With her are some newcomers, whom Sian introduces...
Also, she brings a male elf and a woman, who are strangers to Kadlian. Sasha is not present.
With Kadlian are a hippogriff, several blink dogs and three unfamiliar elves.
You are in a glade in a deciduous forest. The weather is warm. To the east, you see a range of mountains.
Kadlian laughs at the influx of people. "Sian, I see you have been busy as well. My goodness, but you have brought quite a few clerics."
Zanax suddenly feels claustrophobic in the open. "It's getting awfully crowded here. Are you sure cities and countries aren't going to consider us a threat?"
Kadlian laughs freely for a moment. "I suppose that is a possibility. Look at this way... Mestom's army had better watch it because we are in the neighborhood!"
"I only meant that such a large party will attract attention. Are you sure we're ready for that type of attention?"
"I like to attract attention," says Edelle, with a small smile.
Rage rolls her eyes.
"Trust me," Zanax says. "You wouldn't want this kind of attention. I've seen visions of Mestom's armies sweeping across Nlad...not a pretty sight."
Kadlian shrugs and laughs again seemingly very relaxed. "Not really. We will figure something out. Perhaps having a good chunk of us wait here until we arrive at the destination and have Rage and Agulhas do their teleporting specialty or just make the lot of us invisible. What are you so worried about, Zanax? Relax. We are way ahead of schedule..."
"Hey Boss!" Furgh says cheerfully, as he appears with Rage. "Someone said you was havin' yerself a little elfly frolickin' out here in the woods without us. Figured we'd come crash."
He notices the sheer numbers of strangers in the immediate area with surprise. "Egads! Its a party."
Kadlian grins sheepishly. "A very large party. How did it go with Findus?"
The red-headed elf shakes off his momentary surprised look, and surplants it with a huge grin.
"Soooooper!" he says. "You are now lookin' at a bona fide, card-carryin', everybodies-gotta-love-'im-'cept-yer-mother, super deluxe teacher of dragons."
He struts around proudly.
"Congratulations."
"Need music? I been practicin' my bagpipes."
"No music for now, maybe later. For now, I wish to catch up on all the news I have missed while I was traveling."
"Don't look at me," the elf replies. "I been busy. Findas only pumped out his first spell a week back."
He glances at Kadlian's group of elves, and drops to a whisper.
"And what's a certain ranger-lady gonna say about all these new hangers on?"
Kadlian shrugs. "Congratulations? I mean, it seems to signify that I have helped make enough of a difference that new adventurers wish to follow me. You have to admit, they make me look pretty good..."
Furgh laughs.
"Well... I wouldn't go that far," he says cheerfully, but his voice trails off as his eyes set in on the hippogriff. "Woah! Is that a..." He smiles widely. "Boy, I ain't seen one a those in like twenty years!" He looks at Kadlian hopefully. "Can he talk? Will he take me for a ride?"
"Fleetwing has not talked to me yet. And I would not try to ride him. He is only now getting used to me."
Zanax chuckles. "You better hope he just doesn't mistake you for dinner!"
"But, the treants are scattered around here. You could go talk to one of them..."
"I want to go, too, Furgh," Kailar interjects.
"What's a treant?" Zanax asks.
"In this case, it is a walking, talking oak tree. Just start addressing the oak trees. Any that respond are treants."
Zanax looks on incredulously. "They talk, too?"
"Yes." Kadlian confirms.
"A talking oak tree ... surely you are kidding ... geez .. the things you miss by living the city life ..." Beauty says softly, not quite believing Kadlian.
The half-elf turns to look at the surrounding trees, idly twisting a lock of her dark hair around her finger as she stares. She is rather oddly dressed for a wilderness outing, looking more like a colorful gypsy or lady of the evening than anything else. Her violet eyes scan the area, still skeptical.
Kadlian looks at one of the treants. "Please speak to this group of people so that they know I speak the truth."
A tree steps forward. "He speaks the truth," it says.
"Thank you," replies Kadlian.
"Wow ... what will they think of next .. " Beauty exclaims in surprise. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Treant." she replies, not knowing what else to say.
Zanax nearly faints. He mumbles "First dragons, now walking and talking trees...I should have stayed in the city!"
Beauty nods, "You and me both ... " she says.
Hlarn smiles. "I can't wait until you see a Galeb Duhr... a talking stone."
"By now," Kadlian continues to all. "Most of you know Miss Wizbang, my first follower. She is a mage. Let me also introduce Vastelle (female elven warrior), Windul (male elven warrior) and Edelle (female elven warrior/magic-user). Also, my hippogriff, Fleetwing, a gift from King Goldhime of Aldacan."
"The two blink dogs are new and I was hoping that Kal or Equinox could tell me there names since I have been unable to speak to them. And, eventually, you will meet the group of treants that also have joined me. They are a bit shy, but make excellent guards at night."
"Kadlian, I can help with the blink dogs tomorrow morning." Equinox replies. "I have to pray for a spell. The treants, however, I can speak with right now. I am fluent in Treant."
"Well, I am sure they would be honored to speak with you in Treant, but luckily, for me, they speak Common. And Kal seems to be handling the blink dogs fine, although I will not complain if you also help with that. They need to learn some manners."
Equinox walks a bit toward the trees he thinks are treants and begins to speak in a low, songlike voice.
Kal has already been talking with the dogs however. Pointing over to each in turn, "Wiggy and Waggy."
The blink dogs teleport over to the wolves, and after a brief sniffing session, they commence to run around, chasing each other's tails.
"Thank you, Kal. Please ask them not to chew on Rage's staff. It would be dangerous for them."
Kadlian notes which is which. "Wiggy and Waggy, please come here."
They stop playing with the wolves and come over.
Kadlian pets the both of them. "No chewing on Rage's stick, okay? It is dangerous."
"Now, you two go play for now. We will talk later."
"Well, I hope someone brought extra rations," Kadlian adds. "I had not counted on Sian acquiring followers as well. I am still getting used to the idea myself."
Kadlian looks at the two newcomers. "I am Kadlian Lun'Folard, the leader of this group. Since you have accompanied the rest of the group, I presume you have been briefed on some of our history and what our mission is to be."
Kadlian smiles at them. "Welcome."
"Well met, Kadlian, I am Logan, glad to a part of the team. Hlarn and I became quick friends and the rest as they say, is history," the elf replies. Black long hair drapes over his shoulders, revealing a well built face with strong brown eyes. Two swords are worn on his back, blue robes adorn his body. Across the robes is a bandolier with a handful of daggers in it. Thin silver bracelets are worn on his wrists. His feet are covered by leather black boots, matching the black shorts peeking out from under the hem of the half body robes.
"Greetings, Logan. I am Zanax. A friend of Hlarn is a friend of mine. May you feel welcome in our group."
"Thank you, sir, seems I am welcome so far, and by most of you.," he says with a sidelong glance at Rage.
Zanax chuckles. "If she insulted you, it means she likes you."
"Not necessarily," Kailar mumbles.
Zanax smiles. "Well, you know she doesn't like you if she turns you into a newt!"
"How long have you been with the group that you managed to get on Rage's bad side already?"
"Heh, a few days, is that a new record?" Logan asks.
"A few days? Well, that is pretty quick, but definitely not the quickest. We had a visit from another group of adventurers and one guy managed to piss Rage off in a matter of minutes."
Kadlian studies Logan's outfit. "Fighter and magic-user? Or thief and magic-user?"
At the mention of thief, Zanax raises his eyebrows and looks over Logan more carefully.
"I am a warrior and yes, heh, I dabble in manipulating the weave here and again," Logan says with a guilty grin.
Kadlian nods. "Thought so. Another blade and more magic is defintely welcome."
"Cool! Welcome yourself ... this is great!" Beauty says, smiling at Kadlian. "I don't know a thing about your actual history .. but I have heard great things about you around Sandas, which is why I chose you to escort me southward. Mission? I did hear something about that ... some religious doo-dad? As long as it does not interfere with me getting southward, it is fine with me."
Beauty simply stares at the sheer numbers of people she hired to escort her to the south. "Wow ... what a bargain!" She says, looking very happy at her investment.
Kadlian raises an eyebrow and looks at Hlarn. "Bargain?"
Beauty nods, pointing at Logan. "I offered him 17,000 gp for safe escort southward .. 2k when we got out of Sandas with me still alive .. remind me I need to give your treasurer that amount .. since I appear to be all in one piece and no longer in Sandas ... and the balance when I reach my destination ... which I will reveal when we get there ... and I need to avoid any imperial entanglements of course ... he said he would work all that out for me ... and so .. here we are!" she replies brightly.
"Was this before or after you joined the group, Logan?"
Beauty frowns, "What do you mean .. before or after ..?" she looks at Logan, her eyes narrowing.
"I have never met Logan before. He is a new member of this group. I just wonder whether your arrangement was before or after he joined the group. If after, he should have spoken with Hlarn before agreeing to your bargain."
"Oh ... I had no idea. I asked the innkeeper ... and he pointed to the table where he was sitting ... along with Hlarn and some others ... I assumed that since he said he was a part of your group ... that he was. If I was in error, I apologise ... and I guess I will go on my merry way alone then ... "
"Well, do not jump to conclusions quite yet. As I said, I do not know when Logan joined the group. He may have already been a member when he accepted your bargain."
"Right after Hlarn and I teamed up." Logan explains. "It seems Beauty over here has some form of extra sensory sight and she has seen things about me that I need to know. I have gaps in my past that I can not remember and her visions may help me remember or at least learn about them at the very least. She said in exchange for money and protection to go south, she would tell me what I need to know. Hlarn was nice enough to bring her along, as I thought I would do it myself. I appreciate the aid and will you all in any way that I can. Even to put a smile on Rage's face!" he says with a smile.
Zanax looks at Beauty strangely and then bows. "I don't think we've been introduced. My name is Zanax."
Beauty smiles, "Hi Zanax .. I"m Ro .. err Beauty. Pleased to meet you..." she replies, her eyes sweeping over Zanax with a slightly puzzled look.
"Ah, so you do have a name.. is there a reason ye won't share it?" Logan asks the attractive woman.
Zanax listens with interest. "Beauty, do you possess powers of the mind? Psionics, that is."
Beauty shakes her head. "I don't ... I was tested at one time ... but they said I didn't ... but ... I do sometimes have these funny spells ... I mean ... times when it seems I know thingsx or can see things ..." She shrugs, clearly not comfortable in talking about it.
Hlarn frowns. "This is the first I've heard of any money passing hands. I told Logan we had a mission to perform first, but that our destination did lie south of Sandas and she could accompany us that far and Logan could escort her to her destination afterward or leave and do it on his own now. Since Beauty seems to be in no hurry, she agreed to accompany us."
"This is the first I've heard of the scale of her theft. I though she was just trying to avoid some local merchants." The dwarf turns toward Beauty. "What exactly do they think you stole and why do they think you stole it? You can speak freely. All of us are affected by this and need to know how best to prepare."
"The scale of my theft?!" Beauty sputters indignantly. "I did no such thing! Avoid local merchants indeed? What do you think I am?"
Hlarn smiles. "Honestly? I thought you were a peasant girl running away from something... a tricked merchant or the like."
"Really? Cool!" Beauty replies, apparently very pleased.
"My sincere appologies my lady. Your disguise is excellent."
"Why thank you ... I have worked hard to make them so."
Hlarn then looks somewhat puzzled. "Now you mentioned that they think you have some important documents. But then you also add that you need to retrieve something. Are you trying to actually obtain what it is they think you have, or is this something else altogether?"
"Yes...to both. It is complicated as I have said...and one thing sort of depends on another... so I don't actually know yet how it will turn out and what all I will need to do," Beauty replies.
He sighs. "Perhaps you had best start at the beginning."
She takes a deep breath and relates her story.
"First of all, I'll have you know that I am Lord Alton's daughter ... He is very powerful in Hork. We are a very prominent family ... I am not a theif! The reason I have been ... so wrongly accused is because my father made some .. errr .. unfortunate political choices ... and so they seek to destroy him through me ... there was a scandal ... involving some envoys... and talk of treaties between ... Meston and Nlad ... and there are those that bitterly oppose such a thing ... don't want Meston regaining all the power they had hundreds of years ago ... and of course .. some want Nlad to expand ... and it all gets awfully convuluted you know ...there is a lot at stake ... and so anyway ... they think I have some papers ... important papers .. which I don't of course ... " Beauty explains, sounding pretty confused herself.
"And hence the mystery gets deeper," Rage says.
"So, certain people from Nlad and Mestom want you... And you want to go south? I am surprised you just did not try to hire someone to get the item for you rather than trying to go yourself."
"The world does not work that way. The mission, these papers, could not be trusted to one other than someone of Beauty's stature. Besides, would you hire someone else to clear your name and sit on the sidelines? I think not," Rage retorts
Beauty rolls her eyes. "And who can I trust to do it? There are several factions that would love nothing more than to destroy me and my family ... as well as those others that have political interests in the item ...willing to kill and much worse to try and influence the power structure... this is big league stuff here ... nothing you can trust others to do... nothing and no one is who or what they seem ... they all have agendas... and all I want to do is ... save my family from ruin and worse."
"Well, you trusted Logan to protect you," Kadlian points out. "You could have just sent him to retrieve the item."
Beauty shakes her head. "I didn't trust Logan to protect me ... that was a choice forced by desperate measures ... and I would certainly not trust him with this. It is up to me to retrieve for reasons I can't fully explain."
"Anyone else want to take a verbal shot at me? Beauty, Rage, already did. Should I stand on a pedestal so its easier to see me?" Logan asks, getting rather annoyed by now.
"Hork?" Zanax says to Beauty with great interest. "Perhaps this is not the time, but are you very familiar with the city? Familiar enough to describe a specific area in great detail?"
"I'm familiar with most of the city .. even places my parents would be horrified I even knew existed," she replies with a grin. "Why? And what kind of a description do you need ... I mean .. what kind of detail do you need?"
"I'm hoping if you're extremely familiar with a particular area in Hork, you could describe it to Rage so that she could locate it in her crystal ball. Hopefully, if she is successful, she can then teleport me there."
"I'll try ... name the spot and I'll tell you if I know it," Beauty replies.
"Anywhere in the city or vicinity will do. I am not familiar with the city at all."
Beauty grins,."Well then, I can describe my house fairly well ... it is in the better part of town of course and should be a safe place to send you. Of course, that are other places as well ... the marketplace, the Quarter, the docks ... "
"Ya do realize," Furgh interjects. "That everytime ya make Rage 'port ya somewhere via something she's only been starin' at through the crystal, ya have a relatively decent chance a splattin' yerself across the landscape?" He shakes his head and chuckles. "She's been pushin' the odds as it is... lucks gonna run out sometime.
"Ya might wanna just kinda, you know... walk," he adds. "Easier on the physiology, donchaknow."
"It also takes a lot longer. And isn't a luxury we always have."
"But it is a luxury you have," Furgh replies. "Ya got two weeks, plenty a time, I'm sure. Certainly better then gettin' someone else killed 'cause ya don't care to take it."
"No. I have to be in Sandas on the 21st and I have to be in Hork on the 31st. They're about a months worth of travel by land from each other and one to two weeks by ship. And it's not like I can leave right now to either place."
"Why not? If you need to be in those places. You don't need to be here. Arranging your schedule at the expense of other people's safety is not very paladinlike."
"Just out of curiousity, why? I mean, surely you knew the travel times .. so why schedule something so difficult?" Beauty asks.
"Well, it's not like I chose the dates, but I have commitments in both places and am trying to honor them." He turns back to Furgh. "If you remember we all have to be in Sandas on the 21st. As for the rest of it, that's none of your concern. Worse comes to worse, I'll pay to have Ray Jay Teleport me there."
"I don't need to be in Sandas on the 21st," Furgh replies. "Certainly wouldn't be marchin' out here on the 12th if I did. Its a long walk from the map."
Zanax looks expectantly at Kadlian.
"We can leave him behind then." Kadlian adds. "Fine with me. The Baron will probably throw an additional feast as thanks..."
"Anyway, I didn't hear you complain about teleporting here!"
"You were not there, so I'm sure ya wouldn't have," Furgh replies with a shrug.
"Actually, I was there. Remember, we were all teleported here from Sandas to Kadlian." Zanax shakes his head in disbelief.
Furgh only chuckles. "Someday, maybe I'll explain it to ya, Skippy.
"And I ain't just talkin' about you, but all a ya. Rage is riskin' killin' herself, every time ya beg and plead her ta take ya to whatever place ya've decided ya can't afford not ta walk to. And no one seems ta give it a second thought. Goin' someplace they've been to and know, is one thing, but glanced at through a crystal?
"And now that Aggy can manage the trick too, it just means yer gonna be assumin' both of 'em are personal transportation services, without thinkin' about what they're riskin', as long as it save you some time."
He glances over at Rage, and shrugs slightly. "Ya really should start chargin' fees. Even ta us. Easy ta see why Ray Jay charges 6 grand, for just the one way trip."
Zanax shakes his head. "I wasn't going to ask Rage unless she became very familiar with the area in Hork that Beauty was describing. You'll remember that I have been looking into other ways to getting to Hork. Why do you think I was asking about the Ethereal Plane, about time and cost of traveling by ship, and about other mages who are already familiar with Hork. You'll also remember that Sian and I travelled by land to Strabath. Rage teleported us back by her own choice. We didn't call her and we were already ready to ride back to Sandas when she appeared."
Zanax pauses a moment. "I'm through defending my actions to you, Furgh. But let me make one thing clear: I think you're a real jerk sometimes and I didn't miss you one bit while you were away. And I'm seriously thinking of having you taken to one of my churches to be converted."
"Better'n being a jerk all the time," Furgh replies with a grin.
"We follow Lord Sian," Callie says to Kadlian.
"Who do you serve?" asks Umboth.
"Well, as I said I am the leader of the group. Sian, as a member of this party, generally follows my orders."
"I meant, who is you patron deity?" says Umboth, a touch of impatience in his voice.
"Why did you not say so? I follow Solonor Thelandira. Why do you ask?"
"I did. Have you considered converting?"
"Well, you asked in a very oblique way. And no, I have not considered converting, nor will I consider it. I have been worshiping Solonor Thelandira for far longer than you have been alive."
"It's never too late, you know," Umboth replies. "Freya regards elves in a very favourable light."
"I am sure. But, I am not interested."
"So does Frey," puts in Seraph.
"And Mielikki," adds Melissa.
"Now wait a minute," says Umboth. "I saw him first."
"So?" says Nuanna, "He's obviously not interested in Freya or whatever. He looks like a lawful type. Forseti would be more to his liking."
"What do you mean, 'whatever'?? And why are you laughing at me at me, Melissa? Mielikki's nothing but a tree hugger who runs with wolves!"
"What's wrong with tree huggers, might I ask?" says Birch angrily.
"..who run with wolves?" Kal adds.
A large argument erupts between Sian's clerics.
Zanax breaks out into laughter with tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Oh great. The holy wars within the party," Kadlian says.
Hlarn smiles. "Be glad Silverbeard isn't an evangelical diety."
"Well, it's not like it'll be a true holy war..." Zanax adds.
"Probably won't be any blood spilt."
Furgh watches the interchange for a brief moment, then shrugs, pushes up his sleaves and wades on into the mix with a grin.
"Say...." he says, cheerfully, interupting their argument. "Don't suppose any of you have heard of the goddess Tula?"
"NO!" they reply in unison and resume their arguing.
Undaunted, Furgh merrily joins in, apparently enjoying himself.
"Ohhh Geez Furgh... They are bad enought by themselves. Let them be," says Sian, looking a little embarrased.
"Arf! Arf!" say the blink dogs. They then try to sniff Zanax's crotch.
Zanax bends down on one knee and tries to pet the blink dogs. He does so while saying "Hey there! What do you think you're trying to do?"
"Arf! Arf!"
They lick his face and then try to mount his thigh.
Zanax laughs as he stands up "Down, boys! Down! Hey, Kadlian...can't you control your pets?"
"Frankly, no. I have been trying to instill some sense of behavior in them over the past few weeks, but they just blink away when they get bored.
"We are not too far from our destination," Kadlian continues. "We are right now in the southeastern part of the Enchanted Valley near the border of Nlad and presumably Mestom. I have no idea how far away we are, but I would estimate a matter of days."
"Excellent! That is great news. Great news!" Beauty replies, looking quite pleased.
"I am glad you are happy although I do not understand why," Kadlian replies.
Beauty points to Logan, "He can explain it all to you ... I just wanted to let you know that I think you are doing a great job! I will give you all excellent references!"
Zanax looks at Logan expectantly.
Logan takes Beauty to the side. "Am I good? I told you that you would be taken care of and you are. Now onto payment... information first. Yes, I know I am no fun, but I'll make up for it later. So, please tell me all that you know," he says. "I'll throw in a massage if it'll help."
Beauty frowns. "This is no joking matter, Logan ... I will need a safe and quiet place to do this. And you may not touch me as I am speaking ... if you wish to do this now, we will need a tent or something and you need to be serious ... and I mean it about not touching me while I try to reveal what I know .. it could be dangerous for both of us, but especially you. The last time I attempted this ... the man didn't listen ... and as a result, he nearly died ... as it was, he is now unable to speak ... and we have no idea if he even has a mind left ... so beware .."
"Thanks, but until we get some explanation from Logan, we are not going anywhere," Kadlian interjects. "I am a little concerned with your phrase 'imperial entanglements'."
Beauty blushes, looking uncomfortable. "Uh ... let's just say that ... a certain government ..is under the impression .. wrongly of course .. that I have something that belongs to them ... and then ... well ... there are some other complications .. but as long as I stay out of cities .. I should be fine. I am sure they wouldn't go bothering trekking through all this wonderful wildnerness to bother with little old me... "
"It just means we skip a few tolls," Kailar says. "Should be no problem."
Beauty nods, "Yes, exactly! No problem at all ... " she replies, grinning at Kailar.
"It's all settled then. Who's putting up the tents?"
"Did we bring any?" Zanax asks looking around.
"What do they believe you have?" Kadlian continues regardless. "And which government? And what other complications? As far as trekking through all this wilderness, they could hire some adventurers to do the job for them."
Beauty bites her lip, hesitating before giving her reply. "I am not sure how much it is safe to tell you ... it may be best if you know nothing ... just in case. This is all becoming quite complicated ... I am sorry if things are not what I thought they were ... " she finishes, giving Logan a look.
"Well, if you are going to stay here, then we all should know the details."
"It will be better if you don't... " Beauty says. "It involves events you surely have heard about ...the sacking of Stoink ... and it is imperative that I get to a little town near the Meston border ... to retrieve something vital there...for Nlad... "
Kadlian's eyes narrow. "What is the item? We are heading to ruins to recover something that is perhaps vital for Nlad. It seems too much of a coincidence."
Beauty stares at Kadlian for a long moment before responding. "Indeed it does...you tell me what you are after...and then I will tell you what I am after...though my sources didn't say anything about it being in ruins... "
"The Sceptre of the Gods, supposedly... Although King Goldhime did not think this possible."
Beauty wrinkles her nose. "Sounds like some pipe dream to me. What is this Sceptre thingie supposed to do?"
Before Kadlian can even answer she waves away any reply.
"Nevermind. Like most things people cling to, I'm sure it is said to do anything from bake a cake to slaughter invading armies. When will people learn?" She sighs.
"What was the item you need to recover?" Kadlian asks again.
"Could this Sceptre of the Gods be why Mestom is invading Nlad?" Zanax asks.
Hlarn shakes his head. "Why bother when it supposedly lies adjacent to their territory? However that isn't to say that they would not want to get it back. It apparently was a foundation of their ancient power."
"That is not clear, Zanax. My sources are sure there is a larger plot going on, and this Sceptre is one of the corner stones, as are these papers Beauty has described. There may a be a causal link, at a 90% probability of truism, but no higher. On the other hand, there is a 75% probability that the papers are already destroyed and the ones who have stolen them killed. Analysis of several competing lines of inquiry lead to the conclusion that we have an 80% chance of success, and a 60% chance of recovering the papers, if they exist. If the papers still exist,a 25% chance,there is a 90% chance they are in a safekeeping, shielded location that only force will recover them from. If this is the correct line, then there is a 82.5% chance they are being forged and a false set will be recovered. In which case, there is a 60% chance that a second major war will break out due to the forgery." The mage takes a breath from her computations.
Zanax tilts his head upwards and sniffs the air several times loudly.
"Are there any cows nearby?" he asks.
"Do you doubt the mathematical, Zanax? I assure you there are many people who put much stock in calculation such as that, in an effort to make decisions that are far reaching and critical, while screwing up every time. Nevertheless, they serve as a model for our actions and how things are related. It is a relatively new science that I learned while studying at the guild," the mage replies with a straight face.
"The math I believe in is that 1+1=2, 1-1=0, 1x1=1, and 1/1=1."
"I think you've been talking to B-9 too much" Kailar says.
Rage gives Beauty a hard stare and then looks at Kadlian. She pets the black cat resting on her shoulder as she speaks. "Now is not the time or the place to begin this conversation Kadlian. I suspect there are things afoot that might be beyond our knowledge. I had a note from a well placed mage who told me to look after this woman. It was delivered to me just before we left Sandas. All will be revealed in time, that I promise." The moonstone embedded in the strange symbol around the mage's waist glows briefly as she states her promise. "For now, worry about getting us organized for the trek," the mage finishes in a commanding tone.
Beauty gives Rage a very surprised look and manages to close her mouth after several moments. "Perhaps we can chat a bit later Rage It seems you have the advantage of me," Beauty says softly when she recovers her voice.
Rage strokes the cat and smiles. "Indeed I do, and we will talk later dear. In great detail."
Kadlian looks at Rage for a long moment. "I see. So, there is more here than I know. As far as getting organized, we will not break camp until after you have done the round of fountains. So, at least another day or two here. And if we need to take greater precautions on our traveling, then I should be made aware of what trouble we are looking at."
Rage looks at Kadlian. "For now we are safe. Our standard procedures will suffice, with the addition of the trents and our other canine friends, we sould be very safe. However, once we move south a bit, we may begin to encounter increased danger, and at that point, I will establish some safe places for us to rest and relax."
Kadlian sighs. "We can speak in private, later."
"Quit you sighing Kadlian, it is unbecoming a leader. Now chin up and do your job. Secure the camp and all that. Have I ever led you astray? Everything is as it should be and in order," the mage says to the elf.
"Have you ever led me astray, Rage? Not really, Rage, but I see no benefit to keeping in the dark about this matter."
"You are not in the dark, oh fearless leader. You are just not using your brain," the mage replies. "There are those of here who are not what we seem," the mage says, opening her hands wide. "There exists a place, where woman are afraid to go, there can only a man go, a special man, the Kwit-zart Cz-hada-ract. There in lies the yellow brick road, which all must travel to the Great Wizard to find a brain, a heart, and courage. Clicking the red shoes sends one home. In the end, the answer is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind."
Hlarn begins whistling that melody, "Blue eyes... baby's got blue eyes."
The mages takes a deep breath. "So there, it is as clear as is the summer sun."
"Only to you, Rage. Certainly not to me," Kadlian replies.
Beauty blinks owlishly then rubs her ears. "Indeed...clear did you say? Maybe to a mage that goes by the name of Rage, but to no one else, I assure you."
"I see. Let me try again." The mage mutters and begins to think, walking around muttering under her breath to her cat, still resting on her shoulder.
"I've got it. There is something we need, and to get it we have to find someone with information. This person will lead us on a merry chase and by discovering the secret can we all return safely. Is that better, oh Beauty?"
The blink dogs spot the cat and come running over. "Arf! Arf!"
"HISSSSSSSSSS!!!" says the cat, standing up on Rage's shoulder, digging its claws in, and puffing up.
Rage hisses, "Kadlain, keep your dogs away from my cat, or I will be forced to deal with them in a most unplesant manner."
"Wiggy and Waggy, leave the cat alone. Rage will turn you into something you do not like, if you do not behave."
"What about the complications she mentioned? The government and all?" Kadlian asks.
Rage smiles, "A misunderstanding that will be cleared up in short order, according to my friend. If things go well, we will be well rewarded for helping Beauty. If things go badly, we will be needed to help her in a significant way, which may involve the balance in the area."
Kadlian appraises Beauty again. "Indeed? We definitely will talk later then, Rage."
"Before either of you go anywhere, I want to understand this arrangement. What information are we speaking of? And what is your destination, Beauty? And perhaps you can just tell us all about what you know rather than doing it in private. We can all arrange to be quiet and you can not find a safer place than this for a good hundred miles."
"Uh ... I sometimes have visions about things .. and when I first laid eyes on Logan .. I had one .. a powerful one .. it is private stuff though... about his life and all." Beauty replies, looking very uncomfortable now.
"I see. So the bargain is that he can escort you to safety, and you give him money and information about his life. Then it seems that this bargain is between you and Logan and does not have anything to do with the rest of us. Except, of course, that we are in danger of someone coming after you."
"Kadlian, you are right, this is between Beauty and myself," Logan says. "But as Rage says, she needs to keep on eye on her and if anyone of you needed help, I would be there for you, as it seems Hlarn, yourself, Zanax, and even Rage seem to be good people. The type I have looked for, for a long time. I was in a bad space and Hlarn just welcomed me, I am indebted to him, and whoever is a friend of his, is a friend of mine. You get me, big guy ?"
"Beauty, I can't let you leave. I need to know and it seems Rage is not too eager to let you leave either. Let us do this before we go dungeon hopping so I know what I am up against !" He asks nicely. "Once we get back, I would love to visit the library," he says with a grin as he waits for Beauty to get settled and begin.
Kadlian looks at Logan. "I dislike not knowing the danger that this party may be in, but I do not see an honorable way out of it. However, it would be nice to name the danger and the lady's destination so that we know the extent of the task. But, it seems that Rage counsels patience and that you shall have from me for a time. Gather your information and then prepare the tale you will tell for the campfire tonight."
"As you wish," Beauty sighs, signalling to Logan that she is ready to reveal what she knows.
"If you wish to do this now, we will need a tent or something and you need to be serious."
"Fine, Zanax, Kadlian, is there a place the two of us can be alone? Anyone have a tent or a hut we can use?" he asks.
"I have not been using a tent, but you could hike a bit and you will find a few secluded clearings."
"And I mean it about what I know. It could be dangerous for both of us, but especially you."
"Not a problem, love, I assumed a massage would put you in a better frame of mind, and with doing more, you were the one that complained the last time. But as I said, I will make it up to you later.. you'll have no complaints," he says with a grin. "Whenever you are ready, Beauty?"
She and Logan find a spot well away from prying ears and eyes...checking the oak trees as well.
The discussion continues amongst the others.
"Speaking of magic..." Kadlian asks. "Zanax, were you able to get magical weapons and armor for the lot of my crew? And Rage, were you able to obtain spellbooks for Miss Wizbang and Edelle?"
"Well, we have the long swords you requested...and two shields. The rest of the armor and shields that we were going to trade and sell I thought would benefit Sian's followers."
"Oh, okay. That is fine. Magical armor always seems to come in human sizes anyway. Magical weapons will do for them, for now."
"No studded leather for me, though?"
Furgh grins. "Hey, I still got that chainmail. Never did use it." He frowns slightly, then shrugs. "If anyone needs a suit."
"Is that the ethereal one, Furgh? Human sized, if I remember correctly. Hlarn and Rage, what do you know about the ethereal plane? Can one get to another place quickly by travelling through there?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "No, it will only offer you marginal speed increases..."
The dwarf pauses as if considering his next words. "The ethereal is the plane that connects the prime and all of the elemental planes together. Unlike other planes of existence however it has no concrete border, but penetrates the inner worlds completely. When you use the armor you will step over into what is known as the border ethereal, which is the portion of the ethereal that touches this world. From there you can move into the true ethereal, or you can move about amid the shadows much as you move here, only at a speed comparable to flying. Since it is something of a shadow world, you can pass through most walls and quickly scale great heights. When you emerge back into this world you will appear at the location you moved to in the shadows."
"Hmmm...but if it took a ship a week or two to travel a certain distance," Zanax asks. "How long would it take me to 'fly' through the ethereal plane?"
Hlarn shakes his head... "The same time it would take you to fly there directly on this world. Freedom of motion is gained, so that you can move in any direction and not limit yourself to walking, but no increase in speed."
"Hmmm...I read in the book on the Outer Planes that time moves differently in the Astral and Outer Planes. Is this true of the Ethereal Plane?"
Hlarn pauses, thinking. "It depends on what you mean by time moving differently..."
"If you go to either plane and spend five minutes, counting out the seconds, and then return, you will find that five minutes has passed here also."
"However on the astral time's effects move very slowly... so that spells that last only a few moments seem to last forever, and potions are as good as permanent effects."
"But the ethereal does not have that benefit."
"There are other worlds though where a day for them is a month for us, and world where our day is a month for them...."
"Now the astral plane is useful for quick transportation... and scrying upon others also. Go to the astral plane and you appear next to a silvery pool. Looking into this you will see the location you just came from... but with concentration you can focus the pool to show another location and simply step through it and appear. However color pools can only be forced to change their location once a day... so its not useful for several quick trips."
Hlarn smiles. "Also the astral plane is much more dangerous than the ethereal... for it is the space that connects our worlds with those of the greater gods, and their messengers move back and forth between."
"Speaking of magic, Kadlian, when I left to train, there was a load of magic to be divided. Is there anything left for me that I might want?" asks Equinox.
"Take a look in the Community Chest," Zanax offers.
Rage, abscently petting her black cat, nods and offers the books to the two apprentice mages. "What next, I assume they want to look in my spell books. And you too Argulhas," the mage says. "I will give you a list of the spells you might be interested in."
Logan and Beauty return as Rage finishes speaking.
Logan's ears perk up when he hears spell books, and waves his hand and right arm vigorously in the air. "Me too, me too. May I take a look?"
"We shall see," the mage replies cryptically. "I'm not sure I trust you yet."
"Why don't ya just send 'em into the Library?" Furgh asks.
"An excellent idea, Furgh," the mage replies. Unfortunately, it is revealed that all the party books have been left in storage at the Sandas Mage guild.
"Please." Kadlian asks. "Might I suggest you check with Edelle and Miss Wizbang to see if they have any spells you do not have? I just want them to have a full complement of spells. But, before you do that, should they drink from the fountain?"
Rage sighs. "Very well I know of four places with powerful magics:
MEGADUNGEON 1: Magic room with tiles Red and Green. Red increases level with decrease in Charisma. Green increase CharismaMEGADUNGEON 2: Small room (10'x20') with door on long side and with Lever opposite. A sign above the lever reads, "Pull lever to go up one level."
BLACK KEEP: Pool that increases Intelligence
SU EL: Pool increase STR, CON, DEX
"I will make one trip a day with people who wish to do. it will take 4 days to complete. Sign up with Furgh, the travel agent."
Zanax yawns and says in a bored tone. "Been there, done that."
Kal says somewhat hesitantly, "It doesn't seem to have harmed the rest of you, I'll go."
"Dearest Rage was nice enough to take me there," Logan says with a smile, "but I am willing to go everywhere else! Furgh, you are the man, elf, whatever!"
Furgh smiles wanely, then gives Rage a glare for volunteering him.
"Will that be aisle or window?" he grumbles cheerfully.
"Definitely windows." Logan says and in reply to Kadlian,
"Call me dearest again Logan and I will turn you into an eunich. The hard way," Rage says.
"Is that by hand or by mouth?" Logan says with a wide smile as he backs away from her probably explosive retort.
"Cross the line and find out," the mage replies, smiling.
Hlarn looks at Kadlian and Sian. "Do your followers want to try and use the skill enhancing magics we know of? If so, now would be the time to take them by. It will cause us another week's delay, but it would be worth it."
"Well, we sort of broached that subject. I think that only the fountain of intelligence is critical right now for Edelle and Miss Wizbang. I had forgotten about the other spot. What did that do again?"
Beauty looks up with interest at the mention of skill enhancing magics.
"I wouldn't mind partaking," she replies eagerly.
"We know of a place that increases your intelligence. Another that makes you stronger and more stout, and two others that increase one's skill. I would think the last two would greatly help them."
"There was a lever in Mega-somethingoranother that raised your skills..." Zanax adds. "There was this green or red thing that could either raise your skills or your leadership ability...a pool for making you smarter...a pool for enhancing you physically. Did I miss any?"
"Hmmm ... interesting." Beauty says. "So if I were to do red then green .. I would get a level and then get my lost charisma back?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "No, only one or the other works."
"Each of these Beauty," Rage clarifies. "Are one shot deals. You take you chances and that is it. Others have tried," the mage replies.
"Ahhh ... guess there had to be a catch to it .. there always is. Well, I will take my chances as Rage says ... you can't win if you don't play .. "
Hlarn asks the woman, "Just what skills do you possess that the magics will enhance?"
Beauty shrugs, smiling. "I don't know .. guess I'll find out! I figure being smarter and prettier and such ought to help me somehow!"
"Can Rage take them all?"
"With reductions I could," Rage replies.
Hlarn looks at Agulhas, Rage, Zanax and Sian. "If possible it would be worth a trip back to Strabath to see if we could purchase a portable hole. It would make it so much easier to transport everything quickly. You should take Agulhas so he learns the area."
Agulhas raises a finger. "Oh, I know Strabath well enough. I was raised there. Unless there are special places you think I should be aware of..."
Zanax shrugs. "I don't know anyone in Strabath who would sell one to us."
"No need, my good fellow, I have one in my possession," Logan says with a smile.
Hlarn looks at Rage and Agulhas. "You could have told us that before they spent hours on end shrinking us so that they could teleport the equipment."
"I have a better idea," Kailar offers. "Let's appropriate it like we keep doing with Zanax's stuff."
"Indeed?" Kadlian says. "How fortuitous. Although, perhaps you should have mentioned that before you left Sandas. Rage, do you wish me to hold him down while you beat him senseless?"
"Just take the hole and I will turn him into a newt," the mage replies.
"Or goldfish!" Zanax adds with a grin.
"What a pleasure," Logan says as he rolls his eyes.
"First, no one asked, and second, you don't need to hold me down, something tells me that she'll beat me just for looking at her funny," Logan says with a smile.
Hlarn gives the fellow a dark look. "I do hope you simply did not consider how helpful such a device could be when used in conjunction with teleporting spells. Rage can only take a hundred pounds or so pounds of gear with her. If we can put everyone in the hole then she can take the entire party easily and quickly."
"But since you have it," Hlarn continues. "Can the party make use of it? With Agulhas and Rage together we can make the rounds of the pools much faster."
"Ok, I am sorry, yes, use it, just be careful of the few material possession I keep in there," Logan replies.
Beauty stares at Hlarn. "You aren't serious about us getting into one of those portable holes, are you? I've heard they are very, very dangerous. They blow up and such," she says.
Hlarn raises an eyebrow. "You've heard of them have you? From where? As for blowing up... yes, that is a risk if we entered another plane, as such devices are sub-planes in their own right. But teleporting is not of that order of magic."
Beauty shakes her head doubtfully. "When my mother was growing up, there was a mage across the street from her house. One day there was a huge explosion. Blew the house right up, and it was said it was because she messed up with one of those things. I don't think I would ever want to mess with one of those. Too dangerous. Not me...uh-uh!"
Hlarn nods. "She probably put a bag of holding into the portable hole, or the other way about. Nothing dangerous about it really if you know what not to put into the things."
The other two elves - brother and sister, going by their similar appearance - sit down and watch the proceedings.
Kadlian smiles. "You two up to going for the fountain run, then? An increase in intelligence, strength, constitution and dexterity could be useful."
"Sure," they reply.
"Just be careful," Zanax warns. "Remember what happenned to Sasha. Speaking of which, what happenned to Sasha?"
"Good. Furgh, my four followers will be going."
"Speaking of which," says Sian to his followers "Hey, all did you want to use the magics that were described? If so talk to Furgh and let me know. And quit trying to convert my friends."
"I also want to visit that fountain. I do not believe that I have been there," says Equinox.
"What about your pets?" Zanax adds.
"Pets? You mean Wiggy and Waggy? They are not pets. They are followers. And it might not be a bad idea. However, I do not know how you get a treant in the portable hole."
"You shrink him first." Kailar replies.
Kal shakes his head. "Disrespectful."
Hlarn smiles and pats his axe... but carefully so that no tree's nearby can see it and Kadlian can.
Kadlian frowns and shakes his head.
"A joke, Kadlian... just a joke," the dwarf replies.
"I know, but they are a bit touchy about those and fire."
"Perhaps a Stoneskin spell and that potion of fire resistance will aleve some of their concern," Zanax offers.
Hlarn nods. "Don't worry about the potion... with the addition of four new clerics I can easily cover the treants with Endure Heat spells that will make them totally immune to one instance of fire. Most people will assume that if it doesn't work once it might not work again and hopefully by then they can dispatch the villian."
"Need quite a few of them, then."
Zanax shrugs. "As a ranger, you should already know, you make do with what you have."
Kadlian smiles. "I do. We just keep them away from both."
"How much does a shrink reduce a creature that is easily fifty feet tall?"
"The first one would reduce him to 10 feet, the second would reduce him to 2 feet, the third would reduce him to about a half a foot. This was if I were casting the spells. Rage could probably get better results."
Kal sweeps his arm towards the ents and then shows 5 fingers to the gnome.
Kailar replies in elvish: "I speak Elvish Kal."
Kadlian looks at the five treants. "Do you wish to drink from these fountains?"
"No," They reply.
Kadlian nods. "Okay. A second question for you five. We are trying to speed up our journey. Will you consent to being shrunk temporarily, placed in a portable hole, teleported to our destination and then restored to your original size? I will be in the portable hole with you."
"No," is the reply again.
"I will go with the forest walkers," Kal says.
"Thank you, Kal," Kadlian replies.
"How would we find you?" the treant asks in its stentorious voice.
"How did you find me the first time?"
"You walked by us."
Zanax steps forward and address the treant nervously, as he is not certain where exactly the 'face' of the treant is.
"Ummm...if you will permit me, sir treant, I can contact you over great distances to direct you through telepathy. Errr...I only need to 'touch' your mind now so that I will be able to do it again in the future. Is that acceptable, sir treant?"
"No."
"Oh. Then it looks like a few of us will need to travel overland. I know we have worries about the size of this group, but I will not leave the Treants behind and the only way to get them to our destination is to travel with them."
"So, we can split up again or we can all travel mundanely to our next destination."
"Just out of curiosity," Zanax asks. "What would happen if we just enlarged the portable hole?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "I'd not risk it. A person we know we can shrink safely. A magical item of that nature might have a bad side effect, as Beauty has mentioned."
"Don't even think about it," Kailar adds.
Furgh frowns... "Uh.. Boss? Ya might do well ta remember that Sasha up and keeled over dead after taking a sip from the one."
He shrugs, then grins slightly. "Not the sortta thing an unprepped elf wants ta be chuckin' outta."
"Keeled over ... dead?" Beauty says with a gulp, looking a bit hesitant now. "Really? Which one was that .. I mean .. which pool or device ...any chance she died of other complications?"
"True. Thank you for reminding me that there is a danger." He addresses his followers. "The magic of the fountains can be dangerous to your system. Should your body reject the assistance, it could be fatal. And as three are you are elves, bringing you back to life is quite challenging... And expensive since Hlarn is not capable of such spells, yet. So, do this knowing the risks."
Hlarn smiles. "There are no spells to bring back elvish kind, no matter what my skill. But I have the power to bring back others using the candle I possess."
Hlarn introduces himself to the new followers. "Greetings. My name is Hlarn, son of Harlt, son of Harn of the Meg Clan."
He pauses a moment to give respect to his forebears.
"As Kadlian's second, I would like to get to know all of you. I know you serve Kadlian and Sian directly, but you can best serve them if we coordinate our efforts. You would not want your masters to come to harm because abilities were wasted due to duplication or bad planning. I am a warrior priest of Silverbeard, and I want you to know that I'll do all in my power to insure that you live through the times ahead, and I expect the best of everyone present."
Rage mimics gagging behind Hlarn.
"Dwarves," says Edelle, and giggles.
After he has had a chance to speak with Sian and Kadlian privately, Hlarn will meet with the clerical types.
Listening to Sian's followers, Logan asks Zanax, "Ah, am I allowed to rummage through the chest to see if there is anything I can use? Since it seems, with my pleasure of course, that my portable hole is a the group's disposal, it would seem fair if there was something I needed or could use, I would be allowed to."
"Well, since Hlarn has already vouched for you, I guess there should be no problem with you looking through our extra magic items. Although, be forewarned, not all of the magic has been identified and Kadlian has earmarked certain items as being party treasure and cannot be claimed."
"Thanks," he says with a grin.
"And what will we be doing when we arrive there?" Zanax adds. "Are you planning to send scouts out?"
"When we arrive at our destination, we explore the ruins for the rod that Verona sent us here for. My followers and I have been scouting the area around here and there is no one that we have found. And I have been riding my hippogriff and have seen nothing from the air."
"I thought that once Kailar and Rage were here, I would see about getting some flying, invisible scouting started. But, we can tackle that in the morning. Rage and Agulhas must be utterly exhausted teleporting all of you here."
Kailar stands at atention and salutes. "Aye Aye General. Should the scouting commence at 0600 hours, sir?"
"If you wish, Kailar. Or 7. Whenever you get up and have some breakfast."
"I would be happy to shape change to a raven and scout anywhere you say, Kadlian," Equinox adds.
"Thank you, Equinox. This close to Mestom and the border with Nlad, I will be making ample use of scouts. Your services will be needed."
"I guess that'll make me the messenger for all your scouts," Zanax says. "You know, I have been wanting to try a couple of experiments, though..."
"Only for those willing to communicate with you via telepathy. Anyone who will not use that method will have to return here."
"True, but I was thinking of trying to do a multiple link instead of trying to just pass on messages. Then we could coordinate simultaneously, if necessary."
"Kadlian, I also now have the strength and wisdom to cast certain spells that allow me to commune with the natural surroundings to know the surrounding natural area for a great distance. If that will be useful, I would be pleased to assist as I can," Equinox adds.
Kadlian frowns, looking puzzled. "I am not sure I understand. Hlarn, do you know of this spell?"
"It is a Druid spell and Hlarn is a cleric," says Equinox a little huffily.
"Ease up, Equinox. Of course, I am not doubting you. I asked Hlarn because he tends to explain spells in terms I better understand. Perhaps you would like to try to explain it to me again? As Rage can tell you, most of the magic goes way over my head."
"The spell permits me to commune with the natural surroundings and learn a large amount of information about the area in any direction, for just under 5 miles. That information includes plants in the area, people or monsters dwelling ahead, creatures dwelling ahead, minerals in the ground, etc. In other words, just about anything that might be interesting. I suggested it only to give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. Whether it will prove more useful than aerial reconassaince, I leave up to your determination."
Hlarn adds. "Us clerics have a simular spell, Divination, which allows us to determine simular information. However, clerics of my skill can not be assured that the information is fully reliable, so I've never cast it."
"Perhaps the spell would be more useful once we reach our destination," Zanax offers. "Once we reach the rift or the ruins, we will need to know much about the area."
Kadlian looks very interested. "Creatures, minerals and plants? Does it work underground as well? For instance, would it have worked in the Black Keep? And can it give you accurate enough information that you could draw maps based on what you learn?"
"Even if it cannot allow you to draw maps, this spell sounds very powerful and will come in handy. Knowing what creatures dwell in the area can make tactical preparations much easier."
"Thank you for being patient enough to try again and explain it to me. This is a very powerful druidic spell."
"Whatever you want, Kadlian. I will cast it at your direction."
"Thank you, Equinox. If it does not take a lot out of you, it might be useful to try it out now so that we all have a better idea of the benefits and limitations of the spell."
"Do you have a map of the area, Kadlian? I'd like to get better acquainted with the terrain around us," Zanax asks.
Kadlian snorts and chuckles in amusement. "A map, Zanax? We are in the middle of nowhere. I have a copy of Verona's map which you can look at again. We are in the corner where Mestom, Nlad and the Enchanted Valley meet."
"Home," Kal mutters.
"Indeed, my friend. And some of it is beautiful."
Zanax looks at Kal in surprise "You're from the Enchanted Valley?"
Zanax nods to Kadlian. "That will do. Do you know anything about the Enchanted Valley?"
"Quite a bit. I will tell you about it later."
"We could wish for another map. How much room do you have left on your backside, Zanax?" Kailar suggests.
Zanax harumphs, but says nothing more.
Once Zanax has the map, he studies the terrain of the surrounding area...especially the Enchanted Valley.
Kal has been ignoring everyone and talking with the blink dogs...
"Kal, would you mind talking to my hippogriff while your talking to animals? He seems to be out of sorts and I can't seem to get his name out of him" asks Sian of his friend
"No problem," Kal replies. He casts 'speak with animals' and tries to converse with the hippogriff.
Kal clucks and turns to Sian, "I tried, but it's not a natural animal."
"Not a natural animal?" Kadlian adds. "You mean it is a magical animal? Rage, can you check out Sian's hippogriff? Zanax, check it for evil, just in case."
Rage does so at the earliest opportunity.
Hlarn waves at Zanax and Rage to not do anything. "Don't insult the beast, Kadlian. Hippogriphs are of course magical animals, a magical cross between a horse and an eagle."
"It is not an obvious conclusion... but my teachers said that such animals did not originally roam the worlds, but were created by powerful wizards or the gods. Why this makes them different from say a dog or cat, which was also created by the gods, is a matter of theory. But the fact remains that certain such creatures are, despite having no obvious magical talents, still not considered mundane creatures."
"Oh. Kal, are you able to speak with Fleetwing, my hippogriff?"
"Cluck, Cluck, " says Kal to Kadlian's mount. "It's Rage's turn, Kadlian."
Kadlian shrugs. "Okay, so it is not unique to Sian's hippogriff. That spell does not work on either creature. So, how do you speak their language then? I mean, Fleetwing and I do communicate, it is just not as precise as a spoken language might be."
"Perhaps you communicate the way a mage and their familiar do."
Hlarn looks at Kadlian and Sian. "What do you want to say to them?"
Hlarn prepares a tongues spell and will cast it.
"Or perhaps Sian needs to be bonded with his hippogriff first, much like a paladin does with his mount. Kadlian, have you already learned to ride Fleetwing?" Zanax adds. "Well, we are in the process. He has had other riders, so he is experienced in teaching elves what to do."
"Oh, at this point, Fleetwing and I are quite happy together. We have been practicing flying every day since we camped here. I am concerned that Sian's friend is not happy, though."
"Maybe you are right, Zanax. The time I was going to spend got blown when we all came here. Hlarn, the main thing I wanted to know was what his name was. I never was told when I was given him and don't want to insult him," says Sian
"The mount came to you because of what you are. I don't think you should worry about insulting it - unless you mistreat it. I suggest you go hunting with it. Also, you probably shouldn't use wizard magic to talk to it - create a bond between the two of you, with no magic," Kal says.
"If we split up I think I will take the long road. That way I can practice riding my hippogriff. It probably will take some time," says Sian
"Come with the forest walkers and I," Kal offers.
Hlarn nods. "And speaking of camps, do not plan on using this as a permanent one. We are still quite a ways away from the Rift."
Hlarn turns to Kadlian. "I am trained in riding airborne animals. If you don't need me I could borrow your hippogriph and begin flying directly south and locate the Rift. Then the rest of you can teleport to my location. That seems safer than crossing the mountains to the southwest and entering Mestrom, or crossing them to the southeast and undoubtably being seen by the people from Nlad set to watch Mestrom's border. I'm also one of the best choices because I now have the strongest aerial weapon of the party," he says as he hefts his hammer.
"Rift? What is this about a rift? And ruins. Someone mentioned something about ruins. Are we all headed toward the same place?" Zanax asks, obviously confused. "I though we were headed for the Enchanted Valley!"
Hlarn looks about. "We are in the Enchanted Valley. Verona asked us to retrieve the Scepter of the Gods. She said it lies in a ruin adjacent to the Rift of the Dead."
"I do not know if Fleetwing will let you ride him, but you can approach him and try."
Hlarn moves close to Fleetwing to see if the animal will accept him. He offers him some food as bribery and shows only a confident manner.
It moves away from him.
"Sorry, Hlarn. Try Sian's friend."
"I could provide a more reliable flying mount Hlarn," Kailar says.
"Your broom?" Kadlian asks.
"No, myself. It would be easier to train on a creature that wasn't trying to kick you off."
Kadlian looks at Hlarn. "Why not? If Kailar is willing to change to a hippogriff or some other flying creature, that would give you additional back-up."
Hlarn smiles.
"Perfect!" he says to Kailar. "But I guess this means I'll have to forgo the spurs."
Turning to Kadlian he continues, "So Kailar and I will go and find the Rift and this ruin. Zanax can keep in touch with us periodically. Once a day at least. We'll scout it out and see if we can find a good base camp to get us settled for a while and the rest of you can join us in a few days once everyone has gone by the fountains. I'll be looking for a cave of some sort with an exit near water and trees so that everyone here will feel comfortable but we can get out of the coming winter weather."
"Hopefully this is a mission we can handle in a couple of days rather than a couple of years and we'll be able to present the rod to Verona when we return to Sandas later this month."
The dwarf looks at any of the mages present. "Invisibility would be nice...can someone do the honors?"
Zanax turns to Hlarn. "Just out of curiosity, what are you planning to do if you fall off while you're a couple thousand feet up in the air?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "You'd have a very squished dwarf is my guess."
He smiles. "But I've ridden hippogryphs and dragons before,and know how to properly tie up some ropes that will hold me on in lieu of a saddle. It's just as safe as riding a horse if you know how. Anyway, so long as we remain invisible and move along quickly at a decent altitude, nothing should really pose a threat to us."
Furgh digs around in his pack and produces a potion bottle, which he hands to the dwarf.
"Levitation." he adds, with a grin, "Drink it quick."
"I'm ready whenever you are," Kailar says.
Hlarn nods, taking time to quickly make a copy of Verona's map to take with him and prepare a harness to hold him in.
"Thanks for the potion Furgh... hopefully I won't need it."
"After that is done, invisibility spells are cast, we can set off...flying south till we get to the mountains, then following the mountain range south till we get to the Rift."
"Keep in touch. And please avoid contact with anyone."
Zanax looks over the map again and then starts rummaging through the party's community chest. Pulling out the telescope, he then heads toward Rage.
"Rage, may I please I borrow the Ring of Invisibility for a little while? I'd like to survey the area without attracting too much attention while I'm up in the air."
Zanax turns invisible and levitates upwards to have a look around.
Unfortunately, the telescope weighs far too much to take with him.
"Hi Edelle, I am Logan," the elf says with a nod of his head.
"Is that a gun in your pocket or are you glad to see me?" she replies.
Zanax smiles at Edelle as he looks her over. "You must be the warrior/mage Kadlian mentioned. My name is Zanax."
Edelle smiles. "So many men!"
"Very glad to see you." Logan adds. "I'll talk to you later, my dear," he says with a bow and then walks off with Beauty.
"Not likely," says Edelle to his receding back.
"Well, then perhaps we should take a walk and get away from them..." Zanax says offering his arm.
She takes his arm and off they go.
As they stroll off, you can hear Zanax trailing voice "So, tell me about Aldacan. I've never been there. What is it like..."
You are now located in the southeast corner of the Enchanted Valley, Kadlian tells you. You are standing in a clearing in a dense deciduous forest. To the west, the land is flat to gently rolling, sloping slightly to the south; but to the east the land starts rising immediately into the Ramparts of the Rocky Mountains, whose snow-clad peaks you can see above the treetops when you look in that direction. The peaks of this mountain range march up from the south, and continue on north-northwestward.
To the south, you can just make out the peaks of another range, running east - west: the Kames Peaks, which form the southern boundary of the Enchanted Valley.
Despite the fact that you are now quite a few hundred miles south of Sandas, the climate is similar. When you arrive here the temperature is only about 43F, the sky is overcast, and a stiff breeze blows out of the north.
You regard Kadlian's and Sian's followers.
Edelle is a female high elf, and very beautiful, with dark hair and flashing eyes. She also looks quite strong, and moves with fluid grace. She wears leather armour, and carries a longsword, dagger and a staff.
Vastelle and Windul are sister and brother, respectively, and resemble each other, with blonde hair and fair skin. Windul looks to be exceptionally strong and very dexterous as well. He wears ring mail and carries a shield, and uses a shortsword, lance and battle axe. His sister wears splint mail and shield, and uses a longsword, dagger and long bow.
Birch is a druid, a tall, spindly man. He wears leather armour, has a wooden shield, and weilds a scimitar.
Callie is a ranger. While of average height, she is exceptionally slender, and very wiry. She wears leather armour, has a shield, and weilds a longsword.
Melissa is a cleric. While the same height as Callie, she is...overweight. She wears scale mail and shield, and carries a mace.
Nuanna is another cleric, a big woman, over 6' tall. She wears ring mail and shield, and uses a flail.
Seraph is another slightly built young woman of average height. She wears plate mail, carries a shield, and weilds a flail.
Umboth, with his rather overbearing personality, is 6' tall and 215lbs. He is rather flabby for his bulk, and does not look to be exceptionally strong. He wears plate mail, carries a shield, and favours a mace.
Vanadil is small and slight, but nevertheless looks quite tough. She wears splint and shield, and carries a longsword.
You allow the followers to rummage through the magic pile.
Callie takes the ring mail.
Birch sees nothing that he wants.
Vastelle takes a shield.
Windul takes another shield.
Edelle takes a longsword.
Melissa takes a suit of chain mail.
Nuanna takes a suit of splint and a shield.
Seraph takes the large shield and the chain mail.
Umboth takes another shield and suit of chain mail.
Vanadil takes a longsword.
Zanax takes the telescope up a nearby hillside to look at the surroundings. Edelle accompanies him.
All of the followers decide it would be cool to visit the magical places. Even Wizbang, glancing at Edelle, changes her mind. Others go as well: Logan (all but Black Keep), Agulhas (Megadungeon I), Beauty, Kal and Equinox (Su El).
Logan finally takes out his portable hole. It resembles a handkerchief, folded up. However, when he unfolds it, it still...resembles a handkerchief. It is definitely not a portable hole...
Hlarn meets with the clerical types.
The scouting party consists of Hlarn, Kailar and Equinox.
The rest of you will be travelling by foot and horseback.
Equinox begins casting Commune with Nature. It takes him a while.
At some point during "down time", Agulhas approaches Rage.
"I have this brooch that I believe will absorb magic missiles," he fingers it from it where it rests fastened to his cloak. "I want to test its abilities. I want to see if, a) it does indeed absorb magic missiles, and b) if and when it does absorb them, will it prevent a disruption in my spellcasting as well. So, if you would be so kind as to fire a magic missile at me while I commence casting a comprehend languages spell, we can answer these questions."
Furgh only sighs. "Ya been hangin' around Hlarn too long."
"Eep!" says Agulhas with a dramatic expression. "Alas, I fear I have been poisoned by the dwarf's penchant for self-immolation for the sake of knowledge. Furgh, I beg of you, is there a cure???" The mage stops short of falling to his knees to plead, but instead winks at Hlarn while giving the elf a wry smirk.
Furgh screws up his face, in deep thought. "That's a tough one. I'm afraid most such cases are eventually fatal. Though the onset time varies. So perhaps there is still hope.
"But, in this particular case, I'd suggest just leaving it alone." He grins. "Ain't like knowing or not knowing will make no difference... ya'll still be wearing it, and still casting your spell one day, when someone decides ta cap your bald behind with the offensive spell in question." He shrugs. "Since they ain't linkely ta announce it ahead of time, knowin' you'll be save will have played no part.
"Sides," he adds. "Will save yourself a charge or four."
He then pokes Agulhas in the ribs. "And if ya insist on the foolishness anyway," He grins. "Then at least pick a spell that will take longer ta cast then the one Rage is gonna be throwin' at ya, else ya won't learn all yer hoping to."
He chuckles.
"Aye, my diminutive friend, that is why I will cast Comprehend Languages. Rage could cast 10 missile spells, though she had better not." He smiles to Rage. "Before I finish casting my spell. Though, your point is noted. Thanks."
He returns his gaze to Rage. "Whenever you are ready."
Rage assists as described.
Agulhas can indeed cast spells uninterrupted while being blasted with magic missiles. The brooch absorbs them. He does find it rather distracting, though.
Equinox takes the magic cloak in the party magic pile with a thank you to Rage.