An active day seems to be ahead for you. After breakfast, Robert heads out to buy horses, tack and supplies for the upcoming journey. Jesse, who arrived back late last night, announces that she will need about a week to do a proper search for information on the artifacts. Robert sighs impatiently. The bard heads out again, and soon after, Equinox, Darian and Gilstrock also depart.
Equinox, Gilstrock and Darian return to the temple of Odin.
This time Navan is ready for you, and after some initial prayers to Odin and his son Thor, he casts his commune spell.
"My first question is: Is the individual we rescued from the altar in Hell the same arch-mage named Occa who came to Hell with us in search of Salaam?"
Navan asks that question of Odin.
"YES AND NO."
The high priest looks surprised.
"Now THAT is an unusual answer!" he exclaims.
"Darian, Gilstrock? Have I convinced you yet that there is a problem with Occa? I have a number of questions worked out, but if you have any suggestions, please fire away."
Equinox turns to High Priest Navan,
"Please do not accept any questions except from me. We may discuss questions, but to make sure there is no confusion, please accept questions only from me."
Navan nods, and waits for your next question.
"Do either of you have any objection to this arrangement?" Equinox asks Darian and Gilstrock.
After a few moments of reflection, Equinox turns to Darian and Gilstrock: "Okay, here is my thinking. I do not think that the answer I got from Odin is all that confusing. After carefully considering the facts, by eliminating what I think are the less likely possibilities, I think that we just had dinner with Occa's corporal body, but that his soul and/or self-will is absent."
Equinox pauses again to think. "How about this question," he says to Darian and Gilstrock, and then, turning to High Priest Navan, "this is NOT the question I want to use for communing," and, turning back to Darian and Gilstrock Equinox starts again: "How about this question? 'Is the being that visually appears to be Occa under an outside influence?'
"And if the answer to that question is 'yes,' as I believe it will be, then I propose that the next question be: 'Is that outside influence an evil entity or of evil intent?'
"If the answer to that question is 'yes,' which I also believe it will be, then I propose that the following question be: 'Is the being that visually appears to be Occa still in possession of his, Occa's, soul?'
"If the answer to THAT question is also 'yes,' then I suggest we determine whether his soul is in the possession of a named Demon, Devil, Daemon or other denizen of Hell, and then determine what and where that entity is."
Equinox pauses and with an embarassed half-grin says, "I know am usually fairly quiet, but when I get hold of a good puzzle, I get drawn into it and cannot stop until I figure it out." He snorts and gives a short laugh. "I know that I am making a lot of conclusions without supporting facts, but this is my thinking right now, and I want some input from both of you to make sure I do not waste any questions."
Equinox waits for responses from Darian and Gilstrock.
Equinox waits for a long time for someone to answer. Gilstrock, however, seems to be on a bit of a mental honeymoon right now, and Darian seems to have either fallen asleep or died. It is hard to tell.
"Do you have any more questions?" Navan finally asks. "It is not a good idea to keep the All-Father on hold."
Darian suddenly wakes up.
"Equinox, you're doing fine. I don't have any questions, right at this moment."
Gilstrock nods. "Sure, go ahead as is. But I can think of other things that might have happened. Occa leads a weird life. He might have transferred himself into a clone or something. Sounds like the sorta thing he'd do, maybe even for fun."
Equinox turns to Navan, and says, "This is my question: 'Is the physical entity that visually appears to me to be Occa influenced by or controlled by a malevolent or evil force, entity, presence, devil, demon, daemon or any other entity or power?'"
"NO."
"This is my next question: 'When the party returned from Hell, we met Zanax and he asked Occa to teleport him to Hork. When Occa teleported Zanax, did Occa teleport Zanax to Hork?'"
"NO."
"This is my next question: 'When the party returned from Hell, we met Zanax and he asked Occa to teleport him to Hork. When Occa teleported Zanax, did Occa teleport him to Hell?'"
"NO."
Gilstrock says, "Hey, Equinox, ask if the "yes and no" about Occa being the same Occa is because he has an Al-head."
"Occa had the Al-Head when he went to Hell with us. Occa was changed by his experience in Hell, and Al's head had nothing to do with the change."
"This is my next question: 'When Occa told the party that the sceptre Zanax was carrying is in Hork, was Occa lying?'"
"YES."
"Equinox, it may be that the temple that Zanax was going to wasn't really in Hork. I know Zanax's religion keeps all of their temples' locations secret."
"I understand you concern about the question and answer, Darian," replies Equinox, "and you may be right. However, I asked if Occa was lying when he told us that the sceptre was with Zanax in Hork. If Occa was lying, then it means that he knew at the time that he told us the sceptre was in Hork that it was not in Hork.
"But, presuming that you are right to be concerned about the quality of my last question, what question would you have me ask?"
Equinox thinks for a moment. "Darian, how about this one for the next question: 'Did Occa teleport Zanax and the sceptre to a nether plane?' If Occa took them to a nether plane, then we know something is really wrong."
"How about asking if Occa teleported Zanax near to or to Votishal's temple?"
"Or," Gilstrock interjects, "how about asking if he teleported Zanax somewhere that Zanax didn't want to go?"
"Well, I think that Darian's question goes right to the point. If Occa took Zanax to Votishal's temple, then we learn something. If he did not, then I think your question is on point."
"Okay. Navan, the next question is: 'Did Occa teleport Zanax near to or to Votishal's temple?'"
"NO."
Equinox pauses and thinks very carefully. Then, slowly, he says, "High Priest Navan, this is my next question, and I REALLY hope the answer is 'No': 'When Occa teleported with Zanax, were Occaís intentions evil?'"
"YES."
Gilstrock's face visibly falls.
"Uh oh," he says. He gives Darian a particularly grim look.
"Great Thor's Beard! I was afraid of this," Equinox pauses, "What do you guys think I should ask next? I think we should presume that Zanax is dead. I suppose the issue of importance is where is the sceptre."
"Well, you could ask if Zanax is still alive... Could it be that this Ry person is Zanax in disguise? Also, do we know who else wants the sceptre? Maybe Occa has been possessed by Kadlian's enemy."
"Who is Kadlian's enemy?"
Darian shrugs. "Well, not Kadlian per se, but whomever or whatever else would want the sceptre. I thought you might know, Equinox, from adventuring with them. Was there anyone or anything else attempting to locate it as well? Who else would profit from having this thing?"
"I do not know much, except that the armies of Mestom were marching at the same time we were searching for the sceptre. I think that there might be a connection between the forces behind the armies of Mestom and the force behind Occa's transformation."
Darian nods. "That would make sense. Mestom was behind our teleporting difficulties and we know that anything that might make Nlad stronger would be of interest to them."
"And we also suspect that Mestom is in league with some sort of demon or devil."
"I did not realize that there was any connection between Mestom and a demon or devil. That lends more support for my theory that a Named creature of the netherworld is behind Occa's change and probably as the sceptre."
"My apologies, Equinox. It seems you were right about your suspicions."
"There are no apologies necessary, Darian, not even from Jesse. Let us just move on to solve this problem."
"I think I should go for the brass ring next. Because Occa was changed by his time in Hell, I suspect that he was affected, turned, whatever, by a powerful netherworld being. Since Occa is so powerful, and since the artifact in question is so powerful, I suspect that whatever affected Occa might be a Named devil, demon, daemon or other netherworld entity. If it is, then we can find out by clever questioning WHICH one it is."
Equinox pauses. "I bet Occa teleported Zanax and the sceptre back to whatever or whomever it was that changed him. What do you think about this question: 'Did Occa intentionally cause the sceptre to come into the possession of a Named being of the netherworld?"
If the answer is 'no,' I will have perhaps wasted a question. If the answer is 'yes,' we will have taken a significant step to unraveling this puzzle."
Darian shrugs. "Do we know what this sceptre does that something from Hell would want it? Or even know that Zanax had it?"
"I know that Zanax had it from statements made by Rage and others about the sceptre that Zanax took. Remember, Occa told everyone that the sceptre and Zanax were in Hork in Votishal's temple. We know now that Occa was lying when he told that to us, but Kadlian and Rage and the others seemed to believe that that made sense because they knew that Zanax had the sceptre."
Darian nods. "Okay, I accept that."
"As to what it does, if I understand correctly, it, when combined with the other two artifacts, will have tremendous power in the hands of good or evil - whoever holds it. If you want my opinion," continues Equinox with a smile, "I think that all three should be given to the safekeeping of the Grand Druid of Thor who can keep them safe and make sure that neither side gets a hold of all three artifacts."
"But, what do they do? Maybe I should go speak to Kadlian and Rage, later, and ask."
"As far as the Grand Druid of Thor goes, do you think he could stand against the army of Mestom and whatever is behind that army? It may be a god helping Mestom with the teleportation limits and all that..."
"Who else should hold it with any more ability to keep it safe?"
Darian sighs heavily. "We may have to take Occa down, Gil... We're going to need at least Orlon's help for this, maybe bring in Jesse and Al as well."
"We're gonna need lots of help," Gilstrock sighs. "It's too bad Pharian isn't around any more."
"I know. We could use him."
"And, geez, I hate to take out Occa. He's been our bud for a long time. I wish we could figure out what happened to him, and if we could help get the real Occa back."
"I didn't say take him out. I think we're going to need help once we render him harmless. We just need Orlon to cast a silence spell without Occa knowing it and then wrestle him to the floor, tie him up and gag him. That should prevent him from casting any spells. We'll also have to search him and remove all his rings."
Equinox collects his thoughts and then turns back to High Priest Navan. "This is my next question: 'Did Occa intentionally cause the sceptre to come into the possession of a Named Demon, Named Devil or other Named creature or entity of Hell, the Abyss or another part of the netherworld?'"
"YES."
"And, that, my friends, is truly horrible news. We need to get Ray Jay involved in this, as well as Kadlian's group. What bothers me is why did not Zanax notice Occa? I mean, don't paladin's have that detect evil sense going on all the time?"
"Dunno," Gilstrock says, "but they always go on about it, so probably. But Occa was an archmage... I bet he could hide that he was evil if he wanted to."
Gilstrock heaves a huge sigh. "We do need to get others in on this. But whom to trust? I guess Jessee would believe you, Darian, but who else? I mean, neither you nor I believed Equinox until he dragged us to this temple, even though he seemed to have figured it out long ago. Why would anybody else believe us? All it takes is one loyal person running to Occa, as you and I would have done, to make things a whole lot harder for us."
"We talk to Jesse and then Orlon. Orlon can commune with his god and get some of the same answers and maybe some new ones. We do this quietly, though, and not at the mansion."
"After that, Ray Jay. We're going to need his help once we've caught Occa to figure out what he is and where he has put the sceptre. And, perhaps what has been done with Zanax. Maybe I'll talk to Kadlian as well. They'll believe us, Gil, because we keep our cool."
"Sorry, Equinox, but you kind of went about this the wrong way. I mean, you brought your suspicions out in the open which was good, but then you lost your temper when Ry attacked you. Maybe you should've left Ry out of the equation, I don't know. No matter what, you did the right thing in the end."
"I'll pay your fee for this commune, Equinox. Call it a partial loan. You can chip in some."
"I really appreciate your offer, Darian. I also agree with you that I went about the issue in the wrong way. I should not have lost my temper with Ry, but I got so frustrated by people's complete refusal to even investigate the possiblity that Occa - our Arch-Mage leader - had been turned. As far as paying for the Commune, I don't think that I need any help. My share of the loot from the trip down in Hell more than covers the fee. I did not realize how much I had when I negotiated the fee with Navan."
Darian nods. "Okay. Do you want me to chip in, then? As far as not believing you, it's true, I didn't. He's done nothing to make me suspicious."
"No, you do not have to chip in, Darian. I'm a Druid and I have no use for the gold. Don't misunderstand me, I appreciate your offer. As to not believing me, I don't care about that. I appreciate your willingness to come with me to the temple even more. I don't understand other people's absolute refusal to agree to even attempt to investigate the possible problem. You at least agreed to humor me."
"As far as the Communing goes, I have only a few more questions left and am going to use them to try to determine which Demon or Devil or whatever it was the to which Occa gave the sceptre. I suspect that the entity that has the sceptre is the same entity that is controlling Occa, or has his soul, or whatever, AND I suspect that this entity is also the force behind the army of Mestom."
Darian nods again.
Pausing a moment, "I think we should have Orlon follow up this Commune with a Commune of his own to try to determine how to save Occa, how to regain the sceptre and, if possible, how to save Zanax."
"Agreed."
"As far as dealing with Jesse," Equinox continues, "I truly have no hard feelings toward her. I suspect that she is not going to like the fact that my suspicions were correct, but I do not want her to feel as though I was right and she wrong. There is no point. You tell me how to make her not feel badly or not be mad at me."
Darian laughs. "You think I know how? She was mad at me for defending you at breakfast.
"I'll talk to Jesse alone and make her understand. Equinox, I think you should stay out of the convincing for a while. Gil and I have a longer history with most of the folks."
"Sounds good to me."
"That is an excellent point for concern and it is why I requested you to join me in the first place. But, happily, I leave the planning for dealing with Occa to your particular expertise." Equinox turns back to Navan. "This is my next question: 'Does the name of the Named Devil, Demon or other netherworldly entity referred to in the preceding question begin with the letter A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, or M?'"
"NO."
"Then my next question is: 'Does the name of the Named Devil, Demon or other netherworldly entity referred to in the preceding question begin with the letter N, O, P, Q, R or S?'"
While waiting for the answer, Equinox turns to Darian and Gilstrock. "Why don't you guys split now? You now know that Occa has been turned and what it is that turned Occa will not help you in deciding how to deal with Occa. I will tell you what other information I get when I meet up with you."
"NO."
"OK, Navan. The next question is: ''Does the name of the Named Devil, Demon or other netherworldly entity referred to in the preceding question begin with the letter T, U or V?'"
"YES."
"You don't suppose it's Zanax's god, Votishal, do you?"
"Not very likely," Equinox replies, "remember, this is a netherworld being."
Darian shrugs. "He's a demi-god. Who knows where he resides?"
Then, turning to Navan. "I do not want to waste any questions. I can go through each of the three letters and hope that I get it right on the first one. But this is your bailiwick. You are a High Priest of Odin and should know about all the Named Demons, Devils and that sort. What Named Demons, Devils and what have you from the netherworlds have names that start with the letters T, U and V?"
Navan shrugs.
"There are many such creatures with names, who might control small feifs in the lower planes and who might never have any dealings with the affairs of the Prime. I cannot say that I know of any such creatures with names starting with T, U or V, though."
"Oh, and you have one question left."
"Navan, I think I have more than one question left. If I recall correctly, you said that the Commune Spell cost 1100 gp and that each additional question beyond the questions in the first spell cost 500gp. I have 500 pp in this bag and I intend to use every piece of it."
Navan smiles, but shakes his head.
"I think perhaps you misunderstood me. The cost is 1000gp plus 500 gp per question. Odin will only allow me to ask a dozen questions per spell, then he will answer no more for a week. Thus the cost of the spell so far is 6500gp.
"Do you want to continue?"
"Oh. I understand. Yes, of course I want to continue. My next, and it seems, my last, question is: 'Does the name of the entity referred to in the previous question begin with the letter V?'"
"YES."
Then, turning to Darian: "I guess I will accept your offer of assistance for paying the cost of this Commune. I will pay all that I have if you will pick up the difference."
"Sure. I don't think I have 1500 gold pieces on me. But, we can go back to the mansion, grab the money and you can pay while I find Jesse."
"Darian, I am afraid that it may cost significantly more than 1500 gp more. I have 500 pp and some gold, I did not bring the gold and do not know how much I have, but the total bill, so far, comes to 7000 gp. I will treat whatever you pay as a loan and will pay you back from my share of whatever we recover until you are repaid in full."
Gilstrock says, "Don't worry about it, we'll help you out. What you figured out here is gonna help all of the group."
"Thank you, Gilstrock."
Turning back to Navan: "I am interested in doing you a favor and bringing the Paladin back for you so you can resurrect him, and I will do it for significant discount on the Commune fee, but I cannot rescue him until I clear up certain other issues first."
Navan smiles.
"It sounds as if you have much more pressing matters to attend to right now. The holy symbol has lain there for years already; a few more will make no difference."
Darian nods. "I'll go try to find Jesse. Gil, do you want to talk to Orlon on your own?"
"I think that one of the first things Orlon ought to do is cast True Seeing on Occa to see if what appears to be Occa IS Occa rather than some demon or devil or something."
"We'll do that after Occa is secured."
Your business at the temple of Odin complete, you depart.
"I'll see you guys later."
Darian goes off in search of Jesse.
Gilstrock and Equinox head back to Occa's house to get the money needed to pay for the commune.
As Equinox and Gilstrock are heading back to Occa's house, Equinox says to Gilstrock, "You know, you are wrong about one thing: I had no idea that Occa was turned. I only thought that it was too easy for us to rescue Occa. When I brought the subject up to everyone, I was sure that people would agree to check on my theory. I am still shocked at the reaction. I am equally sure that my conduct to Ryshara did not help matters very much."
Equinox pauses and then changes the subject. "I rejected at first Darian's suggestion that the entity behind Occa's transformation was Votishal, but we know that the entity's name begins with V so it might be Votishal. If it is Votishal, certan things become clearer. If it is Votishal, it seems to me unlikely that Zanax is dead. Why would Votishal kill his own Paladin? Of course, why would an evil God have a paladin anyway? I think we ought to have Orlon cast True Seeing on Ryshara AND on Occa, as soon as possible, to determine whether they are who they pretend to be. I would love to get Orlon to cast another Commune spell so I can ask some questions of the Great God Thor."
After they are done paying off the debt, and when they are back with the main group, Gilstrock tries to speak quiety to Orlon.
It is the afternoon of February 13th. Gilstrock finds Orlon in his room, contemplating a slice of cold pizza.
Gilstrock has only just started speaking with Orlon when there is a knock at the door. Opening it, you find Darian and Jesse there.
Gilstrock, his mouth open as he's about to speak to Orlon, closes his mouth.
They quickly enter and close the door behind them.
Gilstrock points at Jesse while looking at Darian, his eyebrows raised with an inquiring look on his face. He doesn't say anything.
Jesse points at Gilstrock and makes a funny face.
"It's fine. She believes me, but wants Orlon to provide further confirmation. Did you tell Orlon what the high priest said based on Equinox's questions?"
"I was just about to start," Gilstrock says.
Gilstrock turns to Orlon. "We may have a problem with Occa. You remember how Equinox was worried about inconsistencies in Ry's story, and in Occa's story, and about how easy it was for us to get out of Hell. He was worried that Occa had been taken over. He, Ry, and Jesse nearly came to blows about it. Darian and I dragged him out, just meaning to go get a drink somewhere, but he insisted that we find a temple to Odin or Thor, and ask some questions.
"Today, he had the priest at the temple cast a 'Commune' spell, and began asking questions about Occa. The answers were scary. He asked if the Occa who brought us ought of Hell was the same one who took us there-- the answer was 'yes and no.' Equinox went on to ask if Occa had taken Zanax to Hork, as he had claimed-- he had not. What's more, the communing priest revealed that whever Occa had taken Zanax, he had done so with evil intent! Finally, it was revealed that Occa is being controled by some sort of powerful demon or being or something from a place like Hell.
"We need your help. We're probably going to have to immobilize Occa, if we want to help *him*. But, even before that, can you commune yourself, so we can confirm what Equinox found, and so we can find out more?"
Gilstrock looks to Darian. "Did I get it all right?"
"Yup. I can replay the events in much greater detail, Orlon, if you want."
Orlon replies that he can cast a commune right now, if you like.
Jesse, having listened to the questions that Equinox asked for a second time chews her lower lip thoughtfully. After a moments pause, she speaks,
"Darian, Gilstrock, having had a chance to listen to the exchange for the second time, I want to comment before we continue. The questions that Equinox asked were very vague and the answers even more so. He tried to put too much into each question. For example, asking about a named devil, demon, or other entity in hell, the abyss or the netherrealms is actually very vague. What we know is that the scepter is not in Hork, and that some creature with the name beginning with V is in possession of the scepter."
"I know. I also pointed out that the V could be for Votishal, Zanax's demi-god. That's why we need you, Orlon. We need more information."
Jesse nods. "Help us Orlon-Wan... you are our only hope.
"Asking about Occa's actions as evil is a very subjective thing, so I would not fully count that question. Orlon, how many questions can you ask of your patron? I would like to ask very simple to understand and interpret questions so that the ambiquity of Equinox's questions is avoided."
Orlon replies that he can ask eighteen questions.
Darian whistles appreciatively. "Navran, the High Priest of Odin could only ask twelve."
"These are the questions I think we need to ask.
1. Is the Occa in this house the real Occa?2. Is the scepter currently in the possession of an evil entity?
3. Did Occa try to take the scepter for himself?
4. Did Occa try to take the scepter for his patron?
5. Has Occa's alignment changed while he was visiting Hell?
6. Is Occa possessed by a creature of hell?
7. Can Occa still cast ninth order spells?
"Any questions or comments about this list? Hopefully this gives us some questions left to ask followup questions based on the answers we get."
"What happens if Occa isn't in this house?"
"I know, but we need a better way to narrow the information down perhaps a better timeframe, or Occa in Sandas? Or some other recent event we can use? The other possibilty could be there was a change after the teleportion of Zanax."
"Yes, that is a possibility. I wish there was some good way to determine where Zanax actually is."
"We can always ask, but that is not our primary concern at this point," Jesse says. "We need to know about Occa."
Darian nods. "And the sceptre."
"Maybe Ray Jay can find him with a crystal ball or something. Too bad you don't have one of your own, Darian."
"I think you have to grow a beard to have one, Gil. And I don't know how Jesse feels about a beard."
"Never trust a man with a beard, for they have something to hide," Jesse says sagely.
Darian shrugs. "See, Gil. I guess I can't get a crystal ball, then."
"The others sound good. I hope you understand that Gil and I went along to humor Equinox. We weren't expecting what we found..."
Jesse nods, "We have actually found little. The questiosn were pretty vague and poorly worded. Let's see what Orlon can tell us."
"True, but Equinox was right, in part. He smelled something fishy. If we'd actually believed him, we might have gotten much more precise questions the first time around."
"If Equinox would learn how to be subtle, we'd have the answer already. His actions, while providing an interesting discovery, he needs to learn what and how to be subtle."
"That's why I came to you, my sweet. I'm not very subtle, either."
"Good... if only Equinox had then we could have avoided much unpleasantness," Jesse says, "Never trust a man to be subtle."
"I told him as much, I believe. He claims to hold no grudge against you and he regrets his behavior with Ry. You don't suppose he's right about Ry, though, do you? Maybe she's some sort of demon or something?"
"We can add that to the list if we have enough questions," Jesse says.
Orlon casts commune, and asks these questions of Thor:
1. Is the Occa in this house the real Occa?
No answer.
"What causes that?"
2. Is the scepter currently in the possession of an evil entity?
"YES."
"Not good. Maybe we should ask if it's Votishal? Not that I think Votishal is evil, but that's the only named 'creature' that I know of that starts with a V."
Jesse holds up her hand and shakes her head.
3. Did Occa try to take the scepter for himself?
"NO."
4. Did Occa try to take the scepter for his patron?
"NO."
5. Has Occa's alignment changed while he was visiting Hell?
"NO."
"Well, that's odd. Maybe because what is here with us isn't Occa?"
Jesse nods.
6. Is Occa possessed by a creature of hell?
"NO."
7. Can Occa still cast ninth order spells?
"YES."
"Maybe we're asking the wrong question considering we didn't get an answer about the Occa with us. Maybe that's because he isn't in the house?"
Jesse frowns, then asks a follow-up:
"8. Is the Occa who fought at my side against the dragons still trapped in Hell?"
No answer.
Darian frowns, but doesn't say anything.
"9. Is the woman know as Ry a mortal?"
"YES."
"10. Is the scepter in the possession of Votishal?"
"NO."
"11. Is the paladin Zanax alive?"
"YES."
Darian raises his eyebrows in surprise.
"Curious," Jesse says, "Twice now we have asked about Occa and do not get an answer. We have learned the following things:
"Ry is a mortal, which suggests that her story is true. That Votishal does not have the scepter, and that the paladin Zanax is alive. Occa, whereever he is, is not in the possessed by creatures from hell, that he can cast 9th order spells, has not changed his general beliefs to evil and he did not take the scepter for himself or his patron.
"We have 7 more questions to ask." Jesse says, "I think we can use a couple to determine where the scepter is, and more about what happened when Occa met Zanax."
The bard scratches her chin while she thinks. "Any suggestions?"
No one has any, so Jesse continues.
12. Is Zanax on this plane?
No answer.
13. Is there an evil entity in this house at this time?
"YES."
14. Are the evil wizards behind the scepters disapperance?
"NO."
15. Is the evil entity associated with a man in this house?
"YES."
16. Is the evil associated with a mage?
"YES."
Jesse looks to Gilstrock and Darian. "We have two more questions. I think we are pretty sure something is up. I would propose we use the last two questions for other information that may be important. We could either try to narrow down the field of beings in possession of the scepter, or we could try to see what the nature of the evil associated with the male mage is. Comments?"
"Are we sure it is an male mage? Isn't Ry a mage?"
"We know the evil is associated with a male, and a mage. Unless it is associated with both of them," Jesse replies. "The last two questions established those facts. But you are right, it could be that Ry is involved in some way. We can establish that with the last two questions."
Darian nods. "My intended point, although not well said."
Jesse asks:
17. Is this evil entity associated with a woman?
"YES."
"Aha... You were correct, Darien," the woman says. "So it is associated with both a man and a woman. It could be that the woman is the evil and effecting the man in some way. We have one more question that we can ask, and then ponder what it means, and what we can do about it."
Jesse strokes her chin as she thinks.
Gilstrock rubs the stubble on his chin.
"Here, now, you've got me wondering if we're not just leading ourselves down some sort of horrible garden path here. See, here's the deal. We knew all along that Occa wasn't good, really. Not evil either. Just kinda... chaotic. Does his own thing. Honorable in his own way. True to his friends. But very practical, and doesn't let idea of principle get in the way of doing what he think is best. Right?"
His face set in an uncertain grimace, the large fighter continues, "So, maybe it's just in character for him to do evil stuff sometimes, and maybe it's still just the same old Occa. And maybe it's just us bein' all freaky and asking a lot of leading questions that make us think something is up, right? I mean, I'm not saying that this is how it is, but I can't help but wonder. I mean, Ry is associated with Occa, we all know that. Maybe Occa did something that all these communing deities think is evil in bring Ry here, I dunno.
"The only thing that makes me really worried that something IS up," Gilstrock says uncertainly, "Is the first question Equinox got. He asked if Occa was the same guy coming out of Hell as the one who went in, and the answer was 'yes and no', and when Equinox's priest guy said that Occa made Zanax's sceptre come into the possession of some part of the netherworld, whose name starts with V."
"I mean, we've only asked if Zanax was dead, we've never asked if he was safe, or happy. There's lots more we need to know before we won't have an doubts."
Gilstrock looks very frusturated. "I mean, geez, do we really know anything? We need some straight answers to questions like, 'can we trust Occa'. But somehow I kinda doubt that we'd get a yes or no from this about that."
Jesse frowns. "We know that the scepter is in the hands of an evil being and that there is an evil entity in this house, associated with both a male and a female and a mage. We know that Occa did not take it for his patron, and that he is still able to cast high order spells, and has not changed his outlook on life. There is one other spin on it, but I want to think about it more. We still have one question left."
"But maybe the evil entity is just one of the group? Who's, you know, selfish, but maybe not a bad guy overall? And, that evil entity would be associated with all of us...."
"When we are finished, we can talk with Orlon more, but I doubt that selfishness is something that would be evil," Jesse says.
Jesse turns to Orlon, "My 18th question is this, is the physical entity that visually appears to me to be Occa an evil entity?"
Gilstrock nods. He wishes there were more we could do, but this is probably a good final question.
"YES."
Gilstrock looks at Orlon, Jessee, and Darian. "So what are we going to do?"
"Come up with a plan to subdue Occa and Ry. I think we can safely assume that Ry's part of this, right?"
"I think we're going to need help from Ray Jay. And perhaps call in some additional help, just in case. Should we ask for help from Kadlian's group or go elsewhere?"
Jesse looks at the others, sadly and says, "We know that the game's afoot. If he an evil entity, when did that happen? And how can we help him." The bard scratches her head, "Orlon, you are our resident cleric and knowledgeable about these type of things. Suggestions?"
"And I still want to head over to the temple of Tyr and confirm some of these findings. We'll need some money to do that," the bard says, "Have to check my bank account."
"Jesse, there's a chest in our room full of gold. I loaned 5,000 gold pieces to Equinox, but there's plenty left."
"Well then, we have plenty." the bard says.
"Darian and I will go to Tyr's temple. Orlon needs to think a bit about what to do. Gilstrock, discretely get Equinox and Al, and that paladin guy that showed up the other day and meet us at the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf in an hour."
"Questions?"
"What about my idea to get help from Ray Jay and maybe people from Kadlian's group? They have a vested interest in the sceptre and Zanax."
"We will talk about that in an hour,'" the bard says, "Walls have been known to have ears," she adds, looking around.
"If that's a problem, it's too late, love... But, okay, I can wait."
"I know," the bard says, "but I did not get the tingly feeling I get when I am being watched... not that is foolproof, but are choices are thus. We can try to confirm this information using another temple and diety to ask the same questions and plot what to do from there. We can go and find Occa now and confront him. To do so, we need a plan and some assistance. He is a powerful mage and that makes it even more difficult."
Jesse scratches her head. "But perhaps you are right. I would like to see if we can get Ray Jay involved, as she would equalize the playing field a bit. We also need someone to keep a watch on Occa, and if he leaves let us know where he is."
"Darian how about you and Orlon go to Ray Jay and talk to him, if memory serves, Orlon and Ray Jay go back a ways." The woman looks to the cleric for confirmation.
"Yes, they do."
"I'll go to the temple of Tyr alone and see what I can learn. Gilstrock, you play messenger boy and gather the others up."
"Gil, take your time with Al. He can be stubborn. Talk to him alone. And don't mention Ry, immediately. He seems to have taken a liking to her."
"Actually, Gil, just tell Al that I want to meet with him. Do not go into details about why. If necessary, tell him we are planning a surprise party and need his input."
Darian kisses Jesse.
"Come on, Orlon, let's go find Ray Jay."
At the appointed time, Drinor, Gilstrock, Al, Darian, Orlon and Jesse gather in the common room of the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf. Equinox is there as well.
It is late afternoon, and it is quiet here.
Jesse makes arrangements for a private room. Once in there, with a good round of drinks, she will speak.
Darian slips into a seat, kissing Jesse quickly. "Ray Jay is out of town and Ming won't help. So, we struck out there."
"Has everyone been informed about why we're here?"
Al leans against the wall and folds his arms, not pleased at the situation. "I don't like this. I feel we are sneaking around. I want some proof, and certainly not from the leaf eater" he says, glaring at Equinox.
"We're sneaking around because Occa's powerful. Or whatever it is that's Occa. Equinox was right, Al. Now, get over it."
"What proof do you have? that's all I want!!" Al replies.
Jesse glares at Al.
"If you would hold your horses, then we could get somewhere," the woman says. "Now either sit down, please, or leave, please. I don't have time for this now. We have to make a decision and the fate of many nations may hinge on what we decide here and now."
"A commune that Equinox conducted at the Temple of Odin and a commune that Jesse conducted with Orlon doing the communing."
"Jesse was going to the Temple of Tyr to conduct a third commune."
"So, yes, this is a bad situation, but there is no need to froth at the mouth, Al. We'll present the evidence and the rest of you can listen and ask questions that we'll do our best to answer."
"But, Jesse, Gilstrock, Orlon, Equinox and I are pretty convinced. So, this is more than just Equinox, okay?"
"Welcome Drinor, it is ashame that as you come and meet us, that you must be embroiled in this plot. Let me summarize what has happened. Several months ago we lost a cleric of ours, by the name of Salaam due to a mage named Razamataz."
"Actually, a demon took Salaam to hell. Raz helped get us there. But, none of that is important.
"We felt it critically important to rescue him and went to hell to do so. After a while in hell, we returned to Sandas and I left the group for a while. It seems, however, at some point Occa was lost as well. Then Salaam and later Occa were both rescued. But Equinox felt something was wrong," the bard says.
"In the meantime, another group of adventurer rescued an ancient and powerful magic item called the Scepter of the Gods. One of that group's members took it and tried to return it to his patron diety. He met up with Occa, who reportly took him to Hork. And then everyone assembled back here in Sandas."
While Equinox was busy being irritating and not subtle in letting others know his suspicions, he attacked the woman that Occa rescued, the woman Ry, which started the fight that you camen in on there Drinor. By the way, did you ever detect evil on Ry? And what was the result?"
Jesse sips her wine before continuing. "An excellent Bendon. Very good." she says to herself. "Well, Equinox was removed by Darien and Gil, and I guess headed over to a temple of Odin to get a commune cast. The results of this were quite illuminating. Based on that, we asked our friend Orlon to cast a second commune, and got more answers. So that everyone knows what happened, here is the summary of questions and answers, as reported to me."
Jesse recites the communes from memory.
"That brings us to now. I talked to Verona, and she suggested that Occa's soul is trapped in hell, by the same devil that Raz used to trap Salaam. Anyone remember that critters name? She cannot cast a commune today, or this week. I checked several other temples, and can get one cast tomorrow. But I would rather we settle this problem now, so that I can use that commune tomorrow to understand where the scepter is and we decide how to retrieve it," Jesse says.
"We never learned the name of that demon, but it's master was Set."
"Everyone with me so far?"
"Yes. You know, we probably should've gotten Gonzo in on this. If anyone has a good chance to take Occa from behind, it'd be him."
Equinox speaks up.
"I have a few things to say. First, Al, I am sorry you do not like me. I have no hard feelings toward you."
"Its not that I don't like you, you come across as a dick!" Al says, "but you were right and I was wrong. I apologize."
He says as he extends a hand in peaceful handshake.
"No apology necessary, but thank you anyway," replies Equinox accepting Al's handshake.
"Second, does anyone know if Ryshara is Evil, is Zanax in disguise or anything else about her? Third, I think that we ought to take out Occa quickly without worrying terribly about hurting him badly or killing him. We can always resurrect his body, if necessary. I am not a warrior or battle tactician, but it seems to me that if Orlon casts silence on a stone something and we bring it close to Occa, we can take him easily."
"If it needs to be taken that far, I can hold the stone on me and approach Occa," Al offers.
Equinox, speaks again: "Let us frame the issue here. Does anyone here have any doubts that Occa must be rendered harmless?"
Jesse responds.
"Keep it in your pants, Equinox. You were wise to think something was amiss, but went about it in the wrong, and confrontational manner. That alone has sent signals up and down the group. You would do well to learn some patience and rationality. I have no time suffer fools, and I do not suffer them gladly."
"Keep it my pants???" Equinox exclaims incredulously, "Get your mind out of the gutter. You are calling ME a fool??? It is only because I, NOT YOU, was smart enough to figure out what was going on that we are in a position to deal with the situation. I did NOT attack Ryshara, Ryshara attacked me. I, not you, am perfectly rational. I questioned the providence of Occa's rescue and Ryshara's appearance because it did not make any sense. I was right. You chose to side with Ryshara, and against me, solely because Ryshara APPEARS to be female. That is emotional, not rational."
Jesse chuckles. "Yes Equinox, I am calling you a fool. And the reason I am calling you a fool is because you have no self-control. First off, regardless of what you thought, you had no right to verbally attack Ryshara as you did. Al, as you may recall, told you she had already had a rough day. She was a guest, hear me, a guest in Occa's house, and you had no right at all to attack her as you did! That is the height of rudeness and irresponsibility!"
The woman points at the druid. "And before you begin to pat yourself on the back too much, there were others busy doing research, quietly, privately, to determine what had happened to Occa in Hell. In fact, your foolish activity in attacking Ryshara has quite possibly tipped our hand. And if she is in fact in league with Occa, then your actions have been quite damaging to our cause. Did you ever think about that? NO! Becuase guys like you don't think!"
"Ha!" Equinox laughs at Jesse and then says sarcastically, "Thank goodness you had this situation figured out and were in complete control the entire time."
Equinox laughs again. Then he turns his back on her, and still chuckling and shaking his head, walks over to a chair and sits down.
Equinox trails off at the end, and then, raising his hands to forestall a response says, "Oh, this is so stupid. I give up. I apologize to you for whatever it is that I did, in this life or any other, that causes you to dislike me, especially when I am right. Let us just deal with this problem, internal sniping is not going to solve it." Equinox shakes his head in disgust and sits down out of the way to allow the warriors to figure out the battle plan.
"Let us examine what we have learned. First, Occa is evil, and this happened at a time before he left hell. He is not possessed by an evil entity... since he is an evil entity now. I'm not sure if anyone ever attempted to see if he was evil before, but the communes mean he is evil now. The one problem I have is the interpretation of what evil is. Orlon, how would your patron interpret evil? I mean, evil actions could be those contrary to what your patron wished. We know the scepter is in the hands of an evil creature and we do not know where!"
Orlon nods, "You may have a point, but I believe that what my patron looks upon as evil is the same as that which I see as evil. We must continue along this line of reasoning."
"What we need to do is to subdue Occa, not kill him, and attempt to get some answers out of him. We may have to be a bit forceful in this attempt. But we do not want to kill him. We need to recover the scepter, quickly, and if Occa has lost his soul and is now a devil, we need to remedy that situation as well."
"That being said, now comes the plan. Clearly we need a silence spell cast at some point to prevent Occa from casting a spell. If we could get him in an anti-magic field, that would be better. Really, we need to knock him out cold, in case he may have some other magics that will remove him if he is killed, or injured, and don't forget he made that wish so that he has a natural regenerative ability."
Darian shakes his head. "Sorry, hon, I can't cast an anti-magic field. If we had a scroll with that spell, I could read it, but I'm not powerful enough to cast it on my own."
The bard ponders for another moment...
Drinor, confused by the back-and-forth discussion, needs a minute to realize that a question has been directed toward him. "Oh!" he says, "Yes, I attempted to detect evil emanations from Occa, and Ryshara, and the rest of you as well, when we were having our party. I could detect no evil. I have heard that there are ways to foil such detection, so it is not certain that Occa and Ryshara are not evil -- in this case I would trust the commune."
"Thank you Drinor," the bard says. "This adds to the puzzle, rather than clears it up. But all information is necessary."
"That is always the case, the fate of the world rests on our shoulders," Al says with a sigh as he sits down and listens.
Jesse chuckles, "I'm sure there is another group of people saying the same thing, only they are in possession of the scepter and they wish to protect it from us."
To Jesse he continues, "Yes, and we don't have to wait that long. Give me the list of questions. I am able to commune with Thor today," Al replies, as he stands. "I apologize for my rude behavior, but I was with Occa most of the time in Hell and it just didn't seem like there was a problem."
"Well then, how many questions can we ask of Thor?" Jesse says. "That will help dictate what we ask."
While Al casts commune, Jesse says to the others, "We need to focus on two critical areas, first, where the scepter is, and second the truth about Occa. Once those are established, we can ask some other questions. The reason I want to duplicate some questions is for confirmation of the original answers."
"Let's start with the following questions." the bard says.
1. Is the physical entity that visually appears to me to be Occa an evil entity?
2. Has the entity known as Occa, who fought at my side against the dragons, always been an evil entity?
3. When Occa teleported the scepter and the paladin Zanax, did he teleport them to Sandas?
"Jesse, why Sandas? When the group met Zanax, they were just outside of Sandas? I'm wondering if Raz has it."
"Me too. However I have a hunch about this, and Sandas is integral in that," the bard says.
Darian nods, trusting his wife. "If you've got a hunch, play it."
4. Is the scepter in the hands of someone I would consider a friend?
"Ok, let me do my thing then!" Al says as he finds a spot on the ground. He intones to Thor, "Wise lord of mine, please allow your humble servant ask of you matters that he can not ascertain without your help!" as he casts Commune.
Suddenly the Hammer Of Thor comes crashing down out of the heavens and conks Al on the head. The whole inn shudders, and pieces of plaster shower down on you from the ceiling. Al sees stars and planets circling his head. In fact, you all do.
This is your first hint that Thor is not too pleased with this disciple of his.
Then, Thor speaks, and you all cower.
"AL, YOU KNUCKLEHEAD!!! HOW DARE YOU GO BULLYING AND INSULTING A FELLOW CLERIC OF THOR (ALBEIT OF THE DRUIDIC KIND)!!! MY FOLLOWERS WORK T O G E T H E R TO ACHIEVE THE GREATER GOOD. TO PAY PENANCE FOR THIS COLOSSAL ACT OF STUPIDITY ON YOUR PART, STARTING AT DAWN TOMORROW YOU SHALL ATONE FOR A WEEK. YOU WILL SPEND YOUR DAYS PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS. AT SUNSET EACH DAY YOU WILL APPROACH MY SERVANT EQUINOX AND HE WILL LEAD YOU TO AN APPROPRIATE TREE. YOU WILL THEN HUG THE TREE.
"NOW, LET'S HEAR THESE QUESTIONS. I AM IN A HURRY, SO BE QUICK!"
"Yes, sir ! As you command, sir!" Al says as he falls to his knees. "Your will be done!!!" he says as he bows down, his head hitting the floor.
With each word that Thor has spoken the building has continued to shake, with more and more pieces of plaster raining down on you all...all but Equinox that is.
By the time Thor finishes speaking there is a loud pounding at the door, and you hear Luthus shouting -
"What are you doin' in there?? Me poor inn!"
Al stands after the plaster ends its fall and goes over to Equinox.
"Despite my earlier apology, which was sincere, I admit embarrassment as I had forgotten that you were my brother!" he says to Equinox, his white plastered face streaked with tears. "My sincere and deep apologies," he says as he lifts Equinox up in a giant bear hug. "I hope you can forgive me for my grievous actions and words!"
"Thank you, again," replies Equinox, embarrassed by the display. "You can do me a favor, though, and ask Thor to answer my questions, please."
"No problem," Al says as he waits for Equinox's questions.
He asks Jesse's questions as is.
1. Is the physical entity that visually appears to me to be Occa an evil entity?
Thor thunders back -
"WHAT KIND OF STUPID QUESTION IS THIS? I'VE ALREADY ANSWERED THIS ONCE TODAY! DO NOT TRY MY PATIENCE!"
2. Has the entity known as Occa, who fought at my side against the dragons, always been an evil entity?
"NO."
3. When Occa teleported the scepter and the paladin Zanax, did he teleport them to Sandas?
"NO."
4. Is the scepter in the hands of someone I would consider a friend?
"NO."
"Al, Stop!" shouts Equinox. "I have already obtained answers for those questions! Do not waste any more questions!"
Jesse frowns, "Actually, Equinox, you have not. But we will not quibble," the bard says evenly.
"You are quibbling, Jesse," replies Equinox.
Turning to the others, she says, "Now we know that Occa has not always been evil, and that he did not teleport the item to Sandas. It also shoots my theory to holes, which is good," the bard says.
"We already knew that Occa was not already evil, Jesse, and from my first set of Commune questions with High Priest Navan we knew that when Occa told us he had teleported the sceptre to Hork - I presume you meant Hork when you said Sandas - that he was lying."
"You presume incorrectly. I meant Sandas. Had I meant Hork, I would of said Hork. I already knew you asked the question regarding Hork," Jesse says, "Did you not listen to what questions had been asked already?"
"Now we need to decide where to go from here. Unfortunately, I do not know too many underworldly creatures starting with a 'V'."
"Darian suggested that it might be Votishal. In any event, with a few more questions we could narrow it down or determine which entity it is easily enough."
"Excuse me? Did you not listen to me. We already asked about Votishal... and the answer was no? Did I give the summary to everyone just now? Did anyone pay attention?"
"I sincerely hope that becoming evil wasn't part of the price he payed for all the wishes he made to increase my strength and intelligence. However, maybe we should ask about that?"
"How about the following. First, 'Is Razamataz involved in the disappearance of the scepter?' We know that he has been working with members of the underworld, and and that he may have something to do with it, since he does not like us too much."
"I do not think that that question gets us anywhere we need to go, right now."
"Actually, I disagree. I am looking for a connection here, and Raz is a good lead to determining what happened. He's been around awhile, and he has the influence to do something to Occa as well as an influence with some of the denizens of the underworld." Jesse says.
"Second, we should ask after the other artifacts of power, to see if this person has them in his possession, so I propose, 'Does the evil entity in possession of the scepter have the other artifacts necessary to help restore the ancient empire'. Third, should be, 'Can the scepter be used alone to restore the ancient empire' because if the other artifacts are needed, then we need to obtain them quickly, before whoever else has them."
"I think those questions are good, I had not thought of that line of questioning."
Jesse just smiles.
"Yes, I believe it was Saltar. And, from what Occa said, there are three artifacts and all of them are needed. Of course, what's to say that this entity doesn't already have them all?"
"More suggestions?"
"I've been trying to think of V names that I know and I only could come up with Lord Valdar and Vardui. However, I can't imagine either of them not being considered a friend or either of them being evil."
Equinox asks his question.
"My question is: 'Can Occa be saved, rescued or otherwise returned to his normal, pre-Hell trip to rescue Salaam, self?'"
Al asks the question as is.
Thor thunders, "YES."
Darian tries to interrupt, obviously too late. "Um, Equinox, I know you and Jesse are having a major disagreement here, but maybe we can try and work together to make sure we don't waste any questions."
Jesse waves her hand, "That is a good idea for a question, actually, it helps us make a decision as to what action to take. However, it is a bit wordy and ambiguous. It would be best to ask, 'Is there any way to restore Occa to his pre-evil state?' However, that too is a bit awkward, but asking 'Can Occa be turned to the good' would probably be a yes, since there is always a chance to turn someone to good."
Darian shrugs. "Okay, I'll stop trying to play the diplomat here. Jesse, maybe you can lay off the insults to Equinox? Sure, hewasn't subtle, but that's hardly a crime. He tried to do the right thing and you should stop beating him up about it."
Jesse looks hurt, but says nothing.
"I'm sorry, but you don't behave rationally around him. If you don't like his questions, instead of insulting him, maybe you should describe your strategy of obtaining information. I have to admit, I don't understand your pattern."
"That is the first question he proposed, I have yet to insult him regarding questions he asked. His comment about specific questions I had asked and his presumption was what irritated me. If he paid attention and did not presume to think I was mistaken in my questions, well, that would be a big step forward."
"Fair is fair, I suppose. If he's wrong, please correct him without insulting. Maybe that'll go a long way to repairing the relationship you two have, lately."
Equinox explains his strategy.
"The last thing I want to do is waste questions. The question I asked goes to the heart of all of our issues: if we cannot save or rescue Occa, then certain issues are decided for us. I think that Jesse's line of questions regarding what the evil entity that has the sceptre needs to end the world as we know it is good for follow up questions, but obviously he, she or it needs something more or else the World would have already ended."
"The line of questioning may be valid, but I'm worried you made the question a little complicated and left wiggle room for us to misinterpret the answer. By asking, if he can be saved, rescued or returned to normal, you've really asked three questions. I suppose if it's no, then we've learned something. If it's yes, then we really don't know what we need to do. And, if we do manage to take down Occa, we might be able to learn that information."
"I just think we need to be careful what we ask."
The bard turns to Al. "Ask the following questions:
6. Is Razamataz involved in the disappearance of the scepter?7. Does the evil entity in possession of the scepter have the other artifacts necessary to help restore the ancient empire of Saltar?"
"The first is a good question, but don't we already know that the evil entity does not possess all the necessary artifacts? It would already have used them if it had them."
"Well, maybe it needs to wait for a particular day or something. We don't have all the information to necessarily make that leap of logic."
"Not necessarily, it is possible that it has power alone to do something and the entity may not know this. If it can do this, and the entity does not know it, we have to grab it quickly. If other artifacts are needed, we need to grab them quickly and prepare to hold them."
"Fair enough, but we NEED to concentrate on how to rescue Occa, if we can, before ANYTHING else. Think about it: if we find out now or later whether Razamataz is involved is not very important if we do not find out, now, how to save or rescue Occa. The question is what information do we need to figure out how to save or rescue Occa?"
"And we have asked that question already. I suspect we all know the answer. However, knowing who is involved can assist us in getting Occa back, if possible, for those involved will know more too," Jesse says. "As for what we can get from yes and no questions, that is more difficult, and I am thinking of those now."
"What question did we ask already? I don't remember any questions about how to rescue or save Occa." Equinox pauses for a moment, "If I recall correctly," he continues, "you reported that Verona thought that Salaam was taken by the same entity that took Occa. Is that right?"
"By the way, does anyone still believe that Occa tried to Wish Salaam back to life? I think we ought to have Salaam resurrected or something - he may have a lot of information for us."
"I admit that I hadn't considered that possibility. We'll have to try once we take down Occa. I doubt we'd get Salaam's remains back from Occa right now."
The pounding at the door grows louder and more insistent.
"Done," he says as he asks the questions.
6. Is Razamataz involved in the disappearance of the scepter?
"NO."
7. Does the evil entity in possession of the scepter have the other artifacts necessary to help restore the ancient empire of Saltar?"
"NO."
Al asks the question quickly, knowing that his time of communing is running out.
"Did Occa try to restore Salaam back to his original form since returning from Hell?"
"NO."
At this point there are more voices yelling outside, as the inn shudders with Thor's every reply. Then, you hear a key in the lock.
Standing in the doorway to the private dining room are Luthus (with his pass key), Kadlian and a lady whom Equinox recognises as Roganna.
Roganna smiles vaguely in Equinox's direction obviously surprised at seeing someone she recognises, but more interested in the reason for recent events.
The three of them see in the room a serious looking young man (whom Kadlian met yesterday outside of Ray Jay's), Gilstrock the warrior, a tear-streaked Al (on his knees), Darian, the high priest Orlon, the bard Jesse and Equinox the druid.
Roganna's eyes are drawn to the man on his knees and then Jesse, coming to rest on the others in turn. Roganna nods to each in turn, waiting for someone to speak.
All are covered in plaster dust.
"What in the name of the gods are ye doin' to my inn?" demands Luthus.
"And our peaceful dining experience." Roganna adds softly, her eyes smiling.
Kadlian comments wryly, "Bringing down the ceiling bit by bit, it looks like."
"What is going on in here, folks? It is not like you to be so loud."
Jesse looks at Luthus, and smiles, "It seems one of our friends has a bit of trouble, and someone was angry with him. Now is not a good time to talk, but I assure you any damages will be covered." the woman says, pulling a small gem out of her pocket, (Value 500 gp), and handing it to Luthus, "I hope that this will help soothe things over, Luthus, my dear, and that we can get our privacy back, we'll be done soon."
"Aye, that will do nicely," says Luthus, pocketing the gem and looking slightly placated.
"Kadlian, dear, come in, and bring your friend. We have some important business to discuss, of a critical nature." the bard will say, "Please take a seat and be quiet, we'll explain all in a moment."
Kadlian nods and smiles to those he knows by name, while showing
Roganna to a seat and taking a nearby one for himself.
Luthus departs.
Gilstrock gives Kadlian a polite nod, and looks around nervously to see if Rage might be following him.
Roganna smiles, quite intrigued now and makes herself comfortable without further ado. "You will have to introduce yourself and your friends at some point. I know Equinox and I gather that Kadlian here knows the rest of you, but I am quite curious, though I can wait a bit." Roganna adds with a smile.
Once the others leave, and Luthus is hopefully suitably bribed and placated, Jesse will turn to the others, "OK, we have 6 more questions, clearly Raz is not involved, and Occa has not tried to help Salaam. We'll need to get that taken care of quickly. The question to me is to try to discover the scepter's location. But I would ask the following two questions first:
Roganna frowns, completely intrigued by the obvious connection to her own mission, and having to bite her lip to keep from interrrupting with a dozen questions of her own.
9. Was Occa''s pre-Hell state one of goodness?
"NO," rumbles the reply, with an accompanying cascade of plaster.
10. Is there a clerical spell that will restore Occa to his pre-hell state?
"NO."
"You see, this will help us understand when Occa as turned, and also if there is an easy spell that we can use to do that. If he had been turned before the trip to Hell, then we clearly do not what to restore him to that state."
"After that, I propose the following question:
11. Is either of the other two artifacts needed to be reunited with the scepter in danger of begin liberated by an evil entity in the next week?"
"NO."
Suddenly a beam drops from the ceiling, crowning Gilstrock.
"Doh!" Gilstrock exclaims.
"Which leaves us three questions. Comments?"
"Wow." Roganna says, quickly putting some parts of it together. "I had thought to find information at the Bard's guild, which does not exist in this town, and here, in front of my eyes, is a Bard, and connected to a quest of mine. Interesting circumstances,"
"Do you have time to explain your connection to the scepter and explain about these questions you are asking? I am familiar with the procedure and all, but would love to know how this all connects as we recently 'lost' the scepter and have learned of the other items involved."
Drinor racks his brain to think of evil entities he knows of that begin with the letter "V".
Roganna grins, "I can think of a few, but I'm sure they aren't evil. Has anyone checked Verona recently? There is Votishal of course, but I suppose it isn't politically correct of me to suggest such a thing." Roganna laughs, "especially as I was, until recently of course, a cleric in his service."
"The list can't be that long, V isn't a common letter."
"Votishal is not involved at this moment, and that has already discussed and verified," the bard says, "And your name is?"
"Roganna, most recently a cleric and currently without a profession." Roganna replies with a grin. "Though I had thought to take Barding, hence my pleasant surprise upon meeting one of the profession in person."
Jesse nods, "Well met Roganna. When this business is finished, we can talk at length regarding what has happened. I do not want to keep Thor waiting any longer than necessary."
Kadlian frowns. "My apologies, Jesse, apparently Roganna cannot hold her tongue as you asked. Roganna, may I present Jesse and her husband Darian. Their friends, Gilstrock, Orlon, Al, Drinor, and of course, Equinox."
"Jesse, since Roganna has started this conversation, may I ask a few questions of you?"
Roganna nods and smiles at each person being introduced, "Pleased to meet you all. And you will all explain why you interrupted my meal when you are finished with this other minor detail," Roganna says with a grin. "I admit, I am quite looking forward to the tale."
"Why don't we ask Thor whether we should go to Valhalla and seek assistance directly from him or another there or, possibly, Gate in a helpful entity? If the answer is yes, then we will have the opportunity to be in a position to obtain information other than from merely yes or no questions."
"NOT YET," comes the unusual reply. "THE WAY LIES TO THE NORTH. YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH NOTHING IF YOU GO EAST. THAT IS YOUR LAST QUESTION, AL YOU IDIOT. THOR OUT."
The spell ends.
"Ouch!" Al mutters as he feels the spirit of Thor leave him. He stands and shakes his head, plaster falling to the ground. "Gil, are you ok?" he asks.
Then he turns to Equinox and says, "Brother, can you find it in your heart to forgive me. I allowed myself to become weak and stray. My faith in Thor is strong once again and together we will heal Occa of his maladies," Al says as he hugs Equinox.
"There is nothing to forgive, it is I who should apologize. I have a short temper for some things. I was very irritated that no one was interested in even trying to determine whether there was something funny about Occa and Ryshara. I still think that Ryshara is up to no good, but I should not have been so hard on her."
"Okay, Jesse, since we are allowed to ask questions, I do have a few," Kadlian smiles.
"I gather that there is something wrong with Occa and that the Sceptre is not in Votishal's hands as we suspected? Does this mean that Zanax was captured after Occa teleported Zanax to Hork?"
Jesse responds, "It seems something happened to Occa in hell, and he is not quite himself. As far as we can tell, the scepter and Zanax were not teleported to Hork as you originally heard. All I do know is that it was teleported to an evil entity with the name that starts with V, and that Zanax is alive, but probably not on this plane. I think that brings you up to speed."
Kadlian grimaces. "This is worse news that having the Sceptre in Votishal's hands."
"As far as V's go, what about Valdar, Ray Jay's friend, Vardui and, of course, Verona, who sent us after the sceptre in the first place. Of course, Ray Jay has vouched for all three at one time or another..."
"Jesse, Roganna and I were going to leave for Strabath tomorrow, but we can delay our trip if we can be of assistance. Most of the rest of our party has left already, but one of our mages will be returning tomorrow via a teleport spell and our illusionist and our monk are still in the city. Also, your friend Niko has decided to join us and we have a new fighter as well, although I do not know his mettle."
"In addition to that, I have two followers that are fighters, two blink dogs and half a dozen treants."
Jesse nods, "We may need you."
Kadlian nods. "I can have the rest of the group back here if you need more power. Agulhas will be coming back with an additional teleport spell memorized. He can head right back to Strabath and bring back all of the party he can find. That is, if you need us. You are a good deal more capable than us."
After the questions are over, Jesse chews on her lower lip, "I am aftaid that this is worse than we could have imagined. It seems at some point, before we embarked on the rescue of Salaam, Occa had turned aside and begain to follow a path of evil. His is our friend, and that means a lot. I will not abandon my friend, if there is hope to rescue him, and it sounds like we may be able to."
Jesse turns to the others. "Clearly we need to plan. I would like to take him out tomorrow. We spread the word, quietly tonight to a few others, and make sure the mages and clerics have necessary spells, as well as planting things around the house to help us. We'll need to act normally tonight and keep Occa off his guard." The bard turns to Kadlian "I would like your group to surround the house tomorrow and act as a second ring, in case Occa gets away from us. He is an arch-mage, and powerful. You'll need all your wits about you to defeat him if we fail."
"We need to know about this Ryshara woman as well. In my little conversation with her, I got a strange feeling about her. She was asking after you Al, that made me concerned."
"Questions?" the bard says.
A long planning session follows.
Eventually the meeting breaks up, and Jesse, Darian, Gilstrock, Equinox, Al, Drinor and Orlon head back for their rendezvous with destiny.
It is evening when you gather together for dinner. The cook has again outdone herself: a massive roast goose is the centrepiece of tonight's feast, served with all of the trimmings. For dessert there is plum pudding, set aflame and then drenched in fresh custard.
After dinner you retire to the sitting room for wine, brandy and liqueurs, and Occa makes an announcement.
"I have contacted the outer planes in order to discover information about our current situation. It would seem that I must seek out the ancient wizards. I will be setting out later this evening to do that very thing....I will also be going alone."
He sighs and sips his glass of wine. He raises it and says, "I wish you luck while I am gone. I will rejoin you as quickly as I can."
He finishes his glass of wine.
"Where are you going, Occa?" Equinox asks him.
"I am off to see the wizard."
"Whoa there, Occa. I thought you had Jesse researching this artifact. You're talking about one of those artifacts that Kadlian's group needs, right? If that's the case, maybe you'd better take Gilstrock or Orlon or both. Someone who can help you overcome any obstacles that magic can't deal with effectively."
"Yes, that is right." He shakes his head. "I am not going after the artifacts, I am going to go look for the wizards. It is something I need to do...it is for mages."
"Oh. As a fellow mage and your apprentice, do I qualify? Or is it only for arch-mages?"
"Hmm, I hadn't considered that. No, I think I would prefer to go alone."
Darian pouts.
Occa says, "I will be back before too long, I hope. Anyway, luck to you all."
Jesse walks over to the arch-mage and gives him a huge hug and a soft kiss. "Travel well, and safely, Occa the Insane. I expect to see you again soon," she says softly, a small tear in her eye.
Occa hugs Jesse back and says, "I will be back soon, my dear friend."
"Occa, what do you expect us to do in your absence?"
"Carry on, of course. Try to find the other artifact. We can use this house as a base. Maybe that other group can use it as well. That way our efforts can be a little more coordinated and we can leave messages for each other."
"We'll have to hope that Jesse can find something in her research. Maybe I should help. And then, I guess, we go east with Robert."
Ryshara frowns. "Will I be accompanying you, Occa?"
Occa stops and says, "Actually, it might be good for you to come with me. We will head out this evening in all probability."
"OK...I'll need to pack my new stuff...is there a knapsack or anything I can use to carry my books in?"
"Yes, they have some stored in one of the storerooms here."
"Occa, would you like me to join you?" Al asks, "wherever you go, you will need some protection, and with my blade and my devotion to Thor, I know you could use me. As well as Lady Ry could use a chaperone until she gets used to this place," Al suggests with a smile to Ryshara.
Ryshara waits for a response from Occa
"I appreciate the offer, but I think you would be of better use to these fellows."
"Occa, no offense, but you have the penchant to get yourself in trouble quickly. How about this? Sorry to tax you further, but that cleric, Salaam, I was told he was an able mage as well cleric. Why not wish him back and I will attend the two of you while he joins the group that remains?" Al suggests.
"I tried to wish him back already. I will take his soul...the wizards should be able to give him a body."
"That's what's in the box?" Al asks. "Why can't you give him a body? Perhaps another arch mage in the city can??" he asks, thinking that its odd that Occa can't restore Salaam.
"It is more than making a body...you have to get the soul back into it."
"What are the Wizards, that are able to do more than a Wish spell?"
"I have no idea which is why I am seeking them out."
Robert speaks up.
"The Wizards are the clerics of a group of three gods that everyone worshipped up until the end of the Second Age. 'Way back years ago, we cleared out the former stronghold of one of them, that had become occupied by a lich and his friends. The lich had stolen a bunch of their books, and we got them back. The Wizards were really pleased, especially with Stiff. We also fought a bunch of evil Wizards when were trying to rescue Neemar's soul from Rockchin and Razamataz. That was back in 1369. They are very powerful. They seem to have the ability to cast magic user, clerical, druidic and illusionist spells...and lots of them. I think the good Wizards have a stronghold near Ar'razam. The evil Wizards are to the west of Ar'razam, near the Land of the Giants.
"You heading to Ar'razam, Occa?"
"I hadn't heard that name, but probably so."
At the same time, a male human walks into the room that you haven't seen before.
He says, "Hi! I am Tully. How are you?"
Tully has long black hair pulled back into a long pony tail. The dark hair stands out in contrast to his pale skin and light blue eyes. He smiles as you observe him. He wears a simple black outfit of cotton... breeches, shirt and high leather boots. A long cloak finishes the outfit. At his side hangs a longsword in an old leather scabbard. He wears black leather armor over his normal clothing.
Being reserved about the newcomer, Orlon watches to see how the others react to him.
Not pleased at the obvious dismissal from Occa, he looks over at the new guy and says, "Hi, I am Al, what do you want ?"
Tully says, "Oh nothing. I heard you guys talking and thought I would see who all was here." He smiles in a friendly manner obviously ignoring the tension in the room.
A female half-elf sitting next to a male elf gets up. She has light brown hair and hazel eyes. Her ears are not noticably pointed, like others of the elven kind. She is attractive, but not overpoweringly so. She is wearing a forest green skirt, white blouse, and a green vest. "Hello Tully. My name is Jesse. What brings you here?"
Tully says, "Knowledge, always. I am a bard and thought the libraries here in Sandas would offer much. However, I have grown board and wish to find some new places."
"A bard, truly Tully. Quite interesting. I am a bard as well," the woman says, "What college are you from?"
"Fochlucan. And you?"
Jesse nods, "New to harping," the woman says, "I have trained in the Canaith," the bard says, "But perhaps I have come at it from a different path. Again, many bards are called in many different ways. It is good to meet another trained as so, we must sway stories some day."
"Yes, indeed!" he says with excitement.
Jesse smiles. "Ah. Bards make the world go round."
Jesse laughs, "Oh, and ignore Al's rude manners. He needs to be tamed, and tends to let his hormones get the better of him," the woman says, winking at the man. "Its the big fighter type personality... He's great in a fight, like Gil over there... but sometimes, that prevents polite conversation. We're trying to train him."
Tully nods with a smile. "Not a problem."
Turning to Al, "Now Al. Can you try that again for a scoobie treat?" the woman asks with a twinkle in her eye.
"Better check with Darian first... that treat could take a while!!" he says with a grin matching her look.
Tully chuckles in spite of himself.
Darian gets up from the table. "Nice to meet you, Tully. I'm Darian, Jesse's husband."
Tully nods. "Nice to meet you, Darian."
Gilstrock waves to the newcomer. "Hey, Tully!" he exclaims. "I'm Gilstrock. I like to eat. Oh, and, while I'm really a fighter, I'm a bard too. Watch!"
Gilstrock begins to sing loudly and boistrously. He makes up in enthusiasm what he lacks in quality. And, hey, at least two thirds of the notes are vaguely on pitch.
"Hey knock me over,Lend me a beer!
Fresh out of Moosehead,
I'm loaded up to here.
I'm flat in the gutter,
High on my mind,
But don't stop the flow, folks
Don't close the bar!
When you're down on your butt and hard on your luck,
The party is come as you are!"
Gilstrock smacks his chops a couple of times. "Hmm, I'm thirsty."
Tully laughs and says, "Very good!" He pulls a harp out of a pouch at his side and strums it a few times at the end of the tune.
Igor brings Gilstrock a tray full of beers.
"Very good, Master Gilstrock!" he wheezes.
Tully says, "Jam session?"
Jesse smiles, and grabs her lute nearby. "Then slake your thirst." the woman says and begins to play.
Mister frog went a-courting and he did rideUh-hmm, Uh-hmm
Mister frog went a-courting and he did ride
A sword and pistol by his side
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm.
Part way through the song, Tully adds the harp to the background music.
He went down to Missy Mousie's doorUh-hmm, Uh-hmm
He went down to Missy Mousie's door
Where he had often been before.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
He said, "Missy Mouse, are you within?"
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
He said, "Missy Mouse, are you within?"
"Yes kind sir, I sit and spin."
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
He took Missy Mouse upon his knee
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
He took Missy Mouse upon his knee
And said "Missy Mouse, will you marry me?"
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
"Without my Uncle Rat's consent"
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
"Without my Uncle Rat's consent"
"I wouldn't marry the pres-I-dent."
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
Uncle Rat laughed and shook his fat sides,
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
Uncle Rat laughed and shook his fat sides,
To think his niece would be a bride.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
When Uncle Rat gave his consent
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
When Uncle Rat gave his consent
The weasel wrote the publishment.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
Where will the wedding supper be?
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
Where will the wedding supper be?
Way down yonder in a holler tree.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
What will the wedding supper be?
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
What will the wedding supper be?
Two green beans and a black-eyed pea.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
The first guest in was a bumblebee
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
The first guest in was a bumblebee
He danced a jig with a crook-backed flea.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
The owl did hoot, the birds they sang
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
The owl did hoot, the birds they sanfg
And through the woods the music rang.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
They all went sailing 'cross the lake
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
They all went sailing 'cross the lake
And got swallered up by a big black snake
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
There's bread and cheese upon the shelf
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
There's bread and cheese upon the shelf
If you want any more you can sing it yourself.
Uh-hmm, Uh-hmm
Orlon smiles at Occa. "Good luck and may Thor look after you. We will be thinking about you."
"Thank you, my dear friend." says Occa.
"Occa, I insist that if Ry goes with you, that I go along to protect the both of you!" Al says one last time, refusing to let his old friend and his new one travel undefended.
"You need to stay with this group...they will need you more with me gone."
"Besides, you promised to help me avenge myself on those who betrayed me," Emm reminds Al.
"You are correct, Emm, and when I give my word, I keep it," he replies. Al goes up to Occa and gives the man a big bear hug. "Good luck, my friend, may Thor guide your steps!" he prays for the mage. He then takes Ryshara's hand in his. "Good luck, lady. May the fortunes bring us together again," he says as he kisses her hand. "Good luck, you two!" as he steps back and awaits their departure.
Occa says, "Thank you. Luck be with you as well."
He looks over to Ry. "Pack up your gear. We will get some horses out of the stables tonight and ride out."
He turns to leave the room.
"Occa, would it not be better to leave in the morning? It's dark and winter, who knows what the weather will be." the bard says, "That way we can have a proper going away party for you as well."
Equinox stands up: "I think that you ought to hang on a second there Occa. I am pretty sure that you shouldn't go anywhere right now."
"I agree. Let's have a party. A farewell party, since we many not see each other for a while." the bard says. "Stoke the fires, get the wine and beer flowing, let us celebrate our group and the success of our separate endeavours."
"Clear space for dancing. Tully, get your harp ready, we have to play and earn our keep," Jesse says with some authority.
"Great, a party," Emm smiles with relish. "I need a drink, maybe two."
Drinor sits near Al, not really engaging him in conversation, but doing much the same thing. It is clear that all the exuberance of the party makes him a little uncomfortable.
Occa looks over at Equinox and says, "I don't think so."
Tully laughs and says, "Let's rock!"
"Sorry Jesse, but I have to go," says Occa.
"Occa, you are a spoil sport. You're going off alone, to seek the wizards, and not taking any of us, who've been with you through thick and thin... and darn it all, we need to have a party. Please stay Occa, just one dance with me?" Jesse says, all smiles as she points to Tully to play some music.
"I don't like to dance and I don't want to upset your man," he says.
"Occa, Jesse's right. We're your closest friends and we're going to miss you terribly. Think of this as your going away party. And dancing with Jesse won't upset me in the least. You know that."
Occa says, "I will miss you all as well. However, on this mission, I cannot delay. I was urged to make all haste and that I must do. I am sorry. We will celebrate another day, however."
Occa makes for the door.
Equinox reaches Occa before he exits the room and grabs his arm and says, politely but insistently, "Occa, I really think that you ought to stay."
Occa raises an eyebrow as he looks at Equinox. He says, "You know, I am growing very impatient with you. Please unhand me instantly."
He seems very calm and very serious.
"Allow me," Al says as he walks up to the dueling men. "By Thor, SILENCE that fool!" he intones as he starts to cast a Silence 15'r. on his ring of sustenance.
Occa looks outraged.
Occa pulls out a rod.
Equinox tries to grapple with Occa.
The arch-mage sees him coming, though, and jumps aside.
Occa says, "Must I obliterate you, you stinking druid!"
He considers casting powerword kill but changes his mind.
"Jesse, Darian, help me out, will you?"
Jesse motions to Orlon, Darian and Gilstrock.
Suddenly Ryshara appears out of thin air near Al (who is still working on his spell), holding a wand. Before you can react she speaks a word and there is a dazzling flash of light.
Everyone in the room is blinded.
Despite his blindness Al attempts to finish his spell.
"Thormumbogreatmuttershutthisracketup - EEEEP!" says Al, as Ryshara suddenly kicks him in the groin.
His spell, needless to say, is ruined. Perhaps other things are ruined as well.
Equinox leaps toward where Occa is - when he last saw him - changing shape at the same time into a bear.
The bear, however, lands nowhere near Occa, who is making for the door.
Gilstrock drops whatever he's holding and immediately tries to make a flying tackle to where he thinks Occa is.
He connects with someone and holds on tight.
However, when his vision returns he sees that he is holding Darian, not Occa.
After less than a minute your vision starts to return.
Occa and Ryshara are nowhere to be seen.
"Damn! Sorry, Darian, I couldn't see a thing," Gilstrock says, as he helps his friend to his feet.
Looking around and seeing Occa and Ry gone, Gilstrock says, "Well, that was pretty ballsed up. So much for the subtle approach, eh? Maybe next time we should try it. So what do we do now?"
Darian gets up and runs out of the house.
Gilstrock looks briefly surprised, but having learned to trust that Darian usually has a better clue than he does himself, Gilstrock runs after him, drawing a dagger.
Jesse takes charge, "Darian, Gil, Drinor, go out and check the area. Gonzo, Orlon you two come with me. We've going to the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf, we need to see if Kadlian and his band are around, if memory serves, they have a crystal ball and we need it now."
"Emm, you watch those two," the woman says, pointing at Al and Equinox. "Don't let them do any more damage. Tipping our hand to Occa like that ranks right up there with ... with ...."
Jesse throws up her hands in disgust and adds, "I can't even think of anything stupid enough to compare to what you two just did. In a low voice, she says to the two, "I feel sorry for Thor, if this is the state of his followers. I just don't have time to waste on you anymore."
"Like I could stop them," Emm mutters. "You two, don't do any more damage," he comments with a nonchalant wave. "Oh, Tully, you seemed to have dropped these during the struggle."
Emm holds out 4 arrows.
"For everyone, we have evidence that Occa is evil and has delivered the scepter into an evil being's possession; nor did he try to help Salaam, as he said he did."
Emm greets this news with a raised eyebrow. "And I guessed Doppleganger. Boy, was I way off."
"Now move," the woman says, heading out into the night.
"What?" says Robert. "Thanks for keeping us informed."
"Some people," comments Vardui, sipping his liqueur, "They act like sergeant majors or something."
"I just found out about 3 hours ago, and was getting around to telling you before Bevis and Butthead acted." the bard says over her shoulder.
"Sound like a leader you'd want to follow?" asks Vardui.
Robert shakes his head.
"I'm leaving in the morning. Just as well."
Equinox starts goose-stepping around the room.
You have never seen a bear do the goose-step.
As Jesse exits the room something whizzes by her ear, and suddenly a fireball erupts right behind her. Before she is engulfed in flames she catches a glimpse of Ryshara ducking into the sun room at the end of the hallway running north, some 60' away.
The fireball engulfs most of the room, blowing out one of the windows, and sending a gout of flame some 30' up the passage.
Jeeves the butler, standing by with a tray of drinks, is incinerated.
Al, Drinor, Tully and Robert take 15 hit points of damage.
Jesse, Equinox, Gonzo, Emm, Vardui and Orlon take 8 hit points.
What is worse, the fireball immediately sets the furnishings afire...not to mention the walls and floor of the room.
It looks like the entire house will go up in flames.
Equinox the bear charges after Ryshara.
Emm gets out of the burning building by jumping through a glass window and moves into the shadows.
Orlon jumps through the window to escape the flames. "Damn, that Occa. This proves that he is not himself," he mutters.
Jesse calls, "Anyone have a spell to put out a fire?" she asks. "Drinor, follow Equinox and get Ryshara. Al, help them."
Jesse turns and - braving the flames - jumps out of the front window, quickly followed by all of you save Vardui. He speaks a word of power and disappears.
Emm and Orlon leap through the remaining window and out of the dining room, sending a shower of glass flying.
They find themselves on the front verandah of the house. Darian and Gilstrock are standing nearby, looking about.
Orlon looks around to see if he can see any sign of Ryshara.
Next comes Jesse. She lands at her husband's feet on the verandah.
The rest of the party quickly exits the house via the same mode, save for Vardui and Equinox.
In making your escapes, each of you are scorched for 4 hit points.
The fire is quickly spreading. The dining room is a mass of flames, it is spreading up the passage, and flames are shooting out of the windows and speading out onto the verandah where you are.
You quickly retreat away from the house, and out onto the snow-covered grounds.
Since this was a dinner to begin with, you were dressed and equipped appropriately,
Al casts true seeing.
"Darian, Gil, circle around the house, Al, Drinor take the other way. Give a shout if you see or hear anyone. Emm, raise the alarm. Orlon, Gonzo come with me, let's check out the stables," Jesse says.
Orlon follows Jesse and the others to the stables.
Darian and Gilstrock set off around to the back of the house.
Emm rushes for the front gate to seek help.
The fire spreads rapidly. The front of the house is almost entirely engulfed in flames. From within you hear cries and screams from the servants, and you see them climbing out of windows and running out through doorways in a panic.
Suddenly Vardui appears near the closest flames, holding his kit. He drops that into the snow and takes up a wand. Pointing it at the flames he speaks a word and a silvery ray shoots out. The fire is engulfed by an ice storm, resulting in a great cloud of steam.
The flames outside of the house are extinguished, but the fire within still rages. It is doubtful that the elf will be able to put it all out before it is too late, but he advances to the scorched verandah anyway.
Al finishes casting his true seeing spell.
The servants are in a panic, screaming and crying.
Suddenly a voice rings out -
"ACHTUNG!!!"
You all involuntarily snap to attention, even though the command was not directed at you.
Out steps Frau Hilda, who immediately takes command of the servants. Under her orders a number of them form up in the snow, while others rush towards the stables, after Jesse and Orlon.
Reaching the stables you throw open the doors. Inside are some horses of varying breeds, nickering nervously, a large wagon, a fancy carraige, and many pieces of tack and harness. Some of the servants untie the horses and lead them away from the stables and farther from the fire, while others grab every bucket in sight. Two others haul out ladders and scramble up onto the roof of the stables and the adjoining smithy, ready to douse any sparks which might land there.
Emm comes running back, having stopped some passers by and given the alarm.
Vardui's efforts have helped, but have not put out the blaze. The fire is well established now, burning through the walls, up the stairwells and down the corridors. A great pall of smoke is rising into the air. The servants are organising a bucket brigade as well.
Tully follows Vardui.
"Damn, why couldn't I have a control weather spell handy when I could really use it," Orlon mutters.
"I'm going back for my spell books and anything else I can get from my room."
"Grab Thawbreaker if you see it! It'd kill me to lose that sword," Gilstrock says. "You want me to come along?"
"I can transport you in, Gil, but if I try to carry stuff with me, it's going to be difficult to bring you back out."
"And don't worry about Thawbreaker. The fire won't affect it."
Darian casts detect invisibility, followed by a dimension door to his room.
Gonzo, meanwhile, dashes around the east side of the house. Midway down he stops, then starts climbing the wall. Reaching the roof (the second floor of the house is much smaller than the first, and is not symmetrical with the ground floor either), he runs across it to his bedroom window (that he shares with Emm), smashes it with his fist and jumps in.
Gilstrock continues on his way around the back. Robert accompanies him.
Tully uses his wings of flying to fly to an upper floor. He busts in a window and flies in.
Drinor adds, "Rescue people before you rescue belongings! Spellbooks may be re-created, but lives once lost can be gone forever."
He then pitches in with the bucket brigade in an attempt to douse the flames.
Orlon pitches in to help out with the bucket brigade.
Al turns a quick 360 turn to see if he notices anything invisible or where it shouldn't be.
He sees nothing of the kind.
He invokes the Control Winds power of his ring and tries to contain the fire as best as he can by focus the winds to keep the fire in one location.
From somewhere nearby you hear cries and calls, as the alarm is being raised. Several people - apparently servants from nearby homes - come running through the gate.
Perhaps five minutes after they hurried off around the back of the house, Gilstrock and Robert come walking back through the snow. With them is Equinox, who looks like he has been in fight.
They are carrying two people: Occa, who looks critically injured and unconscious; and Ryshara, who is bound and gagged, but now conscious again.
They see that the house is in flames. The entire first floor is now afire, and spreading to the upper storeys. Vardui hurries over, having given up on trying to extinguish the flames with his wand. The servants have set up a bucket brigade and are trying to fight the flames, but it is obvious that it will be in vain. Neighbours are rushing over to help as well, and you can hear temple bells starting to clang out the alarm from other parts of the city.
Darian, Tully and Gonzo are not to be seen.
Al exclaims that with his true seeing, he can tell that Ryshara is a drow.
Occa starts to come around. He is at -9 hit points, essentially helpless, but regenerating.
Emm moves to Occa and begins to remove rings from his fingers, bracelets from his arms, etc. Then Emm empties Occa's pockets, belt pouches, etc of all items. The contents all go on the ground. When he is done with Occa, he does the same with Ryshira. He uses the same caution he would with any unknown treasure chest. He will then begin searching for hidden pockets and remove any additonal items he finds. After this is accomplished, he carefully scoops all the items into an available backpack.
Jesse looks at the returning group. "Orlon, see to Occa's injuries and condition, stablize him. Emm, empty Ryshara's pockets first, and then strip the bitch. Al, cast that silence spell and let's keep it close to our little black vixen there. Equinox, are you ok? What happened?"
Equinox asks, "What should we do now? Thor said to travel North, not East. Does anyone know what that means?"
"What in hades are you talking about?" Robert asks, starting to grow angry. "This is one of the funniest evenings I've seen with this party, and that's saying something. Occa announces he is leaving, everyone tries to tackle him for some reason, that Ryshara lets off a wand of illumination and blinds us all, then people start running off like chickens with their proverbial heads cut off, then we get fireballed and the house goes up in smoke! Why don't you take a moment and bring us up to speed here as to what is going on?"
"Yeah," says Vardui.
"O.K.," replies Equinox, "In a nutshell: Occa traveled with several of us to Hell to try to rescue Salaam. During a fight with a Devil-thing, Occa was killed or knocked unconscious and teleported away by the Devil-thing. He was soon thereafter easily rescued, as he was only guarded by a few troglodytes. He brought us out of Hell with a teleport scroll that he claimed he did not know where it was going to take us. It took us right in front of an invisible Zanax. Although we - not including Occa, apparently - did not know it at the time, Zanax had the sceptre - one of three artifacts that when joined together will cause something terrible to happen (I don't know what). Anyway, the next morning, Occa teleported Zanax and the sceptre to somewhere where Occa intentionally caused the sceptre to 'come into the possession' of a named Demon, Devil, Daemon or another named entity of the netherworld."
Equinox pauses: "We know this because we Communed with first Odin and then Thor." Equinox continues: "The entity to which the sceptre was delivered has a name that begins with the letter 'V'. No one among us can guess the name of the entity from only the first letter. It has been suggested that Salaam was taken by an entity who might be the same entity that took Occa. In any event, Occa ended up with Salaam's soul and claimed that he tried to resurrect Salaam, but he did not.
"So," concludes Equinox, "we know that Occa is evil, he has stolen the sceptre and done some terrible things to Zanax, and is almost certainly trying to find the other two sceptres at this very moment. The last thing Thor said to us was that we should go North, and that East was a waste of time. Hence my question: why did Thor tell us to go North?"
Robert nods.
"Thanks for the update," he says. "I can't help explain Thor's ways, but I'll bet I know who has the Sceptre. Remember Nroda the gnome? We met him in that Buick, and he showed us the secret entrance to the castle where we were to rescue Salami from. He said the guy who ruled the castle was an arcana daemon named Vrith...Lord Vrith."
"As if they deserve any help," Orlon shakes his head in reply to Jesse's earlier request. He goes over and casts cure critical wounds on Occa, for 13 hit points.
"It was clear from our discussions that Occa can be returned to his state of 'grace'. He has been our comrade too long to deny him that," Jesse says, "Equinox, it appears, took the brunt of the wounds to stop the escape. Leave the bitch, if you want, since she doesn't look wounded. But that will change."
"I do not think you should do that, at least not here Orlon," Equinox says. "We are in the open and no one really knows whether there is anyone or anything else here or on its way to avenge Occa. I suggest we take everyone on up to Odin's temple right now."
"I agree with you, but tell that to her," Orlon gestures towards Jesse.
Jesse rolls her eyes, "Already said that we needed to move. Once an agreement was made."
Al says, "I am confused. Occa seems to have no reading other than being of a magical bent. I can not detect evil or good from him and Ryshara is of the same reading but stronger than Occa," he replies and readies his spell of silence once Jesse mulls over what he said to her.
"Thank you Al." Jesse says. "Once we get undercover of a temple, we can debate the information. The actions of these two speak more than a reading, which everyone keeps telling me can be faked and confused. I suspect I understand Ryshara's motivations, and what she did. I do not condone it, but seeing what some of you were doing, it is what I would have done in her position."
Occa looks around. "What happened?"
He says when Emm searches him, "Hey!" He does not seem to have any go in him to resist.
"That was dumb luck really. Who knew that Zanax would be there?" He gives a slight smile at Equinox. "Thor and Odin...what narcs!"
Regarding Thor telling the party to go north, Occa says, "Probably because he is a meddling god. Probably some guy up there that pissed him off. Wants you use you all to take him out so he can ravage the poor sot's wife."
And to Robert he says, "Right. Vrith, but he doesn't have the scepter anymore."
Equinox stands ready to conk Occa on the head with MC Hammer if Occa tries anything.
"Yo! Lemme at 'im!"
"No need for that...I have lost all my spell casting ability."
Jesse speaks, "We need to get the whole story out, Occa. Begin at the beginning, and tell us what has happened. How did you lose your spell-casting abilities, and what happened in Hell? And how do you know that this demon no longer has the scepter?"
"Why should I help you? What is in it for me?"
"Right now, your life," the bard says, an edge in her voice. "You were once our friend, and I do not know what happened to cause you to change, and while part of me cares, there are greater issues at stake. One nod, and you will meet MC Hammer, and when you are dead, we will speak with you, and you cannot prevent that." the bard says. "On the other hand you tell us now, and that can be spared."
The bard glares at Occa, and waits.
"You can't speak to me if you don't know who you are speaking with. So don't be foolish. Let's make a deal here. I have something you want. We can work together. If you aren't willing to compromise...kill me....and then try to talk to me."
He shrugs and gives a slight smile.
"That is where you are wrong," the bard says, "Please introduce MC Hammer to our guest there," she says, and walks over to the drow. "Al, what do you suggest we do to this creature?"
"Break her fingers and take her with us, as she is no mere drow. I have battled many in the past and none have read the way she is right now. I believe there is a definite link between her and whatever has possessed Occa's body," Al replies.
"Very well."
Drinor steps into the discussion. "I will not permit a helpless creature to be killed. Such acts are evil and are not to be tolerated."
Jesse glares at Drinor,
"Get over it Paladin," the bard says. "By his actions, he has and is evil. He was once my friend, and this pains me, but there is no choice now."
"If you're going to kill him, at least don't make him suffer. If you made his death slow and painful, then that would be unjust and evil," Orlon motions.
Drinor looks hard at Jesse. "One does not 'get over' the commandments of virtue, and one does not remain a paladin of Tyr by compromising on His Law. Occa is subdued and helpless, there is no point in killing him. Besides, if your plan is simply to speak to his corpse, you don't know if he will lie. He could be possessed -- he seems awfully willing to die. We know that Occa isn't himself, somehow."
"That is really nice. I appreciate that, man. Hey, I am thinking of giving up being evil gig...can you give me some tips?"
Jesse cannot help but roll her eyes.
"It seems we need to discuss some philosophy of life later Orlon, and Drinor as well. Perhaps through that discussion we can better understand each other," the bard says.
'Occa' says, "Hey, I am being sincere! Well, somewhat, anyway."
"And friendship has nothing to do with it. I haven't known you or Occa long enough to call either of you friends, but I know who my God is, and I swear by Tyr that you will not harm either of these people, unless you go through me to do it."
Jesse throws up her hands, "Are all paladin's Lawful Stupid?"
Drinor does not reply.
"You are, I think, in good company," says Equinox, "she calls me names, too."
The man on the floor says, "I think he is talking perfect sense. Anyway, you guys should try to work together a little better...your going to lose the war if you don't."
Robert comments, "There is only one who is not working together."
He glances at Jesse.
The man on the ground giggles. "I am not your friend....and you will never find Occa this way." He looks over at Drinor and says, "I appreciate you sticking up for me, but really, I do deserve it. I am tired of this game and ready to be done with it."
He closes his eyes and waits for MC Hammer.
Jesse whirls around, "Aha. As I thought," the woman says, "Stay your hand Equinox. Let us retire now with these two and begin to discuss things in greater details. To Tyr's temple or to Odin's?"
"Folks, continuing this questioning here and now is unnecessarily dangerous and imprudent. Let us get them BOTH and IMMEDIATELY to Odin's temple. There we will have some protection from evil forces and may have the wherewithal to save Occa, since we know that that is still possible."
"Why the games, girl? I told you already I am willing to help. I have been betrayed by those I counted on now and am willing to sell those dogs out. So, let's cut a deal. No need for fussing or fighting."
Jesse smiles sweetly, "Sometimes it is important to test the resolve, and I see that has had some moderate success. Come now, you life for what you know. If you lie, or intentionally omit details, or refuse to answer our questions, all bets are off."
"I want more. I want my life and freedom. I also want to help in getting back at the evil I once served. I am willing to convert over to the forces of good because they have totally f@#^ed me. Got a deal?"
"Agreed," the woman says.
"Great!"
Jesse smiles sweetly, "Your actions will dictate the truth of the matter. You have a chance to change, and if you do, so much the better. If you do not, well."
"Ok, then." He takes a deep breath. "My name is Gar. I used to work for Lord Vrith. Actually, let me start from the beginning. 600 years ago, I captured Lord Vrith and used him. In return, he captured my soul. He has a device that can do it. Anyway, he kept me locked up for 600 years. Then he awoke me and gave me the opportunity for freedom. All I had to do was take a scepter from a paladin. I agreed and he gave me this body. The soul of which is now in the possession of Lord Vrith. Anyway, he gave me a scroll to get me close to my target. I thought I was very lucky when Zanax appeared right before us. Anyway, he trusted me or, rather, Occa. I told him I would teleport him to his temple, but instead took him to Hell. There Vrith took his soul as well. I gave Vrith the scepter. I told him that I would be willing to buy it, but he already had a buyer. One Hecate, I believe. Anyway, I decided to pay her a visit to try and get the scepter. For personal reasons, of course. I wanted the power it would give me. Well, that plan backfired and she turned on me. She stripped me of all my magical powers. I was betrayed. When I returned today, it was to only get my items and leave. I had planned on retiring, but things didn't work out so well. Anyway, that is that. I would love revenge against Vrith and Hecate if possible. I am willing to help, although I know that I will not be much help."
He shrugs. "Any questions?"
As he says this there is a rumble from the burning house, and the upper floors collapse onto the lower, and the entire place goes up in flames.
You see Gonzo, Tully and Darian come hurrying back from around the west side of the conflagration.
The house is completely in flames.
Equinox drags Occa to his feet and drags/carries/supports Occa toward Odin's temple.
Al aids Equinox in carrying Occa.
"Careful, ass munch. You, I don't care so much for. Your attitude sucks."
Equinox smirks at Occa: "Why Occa, my dear, dear friend, you must REALLY hate the fact that I figured you out, I uncovered your plot, I killed you and now, I am going to save you." Equinox snickers and draws MC Hammer again with his free hand.
"Don't call me Occa, you poor excuse for a tree hugger. I am surprised that you were able to figure out considering your intelligence. You must have had some kind of outside guidance."
Jesse says to Equinox, "Equinox, I give you full credit for your semi-omnipotence and DI in uncovering the plot involoving Gar and Ryshara. I have critized your crass and heavy handed methods of dealing with the situation, and I will continue to do so when you act in this fashion."
"Drinor and I need to discuss philosophy, so that I understand what he thinks is important."
"Discussions are not necessary. My will is at one with Tyr, and virtue is plain and clear. Perhaps a cleric would fill you in if virtuousness is unfamiliar to you."
"For example, would he defend and prevent the death of a single evil orc who was captured and helpless?"
"He would. If the orc was captured and helpless, it could harm no one. What could be gained by its death? Mercy is a virtue as powerful as any."
"Would he seek it's release?"
"Of course not. Then it would no longer be captured and helpless."
"And if it did escape, to wreak more havoc and beget more evil orcs, how would that change his position?"
"Then it is up to those of us who stand for good to recapture it, or slay it if that is impossible. My position would not change depending on circumstances, for the laws of virtuous action do not change. They are not always comfortable, or convenient to follow, but they are constant, and unyielding, as are those of us who follow them."
"These questions are important. How he answers these and how his actions would be in similar situations would help me understand what motivates him. Drinor, I apologize to you if you felt my pent-up frustration at Paladin's I have known as spilled out to comment on you."
"If you want to know what I would do, ask yourself, 'What would Tyr do?' Given the power, I would do the same. No apologies are necessary -- I am a paladin, and you are not; I must answer to a higher power, while you feel no such obligation. I have a tendency to be silent, but I will make my intentions clear to you whenever you desire me to."
Emm rolls his eyes, "To which temple are we taking them. Just point the way and lets move. We can discuss philosophy over a beer." He hefts the backpack with all the possessions confiscated from the two captives. "Let's go."
Jesse puts her finger to her head, "I think there is more here than meets the eye. I suspect Ry is more than you think, and we will give her an opportunity to tell us soon," the bard says. "If one thinks about what was happening,with you and Equinox playing hard and heavy on Gar there," the woman says, pointing to 'Occa', "Her mentor. She acted appropriately. What else transpired, I do not know yet, since no one has told me how Occa was critically injured. Once we have some safety, we'll talk and listen.
"Off to Odin's temple, it seems." the bard says.
You turn and leave the house to its fiery fate, and head into the City.
Part way to Occa's house, Kadlian, Roganna, Dor, Niko and Aron meet up with Occa's party, heading towards them.
They see that Occa is being helped along by Equinox and Al the cavalier, and that Ryshara is being carried by Robert under the close supervision of Emm.
"What's goin' on???!!!" Niko demands. "Why's Occa and that lass all trussed up like that?
"And what happened to the mansion?"
Kadlian stops running. "We heard Occa's house was on fire. But, I see you have captured him. I presume the fire is under control then?"
"Not really, but the house is the least of our concerns," Jesse says, "There are many working to control the blaze and we need to decide what we will do."
"In other words, it's gone," says Robert, pointing back over his shoulder to where you see a ruddy glow lighting up the sky. "Hope the looters don't get our equipment."
Kadlian nods. "As you wish, Jesse."
Gilstrock clears his throat, and says, "Ahem, erm, it looks like we're gonna have to go back to Hell, to fetch Occa's soul, and Zanax's too, from this Lord Virth person. Doesn't sound fun to me, but we gotta do it. Unless somebody knows of a better way to get a soul back from Hell."
"Back to Hell?" Niko asks incredulously. "Will ye be needin' my help?"
Jesse looks at Glistrock, "Yes, Gil, we have a lot to discuss and to decide how our paths will stay the same or diverge. There are two missions, and we need to understand them all. It is time, methinks, to get Kadlain's group up to speed, and to decide if there is a way to redistribute our forces."
Turning to Kadlian, she says,, "Welcome Kadlian, in our time of woe and ire. We are off to Thor's temple to decide our fate, and perhaps the fate of the world. Come with us and we will talk there."
"Only part of us are here, the rest are still in Strabath and on other errands. But, those of us here will accompany you to learn more."
"Ray Jay is out of town, so I don't know anyone to ask, although you might try some of the temples. Verona is a good person to ask these questions of."
"So, Zanax was not teleported to Hork as you surmised. Is he still alive or do we know where his body is?"
'Occa' says, "Ry here is Zanax's body. She is polymorphed. His soul is in hell. I know the way, but before I can get everyone there, I need to be able to teleport. Anyone have a wish? If I can regain my powers, I can take you all there."
Kadlian looks at Jesse. "Should we gag this being until we reach our destination?"
"Not at present. Gar and I have reached an understanding. We will soon learn more and then discuss our options. His hatred for what has happened to him will be well served," Jesse says, "Unless Gar, you would prefer a gag?"
"Curious."
"Jesse, why are you so sure that Gar is telling the truth? You do not even know him. He cast some spells at me when we were fighting."
"Right now Equinox, we are attempting to get to the temple of your patron as I recall," the bard says, "Once there, as you so aptly pointed out earlier, we should have some protection and freedoms to talk, then we will."
Vardui laughs.
"She has a rare talent for judging who to trust," the elf says. "She fell head over heels for Ryshara, too. Oh, hi Kad!"
Kadlian smiles at Vardui. "Hi! How have you been?"
"Good," the elf replies. "Getting to know this world again."
"Oh? What have you been up to, then?"
"Well, I rejoined this party last fall for the first time in about 20 years," he says, motioning to the MAIN party. "They were just finishing off some pirates. After that I travelled north with Stiff and Orlon, and we bought a castle in a little town called Demon's Neck. We found a portal in it and explored it...led to a little dungeon that had been discovered by some dead mage from Ar'razam. Lots of daemons and stuff. After that things got quiet. When Stiff decided that he had had enough of winter and teleported down here, I came with him. And yourself? Finished with the Black Keep and all?"
Kadlian nods. "Finally. When we got to the end we found that the Black Keep was a stalling tactic to keep the Baron's forces North. I am guessing that somehow the Raven Goddess' forces were allied with Mestom, although we have no proof.
"After that, we went South, into Mestom, to recover the Sceptre of the Gods which Zanax ran away with when we got to Sandas. Then this fake Occa apparently teleported it and Zanax to hell. Not the most rewarding outcomes for our work."
"But it sounds like fun," Vardui says.
Since Roganna has no idea what is going on, she watches in amusement as everyone converses about what it is they all did and why.
Jesse laughs right back at Vardui, "I defended her against an attack, and would again, since at that time, the jury was still out. Isn't that what our Paladin friend would expect? Compassion?" the bard says, "If you listened, I said we had an understanding."
"If you remembered events accurately instead of twisting them to your own advantage then you would be a lot more credible," Vardui replies evenly.
Jesse raises a brow, "Indeed now? Credibility depends on many things, one of them being a value system. I remember events exactly as they occurred and acted on those events based on my values," Jesse replies.
"Obviously you do not remember them as they occurred," the high elf replies. "That in itself speaks volumes about your values."
Jesse shakes her head. "I am sorry you are so deluded."
"Equinox did attack her...provided you call his questioning an attack. Then, Ryshara tried to kick him, missed; he swung back, missed; and then you rushed in and slashed him with your cursed sword."
"The sword was hardly intentional and you know that."
"But you resorted to violence by attempting to slap him. That was your original intent."
"Yes, in answer to the violence already occurring. I do not believe in being a patsy or letting bullies get away with their actions. If violence is all they are capable of understanding, that is exactly what I will use to make them understand," Jesse replies. "Why do you now insist on recreating events?"
"We need to know where we are coming from in order to see where we are going. Otherwise, the same mistakes will be repeated."
Jesse blinks in surprise, pausing a moment to try and make sense of the words. "And this has what to do with anything we are discussing? Orlon's spell was to have rid me of the cursed thing, that his spell failed to achieve this goal is not something I could have guessed without divine intervention."
"As for the jury being out at that time, I'd say that based on your actions at the time, the jury in your head had already decided in Ryshara's favour. And you'd repeat those same actions again?" Vardui laughs. "Some people never learn."
"It is my belief that people are to be considered innocent until actually proven guilty. I know that is not a popular belief, but it is the one I hold. She was provoked and reacted accordingly, I find no fault with that nor does that make her guilty in my eyes. While violence does not solve anything, and it is not my preferred method of dealing with issues, I do understand that it does overcome people at times who have endured stressful situations," Jesse replies with a shrug.
"Then you must have been very stressed at the time, Jesse, to have to resort to violence so quickly against Equinox."
"Not at all. He only understands bully tactics and violence. That much he has made abundantly clear. I treat him as he treats others because he understands nothing else," Jesse replies.
Gar chimes in, "I think Equinox brings out the worst in people. I wanted to kill him the first time I met him." He shrugs. "I always thought most people probably did."
Roganna grins at Gar, liking him already. "Yes, I quite agree Gar! I felt the same way as well and it is a surprise, an unpleasant one, that I ran into him again. But they do say bad coppers always turn up or something like that."
"I have you," says Gar.
"You are quite correct, some people never do learn. It is a sad statement about the world at large and I quite agree with you there. And yes, I would repeat those actions again because of the value system I hold. I am not sure you can understand that, Vardui," Jesse adds.
"I do not because I do not understand your values. Your values in defending Ryshara against Equinox's questions led directly to Ryshara fireballing the party, resulting in at least one death that we know of and the destruction of the house. Perhaps if Equinox had been able to learn the truth about Ryshara without your meddling then that would not have happened."
"I think you need to take some time to reflect Vardui. For whatever reason, you believe I am to blame to all these events. That is fine with me. Just don't think I will be victim to your ridiculous assertions and conclusions. If that is what you believe, then fine, I certainly don't want to inflict my presence on you or the party. Equinox has shown himself to be a fine leader and very level-headed. For forth and prosper, I will find other interests to occupy my time," Jesse says tiredly.
Vardui shrugs fatalistically.
"I hope that the next victim of your skewed values is yourself, Jesse," he says calmly.
"It shall indeed, Vardui. I have no idea what is wrong with you, or others in this party, but it is obviously not a place I have any interest in being," Jesse replies, picking up her few remaining belongings. "You chose to believe what you want to for your own reasons and I simply have no time for those that can't see the noses on their own faces."
Roganna grins, "So, you then are the omnipotent one who knows all?"
Vardui grins at Roganna.
"Compared to Jesse, I'd say yes."
Roganna nods, "Yes, well some are gifted in that area and others just have to make do living by their wits."
Roganna extends a hand, "I'm very pleased to meet you, my name is Roganna. Recently a cleric, but working on changing careers and all," she says by way of introduction.
"Good. One can never have enough careers."
"It seems that each acted according to their own views -- to condemn one over the other when they both did the same thing from opposite sides seems a trifle unproductive, if not completely unfair. I'm sure each had their reasons for their actions and that to each, there were valid," Roganna comments, stifling a yawn. "It would be a tad more productive to work on the actual issues here. Just a suggestion of course, as I don't really know what is going on here and haven't met most of these people before."
"Agreed," says Vardui with a smile. "But we need a clear and undistorted view back over our shoulders to see where we have come from, so that we can decide where we are going."
"Yes, well, perhaps I shall gaze into my crystal ball and see what really happened since obviously people around here sure don't have a clue!" Roganna chuckles.
"Good idea!"
Vardui continues, "As for an understanding, I assume you mean with this Gar fellow. I also assume that you speak only for yourself, for you don't speak for me. If you now trust him after what has transpired and what little he has told us about himself, then you are going to learn a hard lesson."
Jesse sighs tiredly, "Why is it that people enter discussions with wool in their ears?"
"Why do you have to keep resorting to insults and name calling?"
"Because I grow impatient with your own pretenses. If you can't see and understand what has occurred, you expect me to coddle you and make you understand? You began this conversation in the same way. If you can't take it, don't dish it out, Vardui. I grow intensely weary of having to spoon feed you every little thing and you still can't make sense of it. It is obviously beyond you and a waste of my time," Jesse replies, growing quite tired of the conversation.
"Since when does having an understanding equate to trust?" Jesse asks in surprise. "I said that in speaking to him I understand what he is about, the situation and it is something we might use to our advantage. Trust never entered the equation my dear elf. Business is business. Nor have I ever implied that I speak for anyone but myself and those that wish to follow me. I am a very firm believer in free choice," Jesse explains, trying to be patient.
Vardui laughs and shakes his head.
"You know nothing about understanding, nothing about advantage and certainly nothing about business. As for believing in free choice, well, your actions speak louder than your words."
"Whatever," Jesse says simply, shaking her head and moving on. "I knew I retired for a very good reason, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reminding me of it so eloquently, Vardui. I wish you luck."
"Jesse," says Equinox, "although I take affront to your inaccurate characterization of me, I do not wish you to leave the party due to our disagreement. I hold no ill feelings toward you for striking me."
"Neither do I," says Vardui, nodding, "She has completely convinced me that her arguments are valid and so I withdraw all of my comments and now agree with her completely. Of course, I have also concluded that she is as crazy as a loon, too, which is one of the reasons why I now agree with her."
Roganna stares at Vardui, taking a moment to process his about-face.
She chuckles, "Oh yeah baby, I think we are all gonna be crazy as loons before too long now!"
Jesse stares at Equinox and then bursts out laughing. Once she regains her breath she adds, "It has nothing to do with our disagreement whatsoever, please don't flatter yourself in that area. I could care less about anything you do or say. If I thought you worthy of any consideration or thought at all, I might bear ill feelings, but it is simply too much effort for nothing. I do in fact have a problem with those that will not and can not think or see what is in front of their faces. You all choose to see what you want to, I choose to see things as they are. This will always be a huge problem and that is why I am standing by my decision to remain in retirement," Jesse explains, barely even glancing at Equinox.
Vardui laughs.
"Well," replies Equinox politely, "I am sorry that you do not like me. I hope you enjoy your retirement."
As Jesse begins to leave, Gargy says, "Hey, wait! Take me with you. These guys don't need me as they are obviously aren't going after Occa or anything. I need a new start now...and we had a deal!"
"Pipe down, you," Gilstrock says. "Of course we're going to go after Occa. We need to get our bearings before we go off half cocked, though. Last time we ran off to Hell after somebody, we ended up with you! Brr!"
"Good point!" Gar says. "Whatever is fine, but I want to stick around with Jesse."
Roganna frowns.
"But you will still me in regards to that other matter we discussed, right?" Roganna asks. "I know that events have put off our conversation, but I would like to have it when it is convenient for you."
"In any event, at least I learn lessons which can't be said for many others these days. If they be hard lessons, so be it. At least I don't pretend the lessons don't exist or ignore them," Jesse says with a chuckle.
"This bickering is not going to get us anywhere," Equinox says. "I, unfortunately, have been involved in a lot of it lately, but I am not going to do it anymore."
"Hurray to that!" Roganna cheers. "An excellent solution! Two points!"
"I think that part of the problem is that with Occa gone, no one leads this group. Either Al or Orlon should lead us. We obviously need someone to have the final say on things around here."
"Thank you, brother Equinox, but I have shamed you and Thor. I think Orlon should lead us. I will do all I can to protect. I am warrior, a grunt, not a general!" Al replies.
"Oh brother!" Roganna laughs, "What better qualifications can you ask for? I think you should take the post, Al. If for no other reason than you can get Thor's attention over the most trivial matters. That would be extremely beneficial for the entire party!"
"Oy !" Al exclaims as he slaps his right palm on his forehead. "My lord Thor has already been upset at me, I will not disgrace him an further by attempting to lead this crazy bunch!" Al says, shooting a glare at Roganna, so she will keep quiet.
Gilstrock glares at Roganna and says, "Listen to Al, he's being wise right now."
"Thanks, Gil!" he says earnestly.
Roganna bursts out laughing. "What on earth are you all worried about? Who on earth is going to choose Al as party leader for you guys based on anything I say?" Roganna asks incredulously. "I'm not even a member of your group and I'm barely tolerated by the folks I do run with! Use your head a bit and stop getting your jock straps in a bind. Sheesh!" Roganna chuckles, shaking her head. "Men!
"You sure do glare a lot. Have you checked with a physician lately? It might be an eye problem." Roganna suggests.
"I think Al is a wonderful choice. I of course don't know the rest of you," Roganna admits with a smile all around. "I suspect however that you are just the silent type, by that I mean, you like everyone else to be silent on many matters." Roganna chuckles again.
"Yeah, you don't know us," Gilstrock says, "which is why you shouldn't be picking a leader for us. Even without Occa, we're gonna be OK, OK? Me, I listen to Darian; he's pretty with it."
Roganna claps. "Bravo! And who says I was picking a leader? I was just having some fun with you all. But I should know by now that most males of any kind are humor impaired among other things."
"My thanks, Roganna, but I will not allow any woman tempt me as such. Thor told me straight that I was a failure and need to atone. Until such time that he says otherwise, I will strive to be the best that I can, but will not take upon myself any such mantle."
Roganna steps back and laughs. "Al, I'll give you some advice. Don't listen to some being upstairs. What the hell do the gods know about anything, especially mortals like us? I say they have no cluse ... If I were you, I would take a good long look at things. All this god business is crap from where I sit, and I can say that, having spent much of my adult years in the service of Votishal. We are pawns ... but hey, most people like being pawns, so have at it," Roganna says, her eyes sad though she laughs again.
"I feel sorry for you then, Roganna."
Roganna laughs again and shakes her head. "Please, don't bother. I don't need your pity or anyone elses. I am finally, finally free and it feels damned good!
"Let me tell you, it has been like being able to walk on this earth without a blindfold for once. To be able to see the beauty, the tragedy, the wonder, the joy, the energy and the purpose of those of us who make the world, not begging from scraps from the supposed gods, but by our own efforts!" Roganna exclaims, her eyes bright with mirth.
"I will not debate with you what experiences you have had.. all I can say is that without Thor's aid, I would be dead. Hence, I owe my life to him and will make him proud that he chose me to live, instead of to die," Al replies. "Thor was there for me when I was lost, cut away from my home, my world, all that I had known. I was gone, dead, and through his grace I became whole once again. Body, mind, and spirit. So, yes, I will listen to him and use him as my guide until I fight by his side in eternity in Valhalla!"
Roganna eyes sadden as she hears Al speak. "Oh well .. they need their fodder too, I suppose."
His sad face straightening, almost as if he is generating an aura of power and belief from his words.
"Perhaps Vostishal was not the one for you, the gods, like people, choose their servants, we do not choose them !" he says as he cups her chin in his right hand. "All you have to do is open yourself, and you will hear the voice. Be it Thor, Votishal, or whoever calls to you, but if you believe and if you listen, you will be chosen. May Thor's grace shower you with contentness in your life," he says as he kisses her forehead and steps back from her.
Roganna shakes her head, trying to suppress her laughter. "No thanks, been there, done that, and never bothered with the t-shirt."
"Whatever your pleasure," he says with a slight smile, "but known that there are those greater than us that watch over you."
"Father Orlon or Brother Equinox are more capable than myself," Al continues, folding his arms over his chest, refusing to budge on the subject.
Orlon smiles, "Thank you for the trust you show in me, Al. As for a leader, I think that we should all have a say in the party's fortunes, whether a person is new to the party, like Niko, or has been around forever, like myself. All I know is that we should get to the temple before carrying these discussions."
Roganna smiles seductively, sidling up close to Al and pressing up against him.
"Oh, have I been tempting you my dear?" she says seductively, running her hands over Al's shoulders and across his chest.
Al stands rigid, not replying in any way to her moves. He doesn't back away either.
Roganna notices that he is indeed quite rigid.
"A leader is always a good thing to have," Roganna agrees with a smile.
"No it isn't," says Vardui.
"Darian," Gilstrock says definitively. "If we need one at all. Occa wasn't really our leader, he was just our trusted friend. We respected him, but we respect each other. We've gotten pretty far without bickering and without having to fight over a leader. Let's see if we can keep doing that."
Darian smiles at Gilstrock. "Thanks, Gil, but I don't want to be the leader. And, you're right. We don't need one."
"Oh, knock it off, all of you," snorts Robert. "Our alleged leader is imprisoned in Hell or somewhere, and we are going to get him back. We don't need no stinkin' replacement!"
Roganna grins and salutes Robert. "Well said!"
"Our course is obvious," says Robert, who has been standing quietly by, holding Ryshara and copping the occasional feel, "We go back to Hell and rescue Occa."
"I do not agree," replies Equinox who has been keeping fairly quiet for the first time in about a week, "In order to make sure Vrith or whatever does not gather all three artifacts we should collect at least one of them before making a rescue attempt."
"You're new to this party, Equinox," Robert replies. "You don't know how we operate, yet. We look after each other, here."
"I understand," replies Equinox, "but I am concerned that while we are rescuing Occa, Vrith or whatever will be collecting the other two artifacts. If we rescue Occa and while we are rescuing Occa Vrith collects the artifacts, the fact we rescued Occa is not going to matter too much."
Robert shakes his head.
"But I thought Vrith HAD Occa's soul, as well as the Sceptre! We can kill two birds with one stone!"
"Agreed," Jesse says simply.
"Yes, Robert is correct. We will go after Occa and also get back Zanax in the process and the Sceptre. If the other artifacts are important, then maybe Kadlian's group can go after one of them."
"Oh, I thought it was suggested that everyone go on the rescue mission," replies Equinox.
"Kadlian volunteered his group's help, but no one has committed to anything, yet. Let's get to the temple where we can get answers."
"Oh, everyone learns eventually or they die," Roganna grins.
Vardui smiles and nods again. "I speak from experience."
"Just who are you in the grand scheme of things by the way? Are you with this group, some other group? In charge?" Roganna asks curiously.
"I am Vardui. My place in the grand scheme is as yet a mystery to me. As for your other questions, yes, yes and definitely not."
Jesse holds up her hand. "Let's get to the temple, now. Then we will talk."
"Why rescue Zanax from there?" asks Aron.
'Occa' says, "That is where his soul and the scepter are located."
"I see."
Jesse speaks, "That is Gar, and he has told us an interesting tale," the bard says plainly. "Come let us get to the temple now, we are all dressed in dining clothes, and have much to decide."
Kadlian looks at the other group. "Are you going to need my group's help or can you handle this on your own?"
Dor looks hopefully at Kadlian. "I don't think I want to visit hell," he mutters.
Kadlian nods. "I will keep that in mind, Dor."
"We need to talk," the bard says, "Then we will know each others mind. We need to come together and decide what to do, and how to achieve the important goals that I see are three in number."
Jesse hits her head, "Darian, how much were you able to save?" the bard asks. "Most of our metal equipment will probably be ok, but we need to protect it against looters. We need some people to guard the ruins so that we can begin a search and recovery as soon as possible. Gilstrock, can you Gonzo, and a couple of Kadlian's party members protect the ruins?" the bard turns to Kad, "I hope you do not mind me borrowing some of your group. You will be compensated."
"Sure thing," Gilstrock says.
Kadlian shakes his head. "Do not worry about compensation. Vastelle and Windul, please go with Gilstrock and help him guard the ruins. Niko, take Dor and help out as well."
"Aye, aye...let's go, Dor."
"Thank you."
"I took what looked perishable, my love. My spell books, your instruments."
Gilstrock heaves a huge sigh, and throws glares at Vardui and Jesse.
"Hey, hey, water under the bridge, OK? What's happened has happened. At least we know now who this not-Occa is. What we need to do now is figure out where we go from here, and how we get our friend back. Let's not fight over how we would have done things that we can't change now."
Turning to the others Roganna says, "So, now that we have not settled a darned thing, what are we doing? Who is going where and why and with whom?" she asks, looking from Kadlian to Vardui to others.
Gar chimes in, "Can't we all just get along? Hey, I am happy to lead you all if you like. I am probably most qualified."
Looking around, Gilstrock says, "So, I though the plan was that while I and some others watched the ruins, the rest of you were going to go to some temple somewhere?"
"Yes, we're going. You'd better get back to the mansion before the vultures start picking over the remains."
Drinor shakes his head slowly in amazement and mutters to himself, "What an odd, odd, odd bunch of companions I have found." He then speaks up to the group. "Please, can we proceed with haste to the temple? I'm sure whatever needs to be said can wait until we are safely within its doors with our captives."
Roganna laughs, "You said it! You should meet the rest of the crew I usually run with. This is nothing!"
Jesse addresses the group, her eyes lingering here and there before settling on Darian.
Darian watches Jesse.
"I'm not sure what just happened here," Jesse shrugs, gathering her thoughts. "I know I've only been retired a few days though it seems like months ... but it seems that suddenly I understand a lot more about a lot of things. And a lot less about other things. Mostly I've been thinking about good and evil in this land," Jesse continues with a smile. "I've been adventuring a long time, and even before that started, I've dealt with evil on a very personal basis. Some of you know my story." She pauses, choosing the next words carefully. "The danger of fighting evil, which is what most of us here do, is that we could, in the end, become like the evil we battle against. This sounds farfetched right now, but let me demonstrate ... actually, the demonstration has already occurred, let me now explain it.
"A woman came to us, a supposed friend of Occa's. She appeared to have been through a lot, hurt, frightened and lost. Perhaps it is a weakness on my part to give the benefit of the doubt, but maybe it is also because I was once a woman in that situation." Jesse pauses, her eyes clouding momentarily at the wealth of memories evoked. "That I have a weakness in this area, I don't deny. I never want to turn anyone away that is in need of help. You all know that and I am not sure it is something I can overcome. I don't know that I want to overcome it. I would much rather err on the side of helping a potential victim than turning one away in error." She takes a deep breath and continues. "There are many ways to get information, but the use of force or intimidation is what set me off." Jesse pauses to let her words sink in. "At every juncture, rather than choosing the rational and cautious approach, we over-reacted and tipped our hand while clapping ourselves on the back for being so clever. That I was then blamed for this is not what made me angry. What made me angry was that no one stopped to think and that everyone just followed the loudest voice of the moment." Jesse says with a sad smile.
"Well, I guess that Orlon, Gil and I came in at the wrong time, but it just didn't seem that way to me, Jesse. And it seemed like she over-reacted. Now, I do believe Equinox should've backed off which is why Gil and I dragged him out of there, but it seems like you're overstating what actually occurred. Was there more that went on before we arrived?" Darian asks.
Jesse blinks, frowning a moment before replying. "Of course she overreacted, that was not the question or even the issue. I have said that her violence was wrong, but her reaction was also provoked. At the time, I believed her to have suffered some pain and loss, which made her reaction understandable under those circumstances. I am not over or under stating anything, merely giving you my perceptions which is all I am capable of doing. People don't always behave exactly as they should. Emotions of many kinds drive people to do things that don't appear to be wise, correct, or rational. To expect each person to always behave exactly correctly under every circumstance is a level of perfection I don't even want to strive for and I don't expect others to do that either. Most of life is learning how to properly express our emotions. Most of us will spend a lifetime working on it," Jesse explains with a soft smile. "These events and my reaction to them are probably of little concern to most of you. We are in a hard line of business, most of the other creatures and people we meet are to be slain because they are evil and it is our job to deal with that. But let's beware that we don't become what they are. Impossible you say? Too far fetched, evil is evil and we are good?" Jesse asks with a gentle smile. "Think again.
"It begins with little things, like assuming everyone we meet must be evil, or lying or this and that. We slowly begin to assume that just because we think we have right on our side, we can use our might to make things over in our own image. We begin to think it is okay to step on others to get the answers we need, because of course we are good and know how to get rid of evil. It isn't a matter of judge not, lest you be judged, it is very much a matter of judge as you wish to be judged," Jesse says slowly. "What if everyone we encountered assumed we were evil, used force against us because obviously they were in the right? What is force?" Jesse asks, rhetorically. "Force isn't just the use of weapons or physical means. Don't think that just because you didn't hit someone that you didn't use force. Force is manipulation, force can be verbal, force can be many things that aren't strictly physical.
"If I had to judge the recent set of actions, I would deem them lacking in several ways. It does not matter that Ryshera did indeed turn out to be evil, it was how we went about it that speaks more about us than it does her. The ends do not justify the means!" Jesse says slowly, quietly but quite emphatically.
"I'm confused. How did we go about it? Equinox had many concerns that most of us, including Gil and I, didn't believe at all. He had to work pretty hard to convince any of us. And he payed out his own money to get a high priest to commune with a god to turn us down this path to where we believed that Occa wasn't really Occa," Darian points out.
Jesse smiles, "Darian, I wasn't referring to that at all. The later actions that Equinox did, in gathering the information and convincing you two should be commended. I was referring to other events such as the initial confrontation that Equinox had with Ryshara. Then the events of this evening, which lead to her actions and the burning of the mansion. Acting as a bully and attempting the violence that was attempted has shown the result. We were planning for an action tomorrow night, but Gar played an end around. That alone should have held our hand, but as you may recall, while I was attempting to stop Occa by different methods, Equinox and Al acted in what I consider a rash manner.
"Many people think that the job of a bard is simply to sing and entertain, pass down some legends and lore, but there is more to it. How do you think we decide what should be remembered and what can be forgotten? How do you think we come up with the songs and tales we do?" Jesse asks with a small smile. "They aren't just stories, they are guides to the events and passions of the day. They keep the ideas of good and evil alive and in proper context. I am a Bard, that is my job."
Roganna listens intently to the bard, obviously a bit surprised at the scope and duties of a bard.
"I can not help but see issues of good and evil under every rock and leaf in this world. Just as warriors are trained to battle, just as clerics work in the service of their gods, just as wizards study every little aspect of magic, the work of a bard means that issues of good and evil will always be examined and yes, defended if necessary. That is what we are trained to do," Jesse concludes softly. "Even if it means that it causes some strife. A small bit of strife on these issues will in fact avoid more complicated issues later. A difference in the interpretation of good and evil is much easier to settle when you are not fighting for your life in a place like hell."
Roganna laughs, "If we are going to hell, we damned well better be sure we know the difference between good and evil! Things are never what they seem to be these days."
Jesse nods, lost in thought
That being said, Jesse turns on her heels and heads towards Odin's Temple, determination in her step.
Vardui says to her receding back, "I do not argue with your philosophy, Jesse; it sounds very noble and all that. What I saw yesterday, though, was a room full of members of this party completely turn against one of its own in favour of a complete stranger. Sure, Equinox is a jerk and talks like a lawyer (did I repeat myself?), but he's still a member of this party, and - I suppose - has shed his blood on your behalf. You and others turned on him for having doubts about Ryshara's story...resorting to threats, name calling and intimidation to try and shut him up. That was the point of my comments: it is not whether Ryshara is good or evil, or whether Equinox was right or wrong. It was the reaction of the party. When I left you guys with Orlon and Stiff last fall, this party was disorganised, unruly and completely chaotic. My kind of group, in other words. But, you all took care of each other. You didn't stress over newcomers, which could be good or bad, but you all watched out for each other and I don't think you would toss a member of your group aside in favour of someone new...which was what I saw happen yesterday. So, what caused the change?"
Roganna chuckles, "I think Vardui that you have answered your own question!"
Vardui thinks about this.
"You may have a point," he admits.
"Equinox was stressing over the newcomer, I guess," Gilstrock says. "Me, I was just afraid that Equinox and the newcomer were going to work together to turn us into one of those bickering sorts of parties, instead of an unruly disorganized mess of a party who got along and looked out for each other. That's why I thought it best to just get Equinox out of there to cool off -- Equinox, because he was the one we already knew. Fortunately, he was then able to do a better job of convincing Darian and I that he might be right."
Darian puts an arm around her shoulder and walks with her.
Roganna shrugs, taking the stance of someone that will just accept everyone's about face and go with the flow for now. "It's just gotta be me." she mutters to herself as she follows, and increases her pace to catch up with Jesse,
"But we can still have that conversation, right?" she asks, tugging on Jesse's sleeve. "I had no idea bards did all that and I'm even more interested now. You see .. good and evil is why I tried being a cleric in the first place and ... " Roganna continues, keeping in step with Jesse.
"Of course Roganna, we can talk. That is what bards do," she says with a smile.
Roganna laughs, "And here I thought they just played silly instruments and sang songs." Roganna sobers for a moment, "Uh, do I have to play an instrument to be a bard? I don't think I have much musical talent actually."
Jesse smiles, "When the time comes, and your training over, you will know how to play at least one or two instruments."
Roganna rolls her eyes,
"Great," she says with a disappointed sigh. "Maybe I'll have to pick another line of work then."
Jesse turns once more to address whoever has followed.
"I just want to make one thing clear," she says, smiling at Gilstock. "I'm doing this for Occa, not for any other reason. Thank you Gil for reminding me of that. So, are we all ready?"
Roganna shrugs, "In for a penny, in for a pound. I have no idea what I'm doing, but hey, it's a living for now," Roganna says with a grin. "I'm ready. Are we expecting battle here?"
"Yes," the bard says simply.
Roganna looks surprised, but makes sure her morning star is easily accessible.
"I'll definitely have to train in something else very soon," she mutters, ready for action.
Al just shrugs and hoists the bound Occa/Gar over his shoulder and carries him towards the temple.
Niko, Dor, Kadlian, his followers (who have appeared from somewhere) and Gilstrock head for the remains of Occa's mansion.
The rest of you continue on to Odin's temple.
At last you reach the temple of Odin, which is close by the temple of Tyr. An acolyte admits you, and soon Navan comes out. He looks surprised for a moment, as his eyes linger on Gargy and Ryshara.
"These are the ones you were asking Odin about, I assume?" he asks Equinox. "How can I assist you?"
Emm looks around, not really familiar with Temples. His eyes take in as many details as possible.
The main temple area is a large chamber of wood construction. Tall pillars support a peaked ceiling and roof overhead. The pillars are carved into likenesses of Odin the All-Father. There are some pews about, facing the front, where the stone altar is. Tapestries hang from the walls about the perimeter. Behind the altar a fire burns in a hearth.
The whole place is rather dimly lit.
"Hello Navan, I do not know if we have met before. My name is Jesse. These two are the ones that have been the root of many problems in the near and for the long term," Jesse says.
"No, I have never met you before."
Jesse nods. "Well met in this troubled time, Navan. We have come here for several reasons, first is that as a temple, we are hoping that we can gain some protection from scrying from those of the nether realms, one of whom we are sure is looking. Secondly, the house were we have been staying has been destroyed by fire. Others of our group have gone to protect the remains so that we can launch a salvage operation to recover our equipment."
"So yours was the fire..."
"Regrettably, yes," the bard says. "What we need now is a place to work, we may need assistance with some casting of spells to secure our location from scrying, and a plan for the future." She looks around. "First, however, if you can provide some of your priests to guard these two for a short time while the others and I talk alone, we would appreciate that."
Navan motions to two of his acolytes.
"If you are a friend of Odin and a companion of Equinox then I will be glad to aid in whatever way I can," he answers.
Roganna bites her lower lip, considering his words. Finally she shrugs and just kind of looks around very innocently.
"My thanks Navan. We should be a short time before we need to talk to these two again," the bard says, pointing to Gar and Ryshara. "Be careful, we are not sure of their full abilities, or if they are hiding any items."
Navan nods.
"Lock them in the meditation rooms...separate rooms, of course."
"You had better silence them, as well. They are both magic-users and may be able to teleport."
"Gag the man," Navan commands.
Ryshara is already gagged.
Gar says, "Hey, Navan, I used to serve Hecate but want to convert. I would love to get an opportunity to help take that bitch down. Any chance I could convert to Odin? I used to have a good bit of power and am willing to put it to his cause. I am being serious here."
The high priest ignores Gar.
The acolytes lead them away.
Once Gar and Ry are no longer in the room, Jesse speaks.
"To bring everyone up to speed. As we know, Equinox doubted the story of Occa's release from hell. So, he went and had a commune spell cast. After this, we had two more cast, and have learned and confirmed what you all know, that Occa is not Occa, and that the scepter is in the hands of an evil being. The initial commune said it was in the hands of a nether being with the name starting with V.
"From what Gar has told us, Occa and Zanax are trapped by this Vrith in hell. And if what Gar is saying is true, then Hecate has the scepter. This makes it more difficult, since she is one of the major players when it comes to mages and magic. Thor has told us that we need to head North."
Kadlian clears his throat. "My group was already planning on heading north. Rage and the others are in Strabath doing research on the artifacts. So, we can head north and you can always join us later. I do not believe there are many in my group that feel capable of going to Hell, although I am not one of them."
Jesse nods, "It seems then that the plan is that those of us who wish to rescue Occa and Zanax travel to Hell, while those who wish to obtain the other artifact travel North. Kadlian will be leading the one group, while our band of chaos continues together."
"Please, do not get me wrong. I wish to go to Hell and rescue Zanax and Occa, but your group would not do well under my command and I am afraid my group would fall apart without it."
Jesse smiles, "I understand you Kadlian, and knowing what I do of the members of your group, I understand you concerns as well. They are well lead by one such as you.
"Now, we come to the crossroads, it is clear that some of us want to go to Hell to rescue Occa," Jesse says, "We'll need his help in the long term to assist with the major puzzle we are dealing with. If Vrith has the scepter, and Gar was lying, then we kill two birds with one stone. If Hecate has it now, I am not sure we are ready to even attempt to take her on and take it from her. I wonder, as well, what Hecate wants with it, and perhaps that will come to us sooner or later.
"I have an appointment with another high priestess and we could use this to confirm what we learn from Gar," Jesse says, "But now we need to decide what to do with Gar and Ryshara. Does anyone have spells which will determine if they are telling the truth?"
"Me only spells is ta 'karubas' dem upside dey head... wood dat help?" asks Gonzo. "Me head be dizzy from all dis goin's on... or was it maybe too much smoke. Give me someding ta pound on and I'll be happy."
"Well Gonzo, I suspect that we will have more than enough karuba's for your pleasure soon enough. We need to decide which heads to karuba first, though," the bard says, smiling at Gonzo's enthusiasm.
Drinor takes long, deep breaths of the temple's sacred air and gazes contentedly at the images of Odin. He nods at Gonzo. "Aye, I am glad to be here in the Temple, but I'll be even gladder to be swinging my sword against evil once again, whether it be in Hell or elsewhere."
"Now, does anyone have the ability to detect lies and other such information while we begin to question Gar and Ryshara."
"That is under the priestly domain. Can not Orlon cast such spells or one of the priests here?"
Jesse again smiles, "And I am waiting to learn if someone can," she says patiently looking at the members of the group.
Orlon looks to the others, "Yes, I can cast that spell, when I have prayed for it. I have not had the time recently to do so."
"I would like to travel North, as Thor has commanded," says Equinox, "If you will have me again, Kadlian, I would like to again travel with you. I regret the difficulties I had with Rage, and with Jesse, and will do everything I can to avoid further disputes with both of them."
"I as well," Al says, "perhaps the priests here can bring Salaam back as he is/was a talented priest from what I was told!" Al replies, desiring to follow Thor's will.
"Have you his body?" asks Navan.
Jesse nods, "You must follow the will of Thor."
"I need to talk to everyone in the group, Equinox. Now that Occa's mansion is gone, where will you be staying?"
"I am not sure. Probably outside the city walls, I imagine," replies Equinox.
"If Thor has commanded Equinox to travel north, I say we let him rejoin the party," says Aron.
Roganna frowns, "It's the gods that have been getting us into all this trouble to begin with, why should we follow Thor in this?"
"Because he commanded it!" is all Al replies, looking grimly at the woman.
Roganna laughs, "Okay."
She cups her hands over her mouth and tries some improvisational ventriloquism ... "Al ... go west young man. Go west."
Al does not look amused in the least.
"Are you going North as well?" he asks, hoping she isn't.
Roganna looks stricken, clasping her hands to her heart as if mortally wounded by Al's reaction. "Oh Al! Surely you cannot mean my company is undesirable?"
"If your banter continues, then yes, your company is undesirable."
"You object to banter? Oh dear, your god must be a stuffed shirt indeed then. Cannot those that follow Thor have a little fun in their lives?" Roganna asks, with genuine puzzlement. "Is your calling such a serious one, then?"
"It is as serious or humorous as each individual chooses to be, but we are in a house of worship and should act accordingly."
"What do you mean, act accordingly? I'm not here to worship and I'm just passing time with my friends until we get around to doing what it is we are doing. I'm not the one making all the noise around here," Roganna reminds him with a grin.
"Plus, you are being argumentative and difficult just to provoke a reaction, I find that to be offensive and refuse to continue," Al says straight forwardly.
"What? Argumentative? How do you get that? What was I arguing about?" Roganna asks with genuine puzzlement. "Now you are just making up things so you can be self-righteous and all."
"If you talk about other subjects, I might be able to tolerate you," he says, at first, with a stern face and then by the end, a slight smile crept across his face.
"You might tolerate me?" Roganna laughs heartily and then becomes serious for a brief moment.
She leans close to Al and whispers rather loudly, "Did you know that I am your punishment for displeasing Thor?"
Kadlian breaks into laughter.
"You wish!" Al says with a smile as he leaves her. "We can discuss that later, Roganna!"
Drinor takes a deep breath and thunders at Roganna: "SILENCE! You are in the Temple of Odin the All-Father. Show some respect or I will throw you out!"
Roganna chuckles, "OH keep your pants on! And you can only throw me out if you can catch me first. Besides, I didn't think you all were supposed to shout and stuff like that in a temple. Seems to me that you are being very, very disrespectful of everyone in this temple. I was only annoying someone I know, you are bothering everyone here with your raised voice."
Drinor looks quite angry, but still in control, and does not move toward Roganna. "Spoken like someone who has never heard the thunderous voice of Thor."
Roganna grins, "No actually, I did hear it. Just today in fact. I was minding my - "
Drinor holds up his hand during Roganna's protests as if he is not listening....
" - own business having a meal at the inn when suddenly the entire place was shaking and falling down on my head."
"Do not presume to tell me, a devotee of Tyr, who is brother to Thor, how to behave in this temple."
"Ah, ah, ah. I was not telling you how to behave, I was asking what was acceptable in a temple. Don't you dare put words in my mouth!" Roganna says, quite seriously now.
"Your yammering and giggling and petty insults are more suited to a playground or a brothel than a house of worship."
"And you would know all about brothels, I take it? And playgrounds for that matter?" Roganna asks with a grin. "Who is to judge what is offensive? To me, your words are as offensive as I am sure mine are to you? What makes you right? You have the option of simply ignoring me rather than trying to control me. Much, much simpler." Roganna suggests.
Drinor waits a moment to make sure she has finished speaking, then proceeds in a calmer tone of voice. "I will not participate in this argument. There is nothing to argue."
Roganna grins again, "No one was arguing."
"The fate of the world may hang in the discussions we are having now, and there is a great need for serious deliberation and cooperation."
"I know. I'm waiting for people to talk. I haven't heard a word yet, especially from you!" Roganna replies. "I asked a question about the goal of the questions and you keep on harping about this as opposed to answering me." Roganna shrugs, "Doesn't make much sense to me."
"If you cannot handle the weight of that responsibility -- no, forgive me, I do not mean to stoop to insult -- if you cannot stop drawing attention to yourself rather than the problem at hand, please leave the rest of us alone."
"I'm just killing time until those that have something to contribute say something ... you can just ignore me, you know?" Roganna says with a grin.
"If you have nothing of substance to contribute to the discussion then kindly remove yourself to one of those places. This is not playtime, little girl."
"Well, as you have contributed nothing of substance either, why don't we both step outside and have a beer or two?" Rogana asks with a grin. "I know a great brothel in this town! Caterina's House of Delectable Delights or some such. It has the best reputation around."
"When we are finished, and our course is decided, then I will feel much better and will perhaps join in your merriment. Until then, have mercy on my stodgy sensibilities, and be quiet."
"Cool!" Roganna says with a grin, "I'll look forward to that then. Must be really tough being stodgy all the time though. You know, you only go around once, why not at least have some fun? Well, certainly not at the expense of our responsibilities of course, but there are so many moments that can be snatched here and there .. like now for instance, as we wait for the great minds to deliberate, why not have some fun? What are a few words in jest? They might be the last we ever have! Would you want nothing to look back on but seriousness and stodgyness?"
Drinor does his best to ignore her.
"She can't.. part of her being," he says to Drinor. "She lacks self control, but she is harmless." Al replies as he looks for the priests to have a chat with Ryshara.
Roganna chuckles, "Yeah, what he said." she comments, supressing another chuckle as she glances at Drinor. "I'm harmless, really I am."
"Hold, Al, let us have a strategy first." Jesse says.
Al stops and turns, "of course, m'lady, as you wish!" he says with a smile. "I should have learned from my past errors to realize that a group talk is always better than lone actions," he says.
"Drinor, if you do not sit down and treat our guests properly, I will ask Gil to escort you out. What Roganna and Al discuss is between them, if you don't like it, please leave. A little humor can go a long way into keeping our focus." Turning to the others, Jesse goes on. "Since Orlon cannot cast the spells we need, we can ask one of the clerics here for assistance. The issue, however, is what questions are important and who should do the asking. I feel we need to ask both Gar and Ryshara the same set of questions to learn what we can and see if we can collaborate what they tell us."
"Peace, all of you," says Navan. "Odin has a sense of humour, and Thor certainly does as well."
"The god's haven't been getting us into trouble - we have."
Roganna chuckles and nods, "You might be right actually," she says with an unabashed grin. "But that is entirely beside the point."
"Besides, we're not following Thor in this, we were heading north, as Kadlian said."
"Well who told us to go north anyway?" Roganna grumbles. "Does anyone know why we are going north?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure either. I'm kind of torn - I'd like to get the scepter back, but I don't think I'd come back from a trip to Hell - but if my god wishes it, I'll do it."
Aron looks up to the heavens for an answer.
Jesse looks up with Aron, "Yes, the ceiling is a bit dirty. I'd mention it to the Priests, I'm sure they'd let you clean it."
"You're right, could I bother you to give me a boost to clean it?"
"Alas, I'm a frail woman, perhaps one of the strong burly types might assist, like our silent Al over there," Jesse says with a disarming smile.
Roganna opens her pack and rummages around for several moments before handing him an oddly shaped bottle with a handle grip on it. "Here you go Aron, use mine. It's supposed to clean all manner of stains without rinsing. I don't why they call it Boost, though," she says with a shrug, handing him the bottle and a cloth.
"The riddle told us. The one we found at the site of the Sceptre. It also mentioned an artifact to the East. Ray Jay suggested we go north."
"Yeah, I know the riddle said so, but I was hoping for a sign from Tyr."
Roganna nods, "Oh yes. The riddle and Ray Jay. And we are sure we want to trust these, yes? I mean, after what happened here with Occa, let's be sure Ray Jay hasn't met with the same fate?"
Robert snorts.
"Who's to say you haven't, either, babe?"
"Ray Jay is a devout servant of Odin," says Navan firmly.
"Now the riddle .. hmmmmm. Okay, I guess I trust the riddle, but what if it is a trick riddle, where you can't do the obvious like follow instructions explicitly? What if it means something else? Has anyone considered that? Is there a way to find out for sure? Wouldn't want to waste time going hither and yon if it is a wild goose chase."
Jesse hums and then sings,
"North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is onNorth to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
Big Sam left Seattle in the year of ninety-two
With George Pratt, his partner and brother Billy, too
They crossed the Yukon River and found the bonanza gold
Below that old White Mountain, just a little southeast of Nome
Sam crossed the Majestic Mountains to the Valleys far below
He talked to his team of huskies as he mushed on through the snow
With the Northern Lights a-runnin' wild in the land of the Midnight Sun
Yes Sam McCord was a mighty man in the year of nineteen-one
Where the river is windin', big nuggets they're findin'
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
George turned to Sam with his gold in his hand
Said, Sam, you're a-lookin' at a lonely, lonely man
I'd trade all the gold that's buried in this land
For one small band of gold to place on sweet little Jenny's hand
'Cause a man needs a woman to love him all the time
Remember, Sam, a true love is so hard to find
I'd build for my Jenny a honeymoon home
Below that old White Mountain just a little Southeast of Nome
Where the river is windin', big nuggets they're findin'
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on
North to Alaska, a-go north, the rush is on"
Roganna listens intently as Jesse sings, enjoying the tune and even humming the chorus near the end of the song.
"It seems that the Sceptre has interesting origins then. I wonder where these men are now and how this all came to be?" Roganna muses softly, still mulling over the words of this legend lore. "Could it be White Plume Mountain they refer to? But where is Nome? I don't believe I've heard of that before."
"White Plume Mountain?" asks Vardui. "Been there, done that. Besides, it's on another world, namely Oerth."
Her antics forgotten, Roganna frowns as she considers Jesse's question about the interrogation. "Not having the complete story, I cannot think of any questions but the idea of asking the same ones of each makes sense. What truth are we trying to discover here? Have we determined if each of these creatures is in fact evil? Recently so? Gar seems to want to convert, that is something we can use to gauge his actual intentions." Roganna comments, tapping her foot lightly as she thinks.
"Gar is upset as he has been double or triple crossed. Vrith let him out to occupy Occa's body and get the scepter."
"So that part should be easy to determine." Roganna comments. "Strong emotion is usually the basis for something and if Gar is that upset, I'd say about 4/5ths was true." Roganna grins. "The question here might be, what did he hope Vrith would give him in exchange for this? Obviously Vrith isn't some do-gooder. What did Gar want in exchange from somone obviously of a questionable nature. I'd say Gar had a bit to hide as well. He might just be a two bit opportunist, they are a dime a dozen, but I would find out what it is Vrith promised Gar." Roganna suggests.
"At the moment Vrith has Occa and Zanax's souls trapped in hell. Vrith has reportedly sold the scepter to Hecate, and when Gar tried to get it from her, she took away his ability to cast magic. I don't know what his abilities were before."
"Well, that makes sense. He had to have known it would be dangerous to try and get it back from her. Why did he try then? Was he that powerful that he thought he had a chance of succeeding? Or was he that stupid. You might want to ask him why he went to get the sceptre from her of all beings!" Roganna says.
"According to Gar, some other fellow has Zanax's body now and has polymorphed it into what we see as Ryshara." Jesse says, as a summary. "So we need to learn more about Vrith, and what we would be facing there, as well as what he knows about Hecate's plans for the scepter."
"So, we have to find out who has Zanax's body, which seems to be this Ryshara being. What does she gain from having his body? Why did she/he polymorph? Obviously, it is easier to get around as helpless female but there must be more. Perhaps it is a servant of Vrith, sent along to keep an eye on us?" Roganna asks.
"As for her plans for the scepter, I think we can guess and I suspect neither of them knows her mind at all." Roganna adds.
"What is the actual goal of these questions? To determine where the sceptre and Occa are or something else?" Roganna asks.
"I want to learn about his sincerity to join us, his desires to change and grow. I want to learn what I can about Vrith's motivation, and more about Ryshara." Jesse says, "Does anyone else have something to add?" she asks, looking around at the others.
"It would be interesting to know what Vrith got in return for the Sceptre and any possible motivations of Hectate. Hectate is the goddess that Occa and I worship and I'm worried there's something else going on here," says Darian.
Roganna frowns, "You and Occa worship Hecate?"
Darian shrugs. "She's the goddess of magic. Occa converted me awhile back."
Roganna nods. "I see," she says simply. "And now look what happened. I wonder if something odd is up?"
It looks as if the clerics will be unable to cast any of the needed spells until after they have rested.
It is mid-evening, say around 9pm.
Roganna nods when she hears that no one can yet cast the spells needed for finding the truth.
"Well, since we can't do anything here I've just thought of something I want to do," Roganna says. She gives Drinor a regretful look, "I'm going to have to pass on our beer to do some research. Maybe we can do it another time?"
I want to find out more about this Hecate and all since you say Occa worshipped her and she supposedly has the staff now." she turns to Navan, "Have you any books here that would reveal any information about this deity? Or can you tell me where I might find such information?"
"The Mage's Guild?" the high priest suggests. "Up until a few years ago I had thought that the worship of Hecate was dead...gone with the old empire. Then, I learned that the old empire was not dead...nor was the worship of Hecate. She is a goddess of evil and law, but also of magic. Some mages still follow her, especially in the eastern lands. Then, just two years ago, I learned that she had actually worked with my patron, Odin, and your patron, Equinox, Thor, to thwart the actions of another evil god, named Set. Ray Jay was involved, as was another arch-mage named Stiff."
Jesse chews on her lower lip. "Very interesting. That is very interesting."
Roganna nods thoughtfully, "Very, very interesting. I'm beginning to form a picture that looks pretty scary from where I sit. I'm a bit rusty on my history but it would seem that some certainly want to rebuild the old empire and are in fact going about it in several different ways already. I think that might be the motivation behind Hecate. It is interesting that she worked with Odin and Thor however against Set. I guess even among 'evil' folk, there are gradations. Then again, when you have a goal, it isn't the worst thing to work with those that will also advance your goal, despite their alignment," Roganna says softly, looking slightly distracted as she continues to process Navan's news.
"I was there," says Robert, clearing his throat. "So was Orlon, for part of it. It was a long, strange trip."
Roganna nods, "I can only imagine." She comments, listening to Robert.
He tells you the tale.
"Ray Jay sent us east to Saltar on some errand or other. I don't remember why. That was back in '63, and I was just one of Garsh's followers at the time. We kind of got mixed up with the gods, it seems, around then. Good old Orlon got killed by a poisonous spider, and that meathead Kull took him to a temple to have him raised, instead of waiting for Stiff to wish him back. Orlon wasn't very tough, and the raise failed. That usually means the end, right? Anyway, I guess the gods had plans for him, because Stiff was summoned to Asgard by Odin, and then sent to Hell to see Hecate. It turned out that he had briefly worshipped Hecate when he was young and foolish, then dropped her and switched to Odin, I guess. Well, he might have dropped her, but she did not drop him."
Roganna nods, "Yes, I'm waiting for the other shoe to fall as well. I think they all take exception to folks changing their mind about them. This might get pretty tricky with all the followers we have here. As well as for me, having once been a cleric of Votishal."
He pauses, and says to Jesse, "Something to keep in mind with Gar and his desire to convert to Good, that."
Robert continues, "It turned out that Hecate was actually the deity who was providing him with the power to cast his wishes over the years...and she wanted payment, in the form of a job to be done. Orlon was also needed, so they came up with a plan to get him alive again. A time elemental was summoned, and Stiff was sent back in time so that he could intercept Kull before he had Orlon raised, and wish him back instead. It was done, and we had Orlon again."
"With strings attached no doubt," Roganna muses quietly.
"We got to Atlantia and started exploring the sewers under the city. We found this incredible casino, but our resident dwarf, Neemar, lost his soul through a deck of many things there. We found a hidden temple devoted to Set - which was what Hecate, Odin, Thor and them had sent us there for - and started trashing the place. But, we got cursed and were teleported to Oerth before it was finished."
"Can you tell us more about Set? I am not familiar with him and it is interesting to note that Hecate, Odin AND Thor used you to deal with a temple of Set's. I know this is the way they generally work, having minions do their dirty work so that they can each gain just enough power not to be noticed too much or upset the balance but still, I find this pairing interesting."
"We stayed on Oerth for three years, poking around. Then, the mindless body of Neemar started acting strange: spitting slime at us, the head doing 360's, and speaking in strange tongues. We decided to return to Earth to finish the temple. To make a long story short, we ended up at another temple of Set in the swamps south of Saltar, and from there we were transported to the Hells. We came down near where we were looking for Salaam, but we headed off in the opposite direction. Neemar was our guide. We came to the entrance to a stronghold, but to enter it we had to recite a phrase. To find out what the phrase was we travelled all over the place: to other worlds, other universes, other planes...geez. Finally we got it, got into the stronghold, and found ourselves in the lair of Rockchin. He was a cleric of Thor who used to adventure with Stiff years before I came along. He had left the party with his friends Razamataz (yes, the same one) and Godfrey Goodbody. They were there too. Well, Rockchin turned to evil, I guess, and began worshipping Set. Set rewarded him by turning him into a powerful devil...but Rockchin apparently wanted godhood and was trying to usurp Set. Also, he wanted revenge on Stiff for kicking him out of this party all those years ago...so he had started stealing souls of all of Stiff's friends and fellow adventurers. Neemar was only the latest. He knew that sooner or later Stiff would come looking for those souls."
Roganna nods, "Some of the connections are making more sense now. It is interesting to also note that much of this began because each god wanted back what was theirs! I find it deliciously ironic in fact. Hecate came back for what was once hers, Odin had to make sure what was his stayed his, and Thor I'm sure wanted a piece of Rockchin, Set wanted a piece of him, maybe we, the people of this world, make the gods do our bidding or at least keep them on their toes enough to have to act at all. I love it!" Roganna chortles.
"Maybe we in fact manipulate them. They seem to need us maybe a wee bit more than we need them. Very, very interesting." Roganna comments, nodding to Robert. "My apologies for the interruption."
"Anyway, there was a big fight and we defeated them...barely. They were all killed. I'd love to know how Razamataz got back here. At the moment of our triumph Set himself appeared. We thought we were all goners, but instead he raised our dead and healed everyone...then thanked us for dealing with a minor thorn in his side (Rockchin), and also for letting him see the quality of Hecate and Odin's followers! If we were the best they could muster, he implied, then he was not too worried. He then claimed that we had been doing his bidding all along!"
Roganna chuckles, an almost bitter sound. "Yeah, ain't that always the way?" she says without mirth. "So, you got to meet all them in person, having high tea? I obviously chose poorly!"
"So, he let us return to Earth, and before we knew it we were back at Ray Jay's, taking tea in his study with him, Odin and Thor. That was strange. Of course they took all the credit for everything, and of course also said that we were doing their will all along.
"That seems to be the way with gods, you know," he concludes, "They all claim to be pulling the strings. Maybe none of them are."
Roganna nods, "I think we might be capable of pulling their strings in lots of ways and maybe we need to remember that."
I think I'll head over to the guild now though and see what I can find out. I have a couple of ideas actually about all of this," Roganna says quietly. She looks up. "Well then, I think I will try the mages guild first and then perhaps the library. I'm sure it will take a while, so if I lose track of time, just send a runner after me."
Jesse frowns at Navan, "Did we not recover his body already?" the bard asks, "Gar had mentioned something about taking Salaam's body with him." She scratches her head, "Anyone else remember?"
"Not exactly," Al says and then frowns as he realizes that Gar might still have what's left of Salaam. "The duplicate should have what's left of the cleric in a box," he replies, not happy with the possibility that Salaam could be lost forever.
"Emm, did you remove said box when you were searching Gar?" Jesse asks.
Emm does not have the box.
"I think that we should do the following. I do not want to question Ryshara and Gar without some assistance in detecting truth and falsehood. I also think only a few people should be involved in each. I would suggest that Al, Tully and Roganna interrogate Ryshara while Equinox, Kadlian and myself have a discussion with Gar. I am asking for Kadlian's and Roganna's help in this as people that were not directly involved in the initial capture of these two and perhaps will pay a level head if things get out of hand. Equinox, since Gar dislikes you, it is possible that he may tell us more if you are in the room. I would even go so far as to try an ancient ploy known as good cop, bad cop on him," Jesse says. "Orlon, if you were on standby to assist where you are needed in these investigations, that would be great."
Roganna nods, "That's fine. How long before we have some tools available to get the truth from them? I want to do some research beforehand. It may even help get to the bottom of this conumdrum."
"Sounds like several hours at least," Jesse says looking to Navan for confirmation, "So go do your research. Navan, we will need to impose on your hospitality again, and see how to set up two rooms to do the questioning. Ideally ones where we can limit magical abilities. I am most concerned of either of them teleporting away from us. As I recall that only takes a verbal command, but could be wrong, since it is not a spell I have the ability to cast at present."
"Now, Emm, what happened to the items you took off of Gar and Ryshara?" Jesse says. "We should see what those are."
Emm removes the backpack that holds all the items taken from Gar and Ryshara. He opens it up. He is taking care not to handle any items unnecessarily, in case they are cursed.
He has:
wand ("Telanias")dagger
ring
ring
ring
ring
staff
a handkerchief
ring
communicator
dagger
ring
ring
a second handkerchief
The box that contained Salaam is not there.
"And it probably is important for some of the rest of you to begin a salvage operation on the burned out remains. We need to see what material we have before we decide if we can actually head to hell now or need to regroup first," Jesse says, looking at the others. "If we do not have sufficient equipment, a trip to rescue Occa at this point would be a suicide mission, and I for one don't like that prospect.
"Vardui, since you know a bit about hell, your council would be appreciated."
Vardui shakes his head.
"Never been there, to the best of my knowledge," he replies. "Now the Abyss, that's another story."
Jesse nods thoughtfully. "My mistake. One question, though, what is the best way to get to a different plane like that? Does a teleport spell work, or do we need some other method?"
"Teleport without error," answers the elf.
"And we have no one who can cast that spell, this makes it a problem. Our hands may be forced North regardless," the bard says, sighing. "How many scrolls did Ming provide you Darian? We would need at least two more, assuming we could do the deed in a short time, and have our equipment."
"I only have one left of the two that Ming gave me."
"There are other ways," says Vardui, "High priests have spells. Psionics can also move between the planes, too."
"Are you speaking of Word of Recall, Vardui? Orlon used that to get us back from Hell, but I thought you couldn't do it to Hell."
"Something like that. Ask the clerics."
"Word of recall can be manipulated for interplanar travel," says Navan. "There is also Gate, but I would not advise the use of that spell."
"And I don't have that psionic ability, I'm afraid."
"I have a friend who does, but I don't know where he is at the moment."
"Does anyone else have any suggestions before we finally sit down to discuss the questions we need to ask these two?" Jesse says again, looking around.
"I can pray to Thor for the ability to detect lies, so let me use one of the rooms to pray and I will be back later," Al replies as he listens to the discussion around him.
Darian kisses his wife on the cheek. "I'll head back to the mansion, then. Who's going to come with me?"
"Me dinks me go back wid youse Darian. Nuttin much me kin do heres," says Gonzo.
"Sure, Gonzo."
"Oh look at the time," Jesse says, "It seems we need to make some arrangements to secure Gar and Ryshara while we wait. That way the rest of us can go and deal with the fire some more. Navan, can we continue to impose on you? It seems that the best place to hold these two is here for now. Who will stay and guard them? Equinox, Drinor, would you two do the honors?"
"I have my people watching them," the high priest replies.
"I did not want to impose on your hospitality more than necessary High Priest," Jesse says. "Thank you. We will then retire while our priests prepare the necessary spells and begin to assess the damage done and what salvage we can do. We will meet back here tomorrow morning."
Roganna chuckles, "Yes, we have yet to figure out the involvement of this deity in recent events." She says to no one in particular. "I'm sure there is something interesting here as well. Someone that owes this one a big favor?"
With things secure, the party breaks up.
Roganna heads for the mage's guild.
Kadlian, Aron, and the followers return to the inn.
The rest of you return to Occa's house.
It is late evening when the rest of the party rejoins Niko, Gilstrock, Op Code and Dor at what is left of Occa's mansion. It has been reduced to a jumbled pile of burning timbers and debris...still too hot and unstable to go poking through as yet to salvage your possessions.
The gates are secured by the servants under the strict supervision of Frau Hilda, so the looters have been kept at bay.
Out of the snow has been retrieved the items that Tully tossed from Occa's room, namely his spell books and the box containing Salaam's soul.
A rough and ready camp for all has been prepared in the stables and adjacent smithy, so you have shelter for the night if you choose to stay here.
Jesse speaks. "Since this is secured for now, I'd like to get Salaam's soul over to the temple and see what they can do with it. Al, will you do the honors?"
"Certainly," he says taking the box from Jesse. "If you wouldn't mind looking in on any gear of mine that might have survived, especially my armor and the Claw of Horus," he says, referring to his enchanted scimitar. "My thanks," he says with a bow to Jesse, as he turns to walk back to the temple.
"I will go back to the temple with you, Al," says Equinox.
"Let's go, brother," he says with a genuine smile as he waits for Equinox to catch up with him.
They depart.
Jesse smiles, "We'll be roasting hot dogs and making smores for a while before we can begin to approach the ruins to look for equipment."
"I can cool off small sections with my frostbrand. Not a great way to put out a large fire, but if we want to examine certain sections, it's the way to go."
"How small?" the bard asks, "If it looks possible, I suggest we begin immediately. Any more frost brands around?"
"We'll have to see how small or big the area is. Probably a good three foot radius."
"Gil's is somewhere in there, I believe. We could start a search near his room. It should've easily survived."
Turning to Frau Hilda, Jesse speaks, "How can we best assist you now, Frau Hilda? We have the people responsible in custody and will be interrogating them tomorrow."
"I vill be conzulting vit ze engineer architect in ze morning, but ze ultimate decision vill lie vit ze Occa."
"Are we staying at the smithy or will do we want to spend a night in Paradise?"
"How often can you conjure that? I forget if we can enter and exit at will," Jesse says, "Perhaps it would be best for our mages and spell casters to rest there while the rest of us take a turn helping out Frau Hilda in defending the gates, so to speak."
Niko shrugs "Don't know how many charges are left in the wand, but each time I use it expends one charge. Probably couldn't keep going in and out without using a charge."
Gilstrock says, "Orlon, how much water can you create? I've figured out more than once that if I stick my frost band in water, I get a big iceball. That might help cool off bits of the fire too."
To Niko, Gilstrock says, "I'll sleep out here tonight. Somebody's gotta help Frau Hilda keep an eye on the place."
"OK, Gil, Darian, you two interested in working to try to begin salvage while everything is hot? Let's do it," Jesse says. "Over to where Gil's room used to be."
"I will be glad to begin the salvage."
"I'll come with you." Jesse says. '"We'll take it nice and slow."
They go into the flames...just like Gilstrock did several hours ago. In similar fashion something shifts, a pile of burning timbers collapse on them, and they are pinned.