On July 16th what remains of Kadlian's party returns to Occa's mansion. Logan, Jesse, Salaam, Kailar and Badd (who is still training) see that the survivors are Kadlian, Trinity, Dor, Niko, Nuanna, Wizbang and Vastelle.
The newcomers find Jesse, Logan, Kailar and Badd playing croquet on the lawn of Occa's mansion.
It is a comfortable day for July (75F), though it looks like rain.
Kadlian chivvies you off to Ray Jay's tower.
At the door, Ming advises you, "Master is away on business."
"Ming, we need a wish to bring back our dead comrades. Do you have anything for sale that will do the job?"
"I do have a scroll for sale," he says, "At the special low price of 75,000gp."
Niko asks, "Ummm...what kind of scroll is it, Ming?"
"A wish scroll."
Kadlian sighs. "Thanks. We may be back for it."
Kadlian returns to the mansion with everyone one in tow.
After an hour or so Kadlian and the gang return from Ray Jay's place.
Trinity looks expectantly at Kadlian. "What's the story, Boss?"
Kadlian shakes his head. "Ray Jay was not there, but Ming had a wish scroll for sale for seventy-five thousand gold pieces. And with Occa not here, I think our only choice is the anti-wish flame. If that does not work, we shall have to try and raise the funds."
"I have about fifty silver pieces, well-hidden," says Badd. "I could probably spare most of it."
"That is very generous of you, Badd."
"You've all been very kind," replies Badd. "It's the least I can do."
"I can get us there tomorrow. Unless you want me to find Occa?" the mage says. "Not sure I could get us there, however, so you are correct, the anti-wish flame is best."
"I can teleport still today. I don't know where the Anti-Wish Flame is though. I am also not sure that I trust it. It did not seem to give the intended result for CF."
"True, but what would you suggest, then?"
"I guess I don't have a better suggestion."
"Wishes are very literal, and CF's wish was fulfilled," replies Trinity. "Not how he expected, but fulfilled none the less."
Kadlian shrugs. "Either way would be fine. If we go to the anti-wish flame, I will make the wish."
"Do you know what to wish for?" replies the mage. "Make it simple, but state it as I do not wish for X."
"I do not know what to wish for."
"If you want to find paradise, simply look around and view."
"I'll do it," volunteers Badd. "Just tell me what you want."
"We want all of our companions that died fighting the bandits brought back to life. We saved all of their equipment."
"Howsabout 'I wish it not to be the case that all Kadlian's companions who died fighting the bandits are returned immediately to life?'" says Badd. "How hard can that be?"
He grins proudly. "There's nothing like a word puzzle to catch the attention of a gnome."
Kadlian chuckles, despite himself. "What do you think, Trinity?"
"Let me ponder. I would prefer something more direct, as in I not wish my recently dead companions be alive, healthy and here."
The discussion continues over a late breakfast.
"I like Trinity's wish," says Badd. "So long as the wishing flame isn't a stickler for grammar. Common's not my first language, but I don't think your school teacher would let you get away with 'I not wish'."
"Common is not my first language either, but what about 'I do not wish my recently dead companions be alive, healthy and here.'?"
"Nah," says Badd. "That's not anti-wishing, that's just not wishing. If it's really anti-wishing, you have to wish for the opposite of what you want, not just refrain from wishing for the thing you do want."
Kadlian shrugs. "That is why I tend to leave the magic stuff to the magic-users."
Trinity grimaces. "As it was explained to me, you must make a negative wish, thus I do not wish. The misnomer of calling it an anti-wishing flame but it keeps things in order for me."
Badd walks up to Trinity and gives her a curious look. "I can't imagine why someone would make such a bizarre thing, and then make it so easy to use. What else do you know about it?"
"I have told you what I know. I was shown the flame by CF, and that is it. I don't know who created, who made the rules, or anything. Why are you asking me?" she asks, angry and annoyed.
Niko waves a leg of chicken in the air carelessly. "Oh, just let him make his anti-wish and see what happens. However, before you take him there, make sure I have time to locate an anti-magic shell scroll...I just don't want to be affected by is mis-wish..."
"Well, because I thought you might know," says Badd defensively. "How else do you choose who to ask questions to? And," he adds in a voice heavy with disappointment, "because I thought you might be interested."
Trinity looks at Badd, "I failed out there, and we lost several people because of my failure. I'm not going to worry why something works, only that it will work to correct the mistake I made," the woman says softly. "And your disappointment is the least of my worries."
"We need to talk about that, Trinity, privately," says Kadlian earnestly and with concern.
"There is nothing to talk about," replies Trinity. "I failed."
Kadlian snorts. "And you are not alone. I had some ground rules worked out when you were all known as Rage. Now that the balance has changed, I see that the understanding needs to be rehashed."
"Can we deal with this later? Isabella is very upset over Galil and Mouse's death. It is important to get them back. Shall we go now?" Trinity says.
"Of course we can deal with this later, as long as you wait to beat yourself up as well."
Badd shakes his head as if to clear it.
"I'm very sorry you lost your friends," he says quietly, "But at least you have several means to get them back. If it was me, I'd be anxious to understand the power of the flame before using it. But then I'm just a little gnome, not mighty as you folk all are."
Trinity looks at Badd, "Many adventurers before us have used the flame and used it in the manner that I have described. To further learn how it works when I have a few years, I might study it. However, powers like this were created by the gods or the wizards."
He turns away from Trinity. "I supposed I assumed that someone almost as powerful as Occa would be almost as wise. I'm sorry I asked now."
Trinity laughs. "I am nowhere near the power that Occa is. I have much to learn to become an arch-mage. And that will take much time."
"Oh," says Badd. "To a mouse, horses and elephants seem much the same."
Then he goes and sits quietly in a corner.
Dor is very interested in the plate mail that was recovered from the brigands.
"It sure stayed shiny," he notes. "When can we try that stuff on?"
"After everyone is alive again, Dor. We need to give Trinity time to identify everything, first."
Salaam joins you.
"Logan explained the situation to me, if you have any part of your companion's bodies, I can resurrect them," he offers.
"I do appreciate the offer. It is very generous of you."
"Let the cleric try, Kadlian," says Trinity, "If he can do it, we'll save time and energy and the angst of using the flame. However, can you restore elves and horses? If not, we still need to use the wish to get back Galil and Mouse."
"As well as Vastelle and Edelle."
"Elves yes, and ah, I have never tried to resurrect a horse, but if I must, I guess I could try," he says with an odd look on his face, wondering why anyone would want to bring back their steed.
"Mouse was Galil's horse. They were rather attached."
"Anyhow, give me what remains you have and I will need some time alone at the temporary altar I have set up in Occa's mansion," he says.
Once given what he asks for, he will attempt the first resurrection.
The morning passes while Salaam prays and readies himself. The rest of you wait impatiently.
Early in the afternoon Salaam joins you. With him are Ragnar, Malvis and Galil's horse.
"Thank you, Salaam."
"No need to thank me, it was Thoth's will, please reciprocate by agreeing to help with my lord's Temple once it is done, just be spreading the word as a repository of magic and aid for any and all adventurers who wish to further magic in the world," he says.
"Well, I for one thank you and everyone else who had a hand in resurrecting me," says Malvis solemnly. "And I, for one, will surely remember to honor you, Salaam."
"Thank Thoth you are alright, good luck on your way and may Thoth guide your steps," he replies.
"Aye, I also thank you and your Lord Thoth. Mayhaps, I shall return the favor to you some day in the future."
"I hope so as well," Salaam nods to the man.
"I can do that. Do you have any magic items for sale right now?"
"Ragnar, Malvis, are you two okay?"
"Aye, I am fine."
Malvis begins checking himself out, feeling to see if everything is connected and present. Once sure that he is physically sound, Malvis begins checking for items. "I think I'm alright. I'm getting pretty good at this dying thing."
"Yes. Um. Well, let's work on it not happening again," replies Trinity. "It's not nice to your friends to go dying on them, you know."
She then approaches Mouse, apple in hand, and offers the horse a bite.
"We will get Galil back as soon as we can, Mouse," the woman says softly.
Finally she turns to Salaam, and nods.
"We may have had our differences in the past, but for this I am grateful," the woman says to the cleric. "What can I do to repay your kindness?"
"Your skills," he says with a nod. "Once my temple to Thoth is complete, I will need wards and permanent spells cast, if I am correct about your abilities, it should be easily done, and not to worry, I would not overtax you," he replies. "As the temple will be a repository of magical lore, I will need the help of mages to convince adventurers that it is a place of good repute to buy and sell magic as well as potions and salves of healing."
Trinity nods, "Agreed. And thank you.
"Kadlian, let's go," she says, "To the flame now."
"Okay. Who is coming and who is staying?"
"I'll go," Niko volunteers. "You never know who else might be at the flame."
"Well if Niko gets to go, so do I," Dor contributes.
"You seem to be under a misimpression," Trinity says. "No, you do not get to go if Niko gets to go. And you are not paying attention. I am taking to the flame Kadlian, Niko, and Kailar. If there is something there, which I can verify with my crystal ball, we will wait. I am not taking everyone on the trip. I will take more tomorrow, but today we are getting those who are dead back."
When Trinity isn't looking, Niko quickly gives Dor a big fat grin and then sticks his tongue out at him.
Dor breaks out into huge guffaws. "When you get in over your head, Niko, don't come crying to me. I'll be enjoying some beer and some naughty girls."
Niko snorts. "With your ugly mug, you'd have to use that anti-wish at the flame to get that kind of action!"
Kadlian catches Niko's childish behavior. "I do not know what Edelle sees in you."
Niko belches and shrugs. "Who knows? You can ask her after we bring her back."
Niko snaps his fingers and turns toward the cleric of Thoth. "Which reminds me...Salaam, can you cast a remove curse so that I can take off this ring of truth?"
"I can, but for a price, 300 gold," he says with a nod, "I do have a temple to finish."
Niko shrugs, heads to his room to get the gold and returns.
"Here ya go. Although, I'm surprised you're still short on gold, considering how much we hauled in on our last adventure."
"Its not all mine," he says as he takes the 300 gold.
He casts the remove curse on Niko.
Niko tries to take off his ring of truth.
The ring drops off his finger.
"True, but it was still quite a haul. If you need contributions, just ask. Otherwise, it's almost like Occa asking us to pay rent to fund his research. I'm sure if you need donations, we could obtain some for you."
"That would be great, as I told Trinity, it will help you all in the end, as I can provide healing, potions, and magic once the Temple is completed," he offers.
Badd looks at Niko. "You don't look any different. Was it a bad curse?"
"The worst kind," Dor interjects. "Apparently it didn't work because he's still as ugly as ever."
"Depends on your point of view...if you're a paladin or someone that values truth, it's not so bad...as you can tell when people are lying, but you can't lie yourself...of course, you also can't take the ring off..."
"Oh, people usually tell me the truth anyway," says Badd. "But there's a couple of paladins back in the group who were helping me explore the towers of Zagyg. Maybe one of them would like it, if you don't want it."
Niko snorts. "Never had any use for paladins, but if they want it, they can probably just take it from the party magic chest."
He tags it and puts it in the community chest.
"I was more thinking of... making it a pleasant surprise," replies Badd. "Hey, what party magic chest? Do I count?"
Niko puts on his ring of fire resistance.
"Do you count? I dunno...by whose estimation?"
"Well..." says Badd. "When I first asked Occa if I could borrow some money to train, he said I could take some from the party chest, with the agreement that anyone could borrow, but everyone had to contribute. But then I found Kailar who agreed to train me for free... so I didn't think about it any more."
He pauses. "I don't have much to contribute right now, but Occa didn't seem to mind that. But it's not just Occa, it belongs to all of you here, and all of them back at Zagyg's place. They seem to accept that I'm part of their group...so I'd like to know if I count in that regard. In everybody's estimation."
Niko shrugs. "I guess you just answered your own question...if you think you contribute, then you should feel free to take. If that's not the case, then you can ask to borrow stuff. Things are pretty loose around here..."
"Well, um... what's in the chest at the moment?" asks Badd.
Niko shrugs again. "Sorry, I don't do inventories."
"That's Okay," says Badd happily, heading for the chest.
Niko looks around. "Say...whatever happened to that guy tied up around here..?"
He is still there. Sir is sitting on his lap.
"As you are our transportation to the flame, it is your call. Dor, wait here with the others and do not touch any of the items we recovered. No sense in getting cursed because of impatience. We should not be gone too long."
Trinity says, "The way it is, is the way it is."
"And we will be taking some time in Sandas before going back. I have some things I need to attend to that will take about a week."
"Me too!" yelps Badd.
"I am ready."
Trinity looks concerned. "I'd like to take Kaliar, so he knows where it is, if he needs to teleport us there someday. And besides Niko, Kadlian and Kailar, we will have, if all goes well, four more making the return trip. We'll have to do the reduce and teleport thing. I can take others tomorrow, if they want to."
"I'll try real hard to stop dying, Trinity. Really, I will," says Malvis earnestly. "And I'd like to accompany you to the flame of anti-wishing. It sounds very interesting."
"Tomorrow, my friend," says Trinity. "The way it is, is the way it is."
Badd looks crestfallen. "Oh, OK, then. I kinda wanted to see it do its thing though. Tomorrow, maybe."
Malvis, still checking himself out, asks in complete bewilderment, "What's 'the flame'?"
"The flame of anti-wishing," replies Trinity.
Trinity turns to Kadlian, "In the wish, I would name each of our fallen fellows so that the wish is interpreted correctly, i.e. 'I do not wish that Galil, etc, were alive, healthy and here'."
"Galil, Windul and Edelle."
Trinity scans the area of the anti-wish flame in Guardian Ford Dungeon using her crystal ball before teleporting Kailar, Niko, Kadlian and herself there.
An image forms of the room where the flame burns. In it she sees a group of men...heavily armed and armoured in black plate mail. The shields they bear show the herald of a black thundercloud with a lightning bolt shooting out of the underside of it. They are regarding the flame and apparently having a discussion.
"This is an interesting development. Very wise of you to check before we went, Trinity. We saw that symbol somewhere... Some where on the Mississippi, I believe. Some castle..."
Trinity casts detect evil to see if she can determine if these folks are good or evil.
She detects nothing. She sees six people there.
Niko squints at the image. "Well, they don't too friendly. Can anyone here read lips or have clairaudience?"
He - as well as Kadlian, Trinity, Dor, Kailar and Malvis - recall seeing a flag carrying the same symbol flying over a castle during their trip down the Mississippi to Saltar two months earlier. You recall that the name of the castle was...Guardian Ford.
What a coincidence.
Niko swears. "This can't be a coincidence! Do we wait or confront them?"
"I say we don't let them get away with it!" shouts Badd.
"And you propose to stop them? How?" asks Trinity coldly.
He pauses for a moment.
"Get away with what?" he asks.
Kailar attempts to read their lips.
After a moment the gnome tells you that they appear to be arguing about the correct wording for a reverse wish.
"Well, this ought to be interesting...can you make out exactly what they're saying? It'll help when we have to make our own."
Trinity speaks. "Do we want to go in invisible? We could teleport there now, invisible like and be ready for when the leave. Or we can just wait."
Badd shakes his head.
"You people really need to get organised," he says. "Fortunately I can help there. I was in charge of the annual beer and daisy festival back in my village, you know. And people used to compliment me on how smoothly it ran. You know one year it would've been severely disrupted by by the neighbouring village firing a large cabbage through the marquee, but..."
He beams. "Well, adaptation and spontaneity are the key. Improvisation."
He begins to lecture Trinity, speaking very rapidly and occasionally breaking into gnomish.
"You see, first you have to decide on your objectives, then you work out the methods by which you're going achieve them. So let's say our objective is not to let them get away with it. Once that's decided, we can plan what to do."
"We?" asks the mage. "Nevermind. I have one goal in mind here, and that is to get Galil restored, or else I will go mad. Everything else is ancillary to the mission."
He shakes his head. "Beer and daisies. It wasn't easy, but with a bit of creative thought even the greatest logistical problems can be solved."
He folds his arms. "Any questions?"
"Do you ever be quiet?"
"Depends whether I need to hide, or dispense sage advice. Gnomes are good for both, but usually not both at once."
"I'd vote you work on hiding. Sage advice is not very well received," replies Trinity.
"Them as need it most like it least," says Badd. "Everyone warned Vrondelkvim Elbsvardanzf about his stoat-powered spinning-plough, and he didn't listen. It took a week to get all the stoat-lint out from between his teeth."
He shakes his head. "You don't want that to happen to you. Even I don't want that to happen to you."
"You don't want to get me angry. You wouldn't like me then. I have one purpose at the moment and your constant prattle is making it difficult. So shut up."
He peers round Kailar's shoulder into the crystal ball and scratches his wrinkled little spud-like head. "Ouch, those guys are ugly. Kadlian, sounds like you know 'em. What's the history?"
Then he gazes up at Trinity. "Hey Trin, can you send me there? I could help them work out their wish, then they'd leave and you could come and get Galil back. Or does the flame only work once a day or something?"
"The name is Trinity, not Trin, or ity, or anything else you might try. Trinity. Get it."
Niko snorts. "Trinity, maybe you could do Badd this one favor and drop him off at the anti-flame...I'm sure we could keep an eye on him from here."
"Nope, will not waste a teleport on that."
"Oh, well if it's too much trouble," says Badd, with a shrug. "Never mind. I just wanted to help you with your problem retrieving Galil. But I'm sure I can find another way to help out around here."
He beams at Trinity. "I can tell we're going to be friends."
"With friends like you, I'd prefer an enemy. At least there I know where I stand."
Kadlian stares at the ceiling trying to recall more details. "That is the symbol for Nolthen, right? Kailar, can you figure out what they are trying to not wish for? We may need to block their designs."
Kailar cannot make out the words through the distorted vision of Trinity's new crystal ball, but they seem to be having quite an animated discussion.
Niko tries to use his helm to listen to their conversation.
He hears nothing but Badd's heavy breathing.
Niko takes off his helm. "I don't think this helm does what I think it does. Trinity, when you get a chance, can you cast Identify on it?"
"I will, but that type of item generally does not work through crystal balls," replies the mage. "And since we do not have a volume control, it makes it difficult."
Kadlian sighs. "Salaam and Logan, would you will be willing to accompany us to the flame? Trinity, just how many can you take? If we have to go and remove them from the room, I want to take the best we have access to."
"I can not, I have research to do," Salaam answers.
"I am under contract with Salaam as his bodyguard until the temple is finished, sorry, I can not go," Logan answers.
"Look," says Badd, "Why don't you just pop in and anti-wish them somewhere?"
"Why don't we just wait and see if they are still there in an hour or so?" replies Trinity. "Or do you want to go now? If so, I could, in theory, take pretty much everyone, with basic equipment, shrunk down to miniature size. But I would rather wait till there is no one in the room, so that they do not know of our coming and going."
"Perhaps I am being overly paranoid, but we know that Nolthen is no friend to anyone good. Imirimil is constantly trying to expand his borders. I fear that this anti-wish will serve some rotten plan and I wonder if we should attempt to stop it. At the same time, I am curious why these followers of Imirimil need to go to the flame to get what they want. I would think that Imiriel would be more than capable of casting his own wishes."
"That is why I was hoping that someone could discern their purpose from watching or listening to what they said."
"That ain't gonna happen," says the mage. "So you've got to ask yourself, do you want to go and deal with them, or wait till they are gone?"
Niko pulls out a few grenades and his wand. "Let's go in and bomb them...maybe we can capture one alive or at least question one of their dead bodies."
"The anti-flame may get damaged, though..."
"That is not an option. We need to save Galil," says Trinity. "We will not risk destroying the flame."
"If you have any part of Galil, even a hair, I can try to resurrect her, if Thoth allows," Salaam offers before he leaves.
"She is an elf, and she was vaporized by a fireball I could have protected her from," replies Trinity, a tear in her eye. "I was too eager for battle, and many people died from my actions. The remaining dead are elves."
"And?" he asks, "As raise dead can not bring back an elf, but a resurrection can."
Niko frowns. "Well, as much as I would like to save Galil, we also do need to stop those men from making their anti-wish. We may even want to consider destroying such a device if they are already aware of such a powerful item."
"I will not be party to destroying magic of this nature. Not sure you could do it anyway," replies Trinity. "You want to try, I will stop you."
"No need to make threats. But, either you're sure it can't be done or you're not. If you're sure, then we should go in guns a blazin' and take those guys out."
Trinity looks at Niko. "I am not sure since I have not studied the magic item in question. There is always a way to destroy a magic item, but physical force generally is not the way for those items of artifactual powers. Or created by the gods. As for taking those guys out, how do we know they are the only ones? Perhaps there are more, a force of dozens or more. We do not want to be walking into that, do we now?"
"How big is the room with the anti-flame?"
"Bigger than a bread box," says the woman. "I was distracted, and did not measure the room out."
Niko looks unamused. "Would a fireball fill it?"
"Like I said, I did not pay attention to the dimensions when I was there last. I was busy having my soul rearranged," the woman says, anger in her voice.
"Then let me borrow the crystal ball so that I can pan back and see how big the chamber is."
"Does it have a mind?" asks Badd, hopping back and forth from one foot to another. "Something which grants anti-wishes has to be able to understand them. Maybe it wouldn't be so understanding about someone starting a fight in its house, though."
"The power of a wish is derived from the gods," replies Trinity. "It is just a conduit to accessing that power."
"Do not worry, Trinity. As I said, we are not going until until they have left."
"Just so everyone is clear where I stand," Trinity says.
"So, we're going to let them make their anti-wish?"
"Yes. We only know where they are from. That does not mean they are evil. Who knows, perhaps they are attempting to wish Imirimil dead..."
Niko sighs at Kadlian's ignorance. "Wishes don't work that way...you can't do something like that. I guess it's possible for anti-wishes to work differently, but I doubt it."
"Why not? You can wish people alive. Why can you not wish them dead?"
Niko shrugs. "Well, if you don't believe me, talk to Occa or Ray Jay, or make the wish yourself. Otherwise, wouldn't someone have wished Imiriel dead by now? Even wishes have limitations..."
"Wishing someone dead can have very unintended consequences, normally like sending you to a period of time in the future when that person is dead. But to strike down a foe, no, wishes asking for that are not granted," replies Trinity.
"Say, does our other crystal ball allow us to listen in?"
Trinity looks at Niko. "Does our other crystal ball allow us to listen in?"
"No, Trinity already said there was no volume control. And no one has a clairaudience spell handy."
"Kailar, you have used the other crystal ball, does it have the ability to hear what is going on?" asks Trinity.
"Salaam, would you have a way to listen in on what is being said in that room?"
"Sorry, I do not have any spells prayed for that can do so, perhaps tomorrow, but I doubt that will help you then," he replies apologetically.
Kadlian shrugs. "Oh, well. Okay, we wait for them to leave, then. We are in no condition to go after them."
"Salaam, is Cannon Fodder around?" Niko inquires.
"I am unsure, he went and got himself a soul and then there was an incident with Rage seperating into two beings. I believe he went off with one of them!" Salaam replies.
Trinity speaks, "Cannon Fodder is no more. And Rage is not here, she has left this world."
You keep an eye on the flame room. After about an hour the people there finally leave.
You cannot tell if a reverse wish was made or not.
"Kadlian, now is our chance," says Trinity.
"Hmmm...perhaps we should take additional precautions any time we visit one of these places. Go in invisible, checking for invisibles and traps. Just a suggestion."
Trinity shakes her head
"Brilliant plan, sir," she says, irony in her voice.
"Meow," says Kailar's cat.
"Really...is that standard anytime you visit?" Niko asks with surprise in his voice.
Keep the biting sarcasm down a bit, the two of you."
"Biting sarcasm, sir?" replies Trinity.
"What sarcasm?"
"Trinity, let us go."
"They might have been able to detect our scrying. They might, in turn, scry there to see who was watching them. I would recommend disguises before we go."
"They did not make any indication, or motion to that effect," replies the mage.
"If I detected someone scrying on me, I would not mention it until the scrying had ended."
"Trinity," interrupts Malvis, who has been snickering over the debate so far, "Might it be better to find out why one globe shows men arguing, while the other ball shows an empty room? It could be important to know why the two crystal balls show different scenes at the same time. Perhaps if I tried one instead, it would help."
"Perhaps, but more than likely this new crystal ball is cursed...showing false images...making us see things..."
"Or making us see things that were, or might become," replies Trinity. "The past, the future... Very interesting."
The woman turns to Kadlian. "Sir, assemble your forces, I will reduce them and teleport us to the site. We will go invisible, and see what the truth is. When we return, I would like to investigate the two globes further, examining them and seeing what is happening with Hlarn Meg, for I fear if this second globe sees the future, he could be in grave trouble."
"Our forces, such as they are, are assembled. Vastelle, come with us as well. Kailar, Niko, myself, Vastelle and Trinity will go. The rest of you, stay here, please."
"Can I play with the crystal ball while you're gone?" asks Badd.
"NO," replies the mage.
"Meanie!" says Badd. He sticks his tongue out at Rage.
"Badd, I do not say it as a harshness, or to be mean to you. I an genuinely concerned now that this second ball shows things of a different nature, that of the past or the future, and until I know it is safe, I do not wish ill to befall such a noble gnome as yourself. When I have determined the truth, then you may, by all means, examine the ball and use it while I remain here," Trinity says.
"I know," says Badd. He grins. "I didn't err... mean it."
He walks over to Kailar's globe, and thinks about Occa's party. First Tragon, then Lo.
"Actually," he add proudly as he stares into the ball, "I have more noble blood in me than you might expect, as it happens. My great-great-granduncle on my mother's side invented a new method of harvesting tinsel-tree leaves, which were very popular at the time among gnomes as a substrate for rotary mulchers. It was very well-received, and he petitioned the local elven prince for years for recognition, by sitting outside his palace gates on a large pile of tinsel-tree leaves explaining his invention to every passer-by. In the end, the prince knighted him and made him an ambassador to... oh, a very small country somewhere quite far away, I forget where exactly."
He grins. "Still, a significant turning point in my family history. And an object lesson to all of his descendants in how to achieve your goals."
Images form. He sees Tragon doing something paladin-like.
Lo is doing something decidedly unpaladin-like with Kelene.
"Oh, those two got it together in the end," says Badd. "How nice. Hey, this is fun!"
He starts channel-hopping around people he knows, then has an idea, and begins scrying for the inside of the mage guild in Greyhawk.
He gets nothing but static.
Trinity casts reduce on Kailar, Niko, Vastelle and Kadlian. That done, she makes sure they join hands and cast invisibility on those who need it. She makes make sure everyone is ready, hands joined, then turns invisible with her ring before teleporting the group to the flame.
Niko turns invisible via his own ring of invisibility and puts on his ring of fire protection.
Trinity, Kailar, Niko, Vastelle and Kadlian teleport out.
Badd goes to inspect the community chests of both parties.
Salaam heads out to attend to some business.
A short time after they teleport out, they teleport back.
Edelle, Windul and Galil are with them, alive and kicking.
Badd wanders back upstairs, laden with goodies, including something labelled 'blaster rifle'.
"There are some fun things in the chest!" he says, scratching his head. "Do you know what they all are, or can we test a few? Does Occa have an artillery range?"
"Ummm, Badd? I think you should be a bit more selective in what you take. While it is a community chest, the community is rather large and until you can contribute to it, you might want to restrain yourself to the necessities."
"Hey!" says Badd. "I don't want to take it all... I just want to know what it all does!
"You know, there are... machines in there!" he burbles happily, his lips twisting themselves in enthusiastic agitation. "Machines like no gnome has ever built, at least no gnome with a dose of sanity. There was Bezelderbelder, of course, who was famous for...well, let's just say he left a big crater and only needed a small coffin. But amazing things in there! Amazing... You know, I've already been thinking about what might happen if you started plugging them all together..."
"Perhaps you should question the sanity of that in light of the destructive power that some of these 'machines' have?" Galil asks with a slight shudder. "I've no wish to be blown to pieces again."
"I don't think Kadlian is going to let me," says Badd sadly. "You know, Bezelderbelder was a legend. I'd like to be remembered like that. Well, not for blowing myself to pieces of course, but for advancing the state of gnomish knowledge. People who understand how this stuff works could do some real good in the world."
Kadlian shakes his head and shudders. "Definitely not, Badd. A lot of that stuff is very dangerous and could easily level this mansion. Niko, you have some familiarity with some of this stuff. Please help Badd put back the really dangerous stuff. You can explain to him what they do, but do not allow him to try them or keep them."
Niko grumbles, "What do I look like, his baby-sitter? If he abuses our trust, he simply gets axed...figuratively, and if it warrants it, literally."
"And if he plays with one those hand grenade things? Then he takes all of us with him."
Sighing, he gets up and tells Badd, "OK...put EVERYTHING you took from the community chest on the table and I'll see what I can tell you about them. If I find you've held anything back, I'll feed what's left of you to Sir. Any questions?"
"Hey," says Badd. "I'm not a thief you know! And gnomes and small mammals get along just fine, so I don't think he'd eat me."
Galil smiles. "A most worthy pursuit."
"Actually, Badd, I thought you were a thief. Oh, that is not to say that you would steal from us, but just that is your chosen profession."
Badd looks an Niko a little reproachfully.
"Nope," he says. "Occasionally I wander where the signs are marked 'beware of the rampaging canine skeletons', or through a badly locked door or two. But in terms of slaughtering things in order to liberate their belongings, or plundering the tombs of dead wizards, I'm no more a thief than a couple of paladins I've been working with recently."
Niko glares back at Badd. "What the hell are you looking at me for? You want me to knock you on your ass?"
Badd grins at Niko.
"Think you can catch me?" he says. "Hey, calm down. You start making noises about abusing trust and axing people, you're not exactly projecting trust and confidence, you know!"
"Do you really want to find out if I can catch you? And it's not like I said I would decide who's abusing trust or who would get the axe...this ain't my ship."
"No," says Badd. "I want to find out if you think you can. And if you weren't casting aspersions, why bother raising the matter in the first place?"
Niko shrugs. "Only one way to find out..."
Badd makes a face at Niko and scuttles under the table, grabbing the 'makes Rage harder to see' ring on his way past.
Niko rolls his eyes up in the air. "Why me? I need a drink."
He pulls out a small flask and takes a big swig.
"As for casting aspersions...er, are you sure that's the right word you wanted to use...I'm not sure that's what it was, as it was merely a comment in reply to something Kadlian said."
Kadlian looks at Badd and Niko and shrugs. "Badd, if you are not a thief what are you?"
Badd shrugs. "Until recently I traded in agricultural products, and organised the entertainments in my village... but all that went up in smoke. Since then I've been helping people clean skeletons out of closets. Why, what are you?"
"But, I had heard you had an affinity for doors and traps. I am a ranger."
"Oh, I see. Just because I can open locks, I'm a thief. Well, just because you can use a sword, does that make you a murderer?"
Kadlian rolls his eyes. "Why do I bother?"
Badd looks at Kadlian curiously.
"You're not bothering me," he says. "But where I come from, thief is an ugly word. You don't want to go around calling someone a thief unless you mean it. Perhaps where you come from it's a term of respect and affection."
"I did not mean it as an ugly word nor as a term of affection. It is simply a label I apply to those capable of picking locks and disarming traps."
A loud sigh is heard from under the table.
"Someone find the man a dictionary," he says.
Trinity crawls under the table with Badd.
In Isabella's voice she says, "Are we going to play hide and seek now? And why are they saying bad things about you. You're not a thief, you're a nice gnome. That's mean of them... sticks and stones may break your bones but names will never hurt you."
Badd looks at Trinity oddly.
"Um, I suppose" he says, chuckling "Hiding from Niko is what I am, lest it be what I get."
Malvis begins laughing at Badd's reply, and says, "How is sitting under a table talking to Trinity-as-Isabella helping you hide from Niko?"
"Well, would you chase me and Isabella under there?" asks Badd. "Only if you were itching for trouble."
The woman giggles at Badd's pun.
"Malvis is ok, he can come down here if he wants. He does these great tricks too. Maybe I'll become an illusionist like him," Trinity-as-Isabella says.
"You're an illusionist?" Badd asks Niko in surprise.
"No silly Badd. Malvis is the illusionist," replies Trinity-as-Isabella.
"Not Niko; I'm the Illusionist," says Malvis, trying hard to control a giggle.
Trinity-as-Isabella wiggles her fingers and points to Malvis, casting tickle.
"Oh," says Badd.
He looks up at Malvis.
"OK, you can come too," he says. He looks at Trinity-as-Isabella. "You know, they won't let us play with all the best toys."
"Really? They won't let us play with the best toys? Are they ours? I mean, if they are not our's we can't play with them without permission. Everyone knows that," says Trinity-as-Isabella.
"They're not mine," says Badd. "And I don't think they're yours either. So I'm afraid we can't play with them unless we're allowed. Which we're not."
"Well, who can we ask?" Trinity-as-Isabella says. "I mean if they are fun toys, I'd like to try them too."
"Oh, I almost forgot!" says Badd, tossing Niko's flask back to him.
"Good stuff," he says. "Maybe we should start brewing some gnomish wind-ale, though I don't know where we'd get the toadstools. What do you think, Kailar?"
"I think it is time you got back to your training." Kailar gives Badd a stern look.
"Mr. Kailar, Sir. Can't Badd play a bit longer? He's such a fun gnome," says Trinity-as-Isabella.
Badd winces. "Uh, OK. Wasn't this fun, though?"
"Yes." says Trinity-as-Isabella, claping her hands. "Can we do it again tomorrow?"
"I don't know about that," says Malvis, suddenly laughing uncontrollably as he seems to be protecting his sides from an unseen tickle, "But I'm game if Kailar is."
With that Badd runs off again and reappears with a few more items from the chests. Two are labelled 'Energy Sabre' and 'Sinclair Longsword' which he gives to Kadlian.
"These might be more your size!" he says.
Kadlian takes the weapons and puts them down on the table.
"Thank you, Badd. Not knowing what the sabre does, I will wait for Niko to explain it to me. As far as the longsword goes, I am going to wait to see what else Niko and Trinity identify before making a choice."
Then he lays on the table a set of pipes, shortsword, lyre, and something marked 'paralysis pistol.'
"I thought maybe the instruments might be good for Galil" he explains. "Niko, could you look at this sword while you're at it please?"
Galil smiles.
"Instruments? I greatly desire a longsword of fine craftsmanship," she says, examining the 'Sinclair Longsword' curiously.
The weapon consists of a but a handle about 9" long and 2" in diameter. There is a small sphere attached to one end of the handle. There is a small stud near that end as well.
Trinity-as-Audrey speaks, "Galil, when I finish identifying the items, I am sure there will be an appropriate magic sword for you."
"Thank you Trinity," Galil replies.
"Oh, sorry," says Badd. "I thought you were a Bard!"
Galil shakes her head, looking somewhat wistful. "I had not the talent for such a vocation though I very much desired it as a youngster."
He grins. "There are a lot of longswords down there, though. Hang on..." He rushes off again, and reappears with a sword longer than himself. As he scurries towards Galil he trips over the blade, but somehow manages to push off the sword and pole vault onto the table.
Galil chuckles, "You are indeed quite talented."
"Well, this looks nice," he says.
The label on the sword reads "Frost brand +3/+6"
Galil's eyes widen and she carefully takes up the sword.
"This is quite exquisite," she whispers before hefting it and carefully taking a few practice swings with it - obviously where it will do no harm.
She looks up, "If no one else has need of this, I will gladly take it."
Niko examines the pistol, long sword and sabre for charges or power supplies.
Niko watches to see if Galil gets shocked.
She does not.
Trinity-as-Isabella begins doing the woogie dance and singing, "Go Galil, it's your birthday. Go Galil, it's your birthday."
Kadlian grins. "It figures you would pick the best one out of the identified ones. I, too, am very interested in that blade, but I want to see what else Trinity and Niko identify from our haul."
Trinity-as-Isabella looks at Kadlian. "You've got lots of magic, Kadlian, Sir. Please let Miss Galil have it. Pretty please?"
Kadlian draws his two swords. "Trinity, this is the extent of my magic items. A slightly magical longsword and the flametongue shortsword. Both of which will be returned to the community chest after I finish the ritual."
Trinity-as-Isabella tries to stop her chin from quivering.
"I... I... I... um.. am.. sorry... Mr. Kadlian, Sir. I didn't know... I'm just 7 and thought you had lots... and lots of things, 'cause you're a big ranger lordy kinda elf," the girl says, brushing away tears and trying not to let her voice warble too much.
"Please no not make such requests on my behalf, Little One," Galil admonishes gently. "It is most improper though I know you mean well."
"Oh, pardon me Lord Kadlian," Galil says in dismay, handing him the frostbrand hilt first. "I did not know this was the best blade or that you had need of one."
Trinity-as-Isabella chimes in. "He doesn't. You do. Right Badd?"
"That's because I can read, Kadlian," says Badd. "In fact, I read almost as fast as I think. Which is almost as fast as I talk."
He shrugs. "Sorry, I don't want to be depriving anyone of anything here. But you guys need to get your resources organised. Seeing such wonderful toys locked up in a chest can't help but tug at the strings of a gnomish heart."
"If you look at the date of when that sword was put in the chest, you will note that we just brought it back with us yesterday. I believe the reason we know it is a frostbrand is because of the cold that seems to radiate from it. Other than that, we do not know anything about it."
"I know, I know," says Badd, looking wistfully at the blaster rifle, "And you like to find out the cautious way."
"Let us just say that we have been burned by not being cautious far too many times."
Trinity-as-Erica speaks, "No one has actually been burned. There was the incident of Hlarn and the sword, which in retrospect was hi-larious."
"And there was the time Trinity-as-Rage was a man", says Malvis, still laughing, and now rolling on the floor.
"That is an interesting assessment. I do not agree it was hilarious. And that was not the only time someone was affected by an unidentified magical item. Although, it does seem to be swords that cause all the trouble. I have been shocked by more than one."
"Like I said, Mr. Stuck-in-the-mud, soon to be super stud-elf. You need to let the codpiece down, I think it is too tight." Trinity-as-Erica says, "I'll shock you later, if you want. With or without an magic item."
"I do not wear a codpiece right now."
"Indeed?" says Trinity-as-Erica, walking over to Kadlian, and placing her hand where it needs to go to check to see if the elf is wearing a codpiece or not.
Kadlian grabs her hand before she can get there. "That is not nice behavior."
"I'm a baddddd woman." replies Trinity-as-Erica. "Spank me if you disapprove of my behavior, Lord Kadlian sir."
"Audrey, would you please reassert control? I have had enough of this particular person."
Trinity's face freezes for a long moment. And then, the woman speaks, her voice different yet again. Trinity-as-Audrey speaks, "Yes, Kadlian. Can I help you?"
"Yes, please keep Erica in check for now. I have had enough questions and comments about my sexuality."
Kadlian then chuckles. "We have a funny way of dividing treasure in our group and I doubt it has been explained to you. But, if you and I both desire the same weapon, we roll dice to determine who gets it. So, do not give up your claim quite yet."
Galil nods with a slight bow to Kadlian. "I will remember that."
"My personal errand is one that I have contemplated for a long time, but only recently decided to enact. I plan to undergo a ritual that will change the type of ranger that I am. This will allow me to wear better armor, but will change my fighting style from a longsword/shortsword to a longsword/dagger. I will also lose my vast hatred of orcs. That and the armor are why I am choosing to undergo the ritual."
Trinity-as-Erica speaks. "If that is your wish, you should do it now, rather than wait, and allow Ragnar to train as well. That will give our merry band more power. Besides, then I can make some scrolls of protection for ya'll. Besides, I bet you'd look cute in armor. Codpiece and everything!"
Kadlian nods. "Very well. If everyone is comfortable with that."
Trinity-as-Erica smiles, rubbing her hands together, "Can anyone watch this ritual? Is there tattooing? Ritual piercings? Nudity?"
"This will be a private ceremony. I will head off into the wilderness and come back when I am done."
"Rangers are always doing odd things in the woods alone," says Malvis. "Sometimes I think it probably does involve nudity, dancing, and the-gods-know-what-else."
"Even better," Trinity-as-Erica replies.
"What odd things are rangers doing in the woods alone, Malvis?"
"Sniffing the ground, peering at broken twigs, listening to what seems like nothing,....you name the odd behavior, and a ranger somewhere is probably doing it," Malvis replies with a shudder from a life-long librarian.
Niko snorts, "Sounds more like a pig truffle hunting, if you ask me."
"I do not think I have ever sniffed the ground. The air, yes. The ground? No. I see where your confusion lies. You think that these things are done with no purpose. And yet, if a ranger is tracking something, these are the very signs that tell us what has occurred."
"Verily so. While not a ranger myself, I was taught the rudiments of tracking as well as identification of plants, mosses, and the behavior of common animals and plants." Galil pauses, tugging on her imaginary gloves before she realizes that she is wearing none and quickly hides her hands beneath the cloak Kadlian loaned her.
"The ground holds many clues as to past weather and conditions as well as whether animals have visited or avoided a place. In addition, it is possible to see if the ground cover, whether moss, grass, leaves, or dirt, has seen passage recently." Galil smiles again, "For someone\ highly skilled in tracking I can only imagine that it is like a book from which all manner of knowledge may be gained."
"That was very well spoken, Galil. Thank you. I have forgotten that\ most elves are taught the rudimentary skills of tracking."
"We are all connected to nature, a part of nature and it is wise to know its ways lest we lose that connection and become unnatural in the process. I fear it is happening already in some ways and it is not a good thing," Galil says softly.
Malvis winces as he begins his reply, "You mean that behavior really has a purpose? And all this time I just thought you were communing with Nature in some bizarre rituals."
"And why would you think that? I have heard that druids commune with nature and still I would never dare to call them bizarre rituals. You speak from ignorance, Malivs, and yet presume to judge the behavior. While I cannot claim to understand how you, Kailar and Badd are able to create illusions, never once would I call what you do, bizarre or look down upon it."
"Odd, I often think that creating illusions is strange and bizarre. Yet I persist, for I enjoy it. Perhaps it is the same with druids, or even rangers. In truth, I know little of nature, except from books or what I have learned while adventuring with this group, so, yes, my comments do originate in ignorance."
"Damn," says Trinity-as-Erica, before a slow smile creeps across her face. "When is the ceremony to begin? And when would you be leaving? And is there nudity? Tests of endurance? Pain? and the like? I mean, what is it like to become a new type of ranger? "
"It is not a ritual I am familiar with though I don't understand why an elf would seek to lose hatred of evil creatures. That seems most\ unwholesome," Galil says in surprise. "What will you become once you have completed this ritual?"
"A stud-elf in armor," says Trinity-as-Erica, her eyes giving Kadlian the twice over.
"I wear armor now and I do not believe I am a stud-elf."
Trinity-as-Erica laughs.
"You are such a stick-in-the-mud, Kadlian," she says. "You're a stud elf if I say so, and I am an expert on studs and stud-elfs."
Kadlian sighs.
Galil frowns, "An elf stud? That is most unseemly, Trinity, and implies that Lord Kadlian is to breed women."
"And that is not my purpose."
"Does breeding imbue you with purpose?" Trinity-as-Erica asks.
"I do not know. Now, can we please drop the subject?"
Badd looks over.
"Please," he says, in an exasperated tone, "This is making it very difficult for me to pursue my lessons. Kadlian, couldn't you just satisfy these women, either one at a time or both at once, and thereby quiet them down?"
"No."
Badd grins. "That's how we do it among my people, anyway."
"Then perhaps you should attempt to quiet them down."
Badd shrugs. "I'm busy learning things I've never had the opportunity to do before. You should do the same. Besides, I don't think I'm sufficiently 'studly'."
"Apparently, if you put on some armor, you can be."
"'tain't what you're wearing, Kadlian. It's how you wear it."
Badd sticks his fingers in his ears and tries to block out the conversation.
"Don't you people ever stop talking?"
Niko roars with laughter, "Wow...I think we found something that annoys even Badd!"
Badd sighs. He looks up at Kailar. "Do elves not understand irony, master?"
"Why do you ask me a question that you already know the answer? And don't call me Master."
"Sorry," says Badd meekly.
He shakes his head. "C'mon Kadlian. Don't you have any paternal yearnings? To father a little Trinity and a Kadlian Junior?"
"No, I do not have any such yearnings."
"Not on my watch," replies Trinity-as-Audrey.
"No," replies Trinity-as-Erica. "This is a very important question. Deep philosophical implications. Ask Galil, Ask Badd. They will tell you."
"You are making me uncomfortable. I have never known a lover, thus I have no way to answer you."
Galil looks quite surprised to hear this. "This is a most interesting conversation of a kind I've never been involved with before. However, I beg leave to find my own clothing and armor so that I might again feel comfortable. It is disconcerting to me to be without gloves."
Galil bows slightly to everyone and then retires to her room to dress.
The conversations continue.
"Um, do I get a say in this?"
"No," replies Trinity-as-Erica. "After the ritual, with it's nudity and all, then we can talk, soon to be studly elf-ranger. A roll in the sack would be nice. It's been a long time for me. And now that Rage is gone, it'll be easier."
"Why do you assume that?"
"Lying at the feet of the nycademon gave me time to reflect and speak, if only in my head, to Solonor Thelandira. It was then that it occurred to me, or perhaps suggested to me, that there was a ritual that would allow me to change the type of ranger that I am. When I was watching the border of Aldacan, it was important to be able to move quietly and unseen. And my hatred of orcs was a great boon as it allowed me to strike with great ferocity.
"Leading this group and acting as one of the main melee fighters, I need better protection. While I will lose my unreasoning hatred of orcs, I will not entirely lose my skill in battling them. Indeed, it appears that this skill will extend to their cousins, the giants and some of their kin."
Kadlian smiles. "I will also lose my ability to cast clerical spells, but will instead I will be able to cast druidic and magic-user spells. All in all, it seems like an interesting trade in abilities without changing my vocation.
"Think of it as aligning my abilities with the job that is required. My true vocation will not be changing just how I go about it."
"Ooh!" says Badd, jumping up and down. "Er, I mean... yes, personal growth is a good thing. Yes. And hatred isn't, I think. It clouds the mind, and if you want to do that..." he hiccups. "That stuff of Niko's is pretty good."
Trinity-as-Isabella speaks, "Can I try some too, please Mr. Niko sir?"
"I am curious, Badd. What is Kailar teaching you?"
"Well," says Badd. "Gnome things. How to move around quietly, hide, fiddle about with mechanisms... that sort of stuff. Oh, yes, and some more spells. And um, maybe he feels I should have a little more self-discipline."
"I was not aware that moving quietly, hiding and fiddling with locks, excuse me, mechanisms, were traits solely possessed by gnomes. I was also not aware that you were an illusionist, Badd. Kailar is indeed a master illusionist. His dragon is very believable."
"You should see my weasel!"
"As far as self-discipline goes, everyone could stand to possess a little more."
"Yeah," says Badd, looking once again at the blaster rifle. "That's what Kailar tells me."
"And it is the unreasoning hatred that I will be losing. Ask Logan how my reaction to orcs split the party. While the vast numbers of orcs are evil, not all are so. And while I was willing to admit that this be a possibility, I had a very hard time allowing them to be present in our group without slaying them.
"When we journey back to the tower and find Hlarn, we will encounter some orcs that are in the service of the light. It would be far better if I could treat them as such."
There are no charges in the blasters.
Niko hands the blaster rifle to Badd.
"It should be safe now to examine..."
"I won't let him hurt you," replies the woman. "I'll ask Molly to turn him into a newt. She can do that, you know. She can cast really powerful spells. I can't yet. But I could cast itch on him? Do you want me to cast it on him? Maybe he'd leave us alone then."
"Hmm, I don't know, hold on a minute," says Badd.
"Hey Niko," he calls, "What d'you want me to tell her?"
Niko lets out a rather long and loud belch, "And don't paraphrase!"
"If you want me to repeat that," says Badd, reappearing from under the table. "You're going to have to let me have a swig of that stuff."
Niko hands the flask to Badd, "It comes from the belly, not the bottle..."
"Stand back," says Badd "You're in the presence of a master."
He takes a swing from Niko's flask, then does an impression of Niko's belch. Twice.
Trinity-as-Isabella laughs.
"Badd, isn't that rude? Aren't you supposed to say 'excuse me'?" she asks while giggling still.
"No, it's alright," Badd assures her. "Burping is a sign of appreciation in many cultures. You only need to say 'excuse me' when you sneeze."
Trinity looks quizzically at Badd.
"Are you sure?" she asks, "That don't sound right to me."
He pauses to think for a moment, then asks, "And what's a ranger? Do you do more ranging than everyone else? Or is it short for flower arranger?"
"I wander the wilderness, protecting the helpless from creatures that would do them harm. I am out of my element in the city."
"Oh, I see. So you're mostly a strong silent type then?" asks Badd, raising an eyebrow. "Hmm, don't think it would suit me much."
"No, I do not think it would."
"Yep," says Badd from under the table to Niko. "'If he abuses our trust' implies that you think there's a decent chance. Why else would you say it? And then you think you have to threaten me to tell you what I took from the chest. Still, Kadlian thinks 'thief' is not a name to call someone, so if you've been hanging around him a while I can imagine your grasp on the common tongue might have come a bit loose.""
Niko takes another swig and shrugs. "Believe what you want to believe..."
Badd begins pulling stuff out of his pockets. "Most of of this stuff is badly labelled, and I'm going to identify it when I get time. But I haven't got any of the really interesting stuff from downstairs apart from the 'blaster rifle'."
He lays out 4 rings (unlabelled), a hat (unlabelled), 2 daggers (unlabeled), the sinclair shortsword, and the blaster rifle.
"And I'd like to take this, if no-one minds."
He puts a ring on the table labelled 'Rage becomes more difficult to see'.
"Leave the unlabeled magic items and I'll try to identify them today."
"Oh, OK!" says Badd happily. "You can do that?"
"Perhaps you and Trinity can work together."
Trinity looks at Niko. "If you wish, you can assist me and those items I cannot identify, you can give a go at. We'll start with the newest stuff and work backwords. Since Kadlian has said we're here for a few days, we can knock all this off in that time."
"Yes, we need to talk about how long we are going to stay. I have some personal business that is going to take a week. Ragnar said he wished to train which would take about two weeks. Does anyone else need to train? If not, Ragnar and I will postpone until more folks need time."
Niko snorts. "I have no wish to assist you, but if you want to take a crack at identifying them later, be my guest."
"Trinity, Niko, what is this animosity between the two of you? I wish you would work it out friendly-like, before words are said that cannot be taken back."
Trinity frowns.
"I don't know what his problem is," the woman says. "If he has one with me, let him speak. I for one, do not have a problem with him."
Niko shrugs. "I dunno...all I said is that I didn't want to assist her. If she wants to work with me, that's another thing. She may be a more powerful mage, but it doesn't mean I play second fiddle to her."
"And how, exactly does assisting me make you second fiddle?" Trinity asks, looking quite surprised at Niko's comments.
"Well, if it makes no difference to you, then I'm sure you'll be happy to assist me!"
Badd looks at Kadlian sympathetically.
"It's things like this which make me miss my children," he says, a small tear in his eye.
"This sounds like a matter of pride. Niko, Trinity was not belittling you. Kailar often assisted Rage during identifies."
"Harumph," Niko says, crossing his arms.
"You do not believe me?"
"I didn't say that."
Trinity laughs at Niko's Harumphing.
"He sounds mad," the woman says, in the voice you all recognize as Isabella's. "Maybe Audrey should not be so mean to him. He's a nice pirate."
"Where I was trained, the most experienced Mage was involved in leading any common explorations in magic. This was their right because of experience and practice," replies Trinity. "If that is not how you were trained, then there was something lacking in your training."
The mage turns to Kadlian. "This is how I have always worked. I defer to those who have more experience than me, and in turn, expect those who have less experience to allow me to take the lead. If Niko cannot work within that framework, then there is little hope of any collaborative efforts between us. If you wish to have collaborative efforts between Niko and myself, then I will, for the moment defer to your judgement, since you are the leader of this group."
"Right, I remember. And it always made sense to me that the most experienced mage attempted the identify first and the next experienced mage would try the items not yet identified. A way to avoid wasted effort. Makes sense to me."
"Trinity, what happens if two mages are equally experienced? Flip a coin?"
"An agreement, based on each mage's area of expertise is made before the collaboration begins, so there is no wasting of efforts," replies Trinity.
"You're under the assumption that mages will find out the same things about an item. If it's something that only has one property, like a ring of invisibility, then that's true. But there are many items with multiple properties and different mages will find out different things about them."
"Items with multiple properties can require multiple identifications to understand all the powers, and command words that are associated with each property," the mage says, "However, this information can be gleaned by a single mage over time. The ability to read the magic and understand the powers is dependent on experience, the more experience the better the chance to discover what powers an item. And yes, sometimes, one mage may miss something that a second mage will discover, but again, this is usually dependent on the experience of each mage.
"So, I could identify a wand and discover it has two unique properties, while a second mage may discover a third property. The second mage's discover is often assisted by my discovers in the first place, as the most common properties are the ones revealed first, as the aura's of those properties are strongest. Knowing what to focus on can help in the later identifications. Then again, something powers cannot be discovered, as they are very cryptic or well concealed," concludes the mage, in lecture mode.
"Would it just make sense to divide the pile and let you two work on the items?"
"If that is what you want, Sir, then it will be done," replies Trinity.
"Yes Sir, whatever you say Sir. Very good Sir," the woman then says in a different voice. "We will divide the pile and work on the items. Right away Sir."
Kadlian looks at Sir. "Did you tell her the same thing I did?"
The cat, who has been sleeping through all of this dreary exchange, opens one eye but does not deign to answer.
"I did not think so."
"Not the cat, Sir. You, Sir," the woman responds.
Kadlian smiles.
"I am not a Sir, Trinity. Just call me Kadlian. And I am glad that you have decided to stay."
"Yes Sir, Kadlian Sir," the woman says. "As for staying, you have not approved me leaving, so therefore, my word obligates me to remain."
"You are correct. That is an assumption I am making. Is that not the way it works? If it does not, then may I suggest we divide the pile of items into two and let each of you work on one pile? And then when you are done, you can change piles?"
Niko shrugs. "I was just going to do an Identify on these items that Badd brought up. If she wants to do it, then she can do it. It's not like we need to watch each other cast the spell. However, based on what I've seen, Rage did a lot of the Identifying of items in the Chest...or at least your group's. So, I'm not sure she will learn anything new..."
Trinity turns to Kadlian.
"It seems, sir, that you have another mage in your group, and as such, I'll ask my leave of you. Since his wishes are clear," the woman says, frowning.
Kadlian sighs. "Leave not granted, Trinity. We need both of you. Sit down, figure out what the problem is and try to fix it. Just do it without taking snipes at each other. You are both good people and you are needed by this group."
"Mmmmmmm, snipe," Dor muses. "I haven't had a good snipe since that one hunt right after the Baron's autumn festival."
"Being needed by a group is not a reason for me to stay around," says Trinity. "Attempting to impose your need on me is not rational. As for needing us, that is also debatable, noting that my actions lead to the death of many of the group, and it is only through the generosity of Salaam and Cannon Fodder's knowledge of the anti-wishing flame that they live today."
"If that was the case, I would have left the group at least a half dozen times. Having companions die because of a bad choice is an opportunity to improve, not run away. We were able to get them back. Let us learn from our mistakes and improve our tactics. But, you could not have foreseen that the mage was powerful enough to toss fireballs back. If either of us had known, you would not have left the group."
Malvis, who has been listening to the exchange between Kadlian, Niko, and Trinity with interest, finally interrupts, saying, "Indeed, Trinity, I was one of those toasted by the fireball, yet here I am ready to follow you anywhere. When I died in Hell at your side, I never doubted the wisdom of your choices, nor anyone else's. I don't lay blame on you now any more than I did then. In fact, I was thinking that we were just a tad bunched up just before that fireball hit. So maybe all those that died should lay the blame on me for not speaking up then. Do not berate yourself now, lady. We all need your abilities now, just as before."
Trinity-as-Audrey replies, "I knew that the mage threw a lightning bolt, and thus had at least that level of power. I should have suspected more. However, my thinking is not clear, still. There is much happening that makes concentration difficult. I will do better next time."
"The sinclair short sword is simply a short sword that is so thin, it cuts through virtually anything. I have one that's been adjusted to dagger length. It requires charges, so just know it will eventually run out of power...not sure how long that is...and I haven't really looked into recharging them..."
"Niko, how did you adjust it to dagger length? Having one of dagger length would be very useful to me."
"Well," says Badd, "I tried cutting an arrow with it, and there wasn't any resistance at all. So then I thought, well I don't really fight much, but there's a lot to be said for having a nice cutting tool in your pocket."
"Well, a smaller tool is much easier to wield. I'll show you at least how to adjust the chain..."
Niko picks up the short sword and shows Badd how to adjust it to dagger length.
"Thank you," says Badd. He takes it from Niko and adjust it back to shortsword length. "If I'm in a hurry, this is the version I'll need. Whereas if I have time to be delicate, I can always adjust it back."
"I haven't played too much with the power blaster, but I know it releases an energy bolt. Until you become proficient with it, do not bring it with you, as you are more likely to injure one of us or yourself than your target. It also requires some sort of charges, too."
"Do you know how these charges are stored?"
"Not exactly...each of these weapons have charges, but you merely replace the charge device with another. Think of each charge as an archer with a quiver full of arrows on his back. You can refill the quiver or just swap it with another full quiver."
"And how many extra charge devices do you carry with you?"
"About a dozen partially charged ones and a couple of full ones. Like I said, I don't know how long they last..."
"If there aren't more in the Chest, you can have some of mine."
"That is generous of you. I have not decided whether or not to take one of these weapons. Does this sinclair sword affect beings that are immune to non-magical weapons?"
"I don't think it'll work on the...I believe it had no effect on that damn nycadaemon we fought. It's not an energy weapon per se...it's just thinnest damn thing you've ever seen!"
"Hmmm... Sounds like a useful weapon, in certain circumstances."
Badd looks at the blaster.
"Well, it's a bit of an effort even picking it up," he says doubtfully. "So I wasn't planning on taking it anywhere. I just wanted to try it once or twice."
He grins
"Twice, maybe. But there's a thing down there labelled 'paralysis pistol' which I thought might be very useful."
Niko snorts. "Well, we can scout the local area for an abandoned quarry...that might be the safest place to start...
"As for the paralysis pistol, I'm not one for subdual weapons."
Badd looks over to the bound figure that Sir is sitting on top of. "Well, obviously someone around here things subdual has its uses. And I can think of a few."
Kadlian stares at the ring. "Trinity, do you remember how that made you more difficult to see?"
"Thank you, Niko."
"But..." says Badd, immensely and obviously cresfallen "What about progress? There's no progress without experimentation. Surely you're not just going to let it all sit in there? I could do it outside if you like."
Kadlian shakes his head more emphatically. "Badd, I have heard stories from Occa and some of the others about some of that stuff. Those items are very powerful and playing with them outside will not provide any additional protection to this mansion or to the others of the city. If you wish to experiment, may I suggest you experiment within your field of expertise?"
"Sure," says Badd happily. "I'm a gnome. Tinkering is my field of expertise. Oh, I'm not a specialist, but... it's in the blood, you know."
He pulls out something labelled 'Sinclair shortsword.'
"OK, I'll leave the big things alone. But is it alright if I keep this? I think it only wreaks havoc within a couple of feet."
Niko snorts, "Are you proficient with a short sword?"
"I don't know," says Badd. "Sometimes I wave it at things, and sometimes I hit the things I wave it at. I've been doing that a good few years, but I never won any prizes."
"How about a dagger?"
Niko shows Badd how to power up the short sword. He then powers it down and hands it to Badd.
"Doesn't seem any harder to wave. And I've always been good at throwing things. But really I'm more comfortable with the short sword."
He waves the blaster rifle in the air.
"Enough chatter Badd. I have a task for you."
"OK," says Badd eagerly. "I was getting bored with all that theory of phantasms stuff...even though I know it's very important."
Kadlian looks around at the folks assembled in the room. "I am going to leave now. I trust that no magic division will begin until I am back. Kailar, you are in charge until I return. Please see that everyone behaves while I am gone."
"Ragnar, are you going to train now?"
"I'd like to, but I have to earn some gold first."
"Do not worry about the gold. See if someone here can train you. If not, you can take a loan."
Nuanna says to Ragnar, "Now that you are training to be an adept my services will no longer be required. My first loyalty was to Sian, and not to this party. Now that he has deserted me I will return to Strabath, to the temple of Forseti.
"In case you have not noticed, Ragnar, there is no temple of Thor in Sandas. The nearest one is in Strabath, so if you wish to accompany me there I would enjoy your company on the coach. I will leave tonight."
Kadlian heads to the larder to pack a few days worth of rations and then heads out of the mansion heading west.
"Kailar, may I borrow your crystal ball for a few minutes?"
Kailar goes over to Badd and cuts off a lock of his hair, placing it into an envelope.
"Come with me Badd, and I will give you your task."
Kailar and Badd depart, apparently without lending Niko the crystal ball.
Trinity and Niko go off to identify things.
Ragnar, one way or another, goes off to train.
Nuanna leaves for Strabath that night.