On March 29th the party returns to the Angry Goose after another day at the Guild to find Hlarn waiting for them in the common room. He looks a bit trail-worn, but is in otherwise good spirits.
Hlarn notices several new faces in the party, as well as the absence of several old ones.
An illusionist named Malvis has joined the group, as has a warrior named Dor. Niko, the elf from Occa's party, is here as well.
Missing are Agulhas and Aron.
The party's researches have not been entirely fruitless. In a musty, dusty alcove of the library they found a number of interesting documents:
A history of the Empire of Saltar
A history of the city state of Ar'Razam
A discussion of Earth and Humanity
There are more there, but you are still pondering those.
Some of the above listed documents you have seen before, or at least parts of them. The arch-mage Melnar was a great historian, one of the few Men in living memory to be allowed access to the great Wizard libraries atop Tammal El, and his papers are widely circulated. Still, there is nothing there which hints at the location of the eastern artifact.
"Hlarn! Welcome back, my friend. We have much to discuss and still much more to do."
Hlarn nods and asks what you have been up to. "But before I get too busy, I would like Rage or another mage to see about teleporting me to the various magics needed to increase one's skills. If I'm to be fully useful, I should be fully trained."
Kadlian looks over at Rage. "Unless Logan knows how to cast that spell, I am afraid Rage is the only mage we have capable of doing it. Agulhas has left the group to pursue his own interests."
"After dinner I will tell you what has occurred since we last saw you."
Rage considers Hlarn's request, waiting for him to ask her.
"Logan has yet to learn those spells or how to control 5th order magics yet," the mage says.
Hlarn thinks that he asked Rage before he ever left, but looks over and notices the mage there. "Ah, there you are. May we go now, or do you need to prepare?"
"No, we may not," the mage says. "Where do you need to go?"
"The two skill enhancing magics places. One is a tiled wall... the other I believe a fountain, although I've never been there myself."
"Rage, if you do take Hlarn to some of those places that raise levels and abilities, maybe you should take our newcomers?"
Malvis, who had been only half-listening up to this point, suddenly snaps to alertness, and, looking at Rage for moral support, asks, "Newcomers? Are you possibly referring to myself and Carburator?" Turning back to Rage, he asks, "M'lady, if I may be so bold as to ask, what are these places?"
Kadlian nods. "And Dor. Niko probably went when he was part of Occa's group."
"These places raise levels or abilities like intelligence and strength. These are places in different dungeons that our group and others with which we know have found. We have exchanged this information to benefit all of us."
"We have been shown several locations where those who touch, or drink or pull, gain magical assistance, as becoming smarter, stronger, healther, and gain experience. Hlarn Meg has yet to partake of these places, and hopes to gain a lot now. As beginning adventures, it may be wise to wait, but you are more than welcome to come with me," the mage says.
"Very cool!" says Carburator. "I would love to see such places."
Hlarn nods. "They should still probably partake of the magics that expand one's mind and body."
The dwarf turns toward the newcomers. "But be warned. Such magics can take a serious toll on the body. Those who are of frail body should probably abstain, as it might very well kill you. I could then raise you from the dead, but again, such a frail person is less likely to be able to be brought back."
"As for the skill enhancing magics, waiting has its benefits. The more advanced skills of any craft take years to learn, while the lesser skills are easily mastered. By waiting, I did not waste the magics on things I have since learned on my own this past year. If I had used them then, I would be no more skilled today than I am otherwise. But once I use these magics, I will advance far in my craft, and be able to touch an order of magic much sooner than I otherwise would have."
You have also heard of news from far away places over the course of the past six weeks, and you bring Hlarn up to date with that, as well...
The war with the Empire of Mestom does not go well. At the beginning of the year Mestom invaded southern Nlad. Marmador fell on January 15th, and the nearby large city of Flab went next on February 12th. After swallowing those two prizes, the armies of Empire have paused to regroup, but the armies of Nlad seem unable to take advantage of the respite.
You had learned as well in early February after you had returned from the Rift of the Dead that the Emporer of the Empire of Saltar had been assassinated by agents unknown on December 8th of last year. Now, word has arrived that the Empire has been engulfed in a civil war, as the fallen emporer left no heirs.
Here is another paper that you found.
Niko reads the paper. "Hmmm...very interesting. Didn't that Gar fellow say he was a follower of Hecate?"
"I think at one point he was. Did he not have his powers removed by her, though?"
Dor looks sat Niko.
"What does the paper say?" he asks.
Niko looks back at Dor and then reads it aloud.
When he is done, Niko takes a long drink from his wine glass and wipes his mouth upon his sleeve.
"Any other requests?"
"If they could build a big temple, why couldn't they build the big bridge again?" Dor wonders. "Seems like a better use of all that money."
Hlarn comments. "I think I said Atlantia itself might fit as one of the locations of the accoutrements. Anyone with a foundation in history knows that it is not uncommon for such things to be hidden almost in plain sight at the center. And that the no emperor now rules might very well be a sign that it is time for the other items to be found."
Kadlian nods. "I agree."
"Or that someone is trying to manipulate events to make this prediction come true..."
The dwarf nods. "But who is to say what motivates any man, be it Fate or Free Will. But once set in motion, such events can't be turned back."
"According to this prophecy, it seems we would be better off by not seeking these items. We have already lost one of the three items and we have no way of knowing whose hands it falls into. Maybe they should be left where they are?"
Hlarn looks at Kailar. "We discussed this before, but I'm willing to open the discussion again. We know that Mestom knows about these objects, and has the same clues we do to find them. They will be searching for them as well, and won't rest until they find them.
"The simple fact is that fate has decreed its time these objects come to light. If we are not the one's who find them, then someone else certainly will. I for one would rather we decided what is to be done with them. I prefer to make my own destiny, and not be at the mercy of others."
"But lets us also deal with the problem of losing them once they are found. Before we journey forth, I think we should all agree that the entire group will determine their ultimate fate. And if someone disagrees, then we will keep the items until a unanimous consensus is formed. Zanax did not trust us enough to respect his opinion. If there are those here who also hold such suspicions, then perhaps it is better we do not seek the items, and instead put our energies into stopping others from finding them as well."
Rage frowns, and over steepled hands speaks, "That is the height of foolishness. If these items are so important, others will be looking for them too. It seems best to have them in our hands, since we do not have the same political agenda that others do, and I have a lead on where we might take these items for storage and possible destruction."
"Destruction might be a hasty move."
Kadlian holds out a hand. "I know, you said 'possible destruction'. But, bear with me for a moment. We know Mestom is rapidly making progress into Nlad. According to the prophecy, if the three items can be found and brought together, 'a new Emperor will be acclaimed, a new dynasty shall begin and the Empire shall be renewed.' That might be what this area needs to beat back Mestom."
"So, it might be important for us to start considering those ramifications. Unless any of you like the idea of becoming part of the Empire of Mestom. I know my homeland wishes to remain as they are and that is definitely not going to be a choice they have in Mestom is not beaten back."
Kailar grins, apparently delighted by the debate.
"Ah but no one knows the future. Wisdom today can be folly tomorrow. If we hadn't unearthed the sceptre, this prophecy might never come to fruition. Perhaps we are the ones that will fulfill the prophecy and restore the Emperor to power, if we continue on this road. Perhaps others may complete the prophecy if we do not. Who is to say? Maybe one of us would become the Emperor? I would never have thought that Gnarsh was going to be a Lord the first time I saw him."
"That argument is flawed in a fundamental way. As you can see from this one document, the three artifacts are well known in the history, and with the coming of the war, which, I suspect was missed, even though there were signs there, and so, with the ensuing chaos, someone, or ones, would search for these items," the mage replies, "A is A, and since the artifacts exist, it is folly to speculate what would happen if 'we' did not find them. If we have them, we can control them, and destroy them. He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing."
"And we have to believe that anyone else searching for these has access to at least as good information as we do. Further, look at the fact that Thor himself has told his servants to go north, suggesting that the gods are all playing the gambit as well."
"I am sure that the prophecy will be completed, but not necessarily in the way that you expect. Prophecy is a fickle thing and interpretation is even more difficult."
Niko whispers to Dor, "Not as fickle as women, it would seem..."
"All this talk is making me thirsty. Can't we get a beer or something?" Dor pipes up.
A waitress hurries over with a tray.
Malvis, who has been listening to this philosophical debate keenly, coughs, clears his throat, blushes slightly at his own bravado in speaking to such an august group, and says in a mild voice, "But what if the 'new emperor' is really the emperor we are fighting against? Might not the prophecy be referring to a new empire that is formed from the ashes of our empire? It seems to me I heard about such a prophecy long ago..."
Kadlian nods. "That is a good point and a possibility. But, we have no way of telling whether the formation of this Empire would be better or worse than what we know we are facing. It is always true of the future."
Rage looks at Malvis. "What do you remember? Exactly please."
Malvis is nearly petrified at being addressed directly and so curtly by a mage as powerful as Rage, whom he also considers his new mentor, or at least guide. Calming himself, he looks about to reassure himself that no one is staring at him evilly, then proceeds to tell as much as he can recall. "I have spent most of my life in libraries', he starts, "and once I came across an ancient story of a king who was about to wage war. Before he started the campaign, however, he decided to visit an oracle, a sort of prophet, as was the custom of his people before any great enterprise. The oracle prophesied that the war would see the defeat of a great empire at the hands of a great king. The ruler assumed, in his pride, that the oracle was referring to his upcoming victory over a neighboring empire. After his complete defeat, he realized that the empire that was to be defeated was his own empire, and that the 'great king' was his enemy."
Malvis nervously clears his throat, and adds, "I only thought that the prophecy you described sounded a lot like that ancient one, and maybe could be interpreted the same way."
He looks back at Rage, hoping he has answered her question to her satisfaction.
"Let us hope that is not for this," says Sian. "I don't think I would like to be ruled by Mestom."
The dwarf turns toward the others. "Did you find anything out about the northern bridge?"
"Nothing, yet. Another group with people we know is going North. I will explain that later. A lot has occurred since you left and you need to know it all."
"People," Logan stands after hearing the banter go back and forth, "The bottom line is that the items of power will be found much sooner than later. So, do we want them or do we let others get them? I vote that our 'extended' group gets them!" he says with a smile. "From what I understand, one group is going after the scepter in Hell. The faithful of Thor, Tyr, Mr. T, whomever is going North, which leaves our group to go east. So, let's saddle up and move out!"
"Logan, it is evening. And I do not think we have enough information to leave, quite yet."
"I know, boss man, what I meant is, let's not delay. Maybe I am getting cabin fever here, pouring over arcane texts for the past few weeks is getting my sword arm achin' for some action!" the elf says with a smile.
Rage smiles. "We will see enough action soon, I suspect. Let's go into with our eyes wide open, rather than as the plaything of gods."
Kadlian nods. "I understand your frustration, Logan. Should you want to spar, we can arrange it. Roganna has been training and probably could use a bruising partner. Or you can try me if you wish."
"Well, I would love to take Beauty on, now that it seems our partnership is done or is it?" he asks the former cleric in front of Kadlian. "Seems Sir messed up my mind more than I thought."
"How about a boxing match?" Dor pipes in, his eyes aglow. "I'm pretty good, I have to warn you."
Kadlian shrugs. "I do not know how to box, but if you can teach me the basics, I am willing to try."
"Sure, anytime you want, I'll be happy to teach you," Dor replies, smiling like he just found treasure in a garbage pile.
"And then we can try swords."
The wiry jungle elf looks Dor over. "Five gold says I win. first one knocked down..." he says with a mischievous grin.
"Any takers ?" he asks the group present.
"Ready when you are," Dor replies with a puppyish exuberance.
"Bring it on, pretty boy!" Logan says with a chuckle as he stands from the table littered with tomes and beckons Dor to follow him outside. "Don't want to mess up any of the books."
Dor follows Logan outside. "Do you really think I'm good looking? I hope you're not getting any funny ideas. I like girls..."
Carburator says, "Is there anything I can do? How long till we set on our way?"
"You will go with Rage to partake of those places that increase your abilities, if you so choose."
"I do not know when we will leave. I think when we have decided we have enough information or that we feel we can learn no more here."
"Okay," He says.
"Rage, do you think we have exhausted the library here?"
Rage shrugs, "That I do not know. As will all library research, there is a great deal of information here, sorting through it and really examining it could take months, years even. It would almost be worth hiring a few people to do it in our steed and check back with them weekly to see what they have learned while we travel towards whatever goal we have. Nevertheless, I still have to do the rounds, which will take 3 days, but we can do that in the morning before we leave. Only, what is our destination? East is pretty vague, and I don't think we have more information than that."
"Atlantia. As Hlarn said earlier, it is not uncommon for things to be hidden in plain sight. Also, I remember reading something about there being a very good library there."
Kadlian takes a deep drink of his ale and then sets it carefully on the table, moving it to fit back in its previous ring of moisture.
"I said I would tell you what happened while you were gone, Hlarn. Very little of it has been good, but it needs telling."
Kadlian focuses on each one of you. "If I leave anything out or you think something requires more detail, please bring it up at the end. If you interrupt, I am likely to forget something."
"When you left, six weeks ago, we were under the impression that Occa had teleported Zanax to some safe place where Zanax could turn the Sceptre over to Votishal."
"That turns out not to have been the case. As you might remember, Occa had been killed in Hell and part of his group found him and rescued him. What we did not know was that it was not really Occa, but some person named Gar who replaced Occa. Occa's soul is being held by some archdaemon called Vrith."
"Gar, the fake Occa, did not teleport Zanax to a safe place, but to Hell and this Vrith's place where Zanax was killed and the Sceptre taken by Vrith. Originally, Vrith was going to give the Sceptre to Hectate, but apparently has now decided to give it to some archmage named Raz that the rest of Occa's group seemed to know. Darian, in particular, seemed to have a great distaste for this archmage."
"Anyway, that is what happened with all of that."
"Now, the story gets a little more involved. Zanax's soul is with Vrith, but his body was polymorphed into a female drow and a soul put in it. The woman calls herself Ryshara or something like that. Both of them fooled most of Occa's party except for\ our old friend Equinox. Apparently, he was in on the rescue party and thought it too easy and then didn't buy Ryshara's sudden appearance shortly after Zanax and Occa teleported away to 'Hork'."
"So, Equinox asks a bunch of questions in front of the whole group, gets people riled up and then convinces Darian and Gilstrock to accompany him to a temple to conduct a Commune. The three of them go and get answers that cause them concern and they get Jesse involved, go do another Commune and that makes them even more convinced something is wrong. So, they get Orlon to cast another Commune with most of the rest of the party. They do this at the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf where Roganna and I and a few others are staying. We hear a lot of noise, plaster falling from the ceiling and we go to investigate. Turns out they bothered Thor once to many times and he lets them know about it. So, our party is now involved."
"An elaborate plan is set to take the fake Occa and Ryshara before they can leave the party, but it all backfires because the two suspect something. We are not there when this occurs and apparently Ryshara burns down Occa's mansion. Most everyone gets out, but they lose all their stuff. They do manage to capture the two trouble makers. Some of us hear about the fire and run over to help, but it is too late."
"Gar and Ryshara are taken to a temple where they will be prepared for questioning. We go our separate ways after that, anticipating on meeting in the morning to question them. However, Ryshara escapes, killing some priests. As far as I know, she is still at large."
"Anyway, turns out she may also have psionics as well as mage abilities and that this Gar used to be an arch-mage, but lost his powers. He agrees to help Occa's group get Vrith if he will be freed. I think Occa's group has decided to go for it."
"At this time, we are asked to go to Hell and help out. We were going to contact you, but then Jesse and some of the others decided we were not needed, so we came here instead."
"Also, Equinox, Al and a few others of Occa's group decide that they are going to go North as Thor commanded some of them to do, so they split off from them."
"They came through town a few weeks back and Aron slipped off with them without a goodbye."
Kadlian grabs his mug and takes another long drink. "I think that covers it."
"You forgot the white Rabbit," the mage says, "And the mirror. This is definitely not Kansas anymore, Toto. We're heading East, but where, who knows? We've got a couple of new mages, at lower levels, and with Argulhas gone, the balance of magical power has changed dramatically again. Malvis and Carburetor will be able to take some lower level spells for us, but we'll need to conserve magical attacks more when we head out again."
"We may have lost Agulhas, but we have gained Niko, who is a fighter and a magic-user."
"Yes, like Logan, and like Logan, probably has the same weaknesses," the mage says.
Kadlian rolls his eyes. "I certainly hope not."
From the outside could be heard the thumping of fists against flesh, and then is heard in Logan's voice, "I heard that.. OUCH!" and then no more is heard from the warrior/mage.
"We shall see. The issue remains that fighters tend to wish to engage the enemy, and if said person has magical skills as well, and is engaged physically with an opponent, then the magical skills are worthless, until disengaged, by which time it could be too late. Add to that an unknown quality of control, and we have another potentially volatile situation. If Niko or Logan are charged with rear guard duty, then we have another conflict of need. If we wish to use them to cast spells, then they are going to be lax on their guard duties, potentially endangering us. All in all, not a good piece to have, unless one decides to focus on one aspect and use that."
"Niko, Darian from the other group is a fighter/mage, correct? How did you and he fit into the roles listed by Rage?"
Niko ponders for a moment. "Probably more of a scout and mage. Although my fighting prowess is excellent, I don't have the magical defenses to melee with more powerful creatures, such as demons and giants. Thus, I tend to attack them with spells and other ranged weapons."
Kadlian nods. "Rage, maybe with the change in our membership, we should look at a change in tactics. The tactics we have used previously have been simplistic and have worked well for us. I will think about this. If any of you have ideas, feel free to mention them to me."
Carburator asks, "So, when do we head that way?"
"Couple of days, have to do some teleporting around for you folks," the mage says, "To visit the magical places we know. "
"The four places I know of are: MEGADUNGEON 1: Magic room with tiles Red and Green. Red increases level with decrease in Charisma. Green increase Charisma."
"Remember that only one tile will work, so touch a red tile only," says the gnome.
"MEGADUNGEON 2: Small room (10'x20') with door on long side and with Lever opposite. A sign above the lever reads, 'Pull lever to go up one level.'
"BLACK KEEP: Pool that increases Intelligence
"SU EL: Pool increase STR, CON, DEX"
"Very cool. How long will we be at each? I don't know if I would like to use the two Megadungeon ones, but I would like to see them in action and perhaps memorize the rooms for when I am more powerful. Those would be even more valuable then."
Malvis' eyes brighten at this turn in the conversation, and he eagerly asks, "If it is possible, I would like to go to these dungeons, for a more experienced Illusionist would better aid the party, I think. If it's Ok with you, Rage."
"It is your decision, Malvis. Just remember what Hlarn decided to do."
"And don't forget that Kailar has asked to be relieved of his duties as organizer of the mages. We better appoint another one," Rage says, "And Kailar has nominated Dor, already, for whatever reason. For the record, I do not want it, and do not think it is needed. We can coordinate our spells amongst ourselves, without some appointed leader type."
"As long as you can decide amongst yourselves without needing me, I do not care how you work it."
Carburator says, "Not that I could help much in the magical department, but it might be wise to have some sort of logistics management. Especially if we think we are going to be going into any pitched battles."
"Too much organization," the mage says, "Gets in the way of creativity, Carburator. We can also over-prepare and not be ready to react. Where we are going, I suspect we'll get some pitched battles, but with Kadlian in charge, that should be sufficient."
"Probably true. We might want to setup a couple of guidelines, though, so that there isn't too much redundancy."
"We chew the fat around the fire, and I'll let you know what spells I'm loading up on, and can offer consulting on what you might want to take. Easiest way that. When we're in battle, we'll try to hold off spells for the normal type critters we might encounter, and save them for the enchanted, and magical beasts."
"Works for me!" he says with a smile. "I am eager to start."
"Well, typically, I memorize:
1st - Detect Magic, Magic Missiles x3
2nd - Detect Invisibility, Melf's Acid Arrow, Stinking Cloud
3rd - Fireball, Lightning Bolt, Protection From Evil 10' Radius
4th - Dimension Door, Ice Storm
I also have a few other magic items which might come in handy," says Niko.
After a few minutes Dor comes in supporting a wobbly Logan. "Wow, you did pretty good considering the weight I got on you. But you need to be on guard all the time. I think you could be pretty good at this with some more training. But next time, stick to your weight class."
"You're lucky I didn't fireball your ass!" Logan says with a smile as he spits a small glob of blood onto the floor. "Sorry, I think he knocked one loose," he says as he clicks his teeth together. "You don't fight bad for a human, we should practice more often, its good to get out from under the books! So, whatcha ya all talkin' about?"
"So where are we going?" Dor asks, staring perplexedly at his new winter gear.
"Other than East, I do not really know. Atlantia unless we can narrow it down to some place more specific."
When all is said and done, you find little more information about the Wizards, Saltar or the artifacts. You do find some information which explains why, though.
You also gain some information pertaining the routes to take to get to Atlantia from Strabath. There seem to be three of them.
The safest but perhaps longest route is down the Southern Road to Nlad's capitol, Hork. There, one takes the Imperial Road east and straight through to Atlantia.
A less safe but somewhat shorter route is to take the Southern Road down to Grell Inn (located perhaps a day south of Strabath). There, one turns east, and follows the lesser roads which parallel the southern boundaries of the Mountains of Nlad, right the way down to the point where they end, far to the southeast, where the road meets the Imperial Road on the eastern border of Nlad. After that one follows the great Road to Atlantia.
The final, but most interesting route would be to take the Southern Road north over the Mountains of Nlad and into Milkland. When it ends at the Great Western Road turn east and go to Hobbitown, where one meets the Amlad Road. Follow the Amlad Road east to Golgar. You then take the Saltar Road southeast to Bridgewater. At Bridgewater you are presented with a choice. You can stay with the Saltar Road and travel east into South Nolthen (very dangerous) to where it meets up with Innerstate Seventy Five. You can follow a lesser road southeast through the wilderness and eventually to Saltar. Or, you can take a second lesser road south along the Mississippi River to Riverland, and then join the Imperial Road and go east.