At The Stone River Waypoint

So with Patchwall 14th ahead of you after the last raid, whom does Ering attempt to scry  on to prepare for the next attack?

Max said: So with Patchwall 14th ahead of you after the last raid, whom does Ering attempt to scry  on to prepare for the next attack? Ering will attempt to Scry during the day, while the army is marching. He starts with Ralad, hoping to catch of glimpse of Rizdar's other apprentices. He then moves on to Immrei and Quentin. If if learns of any other apprentices he will scry upon them, otherwise he tries his luck with Shurreon.  Scrying DC: 20 Caster level check for an eventual spell resistance: 27 Spellcraft: 31

Dawi said: Max said: So with Patchwall 14th ahead of you after the last raid, whom does Ering attempt to scry  on to prepare for the next attack? Ering will attempt to Scry during the day, while the army is marching. He starts with Ralad, hoping to catch of glimpse of Rizdar's other apprentices. He then moves on to Immrei and Quentin. If if learns of any other apprentices he will scry upon them, otherwise he tries his luck with Shurreon.  Scrying DC: 20 Caster level check for an eventual spell resistance: 27 Spellcraft: 31 Gathering your will and deep mastery, you manage to break through the arcane barrier warding Ralad against scrying! As Rizdar's protective magic shatters, you can see the tall, fair-skinned and blue-eyed human warrior riding slowly on horseback beside his dark, tattooed magelord. Knowledge (geography) applies. Ralad is handsome and blonde-bearded, and the silvery breastplate he wears is just as beautiful to behold... watching him for a while, you're able to overhear his occasional conversation with Rizdar, who seems to confide in his bodyguard quite a bit, and even asks his advice. In fact, you soon realize that the two men are more than master and servant, but in fact close friends. You also pick up a few useful bits of intelligence... like the fact that Rizdar apparently brought not just two, but five  of his apprentices on the campaign, leaving only the lowest-ranked of his circle to command the garrison that remains to protect their territory in the northern Catacombs. It seems that he needs at least those 5 to maintain his daily empowerment of 'red magic', but they've kept this a secret from the other commanders by having the other 3 apprentices pose as common soldiers. Rizdar and Ralad discuss them a bit, and you learn their names are Quentin, Sarah, and Idris. Rizdar also mentions something about a prophecy that Quentin has been investigating lately on his orders... the way he talks about it is circumspect, as if they both know the details already, but he refers to 'the stone' and 'the child of two moons'. Knowledge (arcana) and Profession (astronomer), trained only, apply. It's during this discussion that Rizdar seems to finally notice of your scrying  sensor... and promptly casts dispel magic  to banish it. Roll caster level checks for the rest of the scrying  spells you cast today. Which of the 5 apprentices do you try for?

Ering gasps as his vision is suddenly shunted back into his body, in the dimly room of the Waypoint. He takes a few deep breaths to calm himself down and looks at his familiar for comfort.  "It seems we are not the only ones wrestling with prophecies, Vigil." Ering chuckles. "I remember Rizdar speaking about this when Xank first saw him. The stone could be anything... An artifact maybe, perhaps the Stonefare or even the Stone River Waypoint. At least now we know that Rizdar is like a mighty fortress, but one built on swampy terrain and propped up by wooden stilts, you take out one of them and everything can crumble."  Ering Scrys on the three apprentices disguising as common soldiers. First Quentin and Sarah, and when he thinks the army is stopping their march to set up camp he will try with Idris.  Knowledge (geography): 13 Knowledge (arcana): 18 Profession (astronomer): 14 (Thinking that 'child of two moons' could mean someone that is born when the two moons are full simultaneously.) Caster level checks for spell resistance: 20, 33, 29 (if spell penetration and greater spell penetration don't apply, remove 4 to the checks)

Dawi said: Ering gasps as his vision is suddenly shunted back into his body, in the dimly room of the Waypoint. He takes a few deep breaths to calm himself down and looks at his familiar for comfort.  "It seems we are not the only ones wrestling with prophecies, Vigil." Ering chuckles. "I remember Rizdar speaking about this when Xank first saw him. The stone could be anything... An artifact maybe, perhaps the Stonefare or even the Stone River Waypoint. At least now we know that Rizdar is like a mighty fortress, but one built on swampy terrain and propped up by wooden stilts, you take out one of them and everything can crumble."  Knowledge (arcana): 18 Profession (astronomer): 14 (Thinking that 'child of two moons' could mean someone that is born when the two moons are full simultaneously.) Vigil's mere presence is soothing as you try to slow your racing heart and gather your thoughts. From subtle clues in the way they spoke about the prophecy, and your experience with the structure of such legends, you suspect that the stone is an object which this 'child' is meant to recover, probably to be a weapon against some deadly foe. If "two moons" does indeed refer to someone born when Celene and Luna are both full, they would have to have been born on Richfest 4th, the midsummer solstice. The counterpart is Goodmonth 11th in high summer, when both moons are new and the sky is as dark as it gets... both are culturally important throughout the world, as the solstice is a holy day for many good faiths, while the other is an unholy day practiced by many evil religions called Dark Night, when all wise folk lock their doors after dusk and sit up with a lantern and weapon in hand, watching over their families. However, you suspect that your first guess is likely more accurate. Dawi said: Ering  Scrys  on the three apprentices disguising as common soldiers. First Quentin and Sarah, and when he thinks the army is stopping their march to set up camp he will try with Idris.  Caster level checks for spell resistance: 20, 33, 29 (if spell penetration and greater spell penetration don't apply, remove 4 to the checks) You can feel the same kind of barrier blocking your spell with the apprentices again as well, which by now you've deduced is a powerful nondetection  spell, likely cast by The Storm himself. You're able to break through it only with Sarah, but get a good look at her: a human woman in perhaps her late 20's, she's very beautiful with long brown hair and the excellent posture of the noble-born. As Rizdar mentioned, she's dressed in the garb, light armor, and livery of a soldier, and is riding a light horse among the vast, spread-out forces of the joint army. Spot applies. During the course of the day while Ering is scrying , the two new ballistae you ordered arrive at the Waypoint with a complimentary load of 20 bolts. Leoavor and Verne oversee their setup, and begin training the guards to use them while having more bolts made. As you hoped, they seem quite similar to very large heavy crossbows, and so most of your troops rapidly get used to their size. Kirin, an old ally of the Wayfinders, also arrives to help in the coming battle, as favor Hamanap called in. A strange woman, she's tall and lean, wears a fine suit of studded leather armor over traveling clothes, carries a well-worn longspear, and hides her face behind a simple stone mask. Her hood is tucked into the mask and she wears gloves on her hands, so that not even an inch of skin is visible. Knowledge (local) applies. As agreed, Hamanap calls another war council and invites Viktor, Goldor, and Roscoe to discuss how best to use their cavalry: inside or outside the wall? Viktor and Goldor both volunteer to fight in the Hills , not fearing death, and 5 of Goldor's horseman do as well, likely seeking glory.

Spot: 8 Ering tries to cast Detect Magic while Scrying on Sarah (successfully), focusing on the magical auras from spells or items she might have.  Spellcraft checks for schools of magic: 39, 43, 34, 29, 44. Does Ering think he would be able to Scry on her horse, having now seen it? Spellcraft: 40 Max said: As agreed, Hamanap calls another war council and invites Viktor, Goldor, and Roscoe to discuss how best to use their cavalry: inside or outside the wall? Viktor and Goldor both volunteer to fight in the Hills , not fearing death, and 5 of Goldor's horseman do as well, likely seeking glory. "I guess you could fight outside of the wall, harassing their forces and striking when a weakness forms in their formations. You will have to scout the Hills beforehand, we have laid caltrops and traps for Zorall's soldiers. Another thing to consider is that they will probably attack during the night, so it might be harder to ride without light."  "Now that I think about it, do we have any way to illuminate the battlefiled? Our ballistas will have a very hard time hitting flying targets in almost complete darkness, not to mention the soldiers on the walls." "Kraggan, a few days ago you said that the ravens spotted a group large of people moving slowly toward us from the west, were you referring the the marching army or is it a different force?" Ering will spend 36 minutes, 12 gp 5 sp and 1 xp to scribe a scroll of Endure Elements. 

Avariel will point out that Beacon emits light. He also, should he hear any discussion about the prophecy, point out that his birthday is the summer solstice, one of the two days during which both moons are full. 

Nate S. said: Avariel will point out that Beacon emits light. "The inner ring has a minimum radius of 300 feet and a maximum of 700. I really don't think Beacon can illuminate it. Does anyone know a way we could use to keep the battlefield lit even during a large downpour?" Ering nods when he learned of Avariel's birthday, impressed. "You might be the 'hero of legend' that Rizdar was talking about... Or it could be a coincidence. Better wait for more information before we start chasing riddles." 

Dawi said: Ering tries to cast Detect Magic while Scrying on Sarah (successfully), focusing on the magical auras from spells or items she might have.  Spellcraft checks for schools of magic: 39, 43, 34, 29, 44. Does Ering think he would be able to Scry on her horse, having now seen it? Spellcraft: 40 You pick up a couple of different abjuration spells on her, as well as one of the conjuration school. Probably the nondetection  is one of the abjuration effects, but the others show no visible sign... and all three seem to be on her whole body, no magic items that you can see. You could probably scry  on her horse, yes. You don't see any auras on it, so Rizdar must not have thought to ward it... or more likely, given his intellect, he calculated it to be a reasonable risk. Nondetection  spells require expensive diamond dust, after all, and daily castings for a group of people would really add up. Dawi said: Max said: As agreed, Hamanap calls another war council and invites Viktor, Goldor, and Roscoe to discuss how best to use their cavalry: inside or outside the wall? Viktor and Goldor both volunteer to fight in the Hills , not fearing death, and 5 of Goldor's horseman do as well, likely seeking glory. "I guess you could fight outside of the wall, harassing their forces and striking when a weakness forms in their formations. You will have to scout the Hills beforehand, we have laid caltrops and traps for Zorall's soldiers. Another thing to consider is that they will probably attack during the night, so it might be harder to ride without light."  "Kraggan, a few days ago you said that the ravens spotted a group large of people moving slowly toward us from the west, were you referring the the marching army or is it a different force?" "Most of the caltrops are further west, in case we wanted to run out sorties against them," Kraggan points out. "But yes, it was certainly Shurreon's army."  Viktor smiles reassuringly, the expression like a ray of sunshine on his handsome face. "My holy sword, Bloodsworn, shines brightly and can be as a torch for us." "That won't shed much light on a battlefield though, especially if you're moving fast," Axil points out. But Hamanap adds, "You said they have lots of surface-dwelling races with them too, do they not? Humans, lizard-people, halflings, half-elves... they will need light as well, if they attack by night, so they will likely have torches and lanterns." "The conditions will be difficult for us," Roscoe admits, "But difficult for them as well. The danger will be greater on both sides, so it is fair." Goldor adds in his rough orcish voice, "I can perhaps help with guiding our movements as well, as my eyes see better in the dark than under the bitter sun." Dawi said: Ering will spend 36 minutes, 12 gp 5 sp and 1 xp to scribe a scroll of Endure Elements.  That's fine. Dawi said: Nate S. said: Avariel will point out that Beacon emits light. "The inner ring has a minimum radius of 300 feet and a maximum of 700. I really don't think Beacon can illuminate it. Does anyone know a way we could use to keep the battlefield lit even during a large downpour?" "True, Beacon will help in our battle on the rooftop, but it won't be much good further off," Leoavor admits. "I will prepare a daylight  spell to help," Hamanap says, "and in the last year I have created many continual flames  for the Waypoint 's halls and rooms. We can gather them to place about the roof and ringforts, in case Xankoris's new spell puts out our lanterns." Dawi  said: Nate S.  said: He also, should he hear any discussion about the prophecy, point out that his birthday is the summer solstice, one of the two days during which both moons are full.  Ering nods when he learned of Avariel's birthday, impressed. "You might be the 'hero of legend' that Rizdar was talking about... Or it could be a coincidence. Better wait for more information before we start chasing riddles."  The only day they are, actually. Celene's cycle is much slower than Luna's, so she's only full four times a year. This is actually the origin of the expression "once in a blue moon", as Celene is smaller and blue while Luna is larger and white. "Perhaps we'll have a chance to ask Ralad or one of Rizdar's apprentices about it, if we're able to capture any of them during the battle... they'd make valuable hostages too," Leoavor muses. Hamanap takes the opportunity to remind everyone, "When ever possible, we should try to capture rather than slay. Mercy is the mark of a great hero, and no one is beyond redemption. Many of the soldiers we will face are likely simple folk who simply made poor choices, and went down the wrong paths."

After a brief war council on the morning of Sunday, Patchwall 16th, the Wayfinders begin preparations for a sortie against the scouts of Shurreon's approaching army. Ering and Leoavor take some time to skim through the spellbooks captured during the previous night's raid, while Verne maps out a safe route through the obstacles in the Hills of Light with Kraggan.  Hamanap tries to reach Rezinov with a sending  spell, but shares the troubling news that he did not answer... which might mean he has returned to the outer planes, or that he's dead. Spellcraft applies. Once these preparations are complete, the two teams (Ering, Sja'renj, Avariel, and Kraggan in one; Leoavor, Axil, Verne, and Jargon in the other) travel overland rapidly along the path prepared through the various hazards created by the Fateseeker and Osborn Paddlewood. You work your way past rubble, ditches, pits, caltrops, mud patches, and thickets made with plant growth spells, as well as many small wild animals convinced to attack and distract the enemies soldiers. The teams split up and spread out, agreeing that if things get too hairy, they'll teleport  back to the Waypoint where Hamanap and Traubonn wait to treat any injuries. Hidden among the thickets at the western edge of the obstacle-laden area, lie in wait for approaching army to pick off outriders and scouts in the late afternoon. As the vast army slowly approaches, your teams are able to carefully take down scouts on light horses riding ahead of it... Kurik's arrows fly true, knocking men from their saddles, and Ering's spells silence those with the strength still to stand before they can reach for their signal horns. The weather is cloudy and chill, and you need periodic healing magic to keep yourselves warm as you lurk in the underbrush. As the hours pass, a few more scouts coming searching in your area, perhaps sent by their commanders to look for their missing comrades. You can see the vast force approaching in the distance, and make out the forms of distant half-dragons flying overhead, as well as siege engines rolling along... catapults, trebuchets, and towers. When the main lines begin to approach your hiding place, a true skirmish breaks out. Horns are blown, and soldiers rush to attack, many falling into pit traps or stumbling over caltrops among the grasses, their horses breaking legs as they trip on stones or spooking when a badger or weasel leaps out hissing. Sja'renj's dragontooth dagger slices the hamstrings of orcs and freezes the hearts of dwarves, Kraggan summons forth celestial beasts to clash with drow flashblades and counterspells a dark elf mage's spell with a massive blast of greater dispel magic , Beacon flares as Avariel cuts down a pair of roaring trolls, and Ering keeps one down with a curse of boiling blood before turning the other to ash with a beam of green light. Off to the south, you hear the roars and clash of battle with the other team, as Jargon hacks apart lizardmen with Headcutter's black blade and Verne hurls volleys of green glass daggers into onrushing hobgoblins. You cut down several dozen soldiers, but at last the enemy forces grow too thick and you have no choice but to withdraw, gathering to Ering and vanishing back to the safety of your fortress.

"True, Beacon will help in our battle on the rooftop, but it won't be much good further off," Leoavor admits. "I will prepare a daylight  spell to help," Hamanap says, "and in the last year I have created many continual flames  for the Waypoint 's halls and rooms. We can gather them to place about the roof and ringforts, in case Xankoris's new spell puts out our lanterns." "Daylight ...I have a power like that too, actually. It's not quite a spell, but I can do it as often as I like, if that would be of aid."

In the wake of Kiyo's death, the alert is called off, and Kraggan begins questioning the various creatures about the Waypoint  while Sja'renj starts looking for traps the  kunoichi  may have laid... and it soon becomes apparent that the mischief she made is far more extensive than you realized. She seems to have been all over the fortress in the last few days, and to have spent the morning laying numerous simple traps everywhere, mostly involving all sorts of poisons placed in precise and clever ways. "She must have been planning this for days, roaming around as a cat unnoticed..." Axil comments grimly, as he helps clean the ingestion poison off the nib of a quill. It takes the rest of the 17th and all of the 18th of Patchwall to carefully, methodically find and disable all the traps, which include: injury poisons on needles in drawers and caltrops in beds, ingestion poisons in water and ale barrels and food stores, inhalation poisons in rugs and spices, contact poisons on door handles and the hilts of weapons in the armory, venomous spiders and scorpions in boots and gloves, loosened crenels that will collapse if leaned on, crossbows rigged to jam if fired, polearms rigged to break when swung, flasks of alchemist's fire hidden in the rocks for the trebuchets... and more.  Worse yet, the new mercenary Sja'renj found with his face clawed open wasn't the only casualty when the fort was being searched. Soon after Kiyo's defeat, Liftrasa Balderk, a hill dwarf mercenary who's been in your loyal service for many months, was found dead in the workshop . Traubonn Baldark, your healer and distant kin to Liftrasa, examined her body and concluded that she was struck by several poisoned throwing needles... "However," he explains bitterly, "that's not what killed her. It looks like she fought through the poison, and that cat bitch strangled her with a length of cord to keep her from raising the alarm. It was still wrapped around her neck." The body of one of Ering's soldiers, a Private Milo Redleaf, whom the other men called "Hothead" for his temper when it came to the topic of religion, was also found in outside the prison around the same time. He had gashes on his cheek and arm from Kiyo's neko-te , and was impaled on his own standard-issue sword. He had been guarding your prisoners of war, whom Kiyo also apparently freed after taking the keys from Hothead's corpse, though fortunately the other alerted guards were able to recapture them before they got out of the fortress. 5 other guards were injured after running into Kiyo at various points during the chaos, one of whom barely made it through. After seeing to their wounds, Hamanap helped prepare the dead for a brief funeral service the following day. Otu'ap-Xlta seeks out Xankoris once things are settled down, to return his magical origami paper. "I sent  to your mother way you asked. Drawing was very very good; usually I need name and more information, but was enough this time. Makes you wonder... how real can what we see be, if paper and ink can look so close?" he adds mysteriously, before heading off with an enigmatic smile. "Anyway, I go to get some food from kitchen. Long journey from Waterwend ." On the 18th, Kraggan (having finished checking the local fauna for any other spies, of which she found none), helped Alton Highhill make a few dozen ironwood arrows and bolts with her newly acquired magic. Ering and Leoavor, who can help with the de-trapping only minimally, share the contents of their spellbooks with their guests. The NPC spellbooks contain the following spells:     Cora's: Lv1: alarm, detect secret doors, feather fall, grease, hold portal, jump, mage armor, shield, summon monster I , Lv2: Melf's acid arrow, glitterdust, locate object, summon monster II, summon swarm , Lv3: dispel magic, protection from energy, stinking cloud, summon monster III, water breathing     Nell's: Lv1: charm person, disguise self, erase, hypnotism, mage armor, protection from chaos, shield, silent image, sleep , Lv2: detect thoughts, fox's cunning, invisibility, mirror image, Tasha's hideous laughter, touch of idiocy, wall of gloom , Lv3: deep slumber, displacement, fly, heroism, major image, slow, suggestion , Lv4: charm monster, lesser geas, minor creation, phantasmal killer, rainbow pattern, trance of the verdant domain , Lv5: dominate person, hold monster, mind fog, Mordenkainen's faithful hound, shadow evocation     Leoavor's: Lv1: alarm, burning hands, comprehend languages, jump, mage armor, magic missile, magic weapon, protection from law, ray of enfeeblement, sleep, summon monster I , Lv2: Melf's acid arrow, blur, bull's strength, cat's grace, eagle's splendor, false life, invisibilty, resist energy, Lv3: displacement, flame arrow, haste, heroism, keen edge, lightning bolt , rage, Lv4: crushing despair, enlarge monster, greater invisibility, mass enlarge person , Lv5: wall of stone, teleport Note that the noncore spells in Nell's book are fair game, since she's now an NPC. Nell also seeks out Xankoris now that he's finally returned, grinning widely and restraining herself from running up to hug him. "It's great to see you again," she says, instead offering him the back of her large, clawed hand rather demurely. "I brought you a gift." Bringing him back to the guestroom where the Deathwalkers are staying, she carefully unwraps a painting : the one he made of her in the kimono he bought her, during their brief time in Waterwend . But now the canvas is set into a frame of beautiful, fine-grained wood, masterfully carved, stained black, and laquered in the traditional Rokugani style. Appraise applies. Offering it to Xankoris, she tells him excitedly "I found a framer who trained under a master from the Kingdom of Provincia , so I hope it's close to the real thing... I wanted to give you something to remember me by, since after this battle I'll have to return to our war with Zanzibar the Mad, in the north." Her smile is a little anxious, her large yellow eyes intent, as she waits to see his reaction...

Ering is mostly interested in learning Displacement, Slow and Greater invisibility. He presents his two spellbooks, the first is a weathered tome with an ornate silver cover and the symbol of Boccob, gift from his oldest sister for his twelfth birthday. The second is a much newer book, bound in red leather with the symbol of Wee Jas seared and then painted with gilded inks.  Since the time at their disposal is short, Ering starts with the Slow spell, noting that it could be very useful against Cransh. He also asks Nell is interested in any of his spells, in exchange of waiving the customary fees that wizards charge each other.  (Does Ering think that Endure Elements  could mitigate or cancel the effects of Xankoris' torrential spell? Spellcraft: 40) If yes, he suggests that the other wizards might consider copying it.)

Dawi said: Ering is mostly interested in learning Displacement, Slow and Greater invisibility. He presents his two spellbooks, the first is a weathered tome with an ornate silver cover and the symbol of Boccob, gift from his oldest sister for his twelfth birthday. The second is a much newer book, bound in red leather with the symbol of Wee Jas seared and then painted with gilded inks.  Since the time at their disposal is short, Ering starts with the Slow spell, noting that it could be very useful against Cransh. He also asks Nell is interested in any of his spells, in exchange of waiving the customary fees that wizards charge each other.  (Does Ering think that Endure Elements  could mitigate or cancel the effects of Xankoris' torrential spell? Spellcraft: 40) If yes, he suggests that the other wizards might consider copying it.) Nell is interested in  teleport  (which you and Leoavor have) and dispel magic  (which you and Cora have). Cora is interested in haste  and resist energy (both of which you and Leoavor have). Leoavor is interested in feather fall  (which you and Cora have) and endure elements  (which only you have). The three wizards also agree to a free exchange of spells, given the dire circumstances. Copying each spell will take 24 hours of work, and Shurreon's army is expected to arrive around the 21st. You can spend the 19th and 20th copying 2 spells, though each day you do would mean one fewer raid. How do you want to use the time you have left? You don't think endure elements  would help against torrential rain , except perhaps in helping prevent hypothermia if it's particularly chilly.

Also getting close to Limars Return. I want to know what the red king wrote back.

Max said: Otu'ap-Xlta seeks out Xankoris once things are settled down, to return his magical origami paper. "I sent  to your mother way you asked. Drawing was very very good; usually I need name and more information, but was enough this time. Makes you wonder... how real can what we see be, if paper and ink can look so close?" he adds mysteriously, before heading off with an enigmatic smile. "Anyway, I go to get some food from kitchen. Long journey from Waterwend ." "Got it, make yourself feel at home then ...or castle in this case." Now what Xankoris have to do is waiting for his clan's reinforcement to fight against Scorpion. 'At least I want them to send elite units, maybe Kenshinzen or Doji Elite Guard at least.' Max said: Nell also seeks out Xankoris now that he's finally returned, grinning widely and restraining herself from running up to hug him. "It's great to see you again," she says, instead offering him the back of her large, clawed hand rather demurely. "I brought you a gift." Bringing him back to the guestroom where the Deathwalkers are staying, she carefully unwraps a painting : the one he made of her in the kimono he bought her, during their brief time in Waterwend . But now the canvas is set into a frame of beautiful, fine-grained wood, masterfully carved, stained black, and laquered in the traditional Rokugani style. Appraise applies. Offering it to Xankoris, she tells him excitedly "I found a framer who trained under a master from the Kingdom of Provincia , so I hope it's close to the real thing... I wanted to give you something to remember me by, since after this battle I'll have to return to our war with Zanzibar the Mad, in the north." Her smile is a little anxious, her large yellow eyes intent, as she waits to see his reaction... (Appraise check: 11) Xankoris smiles back, despite his mind is a panic state. 'Think quick, Xankoris. How should I react when a woman gives you this kind of gift.' A fight-or-flight response is kicking in, his heartbeat rushes like taiko drumming, he simulates possible outcomes as much as he can in a matter of seconds. 'Lady Doji, lend me your charisma.' He did a quick prayer, then act. "Thank you for thinking of me. I shall place it on a wall next to my bed. So I can see you at the beginning of the day and at the end of the night." Xankoris takes a gift with appreciation. And now he is waiting for Nell's reaction.

Max said: Nell is interested in  teleport  (which you and Leoavor have) and dispel magic  (which you and Cora have). Cora is interested in haste  and resist energy (both of which you and Leoavor have). Leoavor is interested in feather fall  (which you and Cora have) and endure elements  (which only you have). The three wizards also agree to a free exchange of spells, given the dire circumstances. Copying each spell will take 24 hours of work, and Shurreon's army is expected to arrive around the 21st. You can spend the 19th and 20th copying 2 spells, though each day you do would mean one fewer raid. How do you want to use the time you have left? You don't think endure elements  would help against torrential rain , except perhaps in helping prevent hypothermia if it's particularly chilly. Ering copies Slow  on the 19th, waiting on a team decision for what to do on the 20th. 

Dawi said: Max said: Nell is interested in  teleport  (which you and Leoavor have) and dispel magic  (which you and Cora have). Cora is interested in haste  and resist energy (both of which you and Leoavor have). Leoavor is interested in feather fall  (which you and Cora have) and endure elements  (which only you have). The three wizards also agree to a free exchange of spells, given the dire circumstances. Copying each spell will take 24 hours of work, and Shurreon's army is expected to arrive around the 21st. You can spend the 19th and 20th copying 2 spells, though each day you do would mean one fewer raid. How do you want to use the time you have left? You don't think endure elements  would help against torrential rain , except perhaps in helping prevent hypothermia if it's particularly chilly. Ering copies Slow  on the 19th, waiting on a team decision for what to do on the 20th.  The other wizards work alongside you in the library , copying spells into their own books. Nell has trouble with the Astral mechanics of teleport , but Cora manages to learn resist energy  and Leoavor has no trouble learning endure elements . The same day, Kraggan uses her new  move earth  spell to create a slight depression in the Hills  around the Waypoint and give them high ground against the invaders, impressing the smallfolk as they watch the slow yet tremendous process. A letter arrives at the Waypoint for Limar as well, bearing the seal of the Terolus Human Military, and Leoavor holds onto it to give it to the dragon when he returns. Ritt K. said: Max said: Nell also seeks out Xankoris now that he's finally returned, grinning widely and restraining herself from running up to hug him. "It's great to see you again," she says, instead offering him the back of her large, clawed hand rather demurely. "I brought you a gift." Bringing him back to the guestroom where the Deathwalkers are staying, she carefully unwraps a painting : the one he made of her in the kimono he bought her, during their brief time in Waterwend . But now the canvas is set into a frame of beautiful, fine-grained wood, masterfully carved, stained black, and laquered in the traditional Rokugani style. Appraise applies. Offering it to Xankoris, she tells him excitedly "I found a framer who trained under a master from the Kingdom of Provincia , so I hope it's close to the real thing... I wanted to give you something to remember me by, since after this battle I'll have to return to our war with Zanzibar the Mad, in the north." Her smile is a little anxious, her large yellow eyes intent, as she waits to see his reaction... (Appraise check: 11) Xankoris smiles back, despite his mind is a panic state. 'Think quick, Xankoris. How should I react when a woman gives you this kind of gift.' A fight-or-flight response is kicking in, his heartbeat rushes like taiko drumming, he simulates possible outcomes as much as he can in a matter of seconds. 'Lady Doji, lend me your charisma.' He did a quick prayer, then act. "Thank you for thinking of me. I shall place it on a wall next to my bed. So I can see you at the beginning of the day and at the end of the night." Xankoris takes a gift with appreciation. And now he is waiting for Nell's reaction. The frame does indeed remind you of the classical Rokugani art of stained and laquered wood, and is as fine a work as you might find in the shops of your hometown. Your panic is only worsened by the Taint, which lends a shiver of fear to your anxieties, flashing up images of what those claws might do if Nell feels her earnest gift is rejected. But your ancestors must be guiding you, after all: Nell's nervous smile breaks into a grin like the morning sun at your words, showing more of her sharp teeth. "I'm glad you like it," she says, and you believe it. "Maybe we could take a walk tonight, after dinner? I've heard the Hills of Light  are beautiful at sunset, like fields of rolling gold." Roll Diplomacy, with a +4 bonus from ancestral guidance.

Diplomacy check: 38 "Of course, we could." Xankoris casually replies, at least she's satisfied.

Ritt K. said: Diplomacy check: 38 "Of course, we could." Xankoris casually replies, at least she's satisfied. After dinner that night, she excuses herself early. Half an hour later, you hear a knock at the door to your room: it's Nell, wearing the kimono you bought her. "Surprise~" she laughs. "We stopped by Strongtown to resupply on our way here, and I brought this. How do I look?" In truth, she didn't put it on quite right, but it's fairly close--and given how hard kimono are to put on without an experienced handmaiden to help, she did a good job of it.

    Xankoris pauses.     "You're... gorgeous." Should he talk with any other woman, he will simply say something excessive for the sake of being nice - but he just says it with a blank face, not even a grin, pure sincerity. Then the logic finally catches up, he swiftly uses tessen to cover his lower-half part of his face. "Sorry, I was lagged.  Let's get going." His gaze also evades Nell so he can gains back composure.     To think she brought it here and put it by herself made Xankoris impressed, to say the least - yet sadness also has seeped from the fact that this relationship won't stay forever - for the best.

Ritt K. said:     Xankoris pauses.     "You're... gorgeous." Should he talk with any other woman, he will simply say something excessive for the sake of being nice - but he just says it with a blank face, not even a grin, pure sincerity. Then the logic finally catches up, he swiftly uses tessen to cover his lower-half part of his face. "Sorry, I was lagged.  Let's get going." His gaze also evades Nell so he can gains back composure.     To think she brought it here and put it by herself made Xankoris impressed, to say the least - yet sadness also has seeped from the fact that this relationship won't stay forever - for the best. Nell is positively glowing with satisfaction as she leads you downstairs and out into the sunset Hills of Light , the rolling fields of grass like molten gold about you. Walking with her through them, you can understand why the faith of Pelor chose this place to build their fortress to the northern sun god... and yet, the tall, graceful, charming woman beside you is more entrancing still. The two of you spend the evening talking of things large and small, walking often hand-in-hand as the glowing orange sun slowly sinks below the horizon. The pale fingers of dusk gradually withdraw to join it, leaving you with a sky full of glittering stars, a nearly-full white Luna and a sliver of blue Celene. Your conversation circles cautiously around the dangers that approach, neither of you wanting to ruin the mood--for the lives you lead are often dangerous in the extreme, and joy must be treasured whenever it can be found.

On the night of Earthday, Patchwall 20th, soon after your last successful raid, the watchmen on the roof are startled by the landing of a face familiar to only a few of them: Limar has returned! Word spreads through the Waypoint like wildfire, and soon those drinking in the foyer  and those elsewhere alike gather to welcome home the prodigal Wayfinder. Leoavor introduces him to Avariel, Ering, Axil, Jargon, Sja'renj, and some of the new guards and servants.  A Small but fierce green dragon wyrmling, Limar wears a suit of masterwork studded leather with a drape of fine mail on the limbs and sides, and sometimes a matching helm set with a peridot. Holy symbols of Astilabor, a 12-faceted gem, are worked into the mail and studs. The blue-black leather is oiled and the steel is stainless so it won't rot or rust from brief immersion. Rith's tripart sigil is also worked into the leather, but in a way that looks like a newer addition. When not wearing his ornate helm, Limar's brow is decorated with an ornately carved serpentinite crown set with green gemstones, and he has a green silk eyepatch covering one eye as well as a permanent scar on his jaw. His scales are thick and strong, sometimes glimmering like gold, silver, and platinum in the right light or at the right angle, and his claws have a bluish tint. Several Wayfinders and their guests have homecoming gifts for him: Leoavor gives him a warm scarf of green wool for the coming winter, which he says is "imbued with a simple enchantment that will keep you from ever losing it." Map note WP-4. He also delivers a letter bearing the seal of the Terolus Human Military. Eslen, Hiskel's clerk and an acolyte of Aasterinian, gives him a flask of acid. Hamanap returns his masterwork manacles with their simple lock, saying "I must apologize that I was not able to keep a child of Zorall captive for you, my friend. But perhaps you may be able to capture one during the coming siege." She also gives him a silver-inlaid Small heavy pick as a gift, praying that "the holy weapon of Bahamut may guide you in righteous battle." Map note WP-5. Craft (weaponsmithing) applies, trained only. Hiskel gives him the hard-earned, precious emerald, and shows him the new Shrine of Garyx she had built for him. Ederc Lodenerr, the Red King's duergar psion, delivers a sealed letter as well, from his lord.

Avariel greets Limar warmly. "I have heard great things, young aes kaireshan...  I do hope we survive this ordeal, that we may learn more of one another. I, for one, am intrigued at your nature." His thick accent is slightly less present; likely, he is trying to make a good first impression.  The phrase  aes kaireshan , literally "Legend being born," but more accurately "Legend in the making," is a Celestial means-of-address traditionally used for noble or royal children; Avariel feels it appropriate here for a different reason, namely that Limar is very much exactly as the title describes, a legend in the making. Avariel himself was often addressed this way by servants of the Arrinors.

Limar accepts the gifts and gives a few in return. "Thanks Leo I'll put it up for now Don't want to ruin it with Blood and Mud." Hands him a ring made of crystal "not very good but its one of the first things I made when I took up the hobby." Taking Eslens tribute he'll let the kobold know that arranging  the creation of Assterinians shrine will come after the battle. Looks confused at Hammuns apology when the mission to capture an ransom one of Zoralls kids for a shrine of Garyx was a complete success. "I don't really know how to use weapons...but I'll be sure to wave it around during Formal occasions when I need to look Pompous." He'll give her a small crystal pyramid." maybe we can visit your homeland sometime now that Leo can teleport" Thanking Hiskel for the Gem, He'll munch it immediately he needs the power for the fight. "I'll look into funding an expedition to that old abandoned tower." He'll read the letter later in private. When he sees the boss lady  "Oh My kraggan! you look....smaller." chuckles as he gives her a hug and tries to slip  a small crystal tree into one of her pockets. (sleight of hand 8) He'll give Xankoris a small crystal Bone charm " I didnt know what you'd like so I made something for your ward Silk instead." He'll stare at Avariel wondering what he just called him and offers a handshake, unless Avariel actually goes through trouble of explaining it, then he'll slide up his eye patch( the eye beneath still good) and give him a befuddled look  and says "nice to meet you too"  and slides the patch back down, keeping it short an simple. -he'll get the craftsmen to remove Rithes sigil on his armor and replace his holy symbol of bahamut.

Ering bows lightly when introduced. "It is an honor to finally meet the famous Limar. From what I hear your mission in the Stonefare has been a complete success, you have my most sincere congratulations. Your arrival is also extremely timely, I suppose you have been informed on our situation, but if you wish I can give you a more detailed report in our warded council room." 

"Thank you, Limar." Xankoris received the gift and did a slight bow. "I haven't prepared any gift so I'll just give you this instead." Xankoris gives a gold bar to Limar, about 50gp worth. Later that day Xankoris gives the charm to Silk. "This charm was given to me by Limar as a gift, so I give it to you as a memento - for one day, I'll be gone."

"I believe I know all of the big points, we can figure out battle strategy and which wall I'll be protecting in the morning."

In the morning Limar will make  Battle offerings to his shrines. To Astilabor's he gives one of his dwarven granite coins (3gp). He'll slide 2 Platinum coins onto Bahamut's He place 3 small manacles on Garyx's He will attach 2 white dragon scales to Tiamat's and offer it Rithe's Head.

Avariel does explain it briefly when he sees Limar's confusion, forgetting that not everyone speaks Celestial. He accepts the...er, claw-shake, and seems a tad confused as to why Limar has an eyepatch over a functional eye, but doesn't prod.

Josh  said: Limar accepts the gifts and gives a few in return. "Thanks Leo I'll put it up for now Don't want to ruin it with Blood and Mud." Hands him a ring made of crystal "not very good but its one of the first things I made when I took up the hobby." Taking Eslens tribute he'll let the kobold know that arranging  the creation of Assterinians shrine will come after the battle. Leoavor grins boyishly, accepting the ring. "You're gemcutting now?" he asks with amusement, and turns it in his hand curiously, examining the cloudy crystal. "A good hobby for a dragon, I suppose... thank you, my friend. I'm glad to have you back." He slips it onto a few fingers before finding a good fit. Josh  said: Looks confused at Hammuns apology when the mission to capture an ransom one of Zoralls kids for a shrine of Garyx was a complete success. "I don't really know how to use weapons...but I'll be sure to wave it around during Formal occasions when I need to look Pompous." He'll give her a small crystal pyramid." maybe we can visit your homeland sometime now that Leo can teleport" "Is that  why you wanted one?" Hamanap asks, surprised--apparently she had misunderstood your intention, and from her expression it seems she's glad that she wasn't the one to deliver the price of that evil shrine. She accepts the pryamid charm graciously though, bowing her silver-haired head in thanks. "I would like that," she says. Leoavor rubs the back of his head abashedly, explaining "I can only go about a thousand miles at a jump... so it would take a while to make a long trip like that. But I have  read about a more powerful form of the spell that can cross any distance in an instant." Josh  said: When he sees the boss lady  "Oh My kraggan! you look....smaller." chuckles as he gives her a hug and tries to slip  a small crystal tree into one of her pockets. (sleight of hand 8) -he'll get the craftsmen to remove Rithes sigil on his armor and replace his holy symbol of bahamut. Kraggan grins and hugs him back, saying "I think you're the one who's gotten bigger." She (and everyone else present) easily sees through your very clumsy attempt to slip the fine gift into her pocket, and taking it from your claws she adds "Thank you for the gift. I hope you'll regale us with the tales of your adventures too." Alton Highhill, your leatherworker, examines the armor with an impressed expression. "Very fine work, milord... or is it yer grace now?" he asks, glancing at your crown. "I can rework the sigil here, but it'll take a few days to do a proper job of it." Josh  said: He'll give Xankoris a small crystal Bone charm " I didnt know what you'd like so I made something for your ward Silk instead." Ritt K.  said: Later that day Xankoris gives the charm to Silk. "This charm was given to me by Limar as a gift, so I give it to you as a memento - for one day, I'll be gone." Silk accepts it with a shy smile, and a look of remembrance in her eyes. "When I lived in Waterwend , some of the commonfolk used to give me bones and scraps from their meals. That was before I met you... before you saved me. I know you have to go sometimes, for your important work. But... please, don't ever stay gone," she says, hugging you tightly. Josh said: In the morning Limar will make  Battle offerings to his shrines. To Astilabor's he gives one of his dwarven granite coins (3gp). He'll slide 2 Platinum coins onto Bahamut's He place 3 small manacles on Garyx's He will attach 2 white dragon scales to Tiamat's and offer it Rithe's Head. Each of your shrines glows with a soft light as you make offering to it: gold from Astilabor, who blesses you with a +2 bonus to Appraise checks; silver from Bahamut, who blesses you with a +2 sacred bonus to saves vs weather effects; red from Garyx, who blesses you with a +2 profane bonus to damage rolls; and with a flaring of all five colors of the heads of the statue, 2 extra damage dice to your breath weapon from Tiamat. Josh said: "I believe I know all of the big points, we can figure out battle strategy and which wall I'll be protecting in the morning." And on that topic, Leoavor calls a war council the morning following your arrival. After the priestesses have prayed and everyone has broken their fast on boiled eggs, fatty bacon, fresh toasted bread, clotted cream, and warm milk, Hiskel shows Limar down to the new lead-lined and muffled conference room in the cellar, explaining how enemies aren't able to spy on anything said within it. "Kraggan's bird scouts and Hurock agree that Shurreon's army is in range to arrive today," the half-elf says. "The guards are gathering all our smallfolk into the cellars for safety, and all patrols have been withdrawn inside the thicket-wall, save for Viktor's single cavalry unit serving as our outriders."

"this would be the part where I tell you about my super secret plan to flip the tables on them...But I guess some people here can not be trusted?" limar looks to Hammun for confirmation "regardless I think the best place for me to fight would be in the moat, once it is fully flooded I should have plenty of depth for maneuverability and my abilities will be unaffected by the storm."  -if kraggan could let the gators know, that'd be great.

Josh said: "this would be the part where I tell you about my super secret plan to flip the tables on them...But I guess some people here can not be trusted?" limar looks to Hammun for confirmation Hamanap shakes her head. "Not yet. It is not a matter of trust... for even an honest tongue may slip, and outside this room we should assume that our enemies may be listening always. Let us not tip our hand when our hope of victory is so close." Leoavor raises a brow, frowning, but Verne nods in agreement with this sage wisdom. Josh said: "regardless I think the best place for me to fight would be in the moat, once it is fully flooded I should have plenty of depth for maneuverability and my abilities will be unaffected by the storm."  -if kraggan could let the gators know, that'd be great. "The lizard-lions know not to attack anyone bearing a Wayfinder sigil," Kraggan assures you. But Leoavor asks "Won't those big lizards keep our enemies out of the moat , though? Limar's one of our strongest and most flexible fighters, we ought to have him on the roof with us to deal with the half-dragons. The big ones can fly, they're definitely not going to bother with the thicket-wall when they can come right to us."

Max said: Silk accepts it with a shy smile, and a look of remembrance in her eyes. "When I lived in Waterwend , some of the commonfolk used to give me bones and scraps from their meals. That was before I met you... before you saved me. I know you have to go sometimes, for your important work. But... please, don't ever stay gone," she says, hugging you tightly. One of Shugenja's rule is to know your capability. Only say Yes to pedestrians when you know you can do it. Maybe  is for when you know it's likely to succeed.  Keep quiet or deny when you're in doubt or know that you just can't. For this, Xankoris stays still and keeps quite.

After the Storming, it takes about a week to fully clean up the destruction left in the wake of the battle. All the bodies of the slain, and the remains of the golgari, are gathered and buried in a mass grave, with funerary rites delivered by Hamanap and Kraggan. The wounded and dead include: Roscoe Brushgather, a tallfellow halfling paladin sent as the champion of Waterwend 's Church of Arvoreen , slain with his war dog Garoosh Charmaine Tealeaf, a tallfellow halfling priestess from Waterwend 's Church of Yondalla , slain Quarion Starflower, a high elf warpriest from Waterwend 's Church of Corellon Larethian , slain Rose, an itinerant human warrior-priestess of Fharlanghn, slain Elk, commander of the Red King's infantry, slain along with 27 of his infantrymen and 11 of the horsemen Goldor brought Privates Dame, Andy, Veit, Jeff, Michael, and Lindsey of Ering's command, slain Krusk, Alan, and Milo Overbough of your guards, slain 12 of your temporary new mercenaries, slain Alphonzo, a half-elf sorcerer who serves Limar, lost right eye and severe scar over right side of face Jargon, a human fighter, right knee destroyed and lower right led amputated Grahm Holderhek of Black Sabbath, a mountain dwarf priest of Hanseath, jar split open by an axeblow several of the Red King's soldiers and your own guards, maimed in various ways After taking it into the  Hills  and spreading rare unguents and oils over Verne's body, Kraggan invokes the special prayers of a ritual to  reincarnate  him while his comrades look on. Once then 10 minutes of prayers and annointing are concluded, a soft glow as of sunlight ripples over his rent flesh and bloody clothing, and he begins to decay at a supernaturally fast rate... months pass in minutes for his remains, as worms and germs rot him down to bones, devouring his clothing and even his symbionts, and then even the bones melt away before your eyes. But as soon as all he was is consumed into the earth, new bones begin to grow up out of the soil, as if the process is being reversed... but these bones are slightly different, and the differences grow more pronounced as they build muscles, sinews, organs, skin, teeth, claws... and at last, an hour after the process began, it slows to a halt. A few seconds of silence pass in held breath--then the body sucks in air, coughs rackingly, and opens its eyes with a shudder. "...Verne? Is that you in there?" Hamanap asks. He shakes his head, slowly sitting up with Kraggan's help, dazed from the painful process of resurrection. "Yes..." he croaks, but the voice is as different as his new form. Then he looks down at his webbed claws, in confusion at first. "Did I... I died. I was in the afterlife. Then I heard your call, and came back... what is this body?"  "You've been  reincarnated ," Kraggan explains gently. Leoavor murmurs, half to himself, "The spell must have fused him with the symbionts, somehow..." Kraggan leads him over to a pool of water left from the  torrential rain , and Verne looks at  himself  for a long time. "...the symbionts are gone," he says at last. "I can feel it. But I was always an aberration, an outsider... now I look on the outside the way I've always felt on the inside. Well, good. Let the world see me for what I am. No more hiding, no more struggling against my unnature. I'm going to hunt down Moonshadow and Neuromancer, and every other monster born of the stars, until the world is free of their evil influence." He looks at the backs of his hands, the tattoo there gone now, along with his old body, then looks at Ering. "Soldiers of the Terolus Human Military serve for life... but my life ended. My service is done. Tell them I died in the line of duty, Ering. From today forward, Verne Smith is gone. I'm a hunter now... yes, Hunter. A good name, for a man with one purpose." Profession (soldier) and Knowledge (history) apply. After a few days, Jargon is up and around again, but walking with a crutch as his right leg had to be amputated just above the knee. Hamanap believes that he should be able to learn to walk with a peg-leg after a few months of physical therapy, and Kraggan accepts his offered sword Headcutter, welcoming him as a full member of the Wayfinders. With Hunter's new intentions in mind, Kraggan appoints Jargon as Captain of the Guard. Kraggan flies to  Treefall  to visit the  Church of Ehlonna  there and purchase a set of special, rare prayer beads, which she uses to intercede with her goddess on Dreyan's behalf, asking forgiveness for the necromancer's many evil deeds. Sacrificing a fragment of her own soul as the price, Kraggan casts a spell of  atonement  on Dreyan, changing her alignment to NG in return for a vow to devote the rest of her life to the cause of goodness, including the rehabilitation of the  Stonefare 's slaves and the eventual de-petrification of Rith's many victims. The trebuchets and ballistae burned by Zorall are rebuilt on the  Waypoint 's rooftop, and the towertop he smashed is repaired as well. Kraggan removes the thicket-wall with  diminish plants  and helps the areas damaged by the battles to regrow... although the spot where Zariah, Zorall's fiendish daughter, fell in death seems cursed, and no matter what Kraggan tries nothing will now grow there. She is sad to learns that many animals in the Hills of Light were slain while trying to slow the enemy army, including the nest of dire badgers she had relocated from the abandoned fortress of Pelor. One of her adoped dogs, Tula, is old enough to begin training though, and accompanies Kraggan on her work through the Hills. Leoavor, Hamanap, and Kraggan work together to raise more stone structures to the west with  wall of stone  and  stone shape  for the freed slaves to live in, as many choose to stay and farm the  Hills of Light , giving tribute to the Wayfinders in return for your protection. With all the treasure gained and these new incomes, the Waypoint is now entirely self-sufficient, and can pay all its staff and mercenaries. They also raise the frame for a great mausoleum on a further hill, in which the remains of Zorall and his children are entombed, so that Limar can eventually build a shrine of Chronepsis there. Leoavor and Kraggan make arrangements to buy passage for the freed slaves who wish to return home or go elsewhere, giving each a small purse of silver to help them on their way, and also send the bodies of your allies who died in the Storming back to their friends or families. Rezinov finds many of the devout of Ilmater he was sent to rescue among the freed slaves, who thank him profusely for his courage and steadfast efforts to save them. They also tell him that more of their secret congregation were left behind in Zorall's caves, so he must depart to seek these out as well. Sja'renj also departs to rejoin his tribe somewhere north of Zorall's former lands, and tell them of their freedom with the dragon's death. Otu and Silk return from Treefall, and the Deathwalkers send their congratulations on your victory. "We must return now to the forests of Zanzibar the Mad," Viktor says, shaking hands with each of you. "Our own war is far from over. Good luck in your endeavors here, we shall stay in contact, and may well fight together again one day in righteous battle." Nell says goodbye to everyone as well, but finds a moment alone with Xankoris last. "I'm glad I got to see you again, even if it was only for a short time..." she says, almost shyly... or is she nervous? The tiefling is usually so confident, but something about Xankoris seems to fill her stomach with butterflies. Her face is serious as she adds "One last thing, so you don't forget me," and kisses him on the lips. Her skin is warm, and her long pink hair smells of flowers and paper and sunshine--but she pulls away after a moment, and hurries off to hide the tears welling in her eyes. The soldiers of Zorall you captured, and the prisoners in beneath the fortress, also offer their swords and service, with their former lord slain. Of the temporary mercenaries you hired, only 8 survived, but 3 of them ask to stay on indefinitely and Leoavor agrees after renegotiating their contracts for a reasonable peacetime rate. And as word spreads of Limar's status as King of the Stonefare and his role in the Wayfinders' victory over Shurreon's forces, more people come to the Waypoint from all over the Catacombs region to offer themselves to his service. (I'm still filling these into the fort handout and cleaning up the map) An acolyte arrives at the  Waypoint  from the  Church of Labelas Enoreth  in  Treefall , bearing a gift from his master, the high priest Enialis Cirrusky: a Small Hand of Glory made from the left hand of Zeke after his hanging. Spellcraft and Knowledge (religion) apply.  Alton Highhill finishes reworking Rith's sigilry on Limar's armor into a holy symbol of Bahamut. Limar's +2 damage dice from Tiamat, +2 bonus to Appraise from Astilabor, +2 profane bonus to damage rolls, and +2 sacred bonus to saves vs weather effects wear off. Ering's +2 sacred bonus one Knowledge check of his choice wears off too. On Patchwall 27th, a young human woman named Seras arrives at the Stone River Waypoint, to make overtures of alliance with the Wayfinders against Shurreon. She speaks of her Master Jorvasskar's dedication to law and order, and his dream of ending the chaos that has engulfed the Catacombs for so long, and offers them a gift: a beautiful black laquered box from Rokugan, inlaid with images of cranes made from fragments of iridescent mother-of-pearl (worth 700gp). She asks about Limar in particular, who wished to speak with her about draconic things and Tamara. Though she looks no older than 13 or 14, she speaks with the eloquence of a diplomat, and wears fine traveling clothes with no armor, but only a scimitar in a beautiful sheath on her hip. Knowledge (religion) applies. Kraggan calls your patronized bard, Ozzy Applebarrel, from Waterwend and tells him the full story of the battle, paying him to write a song of it and spread it around to increase your fame. He stays for a while too, talking to your soldiers and entertaining folks with his minstrelry. Ederc and Goldor stay until the Red King comes with his young copper dragon Kaladesh and his construct bodyguard Hamil to visit the  Waypoint  on Earthday, Ready'reat 6th. He takes part in the feasting and celebration, bringing gifts of fine wines and meats taken from the stores in Zorall's caves. "I've decided to occupy the caves permanently, and claimed it as my  Western Territory ," he explains. "About a hundred of the soldiers the dragonlord left there have offered me their swords, and 500 more noncombatants (including many freed slaves) have chosen to serve me as well. I put 100 more of my own men there too to oversee things, and I've decided that Ederc will be left in charge there when I'm away, in reward for his achievements during the Storming of the  Waypoint ." Ederc bows his head in gratitude, and there's a smattering of applause from those nearby. The King continues, "We've started building villages and clearing farmland on the surface, where the fire burnt away swaths of trees during the battle... that strange rain that fell, the Worldrain as the people have started calling it, seems to be doing wonders for the crops. I think you may even be able to bring in a late autumn harvest before winter comes, Ederc." "Unfortunately, we have not been able to find that scroll you asked about," he apologizes, then addresses Ering. "As for your request, my people asked the slaves there about a Shamil Beren, and it seems there was a gnome woman there by that name. Sadly, she died of an illness some months ago." He pauses to take a drink of Zorall's wine, and sighs appreciately. Then his expression grows more serious, and he speaks with regal import. "Which brings me to the most important news, and the main reason for my visit. I've decided to restructure my organization, now that my forces are spread across the southeastern Catacombs. I'm putting Kaladesh in charge of my  Waterwend  garrison, Hamil of  Bowhery 's, Selisa of  Base Camp 's, Vadania of my  Southern Territory --Moonshadow's former lands--and Goldor of my original territory. We've started to find a lot of treasure still hidden in Zorall's caves, tucked away in a secondary system of passageways that were mostly isolated from the populous areas... together with tribute from the surface cities we're protecting, and all the soldiers of our fallen enemies who have submitted, I now hold a great deal of wealth, influence, and military might over this region, nearly as much as Shurreon did before the war, and more people come to offer their swords every day. I wish to propose an arrangement with you: I will become Overlord of the  Stone River , and I would have the Wayfinders and King Limar as my vassals. Together, we shall fulfill Shurreon's dream of united rule over these settlements--but while he would have been a cruel master, slaving and crushing those who defied him, I would build a prosperous and peaceful realm here. Trade will flow, villages will grow, and people will raise their families under a warm sun. This  Stone River  War proved that the surface cities cannot defend themselves against the evil powers of the Catacombs--they must have a strong protector, a wise and just guardian with the might to keep the shadows at bay. My friends, you have fought beside me, and my own people beside you, to bring peace to the southeast Catacombs... will you now join me in maintaining it?"

alphonzo can have access to Rithes  Limars many eye patches in the stone fare."cheer up once the trade route is cleared and done you an cora can retire and start a family" -he'll give eslen the scroll consecrate and 5 platinum for the construction of a shrine to AAsterinian and ask him what kind of offerings she'd like so he can arrange for a suitable first offering. on patchwall 27. Limar will welcome Seras to the waypoint and try to make friends with the silver dragon. diplomacy 23 (bluff17 to hide his disdain for all things lawful and ordery) "you don't have to stay in human form here, dragons are a common enough sight." -" I can't speak for the wayfinders but the stonefare is open to discuss beneficial agreements. I am curious as to what he offers and wants?" -"All though the main reason I invited you here was to learn more of tamaras ways and see if you could oversee construction of a shrine to her an consecrate it and perhaps get a glimpse of the famed quicksilver." on readyreat 6 with the red king "what exactly would be the terms and conditions of this vassalage?" he'll introduce the two dragons if seras is still around. -he'll also tell hammun how disapointed he is the she has freed the  petrified svirfneblin yet.

Max said: "My friends, you have fought beside me, and my own people beside you, to bring peace to the southeast Catacombs... will you now join me in maintaining it?" "I also have to know what you mean by vassals first. If it's what I think, I don't think daimyo will let me do it."

He looks at the backs of his hands, the tattoo there gone now, along with his old body, then looks at Ering. "Soldiers of the Terolus Human Military serve for life... but my life ended. My service is done. Tell them I died in the line of duty, Ering. From today forward, Verne Smith is gone. I'm a hunter now... yes, Hunter. A good name, for a man with one purpose." Knowledge (History): 16 Profession (Soldier): 20 Erin nods solemnly. "The soldier Verne died defending the Waypoint, but if Hunter ever needs my assistance against Moonshadow and Neuromancer I would be honored to help." For the Hand of Glory Spellcraft: 41 Knowledge (religion): 24 "My friends, you have fought beside me, and my own people beside you, to bring peace to the southeast Catacombs... will you now join me in maintaining it?" Ering will not respond, respecting the guildmistress authority but if promoted for advice he answers: "I only kneel to one person, and he is King Leopold III of Terolus." On the night of the 22nd Ering casts Dream, targeting Brigadier General Schnizel Remand, informing him that the dragonlord Zorall is dead and his orders are complete, as the Stone-River War has been won. He finishes stating that he is awaiting further instructions.  Over the course of the following days Ering tries to strike a conversation with Dreyan, interested in the perspective of another necromancer in the Catacombs, he also asks about the book she found in deep in the Stonefare, sharing his theory that it might be one of Tellaj's artifacts.  Finally, he updates the Wayfinder's Journal.  Freeday, Patchwall 21st, CY 1421. The battle is over. The dragonlord is dead and his forces scattered. The Stone-River war has been won.  Starday, Patchwall 22nd, CY 1421. I, a humble wizard, will try to faithfully describe the events that occurred last night. A clash of dragons, prophecies and forgotten Gods.  Zorall’s , Shurreon's and Rizdar's armies arrived on time, their torches lighting up the night as far as our eyes could see, their war drums echoing rhythmically.  Xankoris called to Isora and she blessed our battlefield with rain, hail, winds and thunder. Her bottomless rage was a bane to our enemies, who had to reach our fortified positions in the most adverse of terrains.  After Kraggan declined the insulting peace term brought by Zorall’s emissary the storming of the Waypoint began: half-dragons carried trolls and drider over the thicket wall, dropping them outside of the defensive ringforts and at the top of the Waypoint.  Limar then revealed his secret plan, as a swarm of Golgari rose from the river, attacking our enemy’s forces to everyone's surprise.  Rizdar the Storm and his apprentices, considerably weakened by our raids, stayed far from the battle. Lemurion, a half dragon half spirit naga landed on the Waypoint, followed by Razzy, Orzak, Agrazar and Arzak; all children of Zorall.  Our situation already seemed dire, but it quickly worsened. As soon as Agrazar touched the roof of our fort two dark flashes followed and from them appeared two unholy abominations.  One of them was an Hamatula, a very powerful Baatezu better known as “barbed devil”, the other had a gigantic and muscular body, four arms, two of them enormous and ending in crab-like pincers, the others were smaller and with clawed hands. I haven’t been able to identify the second fiend yet, it was likely a powerful Tanar’ri.  I remember the evil cackle of the fiends, their deep voices burrowed in my head, sounding like molten stones grinding together. I remember seeing the large boulders crashing against the stone of the Waypoint, the screams of the soldiers crushed under them echoing the sounds of the battle around the ringforts, both quickly drowned by the relentless gale. I remember looking at the sky for a sign, something that could have turned the tide in our favor, but the only thing I saw was Sarai, Shurreon’s Mistress of Spies and Lore, riding a half dragon demon, headed in our direction.  I am not ashamed to admit that then and there my heart was full of fear, the most ancient and powerful emotion. Every bone in my body and every instinct urged me to flee, but I couldn’t, so I didn't.  It is only with superb coordination, unwavering endurance and a bit of luck that we managed to repel this hideous assault. The twisting naga was cut in half by Avariel’s greatsword Beacon, and our winged paladin rushed to hold off Sarai and her monstrous mount. Kraggan battered the incredibly dangerous demon with enhanced tentacles, transforming in a giant octopus, I channeled my most powerful necromantic spell on the hamatula, breaking its bones and allowing Sja’Renj to masterfully dispatch it. Thanks to Avariel’s skill and my most powerful magic we managed to also kill Sarai and the half dragon demon, but not before hearing her speak the True Name of Fire. The half-ogre mage Agrazar killed many of our soldiers with a blast of ice magic, but she eventually fell to the constant battering of Kraggan’s tentacles. The roof of the Waypoint was once again ours, but Zorall’s flames burned hot even in the storm, and hundreds of foes poured through the gaps made by the dragonlord’s fire.  It is then that Kraggan whispered to the forest, awaking trees and dire-beasts to bolster our defences, as well as covering the holes in the thicket wall with thick webs.  Leeman Kendling attacked our position shortly after, riding his nightmare Skyfall. He landed and attacked Limar, nearly killing him, but was stopped thanks to Sja’Renj’s attacks on his mount and an aptly placed Grease spell on my part, which disarmed him, sending his gilded longsword tumbling to the ground. Outmatched and outnumbered he retreated, jumping in our moat and fleeing for the second time since I met him.  The last assailant was Zorall, the Father of Hosts himself. He pierced the clouds and landed with the force of one hundred rams, the whole fortress trembled upon the impact. He opened his mouth and unleashed a torrent of white-hot flames upon us, destroying everything in its path; I would be nothing more than a pile of charred bones, were it not for my defensive wards.  Avariel, dauntless in the face of death, charged the dragon, only to find that his thick scales were further enhanced by protective spells, Kraggan summoned lighting and I dispelled whatever enchantments were aiding the dragonlord. Despite our best efforts Zorall seemed to take the upper hand; my curses failed to take hold and after fighting with all his might Avariel fell, struck by the dragon’s mighty claw.  All seemed lost but, in an unexpected twist of fate, it was exactly what was once lost that ended up saving us.  In the weeks leading up to the siege I found Xankoris somewhat disconnected and distant, he told us that Siwan grew restless and even hungry. After the battle he explained to me that he saw brief images in his trips to the Void, golden flashes at the edge of his vision. His state of confusion was not the death elemental growing stronger, but the memory of Suijin, God of the Golden Waters, First Lord of the Seas and First Lover of Isora seeping into his mind; a memory that seemed to be lost forever, now remembered.  Then, after thousands of years of rage, pain and sorrow a lightning bolt stronger than I could ever describe fell from the heavens, impaling Zorall the dragonlord, slaying him. Isora, the Heart of the Storm, Fortune of the Seashore was finally reunited with the memories of her lover. 

Avariel will scratch his head, as though thinking. "I genuinely do not know if my affiliation with the Church would or would not preclude that. If you also do not know this offhand, Hakamon , then it would be wise to consult with them first. I do definitely wish to maintain the peace we have worked so hard to make." Avariel looked to the others, then back to the Red King before continuing.  "I have a great deal of respect for you, Hakamon , for your efforts in driving back the darkness. That said, I actually have a question for you, if you don't mind -- it is something very important to me, and someone of your stature would possibly know about it. It is not something I ask lightly, because it has, an unfortunate reflection of the morality of many though such may be, brought me much grief in the past." He pauses again for a moment, looking down, before raising his head again with a resolute expression the likes of which is unusual even for him. "I have been told of a prophecy -- that a child of pure and noble heart would be born under two full moons and bring salvation to humanity, by discovering an artifact that is the sole weakness of an ancient evil and destroying that evil. I know that I was born under two full moons; you all," he turns to look around at everyone again, "can be the judge of my character for the other piece. But if this is my destiny -- that I am to destroy this evil -- then I must know more of it. What do you know about this prophecy, or who do you know that might have information about it?"

Dawi said: He looks at the backs of his hands, the tattoo there gone now, along with his old body, then looks at Ering. "Soldiers of the Terolus Human Military serve for life... but my life ended. My service is done. Tell them I died in the line of duty, Ering. From today forward, Verne Smith is gone. I'm a hunter now... yes, Hunter. A good name, for a man with one purpose." Knowledge (History): 16 Profession (Soldier): 20 Erin nods solemnly. "The soldier Verne died defending the Waypoint, but if Hunter ever needs my assistance against Moonshadow and Neuromancer I would be honored to help." Verne's... no, Hunter's  choice is not without precedent. In a world where death is not always permanent, such things have happened before, but different organizations take different views upon the legality of these cases. It has rarely come up in the Terolus Human Military, where most soldiers are common men, and the wealthy officers who can afford to be raised  are not often possessed of the intense willpower needed to choose to come back when called; and even when they are, few would dare to then dishonor their Houses by claiming a right to abandon their duty. However, you can recall reading of a few times when exactly that came to pass, and THUMH accepted the so-called 'second life' defense, granting the reborn men an unconditional honorable discharge (normally rather difficult to get otherwise). Hunter grins, the sight sending a chill down your spine. "Oh, I will. I haven't forgotten our conversation in the Hills  that day, Ering. I'll stay here a little longer, to help get things settled... but very soon, it'll be time to begin the hunt." Josh said: alphonzo can have access to Rithes  Limars many eye patches in the stone fare."cheer up once the trade route is cleared and done you an cora can retire and start a family" -he'll give eslen the scroll consecrate and 5 platinum for the construction of a shrine to AAsterinian and ask him what kind of offerings she'd like so he can arrange for a suitable first offering. -he'll also tell hammun how disapointed he is the she has freed the  petrified svirfneblin yet. "Thanks, your grace," Alphonzo says, though from him the style sounds more jocular, even playfully teasing. "We've talked about it before, and we'd both really like to settle down. If we can keep a place in your court, I think the Statue Garden  might make a nice safe home. We can't have kids of our own, of course, but I'm sure there are plenty of orphans in need of adoption after this war. Family's very important to halflings, you know." Eslen examines the scroll studiously, and weighs the coins in his hand. "This is not much, my lord..." he admits in Draconic. "Four times as much would be ideal, for the materials. I can perhaps make do, but... it would be a poor shrine. As for the offerings, Aasterinian prefers things such as a souvenir from a distant land, a message, a book (given or traded), a whispered secret, a feather, a bit of batwing, desert sand, or anything made of brass." Hamanap looks slightly abashed, but says defensively "I was waiting for your return, and besides, we had more pressing matters to deal with! It's not as if waiting longer will harm the poor fellow. Those sealed in stone are as someone in a deep, dreamless sleep, not even aware of the passage of time. But if you wish it, we can go and unseal him right now. I have the necessary spell prepared, as on most days, since it is useful for breaking all sorts of enchantments and enspellings." Dawi said: For the Hand of Glory Spellcraft: 41 Knowledge (religion): 24 Over the course of the following days Ering tries to strike a conversation with Dreyan, interested in the perspective of another necromancer in the Catacombs, he also asks about the book she found in deep in the Stonefare, sharing his theory that it might be one of Tellaj's artifacts.  Ering has read that a Hand of Glory is traditionally made from the preserved hand of a hanged man; usually the right, though it can be the left if that one was used to commit the murder for which he is hanged. Once Kraggan relates the story of Zeke's treachery, theft, plotting, framing, raping, and many murders, culminating in the Death Elemental Event during which his old comrade Drusilia captured him at last, it becomes clear that neither of his hands were even remotely clean. And given that it all started with Zeke stealing the Hand of Glory the Wayfinders had recovered from the Stonefare , Enialis having one of his own hands made into a replacement is a poetic twist of fate well-suited to the elven god of it. Dreyan is more than willing to talk with Ering at length. After the Storming and her surrender to the Wayfinders, she slept for two solid days--Kal, the hobgoblin chieftan of the Stonefare  whose men rowed her and Limar up in his beautiful new launch Acquisitors Laurel , explained that the golgari curse had been driving her mad and preventing her from sleeping for weeks before Limar's usurpation of the throne. Limar used a drug to help her catch some sleep on the way up, but the experience clearly took a heavy toll on her, aging her beyond her years. But with rest, good food, and Hamanap's nursing, Dreyan seems to be on the road to recovery. After her atonement , she discusses Ering's theories with him, sharing all she remembers of the grimoire. She also believes it to be a lost work of the Lich-King, and tells him that it contained long treatises on the fundamental nature of life, death, and undeath, as well as the forces that govern them. But it also seemed to be infested with a fragment of Tellaj's mind, powerfully warded and imbued with intense evil. "It wanted  to be found, wanted to be used. It seduced me, taught me to understand it... I was willing, even eager for what I thought to be a fast route to power, but I never imagined the price I would pay. I don't know if Tellaj became a lich because his soul was already cold as ice, or if it became that way as a result... but I know this: anyone who could create a book like that is beyond mortal understanding. I can't begin to imagine how he was ever stopped, or what the Reclaimers must have been like to have faced such a mind and defeated it." Despite her having held such immense power for a time, it soon becomes clear that Dreyan is significantly less experienced a necromancer than you are. It's more understandable that she sought shortcuts to power in the deadly world of the Catacombs, without the relative safety and time to grow that you had in a noble household. You were a rose in a walled garden, she a thornbush climbing from the mud... but now, perhaps your broader experience and wisdom can be a guide to her, helping her to learn how to use necromancy for good rather than evil. Josh said: on patchwall 27. Limar will welcome Seras to the waypoint and try to make friends with the silver dragon. diplomacy 23 (bluff17 to hide his disdain for all things lawful and ordery) "you don't have to stay in human form here, dragons are a common enough sight." -" I can't speak for the wayfinders but the stonefare is open to discuss beneficial agreements. I am curious as to what he offers and wants?" -"All though the main reason I invited you here was to learn more of tamaras ways and see if you could oversee construction of a shrine to her an consecrate it and perhaps get a glimpse of the famed quicksilver." "You are very kind, Limar," Seras thanks you, as she's introduced to various other Wayfinders. Leoavor accepts the box with a bow, and shows it to Xankoris. Kraggan listens to what she has to say, but seems guarded and cautious. For her part, Seras seems a bit unsure about dealing with a green dragon, and keeps a close eye on Limar. "If my true nature is known and would not offend, I would be more comfortable in it..." she says, glancing around. When this seems the consensus, she closes her eyes and glows softly, suddenly growing into the form of a large silver dragoness, right there in the foyer . She seems young compared to Zorall, but is clearly quite a bit older than Limar. Perhaps the adolescent appearance of her human form wasn't a deception at all... "My full name is Serasilia," she says, her voice more resonant and almost musical. "As for now, my Lord Jorvasskar asks only for your friendship. He has long fought against the chaos and war the servants of the Coiled Lady bring, and sees in you the potential for true and loyal allies in this struggle. If you are amenable to working together with him against her, more details can be discussed in the future... perhaps matters such as exchanges of information, lending of swords for important battles, and such. My Lord is a cautious and patient man, and will not push any harder than you are comfortable with." Kraggan speaks up at last, saying "I don't think we want to get in bed with an evil power. With all respect to you, Serasilia, I've heard a lot of bad things about Jorvasskar in the last year or two. We're just pushing our way into the ranks of the lesser powers, so I don't want to make the wrong choices and start us off on the wrong foot... but you seem like a good person. If it's you, I don't have a problem with me and mine working together at times. But just you. As for Limar..." She looks levelly at him. "In your capacity as a Wayfinder, I don't want you working with Jorvasskar either. But you earned your crown alone, without our help... and used it to help us greatly. So as King of the Stonefare , do what you want. Just be careful." Serasilia seems visibly disappointed, but accepts Kraggan's judgment with ladylike grace. "As you wish, Fateseeker. We shall be friends, then. I travel often through the Catacombs on my tasks, but you may send  to me if you need my aid, and I will come to the Waypoint  again should I need yours. But for now, I would speak more with King Limar, of Tamara and Her teachings." The sinuous dragoness walks with Limar up to see his other shrines , and tells him all about Tamara, dragon goddess of healing, life, light, and mercy. "I would be more than happy to build a shrine  to Tamara here, and I know the magic necessary to consecrate  it as well. Such spells come naturally to my race as we grow up." She also shows him the scimitar she carries at her waist: Quicksilver, the Claw of Tamara. A beautiful blade with an edge sharp enough to break skin at the lightest touch, its sides are polished to a mirror sheen. "Her Beneficence shows me visions in the blade at times," Seras explains. "The past, the present, the future... glimpses of danger, and warnings of great importance." And as Limar gazes into his reflection, it seems to ripple and change, offering instead a quick succession of images. He sees a dense, wild forest, grown thick around an ancient, ruined temple; a glossy black stone resting alone upon an altar; a castle rising from a deep wood, with gargoyles perched on its bastions; a man in strange garb standing before a tribunal of elders, reading unknown runes that flicker across a black mirror; a giant of shadows, with white eyes and a crown of fangs; a black spot burning into the blue purity of Celene in the night sky. Then, again, his face, looking back at him. Ritt K.  said: Max  said: "My friends, you have fought beside me, and my own people beside you, to bring peace to the southeast Catacombs... will you now join me in maintaining it?" "I also have to know what you mean by  vassals  first. If it's what I think, I don't think daimyo will let me do it." Josh said: on readyreat 6 with the red king "what exactly would be the terms and conditions of this vassalage?" he'll introduce the two dragons if seras is still around. Dawi said: "My friends, you have fought beside me, and my own people beside you, to bring peace to the southeast Catacombs... will you now join me in maintaining it?" Ering will not respond, respecting the guildmistress authority but if promoted for advice he answers: "I only kneel to one person, and he is King Leopold III of Terolus." Nate S. said: Avariel will scratch his head, as though thinking. "I genuinely do not know if my affiliation with the Church would or would not preclude that. If you also do not know this offhand, Hakamon , then it would be wise to consult with them first. I do definitely wish to maintain the peace we have worked so hard to make." Avariel looked to the others, then back to the Red King before continuing.  "I have a great deal of respect for you, Hakamon , for your efforts in driving back the darkness. That said, I actually have a question for you, if you don't mind -- it is something very important to me, and someone of your stature would possibly know about it. It is not something I ask lightly, because it has, an unfortunate reflection of the morality of many though such may be, brought me much grief in the past." He pauses again for a moment, looking down, before raising his head again with a resolute expression the likes of which is unusual even for him. "I have been told of a prophecy -- that a child of pure and noble heart would be born under two full moons and bring salvation to humanity, by discovering an artifact that is the sole weakness of an ancient evil and destroying that evil. I know that I was born under two full moons; you all," he turns to look around at everyone again, "can be the judge of my character for the other piece. But if this is my destiny -- that I am to destroy this evil -- then I must know more of it. What do you know about this prophecy, or who do you know that might have information about it?" The Red King's question seems to incite a momentary chaos of whispering, chatting, and several people trying to answer at once. Hamanap calls for order in her loud, clear, sermon-giving voice, and then looks to Kraggan. Kraggan, in turn, says carefully, "I'd like to hear what my people have to say first. One at a time, though." To Xankoris and Limar, the King answers "In the simplest terms, an arrangement of loyalty for protection. You would swear to obey my commands, and fight for me if called upon to do so. In turn, I would vow that if you were again threatened by foes, I would do everything in my power to defend you. Just as you all serve your guildmistress, your guild would serve me." When Kraggan asks Ering's thoughts, the red-cloaked warlord frowns at his sharp response. "I am not interested in the petty exercise of power like some rulers, demanding every little thing just so... you would likely have your freedom for the most part of the time. But when war comes again--and it will , have no doubt of that--a united front will be necessary to prevent the kind of destruction and suffering we've seen this summer. For many years, I believed that freedom was the greatest virtue, that each man should be his own ruler..." he admits, in a rare moment of vulnerability, "but this war has shown me the limits of such a philosophy. I now come to see that authority is the only solution to chaos. We must build a cohesive kingdom together here, in this borderland so abandoned by the other kings of Terolus." Ederc, Kaladesh, and Hamil look at their lord with absolute loyalty and respect, though admittedly it's hard to read the expressions on the last's wood and metal face. "He is not wrong about that," Hamanap agrees, "There is too much chaos here. A strong hand is needed, and few good people are powerful enough to wield it..." Jargon is nodding along in agreement nearby. Leoavor frowns though, leaning more towards Kraggan's own perspective, though he doesn't know it for sure yet. "I don't like the idea of giving up our autonomy... it's the same problem with allying with Jorvasskar. Your reputation is a lot more heroic, your grace, but still... most of us are here because we wanted to choose our own paths in life. Obedience is rarely the highest virtue of an adventurer." Axil nods firmly, giving Leo an approving smile. Hunter is grim and silent, only listening. When Avariel pauses, the King assures him, "I will not ask you to defy your faith in my service. I am a king, but even a king must submit to the will of a god." Yet something about the grip of the bastard sword jutting past one of his shoulders makes Avariel uncomfortable... the red gemstone in the pommel seems almost to be looking at him, into  him, like an eye. The Red King listens respectfully to the paladin's next question, but admits, "I have not heard that particular prophecy before, I'm afraid. But a ruler is only as good as his counselors..." He looks to Ederc, who shakes his head, then Hamil, who shrugs. To their surprise, it's Kaladesh who speaks up. "I've heard it before," the copper dragon says. Ederc raises a brow, and Kaladesh glares at him. " What? I can know stuff too! I talk to a lot of people. It's not the kind of thing you'd find in a book anyway... the smallfolk tell stories like that around the fire, or in taverns. I listen." He looks at Avariel, and explains "It's a recent story... only been around for a decade or two, as far as I can tell. I've heard a few versions of it, but most seem to agree on a few details you're missing. Three, actually: that the place you'll find the artifact is a forgotten temple of light in the Catacombs of the Lich-King, that the artifact you have to recover there is a stone of legendary power, and that the evil you have to use it to destroy is the undead tyrant Ishconn." "I'm actually surprised you heard it without those parts..." Kaladesh admits, a little confused. Leoavor seems the quickest to understand. "This is a prophecy about the Catacombs... it's probably from  someone around here, and mostly gets repeated in this region." Kaladesh cocks his head, and Leoavor adds "Avariel's a foreigner. He came from Oranzius ." "Ohhh..." Kaladesh says, nodding. "That explains the accent. And the missing details, yeah... no wonder. Stories always change as they travel. If it went that far, no wonder it dropped some participles along the way." Kraggan clears her throat, to address the main point before things get any more off-topic. "I thank you for the offer, your grace. We are very flattered, but I think I speak for the majority of my guildmates when I say that we must refuse. Leoavor has the right of it: our autonomy is too important to us. We each serve different gods, different rulers, different ideals... we cannot serve the same overlord. The only reason I'm the guildmistress here is seniority, really... and that I respect my peoples' different goals. You fought beside us as a true friend, and I would have us stay just that: friends, and allies. We'll work with  you to build and maintain peace, but not under  you." Leoavor and Axil actually applaud, though Jargon looks unhappy, and Hamanap disappointed but accepting. The Red King's face is stern with evident displeasure, but he bows his head graciously. "If that is your choice, I will respect it. We shall remain friends and allies... for now. My offer remains on the table, should you wish to reconsider." He smiles, but the more sensitive among you can tell it's the sort of smile meant to hide the purpose of teeth. "And as a proof of my continued goodwill, I will order the surviving members of the garrison I left here to stay. They shall continue to aid in your patrols and defense."

Limar rolls his eyes and gives eslen another 15 platinum. - the first offering will be his   gold and silver drinking stein "60 gold worth- full of black sand, rigged with paper lid an sealing wax" with a couple of feathers from what ever he can hunt down in his off time.( 20 survival) "Lets get on that then , what all will you need to make sure his new hand sticks?" with Serasilia  patchwall 7th  (does serasilia stand for anything?) Blinking away the images "I mean he does have a metallic maiden of Tamara vouching for him so as king of the stonefare I'd be happy to count Jorvasskor as a friend. I'm sure there is much I could learn from him." -he'll send a servant to bring out their map of the catacombs "his court is somewhere up past Prosh port right? can you mark it for me?" -"how much coin will you need for the shrine? and what kind of offering should I prepare?" -"also since we're friends now here!" he'll give her one of his draconic copies of the eternal hoard and one of his green scales. with the red king on readyreet 6th " I'll accept these terms but I do have a few conditions. First, I get to spread shrines of Astilabor through your richer settlements and if I find any interested in her ways I get to send them to train as clerics. Second, when you stop fighting and this land no longer needs a Red king I get to lock Stormbringer away in my hoard. Third, once every 40 years or when ever I get to kidnap a princess of your line and put her in a tower. Fourth , depending on how things go next spring I may need some help dominating the goblin tribes around the stonefare." -"also since we're friends and working together for the good of the commonfolk, I think investing in a small fleet to patrol the river would be a good move."

Josh said: "Lets get on that then , what all will you need to make sure his new hand sticks?" "A surge of healing magic might be enough," Hamanap says. "I have never done this before, so I can't be sure..." She goes to your room with you, where a petrified svirfneblin stands in one corner, with its left arm broken off, and a masterfully carved granite replacement (made by Alton Highill) laying at its feet. Hamanap directs you to brace the new arm snugly against the stump, and casts a stone shape  spell to fuse it in place. Then she takes a deep breath, lets it out slowly, and prays for a minute to cast  break enchantment  on the statue. She struggles for a moment, gritting her teeth to call forth more power... and with a flash of blue light, the green stone seems to patchily but rapidly recede from the gnome's flesh, until there's none left in sight. At the same time, Hamanap casts a cure serious wounds  spell on the joint where the new arm was attached. The man falls to his knees, gasping in air and coughing, trembling as he looks around in panic. "WATCH OUT, IT'S HER! IT'S... it's Rith..." he shouts, trailing off as his wild eyes seem to take stock and realize he's no longer in the Stonefare . "Where... where am I? Who are you?" His new arm seems to work fine by the way he moves it, though the skin tone doesn't match--his own skin is a stony gray-brown, while his new left arm is a deeper gray that's almost black.

"You are at that waypoint, stronghold of the wayfinders. I am Limar , new king of the stonefare, and you have just been freed from stone. what year were you turned to stone?" diplomacy 26. "Its currently 1673 patchwall autumn ..." bluff 15 and watch him panic. "the new hand was easier than expected. good job hammun."

Max said: To Xankoris and Limar, the King answers "In the simplest terms, an arrangement of loyalty for protection. You would swear to obey my commands, and fight for me if called upon to do so. In turn, I would vow that if you were again threatened by foes, I would do everything in my power to defend you. Just as you all serve your guildmistress, your guild would serve me." "I see... I see." Xankoris considers Red King's terms carefully. "I'm sorry, but I don't think that will work for me- Sorry I meant my daimyo. But I'll ask him about this later." For Xankoris, no, for many Rokugani, all of this seemed... familiar. At this moment, he'll wait and see how it's going to be for the time being.

Josh said: "You are at that waypoint, stronghold of the wayfinders. I am Limar , new king of the stonefare, and you have just been freed from stone. what year were you turned to stone?" diplomacy 26. "Its currently 1673 patchwall autumn ..." bluff 15 and watch him panic. "the new hand was easier than expected. good job hammun." "The who?" he asks dazedly, still taking stock of his surroundings. "New King... Rith has fallen? It's... is it still 1411?" Your soothing tone seems to help calm him, until you lie about the century, and he breaks out in a cold sweat. "S-six... sixteen..." he stammers, eyes wide. Hamanap gives you a pointedly unamused look, and reassures the poor man "He's teasing you. It's 1421. You've been locked in stone for only 10 years." She nods to you about the hand, relieved as well that it seems to work so far. Ironically (or perhaps intentionally, on your part), the initial shock seems to soften the blow of the truth for the deep gnome. He sighs with relief, putting his new hand on his pounding heart... then seems to notice it. "What happened to my arm...?" he asks, holding it out to examine, and flexing his fingers. "It feels strange." Hamanap gives him a reassuring smile, and gently takes his hand and elbow in her warm, steady, healer's hands. "Your left arm was destroyed after you were petrified. Limar here had a replacement made, and I helped reattach it." She palpitates it carefully, examining it as well, but with a much keener eye. "It looks like bloodflow has resumed, and muscular action is normal... but this kind of prosthetic is extremely tricky. Your body may reject it in time, so be mindful of it. If you have any problems, return here to the Stone River Waypoint  and I will treat it as well as I can, no charge." "I... I see..." the svirfneblin says softly, finally seeming to have ahold of himself. "Thank you. You've done so much for me... I should repay you somehow, even so. My name is Roondar, of clan Berenzil. I'm an adventurer... I was traveling with 2 companions, a human and a half-orc. Did you find them too, by chance?" Int applies.

int 11

Josh said: int 11 You don't remember seeing those particular statues near him, but it was ages ago and the Stonefare  is full of petrified people... if you got detailed descriptions, you could have your construction teams keep an eye out for them, but it could take years to find them even so. And that's also assuming they were  petrified, not just killed outright.

"The only payment I want is a couple letters when something interesting happens, I want to know of the subtle chaos I'm making. As for your two companions, I don't recall seeing any near you but if you want to owe me a favor I can have my people keep an eye out."

Max  said: After her  atonement , she discusses Ering's theories with him, sharing all she remembers of the grimoire. She also believes it to be a lost work of the Lich-King, and tells him that it contained long treatises on the fundamental nature of life, death, and undeath, as well as the forces that govern them. But it also seemed to be infested with a fragment of Tellaj's mind, powerfully warded and imbued with intense evil. "It  wanted  to be found, wanted to be used. It seduced me, taught me to understand it... I was willing, even eager for what I thought to be a fast route to power, but I never imagined the price I would pay. I don't know if Tellaj became a lich because his soul was already cold as ice, or if it became that way as a result... but I know this: anyone who could create a book like that is beyond mortal understanding. I can't begin to imagine how he was ever stopped, or what the Reclaimers must have been like to have faced such a mind and defeated it." "Ever since I've heard of this tome I felt an urge to find it… To get lost in its pages, but now I don't know if I should follow my instincts." Ering pauses for a long moment. "Seeing what it did to you, I doubt that I, or anyone else, would be safe from its influence, Perhaps it would be better if it was just destroyed, assuming that is even possible." --- How much of the "Particle Physics" handout is know to characters? Is there any way to detect the particles?

Josh said: "The only payment I want is a couple letters when something interesting happens, I want to know of the subtle chaos I'm making. As for your two companions, I don't recall seeing any near you but if you want to owe me a favor I can have my people keep an eye out." "Letters... yes, of course. I must return home first though, and see my wife. She probably thinks I was killed. I am in your debt, Limar, King of the Stonefare . And... Hamman, was it?" "Hamanap," the priestess gently corrects him. He nods, and says "I would consider it a great debt if you could find and restore my companions, be they petrified too." He gives you more detailed descriptions of them, and adds "I will return to Dragoth , but I shall come and visit again. Thank you." Knowledge (geography) applies. Leoavor helps arrange passage for him north on one of the merchant galleys trading at the docks , though he assures you that he has sufficient coin on his person to pay his way home.