name was Gargy - agreed to help the party rescue Occa's soul and that of the cleric they had originally been in Hell to save, as well as get the Sceptre back.
"At this point the parties splintered. Thor was sending messages to Equinox and Al, here, to go after the sword. The rest wanted to do the rescue thing in the lower planes. So, we came here, while the others I guess are after Occa and the Sceptre."
"The riddle refers to three artifacts that the emperors of Saltar used before the Empire fell six hundred years past," says Tabrina, who has quietly joined you. "They disappeared during the chaos of the fall. The legend has it that if ever the three artifacts are found then Saltar will arise again. In its prime, Saltar was an empire of Good. These days it has fallen into decadence and corruption. I do not know if it would be a good thing for the artifacts to be found. I do not think it would be good for my home, Riverland."
"But what if the restoration of the artifacts to Saltar also restores that land to Good?" asks Leslie, "They would be a powerful ally."
"We do not know if that would happen, though," says Tabrina.
"Well," says Jo-owrn, in his drawling voice, "The North is a big place and there's a lot of bridges here, too."
He pauses again, then continues thoughtfully, "But you know, I've heard stories from the natives of a magical bridge that leads to an enchanted land. They say it's in the mountains west of Dorvar. I've never seen it, but I know the area. If you like, we could check it out."
"That would be a dangerous journey," warns Leslie, "You would be close to the border of the land of Urguth."
"You can come too, if you like," says Jo-owrn.
Leslie smiles.
"But Equinox," says Laurie the high priestess, a slender, attractive young woman with blonde hair, "What will you do with this Sword if you find it? You say you will secret it away again, but where and how?"
Equinox turns to Laurie. "It is not entirely up to me to decide what happens with the sceptre, but I have been giving that question a lot of thought. I think that the best place for the sword is with the Grand Druid of Thor."
Equinox smiles and shrugs. "Perhaps I have my own prejudices on this point since I am, myself, a Druid serving Thor. I think that it would be best to keep the sword safe from use with the other artifacts. In my opinion, only a true neutral, who is not likely to ever be willing to activate it, even if given the chance, and who has the power to protect the sword, is the best bet."
"Excuse me," Brennon says, "Not to sound to lost in this conversation. But could somebody tell me where this, Saltar, place is or was. I am not from around these parts, and am unfamiliar to this tale."
Brennon is a young human male dressed in black and red robes. His most discernable feature is a scar that runs from the top of his left eye to across the corner of his mouth.
"That is a long story in and of itself," replies Tabrina. "Saltar was founded over ten thousand years ago by a group of people called the Cosmen. Do you know anything about the ancient history of humanity? The story goes that many eons ago humans evolved on this world, developed the ability to travel between the stars and planets, and so set off. Many great empires were built over many thousands of years, and our ancestors explored and conquered many stars and galaxies. Then, the empires started falling. The Cosmen came from the last of these space empires, and returned to their home world, Earth.
"When they returned they founded Saltar and built a capitol far to the southeast called Atlantia. Other creatures had taken over the lands, and many wars were fought as the Empire grew. At its peak Saltar ruled all of the lands from the Atlantic to the Rockies, and from the Tower of Urguth south to the Tower of Marmador.
"Perhaps a thousand years ago, though, it started to decline. There were civil wars, as well as increasing attacks by barbarians and humanoids out of the northern wilderness and the western mountains. Then, the pantheon of gods whom the Saltarians worshipped, the Triad, deserted them, and the Old Gods, of whom Thor and Tyr are but two, returned. The final stroke was the invasion and conquest of the Saltarian province of Nolthen by the black Wizard Imrimil. Saltar collapsed, until it only controlled its provinces immediately around Atlantia. It exists still, but is only a hollow and decadent shell of its former self.
"Equinox," Tabrina adds, "Are you aware that these artifacts that you seek were originally gifts from the Wizards to the Emperors of Saltar? They may well be seeking them, too."
"I was not aware of that, Tabrina. Do you think, then, that it is the Wizards, and not Hecate, who is sending the other party after the sword?"
"I do not know," the mage replies. "They gave the artifacts to the people of Saltar long ago. Why would they want them back? Times have changed, of course. Maybe it's people from Saltar who are now seeking them."
Jon, one of the male wood Elves, steps slightly forward and with a look of anticipation says, "Jo-owrn can I come too? It would be wonderful to see a magical bridge and save the world and all. Never know when you will need a good scout."
"It would be a great change of atmosphere," says Brennon. "I mean getting away from the dank and dark realm of the drow, where we have been recently. But I thought we had a pressing mission to find out what they were up to and stop it. I guess I have been a little sheltered in my small village, I didn't know there was so many other things going on in the world around me."
"I wanted to ask about that," says Jo-owrn, turning to the EARTH party. "We've taken care of the giants who were threatening things. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but the last time you were in Sandas didn't Farad or someone report all of our findings about the Underdark to Ray Jay? Especially the fact that we had discovered that the Underdark was actually under Oerth, and not Earth? I thought he said that, given that revelation, our explorations were a lot less important to the situation on Earth than he had thought before. He had another mission for you, but was not quite ready to send you on it, and suggested that we keep exploring the Underdark and especially Razamataz's dungeon in the meantime.
"Anyway," the ranger continues, turning back to Equinox and the others, "Do you need the help of these people? They're a good fighting party, and we'll be passing through some dangerous areas just to get to the region where this magical bridge supposedly is. If we find it, who knows what we'll run into after that?
"Or," he concludes, turning back to the EARTH group, "You could keep exploring the Underdark, and finish up Razamataz's dungeon. I've got the feeling that we're getting close to a pretty big treasure, there."
"I, personally, think that it is a very good idea if we all join together to find the sword," replies Equinox.
"If I may, how about we join forces, your team with our team, we recover the mysterious sword, hand it over to the goodly powers, and then we can help you finish up this mega dungeon and kick alot of drow ass!" Al suggests with a smile.
"What do you think?" Jo-owrn asks his companions.
"I like the idea," says Devlin.
"As I stated before," Brennon says, "I am all for a change of surroundings for a while. Since the drow are now a smaller threat to us than what we thought earlier, and this seems a more pressing problem. I will gladly join in this quest." He turns to Beth and Ayazin and asks, "I was curious if I might be able to acquire some new spells for my spell book. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and any spells that I currently have, I would gladly share with you."
Jon answers, "Arh...you welcome to whatever I have in my book. It's not much though. Perhaps we could swap on the trip."
Brennon says, "Thanks, I would appreciate that."
"Well from the sounds of it we should head north to this bridge. We haven't been doing anything with the drow these past few weeks...and this sounds like it would be more important," states Kelar.
"My question is if Thor is telling you to go get it and then you give it to his clerics...who's to say he doesn't tell another of his clerics to do the same? You get all three items together and you are right where you didn't want to be," says Kelar.
"If you are for hiding the thing we know a way to go to another world. Why don't we take it to Oerth? Not as likely to be found there," states Kelar.
"Not a bad idea," says Jo-owrn thoughtfully. "Beth, didn't you and Raz make some friends there when you were teleported to Greyhawk through that trap?"
"Ah, Drinor," interrupts Mikodin, "I am very much in need of the restoration abilities that may be found at this temple. I was touched by a powerful undead, a wight, and seem to be less than before. Could you help me? Perhaps you could intercede on my behalf with the good clerics here?"
Drinor blinks as he turns to face the monk. "I am new to this particular place myself, but if you need a restoration, I am sure they will be able to help you. If you like, I will accompany you, but I am sure that your request will not be denied. A donation of some sort, to benefit the temple and support its clerics, is often customary in such cases."
"I will take care of you, Mikodin," offers Laurie.
"Now," says Jo-owrn, "I thought I heard someone say that they needed to train a little while back. Was that you, Aldarin? As a matter of fact, I think I need to train, too, after all these years! And Mikodin needs to be restored after that run in with the wraith. Anything else we need to look after? If that's it, why don't we aim to depart in two weeks?"
"I think this calls for a feast," says Devlin, rubbing his hands.
"And lots of beer," adds Rameen the dwarf, whose drinking exploits are legendary.
"Make it so!" exclaims Laurie with a smile.
Rameen heads off, bawling for the servants and cooks.
Farad shakes his head. "Finish up Razamataz' place first I think. This quest for the artifact can wait a week or two. If its remained hidden all these years, it will keep. And if we pull in a haul as big as I'm hoping, then I'll be all the stronger after a bit of training."
"Sounds like a plan," Al replies, "Jo," he says to the ranger, "is there any information that you can share on the bridge and the surrounding area?"
Jo-owrn shakes his head.
"I've never seen the bridge," he replies. "If the rumours are true then it's in a wild area back in the mountains. Dress warmly, because we won't be too far from the ice sheet."
"Well met, Equinox and Alhamet. I am pleased to make your acquaintance. It seems the God of War is well served in your party."
Sharone continues, "Training isn't something I need at the moment so I am ready to travel when the group is. And staying above ground for awhile has its appeal at the moment."
"Here you go, Jon," Brennon says, pulling a small leather book from his backpack. "See if there is anything in here that might be able to help you."
Ayazin approaches Equinox with a slight bow of respect. "I am Ayazin, son of Ayazin, a servant of Mielikki and druid of the Blackwood. I would be honored if you would train me to become an Initiate of the Sixth Circle."
Equinox respectfully bows back: "I would gladly train you, Ayazin, but I do not think that I can train any Druid who does not follow Thor. I do look forward to travelling with you. I would like to hear about the Blackwood. I do not believe I have ever been there."
Ayazin nods. "Very well. I too am willing to forego training until our mission is complete. The Blackwood is a lovely place, but...too close to the influence of Nolthen. I can tell you more when we are on our journey."
"I, too, need to train, but I was hoping to leave immediately, and forego training for a time. We are in a race to the sword and I would not like to lose this race," Equinox says.
"We also need to be as ready as we can be to face whatever lies ahead," says Devlin.
Aldarin, a regal looking high elf with the swagger of a swashbuckler and the speech of a dignitary, says, "You are correct Jo-owrn. It was I who stated that training was currently in order. Upon training, I shall receive the ability to cast spells from the 4th circle, which opens up many new opportunities for me."
Bowing toward Beth with a smile, as he speaks, "The lady Beth has so graciously offered to instruct me in such matters, so two weeks seems like an appropriate time for departure."
Equinox politely turns to Aldarin: "I suggested that we leave now based on the responses Thor provided during a Commune provided by Alhamet. The questions and responses were:
1) Am I back in Thor's good favor ?
'YES.'
2) Are we on the right track ?
'YES.'
3) Are we near any of the artifacts ??
'NO.'
4) Has Gar betrayed our compatriots?
'NO.'
5) Has the Robe already been found?
'NO.'
6) Has the Sword already been found?
'NO.'
7) Is there another being or group of beings, not allied with us also in search of the sword?
'YES.'
8) Has Occa's soul been reunited with his body?
'NO.'
9) Is Ryshara still alive?
'YES.'
10) Is Niko still alive?
'YES.'
11) Does Vrith, Hecate or whatever evil being currently in possession of the sceptre know that we are seeking the sword?"
'NO.'
12. If we head out with Jo-owrn and others NOW, are we likely to reach the sword before the other group also searching for the sword?
'YES.'
13. Is Ryshara part of the other group searching for the sword?
'NO.'
The answer to the next to last question is what spurs me to suggest we leave off training until later. Perhaps if we could commune again to determine whether training will place us behind the schedule of the other group seeking the sword? I would like to train, as well, but am quite convinced that finding the sword should take precedence over training."
Aldarin nods in response, "I understand your concerns. Perhaps, tomorrow you could commune again with your god and propose the question as to whether a two week lull in our trip will hinder us severely or not. I would not press the fact, except that the next level of magics that I will have access to, will greatly boost our groups' performance. One of the spells I will have access to, actually prevents physical attacks from harming an individual. Very useful for those of our party that are unable to rely on armor or skill to protect them. If your god deems that our immediate departure be of more importance and the rest of our companions agree, then I will defer to your request."
"Thank you, Aldarin," then, turning to the rest of the group asks, "Can anyone cast Commune now?"
"Sorry, Idun deems me unworthy to have the power to directly speak with her," offers Sharone with a shake of her head.
"It is alright, Sharone," Al says, taking her hand in both of his, "it takes time and experience to be able to directly talk with one's lord or lady. I know you will reach that level soon enough," he says with a smile.
Al communed during the month layover, so can commune again now if he wants.
"I can also commune," offers Laurie.
"Al, I have some suggestions for questions for our God, if you would be willing to Commune with Thor again," says Equinox. "How about these, to start with..."
Farad speaks up. "How about asking if the quest proposed to retrieve the artifact is something our party is currently capable of handling? Or if we should finish Razamataz' niche first to gain some experience first."
"But of course, I always enjoy communing with our Lord!" Al says as he prepares himself for spellcasting.
1. If we take two weeks now to train before leaving, will we still be likely to reach the sword before the other group, also searching for the sword, reaches the sword?
"YES," rumbles the mighty voice of Thor.
2. and if this is the case, can we take the time to explore Raz's dungeon and still get to the relic before anyone else?
"YES."
3. Is anyone, or anything, or a group of anyones or anythings, other than us and the other group we just asked about, also searching for the sword right now?
Thor laughs at this question!
"WHO THOUGHT THIS ONE UP? A LAWYER? THE ANSWER IS NO."
4. If we find the sword, should we give it to the Grand Druid of Thor for safekeeping?
"NO."
5. Is the sceptre now in Hecate's possession and/or control?
"NO."
6. Is the other group of beings also searching for the sword doing so at the behest of the entity or being that has possession and/or control of the sceptre?
"YES."
7. Is the other group of beings also searching for the sword aware of the fact that we are also searching for the sword?
"NO."
8. Is there anybody in this group of adventurers who currently enjoys the favor of, or is in the control/possession of, or is acting on behalf of, or on the instructions of, any entity with possession/control of the sceptre?"
Thor laughs again, and out of the heavens comes a rain of cream pies! You are all covered, Equinox more than the rest of you.
"YES," he replies.
Farad looks a bit disturbed by the last question. "Does this mean a traitor is in our midst?"
"I think so," replies Equinox, "and it could be anybody!"
Wiping off the cream pie, Aron comments, "Before we get ourselves all worked up, the questions leading up to the last dealt with the other group searching for the sword. Could the use of 'this group' in the last question refer to the other group and not 'our group'? Maybe that's what Thor found so funny."
"Oops," says Equinox, "you are absolutely right, that was a very poorly drafted question. But hopefully Al's spell will reveal how Thor interpreted the question."
"Yes it was probably how the question was asked...or one of Thor's other followers has it. So that would make the two of you the answer to the question," says Kelar.
"What?" Equinox looks confused. "I didn't understand that."
Mikodin remarks, "Now I'm confused, too. I think if anyone who is a follower of Thor has the mace, or control of it, the answer would be the same. And as for what we should do next," the monk continues, "I'm all for continuing our dungeon treasure-seeking. We may need all we find there to succeed in this quest for the sword, including money, information, and items of power. I, for one, still owe some payments for my last training, and will soon need some for my next level."
Smiling, Kelar says, "If for example a follower of Thor had the scepter and you asked if the diety that controls the scepter has a person in this party...then the answer would be yes. Being as both you and Al follow Thor.
"Either way the wording was messed up on that question so we should just disregard it." says Kelar
"Oh, I understand what you meant now," Equinox replies, "but I am not sure that I agree with your conclusion. I wish that I had phrased the question more carefully. You might be right that the question is useless, but you may also be wrong. I am interested in the result of Al's remaining questions to Thor and the True Seeing Spell. I think it might also be a good idea also to get a few more answers. I hope Laurie is willing to cast Commune."
"Good Lord, Al," exclaims Equinox wiping cream pie from his eyes, "I will bet that Ryshara is with us right now! And whoever it is, he or she might not be the only one here! Al, I think you ought to ask, before you are interrupted, the following questions right away:
Equinox, as he is speaking, moves right next to Al, ready to prevent anyone from touching him or ruining his spell.
"Mmm, lemon meringue!" the cavalier says with a smile, as he uses a finger to wipe some off of his brow and tastes it.
9] Is either of our other two groups near to finding their object in question?
"NO."
10] When we find the sword, should we keep it in our possession?
"NO."
11] Is the scepter still in Vrith's hands?
"NO."
12. Is there only one person in this group of adventurers here with Al/me who currently enjoys the favor of, or is in the control/possession of, or is acting on behalf of, or on the instructions of, any entity with possession/control of the sceptre?
"NO."
13. Does the person or one of the persons referred to in the previous question appear to be female?"
You get no reply to this.
"I guess we can check out Raz's dungeon first, I am up for it!" Al replies.
"That's it!" he says as he feels Thor leave him.
"Nice job, Al. The second question is a great question. I wish I had thought of it," says Equinox with a smile.
"Seems that way or there is someone here working for another side, not necessarily for the Empire, but odds are that would be the case," Al replies as he intones, "great Thor, allow your servant to see what mortals can not !" as he casts True Seeing and looks everyone over.
"You did not ask whether anyone was working for the Empire, but for the entity with the sceptre and those entities may be different," Equinox says. He is still standing guard over Al, to prevent anyone from trying to ruin his spell.
Mikodin turns to Laurie.
"Many thanks, gracious one. I was unable to fight the wight, but that condition has been remedied. If I could be restored, I would be most grateful."
Farad nods. "I think we should finish the current quest. From the map, it seems the area is all on one level. A few day's more work I would think."
After looking over everyone with his True Sight, Al replies, "Well, Jo, let's go clear out this dungeon of yours!"
He then smiles every time he uses his sight on any of the women.
"Pervert," says Leslie. She nudges Laurie and says in a lower but still audible voice, "He's cute, isn't he?"
Laurie harrumphs.
"A pleasure, ladies!" Al says with a smile to Leslie and then to Laurie. "When do we leave for this dungeon crawl everyone is eager for?"
"Let's get people trained," answers Jo-owrn.
The high priestess of Tyr steps over to her altar and raises her face and her hands to the heavens.
"Oh mighty Tyr, god of War and the Law, see fit to answer this lowly follower's questions," she beseeches.
A beam of grayish light illuminates her.
"ASK, AND I SHALL ANSWER. FOR I AM TYR."
Laurie, a holy light in her eyes, looks to you.
"I am allowed fifteen questions," she says, "What shall I ask?"
"Well," says Equinox, thinking hard, "how about first asking whether the sceptre is in the possession and/or control of an evil entity or being?"
She asks the question.
"NO."
"Brother," Al says to Equinox, "everyone here seems to be on the level, though I am unclear about Devlin, seems he strays on occasion," he says, "unless someone here is able to mask their intentions, seems we are all here for the same purpose."
"What do you mean by that statement?" demands Devlin hotly.
"My lord Thor grants me the ability to see into people's souls. When I gaze upon you, I saw that you walk the road mostly on an even keel, but at times, you stray to the dark side. Not evil per se, but if you allow yourself to give in to your baser instincts on a more regular basis, then you may become evil over time." Al explains in a calm voice.
Devlin snorts.
"What a crock," he replies.
"Am I to understand that Your True Seeing Spell did not reveal anything untoward about anyone in the group, Al?" asks Equinox.
"That would be correct, from what I can see, everyone is on the level and no one present seems to be at odds with our mission, or so the vibes they give off," Al replies.
He then turns to Laurie and suggests, "I have no questions at this time, other than is there anyone in our group that wants to stop us from finding the sword? and is there anyone who wants the sword for themselves in our group?"
Laurie passes on the questions.
"NO."
"NO."
With no more questions, Laurie breaks the spell.
While most of the EARTH party retires to the guest quarters nearby to prepare for the feast, Laurie takes Mikodin over to the altar of Tyr and reads a scroll over him.
The monk is restored to the beginning of 4th level.
The feast that night is memorable. The food and drink flows freely. You dine on various game meats (venison, moose, grouse), fish caught in the nearby lakes and rivers, and vegetables either raised in a greenhouse that Laurie maintains, or found growing wild in the area. Rameen makes his own beer, and it is a potent dwarven brew. Leslie also produces several bottles of fine wine that she acquired when she passed through Greyhawk several years ago.