"Shall we visit Magda's before heading to Lord Billian's?" Niko asks anxiously.
"No....we don't want to have to rush an arch-mage. They aren't all nice like me. Let's go to Lord Billian's."
"Also, Occa, when we have the chance could I prevail upon ya to train me in my mage studies?"
"Get in line."
"As soon as he finished training me, Niko. I'm not going to let him off the hook."
"Perhaps he can train us simultaneously then."
Merdwin decides to make full use of the rooms. So he looks for mints and other obviously free things and then decides to take a bath. He takes a long sigh and hearing Occa's conversation on mage training he decides to listen in for some pointers.
Niko decides to take a bath and shave...not that elves really have much to shave! In the morning, he'll go get a haircut and some clean clothes. He's interested in impressing the ladies of Mestom!
"Speaking of training," Emm interjects, "my brief time with you has made me all to aware that I need to add to my training, both with this bow and with the rest of my skills. Therefore, I may have to ask for my share of the spoils so that I can afford both the training and the travel to join you when it is done. Perhaps I can meet you at the same location where Madame Jessie will be staying. That is if you still wish me to accompany you on your travels," he adds.
"I can help you with the bow, so there's no need to leave the group. What kind of training do you need? We've got someone from every type of adventuring skillset here."
"I hadn't though of that as a possibility," concedes Emm. "Let me think about your kind offer."
Darian shrugs. "Take as long as you like. We tend to do it this way, if possible, so that we don't have to pay all that money. And we don't have to take too much time off. It does have its downsides, though. I still haven't finished my mage training because of the interruptions."
Emm purchases two drinks and carries one over to Gonzo. "Care for an ale?"
When you are ready, you gather up your things and head over to Lord Billian's city residence. It is already a hot morning, and the streets are busy with people trying to get their errands done before the heat becomes any more oppressive.
Billian's city home is a townhouse behind a high wall in a fancy part of Casablanca. As you approach the gate leading into the courtyard, you see a crowd of beggars milling about. The gate opens, and two servants step out. One distributes coins to the waiting beggars, while the other hands out breads, rolls and fruits.
The beggars make way for you as you walk up to the gate and introduce yourselves.
"The arch-mage Occa," one of the servants says. "His Lordship awaits you."
The servant leads you all in to the paved courtyard. A swimming pool is in the centre and towards the back. Off to one side, partially screened by potted trees, palms and bushes, is a roofed in patio area, comfortably furnished with rattan chairs and tables.
Sitting in this area are two men.
The first and foremost is Lord Billian. He is perhaps in his late third decade, and has rich dark hair and flashing dark eyes. His smile is cultivated and appears to be genuine. He is richly dressed in loose flowing robes. There is certainly a noble air about him.
He stands when the servant announces you.
The other man, sitting at the back of the patio in the shadows is the arch-mage Razamataz. You remember him. You killed all his dragons.
He scowls at the lot of you, and does not rise.
"Occa, and the rest of you," Billian says. His voice is strong, and has a deep, penetrating timbre. You can see why people respect him. "We have fought each other for too long. It is time to put aside our differences, because I think we are both working to achieve the same goal."
As Lord Billian rises, Varlen bows deeply, showing the proper respect for a man of Lord Billian's station. As he raises his head, he looks about the room, surveying it with a slightly disapproving look upon his face.
Billian acknowledges Varlen with a glance of recognition.
Darian grins back at Razamataz, his hand on his sword. "Try it... You won't like it."
Razamataz continues to scowl.
Darian grins wider, but says nothing.
Niko, who doesn't recognize Razmataz, whispers to Darian, "Who's the other human? He doesn't seem to like you guys. What did ya do, sink his ship or something?"
Darian whispers back. "The person we thought was behind everything... The pirates, the dragons and everything else we've faced. Used to be a friend of Stiff's. Went over to follow that demon's master."
Niko whispers again, "Think he knows how to get Salaam back?"
"Perhaps."
When Billian speaks, Niko merely watches warily and curiously, although, his hand does brush against his cutlass, as he checks the area for traps.
Merdwin turns to John and Ric. "I hope ye be as lost as I am about this entire endeavor. We are truly in a power game. If we can't get any soon we may be washed away in the tide."
Occa gives Merdwin a look that says, "Shut up."
Darian moves over and places his hand over Merdwin's mouth and whispers into his ear.
Merdwin shuts up.
Darian turns back to Billian.
"And what would that be, Sir?"
Billian ignores Darian, and concentrates his gaze on Occa.
Darian shrugs.
Occa says to Lord Billian, "Pleased to meet you."
He listens to his words and says, "Perhaps we are working toward the same goal. Perhaps you can tell us what your goal is?"
Occa does not even acknowledge Raz.
"To save the world, of course. Or, at least, to overthrow those who would destroy it," replies Billian.
Occa says, "Well, perhaps we are working toward the same goal. How do you propose we work together?"
"In the first place, we must stop fighting each other," Billian replies. "I can understand your reasons for doing what you have done. My people have treated the elves grieviously, and Lord Valdar was quite justified in requesting your help. But, through no fault of his own, his actions could have caused more harm than they cured, had he been quicker to act. Fortunately, by the time your party became a factor, we had already achieved most of our aims."
He sighs.
"Revolutions are expensive propositions."
Occa says, "I see. So tell me more of this revolution. We aren't clear on all of the enemy or even who the enemy may be. A good example is Raz there...we thought him to be our enemy, but now find he is working toward the same goal. It might help us if we know who is with us and who is against us. That way we won't wander about killing each other."
Billian nods.
"Agreed. Our common enemy are the people - if that is what they are - who are now ruling Mestom. They have begun a war of conquest. Their ultimate aim is to gain control of all of Central Amrica...from the Elven lands and Nlad on south. After that, who knows where they will move next?"
Occa nods. "Maybe that is where we should look next."
Billian pauses.
"My aim is somehwat more limited. While the powers of Mestom are otherwise engaged in wars of conquest, I intend to wrest control of Casablanca from their grasp...and regain the crown that is rightfully mine."
"Who is in control now?"
"No one is quite sure as to who is in control of the Empire," Billian says. "The person who led the coup was supposedly the bastard son of the deposed Emporer's brother. But, there are rumours circulating that he is merely a puppet. If so, the real rulers have kept themselves virtually invisible."
He drops his voice and adds, "There are other stories that these people are not people at all...but rather creatures from the lower planes. Whatever or whoever they are, they command powerful magics."
"Occa, do you suppose that's why teleportation and scrying don't work?"
"It has to be something like that to be able to affect such a huge area. There must be a source, though."
"That is exactly the reason," replies Billian, hearing Darian, and speaking directly to him for the first time. "The mages of the land have never encountered the like. Many of their spells have been rendered useless. But, it has enabled the new rulers to make their preparations for war unobserved by the prying, scrying eyes of the outside world. Powerful men and creatures are guarding the borders of the Empire, also. Anyone trying to either get in or get out is slain...then questioned afterwards."
He turns back to Occa.
"As for the local ruler, he is called the Minister. I have met him once. He keeps a very low profile. Fortunately," he concludes with a smile, "Casablanca does not require much governing."
Occa says, "I see."
He pauses and then asks, "Finally, what is your relationship to him? To the dragons that were terrorizing that village in the North? I can understand the pirates since you needed money to finance your revolution, but what of the dragons?"
"The dragons were Razamataz's idea. He developed an affinity for them, after he lived on Tiamat's home plane for awhile. We assumed that once the pirates started raiding that the elves would divert their trade to the land route up the coast, so we wanted to be ready for that eventuality."
Suddenly Razamataz smiles...or at least scowls a little less.
"Too bad they are all dead, I guess."
Razamataz's scowl returns full force.
"So, how goes your revolution? Or hasn't it started yet?"
"Preparations are under way. Equipping and positioning my forces is a time consuming...and expensive...proposition."
"Oh, and the big year end celebration fast approaching us?"
"What is that?"
"Oh, probably a false rumor. So, what other forces do you have? You mentioned us working together. How do you propose we do that? Or are you just asking us to stop trying to kill your people?"
Billian smiles.
"That would be a good place to start."
At that moment a servant appears, pushing a small wheeled cart. On it are carafes of iced drinks, platters of sliced fruits and plates of fresh sweet pastries. Billian pauses, while the servant lays them out on one of the tables for your perusal, and withdraws.
At last, he continues.
"At this point I see two ways that we might aid each other. First, any extra distraction that diverts the gaze of the Empire from this region would be appreciated, though I think that now that their war of conquest has actually begun, their attentions will be on that, anyway. Still, you are not going anywhere outside of Mestom, and so if you wish to embark on a career of mayhem in this land, you have my blessing.
"But there is another task that I, personally, would prefer for you to undertake," Billian continues, in a lower voice. "It regards the retreival of a family heirloom...a symbol of the old kings of whom I am the last living descendent. It is a sword...an old sword...not even magical...but its power lies in its symbolism to both me, my family, and the people of this city. You see, my great-grandfather, King Nilonem, slew the general of the invading armies of Mestom with it, some three hundred years past. It was all for naught, as the enemy was victorious anyway, and Nilonem was captured and put to a slow death through impalement. As punishment for being killed, though, this general - whose name was Ratgor - was granted the dubious honour of neverending unlife, and charged with guarding the sword that slew him, for all eternity. Many of his officers were likewise put to death and then raised as undead, and the lot of them banished to a dismal castle in the southern jungles, where they guard the blade to this day.
"Defeat Ratgor and his minions and bring me back the blade," concludes Billian. "I am already popular with the people, and the sight of Nilonem's sword will provide me with the ultimate rallying point. The people will rise up with me, and we shall throw off the shackles of Mestom domination. We shall make war with them next, attacking their undefended rear. Beset by enemies on two fronts, their invasion will wither, and the states currently under attack or set to be attacked will surge forward and defeat the Empire."
He pauses, his eyes bright.
"What do you think?"
Gilstrock wakes up.
Wacking the side of his head with the heel of his hand, he says, "Whu?" He groans. "Oooohhhh, too much beer last night."
He looks up and around, seeing a number of faces that he doesn't recognize. "Um, sorry, musta lost my group, don't wanna...."
He trails off as his eye falls on Darian. "Darian?" He looks around. "And Occa, and Gonzo, and Niko, and Emm, and, gee, I guess I am in the right place."
He looks at the sundry newcomers, and then back at Darian. "Um, Darian, did we pick up a bunch of new guys when I wasn't looking?"
"You had too much to drink last night, buddy. They kind of adopted us. And Jesse's still here. She's just being uncharacteristically quiet."
Jesse smiles weakly. "I was getting set to leave and spend time at Occa's and now learn that is impossible for the moment. I'm considering opening a shop here in Casablanca for the time, to offer a second home for our group, since it seems that until whatever happens happens, I'll be unable to get to Sandas. As for Salaam, it is true that he needs to be rescued, but I have to add the following observation. Before Darian and I became close, Salaam and I were exploring things... then he left and let that Al take his place. In recent weeks, however, he seemed to not be the Salaam I knew, more rude, arrogent and more like Al... I wonder..." the bard says softly.
"Jesse, you don't dare open a shop here. They hate elves in this city. You're safer with us than left here alone. If we can teleport back to the island, we can hook up with Hardboard. You can stay on the ship if you're positive you won't stay with us."
"That is an option," replies Jesse. "I'll have to think more on it, since it seems that there may be no way to get back to Sandas for a while," the bard says "However, having made my mind up, it can be difficult to face change."
"Jesse, if you're really serious about setting up a shop, I can help ya. I've got some contacts down at the docks and other ports. Just let me know what kinda business you're interested in, ok?"
He looks back to the newcomers.
"Name's Gilstrock," he says, by way of introduction.
"Hello Gilstrock. The name is Merdwin."
"So what's going on?" the warrior asks.
After realizing that Lord Billian and Razmataz are responsible for the loss of his ship and crew, Niko's clearly angry...he's turning beet red!
The thin young man looks at the plates piled high with food and shakes his head slightly.
"Who is to say that you will be a better leader than the present government?" John asks, nonchalantly.
"I could be no worse."
Merdwin nods in agreement. He then waits until some one lets him talk again.
"Better is more important, sir!" John replies.
At the mention of the legendary sword, Varlen shifts his attention from the mounds of food back to Lord Billian. A sense of hope seem to come to his face. However, this look quickly fades at the mention of Ratgor and the other undead. He looks nervously about at those whose acquaintance he has so recently made. While his face is not filled with fear, it is clearly filled with doubt.
Darian grimaces. "Do you have any experts in this city on the problems of teleportation and scrying? Any idea when it started?"
"'Do I have any experts'?" says Billian. "I do not rule this city...yet. Nor do I sit on the council of Mages."
"I'm sorry if I offended you. I assumed that you had friends in the city that might study such things."
"I do have friends. But I must be careful where and how I act, and what questions I ask, for the ears of the empire are everywhere. I am a merchant, remember?" Billian says, "And you did not offend me."
"And aren't the borders of Mestom fairly long? How is the Empire able to maintain such a guard?"
"I do not know. They do not make me privy to their secrets."
Darian nods. "Do you know the size of the Mestom army?"
"It was large before the emporer was overthrown, but mainly used for internal security. Now that the press gangs are out it must be far larger."
Varlen looks questioningly at those who seem to accepted him so readily into their company.
Darian looks at the others and shrugs. "It sounds like Mestom will be, if not already is, attacking Nlad. Seems we need to help somehow. But, Lord Billian, how many men can you put towards this war? Casablanca is a large city, but it's not that large..."
"Casablanca is 60,000 people. There are as many again in the regions around the city." He pauses. "I am a realist. I know that we cannot hope to take on the entire empire and win. What I want to do is to bloody their nose sufficiently so that they will acknowledge the independence of Casablanca."
Darian shrugs. "And the dragon and pirates and all that was for this. Your plans are quite intricate, Lord Billian."
"And even then I am sure that they are not intricate enough."
Occa says, "I think we might be able to do that. Since we can't leave, that might work. However, I am not sure it is the best use of our time...we can wreak a great deal of damage in other areas."
Billian nods.
"That is true."
Ricblane strokes his invisible beard for a while and then speaks, after Lord Billian is finished.
"Forgive me, a mere servant of Fate, for interjecting here. As I recall from my teaching, there is a curse associated with that sword, that none of the Nilonem line may hold it, and that as long as the sword is in existance, Casablanca will be doomed to be subjucated by Malstrom." The man paces, "It seems therefore, it would be in your best interest to have the sword destroyed, rather than take the chance that the curse is true. Mayhaps if the sword is retreved, it could be destroyed in the town square in a rather colorful display, thus elimiating the sword and the curse."
Looking at the Lord, "As you know, people's perceptions are quite powerful, and even if the curse is not true, the fact that people believe it gives it life and power, so to break the curse, destroy the sword and the people will probably follow you."
"I am aware of the curse," replies Billian, "But I do not believe in it. I think that it was a device of the Mestom, to keep my family and my people subjugated. However, if destroying the sword will win the support of the people then I will destroy it, as you suggest.
"First, though, I need the sword."
"My point, Lord Billian, is not whether you believe in the curse per se. It is the fact that the people believe in the curse. To get people to follow you to 'rebel' so to speak, would require you to do something clear and visible to break that believe. Since the curse states that Casablanca will not be free until the sword is destroyed, it seems pretty clear what needs to be done," the man says.
"However, I think it would be interesting to understand this fate more."
Occa says, "If it is just the belief of the people then you could just break a false sword. In a land of magic, I don't think I would disbelieve that this sword could have some powerful mojo attached to it."
"I will ponder my choices when I acquire the sword," says Billian. "As for just breaking a fake one to appease the people, I would not stoop so low as to mislead those whose support I need."
Occa says, "No offense, but you consort with demons and evil dragons, so I have been making the assumption that the means justify the ends with you. Besides, I wasn't suggesting such a tactic...I expect the sword does have a curse attached to it. A very real curse."
Billian glances again at Razamataz.
"HE consorts with demons and dragons...albeit on my behalf," he admits. "However, there is a difference between dealing with such creatures in the sense of conducting a business deal, if you will; and in playing petty tricks on people who would have you as their king."
Occa nods. "A good point."
"Indeed, Fate often attaches significance to such items, and I for one, do not doubt the curse exists on the sword and on your family. I suspect the only way to break the curse is to destroy the sword. To do so in a public fashion would help to spread the word and allow others to see the curse is broken," Ricblane says.
"What puzzles me is the wording of the curse, and that is something I wish to ponder more. Do you know the wording of the curse Lord Billian?" Ric asks.
"The exact words? No. My great-grandfather did not write them down," he replies, somewhat dryly.
Ricblane sighs, "From what I have been told and been taught, Ratgor's curse upon Nilonem's family, made with his last, dying gasp was that as long as the sword exists, Casablanca will remain subject to Mestom, and no descendent of Nilonem will ever rule it...or weild the sword and live."
Looking around he spreads his hands wide, "A curse from a dying man, made with a dying breath is often a very powerful curse. It seems to me that you cannot live if you touch the sword, and that as long as the sword is around, Casablanca will be subjucated by Mestom. As a resident of this town, I would love nothing more than freedom from Mestrom, but I also believe very strongly in the fact that this curse was uttered."
"It is critical that we learn the exact wording of this curse, or else, it could prove very difficult to break it."
"Then perhaps you should go to the man who originally spoke those words," says Billian thoughtfully.
"I intend to, Lord Billian." replies Ricblane, "I intend to."
Occa says, "Well, we will discuss it. However, what will help our discussions is the answer to a simple question, what is in it for us?"
He pauses and says, "I hate to sound so mercenary, but you are a business man."
Billian smiles.
"I understand. What is it you want?"
Occa says, "Maybe I should discuss this with the group."
"We can resume this discussion at this time tomorrow," says Billian. "Will that give you time enough?"
"Yes."
Occa seems to ponder on it. "We will have to discuss it. What will our mutual friend Raz here be working on? Also, do you know how the teleporters work between the temple where your pirates are at and here? Do you have a means of getting back there?"
"Razamataz will be with me," says Billian firmly. "As for the temple teleporters, I do not know how they work. They are ancient Wizard magic, and more powerful than even the powers that the current rulers of Mestom weild.
"I know of the location of another such temple with a teleporter...here in Mestom," he adds.
Occa says to Billian, "Do you know where the teleporter in this other temple goes? May be a good way to open a supply chain."
"It goes back to the other temple."
Occa says, "Ah, so, do you have control of that temple then?"
"I did," answers Billian. "Until you came along."
"I am talking about the one in Mestom. Also, speaking of the other temple on the island, do you know where that demon took our friend Salaam?"
"I control the temple here," replies Billian. He then glances at Razamataz.
"I know," the arch-mage replies abruptly.
Occa says, "Well? Where is he?"
Razamataz smiles.
"What's in it for me?" he says, in a fairly good imitation of Occa.
Occa smiles and says, "Our eternal gratitude, of course. I will even take you off my 'must kill' list."
"You'll have to do better than that!"
Occa smiles and says, "What do you want? He doesn't mean that much to me, but does have some measure in this group."
"Well, he means even less to me," snorts Razamataz. Then, a speculative look comes into his eye. "I want Stiff," he says. "Barring that...Neemar."
To Raz, Occa says, "Your terms are a bit too much. All I want to know is where Salaam is. I will fetch him myself. I cannot trade you Stiff for him, although if you can trade him, then that means you have him. Is this the case?"
Razamataz scoffs at Occa.
"Where did you get that idea? I'm looking to trade you Stiff for some information."
"Well, set a different price, I cannot trade what is not mine to give, not that I would be willing to trade people if I could."
"Well, make me an offer, then!" says Razamataz right back. "And make it better than your last one!"
"Let me think on it."
"We shall return tomorrow."
Occa tries to move the group out.
BIllian bids you good day, and a servant escorts you out.
As he takes his leave, Varlen bows once again to Lord Billian. From the formality of his actions and his manner while within Lord Billian's presence, you get the sense that Varlen has spent time amongst the nobility and upper classes.
Then finds the nearest empty alley and has Niko activate "Paradise" so that the group can talk in private.
"I counsel against the use of Paradise in this situation," suggests Emm. "Although I suspect you want to talk without the possibility of being overheard, I think we should save paradise for when we are in true desperation and need of immediate retreat. The problem with magic in this region may prevent scrying on our conversation."
"I don't think it is wise to take the chance."
Emm nods his understanding.
Niko activates Paradise.
Niko's not in favor of helping Lord Billian unless there's some sort of re-imbursement for his earlier loss.
Once in Paradise, Occa says, "The reason I wanted to come here was that he may be able to scry us, himself."
He then sits down and says, "What do you guys think? Should we help Billian out or kill him?"
Merdwin says, "Well all I care about is that Mestom gets out of our affairs and acknowledges our independence." He then looks at all of the party "Just get those oppressive ninnies out of here!"
Merdwin then goes over towards the other less powerful people.
With a look of complete surprise, Varlen stares at Occa.
"What do ye mean kill him? How did that become one of our options? As far as I am concerned our decision should be about do we help Lord Billian in his attempt to restore Casablanca to its original form of government or not."
Occa says, "You don't know who this guy's allies are. Try Tiamat and Set to begin with. Maybe that is just Raz, but they are in a bad group and they may be using Billian. Of course, he may be telling the truth...a tough decision."
Merdwin says, "Hold on. Who are Tiamat, and Set? And why did that bad wizard want someone named Stiff?"
"Tiamat is the goddess of evil dragonkind and if I recall correctly, Set is a fell deity from an old pantheon, certainly not from this part of the world," John replies.
Ricblane looks around at this paradise place before speaking. "If his allies are Tiamat and Set, among others, then it is clear that the fates have destined him for evil, but that does not mean he is without redemption. As fate can change it's hand. However, the goal to free Casablanca would be excellent. It is almost free now."
"Freeing the city would be good."
"What bothers me, however, is his belief that the curse will not affect him. I think it will, and if he were to possess the sword, I suspect bad things would come of it. However, obtaining the sword might be a worthy goal at this juncture and then having possession of it will serve as a sign, and a bargaining chip," the man adds.
Occa says, "We don't even know if he is of that family line. He may be working to gain the sword because it does have power, or it will give him power over this city. I would hate to think that we handed over the city to the forces that are taking this world."
"He offers to bargin. Why, I wonder? I suspect there is something deeper going on here and we have only entered the tip..." the man says, lost in thought...
"Why? Myabe because it is easier to get us to work for him than take the energy to do away with our group. I don't know."
He pauses. "Maybe the best thing for the city is to regain the sword and destroy it ourselves...and not give it to Billian."
"He may be able to find this friend of yours, Salaam is it?" John replies. "As to killing him, I agree his methods of subverting the government are not lawful, but is he more valuable alive or dead?" John asks Occa.
"And how do you subvert a government lawfully, John?" Ric asks, "Especially a totalian state."
"No, in a democratic state, where people can vote for their officials, such a 'takeover' can happen. So, there are at least two forms of government that can be replaced through lawful means. And please do not misinterpret my words, Ric, but law can apply to evil as well as good. So, a chaotic government overrun by evil rebels, but lawful in their approach would be in my realm of explanation as well," John replies to Ric.
Occa says, "Let's not start a discussion on philosophy again! At least until we decide our next move..."
"As you wish," John replies, ceasing his banter with Ric.
Occa says, "I don't know."
"I know I am new here, but my suggestion is such, leave Billian alive and it seems the mage and you have an unpleasant history. You might want to settle that now, never good to leave an enemy alive," he says with a smile. "If we search for this Salaam, then we go, if not, recovering the sword might be a good idea as well, at least for a bigger bargaining piece as Billian would probably trade the sword for breaking ties with the mage and then you can do what you will with him without interference from Billian and his revolutionaries. You may be a powerful mage, but it is difficult to cast spells when you are being pummeled by a mob of people."
John ends with that interesting thought.
Occa says, "What do the rest of you think? We have a couple of different paths. The first is help Billian regain the sword. The second is try to find Salaam. The third is to move on Billian and Raz."
"I could care less about Billian. I want Raz dead, though. He's going to keep causing trouble for us otherwise."
"Yeah, brother!" Gilstrock says, holding up a hand to high-five Darian.
Darian high-fives Gil.
"And I don't understand Billian's plan of raising money by attacking Lord Valdar's country with the dragons and pirates. There were far easier ways of raising money. I mean, you had to pay all the creatures that they used for this help. Plus, appease two gods and give them whatever they want."
"Yeah, I'm with Darian here. Now, you new guys gotta know, I'm not really the brains of this outfit. I let Occa and the guys make policy. But Ratzass, he's bad news. I dunno that we wanna be gettin' in bed with himi and this Billian fellow. I mean, if he's gonna hire dragons and demons and things, what should we think when he wants to hire us?"
Gilstrock shakes his head. "I don't like it. Maybe it's necessary, but politics isn't my think. I'll go along with what you guys want, but I'm under protest if we're working with Bilge and Ratzass."
"I think we need to get to the bottom of what is causing the teleportation and scrying problems. Mestom is likely attacking Nlad or on the verge of it and Nlad is going to need all the help they can get."
Ric looks intent for a moment, "We need the sword." he says simply.
Looking about at the others, Varlen says, "While my opinion may count for less amongst the majority of ye, since it is obvious that ye have been together for quite some time, and are clearly much more experienced in such matters than myself, I would prefer to try and retrieve the sword. To me, it appears that until the sword is retrieved and destroyed, Casablanca will lie under Mestom's control."
"The simplest option that I, John, or any of the other recent additions can do is to get the sword. I mean how hard could a spectre of a fallen warrior be? Besides Hell is not a viable option for us. I speak for all of the younger and less experienced when I say that this undead warrior sounds to be thesimplest option. The others would probably get us killed with such blatantly powerful evils."
"Salaami," says Robert. "If he is in the hells - where I once battled Razamataz - then I would not want to leave him there any longer than possible."
Occa says, "You are right. We should do whatever it takes to find our friend and our treasure. So, I propose that we ask Lord Billian to help us regain Salaam. Once he has, we can help him find the sword."
Occa looks to see what everyone thinks.
"Works for me, I have yet to see another world. I cannot wait," John says with a faraway look.
Occa says, "I also want to figure out what is going on with Mestom. However, I can't reconcile the fact that we have a friend, a comrade at arms, who has fallen in battle beside us, and we are proposing NOT helping him."
He pauses and says, "Perhaps it is time for this group to fragment yet again. As annoying as Salaam was, I feel I must go after him. If the rest of the group wishes to search out the temple and find the sword, I will do my best to catch up when I can if any wish to accompany me, I would welcome the help, although I expect the danger to be very great."
"I am confused about one thing," interjects Emm. ""The demon that took Salaam was guarding the exit from the temple. Did Raz put him there or did someone else put him there? If it was Raz, then he must know where Salaam is. If it was not Raz, then we need to find out who. I think only then can we decide if splitting up is the right thing to do."
Merdwin says "Great and what are John, Ric, and I supposed to do while you guys romp through hell? That is suicide for us and although I am fully for saving a friend, there is no reason to kill myself to meet a man I have never met. I fully assure you if I could cast more powerful magics and take more than a few hits from any weapon I would come."
Ricblane laughs. "I have just joined your little band, as it were, and if you don't mind me tagging along, I'd be willing to follow you to rescue your friend," the man says, "Besides, you might be in need of what little help I can provide."
Merdwin looks sorrowful. "Then all I have to do is say good bye. It seems all of you have ensured your deaths. And we are so young. Alas all I can do is bid farewell to the world I hold so dear to my heart and say goodbye to the people that I have held so dear. Eat, drink and be merry friends, for tomorrow we die."
"To explore another plane or planes, I will go. Alas, I am not as skilled as the rest of you and would probably die without better weaponry or protection," John says, "I am still up to the task though."
Merdwin says "I admire your bravery John. But might I mention we don't have better armor or better weapons. Maybe sometime far in the future we could go. But I do say we are not seasoned enough to cast ourselves into another plane especially one of devils, fire, and brimstone."
"Thank you, Merdwin, but with a collection of such seasoned adventurers, I can only assume they have access or have acquired more weapons than they could use, hence may loan something to us. Second, they are called baatzeu not devils. Devil is such a low name for such creatures of power," John replies.
Occa listens to Merdwin go on and on. He seems a bit annoyed. "Don't worry, I will wish you back to life if you die. If I die, Stiff will take care of all of us...I hope. Anyway, we don't know Salaam is in hell..he could be anywhere. That is what we have to find out."
Merdwin says, "Okay great. I'm all for staying with the group and shutting up unless I totally object."
"Merwdin, I want to apologize for silencing you during our talks with Lord Billian. You didn't understand the ramifications of what you were saying. Please, feel free to speak your mind, just choose carefully when you do it."
Varlen listens to the other three new members worry about dying, an unconcerned look upon his face. Finally, once the furor seems to have died down, he speaks again.
"While I would much prefer to set out in search of the sword which could possibly release Mestom's hold upon my home, I realize that I lack the experience to undertake such an endeavor by myself.
"As I said earlier, I have just begun my search for enlightment. Now it appears as if my path to such enlightment has brought me to all of ye. Clearly Forseti believes that there must be something that I can learn from all of ye, so I will go with ye. I will help ye find thy lost companion, for to do otherwise would be wrong."
Occa says, "Thank you Varlen."
When Occa suggests scouring sundry lower planes in search of Salaam, Gilstrock says, "Yeah, I can get behind that! Our comrad, taken away, even if he was a bit of an idiot with that blade barrier. But we gotta go help him! I'm with you, Occa, I'm goin' after Salaam."
Niko stays uncharacteristically quiet during most of the discussion. "Occa, having just found out that Lord Billian and this Raz scum are the source of my misfortune and the loss of my crew, I am not favorably disposed to help them. At least not without making them suffer somewhat! Breaking Lord Billian's sword in front of him should suffice," Niko says with a smug smile. "Oh, and getting Salaam back, too."
"I do agree that we probably should stop Mestom from conquering the world and find out who's the power behind it, regardless. To that end, I'm still willing to create whatever havoc is necessary to disrupt Mestom's little war!"
"Oh, and Occa. Could I ask you to Identify this ring for me. As best as I can determine, it is of the alteration type magic, but I could not figure out what it can actually do. It can wait, though, if it will exhaust you for tomorrow's meeting with Lord Billian."
"Occa, we go after Salaam, no matter what it takes, but I believe we can use Raz to this end. If we tell Billian the only way he gets our help is if we get Salaam back, then he must make a choice between us and Raz."
"That is what I was thinking. Let's tell him that tomorrow. Everyone, get a good nights rest...no telling where we will be tomorrow evening."
It is late morning when you emerge from Paradise.
You spend the rest of the day resting, praying, writing your wills, purchasing supplies, eating and drinking.