February 12th dawns overcast but not quite so gloomy as yesterday. The sun breaks though the clouds occasionally. The temperature slowly starts to climb towards the freezing mark.
Those of you who spent the night at the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf awaken to find that a note has been slipped under the door to your room. It reads -
"The pleasure of your company is requested for breakfast at 8 so that we can plan the next steps and make sure we are in agreement as to a proper course of action. All will be explained then.
Audrey (for Rage)"
When you head out to the common room Luthus the innkeeper directs you into the same private dining room that you had your meeting in yesterday.
Those of you who slept elsewhere last night are also pointed towards the same room by Luthus when you arrive.
In the dining room a large spread awaits you. You find bowls of steaming porridge, plates of eggs, bacon, sausages, blood pudding, kidneys, pancakes, kippers and fried mushrooms and bread. There are also several different types of fresh breads and rolls, butter, marmalade and honey; maple syrup and home-made chili sauce. Finally, you also see pots of hot tea and coffee, milk and cream; and for those less adventurous types, jugs of water.
A large fire blazes in the hearth, taking the early morning chill off of the air.
Everyone is present (except the treants) for the first time since yesterday afternoon. The blink dogs look hung over, though.
"Now THIS is breakfast!" the elf says as he smiles as the varied spread before him. He takes a plate and starts piling up bacon, eggs, rolls, and syrup. He grabs himself a cup of coffee, adds a splash of milk and sits at a table to eat. He ignores everyone while he consumes his breakfast, he eats as if he has not eaten in weeks. After a third helping, he finally pushes away his near empty plate and sighs. "Mmm, that was good!"
Aron pours himself a cup of tea, takes a roll and sits down.
Dor fills a plate to overflowing. Sitting next to Logan, Dor begins to wolf down his breakfast.
"Prty gud grb, hmmm," he comments.
"Yes, it is a fine meal," Logan says, shaking his head. "What a neanderthal! But I think I am going to have fun with you around!"
He pats the large warrior on the back.
Logan looks for Rage/Audrey. "Good spread, ladies. I have a funny feeling that it's more like a last meal for the convicted than for a job well done," he comments. "Or, maybe its just Rage's bad influence on me that I am getting cynical in my old age?"
He pulls up a chair and sits down with the back of the chair in front of him. "So, what's the word ?"
Kadlian makes sure that all his followers, including the blink dogs, has helped themselves to as much food as they want, before serving himself.
He sits down at a table. "Well, Rage, since you called this meeting, where would you like to start?"
The mage, known to you all as Rage, stands up. She is cleaned up from yesterday, no more blood and gore on her garments. She stares at each of you in turn, quiet and thoughtful as she gazes at you.
"This is Audrey speaking," the woman begins. "The last 48 hours have been, to say the least, traumatic, for all concerned. Between the battle and loss of life, to the abrupt return to Sandas, followed by Zanax's disappearance, and other events, quite a day.
"More importantly, however, there has been several major changes with us," the mage says, slowly, "There are several others, who I did not know of before, as well as Rage, the one with the foul temper has gained in power and ability. It was she, I am sure, who was behind the plot to take the artifact and attempt to use it. I have, as of this moment, secured the agreement of some of us to let you know who is out before speaking, some of the others, I suspect will come to decide to agree or not, and I will continue to work with them and with you to make sure there is less confusion. On the down side, Rage, and another have not agreed. It is this new entity with Rage, that I believe's gives her added power and will make my control more difficult.
"We will strive to keep her in check, but I sense that she is very angry and wishes to release it. She is not angry at anyone in particular, just the world in general. When we begin to act odd, I would suspect that she is influencing the actions of us, and we will try to control her, but until I understand more, I cannot promise anything.
"For now, she is away, busy, I suspect, plotting. What, I do not know. But while she is gone, that allows me to shore up the defenses against her and her anger. Yesterday especially was very traumatic and caused a great loss of control, in fact, I am not quite sure what all transpired."
The mage takes a sip of tea before continuing. "From what I recall, we have another day before we can leave for Hork and our search. In that time, I need Argulhas and Logan to begin to make traveling spell books. They need to copy the most important spells that they can from my main spell books, and not to duplicate each other. That will take them until we leave. I will be gone for the day, on my own errands, but will return this evening, I suspect."
"Done," Logan says to Audrey. "Argulhas, how about you and I spilt up the spells? and since we are working together, do you have a shorter version of your name or a nickname? No offense, but your name just doesn't roll of the tongue."
"We found four traveling spellbooks in the ruins and we decided to wait to get back to camp before we decided to do something with them. Well this is my proposal. Each spellbook will be lent to a group member, namely Rage, Logan, Agulhas and myself. The books remain property of the group though. We may put spells in the books as we feel justified. Any comments?"
"Let's get to it.. and ah, is Sir still with you?" Logan answers, looking around for the offensive cat.
"Why do you ask?" Kailar inquires with a knowing smile.
"Real funny, everyone is a comedian!" Logan says with a surly face. "Let's TRY to be professional here. Hand me a book and let's get it going."
"Logan Obi-Wan. Calm and cool," Audry says. "It will help you. Be mindful of the dangers that tempers lead to, especially in magic."
"Yes, ma'am!" Logan says, taking the rebuke earnestly.
"We need information, and quickly. We need to get all we can on the items of our quest, and need to understand what to do with them. We also need to decide where to house them."
"Questions so far?" the mage says, taking a sip of tea and looking at everyone, Kadlian most of all. "I sense something that I have not felt in a long time."
"What would that be?"
"There is a disturbance, in the force," the mage says cryptically.
"Is someone scrying us?"
"I'm not sure. I have a feeling," the mage says. She mutters a few words, and casts a detect invisibility to scan the room.
"Kailar, can you protect us from scrying?"
Hlarn looks at the mages. "Dispel Magic on the area."
"I detect no invisible creatures in the room, but I cannot shake this feeling," the mage says.
"Thank you for the majority agreement to identify yourself before speaking. That should go a long way in helping alleviate the confusion that has reigned of late."
"What confusion? Oh yea? It's me Erica... I'll try to remember to be good, Mr. Bossman sir," the mage snaps a smart salute. "Oops, Isabella needs me, back to the dry one."
"Thank you, Erica."
"Do you have a name for this new entity or any knowledge of her powers?"
"Ahem. Audrey again. My apologies. I do not know more of this new entity. I will try to keep you abreast of the situation."
"Are you currently unstable?"
"Stability is a relative term. We are stable, more or less. Erica likes to pop out on a whim, and I am not always able to stop her."
"As long as it is not Rage who pops out on a whim."
"She has her purpose, as well," the mage says, "Not that it is easy, but a fact of life."
"I know, but her appearance at the wrong time could bring ruin."
"Contrawise, it may save the day. She harnesses power that others cannot," the mage says.
"Is there something we can do to help keep Rage and this new one in check? Certain words or situations we can avoid?"
"I am not sure. If there is a problem, try to get Isabella out. As a child, she has more power than the others, and will come out for a friend, or to play. It will then allow me to regain control of the situation."
"I understand. Who does Isabella consider a friend?"
"That is something you will have to determine yourself, I am not even sure. Kids can be so fickle. I know she likes Logan, Zanax, Roganna and yourself. She does not like Aron, or Hlarn. She is kind of sweet on Kailar, and our new illusionist is an upcoming star in her book."
"Okay. We know who should try to play with Isabella, then."
Hlarn nods. "From your wording, I take it you want to make certain everyone here knows our mission. That is always a good beginning, but before we get into that, I think we all should be up to date on current events as not everyone was here yesterday. I'll explain what happened yesterday from my point of view, and I'd also like some explainations of other events to which I was absent.
"For those of you who missed it, Kadlian, Kailar and I tried to find Zanax using a combination of Kailar's crystal ball and my locate items spell. Obviously we were not successful. During the course of chasing him, however, Zanax contacted me mentally. He told me he has been ordered by his diety to take the Scepter or Hork because Voshital thinks only ruin may come if Verona holds it. Hork, as some of you might know, apparently holds the nearest temple to Voshital. Zanax himself seemed very suspicious of Verona as well because of the way she treated him the last time they spoke. He didn't go into that, and I'm uncertain of what he was refering.
"After chasing Zanax for as long as my locate items spell worked, we proceeded to Ray Jay's tower and spoke with her. He told us that the Scepter is not only a powerful artifact, but also a powerful symbol. A symbol directly associated with the rule of the Empire of Saltar. It was hidden by the Wizards when that empire ended, and there are apparently legends the empire would be reborn should the item ever be found. The engraving in the Keep of the Dead indicated that as well. As people come to realize these symbols are abroad in the world again, some will rally to restore the Empire, and others will do anything to prevent this from happening. This in itself might be the ruin that Zanax feared.
"Ray Jay however does not think Verona can use the scepter, as it is apparently tuned to something called the Rhior power. I'll let Rage talk more about that if anyone is interested. Apparently it is something mortals can't use, only Wizards.
"The archmage thinks we should now endeavor to find the remaining pieces associated with the Scepter. I agree. Mestrom is certain to see the same engraving we saw, and send their own agents after it as well. It seems Fate has decreed that the time of these objects unveiling is at hand, and we are directly in the middle of it.
"Now, before we get into what we plan on doing in regards to Zanax, and who we will give the Scepter to after retrieving it, I would like to hear what happened after I left yesterday."
He turns to Beauty and Sian. "For one thing, it appears something significant happened when Rage was raised. How did that come about. Did you use my scroll, or did Verona do the deed?"
Umboth shakes his head.
"Verona called on the power of Tyr to raise Rage," he replies.
He turns toward Umboth and asks for the scroll back while he's thinking of it.
Umboth returns it.
"Second, several of Sian and Kadlian's followers went chasing after us. Did they have any other luck?"
Hlarn turns toward Aron. "And likewise do you happen to know what Verona is planning on doing in regards to the Scepter? Has she launched her own group to retrieve it, or is she content to let us do the job?"
Again Umboth shakes his head.
"We saw or heard no sign of Zanax," he says.
"Now, on to our plans. We will all go to Hork in another day or two and then begin to move towards Sandas, seeking Zanax.
"However, one point that was brought up a few times yesterday was how sure are we that Zanax is going to Hork? Kailar, can you check for him in your crystal ball? I know he is invisible, so you cannot actually see him, but if we can what the surrounding area looks like we can at least verify that he is not back in Sandas.
"I'll ask Silverbeard tonight if Zanax is going to Hork."
"We need some way to overcome his invisibility while looking through the crystal ball. Is that one of the things you will be working on today, Audrey? Or is that something that you can research, Kailar?"
"I have to keep a promise to an old friend first," the mage says, "And then onto research of that note, yes."
"Can Kailar do the research in your stead?"
"No, probably not. He would not understand the magics involved. It is nothing against Kailar, just that his training is in a specialized field."
"I understand. I thought invisibility was within the realm of illusionists which is why I asked."
"Invisibility yes. He should study that," the mage says.
Kadlian nods. "I will let you two work that out."
The mage nods.
Kailar scrys for Zanax in the crystal ball, but is unable to form an image.
"Just like in Mestom, Kailar?"
Hlarn responds in part, "Last night I tried to view Zanax using the color pools found on the Astral Plane. For those of you who don't know, they are a natural phenomenon very simular to a crystal ball. However I could not locate him, despite spells used to detect life, locate an object and detect good and magic. I had no way to see about detecting invisibility, though.
"I heard a proposal to have Sian, Roganna and Rage go to meet Zanax while leaving the rest of us back in Hork. I do not think that is wise. If we move, we should move as a group. The same argument weighed against Kailar and I trying to track Zanax while everyone else goes ahead to Hork should apply to this plan as well. If we fear splitting the group, then I do not see how sending Sian, Roganna and Rage to meet Zanax does not fall under this restriction."
"Agreed, with a caveat. There may be a need, and depending on my research, we will need to consider this. I will report more later."
"I would appreciate it."
"I do not wish any of us to harm Zanax in attempting to recover the Sceptre. However, no matter what his feelings or our findings, I believe the Sceptre must be turned over. I want us to come up with, right now, the party member who will be responsible for holding the Sceptre until we can find a more permanent spot for it."
"I think that there is a better idea than that, but again, I need to do some research on some transformation spells," the mage says. "We need to use our assests and our skills, and be more subtle than others."
"Subtlety is not my forte'. If you have an idea, please present it even if you do not have all the details."
"And that is why you are a ranger, and not a mage," the woman replies. "I intend to pull a purloined letter on the scepter, if I can. And sent up a couple of red herrings for others."
Hlarn nods. "A good plan, but remember that the purloined letter was indeed found, and the minister who tried to hide it was quite roughed up in the process, having been mugged and robbed and his home rampaged while those who searched for the document went about their business. I hope that is not the fate you want to put us through," he says, grinning.
"Steganography is something I'm familiar with. However while it is a good first defense, it still is not something we should depend upon in its entirety. The Gods have an uncanny ability to know exactly what is happening in the mortal realm, and spells such as True Seeing, and Locate Object, and Find the Path allow their clerics to reveal all lies and illusions for what they are."
Hlarn responds. "I know some here don't trust me fully, but I still consider myself the best qualified. As a dwarf I'm much more resistant to enemy enchantments than any of you folk. Likewise I'm tough enough that no simple blow will kill me so the device can easily be taken. And finally I have the magical strength needed to prevent the device from being snatched away."
He looks at Beauty and some of the others, "I'm willing to swear whatever oaths you put on me as well regarding its usage or conditions. I hope that by now you at least know I'll keep my word."
"It is not a matter of oaths, or promises, full or empty, Hlarn Meg. We must be more subtle than that. Anonomity is our ally. Not strength. Guile and subtly will win the day. I just need to check some information out."
"What's wrong with strength?" Dor wonders aloud.
"Nothing Dor D'Och, recently of the Baron's Service," the mage says, "When used properly."
"Will you be able to give us more details tonight?"
"I hope so, but like I said, my duty is elsewhere initially," Audrey replies.
"No one doubts your honesty or fervent beliefs or your strength, Hlarn Meg. I do not, however, think that one in the front rows of any fight be the one to carry this item. I am not sure who is best, but we will solve that once I finish my research."
Hlarn nods. "It's a risk no matter who holds it I agree. You mentioned research, perhaps you could give us an idea of what you might have in mind right now and we can weigh in with suggestions you might not yet have considered. I wouldn't want you wasting your time researching something that one of us might knock down with an idea you had not considered."
"That is fine. You have given out assignments for the mages. Hlarn has his work ahead of him. What about Miss Wizbang and Edelle? Both of them are mages. Can they help you?"
The mage strokes her chin.
"Perhaps, perhaps, but we are not on good terms," the woman says. "I would be happy to have their assistance."
"Sally, Edelle, please help the other mages as Audrey asks."
"Actually, if the two of you can copy spells into traveling spell books, that will free Argulhas to do some spell research at the mages guild," the mage says, "Or do you two feel lucky today? We need a little luck."
Edelle looks unhappy at this request, but says nothing.
Wizbang merely looks ill.
"Edelle, Sally, what is wrong? If you do not wish to work with the other mages, say so."
"I suspect that Edelle does not like some of the others of us. Ms. Wizbang is probably suffering from a classic mage's curse. She'll be fine with more water and food. Then again, we did not hit it off well either."
"Copying spells into books is hardly my idea of fun," Edelle replies. "I'd like to take a look around this place. I've never been in a city of Men."
"Well, Edelle," Logan says as his eyes widen in glee, "How about a deal? You and I copy a few spells and tonight, I will take you out on the town. Just you and I in the city of Men?" he offers with a smile.
"Wait until you see Hork. There, you should have plenty of time to look around. I understand that the task is not fun, but it is something that only mages can do. And we need the help in getting the mages' spellbooks up to snuff."
Edelle rolls her eyes.
"Very well. Get it out of your system. Look around Sandas."
The mage shakes her head. "If her mind is not in it, then there is a greater chance of failure. Let her look around the city and get it out of her system. When we get to Hork, there will be less time as we begin to move out," the mage says, "I understand her desire. Will you do me a favor, though and get some material for me? I'll pay you to do my shopping for me, as it were. Is this acceptable?" Audrey asks Edelle
Edelle nods.
"What kind of material?"
"After this meeting, I will provide you with a list and funds." the woman says.
"I can chaperone," Logan says quickly to Audrey with a pleading look.
"Logan, I understand you desire, but we need to focus our energies to expand our material. One important thing is to have extra spell books. It will assist you training," the mage adds, "And you may even learn a new spell or two."
"I understand his desire, too," adds Edelle with a giggle.
Wizbang shrugs, and shakily pours herself another cup of coffee.
"Too much drink last night, Sally?"
Wizbang throws a quick glare at Kadlian, then looks away.
"Perhaps Ms. Wizbang needs to unwind as well, and later we'll get to copying spells."
"Well, go back to bed then. I find that is the best thing for a hangover."
"And the rest of us. What should we be doing? Sian and I still need to be fully healed, but that will not take too much longer."
"Sian, I need his help," the mage says, "You, go listen around, find out what is happening in Sandas."
"Sian has an important, personal errand to run and he needs your help. The rest of us can spread out and find out what is happening in Sandas. Are we looking for anything in particular?"
"I know, I will gladly assist Sian. As for what you are looking for, I wish I knew, we need to know what the pulse of the people is."
Turning back to the others, Hlarn says, "But if it is not to be me, then I'd say the device should go to another fighter and I'll give that person my belt of giant strength. Ironically, Zanax would have been my alternate chose as his automatically repells summoned creatures. Kadlian fights using two blades so the Scepter would hinder him, so I guess Sian would be my next choice besides myself."
Dor looks up from his breakfast. "Hey, let's arm wrestle. I never wrestled someone with giant strength before."
Hlarn smiles. "Two problems. I don't want to hurt you, and my arms are a lot shorter than yours. But once we have some time to train we can have a go at any contest you want and I'll promise to be gentle."
The dwarf gives a good hearty laugh at that and winks at Kadlian.
"Been way too long since our last rough and tumble over at the guild. Last time Drandar and I were the champs. Who knows how things now stack up."
Hlarn casts 5 cure light wounds spells upon you both, always casting them on the one who is most hurt first.
Kadlian is cured for 5 hit points, Sian for 26.
He asks Beauty, Umboth and some other of Sian's followers to help with the healing.
Umboth cures Sian up to full, and Kadlian for 16 hit points.
Melissa cures Kadlian for 9 hit points.
Nuanna then cures the battered ranger for another 16 hit points.
Realizing something, he turns to Umboth. "Will you be needing to train as well? Do you know if there is a temple to your diety in the area?" He turns to Sian. "If you don't have the funds, borrow them from the party fund. We need more trained priests in the group."
"I do not need to train as yet. When I am ready Nuanna will train me."
When you are ready, then, Agulhas, Rage, Logan, Wizbang and Edelle leave. Their destination: the mage's quarter, to purchase spell books, ink and quills.
"Thank you, all."
Kadlian uses one of his cure light wound spells as well, and completes his healing.
Aron looks to Kadlian for orders.
"Rage, when can you send me and how many can you send?" asks Sian of the mage.
"I was planning to come with you," the mage says. "That way I can save a teleport spell when retrieving you later, and will gain access to a second library, I hope, with some other information that may prove critical."
"Didn't know if that was what you had decided. But that is fine," says Sian to Rage.
"As for taking everyone, that depends on how they want to be reduced," the mage says. "If I reduce your group, I believe I can take them all."
"That is up to them, I guess," says Sian as he turns back to his followers, "If you all want to come along that is fine if not I would like you to do what I asked here. I still do need one of you."
"I will stay," says Umboth.
Turning to his followers, Sian asks, "Which one of you knew Seraph the best? I would like you to accompany me."
"I did," replies Nuanna.
"The rest of you stay out of trouble and go enjoy the city. If you get a chance see if you can find a magic weapons dealer who would be interested in buying or selling things. I am not holding my breath so don't worry if you don't find one," says Sian.
Malvis coughs, turns to Rage, and asks, "I need to get the map you wanted this morning from the mapmaker. Will you be here upon my return?" The Illusionist is slightly nervous in front of all these experienced adventurers, and shifts his weight from side to side in excited anticipation of Rage's answer.
"I am not sure, depending on how long your errand takes. I have to go to the Mage's guild and make some other arrangements," the mage says. "How much will you need to cover the cost of the maps? I want the best you can get of this area. I will cover you up to 50 gold pieces, but I would expect they would be less than that."
Hlarn looks up. "Map. Does anyone have a map of Hork and the lands between it and Sandas, or can we get one? I was thinking of using it while I asked my diety for help tonight."
"We have something that shows the Sandas area within a few days walk around Sandas."
Kailar departs.
Kadlian follows.
Hlarn retires to pray.
After everyone else departs, those of you remaining at the inn settle down to relax and recuperate, adventurer-style: you get drunk. The common room is quiet in the morning but the beer is just as good.
Noontime comes and you have lunch. A few other patrons enter the place and do likewise.
An hour after you finish eating, Hlarn joins you, having completed his prayers.
Soon after that two more people enter the place. One is a man and the other is an elf. The latter walks with a distinctive swagger. The man is rather nondescript, but Luthus the innkeeper knows him.
"Lord Robert!" he cries. "'Tis a long time since you were last here. What can I get you?"
"It was only last week, as a matter of fact," the man replies with a smile. "I'll have my usual. What will you have, Niko?"
"An' how is my old friend, Stiff?" continues Luthus, as he draws a jug of draught.
Robert shrugs.
"Good, the last time I saw him. That was three or four months ago. I think he's pretty well retired. Found a castle up north somewhere."
"That's a shame, to hear Stiff's retired. In these times an arch-mage is good to have around."
"Well, we have Occa, now. He's not quite as powerful as Stiff, but hey, an arch-mage is an arch-mage!"
Luthus brings over Robert's beer.
Niko frowns. "Hey! Where's my brandy? And don't be givin' me none of that watered down stuff!"
Elbowing Sian, Aron says, "Maybe the arch mage Stiff would have some information that would help us."
"Comin' right up, sar! Th' best in the th' house!"
Luthus hurries back to the bar and returns a moment later with a snifter of brandy.
Niko smiles as he accepts the snifter takes a gulp of brandy. "Ah...that's better! But where's the bottle?"
Luthus hurries back with the bottle.
Niko gulps down the rest of the brandy in his snifter and then fills it up again.
"I tell ya, Robert, I don't know how ya travel with that Occa and group. The things that ya see and happen are beyond this sailor's worst nightmare. What I wouldn't give for just a normal adventure...on this plane of existance!"
Robert shrugs.
"We've spent a lot of time these past few years on the lower planes, yeah," the warrior agrees. "Searching for Neemar's soul, fighting Rockchin, Razamataz and Godfrey Badbody. Then, heading back there after Salaam. But hey, we were doing things under Dragon Mountain for over a year; then there was that house full of vampires, and the pirates, and Targon...but you weren't there for most of that."
Robert takes a long swig of beer.
"I've got a feeling we'll be going back to hell to look for Darian and Orlon. Bet they went back there to fetch us...and we'd already left!"
Robert's thoughts start to meander as the beer takes effect.
"But I know what you mean. Maybe I should take a vacation. I'd like to visit Stiff. Maybe even look up Garsh, too."
Niko takes another swig of brandy. "I've heard of Stiff, but who's Garsh?"
"Lord Garsh. Ranger. I was one of his followers. He retired...oh...maybe five years ago. Went east with his other followers to found a kingdom."
Robert pauses.
"I wonder what that Zanax's errand was in Hork, anyway?"
Niko shrugs. "Beats me...I wasn't exactly myself when we met him. Gotta be suspicious of anyone walking around invisibly, though. Seemed to be in a hurry, too."
"He's a strange one. I remember when he hitched up with us last June. Helped us clear out Occa's house. But paladins are like that, y'know?"
Robert taps his temple and grins.
Sian walks over to Niko and Robert. Hlarn accompanies him.
"Good day fellows...might I have a word with you?" asks Sian of the man and the elf, "I heard you mention Occa and I was wondering if it is the same man as the one I know?"
"Most likely," says the human warrior. "It's not a common name. I'm Robert, by the way."
Niko nods. "The name's Niko. And who might you be?"
"Hlarn Meg at you service. Warrior priest."
Hlarn looks up. "Think you could find Zanax again for us? We've been trying to catch him before he gets to Hork."
"I've heard of you," Robert says. "You're with Zanax and that funny lady mage with all the tatoos. Why do you want to catch Zanax? He's a paladin. You should be glad to be rid of him."
Robert belches.
"I think you're too late, anyway."
Niko shakes his head. "Last thing I remember, he and Occa teleported out. Occa's back at the mansion. He might be able to help ya."
"Sent him to Hork he did," says Robert, starting beer number five.
At this point Kadlian walks into the common room of the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf, carrying a bundle.
He sees Aron, Roganna, Malvis and Dor sitting at a table. Nearby stand Hlarn and Sian, at another table occupied by a man and an elf, talking. The man is nondescript but carries himself like a warrior. The grey elf is also muscular, handsome...and somewhat drunk.
Niko frowns, wondering how Robert drank down 4 beers without the bartender serving more drinks. Shaking his head irritably, he downs the rest of the brandy in his glass and refills it.
Robert grins again, as Luthus brings over beer number six.
Kadlian stops by and says hello to Aron, Roganna, Malvis and Dor before sauntering over to meet the two newcomers and Hlarn and Sian.
The grey elf belches loudly and wipes his mouth on his sleeve. He seems to be dressed in sailor type clothing.
The man looks up as Kadlian approaches. However, his eyes attempt to focus on someone beyond the elf, a mage standing in the doorway of the common room.
"Yo, Occa," he says, waving, "C'mon in and have a beer or three."
Niko hoists his glass up to Occa. "Wazzup!!!"
Occa smiles and goes up to the bar. "A glass of mead, please." He looks over the entire group and says, "Is this a planned reunion or what?"
Kadlian frowns in confusion. "Occa? But, Darian said you were trapped in Hell! We saw Orlon, Gilstrock, Darian and some stranger. Darian said they were going back to Hell to look for you. How did you get here?"
Occa frowns. "The group rescued me. We found what we were after and left. We were hoping that Orlon, Gilstrock and Darian hadn't headed back in. Sounds like we will have to return to find them."
Kadlian nods. "Well, I am glad to see you are whole and alive. What were you doing in Hell, anyway? Taking a vacation?"
"We went after a friend, of course. Same reason we will be going back."
He shrugs.
"Of course. I gather you rescued your friend as well?"
"Not his body, but we do have his soul. We just need to restore it."
"I gather that is something your friend Orlon can do?"
"Maybe, maybe not. If not, I will use a wish to bring him back."
"Well, either way, I wish you luck."
"By the way, I heard around town that you threw a big party not too long ago. What was it for?"
"You heard about the party, but didn't hear what it was for? I find that very odd."
"Well, it may be that everyone I talked to did not attend."
He pauses and looks at Kadlian with some suspicion. "What are you doing in Sandas, by the way?"
"You say most of the rest of our group. We have just finished one task that was set before us and now we have others. We destroyed the priesthood of the raven goddess up north. Then we ventured into Mestom to retrieve an artifact. Our paladin ran off with it and now we have to figure out where he is so we can try to talk with him. We are gathering information about the artifact and try to figure out how to detect an invisible person through a crystal ball."
"I see, well, you know how those paladins are...they always seem to be running off trying to save the world. It is their nature, I believe."
"True. It is unusual for them to steal from the group and then run off quietly."
Occa shrugs. "These are strange times that we live in. Such times call for stranger events. The world is being turned upside down and with it all who dwell on it. Ages hence, all of this will not seem so strange and, hopefully, all will be clear then."
He shrugs again.
Robert nudges Niko.
"That's deep," he says, his voice starting to slur.
Niko slugs back the rest of his brandy and giggles "Yeah...neck deep, if ya know what I mean..."
He proceeds to fill his snifter again.
Malvis, who throughout the conversations at the bar about descents into hell, stopping a raven goddess's priesthood, artifacts stolen, and invisible wizards, has been sitting quietly at his table with his new-found friends. He has been trying to appear nonchalant and worldly about these affairs, but ever since the mention of descending into hell, has not been succeeding too well. Indeed, his mouth is literally agape, his eyes wide, and for the past two minutes, his mug of ale has been poised midway between the table and his mouth. He has been staring at the group at the bar, and wondering if adventuring means that such fantastic voyages eventually become mundane.
Without thinking, he suddenly finds himself talking aloud. "I believe I remember a lesson at the school I attended which claimed that 'Detect' spells can be cast through many scrying items. Perhaps this crystal ball is one of them."
Realizing his faux pas, Malvis quickly turns a deep shade of red, and begins examining his mug of ale intently, as if some truth about what he just said is inscribed inside of it.
Occa grins. "Some you can, some you can't. Really, what is important in the end is how well you know the target and how protected the target is."
"That Zanax you talking about?" asks Robert. "We ran into him. Where in Hork did you teleport him to, Occa? And what artifact was this?"
Kadlian's face drains of all color. "You teleported him to Hork!!!! Can you get him back here? He stole the artifact from us and is going to give it to his temple! We have to get it back from him before he does that."
Occa frowns. "I am not sure where it was. It was an image from his mind...a house. He did not wish for me to say where it was, I am sorry. He also bartered an item from me that will protect him from all scrying attempts."
He shrugs.
Robert shrugs, and looks to Kadlian for the answer to question number two.
"Occa, you have no idea what you have done! It is not safe to talk here, but if you will follow me upstairs to my room, I will explain. This is horrible news."
"Very well."
Hlarn decides its time to order a drink for himself. "It appears the gods have fated Zanax succeed in this theft. Why else would he just happen to run into one who could help him at this time."
Aron follows them upstairs to hear what is said.
You troop upstairs, and ensconce yourselves in Kadlian's room.
"Well I guess that solves the problem of where it is going to go. I guess our next thought should be do we really need it now?" says Sian.
Hlarn shrugs. "By now he's had plenty of time to deposit the artifact safely. We might as well begin planning our next moves. I for one do wish to attack Voshital's temple. He has won this round."
"And that is probably the dumbest idea right now. We don't even know where it is. And we have a couple of other things to get before then, I would think. It is better to have two than one," states Sian.
"I might be able to get him back, although I am not sure why I should disbelieve a paladin."
You wait for Kadlian's explanation.
"Did he bother to tell you that his paladinhood was stripped from him by his god?" asks Aron.
"No, he did not."
Hlarn shakes his head. "That was only temporary."
"That is because he got it back, Aron. He fell out of favor with his god and then atoned for his mistakes."
"Occa, we were sent by Verona, the High Priestess of Tyr to retrieve the Sceptre of the Gods. The Sceptre was used by the old Empire of Saltar before it fell apart. It has many powers, but can be thought of as a clerical staff of the magi. Very powerful and likely not based on any charges since it apparently taps into the Rhior Power.
"Anyway, Zanax's god, Votishal, gave Zanax visions of what would happen if we gave the Sceptre to Verona. Destruction of Sandas among other things. Problem is, he never discussed it with any of us. We fought a nasty battle against a number of devils and Aron wished us back to Sandas. When we arrived, Zanax, who was holding the Sceptre at the time, turned invisible and fled for Hork. He intends to give the Sceptre to his temple."
"Didn't he receive these visions while he was atoning?"
"I do not know when he received these visions. He did not discuss them with me, he only made reference to them when he telepathically spoke to Hlarn."
Adding further, Aron says, "Forget it. At this time, it's not important why he did what he did. We just need to move on and do what we must."
"We have talked with Ray Jay and he agreed that we should recover it. We are not saying that Votishal's temple would not be a good place to keep this symbol of the Empire of Saltar, but we do know the Empire of Mestom's agents are looking for it too. We need to talk to Zanax before he relinquishes the Sceptre. And we were all going to teleport to Hork via Ray Jay tomorrow and try to meet Zanax to discuss things."
"It may be too late for it now. Ray Jay has also tasked us with going after the other two artifacts. He believes it is time for the the artifacts to reappear in this world. It may herald a reforming of the Empire of Saltar or not, but there is some hope that the reappearance will help us push back the Empire of Mestom's expansion."
"Where are the other artifacts? They weren't all together?" asks Robert.
"We do not know where the other two artifacts are, we just have clues. That is something that our mages and Ray Jay are researching."
"I also talked with Verona earlier today. She told me that Tyr has shown her that Zanax will not be able to keep the Sceptre for long. I guess that means he gives it over to the temple. I had feared it meant that he might be waylaid on the road to Hork."
"Occa, where did you encounter Zanax?"
Robert answers.
"Just outside of Sandas. He was walking down the Grande River, invisible."
"Well, that means the flying spell wore off. It must have been someone's plan to deliver you to Zanax or vice-versa. Maybe Votishal is taking a bigger role in this than we realized."
Occa says, "I believe the other two are near where you found the first. These artifacts are important. I think the scepter can wait. We should attempt to find the others at all cost. I suppose I could research a way to wish for knowledge of their location. It might work. I would also be willing to help you find the others, if you like."
Niko slurs, "Well, I'm up for it! So long as we don't go trekkin' inta Hell again!"
Niko looks for the barkeeper. "Ya got any 'zels?"
Luthus, however, did not accompany you to Kadlian's room.
Kadlian nods and smiles at Occa. "I would like that. Perhaps we should go visit Ray Jay and see if he has discovered anything?"
"That sounds like a good idea. While you do that, I can look into some things as well."
Hlarn shakes his head. "We are pretty sure one lies to the north of here, and another to the east. These are Wizard objects, hidden at the fall of the Empire. And Ray Jay was very reluctant to cast any wishes regarding these items. The Gods are already involved in this matter waist deep."
"Did he say why he was reluctant?"
He turns to Kadlian. "We already have a lead on how to find the northern object, and I think our group will next plan on retrieving that one. Your own group might want to locate the eastern object. Few, if any, of us have ever travelled that way."
"What is the lead?"
Roganna, still somewhat in a reverie due to her recent move, sips her drink while all of this transpires. "It seems that we have more time now than the 2 day limit we had already. Are we going to stay here for a few weeks to get more information?"
Robert notices Roganna, and nudges Niko.
"Get a load of that babe," he says.
Malvis looks about, somewhat at a loss as to which group Rage, whom he considers his current 'benefactoress', belongs. He attempts to look not only interested in the conversations (which he most assuredly is), but also astute and smart, hoping that someone will eventually notice him and tell him what he should be doing next. If what was mentioned is true, he is in the presence of some very powerful wizards, indeed, and Malvis is not sure how to address them, or even if he should. The adventuring life, he reflects, is much more complicated than he had imagined. But also much more glamorous! Artifacts! Archmages! Paladins in Hell! Malvis may be only a Trickster, but he was determined to make himself worthy of this group of mighty adventurers.
Robert catches the eye of Malvis, and gives him the direction he so eagerly seeks.
"Get me a beer," he says.
Oh joy! To be noticed by these legendary heroes! First, he was able to procure a map for Rage of the multiple personalities, and now he was actually being asked to fetch a beer! His heart racing, Malvis eagerly bounds out to the bar, and begins to order a beer for Robert, when an idea strikes him; "I could order two beers", Malvis slyly conjectures, "and then actually sit down with them, as if I was a real adventurer. If only my mother could see me now! Err, on second thought, maybe it's all for the good that she can't see what line of work I'm embarking on now. But, oh, the adventure!"
His reverie over, Malvis nonchalantly orders two beers. Once served, he will quickly move to Robert's side to hand him a beer, and then pull up a chair near him, quietly observing the incredible stories unfolding before his very eyes and ears.
"Thanks," says the warrior, belches, and continues to make eyes at Roganna.
Niko, however, grabs the beer out of Malvis' hand as he sits down. "Thanks kid!"
He quaffs it down quickly and adds, "I needed that."
He then burps loudly and wipes his mouth on his sleeve.
"Where are those damn 'zels!" he says loudly to no one in particular.
One of them actually spoke to him! He said, "Thanks!", just as if he really was one of them, an experienced adventurer! This was almost too much to have hoped for, Malvis thought. The first thing he had to do was go back down to the bar, get a serving tray, and bring up another round of beers.
"If I hurry," Malvis said to himself, "I won't miss too much." So, a course of action firmly planted in his head, Malvis jumps up, turns to Niko, and says, "I'll be back."
With that, he exits, bounds down the stairs, orders a round of beers, and fills a serving tray with them before moving quickly back up the atairs to re-join the group.
Meanwhile, the conversation has continued apace.
Hlarn laughs. "I just did. The Gods are already involved in this matter. Isn't that enough of a reason? You can't expect your magics relying upon their power to work fully when the gods differ in what they want."
The dwarf turns to Kadlian and asks him to look through his maps where he wrote down the riddle we found.
Kadlian pulls out his note:
The words read as follows.
'THE SCEPTRE, THE SWORD, AND THE ROBE
THE SOUTH, THE NORTH, AND THE EAST
THE SCEPTRE, THE SWORD, AND THE ROBE
THE GRAVE, THE BRIDGE, AND THE CITY
THE SCEPTRE, THE SWORD, AND THE ROBE
WHO SHALL HAVE THEM
SHALL HAVE AN EMPIRE
ARISE AGAIN.'
Dor looks up from his beer (he has been trying to keep pace with Niko).
"I've never been very good with puzzles," he admits to no one in particular.
"The Scepter we found in the Keep of the Dead. Thus its meaning in this verse is obvious. Anyway, we are going to look up two people who might know more. One is a spirit we know who lived during the time of the Wizards who might have first hand knowlege of these devices, and the other is a ranger named Jo-Owrn who is said to have extensive knowlege of the north. We'll ask him about what he thinks the bridge might represent."
Hlarn pauses, "And my own theory is that the City most likely refers to Atlantia, the old capitol of Saltar. But obviously we need more information on that. Anyway, our current quest is to retrieve all three objects."
"Very interesting. So, this is what all the fuss is about. We really should find them before anyone else. The sceptre, the sword and the robe. You had mentioned that they were linked to the rhior. What is that?"
"Sounds like fun," yawns Robert, then nudges Niko. "Bet we're back in the lower planes before you know it."
"Occa, from what I have been told by Ray Jay and others, the Rhior Power, also known as the Triad, was the gods that the Wizards and the Empire of Saltar worshipped. Apparently, when the Triad split about 1500 years ago, so did the Wizards, into factions representing good, neutrality and evil and then they warred amongst themselves. Apparently, that is when our gods, the Old gods, returned and are now the ones that are worshiped by everyone instead of this Rhior Power.
"And, Robert, I hope you do not have to go to the lower planes. As far as we know, everything should be here on this world."
"Glad to hear that!" Niko exclaims, taking another sip of brandy.
Having returned, Malvis is enthralled by these speeches, and is busily trying to piece together an interpretation of the riddle. When Niko echoes the very thoughts he was thinking about 'lower planes', Malvis excitedly blurts out, "Me, too!"
Realizing he has offered an opinion out loud, Malvis blushes deeply, and becomes quite silent and still, apparently hoping no one noticed his outburst.
Roganna moves over towards Robert, "So, you from here? Want to go someplace quiet? Everything has been crabby since Zanax left and I need to relieve some stress."
"Let's go!" says Robert, standing up, staggering and taking her arm.
He throws a leer at Niko on the way out.
Niko sniggers and gives Robert a drunken salute.
"By the way, Kadlian, how long are we staying?" Roganna asks, on the way out.
"Good question, Roganna. I do not have a good answer. We need to hear back from Rage on her research and I need to speak with Ray Jay again. I think it would be nice to get Zanax back on the team, but, given the recent events, it may not work out too well."
Occa laughs and says, "Let's regroup later? I think we need to put some effort into finding these other artifacts and making sure they do not fall into the wrong hands. We also need to somehow get our friends back out of hell...maybe I can teleport there, grab them and teleport back. Say, do one of you have a crystal ball? Maybe I can find them with that and then teleport to them."
"Yes, we do have a crystal ball. Unfortunately, Kailar is not here right now. He might be with Rage at the Mages' Guild doing research. When we regroup, perhaps he will be back and we can help you locate Orlon and the others."
Hlarn gives Occa a strange look. "Go for it, but I think you will likely be wasting your time."
At this point you are interrupted by a knock at the door.
Robert, by the door with Roganna, opens it.
The door opens, and you see Rage, Agulhas, Logan, Wizbang and Edelle standing there.
"Occa, it is good to see you again. We have much to talk about. We just met a couple of other people from your group, an uptight guy named Al and a weepy woman named Ryshara," Rage says by way of introduction.
"Yeah, he is such a dick!" Logan says about Al.
"And I thought his name was Alhmet," Rage deadpans.
"So what have I missed?"
Niko chuckles somewhat drunkenly, "Nothing, yet..." as he smirks at Roganna and Robert.
Rage ignores the drunken fellow.
"Kadlian? Report," she says.
Kadlian chuckles. "Not much news out there that we did not already know. At least, around town. Occa has brought us bad tidings, however. Zanax is already in Hork. He met Occa and some his group on the road outside Sandas and Occa teleported him to Hork.
"So, Zanax is beyond our reach at this time as is the Sceptre. We should turn our attention to the two remaining artifacts. And Occa has agreed to help us. Our group will go after one, his will go after the other. As soon as we are able to determine where they are, that is."
"Excellent, excellent. I may have a solution to another problem, if we decide to pursue that, once we achieve our goals." Rage frowns. "But first, Occa, if you have the time, I do need to speak with you, on a matter of personal and urgent nature."
"Which problem are you speaking of?" asks Kadlian.
"The issue of storage. I have a lead, and something we can investigate that may lead to the WIZARDS," she says in awe and with a hush.
Niko eyes Edelle and moves forward to introduce himself. "Hello, there! The name's Niko. What's a pretty lass like yourself doing here?"
Niko does his best to not slur his words.
Edelle looks Niko up and down dubiously.
"Looking for my girlfriend," she says, after a long moment.
Niko grins and looks around "Mmm...a threesome..."
"Sure. Want ot join Logan and I?"
Logan's head snaps up as he hears his name. He smiles at the thought that Edelle mentioned his name and then his smile fades as he contemplates the disgusting idea of even looking at Niko naked.
Niko shakes his head. "Nope...but how about you, me and that girlfriend of yours?"
"That's what I mean: Logan and I."
Niko squints at Logan and rubs his eyes "Ugliest girlfriend I've ever seen! You sure it's female?"
"Edelle, check under my robes again, it'll show you that I am not your girlfriend!" Logan says with a lustful smile.
"I've seen you naked already, Logan. I know what I'm talking about," grins Edelle.
"I think that is what she means," says Sian, laughing.
Rage looks at Logan. "Calm your hormones, there is much work for you to do, lad. If you are to be ready for the next step."
"Yes, ma'am, I am quite ready!" Logan replies.
Trying to control his laughter, Sian asks, "Rage when did you want to go to Strabath? I am ready any time you are."
"Soon, old friend," Rage says, "Soon. I must talk to Occa first."
Niko's ears perk up when Rage mentions Strabath to Sian.
"Strabath? When yer leavin'?" he asks eagerly, sobering up slightly.
"After I talk to Occa," Rage says, "And who are you?"
"Niko's the name. Captain of the Triton, ma'am."
"Triton?" the woman asks, "Never heard of it. What is the Triton?"
"The Triton's a two masted brig with 4 ballistas and a catapult. My first officer, Lord Ramage, and crew currently has her out to sea around Sincity."
Malvis, who had been blushing at the exchanges up until this point, manages to stand up and make himself seen to Rage, whom he still considers his 'benefactoress'. He is, however, unsure just how to talk to Rage should she be somebody else again. "Have to cross that bridge when we come to it", he mumbles to himself, smiling at Rage.
Rage casts a glance at Malvis. "Lad, did you get the map? I have more errands for you to undertake while I am gone, or would you like to come, too?" she asks, smiling for the first time in a while.
"I have the map, m'lady, but I would like to come with you. I would like to see just how real adventurers act when actually on an adventure!" Malvis heart is racing as he answers Rage, whom he considers one of the most powerful adventurers in all history. But since this is the first group of real adventurers he has ever known, it is difficult for him to properly assign rank and status to any adventurer.
Rage chuckles. "Then Malvis, you will come with Lord Sian and myself, and some of his followers to Strabath to pay respect to one who has fallen in his service. We will be gone the day, and then return."
"Sian, prepare your followers, and we will meet in my room as soon as I am finished."
"Rage, what kind of map were you looking for? We have a few of them that detail Nlad and other surrounding lands."
"Good, good," the woman says, "We need to examine them all to see what differences or omissions one or the other may have, and then we need to try to see if we can determine the best way."
"The best way for what?"
"Not now man... err...elf," the mage says, "Later. I have things I need to attend to."
Kadlian waves his hand. "Fine. Attend to your matters. Let me know when you are ready. I think I am going to get some sleep."
"It is impolite to keep an Arch-mage waiting," Rage says, "When I return from Strabath, this evening or tomorrow, and I finish my research, then I will let you know my mind in full."
Kadlian nods. "I know. Occa's time is valuable. And you need to have a private conversation with him. So, go do it. We can talk later."
With a giggle, the woman snaps Kadlian a smart salute. "Yes, Sir," the woman says her voice higher pitched, like a younger child. "Erica said I could do that, Kadlian Sir. But I have to go now. Bye-bye."
Kadlian smiles. "Bye."
Hlarn shakes his head at a previous statement of Rage's.
"Can you be more specific? If I wanted a lead to the Wizards I would simply go to their city and speak with them."
Rage rolls her eyes. "Once I have the details I will. You do not just walk up and knock on the door asking to speak to someone! There are proper ways to go about this, and that is what I am working on."
Hlarn laughs. "Sometimes the direct way gets more results. But I'll leave you to ponder your mysteries. I'll be researching in my own way."
"If anyone else needs to train, now would be the time to do so."
"WIZARDS??? Now where have I heard that before?" Niko asks himself, while scratching his head and then his crotch.
"Robert? Occa? Wasn't it aboard Hardboard's ship?" he asks.
"Wizards? Maybe on Hardboard's yacht," Robert replies. "We cleared an old Wizard stronghold, once. Retreived a bunch of books that a lich had stolen from them. The Wizards were very happy about that...especially with Stiff. But when he walked all the way up the Wizard's Mountain to talk to them they wouldn't let him in. 'Guess they weren't THAT happy!"
Roganna looks confused by Niko's reaction, wonders who Robert is and for that matter, who Niko might be.
"Huh?" Roganna blinks in surprise. "What? Where are we going and why?" She asks, standing fast before Robert.
"You just offered me a tumble, lady!" Robert replies, looking equally surprised. "Having second thoughts?"
Roganna laughs and shakes her head. "Actually, the idea of a tumble sounds great. I tried earlier today but got interrupted and before that it was years since I indulged.
"However, I need to go check some things out right now. How about we get together this evening for that tumble. I will want to spend a lot of time on it, not just a quickie. I hope you are up to it," Roganna says with a wicked grin.
"Yeah, heard that story before," says Robert. "I'm leaving."
She smiles at everyone, looking more at ease and relaxed than you have ever seen her before. "I'm off to the guild to enquire about certain things that hopefully will give us some answers."
Robert staggers through the door, and leaves.
Hlarn turns to Kadlian. "I guess I should take my leave. I still have to train and from the sounds of it others here are still in the middle of much of their research. In two weeks perhaps we'll all have some answers. If Zanax shows back up have him contact me."
"Two weeks? Where are you going? I thought we would be heading out within the next few days..."
Hlarn shakes his head. "If we were going after Zanax we were leaving in a few days, but since that mission is obviously now impossible, I think its best I train before we leave on any others. Once I'm finished I'll have access to 6th order spells priestly spells using the candle, and 5th order otherwise."
Kadlian nods. "Very well. How long will you need to train and where will you be going to do it?"
"Two weeks actual training, plus a few days travel. I'll be heading east into the dwarvish lands, and probably end up at Silver Mountain. While I'm there I'll see if I can find any information my people might have on the Wizards and the Empire as well."
"Anyone else need to train? Sian, what about your followers? And I need to check with mine. Might as well get anyone trained who needs to be trained."
"I think all of mine are good...Umboth was the only one that I was worried about and Hlarn asked him and he said he was good," says Sian.
"As far as Zanax goes, do you really think he will return?"
"I don't know. If he does though, see if you can convince him to return the Scepter so we can put it in a safe, but neutral hiding location. I doubt he'd accept, but the attempt should be made to convince him. If he's not willing to work with us then we'll have to decide on his status as a member of this group."
"Why is that now impossible?" Roganna asks curiously.
Hlarn raises an eyebrow. "Perhaps you didn't hear, but Zanax was teleported to Hork directly by Occa, and given a device to prevent himself from being scried. Thus he has had plenty of time by now to get the Scepter to his temple. What would you have us do, attack the temple to retrieve it...assuming we could even find the thing."
Roganna chuckles. "And that has stopped us before? What's a temple these days?
"I suppose it would be a bit much and so we should concentrate on getting the other pieces and keeping them neutral until we know more. Just no more damned clerics in the party," Roganna says, looking mostly serious now.
"I trust Hlarn."
"The Church of Tyr might be interested in such an attack."
"No, Verona has decided to let the Sceptre go. There will be no reprisal."
Niko shakes and sighs. "Just what this land needs...two 'good' churches fighting each other...and mom wonders why I gave up religion!"
"A 'good' church wouldn't steal from the other."
Niko shrugs. "Except for maybe some followers..."
Roganna nods. "Yes, I'm sure Votishal has his talons deeply into Zanax."
She takes a deep breath and smiles.
"Well then, if we aren't going after him, I have work to do. I'm still kind of waiting for Votishal to like strike me down or something. Interesting that he hasn't yet," Roganna says, snapping a grin at Rage. "So, if you find me in cinders someday, don't blame Rage, okay?"
"Not fair...not fair." the mage says in a young girls voice, stamping her foot down on the ground. "We won't let Rage or the other oogie one harm you Miss Roganna, no...no...no...we won't! You gave us chocolate and are really, really nice, Miss Roganna...and besides, we're pretty powerful, even if we are young."
Roganna smiles and hugs the girl. "Thank you Isabella, that is very sweet of you. I think I will be fine more or less, though gods generally don't like losing their minions. And you are quite powerful, that I know," Roganna says with another smile, digging out a very special chocolate bar from her pack.
"For you, but you have to share with Molly," Roganna says.
"We always share with Molly, Miss Roganna. She's really nice, not like Audrey or Erica, who are grownups and don't spend lots of time with the littles."
Kadlian nods. "If he contacts me, I will make the attempt."
"I wouldn't mind talking to him myself. So direct him my way also..." says Sian. Turning to Rage as she is heading out the door, he adds, "I will have who is going with me at your door shortly. It shouldn't be to many I don't believe."
Dor pipes up, "Let me know when the action starts."
Carrying his beer with him, he strikes up a conversation with a woman he recognizes. After a brief conversation, they head upstairs to Dor's room.
Rage and Occa also adjourn to the common room, for a quiet talk.
Hlarn goes to prepare for journey to the dwarven lands. Sian goes and finds his followers. Kadlian tries to have a nap before dinner.
Niko asks Hlarn, "Lookin' fer some company on yer trip? I'm itchin' fer an adventure that don't take me to Hell and back."
Dor perks up at the news. "I would love to see some action, too."
Hlarn shakes his head. "I wouldn't exactly say I'm adventuring. I'm just travelling to my mentors to get some training. You would be sitting around doing nothing for two weeks. You'd have better chance of finding some action around here. Besides which, I don't know how the dwarves take to outsiders."
Niko sighs and quaffs the rest of his drink. "Dwarves probably take to outsiders as well as elves do."
"I'm sure there's some trouble we can get into in town," Dor pipes up cheerfuly.
"Well, that being the case, let's go find a different bar. This one's a bit too upscale for me!"
Niko heads downstairs and to the bars by the docks.
"I'll be at the temple until we are ready to leave," says Aron.
Rage and Malvis return at mid-evening to the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf, and seek out their companions.
They find Hlarn, Kadlian, Logan and Agulhas.
"Audrey here. The libraries in Strabath are much better than those here in Sandas. And Sian and I have a meeting with some nobility tomorrow, the Duchess I believe. I'll be teleporting back there early in the morning, and be staying there for a week to see what I can learn. Assuming we are still staying two weeks and change for those who need to train to do so. Questions?"
"Who are you bringing with you to do the researching? And do the mages that stay behind have enough work to keep them busy?"
"Of course, they can come with me and work there, if they wish. There are spells to copy, maps to pour over and research to do here. The choice is theirs. But maybe we should move to Strabath for now and work from there," Rage says.
"Lady Audrey, I am ready to learn and to assist you!" Logan says as he gathers his few possessions together for the move to Strabath.
"We could do that. There are a few loose ends like the folks currently training. While I do not want to use you as a courier service, do you have a proposal on how we should move people to Strabath? It is a four day trip by horse, I believe."
Rage looks at Kadlian. "At the present time, once I take Argulhas with me, we have to competent mages to teleport people around to Strabath and back. It seems to me that this is the quickest and easiest method at the present time."
"There is no need," Agulhas replies. "I was born and raised in that fair city. Where in particular should I teleport to? By the library?"
Rage looks to Agulhas. "I had forgotten that, or perhaps you never mentioned that. Not matter. We were staying at the Angry Goose, and I was searching in the Mages guild."
"Well, we can leave word here for Hlarn. Aron and Roganna are training in town, so I can speak to them in person. I need to talk with Ray Jay and talk to the treants. I know they will not teleport, so maybe I should take them and head to Strabath on foot."
Rage nods. "A good idea."
"I imagine you want to leave now. Take those who are ready to go with you. Maybe you can leave Agulhas here until I have a known schedule for the others? And then one of you two can pop back here when they are scheduled to be done."
"Does this sound workable?"
"I leave in the morning, I cannot teleport till I have rested and studied. Argulhas can study teleport as well so that tomorrow, if necessary he can return here for more folks."
Kadlian nods. "Good. Do you know how many you can take with you? We have all of my followers, Miss Wizbang, Vastelle, Windul and Edelle. Vastelle and Windul can come with me via foot, but you should take Miss Wizbang and Edelle with you to help with the spell transcribing as well as the research.
"Can I assume you already have a room at some Inn and that you will book rooms for the rest of us?"
"The Angry Goose. Very well, when I arrive I shall seek you there. Hlarn, when you return this way, would you rather stop here on a particular day and get teleported or make your way to Strabath?"
Hlarn nods. "Look for me back here approximately three weeks today."
"We will do that. Have a safe trip, my friend."
"Very well," nods the bald mage. "But, before we get too far along in our appointed tasks, I believe we still have yet to procure the materials necessary for outfitting Logan and myself with spellbooks and scribing materials. I had thought that Malvis was going to fetch these wares for us?"
"Since we are moving the operation to Strabath, we can get them there," Rage says.
Logan will go with Rage as he needs to train with her, unless Audrey gives leave to Logan to accompany Kadlian. If he has a spellbook and a few spells, he can go with Kadlian, as he shouldn't be alone.
"Logan, go with Rage. I will have Windul and Vastelle with me as well as my blink dogs, the treants and Fleetwing, my hippogriff. I will be anything, but alone."
"So be it," Logan says.
Kadlian smiles. "That way you can finish your studies and chores and help out with the research."