March 17, 1370 of the Third Age of Civilization dawns as a drab, partly cloudy morning. The temperature was below freezing outside, overnight, but the inn is warm and remarkably draft-free, so those of you who chose to sleep were quite comfortable.
When you head into the common room for breakfast the innkeeper tells you that Cat has already reserved the private dining room for you...so you go there instead.
Seating yourselves, you are joined after a few minutes by Cat and Jesse, who enter arm-in-arm...and both looking quite pleased with themselves.
Valdar, though, you note, is not present.
"Odd. Was Valdar not supposed to meet us here before we went off on our errands today? Did he leave a note?" asks a content Jesse.
"Well... looks like the cat got the singing canary last night... there's gonna be a dog fight down the road." says Gonzo, as he orders two large platters of bacon, ham and eggs for breakfast.
He snickers to himself as he polishes off his breakfast..
Cat pouts. "I can't believe that sweet Valdar didn't wait for me. I told him how delighted I would be to be able to offer my blessings to Idun." She frowns slightly and turns to the others.
"When did he part with you last night? Did he go to his rooms?" She rises, then sits again. "Has anyone checked his room?" She asks.
"Ever so repulsive, immoral as well," Salaam says to no one in particular, as he gazes at Cat and Jesse. "Occa, if you would like some help seeking your acquantience, I shall join you." he finishes. "Does anyone know where Valdar is ?"
"Judge not, lest you also be judged." replies Jesse. "Salaam, we should sit and talk about philosphies some day. I think that it would be most illuminating for all concerned."
Cat looks up, a puzzled frown on her face. "Where you addressing me? Immoral? Please do tell me more. I would love to know what gives you that impression."
"And don't bother denying that you were addressing me, or that if the shoe fits and all that. Speak up and say what is on your mind. I find it surprising that a man of the cloth has to resort to snide comments."
Salaam replies -
"All I need to say is, as I quote Jesse, "appearences can be deceiving," and I am thankfully granted sights beyond normal ability and there is little I am incapable of seeing and knowing..."
"Great! A mystical peeping tom. Salaam, come, walk with me I think we need that talk soon." says Jesse
Cat's eyes become suddenly wary and she blushes. "And what are you saying? That I am not who I appear to be?" She demands coldly.
"What I am or am not is no concern of yours. When it becomes your concern, I will let you know."
Occa pauses and says, "Oh no, I think you are exactly as you appear."
Cat whirls to face Occa. "Then all should be well." She says, with a satisfied smile.
Occa says, "Salaam, don't be a stick in the mud." he smiles and nudges him and says, "Well, we have until 10...let's go check on Valdar and then head over."
"I'll take you up on that talk, Jesse," Salaam says as he walks towards the door to follow Occa.
Orlon tells Occa and Jesse, "I'll keep an eye out for Valdar down here. If we want to go to the church of Idun this morning, it would probably be best if we did it together. Let us know if you find him." He will then order breakfast.
Pharian goes to join Occa and Salaam. "If you ask me," he says, "Valdar has no taste for dragons, and he has teleported himself back to his cozy palace."
Orlon snaps at Pharian "I'm shocked. Valdar wouldn't stoop so low. He has more honor than that."
Suddenly...something happens to disrupt this scene of tranquil domesticity...
...as five people suddenly pop out if thin air, and land in the middle of your breakfast table with a loud thump.
Adventurers they are, clearly. Sitting in the middle of Gonzo's breakfast is a magic user...a rather handsome man with a strange amulet around his neck on a chain. Bang in the middle of a tray of teas and coffees has appeared a cleric of Thor...going by the holy symbol he carries, heavily armed and armoured.
Another man is obviously a fighter, wearing gleaming plate mail and a stout leather girdle, with a bastard sword at his side. Another fighter is a dwarf, a heavily muscled and heavily armoured specimen.
The last man lands in the middle of Orlon's corn flakes: he is middle-aged, somewhat gaunt in the face, wears a grey cloak, and has an arrow stuck through his pointy hat. A magic user, no doubt.
With a loud groan, the table collapses under the weight of these five newcomers, sending plates, bowls, dishes and food flying everywhere...covering you all with bacon, eggs, corn flakes and toast.
As it does so, Scryte scrambles out from underneath it clutching a ladies stiletto heeled pump, then falls flat on his face...for someone has tied his shoelaces together again. Sitting up, he is just in time to have a jug of cream land on his head, and settle atop his shoulders, dousing him.
"Ah, Stiff!" exclaims Valdar from the doorway, where he has suddenly appeared as well, to the mage in Orlon's corn flakes. "Making your usual dramatic entrance! Welcome back!"
"HEY! What the heck!" shouts Gonzo the dwarf, jumping back a bit from the sudden increase in population at the breakfast table. A bit of a mess isn't anything he's worried about, he is ready to fight if need be.
Once the obvious danger is minimized, he'll look the newcomers over and size them up.
"Welll... you guys sure show up in a curios fashion? Your doings, or the doings of powers outside of our control? I'm Gonzo Gallahad of Silver Mountain in the kingdom of Dwardarf. Perhaps you have heard of that place?"
Orlon, with a great look of surprise on his face says "STIFF! Long time no see. How's it going? You're looking good man. Where have you been? Are you here for a visit, or are you going to stay for awhile? We sure can use you."
He looks over to the dwarf fighter and calls out "Neemar, glad to see you."
Phil, Who Knows, Op Code, and Oh Well motion over to the newcomers to come over and sit down.
"Tell us all about your travels since we last departed," Op Code remarks.
Cat jumps up and tries to avoid being splattered by the food.
"What on earth is going on here!" She whirls to face Scryte.
"And that is my shoe!" She snatches it from his hand.
Dripping with cream, the little curly haired halfling nimbly unties his cursed shoe laces. "Oh..uh thats your shoe? I didn't know that. Ya see, I saw this bug crawl under the table and well I thought that might grosse your highness out a little so I crawled under the table to squash it and well ya see that shoe was just sitting there on the floor and" Scryte sucks in a big breath of air and continues his verbal barage, "I picked it up with out really taking my eyes off the bug, it was a really ugly bug your highness, and any way I picked up the shoe like I said and was just about to smash the bug when I heard this huge crashing sound above me and so I scammbled out from underneath the table and .....and .....well thats what happened. Honest...your highness."
"Ack! A bug! Ugh!" Cat says, making a face. "Thank you so much for taking care of that ... Ugh ... what was a bug doing here? I can't thank you enough for taking the iniative and dealing with it!" Cat says warmly, taking his hands in hers and giving them a squeeze.
Occa laughs at Scrythes jabber and says, "You aren't so bad, little one."
He says to Cat on the way out, "Can't afford a new gown? Oh, I guess you have never had to buy one, right? Poor baby."
"A person of her staure, you think, would carry around more than one outfit." Orlon jokes to Occa.
Cat shakes her head and frowns. "Look mister, I don't know who you are, or where you come from, but from now on you can just leave me alone."
"I can afford a new gown ... but who will make it for me. Do you have any idea of the time to construct a fine quality gown? The materials needed, the seamtresses to sew it, to find and procure the embellishments? You haven't the slightest idea of what it takes to create such a gown! So don't talk about things you know nothing about!" Cat says quietly.
Orlon remarks, "What. You don't know how to sew. And you call yourself a female."
Cat raises a brow, smiling and steps closer to Orlon. "Look, I didn't call myself anything. I *am* a female, and more woman than you can imagine. If you don't believe me ... let's go upstairs for a while and I can show you a thing or two." She replies, putting a hand on his arm and smiling seductively.
"Valdar," Salaam says with a slight grin," your friends "pop in" at the oddest of times in the most unusual of ways. And where have you been, my friend?" he asks with a smile.
"Attending to business," Valdar replies. "If we are to visit Sandas in the near future then I thought it best to make advance preparations."
"Stiff! What kind of a name if that?" Cat says, glaring at the newcomers some more.
"Do you have any idea of what you have done to my gown? I only packed 12 and now you have ruined one! How will I survive the rest of my adventure with only 11 gowns. You have ruined my breakfast ... look at this mess!" She holds up her ruined shoe. "And what about this ... my favorite pair of shoes ... ruined by your clumsimness or stupidity ... don't you think about what you are doing ... " She wails.
She turns to face one of them - the human fighter type - and glares. "And just what are you going to do about this? I could have you arrested!" Cat all but screams in frustration.
Orlon turns to Cat and tells her "Don't get in a snit now. It's only breakfast. Besides, Stiff will be a valuable ally to us."
Cat whirls to face Orlon. "'Don't get in a snit now.'? Is that all you can say ... look at this mess!" She says, indicating her gown and her ruined shoe.
"Ally? I don't care about any stinking allies! He ruined everything!" She says, stamping her now bare foot in frustration.
"You men are .... you ... AAARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!" She fumes.
Orlon tells Stiff, "It's one of those woman things."
CAt throws her hands up in frustration and shouts, "And this ... all this ... is just a man thing?!"
Gilstrock regards Cat, and then turns to his friend Pharian. "Pharian, you're a mage-- what's the phase of Luna right now? This behavior has something to do with the time of the month, yes?"
Cat looks puzzled, then silently counts on her fingers. "Oh my goodness, you are right! I am in mid cycle ... most woman get cranky at the end ... but no, not me. Right smack dab in the middle." She looks around ruefully.
"Well ... it is still a big mess ... and I am still angry that my clothes and shoes are ruined ... *sigh* but I guess that is a hazard of going on the road."
Op Code looks over at Kat. "Mid cycle eh? Hey baby, why don't we go procreate?"
Jesse shoots a very nasty look at Op Code.
Cat rolls her eyes and laughs. "I guess I should expect things like this. The last group was the same. Let's put it this way, should I decide to procreate with any of you, I'll call you ... okay. So don't ask."
Occa says, "Salaam, let's get out of here before her head explodes."
He turns to Jesse and says, "Why don't you try to get her to shut up...err, I mean calm down."
He leaves with Salaam.
Jesse puts his hand on Cat's shoulder.
Gilstrock had stepped back, his sword instinctively out, his feet instinctively in a fighting stanse. As Orlon and Valdar indicate that they know these people and are friendly with them, he stands up and sheathes his sword. He looks over at Pharian with an exasperated look and a shrug. "I thought things were unpredicatable back home!" he says to his friend and mentor.
Gilstrock looks back at Orlon and Valdar. "Does this sort of thing happen all the time? People popping in that you may or may not know, like these folks, or like myself and Pharian?"
"Seems to be the case these days," says Valdar, as he steps into the room.
Pharian nods in agreement. "Strange place, earth. Not sure I like it."
"No one's forcing you to stay," replies Valdar. "Though your presence is appreciated."
Pharian had also jumped from the table when the strangers appeared, but has now settled back onto a stool into the corner of the room. Gnawing on a hunk of bread, he studies the newcomers. "Gilstrock tells me," he says through a mouthful of bread, "that I need to work on my people skills. So allow me to introduce myself..." He rises and makes an elaborate, mocking imitation of a courtly flourish, then slouches back onto the stool. "Pharian. A wizard from... from somewhere a hell of a long way away from here."
"EXCUSE ME!" Cat shouts. "A bunch of people just landed in our breakfast, ruined my gown and my favorite shoes, destroyed the table and our meal ... AND THIS IS OKAY WITH YA'LL?"
Bursting out laughing, Orlon chuckles, "This is just like Stiff. Never a dull moment with him."
She points her finger at Stiff accusingly. "You there! Speak up!"
Ignoring Cat, the little cream soaked halfling walks over to the new comers with a tiny hand extended. "Hi, I'm Knott DeScryte, but everyone calls me Scryte (pronounced Skreet). The woman showing so much enthusiasm at your joining us is Catcall....no.....Catfight.....no....well we just met her and everyone just calls her Shrew....I mean Cat."
Cat smiles at Scryte. "That would be Caterina ... and I am used to being called a Shrew, so don't bother."
Orlon looks again at the newly arrived dwarf, and says says "I'm sorry Arrgh! When I saw Stiff, I naturally assumed Neemar would be here. Welcome friends. Come have a drink."
"All dwarves look alike anyway," says Valdar, finally reaching Stiff and shaking his hand.
As the arch mage continues to shake his head in bemused silence at the uproar that his appearance caused, the elf lord continues. "I suppose I should do introductions all around...since as usual I seem to be the only one here with a clue as to what is going on.
"This fellow with the arrow through his hat sitting in Orlon's corn flakes is Scared Stiff II, arch mage extraordinaire. The hill dwarf over there that Orlon mistook for another is Arrrgh! You're from Krynn, aren't you? The ranger over there is Woody, and the high priest is Rodenstock. Finally, the other mage is Hardboard.
"Stiff, you've already met Orlon, Phil Donahue the mage and Robert the fighter. The bald headed high priest who just left with Occa the mage is Salaam...both very powerful fellows. That fighter over there is Gilstrock. He and Pharian were just magically summoned here less than a week past by an evil mage who we killed in Frisco...remember that ruined city? This voluptuous lady with the ruined gown is Caterina Van der Linden...of Sandas. We just met her last night. Her companion there beside her is Jesse, the resident bard. The dwarf over there from Silver Mountain is Gonzo Gallahad. You know Lord Op Code the ranger already, as well as Oh Well the fighter and Who knows the halfling thief. That other halfling with the thing for Cat's shoes is Scryte."
Valdar motions to the others.
"These are Op Code's followers - Luann, Tracy, Calvin, Brenda and Herman."
He pauses for breath.
"How did you find us? A wish? Then you probably have no idea as to where you are right now. You're in a private dining room at the Fish: an inn in the town of Inner Sanctum. That's north of my homeland of Dorian, and several days east of Frisco. Less than a day west of here is the stronghold of the dragons and humanoids that have been raiding our caravans...I told you about that problem when you were at Castle Greyhall with Orlon a month back.
"Two days ago we were ambushed by a tribe of orcs led by a magic user...bearing the heraldry of the dragons. This morning, I think, we were planning on heading over to the church of Idun," he glances at Orlon, "Seeking a more secure place to make our plans than this inn."
As he finishes speaking, several servers come in and begin clearing up the mess...as if this is an everyday occurance. Perhaps it is. The table is soon propped up, and breakfast is served again.
As you seat yourselves, Op Code's followers shift uneasily, glancing nervously about. At the same time a serving wench at the table suddenly cries out, drops her tray on Scryte, and cowers...while simultaneously you hear other people crying out in fear from other places within the inn.
The serving wench's tray drops onto Scryte's head, knocking him from his chair. Scryte slides underneath the table (yet again). Crouched underneath the table, dagger in hand, Scryte tries to look past chair legs and humaniod legs, to whatever caused the wench to scream. Scryte also keeps tabs of where Valdar is, just in case he has to move over and make room under the table.
"Uh oh, what now?" Gilstrock asks, looking toward Pharian, then Valdar.
Valdar looks as surprised as the rest of you.
Gilstrock stands and draws his sword again, and brings his shield to his left hand. He looks around for whatever threat it was that caused the serving wench to cry out.
You see nothing. Already she seems to be recovering...shaking her head and coming to her feet again.
Gilstrock says, "I'm gonna go take a look at the rest of the Inn." He moves towards the door, and leaves.
Gilstrock has not been gone for a moment before the serving wench cries out again...as do Op Code's followers.
All of you feel it this time...an impalpable fear...the threat of impending death...
"The dragons!" the wench gasps, covering her head.
In a moment it is gone...again...and your fears subside.
"WE're going to go after them?" asks Jesse, his voice shaking from the encounter. "Why?"
"The answer to that question should be obvious," Valdar replies, helping the maid to her feet.
Scrambling out from underneath the table, Scryte dashes through the door and out of the sight of the rest of you. He returns a moment later, having seen nothing.
"Wow, real dragon fear. I never thought dragon fear would hurt though," Scryte says as he rubbs his head where the serving tray hit him.
Pharian, his face white, mutters, "I thought they must know where we were. Maybe I was wrong, maybe I was wrong."
"Next time that happens, though, I think I am stating the obvious when I say that we shouldn't all just keep sitting in the same spot. Gilstrock had the right idea. Our advantage in number will be negated if we can all be roasted in the same blast of fire."
Gilstrock comes back. "Dragons flying by overhead," he says. "Seems to be freaking everybody out. Let's head outside to take a look. See if we can do something about it."
Gilstrock will again head for the door. The rest of you follow...finally giving up altogether on your oft-interrupted breakfast.
"When we're outside, don't stay bunched in one group," Gilstrock says to the others. "We don't want dragons to be able to breathe on all of us at once."
Outside, the streets are a scene of chaos...overturned carts - their goods scattered everywhere - people hiding in doorways, children crying... However, it does not look as if the dragons attacked anything...at least as far as you can see.
A troop of guards rounds a corner from your left and comes down the street towards you, evidently making for the gate tower at the west end of town.
There is no sign of Occa or Salaam.
"Scryte, can you try to find Occa and Salaam?" Gilstrock figures that the halfling is quick, can get places, and is probably in general better at finding things than fighting dragons.
"Gotta remember to get the Clerics to heal me more often," Gilstrock mutters.
With a look at Valdar to confirm the acquiescence the elf whom Gilstrock has concluded seems to be the leader of this party, Gilstrock will approach the town guards heading towards us. "What is the situation, and may we be of assistance?" he asks.
The sergeant leading the troop stops before Gilstrock while his men continue to walk by. He eyes the fighter up and down.
"P'raps," he replies. "Report to the Captain of the Guard at the Western Gate."
He turns to leave...
Caterina glides gracefully like a ship under full sail to the sergeant and stands in his path.
"Excuse me sir, what was the meaning of what just occurred? Is this a frequent happening here? Which way did they go? From which direction did they come from?" She asks, shooting out one question after another rather imperiously.
She stands, arms akimbo, awaiting there response.
"Uhhhh...your Highness..." he stammers, obviously overwhelmed by her beauty. He finds his tongue and struggles to speak. "It's dragons, ma'am...from the Halls of Galahad. They was flyin' over the town...lookin', it seems. Happens once or twice a year...usually if the Baronet is late with th' tribute. Th' tribute ain't due for months, though, so I dunno. They came in from the west, circled the town, and flew back the way they came."
Stiff speaks up for the first time.
"I am truly sorry to you all. It is just like my patron deity of magic to land us in your breakfast." Wiping a Corn Flake from his brow he continues."My name is Stiff as you well know by now and I am but a humble arch-mage. To my left is one named Woody who is of the woodsman type skillset (ranger). To my right is the fighter Arrrghh!! and Hardboard who also dabbles in the arcane arts. Also with us is Rodenstock, a stoic cleric of Thor."
Stiff continues to continue,"My companions and I would like to join your escapades, and I am sure I could be of some small service."
Changing topics, Stiff says "Orlon, I did not think it had been so long since I last adventured, but my arrival here tells me I have missed much. How are things going here. Have you located anything of interest or learned anything? I realize that it may be early, but I have so many questions."
He turns to Cat.
"Woody has skills as a tailor and may be able to help you in this time of stress."
Rodenstock asks aloud "What is all this about, Dragons and all?"
Valdar sighs.
"I thought we were just going to trash a dungeon full of dragons and humanoids," the elf lord replies. "It appears to be more than that, though. This town is under the heel of the dragons, obviously. There is more at stake here than just making the roads safe for our merchants."
He turns to Gilstrock.
"And, I am not the leader of this group," he says. "I am your guide. Soon I will be leaving you...for I have a kingdom of my own to rule. As to who is the leader of this group...that has not been decided. Stiff was the leader until recently, but he has to be brought up to speed if he is to resume that position. There have been many changes to the makeup of this group since he left a month ago. Perhaps he will not want to lead. It is not up to me to decide...that is the business of the group...if you feel that a leader has to be formally selected.
"All that being said, though, I do have a preference for a leader should Stiff decide not to step right back into it. My preference would be for Caterina...she has obvious leadership qualities."
Valdar steps aside and takes an oreo out of his pocket. Nibbling on it, he glances at the lady and smiles.
Feeling extremely proud to be chosen for such an important mission by Gilstrock, Scryte sprints, trips over his own feet, and sprints again down the road passed the guards.
Meanwhile, Cat continues her interrogation of the hapless sergeant.
Cat frowns, "The Baronet? Pray tell, who is that? Does he live in town? What sorts of tributes?"
"Why, 'is lordship Geerfang, Baronet of the Free Town of Inner Sanctum. He lives in the Great Tower...by the Eastern Gate," explains the soldier. "Twice a year a tribute must be paid to th' dragons o' th' Halls o' Gallahad...foodstuffs an' people, right?"
She turns to Stiff and Woody.
"Why thank you, that is most kind." Cat replies to his offer, smiling.
Then, Cat turns to Valdar.
Looking a bit surprised at his comment, she recovers gracefully. "Indeed? While I am very glad you recognise my qualities, I feel I am best suited for a support role. My experience in the field in limited. We shall discuss this at a more oppurtune time - we do need to first find out more about each other - I see much talent here, and it should be put to best use."
"Indeed," replies the elf, glancing down her bodice again and smiling as he nibbles his cookie.
Cat returns the smile and winks. "You really should share those ... "
"Perhaps you can talk me into doing so, m'lady."
As the halfling scurries off, Pharian says, "Shall we head to the temple of Idun before any more dragons fly over to spy on us?"
Cat turns back to the guard.
"People? Do you mean to tell me that people are sacrificed to the Dragons! That is appalling!"
"Well, it ain't that bad, ma'am," the sergeant replies. "They's criminuls an' such...shoplifters, thieves an' faggots...they'd be hanged anyway."
Looking back to the party Cat says, "We must do somthing about this! Though perhaps this is why you were here... I simply cannot believe that in this civilized day and age such barbaric rituals still exist. It boggles the mind! What kind of hold does the Baronet have on the people here to allow such a thing ... though I suppose the dragons would control any to get what they want ... this is simply deplorable!"
"The Baronet is simply doin' what he has t'do t' keep us alive, ma'am."
Cat turns her gaze back to Valdar.
Cat grins. "It looks like I will be having a very busy night .... first Orlon ... and now you ... " she shakes her head.
The mighty elf-lord eyes the high priest.
"Up for an orgy tonight, Orlon?" he asks.
Cat nods to Pharian, "That is an excellent idea. Let us proceed there at once. Have we all mounts? Who knows the way? Do we have any protections in case the dragons are still about?"
Stiff is talking to Orlon.
"Why are you camped out in here? Are you not adventuring in Castle Koozle? I think my information regarding your doings is a little off."
"Well, that was where we were a month ago...when I last saw you," says Valdar.
Orlon looks puzzled. "Only a month? It sure seems longer than that. To make a long story short, the old gang (those who were in the group a month ago) were poking around Kastle Koozle looking for fun, when we met the others here. All except Cat, whom we just met here."
"Actually, you met only Occa, Salaam, Jesse and Dani - who is now dead - there, Orlon. They were in some sort of suspended animation and you freed them."
"Anyways, we got bored with it and wanted an adventure so went to this mansion, whose name I forget - "
" - and ran afowl of a group of vampires. They sure gave us a hard time. We then proceded up here, making a pit stop at a place called Al-Anna for a quick look. Then we arrived here."
"We took a quick poke around Frisco, too, Stiff. Remember that place? A big ruined city. That was where Dani died...and where we also rescued Scryte, Pharian and Gilstrock. We'd already met up with Gonzo a day or two before."
"Come to think of it, that wasn't much time since you left. Oh well. We're gla - "
Rudely interrupting, Oh Well asks "You called Orlon? What do you want?"
Orlon annoyingly says, "Don't be a smart ass Oh Well. Sorry Stiff. As I was saying. We're glad to have you back." To the rest of the party, Orlon tells "As for Stiff and company, I will vouch for them with honour."
"As to the aspect of the dragons, we will have to use as many information gathering abilities as possible. My experience with dragons is that it is always difficult to fight them. Apparently the dragons are not having a problem with cruising the town here during the day." observes Stiff.
"Obviously not," agrees Valdar. "They seem to have the run of this place."
Then he adds, "On our way into town the other day we were ambushed by a tribe of orcs led by a magic user. After they were killed or driven off, we found that they were in the service of the dragons. We also spotted a trail...presumably leading back to their lair. That *could* provide a back door into the dragon lair."
Stiff replies to the question of his leadership of the party. "I have not adventured for a some weeks. During that time I was replenishing spell books and the like. This adventure is new to me and I am feeling that I am not up to the task of leading your destinies. However, I have been around so I will be here for consultation. In most past adventures, the parties were governed more by the collective than by a designated leader. I may not have realized that I was considered leader."
"Maybe not," says Robert with a wry grin, "But you were always the one we looked for to get our fat out of the fire."
Orlon says "The leadership issue can wait. First thing is to find our missing comrades."
When Cat mentions protections, Pharian nods in direction of the archmage, and says, "Yup."
To Orlon, he says, "Once we are at the temple, I can go look for Occa and Salaam-- and Scryte, too, who has undoubtedly got himself lost by now."
Stiff, Woody, Arrrgh!, Hardboard and Rodenstock talk among themselves for a moment, then Arrrgh!, Hardboard and the cleric head back into the inn...to arrange rooms for them.
You head for the temple of Idun...which is just across the square from the inn. There, you are greeted by an acolyte, who takes one look at Orlon and realizes that something big-time is happening. Shortly thereafter you are led into the inner office of the Canon: an attractive lady in her mid-30s. When you make your request for a private meeting area she offers you this place, and leaves you in privacy.
Once you are ensconced, Pharian departs to search for Occa, Salaam and Scryte.
"So," says Valdar. "What plans are we to make?"
Pharian says to his companions, "I will look quickly, and if anything seems amiss to me, I will come back here and we can make further plans."
Then he disappears. Invisible now, you hear him leave the room.
Cat clears her throat. "Perhaps it is best if you describe again the attack that was made on you ... the orcs controlled by magic users? That is most puzzling. That means there is organized evil here - much more complicated than dragons out for an extra meal."
Valdar glances at Orlon, Gilstrock, Jesse and Gonzo.
"No...I wouldn't say that the orcs controlled the spell caster...but they certainly were working together as a team. We were confronted by a single greater orc in field plate - magic - who demanded a toll to let us pass. When we refused, were were attacked...both by spells and by the 60 - odd orcs who were hiding in the woods to either side of us. Fortunately with our spells and blades we were able to destroy most of the enemy in very short order...in fact the only one who escaped was the magic user. Afterwards we discovered heraldic insignia that I know is used by the creatures - the dragons and their allies - that have been attacking our elf-caravans. Also, we discovered a trail leading north into the forest...made by the orcs...but rather then pursuing them at that time we decided to go to Inner Sanctum - here - first, and set up a secure base of operations. As to how secure this place is...I don't know now. Also, Occa wanted to buy some spells - he lost all of his books when he was sent to this world - and he and Pharian needed material components. We were going to teleport to Sandas today to get them...but I gather that they found a shop here in town that sells those items, so perhaps they have all they need.
"But yes, Cat, the dragons are intelligent and organized," Valdar says. "They have recruited humanoids to do much of their dirty work for them...we knew that much already. But obviously they are doing more than just pillaging merchants on the roads...they are extending their hedgemony at least to the point where they are the de facto rulers of this town...and who knows what else. This could be serious...are they trying to found some sort of dragon kingdom? That would be very bad news.
"Up to this point we have been very successful at keeping the Evil on this side of the Mississippi River from getting too well organized and powerful. Stiff and Orlon have played a large role in this. I think we must learn more about this new enemy...perhaps an exploratory mission into their lair... Depending on what we learn, perhaps we should tell Ray Jay about it."
Jesse speaks, "thus, we need to consider our tactics carefully and those with spells should prepare for the worst. However are Dragons resistant to all spells?"
"Like, say a demon or devil would be?" asks Valdar. "No. But certain types of dragons are resistant to certain types of spells."
"Give me a good shot at 'em from behind and they'll be crying for moma or heading for that place where dragons go when dey be dead" says Gonzo, stroking the hilt of his new sword.
"I don' know how good it is goin' to be gettin' in wid da dragons now that that fella escaped dat was leadin' dem orcs against us. We go marchin in and der gonna be jes waitin fer us and we'll be walkin right into a big trap."
"Perhaps," says Valdar, nodding. "But we fought them two days ago...and did not pursue them then. Perhaps they would now believe that we have moved on to other matters. Of course, if they have spies here in Inner Sanctum they might soon deduce otherwise...
"Also...I get the impression that the orc lair is separate from the main dragon lair...remember that sign we passed later on...directing us to the hall of the great wyrm or something? That did not point in the direction that the orc - trail led."
"I'd like to do that thing Pharian and the other magic types do... dem's not bein able to see us tromping along to der hiddy hole would be a great asset."
"Good idea. We should be able to turn those who are going to tackle this invisible."
"That is a spell I can cast." offers Jesse. "However, I have heard that dragons can see though this spell, and are not decieved by illusions. All the legands of dragons I have heard make me very leary of using magic on them."
"It depends on the type of dragon, its age and how close you are to it," replies Valdar. "Some are quite stupid."
Stiff asks Orlon a question "Why are we running around so much? So far, the members of this group seem very reactionary to me, acting like this! I am not sure if this is the right idea, bringing attention to ourselves. Orlon, what do you think?"
Valdar shrugs.
"Most of the people here are new to this world, Stiff. So, they are naturally paranoid about things."
He chuckles chaotically, takes out another holy oreo and tosses it across the room, where it flies down Cat's cleavage.
"Bullseye!" the mighty elf-lord exclaims.
"We must be careful in out approach, and as I have seen in many past adventures, you can't plan for everything, but at least lets go in as prepared as possible. I have a feeling that there is a back door entrance, actually it may have been a dream but I have no doubt that the way to start is with the trail located during the ambush you suffered. Dragons are difficult but it is not likely that they would be the first encounter. Once there, we could learn far more about the lair through magic-eye spells, clairvoyance and the like."
"I agree," agrees Valdar. "We saw no sign of any dragons when the orcs attacked."
Stiff adds, "In past adventures we have dispatched dragons before. They are just tougher but they are not inately resistant to magic. We just have to be careful at the kind of dragons we are to face. Its the dragons breath's weapon that is a killer but I think we should take the hint and take the trail to the orc lair. Lets get prepped! I think we should go back to the end and figure out who we are to send on the first excursion."
"Yes...good," says Valdar. "If we head out within the next day or so then I shall accompany you. I do have to be back at Castle Greyhall on the 20th, though, for a day at least. Now...I wonder what has become of Occa, Salaam, Scryte and Pharian? They should really be in on this..."
Cat smiles and removes the oreo from her cleavage. She delicately twists it open and licks the creamy white center, smiling at Valdar with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Perhaps they are tied up elsewhere." Cat says, winking, at Valdar's wondering where the others have gotten to.
As she says this Scryte comes bopping in. He tells you that he met Salaam and Occa coming out of the Halls of Learning...and that they told him to tell you that they were going to see the Baronet before rejoining you.
Pharian also appeared with them before Scryte left...and was trying to dissuade them from going to see the Baronet without first coming back here...
Valdar shakes his head.
"Chaotic fools!" he says, taking a cream pie out of his pack and stuffing it in Orlon's face. "Regardless, we should scout out this orc-lair before going to Ray Jay. If we're going to bother her, it had better be with something worthwhile.
"So, plans? What have we here? We have rangers to track with, thieves to skulk and scout, magic users to blow things up and fighters to chop up anything that tries to get away. Oh yes, and clerics to put us back together again after we get reduced to mincemeat."
Valdar smiles.
Jesse looks downcast as all the skilled people are mentioned, he looks around and speaks, "And a bard to write the songs and praise the bravery of you as the foes are vanquished."
Valdar looks at Jesse and chuckles.
"Indeed, yes...for this will be a great story. But, if you are like most other bards that I have met in my time then you have more mundane talents...in the ways of thievery and spell use...as well as some not so mundane..."
"Thank you for your confidence. I will endevour to do my best."
He glances at Cat and winks back at her.
Jesse begins to blush.
CAt smiles, putting her hand on his arm. "More importantly, you will write the history of the famous battle agaisnt evil that will live on for generations - being told to all children and grownups alike - how we destroyed the dragonkind, saved the countryside west of the Mississippi from the scourge of evil ... and all that kind of stuff." Cat laughs.
She kisses him on the cheek lightly and says, "Make me look good honey."
Looking up, Jesse speaks "I will milady. I will."
Orlon agrees, licking the pie from his face. "Jesse's right. Entertainment is what we need as we fight these beasts." Then he creates a cherry cheesecake and yells "Foodfight!" as he throws it at Valdar.
"Mmmmph!" exclaims the mighty elf-lord, as it hits him in the kisser.
Cat looks over in surprise, just in time to get a bit of cherry cheesecake in her face as it hits Valdar.
"Is the rest of the adventure to be a constant foodfight?" She say angrily, licking her finger.
"Hmmm. Actually, not bad. Can you do another one of those, Orlon?" Cat asks in a silky voice.
"Speaking of mincemeat," Gilstrock says, "I'm still a little battered from those damn orcs as well as the other damn orcs I saw before I got transported to this world. Could any of you clerics patch me up a bit?
"Regarding plans," Gilstrock continues, "those aren't always necessarily my strong point. I tend to like to go break down doors and beat the hell out of the bad guys, but Pharian's always telling me that's a good way to get killed. But checking out that orc liar seems like a good idea to start."
Orlon cures Gilstrock until he is fully healed.
Stiff says to the party,"It's true about dragons not being fooled by invisible opponents. The older the dragon, the farther away they are able to detect an invisible oppnent. But as for the first foray into the lair, I think that having the entire party invisible is a sound idea. As well, making sure that the magic-users are not all taking in the same spells would be usefull."
Woody speaks his mind," I'm wondering if we have too many rangers here."
"There's only two of you...Op Code and yourself," replies Valdar. "Who is going in on this foray, then? The usual gang...Occa, Salaam, Pharian, Gilstrock, Scryte, Jesse, me, Gonzo, Op Code? Stiff? Are you coming along? Or is Woody or one of the others? And, I assume that Cat will be accompanying us," he adds. "So much for planning. When did you want to start?"
"CHARGE!!!!!!!!!" says GONZO, his sweaty palms being rubbed against the hilts of his two swords... "Let's get up and at it then... before them dragons get too old to be messin with."
"Sheeeeeeeez... you wizard guys sure waste alot of perfectly good food. Gimme one of those wouldja... I didn't get to finish my breakfast."
"You asked for it..." says Valdar, taking out another cream pie and splushing it into the dwarf's face.
Op Code suggests "How does tomorrow morning sound?"
"Two questions lord Valdar. First, do you know what became of the items we discovered recently. If we are going to face these foes, we might want to see if there are any things that might be useful in there."
"Occa was taking care of that stuff, wasn't he?"
"Second, never having fought a dragon before, what spells would you suggest are useful?"
Valdar glances at Stiff.
"You are more experienced than I," he says to the arch-mage. "Perhaps you should answer him."
Op Code remarks "sorting out the lastest bit of treasure would be a good idea before we attack the place."
Stiff says "I'm a little intrigued by the prospect of adventuring --so I think I will go along on the first trip. I will get myself prepared now".
He rises to make his exit.
As he does so, the door into this room opens and Occa is admitted...alone.
There is no sign of Salaam or Pharian.
Stiff answers the question of fighting dragons with spells.
"My first choice for attack spells is the old stand-by, magic-missile. It is usually very effective, no saving throw, especially if we gain the initiative and several magic-users can go at it simultaneously. Otherwise we will have to load up on many various spells. As you may guess, a red dragon is less affected by fire based attack spells than say a white dragon. As well, when you use general area attack spells there is usually a saving throw the dragon(s) may well make. If we use area attack spells, like fireball for instance, we had better have room. For some reason I remember a lot of dragons coming out of the tiniest places where those kinds of spells usually do the party more harm than the monster. I recall one adventure long ago where a novice magic user used a fire based attack on a fire giant and also engulfed some of the party. Imagine the surprise as the party was hurt and the giant was left feeling real good as they are totally immune to fire attacks! Well, we don't want any of that happening, right? Anyway, I digress. We must also be prepared to take in protection magic, like fire resistance spells, cold resistance spells, anti-poison spells (cleric), and any others I can think of. I will certainly let you know what I intend to take in so we can complement and not duplicate each other. Also, detection magic is useful. Wizard-eye is a good example. There may be others I am leaving out at this time. I just hope we don't find too many ancient, huge, red dragons in there too soon! We must be prepared for almost anything though, as the looks of this situation makes me think there is a lot more to this than usual. Hmmm, where are those other magic-users. I could use some consultation with them as to their preferences. Have they been abducted as food for the next offering?"
"Well, since Occa is ignoring me, perhaps you would like to fill us in about your recent intellegence gathering mission?" Cat says to Pharian.
Slurping up the last of the pie, Gonzo will lick his fingers clean and then sigh... "Ho hum... that was good. Maybe some more later."
"Sooooooo we gotta go and divide up more goodies?" Gonzo asks Occa. He intertwine his fingers and twist them around backwards and out and crack his knuckles. "Well... let's get to it... time's a-wasting."
Stiff heads for the door.
"We must get a good rest, so I shall retire to the Inn. Well, are you all coming"?
"I am," says Valdar, also rising. "I have to get cleaned up and also have some business to attend to before we depart tomorrow. Someone fill these guys in on what we decided to do, will you?"
After awhile Salaam walks into the church of Idun, where he was directed to by the innkeeper.
There, he finds everyone but Stiff, Valdar, Hardboard, Arrrgh! and Rodenstock.
"Well met, friends. We have a meeting with the Baron in less than an hour and Occa," Salaam says turning to him,"the lady sends her warmest regards." he finishes with a smile. "Please get your belongings together and let us go to the Baron's castle to put an end to the dragon threat !"
Occa laughs and says, "Salaam, you are a slute!" He giggles and says, "Well, at least she isn't a vampire like the last damsel you wooed."
Cat grins, but does not comment.
"So, Salaam ... what did you learn there?" She asks, a guarded expression in her eyes.
Occa frowns and says, "My impression from your friends reaction was that the Baronet may be 'in' with the dragons. We should be guarded and offer our services to erradicate them...if he declines, then we should tell him we are moving on."
"Ah, yes, sounds good," Gilstrock says. "And, to allay suspicion, we should pretend to be rather greedy. We should ask for sizeable if reasonable compensation for our help. We should make it sound like the money is what we're primarily concerned about. That way, if he declines our help, it means we won't get paid, hand he may believe our statement that we are moving on."
Pharian says to Gilstrock, "Bravo! Excellent idea, my friend." Then he raises his eyebrows, smirks, and says, "But it is the money we're after, right? It's just that we're going to get it from the dragons, not from the Baron."
"Well," Gilstrock says, bouncing on the balls of his feet and grinning, "I was figuring that we'd _really_ get that anyway. But we should pretend to be truly greedy and want to get recompensation from every possible source! Probably want an advance too."
"Exactly. It might also be wise for Salaam to go in with his true sight and maybe detect lie going. We can better assess the situation. We should come up with some codes on how to relay what information Salaam comes up with...or Orlon for that matter."
Pharian nods. "Makes sense." Then turning to Salaam, he says, "Who were you thinking would come for this second meeting? Everyone? Or just some of us?"
"Unfortunately, friends, I have used my sight for the day. I did not mention who would show, so whoever would like can come with me. Alas, time is a wasting. Let us go !"
Shortly before noontime you head to the tower by the Eastern Gate. All of you are there but for Valdar, Stiff, Arrgh!, Rodenstock, Hardboard and Op Code's followers.
At the door the same guard who gave Occa and Salaam such a hard time earlier ushers you in.
Soon thereafter you enter a smallish chamber. A plain wooden throne sits atop a low dias at the far end of it. Tapestries hang from the walls. Two more guards flank the door, and Donna do Karls stands to one side of the throne.
Sitting on the throne is an old man...very old. He squints at you with watery blue eyes which peer out from under an unruly mat of scruffy grey hair, leaning forward on his cane to get a better look at you.
do Karls whispers something in his ear as you bow and and advance into the chamber.
"Dragons? Dragons?" he asks you. "What about them?"
"Sir, my name is Salaam benshel Thothemmon, a humble priest of Thoth, it has come to our attention that dragons have plagued you and your fine city for too long and we are here to present you with a plan of action to rid yourselves of this terrible curse, providing you grant us license to carry out such action in your city."
Gilstrock looks over at Occa and Pharian, his eyes wide. "Money?" he mouths silently. Shaking his head at Salaams disregard of the earlier plan, he steps forward and interjects, "...and, also provided that you can pay a modest amount for our services. As you can see, we are a large and accomplished group, and we have certain expenses. Plus there is the hazard: we saw the effect the dragons had on your populace as they flew over this morning!"
"Dragons? Dragons? In Inner Sanctum? There are no dragons in Inner Sanctum! Are you daft?" the old baronet asks.
"Now look, you've upset the baron. Let me play something to calm him down."
Jesse will begin to play some music and sing in an effort to calm the Baron and get him to become more friendly to us.
The music does indeed seem to have its desired effect. After a moment the Baronet closes his eyes and begins to hum...swaying a little in time...
Salaam kneels to hold the Baronet's hand and beseeches Thoth to heal this man of any illnesses that maybe preventing him from using his full judgement.
At the priest's first touch, though, the Baronet pulls back...and whacks Salaam on the noggin with his cane...spoiling his spell and bloodying his nose in the process.
"How dare you touch me! I'm a baronet, hear me? A baronet!"
Donna glares at Salaam.
"Sire," bows Orlon. "We have come here to help you get rid of the dragons that are causing such havoc. Do you know of any information that would help us in this pursuit?"
"Get rid of the dragons? I tell you...everything is under control! They cause no more havoc."
"Doh," Gilstrock whispers, barely audible.
He looks over at his friend Pharian, scratching the stubble on his mouth as he does so, and incidentally covering his mouth from the view of the Baronet and the others on that side of the room. He mouthes the word "message" at Pharian.
Occa just rolls his eyes and mutters to himself.
Cat steps forward, her bearing regal and proud, though her voice is stern.
"Come now ... it is well known you are in league with the dragons." she smiles then, her voice becoming softer as she nears the man on the throne.
"In league? In league! You are wrong! We pay them tribute, but..."
She leans closer, to whisper in his ear. "I just want a piece of the action ... tell these guys anything that pleases you, but we shall have to talk later ... a powerful man like yourself should not suffer from the lack of comfort a woman can provide ... " She kisses him lightly on the check and steps back slightly...but not far enough to avoid his cane...as she too takes a knock on the head.
"How dare you take liberties with me! I'm a baronet! You cheap floozy! Begone, the lot of you, before I have you all arrested! Then you would see the dragons up close!"
Occa rolls his eyes again muttering all the while...luckily it is too low to make out.
The baronet rises to his feet and signals to Donna do Karls.
The guards move over to escort you out.
Woody watches the procedings warily.
Cat laughs softly. "Thank you Baronet. I have what I came for." With a light step she turns on her heel and winks at all of you.
Jesse bows low to the Baronet. "Sire, may I stay a while and continue to soothe you with my music and my stories?"
"No! I have no need for your little ditties!"
The baronet is angry, now.
"Thoth, pleeth heal me," I quickly intone as I touch my nose after I cast a cure light wounds spell. I look at Donna with a sad face and whisper, "I'm sorry." I follow the guards out and look for Donna in case she wants to see me...but she stayed with the baronet.
Gilstrock says, "C'mon, folks, if these people have a problem with dragons, they don't want anything done about it. Let's move on to somewhere else where we might be wanted."
Cat graciously takes the arm of one of the guards and allows herself to be escorted out.
Occa gladly leaves.
Once he is outside he says, "You are all..." He stops mid-sentence and shakes his head. "Okay, whatever. I will meet you at the inn...I suggest you prepare in whatever manner you must for this task, I expect it will be a bit more difficult now." He heads down the street.
Shaking his head some more, Gilstrock says, "That's the other reason I'm no good at planning. It seems that nobody ever listens, and the plan gets flushed as soon as possible. Why bother?"
Louder, "OK, let's move on, and leave this town. Nothing for us here."
Muttering quietly: "Guess we gotta try to preserve as much of the plan as possible."
Looking frustrated, Pharian also heads to the inn to prepare his spells for the morning.
Orlon agrees with Pharian and heads back to the inn to get ready. Op Code, Who Knows, Oh Well, and Phil also head back to the inn.
All of you but Occa return to the inn.
Once you get there, though, you realize that Gonzo is not with you. In fact, you don't remember the last time you saw him...
It is late afternoon before Gonzo shows up...so you decide to pass one more night in town before departing in the morning.