Immediately after breakfast, Kadlian makes plans to depart. When they are ready, the ranger and his follower say their farewells, and leave the inn and Sandas, heading west.
Soon after Kadlian and Wizbang leave the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf, an elf walks in. He looks to be a bit disoriented.
Into the inn strides an elf, a touch over five feet, well muscled, and noticeably an elf by his thin and wiry frame. A thin black gauze mask is worn over his entire head, masquarading his features, black hair spills out from beneath the mask to about shoulder level. Blue form fitted robes adorn his body, revealing a bandolier of silver daggers across his bare chest. Black leather shorts match his black leather steel toed boots. He wears two swords strapped across his back and small silver fitted bracers are worn on his forearms.
"Where in the Nine Hells am I now?" he mutters surveying the room. He sits at a table next to the mismatched trio and orders himself an ale.
Rage continues to sip her diluted vinegar and talks quietly to her companions.
"I have some shopping to do for Furgh, and then I should check up on them. I still have to pay my respects to Ray Jay and talk to Verona again, I think," the mage says, "We have a couple of days to kill before I go looking for Sian and Zanax. Kailar, where will you be so I can catch up with you?"
"Probably here. Do you know who's in charge of selling our excess magical stuff?"
"Zanax and Sian were seeing to that," repleis Rage. "So, I will check in here with you Kailar to see how things are progressing. If you need to leave, please leave word with me at the guild."
"No problem."
Rage gets up and leaves.
Once the female mage leaves, the elf leans over to the other two and says, "I apologize for overhearing, but I am seeking components to some spells. I see that the woman that just left is a mage, is there any way you could introduce me? I am Logan."
"Sure Logan, My name is Kailar. What components are you looking for?"
"Well met, Kailar, despite my inability to cast it, I am seeking the reagents for the Rockbottom's Stoneskin. A dwarf, oddly enough, was the creator of the spell, a very long story and its main ingredient is diamond powder ground by a dwarven smith. As it seems I am new to the area, I was hopingthe guild or even one of your party could help me in my search," Logan freely discusses with Kailar.
The dwarf looks at the fellow. "You'd probably be better served at the Guild. Rage is a bit tempermental."
He gets up and walks over to you, shaking your hand. "Hlarn, son of Harlt, son of Harn, of the Meg Clan at your service." The dwarf pauses a moment to give respect to his forebears. "So, going to be in town long?"
Kailar sighs at Hlarn's frankness,
"Another perfectly good practical joke ruined."
"Well met, Hlarn, well, I just got here, and wil just be passing through, unless you hjave something more interesting for an elven fighter who can cast a spell or two," Logan replies with a smile through the gauze headcovering.
The dwarf raises an eyebrow. "More interesting? Perhaps. Our group is about to go searching for a holy artifact in the near future. Quite dangerous I imagine, as its a powerful object. How skillful are you with that blade, and what order of magics can you cast?"
"I am skilled with both my blades and can cast up to and including the 3rd order of magic." Logan replies. "Care to spar?" the elf asks with a quick raise and lower of his eyebrows.
The dwarf nods. "Aye, I'd like a good match. Sitting idle is not my style. Shall we meet in the fighter's guild training room tonight?"
"Name the time, little man," Logan say with a grin.
He smiles. "I must warn you though... you look a bit frail for me. Please make sure you yield before I do you too much harm."
"Whatever you say, Hlarn," Logan replies, itching for a good brawl.
Hlarn also points out, "I must warn you however... we have strict rules governing who can join us. We've seen hard times in the past, and depend on each other for life and limb. Thus we must know we can trust those who travel with us."
"I am not the holiest of beings, but I am loyal to those who are loyal back. Once I sign on, as I have done with other groups in the past, I will do all that I can to make sure that no one is ever left behind." He says with a smile. "So, since you sound rather noble, how do I get in ?" he finishes.
Sasha rolls her eyes at the elf speaking to Hlarn and contemplates the bottom of her nearly empty mug of mead.
"Noble? Us?" She chuckles softly. "And so eager to join us. How very nice for you," she says, not really addressing anyone.
Hlarn gives Sasha an odd look. "I think the young cleric has had a bit too much to drink. I can't recall exactly anything this group has done that wouldn't be considered a noble deed. We might argue, but we have always fought evil and sought to do what is best for the common peasant."
"Do our best for the common peasant .. doesn't that sound so high and mighty and pure and noble. While we are helping the poor common peasant, we also collect tons of treasure and the like so it isn't as if we are doing it soley for their purpose. I'm not saying we do anything bad or wrong Hlarn, just that we don't do it just because we love the downtrodden so much. If there weren't treasure and power to gain from it all, we would not be in this business. Let's at least be honest about our motives... it is useless to pretend otherwise," Sasha says, smiling.
Hlarn gives Sasha a sad smile. "I'm sorry you feel that way. Yes, money and power come with the profession, but truly that is not what primarily motivates me. I do what I do because I love the adventure. Have you not seen my eyes when danger appears? I truly enjoy the test of wills brought by close combat. But I also do what I do because it is the right thing. Chaos must be fought, and I'd do it even if not a single gold coin was paid me."
Sasha nods, "But we do need to fill our bellies, cloth our bodies and have our tools. Yes, choas must be fought, and yes, I can believe the love of adventure drives many of us ... oh nevermind ... I don't want to get philosophical tonight."
Sasha stands, leaving a coin on the table and waves casually to Hlarn and the others. "I think I will pursue some more interesting pastures this evening ... there is much I seek to learn ... about some sujects I have neglected ... " Sasha grins and winks.
"And no, I have not had too much to drink either ... just feeling introspective today. Clerics do that once in a while," she adds, tossing her red hair over her shoulder as she straightens her robes. Her green eyes twinkle in mischief, making a very lovely if 'unclerical' like picture of a young woman in the bloom of health and beauty.
"Speak for yourself Sasha. I am very noble. I descend from very pure bloodlines you know."
The dwarf smiles. "Ah yes... not a straight toe in the family tree."
Sasha grins at Kailer. "Indeed, and I am the bastard daughter of a minor noble in Uckfield - very good bloodlines and all that. However, I was referring to our nature, not our bloodlines."
"Seems your friend likes adventure," he says looking at Hlarn, "and as my days are unfettered from the day to day grind as I am in a new place, a quest would be just the thing. Is their cause not to join your merry bunch other than your sparkling personality ?" Logan asks Sasha.
The dwarf puts aside his mug of ale and grows very somber.
"Loyalty is a trait I most admire. I once stood firm against a death knight to keep him from taking the body of my friend, even though I knew it ment my own death soon to come. I expect the same of those that travel with me."
"As for how you join, it is a simple thing really. A bit of trust in us before we place our trust in you. Some we've met find it highly offensive, but I personally find it useful. We give our all for each and every member of our group, and a simple show of faith on an applicant's part is a good indication that new members are willing to do the same for us."
"What this entails is asking you a few simple questions about your intentions... such as serving an evil power, or being sent here to do us harm. The only catch is that I shall be enspelled to detect any lies, and you must submit to spells that would cancel any magics you might use to counter this spell."
"Not a problem, no, I have not been sent here, though the way Stiff cast spells I could beleive it. Luckily that moron Alhamet is only a fighter, if he was a spell caster, all of us would be in trouble. Sorry, Halrn, talking about the group of companions I was just with before I arrived, unceremoniously, by the doorway here. Seems portals just leap out to find me."
Hlarn picks up his mug and takes a sip. "I'll not be offended if you do not wish to undertake such an ordeal. Several have not, and gone on their own way. But I think the rewards are worth it. Our group has had good luck, and rarely suffered the loss of any of its members, and indeed, have come into quite a bit of wealth of late. We care about each other, although our words might not show it, and should you come to harm, we will do anything in our power to save you, even to the grave and beyond."
"I could care less about money and power. I'm just looking for some excitement. Speaking of money though, Findas is going to win again if I don't figure a way to sneak up on him. Sasha, would you be willing to help me in a little experiment?"
Sasha perks up at this. "A little experiment? Sure, why not?" she replies with a grin.
"You play games with a dragon? oh my.." he says and then reconsiders, "want some help?" he finishes with another smile.
Hlarn looks up. "Win again? You having some sort of contest with the dragon? I'll help. Nothing much else to do until everyone gets back. Besides, I was thinking of going back to the Keep anyway to take out that Clay Golem. These hammers I have now should do the trick perfectly. Want to help?"
"Well these are the rules. I drop 200 gold pieces on Findas's floor. I have two weeks to sneak into his lair and take one of my pieces out without him noticing me. Last time I played I polymorphed into some ooze creature and he spotted me almost immediately. I can obviously get a silent stone from you to cover noise, invisbility spell to cover my image, but what can I do to cover my scent? Any ideas?"
Hlarn smiles. "A zephyr sort of spell to blow your scent back away from him. Localized so that it doesn't touch him and he knows the wind is blowing."
Concerning the clay golem, the gnome adds, "I doubt I'd be very useful. I don't have much in the way of magical weapons."
"Well, the golem seems more up my alley, despite my ability in magic, I was first and foremost a warrior and that's what I do best. So, when do we leave?" Logan says as he drains his ale. He places a few coins on the table to pay for the ale and looks to the barkeep, saying, "here's a few extra for the lady's drink."
He turns back to Hlarn and says, "I am ready."
Logan stands up and pushes his chair in, as he waits for the dwarf to finish up and to leave, to either spar or play with a clay golem.
Hlarn nods. "Ok, lets go first thing tommorrow then. Kailar, we'll try your trick with Findas first, then go downstairs and finish off that golem. Lets find Rage and see if she can teleport us there first thing in the morning."
Hlarn motions to Logan. "Before we go we'll initiate you."
"Fun," Logan says with a grin.
Taking a few minutes to swap spells, he asks you to go to a back room and don just a simple robe, removing all your equipment.
Logan palces all of his items in a pile in clear sight and peels off his clothing, revealing a well formed but well scarred body. Those present notice a slightly green/emerald tinge to his skin color. Once done, he dons the robe, but says, "no offense, but the mask I wear is not magical nor does it hide anything other than my face, which I would prefer to keep covered. If I am to trust you, you will need to trust me on this one thing."
Hlarn will in addition cast a detect magic spell, and assuming its not magical doesn't mind.
Then he will cast a blessing, protection from evil, prayer and aid spell. Once these magics are cast, he casts a dispel magic upon Logan and follows with a detect alignment spell.
Finally he finishes with a detect lie spell.
"That was to prepare you so that you can not use magics to falsify the answers. Now answer my questions truthfully with a simple yes or no."
"Do you serve any evil power?"
"No."
"Do you wish to join our group for the purpose of causing us harm?"
"No."
"Do you wish to join our group for the purpose of giving information to someone who opposes us?"
"No."
Hlarn comments, "This next question will not disqualify you, but it is nice to know your answer. If you answer no, please clarify."
"Are you willing to give your all in times of conflict, doing your best to serve the group and aid its cause?"
"Providing I get the same in return, until death do us part, as the vow goes," he says with a grim chuckle.
Hlarn nods. "Till death, and beyond. As one of the leaders of our group, I pledge that we will do all in our power to aid you when danger comes, and should you be injured in flesh or spirit, heal you as much as is possible. Speaking of which, in the event you do die, do you wish us to use all our magics to bring you back, or would you rather stay dead? Some of our party prefer the natural way of things, but I myself am a firm believer in using the powers that are given us."
"So, do I pass?" he asks once he is allowed to regarb. "I do hope you wash this thing after each person is initiated into your group," he comments.
Hlarn nods. "Yes. You do. I must apologize for the rude behavior, but I am quite willing to undergo the same treatment tosatisfy you if you wish."
"Definitely bring me back.. despite my elven hertiage, I have been among humans long enough to relish life and have no desire to leave, especially if I can return," Logan replies. "No reason, if I wanted to stay bored, I could have said no."
Hlarn nods. "Elvish folk are more difficult to bring back... usually we must use a full wish. But if a wish can be obtained, we will spare no cost to get it. We are loyal to our teammates."
Hlarn sits you down. "The rules of the party are fairly simple. We share and share alike. Magical items we find belong to the group first, although when people leave we normally let them take what items they use, unless they are of exceptional power, such as a holy avenger, or a rod of ressurection. Those stay with the group to be used by whoever most can wield it. No magic is sold for money unless no one in the party claims it. In the event several people wish to claim an item, the party as a whole decides who gets it. In the past we've decided to allow a simple game of dice to settle such things."
"We split all of our gold equally, however, and what you get is yours to keep. An equal share goes into a party fund to pay the costs involved in healing the sick or bringing back the dead. In emergencies you can borrow from this fund, but it must be paid back."
"Sounds good to me," is all he replies.
"Our war leader is Kadlian. He is an elf like yourself, a ranger. He makes the snap decisions during combat. Kailar here and myself make up his seconds. As a magician, you should discuss with Kailar what spells you use. He is responsible for coordinating the magical side of things. I am likewise responsible for coordinating the clerical side."
"You want me to coordinate with a man who plays with dragons? hmmm," Logan says hesitantly. "Whatever you say, boss man."
"I'm not a man. I'm a gnome."
"Yes, but boss gnome just doesn't have the same flavor," Logan replies.
Hlarn laughs. "He has a number of other traits as well. As for coordinating with him, we have other spell casters in our group as well. Rage you just saw. She is our most powerful magician. Kailar here is our illusionist. Also in the group is another elf named Furgh who is quite the troublemaker, but good enough in a scrape. You'll probably catch me mincing words with him often enough, but I'd still lay down my life to save his worthless hide. Only a few days ago a young woman named Wizbang just joined our group. She in particular found the initiation insulting, and would have left if not for Kadlian soothing her and convincing her otherwise. I must say, its probably the first time our fearless leader has had his way with a woman."
Hlarn laughs.
"Also in our party is Agulhas, a human magician. We have two druids in our party. Kal is a wood elf, and also knows the sword. Equinox is a human and is almost as skilled in woodcraft. Sasha you just met is our primary healer, and is as skilled a cleric as myself for now."
"Not here of course is Kadlian. Also off on errands are Zanax, our resident paladin, and Sian, another ranger."
The dwarf smiles. "A bit heavy on the spell casting now... but you folk have what it takes to blast apart the enemy. Sian, Zanax, Kadlian and myself are our primary blades, with folk such as you and Kal to take up the slack on occasion. You might also see a young half-orc named Gnarsh from time to time. He was a member of our group, but has recently been named Castellan of the Borderland Keep."
The dwarf smiles and shakes your hand. "I'll introduce you when the others come, but let me say welcome aboard."
"Glad to be here, so where exactly is here?" Logan asks after he returns the handshake.
Hlarn smiles. "You are in Sandas, at the Inn of the Drunken Dwarf. You mentioned Stiff. I think I know the fellow, or have met him on occasion. How long were you travelling with his group?"
"Not long, a portal from Waterdeep took me to some castle where Al and Stiff and some others were being attacked by some bone devils and otherwordly creatures. As I not one to sit on my thumb during a battle, I jumped in and helped defeat them. Then we cleared out the rest of the tower and I got snagged by another portal which opened up to this Inn a mere few minutes before I sat down with you. That's my story of the last few weeks."
Hlarn speaks up. "One final thing. We have come across several powerful magical artifacts that greatly enhance the people who use them. You should think about it, and let Rage know that you wish her to take you to all of the places.
"One is a pool that increases your intelligence, making you smarter. The drawback is that as a mage, you will be forced to relearn all of your spells. Of course the odds are you will have greater success learning them again, but there is the chance you might not be able to relearn something you had thought you had mastered. Kailar can be more specific on that."
"Second there is a pool that makes you stronger and hardier. As far as I know, there are no side effects."
"Third is a fountain that when drunk from allows you to suddenly understand things you were taught and advance in skill. This too I believe has no side effects."
"This is a lever that you pull I believe," puts in Kailar.
"Fourth is a panel of tiles. Touching one increases your skill also, but at the cost of some other ability. Touching the other tile increases your charisma."
"Think about going by these places. I have decided to wait for a short time before using either of the skill enhancing magics so that when I do use them it will be to greater advantage."
"DONE, wow... its like going shopping during Shieldmeet, woo hoo. Ok, so can we go before or after we take down the golem?" Logan asks, rubbing his hands together. "This is definitely going to be fun."
Hlarn smiles. "Well, depends on Rage and what she is doing now. Two of the places are close by, within two day's travel that is. I'm not certain where the other two are."
"Whenever she is good to go, so am I!" Logan says.
Hlarn looks at Kailar. "If Rage doesn't show back up tonight, can you go by the guild tommorrow and see if she's there?"
"I'm not a member of the guild. Are you suggesting that I sneak in?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "No, I didn't realize you weren't a member. Probably not advisable to sneak in. You might live the rest of your days as a coatrack."