Lo finished his training to Disciple yesterday, and you are ready to resume your adventure.
You spend the morning getting ready, praying and memorising spells.
As you are eating lunch prior to teleporting to Godfrey's tower, Igor the hunch backed doorman shuffles into the dining room to announce that there is a visitor at the door.
You bid him to enter, and a few minutes later Igor returns with Logan, the elf warrior/mage from Kadlian's party.
"Good to be back," the Asian man replies. "Excellent six weeks. I have never trained so hard in my life. This is quite an interesting place."
"Hello all," the elf says, "Kad's group is having some issues and I am tired of his and Rage's bullshit. Do you guys need a strong arm and a spell slinger?" he asks with a smile.
A dwarf speaks up, "I do not know Rage, but Kadlian was a noble, honorable warrior when I last adventured with him. What bullshit do you mean?"
"Kad and Rage left the group for awhile and when they returned, they commandeered the leadership and couldn't care less about what the rest of us had to say, treating us like crap. After awhile, I just had enough, so I am back here!" he replies.
"That is odd, since when I was last with Kadlian, he was the elected leader of the group. How did they commandeer the leadership?"
"The group went through some changes and he and a few others left voluntarily to pursue something else. Then they just appeared some time later and jumped in like nothing had changed and you can bet your ass things had!" Logan replies.
The dwarf nods. "Very odd." he says.
"Was a new leader elected in the meantime? And if they were treating you like crap, are there others like you who left that group?" the dwarf asks.
"Yes, others did, a whole bunch of others, because of their tyrannical ways!" Logan says as he crosses his arms over his chest.
"Again, I do not know the mage you talk about, but Kadlian was never tyrannical. He was a military leader and acted as such."
"Power must have gone to his head or perhaps he surrounded himself with the wrong people," Logan retorts. "Who cares ? I ain't rejoining their group, even if they wanted me!"
Occa looks up from his book. "You are welcome to join ours if we don't have too many people. We don't really have a leader in this group and so there seems to be less frequent conflict. Works for us."
"Where are you going?" he asks Occa.
"Wherever. You are likely to get killed a couple of times, but if I am not dead, I will wish you back."
"What has your group been up to?" Logan asks.
Darian replies, "Kadlian, Rage, Kailar, Sian and a few others from their group helped us go after Occa and Zanax missing souls in Hell a few months back. In the meantime, Kadlian and Sian's followers along with those in the group that didn't want to go to venture to Hell, like Logan, headed east after an artifact. The plan was once we rescued Occa and Zanax, Kadlian and friends would rejoin the group moving east. We didn't recover Zanax or Occa, but we got some good clues and decided that Kadlian and friends should go after the artifact as it's very important.
"Our job is to find the arch-mage behind all of this and deal with him. Once we do that, we get back the souls of Occa and Zanax. The Occa here is a clone, not the original."
Drandar nods, "I see. As long as I get to test the sword out again."
"You will. When we return to our tasks, we'll be clearing out a tower that's going to give get us closer to the arch-mage that we're after. We might even meet up with Kadlian's group as this arch-mage is supposed to be in Atlantia."
"I have just joined up, having spent some time in retirement, before coming back. I am itching to test my swords again."
"Whatever," says Robert. "Help yourself to lunch."
"Thanks!" he says with a grin as he looks to see what food is available.
"I've been meaning to ask you, Drandar, how good a fighter are you?"
"I am a good fighter. My experience is as a champion, and am well trained in the bastard sword. I also have some minor berserking abilities in combat."
"I'm a champion as well, although my specialty is the longsword. If you're unable to find a bastard sword in the pile, I'll be glad to loan you a longsword or broadsword from my collection."
"I have a bastard sword, which I was told has special affinity for reptiles. But I have this magic fork as well, which I am not skilled in and would love to see what else there is that i can trade it in for," the dwarf says. "I usually wear this plate mail, but again, magical dwarven armour is hard to find, so unless there is something as good down there, I'll keep it."
"Dwarven armor is almost as hard to come by as elven armor. Gonzo came across magical armor a while back and discarded his old suit. Maybe he'd let you have that?"
"If it's magical, then I'd be interested. Otherwise, it's old rust bucket for me," the dwarf says.
"Me no discard any armor... just trying out dis metal stuff ta see iffin it be betta than what I had. So far me have no idears which is better. Perhaps Drandar and mes kin figure it out with some sparing before we goes ta Ratzass's ol' tower," pipes in Gonzo.
"You're on." Drandar says, "I look forward to it."
The fighter/mage's eyes light up.
"Can I get a suit of chain?" he asks. "Preferably magical but non would be alright as well!"
The cleric approaches the mage and says, "I seek to built a Temple to my lord Thoth. I need around 70,000 gold to fully complete it. I would like to take what I have accumulated as a member of the group and loan the rest from you. In exchange for the loan, I will heal and aid you group in any way that I can," he offers. "What do you say?"
"Consider it done."
Salaam shakes Occa's hand. "You will not regret this, may Thoth's light shine upon you all!" he says as he collects the money and summons the architect to settle the bill, including the dwarven stone workers.
Occa chuckles. "I know I will not, but you may."
At about this time Igor shuffles back in, to announce another visitor.
"He says his name is Ming, Master," he wheezes, "And he has a message for you!"
Occa says, "Please show him in, Igor."
Igor retreats, returning a few moments later with Ming the half elf.
"Ray Jay wishes - errr - wants to see you all at his tower concerning a matter of some urgency," he says without preamble. "At your earliest convenience."
Darian looks at the others. "Might as well go now."
Orlon opens the door. "Don't want to keep the big fellow waiting."
You get up and head out after Ming. Outside is a carriage with two horses. Some of you ride with Ming while the rest of you take Occa's.
While people have been training, researching, whoring or whatnot over the past six weeks, events have proceeded apace in the world.
On April 8th the city of Strabath was attacked by orcs and ogres out of the Mountains of Nlad. The Rangers of Strabath were able to beat them back.
In the war with Mestom, after a hiatus to regroup, the invaders resumed their slow advance up the coast of Nlad in early April. That advance stalled late that month, you learned, though apparently not because of any actions by the armies of Nlad. A war of attrition has ensued since.
After a twenty minute ride through the streets of Sandas you pull up at Ray Jay's tower.
You enter, and Ming leads you up the winding stairs to the arch mage's study.
The room is as it always looks: piled high with books, tomes and the clutter of odds and ends that magic users seem to accumulate over the years. The dimensions of the room always strike you as being larger than the circumference of the tower itself.
Ray Jay is behind his enormous desk, puffing on a cigar contemplatively. There are four others in here with him.
Darian nods to Ray Jay.
Off in a corner stands Zanax the paladin, apparently in a state of suspended animation, a lamp shade resting atop his head.
Sitting in an overstuffed armchair is a middle aged man of noble bearing whom Robert, Darian and Orlon recognise.
Standing nearby is Godfrey Neutralbody.
Sitting in a chair in front of Ray Jay's desk is another mage, approaching middle age, with red hair turning to grey and with a serious expression on his face.
Ray Jay motions to them, save Zanax.
"Malbar of Furyondy, Godfrey Neutralbody and Razamataz," he says by way of introduction.
"We've met, for the most part," says Razamataz in his charismatic fashion.
Drandar looks over at the unmoving Zanax and then in a stage whisper to Darian, "Is this the Raz who did that to Zanax?" the dwarf asks
Emm passively watches the interchange.
"Ooooo somebody has sum 'splaining ta do," mumbles Gonzo under his breath, fingering a dagger.
"That would be me," says Ray Jay. "Are you ready for a story? Ming, make some tea."
Ming heads downstairs.
Darian's hand goes to the hilt of his longsword. "Ray Jay! Why would you have anything to do with him? Has he not been behind most of the schemes we've had to thwart over the past few years?"
Occa smiles. "Thanks, Ray Jay! Did you bring Raz here for us? Probably not, so what is the meaning of this meeting?"
"These are strange times," Ray Jay replies, "And one must take one's allies where one finds them. It turns out that we have been working on the same problem...though from different angles...and...I suspect...for different reasons. So, we have decided to pool our resources to achieve our aims."
Razamataz nods.
"But we have some other fish to fry first," he says. "First off, why the hell are you working with Vrith to try to kill me?"
Lo and Logan stand in the back, listening and observing.
Occa says, "We are going to kill you in exchange for the soul of Zanax and to take away the scepter of the gods from you. All Vrith wants in return is your death for his soul."
"Small price to pay," says Darian with malice.
"That's all?" replies Razamataz. He glances at Godfrey. "Should I let them kill me?"
"Perhaps," the warrior replies dryly, "If the word of a daemon can be trusted."
"It's the word of a daemon or a snake."
Razamataz ignores him.
"In that case, forget it," says Razamataz to Occa. "For one thing, I freed Vrith's soul or whatever it is a daemon has, in exchange for the Sceptre. It's free right now...but not for long," he adds darkly. "As for the Sceptre, you can't take it from me because I don't have it anymore. And as for Zanax's soul, I can free that for you when I deal with Vrith."
"In exchange for your services," adds Ray Jay.
Razamataz throws Ray Jay a look.
"No, not in exchange for anything," he retorts. "I have a score to settle with that daemon. I'll get the soul for them regardless of whether they agree to help us."
"That's a switch. Don't know if I buy it, but it'll be interesting to see if it comes true."
"Where's the sceptre? In Atlantia still?"
Razamataz nods.
"What do you want from us?"
"Nothing, it would seem, at the moment," answers Ray Jay, watching Razamataz.
Razamataz stands up and takes out a vial. As he uncorks it he begins to chant - then there is a blur of motion as Emm dives at him, Bubba flashing. Razamataz looks up as Emm backstabs...but without effect as Bubba has suddenly become a stick of celery.
"Now now, young man," Ray Jay says mildly, as Godfrey grabs Emm and pulls him back, broken celery and all, "If you can't behave then you'll have to leave."
Razamataz shakes his head and resumes his incantation, pouring the liquid out on the floor. When he has completed a circle around himself he stops chanting and takes out a scroll.
"GET IN HERE!" he bellows. The scroll bursts into flames and as it does a gate opens before him but outside of the circle of protection. Smoke and retchingly foul air floods into Ray Jay's study.
Lord Vrith steps through the gate, a cowed look on his jackal-face.
"You said you would free me in exchange for the Sceptre," he mutters, barely daring to make eye contact with Razamataz.
"And you promised not to take vengeance on me!"
Vrith does not answer.
"I was ready to keep my word," Razamataz continues, "But I know your kind. You followers of Set are all the same. Fixated on revenge, like Rockchin was. So, I kept an out. Now you will pay."
Vrith glances up at Razamataz, then drops his shifty eyes to the floor.
"But before I mete out your punishment I want you to hand over the soul of Zanax."
Vrith looks up. His eyes scan the room.
"NOW!"
The arcanadaemon reluctantly pulls out a gold key. For some reason Occa's body shudders at the sight. Then, he holds it out before him and with a short, brutal twist turns it in an invisible lock.
A shadowy, faintly glowing man-form takes shape before him.
"There you are," Vrith whispers hoarsely.
"Restore the soul to its body."
Razamataz jerks his head towards Zanax.
"Another soul already occupies it," Vrith answers.
"That is Ryshara," Ray Jay says. "She is evil."
"Remove her and imprison her," Razamataz commands.
Vrith turns to face the body of Zanax, still holding the key before him. He gives it another twist, and the body of the paladin heaves, its face contorting into a soundless scream.
"She is imprisoned," he says, turning slowly back to Razamataz.
"Restore Zanax's soul to his body."
Vrith points the key to the soul of Zanax, and directs it to his body.
The soul moves across the room, and then fades into the body...
Ray Jay speaks an arcane word...
...And Zanax awakens to find himself in Ray Jay's study. There is a lampshade atop his head, which does not obscure his view of the strange scene before him.
Ray Jay is behind his enormous desk, the stump of a cigar between his fingers.
Sitting in an overstuffed armchair is a middle aged man of noble bearing.
Standing nearby is a warrior, close by a nondescript young man clutching a stick of broken celery.
Next his gaze takes in Orlon, Darian, Gonzo, Gilstrock, Occa, Robert, Logan, Drandar and another man whom he does not know.
In the centre of the study, though, is another mage, approaching middle age, with red hair turning to grey and with a serious expression on his face.
Before this mage is Lord Vrith, holding a golden key, and behind the arcanadaemon is an open gate.
"Drop the key," Razamataz commands.
Vrith drops the key to the floor.
"Now for you," Razamataz says to Vrith, taking out an ornate bottle.
Vrith eyes the bottle, as his face distorts with fear.
"Noooo...master!"
"I am not your master! Never have been!" Razamataz replies as he uncorks the bottle, "Now, GET IN THERE !!"
With a scream and a horrible sucking sound the daemon is drawn into the bottle.
Razamataz replaces the cork and the screaming stops. The gate closes.
"There you go," he says, bending over to pick up the key. He sets both the key and the bottle on a corner of Ray Jay's desk and sits down again. "I don't know what you want to do with either Vrith or Ryshara, but there they are."
"Anyone for tea?" says a voice weakly from the doorway, and you see Ming standing there with a tray loaded with a teapot, creamer, sugar, and cups and saucers.
Orlon scratches his head. "Something a little stronger may be in order. I've seen chaotic, but this tops the cake!"
"Yes, much stronger and when is da 'splainin' going to start?" says Gonzo.
"Ming, break out the Saurian brandy," commands Ray Jay.
Darian looks at the others. "Color me impressed."
Zanax looks very puzzled. "What happened...where am I?"
"Ray Jay's tower, Zanax. Kadlian and the rest of your friends will be glad to know you're back."
Zanax points his finger at Occa. "You! Now I remember what happened...you betrayed me!"
Occa rolls his eyes. "Clearly things aren't as they appear now or then."
Zanax looks around for a weapon.
Occa smiles. "Don't be foolish."
Zanax gives the others standing around a puzzled look "Well, isn't anyone going to do anything? He stole the Sceptre and gave it to that demon in the bottle!"
Occa chuckles. "That wasn't me. That was an evil mage that Vrith had put into my body. Just like he put an evil soul into your body."
Zanax looks dubious. "He put an evil soul in my body?"
He looks to the others for confirmation.
Drandar walks over to his former party mate. "That I do not know. There was a ruckus a while back, but I was retired, so didn't pay much attention to it. However, it is good to see you again, old friend. How can I help you?"
Zanax smiles. "Nothing right now, my friend. I must go and pray to my god for guidance."
"Ray Jay, is there a place I might have some privacy?"
"No," the arch mage commands. "Sit down and shut up."
Zanax frowns and sits down.
Darian looks back at Raz. "Do you know where Occa's soul is? I noticed that when Vrith pulled out the key and turned it, Occa's body behaved oddly. Could it be that Occa's soul can be released with the key as well?"
Razamataz jerks a thumb at Occa.
"Who's that, then?"
Occa says, "Don't talk about me in the third person. I am here and I am lethal."
He chuckles. "I am a clone of the original Occa. Isn't that clear?"
"Thanks for answering my question," Razamataz says, ignoring Occa's implied threat. "Why do you want the original Occa's soul back? If it isn't dead already then the clone will try to kill it."
"Actually, I am trying to figure out a way to allow us to coexist. I am unique now, id est I have new experiences and so forth."
Razamataz looks dubious but says no more.
"I never thought I'd be saying this to you, but you have my thanks for returning Zanax's soul to him," says Darian.
"You're welcome."
Emm stares in disbelief at what was once Bubba. "This was my friend. And one of you damned wizards killed him."
"It was your own foolishness that caused it," snaps Ray Jay. "But if you behave I may let you have your friend back."
"Emm, how about explaining your actions, first? Why would you attempt to kill an arch-mage alone while two other arch-mages are standing by?"
"Well let's see Mister High and Mighty," Emm replies angrily. "Since the first day I was joined to this group, you have been telling me that Razmatazz is your arch enemy. We even made a deal to kill him in exchange for the soul of your friend. I don't even know Zanax. I was doing my part to carry out the mission this group had set upon. Well apparently being a team player around here is for suckers. Consider that you have taught me that lesson and I have learned it well."
"While that's true, Emm, if you wanted to attack him, why didn't you signal the rest of us? Only a multiple attack on an arch-mage has a chance of succeeding. Don't worry about Bubba. We'll find some way to get him back to being a sword."
Occa says, "Relax, Emm. I applaud your initiative. It would have been a good way to start a melee if it had been successful. As is, let's see what they have to say and then we can decide if we are going to kill them. Besides, I am sure, if we are going to be allies, that they will restore your friend-weapon they have destroyed."
"What's the sceptre doing there in Atlantia? Kadlian's group went through a lot to get it and I'm sure they'd like to know it's at least in good hands."
"It's in good hands," Razamataz replies. "The next Emperor of Saltar has it."
"And what of the other artifacts? Are we supposed to hand them over to the next Emperor as well?"
"I'm sure he would appreciate that," Razamataz says with a slight smile.
"So what was your reason for giving it to him, then?"
"I gained power and influence," he replies honestly. "In return he made me Court Arch Mage."
"And why did you get to pick whom the next Emperor is?"
"I did not," he replies, "The people of Saltar are doing that even as we speak."
"But, doesn't the Sceptre tip the scales in his favor?"
"Of course. But he was already winning the war anyway. With the Sceptre in his hand the resistance has crumbled even faster, though, reducing the bloodshed."
Darian looks at Ray Jay. "You brought us here for something other than revealing that you're working with someone whom we thought to be an enemy. So, you might as well make the pitch."
Darian nods at Malbar. "Good to see that windstorm wasn't the end of you."
The middle aged man smiles.
"I'm tougher than that," he answers, "Glad to see you survived as well. And the others? Lore, Tekrem and them?"
"Lore came with me from Oerth and adventured with this group for a while. I don't know about the others. We were all exploring the ruins when a metal flying craft grabbed Lore and I. Once inside the craft, the owners did truly horrible things to us, before dumping us at the feet of some of these folks. I've been adventuring with them ever since. Lore quietly left the party sometime near the end of April in '71. Don't know what became of him."
"I found my way out of the desert and back to civilisation," Malbar says with a nod. "I recruited another party, courtesy of Ray Jay, and we made it to the lost city. They explored the dungeons under it while I explored the lands about. I found no sign of the rest of your original party, though."
"I don't know what happened to the others. And I'm not what I once was. Thanks to Occa and the others, I've found a home here and become an accomplished mage and fighter."
Occa looks over at the key. "Just a feeling of Deja Vu. I expect that it won't help us get a soul it doesn't already have."
"Only if Vrith has it imprisoned."
"How do we find that out?"
"I don't know," Razamataz replies. "It is not my magical item."
He turns to Raz and says, "Ok, so what are you really looking for from us? What are you up against?"
"We are not sure," says Ray Jay. "But we'd like your help in combatting it."
"Could you provide some more details, please?"
"Interesting. So, we are to believe that Raz here isn't such a bad guy and help him against something that we don't know while the free world continues to fall to legions of humanoids and the like? How are we to know that we aren't being duped into helping the bad guys?"
"I am not a bad guy," Ray Jay says with finality. "And you will be helping to fight the legions of humanoids that threaten us. What we have all missed is that these legions have a guiding force of some kind behind them. We have missed the big picture. All of us but Razamataz, it seems."
Gilstrock shakes his head vigorously and tries to get rid of some of the ice which has accumulated in his mind.
"I could never tell ya," the large blond warrior says. "I'm kind with Emm on this one. I always thought Ratsass was the Big Bad. Now if we're gonna work with him, well, nuts, I'm not gonna know what to be pissed at.
"But hey, one thing I've learned hanging around with this group is, you roll with the punches and just go along with whatever goes on. One question though." Gilstrock points at the bottle. "I think I was the one who made a deal with that guy to bring, er, you to him dead. So if he ever gets out again, he's proabably gonna be more personally pissed at me than even the rest of us, except for probably you. Can we, uh, kill him or something? Make sure he never gets out?
'Cause, you know, I feel a little bad going back on the deal, but then he is a daemon, so I don't really feel bad, but I'll feel terribly bad if he decides to torture me or something, you follow?"
Razamataz picks up the bottle and tosses it to Gilstrock.
"Help yourself," he says.
Gilstrock looks skeptical.
He turns to Ray Jay. "If I break this, does Virith die? Or does Virith come free and start smiting?"
"I think he would be free."
Occa says, "He will come free and probably run. Even if he doesn't, though, and we kill him, he will reform back. Best to keep him locked away in that forever."
Gilstrock swallows. "Gulp. OK."
He finds the safest portion of his pack and secures the bottle there.
"I am in the process of building a temple, I can keep the bottle safe and then buried deep in the temple's vaults for longer than any of us will probably live!" Salaam offers to the group about Vrith.
"So, what have you found out, Razamataz?"
By this time Ming has returned with a decanter of brandy and some glasses. As he serves it, Ray Jay starts the narrative.
"As most of you know," he says, taking a sip, "I have devoted my life to an attempt to maintain what remains of the civilisation of humanity and its allies in Amrica and Earth. It's taken a beating over the past few millennia. First the Wizards deserted us and then Imrimil invaded Nolthen which caused Saltar to collapse. Out of all that Nlad emerged, which seemed to be the final hope for us. But now we are threatened by incursions of humanoids and giants out of the north.
"So it has been for decades. Most of you here have carried out missions against the spreading evil at my behest, as have many others...Stiff, Leslie, Rockchin, Omegeron, Kadlian, Garsh, Op Code...the list goes on. You have cleared the Caves of Chaos and the Black Keep on several occasions, battled giants in the North and dragons in the West - "
He throws a glance at Razamataz.
" - but still the monsters keep on coming. Some years back, thanks to a ranger lord named Jo-owrn, I realised that the reason for the increasing numbers of monsters migrating south was because of the advancing ice sheet which is slowly engulfing the north...forcing the inhabitants south. I was resigned to a never ending battle: how can one stop an ice age? That would be beyond even the powers of an arch mage.
"Then, over a year ago, a new threat appeared with the overthrow of the royal family of Mestom. Mestom has long been the enemy of Greater Man and our allies, but when the empire was made off limits to teleportation and scrying I was alarmed. What force could accomplish such a feat? Then, this past fall the new leaders of Mestom - whoever they were - embarked on a programme of expansion, which ultimately led to their attacking the land I thought was great bulwark of human civilisation, Nlad."
Razamataz snorts, and Ray Jay continues.
"The defenses of Nlad have crumpled like paper. My words are treasonous indeed, but King Ormund has led this country and humanity into a disaster. Fortunately for all, events elsewhere have saved us.
"I have spent a lot of time over the past six months researching in the Great Libraries of the Grey Wizards in Washtn, trying to solve the mystery of Mestom. While there, I met Razamataz, on his own errand of research, which turned out to be similar to mine. At that time I viewed him as an enemy as well, and I was prepared to destroy him - "
Razamataz snorts again.
" - but the Wizards would have taken a dim view of that so I held myself. Instead, we talked, for Razamataz had also worked for me in the past. I learned a lot from him, and he a lot from me."
"Let me continue," says Razamataz at this point. "First off, the ice age. A little ancient history to start. A hundred and fifty thousand years ago Earth was a wilderness world, our ancestors nomadic hunters. They had a hard time, because every few tens of thousands of years there would be an ice age like we are starting to have now. Finally, with the help of a civilisation from the stars they were able to control the climate changes and stop the ice ages. Earth has not had an ice age in getting on for one hundred thousand years.
"So why are we having one now? That's what we need to find out. It could be simply that the machinery that our technologically advanced predecessors used to stop the ice has worn out. Or, as the Grey Wizards suspect, there is a darker power at work."
"A word about the Wizards," interjects Ray Jay. "They are called the Shepherds of Life, but there was once another faction vying for domination of our fate, a competing race called the Mystiks who advocated the evolution of humanity into a technological being...a machine or machines. The Wizards and the Mystiks warred millennia ago and the Wizards won, and so we moved off of that path. But now the Grey Wizards are suspecting that they have returned."
Razamataz nods.
"That's the ice age threat. To deal with that we will ultimately have to find out what is causing the ice. If it's a broken machine perhaps it can be fixed. If it's these Mystiks then they will have to be dealt with.
"But there are more immediate threats to humanity than the ice age," he continues, "Which leads me to Mestom. I learned that the real force behind the new government in Mestom is Imrimil. Only the Wizards - who originally taught the Elves and Men about magic - have the power to shut down scrying and teleportation over an entire country. And Imrimil is an evil one. Several years ago - back around the time you and Stiff were hunting down Rockchin in the Hells, Orlon - Imrimil's attentions were drawn to Nlad. In fact, I think it was Stiff who was the root of this. He saw a land ripe to be overthrown, and so he cast about for a way to do it, and came upon Mestom. The rest is history. He overthrew Mestom, then his armies sailed fleets of ships from his bases in Nolthen down the Mississippi and across the Gulf to Central Amrica and off Mestom went a-conquering. Nlad would be in dire straits right now if not for one lousy dwarf..."
Ray Jay smiles.
"That was my work," he says. "An old associate of mine named McTavish, came to me with the desire to return to his homeland, Kludar. McTavish was a prince of that eastern land who had been sent out into the world many years ago to make a name for himself. He wanted to take the scenic route, through Imrimil's land of Nolthen, Kludar's enemy. I found a party of adventurers to escort him, and so last summer they set out. By autumn they were crossing Nolthen, and McTavish was surprised to discover that Nolthen was virtually devoid of armies and defenses...they had all been sent to Mestom. But by winter Imrimil's forces had found the party, and they agreed to split up. Alone, McTavish made it home and told his father all that he had seen. Now, fifty years ago Imrimil had invaded and conquered part of Kludar, and the dwarves were eager to get their lands back. This was their chance. This past March 25th Kludar - led by Prince McTavish - attacked the enemy. Imrimil was taken by surprise and what forces he has there have been driven back with heavy losses. Last I heard the dwarves were near Lac Olith.
"To defend his homeland Imrimil has recalled his armies from Mestom. Mestom's newly annexed empire is beginning to collapse without Nolthen's backing, and their advance into Nlad has stalled.
"But I've learned a lesson," the arch mage continues, "Based on Nlad's performance in this war, this country is not the one to save humanity and our civilisation. The government is too weak...it's leaders too soft."
"Like Saltar was," says Razamataz, "Until the old Emperor was assassinated last fall. Saltar has been engulfed in a civil war ever since, but it is winding down now. Clarvis will be crowned Emperor in ten days, and he has vowed to reclaim all of the lands that Saltar once ruled. He's a strong man and a great leader. To bring that country around like he has over the past few months he has to be. I think you'll like him.
"But we have to move fast. Once Imrimil gets his armies back to Nolthen he will crush the dwarves. We have to help them, or it will all be for naught. Which finally brings us to the artifacts. Obviously you've heard of the three Accutrements of Power: the Sceptre, the Robe and the Sword. Those are the ones that the Emperor uses. One has already been restored to its rightful owner. Ray Jay tells me that a party from Sandas is heading north right now in search of the second one, the Sword, and when that is found the path will be revealed to the Robe. But many others were lost when Saltar collapsed: great weapons and magical engines that their generals used to defeat their enemies and maintain order.
"I know where one of those artifacts is," concludes Razamataz, "And it is your help that we need to retrieve it."
"Any questions, thus far?" asks Ray Jay, finishing his brandy and signalling Ming for a refill.
Darian cross examines Razamataz and Ray Jay.
"Yes, please explain the dragons... And the pirates... What were you doing, Raz?"
"Helping to overthrow Mestom, of course. Billian needed the money to raise a rebellion from somewhere, didn't he?"
"I suppose it didn't occur to you to approach folks like Ray Jay here and try to raise funds in a more honest way than stealing from people who worked hard to earn that money?"
"Obviously not," says Ray Jay, "Not that I would have the funds to bankroll a rebellion."
"But, you could have approached others who trust you. A coalition that could have bankrolled a rebellion."
"I was never approached by Razamataz, Darian," Ray Jay says testily.
Darian nods and says nothing further about it.
"And the elves do," says Razamataz, "Look, Mr Elf of Celene, I don't know what the elves of Oerth are like, but the elves here have become fat, complacent, lazy, indecisive and preoccupied with their own petty internal struggles. Try and get them to make a decision? Ha! They'll ponder it, discuss it, mull it over, assign committees to look at the matter from all angles and finally they will try to get a consensus. By the time they decide to do something the problem has either solved itself or the world has moved on to the point where the original matter is now of no consequence. King Goldhine is the worst. Who do you think Billian went to first for help? King Goldhine. He asked for help in gaining Casablanca's independence from Mestom...the elves ancient enemy, the empire who laid waste to almost half of Aldacan and slaughtered uncounted thousands of elves. It was Saltar who bailed Aldacan and Dorian out of that one, by the way. He told Goldhine that the threat from Mestom was being renewed, but an independent Casablanca would be a powerful and true ally, as well as a threat on Mestom's flank. What did Goldhine say? That he'd get back to him. Billian waited years...never heard another word. So, he sought other methods of funding."
Darian shakes his head. "No, the elves of my homeland aren't complacent. I got my training in an elven army fighting humaniods of one variety or another, allied with human kingdoms. I'd no idea that Aldacan and Dorian were so complacent. Stupid of them. But, it's not like you stole from the nobles of Dorian and Aldacan exclusively. You stole from hard working elves as well. And a lot of villagers were hurt or killed in those pirate raids."
"That's too bad," Razamataz says, "But perhaps their leaders should take responsibility for their own inactions."
"I don't know. They stopped the pirates by hiring us."
"Yes, that was Valdar," says Razamataz. "He's the only good one in the lot. We used to adventure together...against the giants. Too bad I made an enemy out of him."
"Indeed," comments Ray Jay.
Gilstrock says, "The elves where I come from were mostly aloof. Oh, some would mix in with the rest of us normal folks, and get involved in human affairs and such. Some of them were arrogant bastards, mind you, but lots were OK. But the main elven nations, they kinda stayed hidden away in the forests and nobody heard from them much. I dunno if that makes them complacent and indecisive or not."
"Has the rest of the world been getting colder and have the sea levels been dropping?"
"Yes," says Ray Jay.
"That's not good."
"So you get to be Clarvis' court wizard, whispering in his ear?"
"That's right," acknowledges Razamataz.
"Considering your questionable ethics, that worries me."
"My ethics are not questionable...just different from yours."
Darian chuckles. "An interesting perspective."
"Why don't you have Saltar go to the aid of the dwarves? Or, stop Imrimil from moving his armies back to Nolthen. You said they were going by boat, right? Doesn't Saltar have a Navy? Attack them at sea!"
"Have you heard a word I've said, elf?" snaps Razamataz. "The people of Saltar have been at war with each other for the past six months! That has absorbed all of their attention. Now the civil war is wrapping up, and the Emperor Apparent is looking around. It is his plan to send aid to the dwarves as soon as possible. As for the navy, Saltar's once mighty fleet has been allowed to decay away by the last Emperor, who was more concerned with building a temple for his patroness, Hecate, than with defending his country. What remains is mostly stationed along the east coast, to guard its people against the incursions of Seasham and Calacoon. It will take a long time and a lot of money to rebuild it."
"I heard you. But, Saltar's a big place and I assumed that the entire empire wasn't involved."
"Clarvis is exploring political methods to stop Imrimil from moving his armies home in the meantime. Riverland controls the entrance to the main water route to Nolthen, that is, the mouth of the Mississippi. He has sent an embassy there already, but last I heard the rulers were unreceptive to Clarvis' request to bar the passage. Apparently Nolthen pays them very high tolls and pilotage fees.
"Clarvis will remember that..." he adds ominously.
"But, isn't Kadlian's group going after the Robe? Does he know that he has to wait for the Sword to be found?"
"Who the hell is Kadlian?" asks Razamataz.
"Kadlian is an elf ranger who leads a party that I have encouraged in the past," says Ray Jay. "I gather that they have recently relocated to Strabath, so I assume that we can no longer count on their services. Drandar, Zanax and Logan have been members of his party in the past. So was one of my students, Beth, though she is now with another group."
"Do I detect a trend here?" says Razamataz dryly.
"You can count of Kadlian, Ray Jay. They've turned to Occa as their patron because they believed you didn't want to deal with them anymore. Occa told them to go after the Robe and last we heard from Logan, they were on their way to Atlantia."
He says to Razamataz, "Perhaps. Logan didn't like how Kadlian was running things. Drandar retired from adventuring for a while. Zanax was dead. I don't know Beth, so I can't say why she would leave."
"Where is this Kadlian from?" asks Razamataz.
"Aldacan," replies Ray Jay.
There is a pause before Razamataz answers.
"I see."
Razamataz says no more on the subject.
"I remember Kadlian saying something about the reasons he left Aldacan, but I don't remember them. Perhaps Ray Jay, Drandar or Zanax could chime in on that. But, just because this King Goldhine is complacent doesn't mean all the elves are."
"Where is it?" Logan asks, regarding the missing artifact.
"Oerth."
"You need our help to recover what from where? And what other artifacts are out there that we could use?"
"I don't know how many there are," says Razamataz. "At its peak Saltar was a powerful empire with many powerful mages who made many magical items. They were also favoured by the Wizards, who gave them many gifts. Most were lost when Saltar collapsed six hundred years ago, but now Clarvis wants them found."
Razamataz draws a breath.
"Here's the story: Many years ago there was a warrior named Chicken. He was your typical fighter: rather stupid, ugly and not very personable. He went adventuring once with one or two others into the Guardian Ford dungeon, and in there he found a magic sword of dancing named Robin. It was a powerful blade and it controlled him. He eventually rejoined his party, and I joined that group a few months later."
He glances at Orlon and Occa.
"That party was led by Stiff and Rockchin, so you know the group I am referring to. We went into the North and battled giants, then went even farther north and continued adventuring. While there we found a portal to Oerth, and a number of people, including Chicken, passed through it and adventured on that world for awhile before returning. While he was on Oerth, Chicken lost Robin.
"Fast forward many years, to just a few months ago, when I learned that Robin was actually one of the four legendary Swords of Disco Dancing, the others being the longswords Barry and Maurice, plus the shortsword Andy. They had been enchanted with Wizard magic and had been wielded by the most powerful generals of Saltar. I began my researches, and made contact with people on Oerth. Robin was lost near White Plume Mountain in the Flanaess, and now, thanks to the aid of Lord Malbar, we have pinpointed his current location to be somewhere within the Greyhawk Ruins: a massive dungeon maze originally delved by the mad arch mage Zagyg."
"That is where we would like you to go...to retrieve Robin," adds Ray Jay.
"Oerth? I started my adventuring near the Greyhawk Ruins; in Greyhawk castle. I gather you don't know about any of the other swords? And do you know what Robin does other than dance?"
"We do not yet know where the others are," says Ray Jay. "I will be leaving shortly to continue my researches."
"As for Robin, it was a long time ago," says Razamataz. "He had some standard abilities like detecting magic and things like that. Chicken never apparently was able to activate the other powers that the sword apparently has, like massively increasing his prowess as a leader, blinding, deafening or stunning."
"Cool," Gilstrock says. "When we find Robin, do we get to keep it, or do we have to give it to you?"
"Not to me," says Razamataz, "You can give it to Clarvis. Maybe he'll let you use it, though."
Gilstrock looks at Ray Jay. "What can you tell us about this Clarvis guy? A good guy? Or an ally of necessity like Ratsass... er, like Razamataz here?"
"I have not met him," replies Ray Jay. "He was the lord of Arble, cousin of the last emperor. I have been to Arble a number of times. Under Clarvis' rule it had grown to become the economic and industrial centre of Saltar. Its people seemed happy and loyal. By all accounts he is a fair and just ruler and a shrewd leader."
Gilstrock sighs. "So where is this Oerth place?"
"It is a world near the centre of this galaxy," says Ray Jay.
"Have we been there before?"
"Not since you came aboard," says Robert. "We've been there a number of times in the past...most recently back in '68, I think, when we explored the Temple of Elemental Evil and a space ship."
"That is right," says Malbar. "Oerth is my home."
"Do we have to go through Hell to get there?"
"Definitely not," says Malbar.
"Unless you want to," adds Razamataz.
Shaking his head, Gilstrock says, "But it's just gonna feel weird to be working for Razamataz. I dunno if I'll be able to adjust."
"I agree," says Robert. "Maybe another session at Caterina's would help."
"It seems we will be working for Ray Jay," Drandar says, "If I understand everything correctly, as well as to help the dwarves."
"Correct," says Ray Jay.
"And Emperor Clarvis," adds Razamataz. "If you succeed you will be richly rewarded. He is very generous. I speak from experience."
He smiles.
Drandar then looks at Ray Jay. "Is this the beginning of the end?"
"It may be if we fail," says Ray Jay.
"So he was right, then?" the dwarf asks the mage, "from our conversation, that night?"
Ray Jay nods silently.
Darian comments to no one in particular. "That sounds ominous."
"Is this Robin the same Sword as the Sword in the verse about robes and sceptres and things?" Gilstrock asks.
"No," says Ray Jay. "Robin is a lesser sword. There is another group pursuing the Sword of the Blessed...namely your associates Al, Equinox, Op Code, Vardui and a few others."
"What are you talking about?"
"It's a riddle that Kadlian's group found when they found the Sceptre that Zanax stole from the party that was stolen by that daemon Vrith that Raz ended up and gave to the new Emperor of Saltar. It talked about two other artifacts that belonged to former Emperor's of Saltar. There's a Sword far to the north under some bridge and a Robe far to the east in some city. A bunch of former members of this party and Kadlian's party went after the Sword. Kadlian's party has gone after the Robe."
"Errr...what type of sword is Robin? And what can we expect in this dungeon maze? It doesn't sound very hospitable..."
"And the Black Keep was a summer home?" Drandar says. "I'm ready."
"Robin is a longsword of dancing, but with additional powers. He is extremely chaotic," answers Razamataz. "I did not like him very much. He made a complete fool of Chicken...as if Chicken needed any help in that respect."
"Is one or are all four needed for the ruler of Saltar?" Drandar asks. "and how do we ensure we can get back here when we have found this robin?"+
"Clarvis would like to find all of them," says Razamataz. "Robin is just a start."
"You can teleport back to Earth," says Ray Jay. "There are also several gates linking the worlds."
Darian nods. "Well, everyone's pretty much been quiet except me. I guess we should discuss it amongst ourselves and then give you an answer."
"You may use the dining room downstairs if you wish," says Ray Jay.
"Thank you, Ray Jay."
Darian looks at the others. "Shall we?"
"I'm always up for a dining room," Gilstrock says hopefully.
When you are ready, Ming leads you downstairs to the dining room. It is smaller than the room at Occa's mansion but comfortably furnished. You seat yourselves at the table and Ming leaves you. After a few minutes the old cook comes in with platters of cold meats, spring vegetables, breads and rolls, followed by jugs of beer and wine.
You settle in for a revitalizing repast.
Zanax closes his eyes and starts to meditate.
Darian looks to Drandar.
"Is it something you can share?"
"No, not here, not now."
Darian shrugs. "Fair enough."
Gilstrock's eyes light up as the platters start coming in, and he begins to eat heartily.
His mouth full, he says as bits of bread crumbs fly, "So, we gonna go and work for Raz now? I sorta don't like the idea, but then, we're really working for Ray Jay and this Clarvis fellow. And it sounds like this Clarvis fellow might be a good sort to be working for. I say we do it."
Orlon nods. "I agree with you Gilstrock. I wouldn't trust Raz as far as I can throw him, but I have known Ray Jay for a very long time and I would gladly lay my life down for all of the help he has given this party, no matter who was in it at the time.
"What Raz says about these swords and the adventures is kosher with my memory of events. We are still pursuing the same goal, but different people are involved in the goal now."
Orlon then digs into the food as he is famished.
Darian nods. "If it was anyone other than Ray Jay, I'd walk away. But, Ray Jay has always been on the level. I still don't like that we have to deal with Raz, though. Any chance we could take him out of the picture and still succeed with saving the world?"
Drandar looks around. "I am new with you all, but if what Ray Jay has said is true, then we must go after this Robin and quickly. I am ready."
Moments later, Zanax opens his eyes and begins to wolf down food like a man who hadn't eaten in weeks. He pauses for a moment to look at looks up at the party. "I just wanted to thank all of you for rescuing me. I will forever be in your debt. Oh, by the way, I'll be volunteering to go to Oerth."
He then continues to eat.
"What about Kadlian and his crew? They were very concerned about you when they found out what had happened to you."
Zanax pauses in mid-spoonful and nods "I will contact Kadlian later today to let him and the others know I am alive again and to apologize. Do any of you want me to relay a message to him?"
"Well, you probably should tell him what Ray Jay said about the Robe. That it will not be revealed until the Sword is found. And that Al, Equinox and a few others went after the Sword. You might also want to get status from him and report it back to Ray Jay."
Emm doesn't say anything. He just sits there looking angry.
Drandar speaks. "Do not stew Emm. I am sure that Ray Jay and the others will restore your friend. Anger leads to fear, and fear to hate," he says, taking a large mug of ale to wash down a plate of meat.
"I wonder if he has spam?"
"Occa, do you plan on aiding them in their search?" Lo asks. "If so, then I am under oath to join you and If we go, might we visit those magic pools you offered earlier so I would be at maximum efficiency?"
"Gil," Lo adds, turning to the warrior. "I noticed in the party items a dagger with a tag with your name on it, I take it that you no longer use it, what does it do and may I use it?"
Once you have dined and decided, you head back upstairs to Ray Jay's study.
Razamataz and Godfrey Neutralbody have departed, it seems, and only the arch-mage and Malbar are here now, sitting together in a couple of overstuffed armchairs by the unlit fireplace, talking in low voices.
Ray Jay looks very old, you think.
"Well," he says, noting your presence, "Have you made a decision?"
"We're going. Or at least, those that spoke out are going. Where's the closest portal to Oerth?"
"That is the Greyhawk Gate, over the Mountains of Nlad and west up the Canabar Valley," replies Lord Malbar. "I can guide us there."
"Any way to teleport to the portal to get us there quicker? It sounds like the dwarves don't have much time."
"No. The DM wants us to walk."
Zanax pipes in, "Only because we're 18 days behind the PBEM game!"
Gilstrock says, "That's nothing. We're months behind the EARTH Game!"
Suddenly self-conscious, he adds, "Err, whatever that is."
"That sounds ominious," the dwarf says.
"It sounds like this DM person has no regard for dwarven lives."
"Lets stop talking and start walking," Drandar says.
"I'll need to get some equipment before we leave," says Zanax.
"Me too," grumbles Emm.
"Occa...or Occa's clone...can you take us to the mansion first so that I can recover my equipment? And what happened to the being who stole my body?"
"Isn't she imprisoned by that key thing?" says Robert, "Who has it?"
Ray Jay points to the key on the corner of his desk, where Razamataz had set it.
"If you have any ideas as to what to do with her, let me know," he comments. "I was thinking about sending her off to a world I have heard of, named Kol. I understand that there is a neurotic cavalier there whom I think she would just drive batty."
When you are ready you bid farewell to Ray Jay, agreeing to meet back in the morning to set out on your journey.
Upon leaving his tower, Emm hears a familiar voice from his scabbard.
"I just had the funniest dream!"
He notes that Bubba is back.
You return to Occa's house and make preparations to depart for Oerth.
Zanax retrieves his equipment.
Zanax puts on his plate mail, straps on his frost brand and dagger, his Boots of Elvenkind and Rings of Invisibility and Shooting Stars. Hefting his large shield, he says, "OK...let's roll!"
"Occa, if you get the chance, can you tell me more about this Ring (indicating the Ring of Shooting Stars). I know it can shoot sparks and light up creatures with Faerie Fire, but I don't know the other abilities."
Looking at the other ring in his pouch, he comments, "I wonder if we'll face a water elemental in this place we're going..."
Gilstrock is going to take Salaam up on his offer of burying the vial with Virith in it underneath Salaam's temple. If Salaam wants to make it his problem, Gilstrock's not going to complain!
Salaam takes it and places it under a permanent Protection from Evil spell in his room in Occa's house until he can bury the vial in the foundation of the temple when they begin to build it.
Lo takes two magical knives from the treasury and puts in 10 regular shurikens as well as 4 silvered ones. He passes on Gilstrock's old dagger and he purchases a crossbow and bolts.
After his shopping trip, he approaches Occa again and says, "are we going to Oerth? And if so, will we make that tour of the pools as you suggested earlier?"
Occa grabs Lo and teleports away.