"Thank you for returning, Kadlian dear," the high priestess says, motioning for you all to sit. "I gather your task in the Borderlands was finally a success. Are you ready to start your next one?"
Kadlian bows to the high priestess and smiles at her. "Yes, we are. Ray Jay spoke to us and suggested that the return of the artifact might be more important than even you realized."
She looks surprised to hear this.
"Oh really?"
Kadlian shrugs. "That is all she said. I suppose you could talk to her and find out why she believes that is so."
"I will have to do that. That woman has her nose into everything."
"So, we are here for more instructions and a few other matters. Let me also thank you for sending Miss Wizbang my way. Although we have not yet worked out our relationship, I believe that I am most fortunate that you both picked me."
Verona smiles. So does Wizbang, albeit shyly.
Kadlian raises an eyebrow. "Something I should know?"
"Pardon me?" says Verona.
Kadlian sighs and mutters something. "Never mind."
The high priestess then gets down to business, and takes out two maps.
One is but a rough sketch, showing a part of the continent from Sandas on to the south. The other is much more detailed. Comparing the two, you note a small "*" on the sketch, which evidently corresponds to the area of the more detailed map.
"The Sceptre of the Gods," says Verona, in a slightly reverent tone. "I first heard of it many years ago when I was but a priestess. Over time I have learned a few more details of it. It is an artifact dating back to the early days of the Empire of Mestom, over ten thousand years ago. It was weilded by the clerics of the Empire to great effect, in vanquishing their enemies. I have heard that it can function as a rod of resurrection, a staff of healing and a staff of slaying. I have also heard stories that it also has powers akin to that of a staff of the arch-mage, too."
"I believe there is your answer. Perhaps the thing that can save Nlad."
"I did not know that we were threatened," says Verona. "I know that Mestom is attacking Stoink, but that is far to the south of this land. They would be fools to attack us."
"The Baron is not taking any chances. All those soldiers that we had occupied up north are now marching south. It is an armed camp down there for a very good reason... The powers that be are worried that Mestom will now eye Nlad."
"Better safe than sorry, I suppose," Verona says.
Kadlian nods. "Indeed. And for months now there have been rumors about Mestom attacking Nlad."
Kadlian looks thoughtful for a moment. "Did Ray Jay ever speak with you about the diary we recovered from the Black Keep? It was written by the high priestess there. It seems that the purpose of the temple was there to keep us busy and keep the Baron's men up north until it was too late. I only hope that we foiled their plans..."
"Yes, she did tell me about it. As to whether we did foil their plans or not, we won't know until we learn them, will we?"
"True, too true..."
"It disappeared some 600 years ago at the time of the Empire's collapse and the forming of Nlad. To the best of my knowledge no one knew where it was. Then, a few months ago, a traveller came to my church for healing. In payment he offered me these maps, and a description of an item which seems to closely match that of the sceptre. It is in the place marked 'ruin', in a place called the Rift of the Dead."
She pauses.
"This may be just a wild goose chase," she says. "The item could be something completely different, or there could not be anything there at all. Perhaps the bard rooked me...though he believed that his words were the truth. Nevertheless, Kadlian, I would like you to go there and search for this item. For your trouble I will offer each of you 5000 gold pieces, paid in advance. Of course, you may keep any items you find save the Sceptre.
"If you decide not to go then I will understand. It is a long and therefore perilous journey from here...and you will be very close to the border of Mestom."
Kadlian looks at the others. "I will go. It is apparent to me that this will be needed."
Kadlian peers at the map again. "Ray Jay said we should avoid traveling through Nlad. So, we will head through Aldacan and the Enchanted Valley. Problem is, we will likely have to slip through Mestom to get there and with Mestom attacking the State of Stoink, it is going to get tricky down there."
Kadlian looks at Verona. "Any suggestions, high priestess?"
"I'm not an expert at the geography of the area, but there is lots of unclaimed wilderness between Mestom and Nlad. Perhaps you could pass through it and avoid entering either country."
Kadlian nods. "Perhaps. We shall find out when we get there, I suppose."
Hlarn shakes his head. "Actually, why don't we teleport? We've never been there, but it should not take all that long for someone in our group to fly there directly, flying invisibly and high enough to avoid any troubles on the ground. Then once they find the place we can all teleport to that location."
Hlarn looks around. "And this will allow us to be in place the moment everyone gets back from training also, as someone can leave immediately."
"I believe I suggested teleporting to Ray Jay and she said that it would be better if we all traveled together. But, if Kailar or Rage are willing to try, I suppose we could try it. I worry that it might be extremely dangerous. Both Aldacan and the Enchanted Valley are mainly wild."
"I can't teleport yet. I might be able to after we sell those magic items though."
"If we send someone ahead, who I can later detect with the crystal ball, I could teleport the lot of us there," Rage says, "No big deal for me."
"It could work, I suppose."
Hlarn suggests one warrior and one magician type. "Two people can alternate watches while they wait, and with a warrior and magician most any minor encounter should be easily taken care of."
Hlarn looks at Kailar, "I could go with you on your broom, unless you need to train shortly."
"I believe Kailar said that it would depend on our selling the magical items."
"Ray Jay must be familiar with parts of the Enchanted Valley, never mind Aldacan. Do you think we could get her to teleport us to one of those places? It would put us ahead of schedule that way."
Kadlian's thought wander for a few seconds. "Now, on to other matters. We have been seriously considering purchasing a residence in this city for the group's use. But, we do not know very many trustworthy people. Can you suggest someone that can help us? I know that Occa purchased an estate in this city, so I figured we could manage to do the same."
"Yes, I have heard of him. He delt with an agent named Connie, and I believe that he was very pleased with what she found him."
"Can you please tell me where we might find Connie?"
She gives you directions to her office.
Kadlian smiles and kisses her hand. "Thank you, high priestess. As always, it has been a pleasure."
"At this time, I do not think we have any further questions, but I do hope that we might drop in on you for further discussions?"
"Of course," says Verona, rising. "It has been a pleasure, dear."
Soon, you find yourselves back in the square outside of the temple.
Kadlian looks around to get his bearings. "Okay, let us go find Connie."
You find her office located on a side street near the temple.
Her secretary greets you, and ushers you into Connie's office.
Sitting behind a large desk is an equally large, tall, middle-aged woman with fake blonde hair and Big Teeth.
"HI THERE! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?" she asks, sticking out her hand.
Kadlian shakes her hand. "We interested in purchasing some real estate."
"WHAT SORT OF A PLACE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?"
Kadlian looks at the others and shrugs. "What do you have? We need rooms for about twelve people, maybe a few more. Something comfortable and convenient."
Connie sits back down and motions for you all to do likewise. Her secretary brings in tea.
"WELL, I HAVE LOTS OF LISTINGS. WHAT KIND OF ACCOMODATIONS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? DO YOU ALL WANT SEPARATE BEDROOMS AND SUCH? I ASSUME YOU GUYS AREN'T RELATED," she chuckles. "IF THAT'S THE CASE, THEN YOU'LL WANT A LARGE TOWNHOUSE OR AN ESTATE. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY CONVENIENT? TO WHAT? TO THE CENTRE OF THE CITY, ONE OF THE GATES, OR THE DOCKS? HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU WANT TO SPEND?"
"A townhouse or an estate sounds about right. By convenient, I meant that we could stable our horses at the place or that there is a stable nearby. And that if there is not a kitchen in the place, that we are near a reputable inn or tavern where we can eat."
"WELL, ANY PLACE WILL HAVE A KITCHEN. YOU WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO STABLE YOUR HORSES AT A STABLE IF YOU TAKE A TOWNHOUSE. AN ESTATE WILL HAVE STABLES OF ITS OWN. A TOWNHOUSE WITHIN THE CITY WALLS WILL BE SMALLER AND MORE CRAMPED...AND WITH TWELVE PEOPLE IT WILL FILL UP FAST. AN ESTATE MIGHT BE BETTER."
Hlarn looks around at the others. "I think someplace outside the city walls would be better. One never knows what sort of guests we might have."
"Money is the tricky thing. I am afraid we do not know what we should be expecting for prices. However, the high priestess Verona told us how to get to you, so I presume that means we can trust you to help us."
"OF COURSE YOU CAN! I'M KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE CITY! AN ESTATE OR A TOWNHOUSE LIKE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WILL PROBABLY SET YOU BACK MAYBE 30,000GP."
Hlarn speaks up. "We are adventurers, so ideally we would like something that can be easily defended should enemies come hunting us. A small Keep like structure would be ideal if it exists. An outer wall, with the rooms and stables safely enclosed within. There should be ample open yard space surrounding the area, or at least clear views of access so that no one can approach the building without being seen. At least 15 or so individual rooms, with two larger rooms, a kitchen, internal water source, one main entrance and perhaps another in the rear. The building should not be situated atop any existing ruins. I don't want there to be unexpected entrances in the place that we do not know about. Also a thick vault in the basement would be nice. Someplace to safely store our valuables. Above all, we would like to purchase such a place outright, and not simply lease the land from another. Thus we can modify the building as we see fit."
The dwarf looks at the woman. "Does such a place exist nearby?"
Kadlian looks at Hlarn and then looks at Connie and shrugs. "What he said..."
"NO," says Connie. "BUT I CAN GET YOU LAND SO THAT YOU COULD HAVE SUCH A PLACE BUILT."
Hlarn nods. "That might be a good idea. But I imagine it might take a year or longer to build such a place, so we would also need something else. What sort of estates are available now?"
"Aren't we going away for quite some time?"
She produces a list.
"THERE ARE TWO FOR SALE RIGHT NOW. ONE IS AN EIGHT ROOM HOUSE WITH OUTBUILDINGS OWNED BY A MERCHANT WHO DIED LAST YEAR. ASKING PRICE 25,000GP. THE OTHER IS USED BY A MINOR NOBLE FROM HORK WHEN HE COMES UP HERE HUNTING. HE'S DECIDED TO SELL IT. HE'S ASKING 39,900GP."
"How big is the one owned by the minor noble? And where is it located?"
"IT'S ABOUT A HALF A DAY WEST OF HERE, IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE MOUNTAINS. IT HAS TEN BEDROOMS. QUITE A PALATIAL PLACE," Connie says.
Kadlian looks at Hlarn and then the others. "Half a day? How easily defended is it?"
"NOT REALLY," admits Connie, "IT'S A HOUSE, NOT A FORTRESS. THERE IS A WALL AROUND THE HOUSE AND IMMEDIATE BUILDINGS, BUT IT'S MOSTLY DECORATIVE."
"That does not sound like what we want, then."
"OKAY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO AND SEE THE OTHER HOUSE?"
Kadlian nods. "Sure, let us go."
Hlarn comments, "Might as well see both. We have time till Zanax and Sian return. I think we'll find both don't quite live up to what we want, but one or the other might serve well enough for the short term."
Connie is all booked up today, but you are able to make an appointment to see the homes tomorrow.