Errands in Town

Xankoris bows back. "No need for Champion of Isora , this title only make other spirits think I'm inclined. It's just another day on the job, really." For Xanoris, this kind of title doesn't mean much for him. Unlike Clan Champion or Master of Something which mostly is given by Clan, Organization, or even the Emperor himself, those can be used one way or another. Knowledge (Geography) check: 10(+2 if related to northeast Provincia) Knowledge (History) check: 9(+4 if related to his own ancestors)

Dawi  said: Max  said: At  The Otterman  Godsday afternoon, you find 3 people waiting for you in the lobby. The first is a portly, middle-aged human man wearing extremely expensive clothing, with cunning eyes but an utterly unimposing physique. The second is also a man, but as dangerous-looking as the first isn't--an enormous orc in ornate spiked full plate, he bristles with weapons and has watchful, suspicious eyes. Even in  Skyshroud , you have rarely seen any single person so intimidating... The last is a genteel human woman wearing a black traveling cloak over cloth-of-gold vestments and a twelve-faceted black gemstone the size of a chicken's egg fitted to a platinum chain (from your experience with Limar, you recognize this necklace as a holy symbol of Astilabor). She's not remotely as intimidating as the orc, but moreso than the other human. "You must be Ering Walfire," the first says, stepping forward with a smile to offer you a handshake. "I have the honor to be Koran Bateman. This is my spiritual advisor, Nerosian, a priestess of Astilabor; and my loyal bodyguard, Stapes. Please, join us!" Koran and Nerosian sit at the prepared table, where a silver tea set and several plates of delicate pastries are ready. A seat has been prepared for you as well, but only one, so the disguised Axil stands behind you like the ordinary guard he's posing as. Stapes stays close to Koran wherever he goes, and it takes you a moment to realize that's always within reach of both his master  and  you. Ering comes dressed with the fine clothes previously bought in Waterwend, complete with jewelry, the Cloak of Protection and Kingsman on his hip. He shakes Koran's hand and bows to the priestess. "Master Koran Bateman, Lady Nerosian, it's a pleasure to meet you." He sits down and with an agreed upon motion instructs Axil to deliver the gifts, using the opportunity to also introduce him with his new name. "They are just small tokens to show my appreciation, I don't doubt that both of you have very busy days, so I thank you for meeting me on such short notice." After asking a few short and polite routine questions Ering quickly moves to the real reason for the meeting. "I have a personal and a business matter that I would like to discuss today, and while they are very different from each other I feel we could reach a compromise for both of them." Ering looks at Nerosian and smiles. "I talked at length with King Limar about an artifact that was in his possession for just a brief amount of time, a very powerful tome created by an even more powerful wizard. I've heard that someone made an offer he couldn't refuse and he accepted before I could properly… Inspect it. My curiosity doubled when I discovered what he had been offered, so meeting the current holder of the book became a priority as well." "The other reason I'm here is because I have information that might be of great interest to someone as business oriented as you, Master Bateman." Ering addresses the merchant not caring about what his last name may sound with that title, not wanting to call him a lord. "A great change looms over Waterwend, and while you may have heard rumors I would be glad to offer you a clear picture of what the future could hold, so that you may be ready to profit while other are caught unaware."  They accept the gifts politely, making appropriate comments on their quality and your generosity while a hotel servant pours tea in that out-of-the-way manner that marks an experienced server. Nerosian smiles indulgently at your vague comments, and though Koran feigns ingnorance of the matter you catch the gleam of attentive curiousity in his own intelligent eyes. "A grimoire, you say? I have heard of such things, although the magic of the arcane is very different from that of the faithful like myself. Perhaps we can speak more of it privately," she suggests, in a tone that sounds like a suggestion but is clearly a statement of fact.  She nibbles at a scone and takes up her cup, sipping the rich, strong black tea as you turn to address Koran. To their credit, no one at the table bats an eye at your choice of title, though the slightest flicker of displeasure creases Koran's brow as Stapes and Axil exchange glances. "Times of great change always hold opportunity for profit, my lord," Koran says pleasantly, folding his hands, fat fingers glittering with rings, but you don't fail to notice the slight change of tone when you uses your  style. I don't like you, but we can do business , is what his look seems to say. After the initial clash of wills and words, the negotiations grow somewhat smoother. Bateman is as pragmatic and self-controlled as you were led to believe, and absolutely amoral--he seems not to care whether slavery is legal or not, so long as he stands to profit as much as possible. When the discussion moves into the details phase, he invites you and Axil up to his rooms for more privacy, and you find them as opulent as any you've ever seen, even at court. Nerosian listens quietly for the most part, interjecting here and there with keen insights on how best to turn the situation to maximum profit, and her few words seem to hint at an even deeper wisdom than the razor-minded Koran has. By the time the day is done, you've formulated a solid plan of action, and with Koran's full support. Nerosian promises to meet with you the next day, just outside of town, to discuss the spellbook; but she insists you come alone. Ritt K.  said: Xankoris bows back. "No need for  Champion of Isora , this title only make other spirits think I'm inclined. It's just another day on the job, really." For Xanoris, this kind of title doesn't mean much for him. Unlike  Clan Champion  or  Master of Something  which mostly is given by Clan, Organization, or even the Emperor himself, those can be used one way or another. Knowledge (Geography) check: 10(+2 if related to northeast Provincia) Knowledge (History) check: 9(+4 if related to his own ancestors) Iuchi seems in awe of you, even more impressed by the humility of such a great man. Dawi  said: Max  said: With a better sense of how to pull their strings, you and Ering soon have the other two swayable councillors ready to support your cause in secret. How do the two of you want to proceed with the project? Having swayed 3 councilors how do our vote odds look? Ering suggests informing Euphemia Highhill of the developments, letting her know that she can go ahead with the anti-slavery sermons. He also starts to worry that simply abolishing slavery would cause all the indentured people currently in Waterwend to be suddenly out of work, so he inquires about the possibility of having additional worker protections passed by the council.  With Koran in your corner and the 3 councillors ready to side with you, your chances are looking better and better. Axil contacts the Marquis Goldenblade, and gets an appointment for you to teleport  together with Kraggan into his foyer in Kentwing  for a strategy session. In his warded study, the four of you go over your progress so far, carefully plotting the course of the political battle ahead. The Marquis supplies you with more funds for bribes and humanitarian aid to displaced workers, and some connections he has into local businesses who can be trusted to hire unemployed slaves. When you return to Waterwend , Euphemia discreetly lets you know that Amyrillis, Osborn, and Liman are on your side as well, and will begin speaking against those most staunchly in favor of slavery when you're ready. Axil and Silaquin travel around in disguises or invisible , relaying information and slowly, cautiously coordinating the timing of your attack as the weeks pass. Axil's in no rush, regularly urging care and discretion. "Surprise is everything here. We'll have one chance to deliver our masterstroke... our enemies are entrenched and powerful here, and if they get wind, they'll be ready to cut us off before we can get anywhere." He also uses the spare time to keep looking for leads on his long-missing friend Lira, the drow paladin of Corellon who vanished when her Temple  near Bowhery burned decades ago. Then, on the last Godsday in Ready'reat, the plan finally goes into action:  The good priests and priestesses all condemn slavery and specifically call out the councillors who support it, excommunicating them until such time as they act to end it in Waterwend . Those you've swayed and bribed publically denounce it as well, and proclaim that their 'opinions have evolved' with great shows of piety, tithing in penance and freeing their own slaves to demonstrate the proof of their words (after having dumped all their investments in  Gor's Flesh Market  and slave-reliant businesses the previous day, of course). Koran Bateman himself gives a stirring speech in the Merchants Guildhall about the ineffectiveness of slavery as a long-term business method, and another stirring speech to the city council about the evils of this polluting influence on a good, traditional halfling town, while pointing out that he sold all his own slaves recently (at the highest price, though he didn't mention that part) after realizing what a bad choice slavery is. There's some attempt to pushback from Meilin Zhongshan and Gor the Wise, but your blitzkrieg is too expertly-timed and they can't rally their support fast enough. Four days later, on the 1st of Sunsebb 1421, the Waterwend  council votes to legally abolish slavery in the city. People celebrate in the streets as hundreds of slaves are freed, the chains ceremonially broken off some with the very adamantine cutters the Marquis gave you. The commons have never loved the Wayfinders more, but there's no doubt that in the process you've made some dangerous enemies... Once things settle down, Axil visits home for a while, but decides to stay on with the Wayfinders. "The Marquis and I agreed that the guild is the best hope for our dream of one day ending slavery in Kentwing  as well," he says with a smile. "But for now, I think the best course of action is to start building up our network of informants. I'll be in the field a lot from now on, gathering intel and feeding it back to Hamanap with regular sendings . If any of you hear any word of Lira, make sure to tell her... I'll be looking too."

Max said: Once things settle down, Axil visits home for a while, but decides to stay on with the Wayfinders. "The Marquis and I agreed that the guild is the best hope for our dream of one day ending slavery in Kentwing  as well," he says with a smile. "But for now, I think the best course of action is to start building up our network of informants. I'll be in the field a lot from now on, gathering intel and feeding it back to Hamanap with regular sendings . If any of you hear any word of Lira, make sure to tell her... I'll be looking too." "You know, I might be able to help now that I think about it. I have a friend in Terolus' military band, Lois, no secret is truly safe from her…" (I'll use my THM contact to help Axil find Lira, if possible)

Dawi said: Max said: Once things settle down, Axil visits home for a while, but decides to stay on with the Wayfinders. "The Marquis and I agreed that the guild is the best hope for our dream of one day ending slavery in Kentwing  as well," he says with a smile. "But for now, I think the best course of action is to start building up our network of informants. I'll be in the field a lot from now on, gathering intel and feeding it back to Hamanap with regular sendings . If any of you hear any word of Lira, make sure to tell her... I'll be looking too." "You know, I might be able to help now that I think about it. I have a friend in Terolus' military band, Lois, no secret is truly safe from her…" (I'll use my THM contact to help Axil find Lira, if possible) "That would be greatly appreciated, thank you!" Axil says with genuine happiness.  You have a chance to talk with Lois about it when you return to visit Skyshroud  with Limar, and she promises to put out feelers among her many contacts and look into the matter deeply. A few months after your return to the Catacombs region, you recieve a sending  from Lois via a taskmage in Skyshroud : "Finally found lead on Lira: report from witness near Bowhery 40 years ago, saw drow male leaving burning temple alone on night of destruction." Axil is troubled by this news, and not sure what to make of it. "A drow man? Maybe one of Lira's family came to reclaim her? If she refused to go, he might have destroyed the whole Temple to satisfy his pride... it's the sort of thing most drow would do. I'll start looking for any leads on powerful drow warriors in the area at the time..." Moving some posts from the Stone River Waypoint thread (I should have started them here anyway, woops!): Josh  said: Limar will try to get a meeting with anaveth in which he'd show her his copyied hour glass and ask if she could tell him his future. -he'll also spend his godsdays at the  Darkling Mausoleum  and try to learn more about the temple and what benefits they offer if any. After attending a few services and speaking with her underclergy, you have a chance to meet personally with Analeth, tell her of your adventures and your encounter with Chronepsis, and show her the hourglass. "An impressive tale... few come back from The Watcher's Mausoleum ," she admits. "In return for the story, I will ask Him what lies in store for you." She lights some incense and candles that rest on draconic skulls, then prays and focuses her mind, reaching into the Outer Planes... "O Silent One, show your loyal servant what awaits King Limar of the Stonefare , Enshriner of the Hoardmistress, in his future..." After a long moment, she intones in a totally different voice, rasping and papery, yet eerily familiar to you: "Long years will unfurl before this child, gods will die and titans of old will be reborn... a new king shall become an old king, and secrets long forgotten will darken the world of men and dragons once more." After recovering from the delivery of this strange and terrible prophecy, Analeth tells you more about her Temple  and what would be involved in joining as a full member:     Associated classes: Cleric, paladin, druid, ranger, favored soul, adept     Associated skills: Concentration, Heal, Knowledge (history), Knowledge (religion), Knowledge (the planes), Perform (oratory), Profession (undertaker), Profession (minister)     Special requirements: must worship Chronepsis, be a dragon, or have the (dragonblood) subtype     Duties: 40gp/month tithe, 5 days/month performing religious or funereal services, observe all of Chronepsis's holy days, provide spellcasting services to supplicants (30% of payment goes to church), observe local and draconic funereal customs, accept quests given by church leaders.     Contact: Young Neil, human cleric7 Favor: hide you and your friends in the Darkling Mausoleum Frequency: 1 day per month (staying multiple days increases the delay)     Basic benefits: +2 bonus to Knowledge (history) and any checks related to funerals. +5% chance of successful divination spells (can put the roll above its normal max). 15% discount on spellcasting services from the church (comes from their cut). Room & board are good upkeep level.     Favored benefits: sp--1/month commune with Chronepsis (no components or xp cost, 1 question only). Dawi  said: Max  said: Ering, you can roll opposed Forgery to see if you fall for it. Chinara does not, and though she doesn't find Ering unappealing, she's unamused by the deception. Forgery: 18 Ering doesn't fall for it either, but will try to maintain a friendly relationship with the Suloise. Knowledge (the planes): 28 Craft (Composition): 26 He titles it   The Art of Siegecraft and Fortress-Building by Ering Walfire.   In it he explains how the presence of magic can shape a siege, how to repel flying or burrowing creatures and of course how good knowledge of your enemy makes all the difference. He draws parallels to the siege of the Waypoint to support his points. He uses the Amanuensis spell to make numerous copies to sell, but he will gift one the Waypoint's Library and to the church of Deep Sashelas as a token of appreciation for the help before the siege. Chinara seems rather serious and strict, not always the best company... but in a way her professionalism is comfortingly reliable, reminding you more of the seriousness of nobility that many of the commonborn Wayfinders lack. Your keen eye tells you that Red might have a touch of fiendish blood, from somewhere far back in his ancestry. Not enough to qualify as a tiefling, but perhaps enough to account for his hair and wild personality... Several church libraries buy copies, as do some nobles in the Catacombs region, and the book can now be found in various places. Heian Kelpwhisper, Treefall 's high priest of Deep Sashelas, thanks you gracefully for it as well. Dawi  said: Max  said: I'm sure House Walfire will be happy to provide a guest room for a petty king and friend of their son's, along with any comforts he requires. They most definitely will. Since Limar is a guest Ering will make sure his needs are fully met. While in town the wizard catches up with friends and colleagues from the University and also visits the MARSUB headquarters. Your college friends are all eager to take you drinking at the high-end clubs and hear your romantic tales of adventure from the wild frontier. You also have a chance to debrief more thoroughly with your commanding officer, Brigadier General Schnizel Remand; after hearing the long story of your experiences in the Stone River  War, and asking many pointed questions, he affirms his decision that after your leave you should return to ensure that the situation stays stable. "We don't want one of the Great Powers trying to follow in Shurreon's footsteps... and I don't like the sound of that Black Scroll business either. I thought the things were only a Rokugani legend. You did well, Walfire, but sometimes the hardest part of making war is keeping the peace." Dawi  said:   Josh  said: " does the king here have an open court? or any public  appearances soon? I would like to see him while I'm here."  Would it be possible for someone like Limar to seek audience with the king? You know that King Leopold III holds court on Stardays, Moondays, and Waterdays, but only his subjects or diplomatic envoys are permitted entry. It's possible  you might be able to pull some strings and get Limar credited as a diplomat, with the help of the Temple of Lendys . Roll Diplomacy. Limar, what do you want to ask of the human King of Terolus?

"that's pretty ominous, I'm starting to understand why most dragons prefer to hide away with their hoards." -He'll look into finding a bank that has a branch in both skyshroud and waterwend so that he can join this church. arranging payments from the stonefare treasury.  (i'll put his commune questions over the years in Pm.) diplomacy 28. I just wanted to see him, but I suppose if I got the chance I might as well see what his stance on slavery his since it seems permitted in his lands. (are their slaves in Skyshroud.?) -I expect he'll be long gone before Limar has any kind of diplomatic impact out side of the catacombs.

Josh said: I just wanted to see him, but I suppose if I got the chance I might as well see what his stance on slavery his since it seems permitted in his lands. (are their slaves in Skyshroud.?) -I expect he'll be long gone before Limar has any kind of diplomatic impact out side of the catacombs. Max said: You know that King Leopold III holds court on Stardays, Moondays, and Waterdays, but only his subjects or diplomatic envoys are permitted entry. It's possible  you might be able to pull some strings and get Limar credited as a diplomat, with the help of the Temple of Lendys . Roll Diplomacy. Diplomacy: 22  Ering is scared of what Limar could do in a court with the King, but he still feels in debt with the dragon, so he warns about his chaotic disposition but still vouches for him.   Ering can answer the question about slavery. “It is illegal here in Skyshroud, but ruling nobles in nearby fiefdoms can decide for themselves.”  Max said: You also have a chance to debrief more thoroughly with your commanding officer, Brigadier General Schnizel Remand; after hearing the long story of your experiences in the Stone River  War, and asking many pointed questions, he affirms his decision that after your leave you should return to ensure that the situation stays stable. "We don't want one of the Great Powers trying to follow in Shurreon's footsteps... and I don't like the sound of that Black Scroll business either. I thought the things were only a Rokugani legend. You did well, Walfire, but sometimes the hardest part of making war is keeping the peace." Now that the war with Suel is over Ering asks if more troops can be deployed to the catacombs region, as peacekeeping would be a lot easier with a larger military force acting as a deterrent, and while strong alliances have been made Ering admits that they are not completely loyal.  While on the subject of war, Ering takes the time to sing the praises of Doran Starflower and the 105th Squadron for their role in liberating Bowhery.  (I don’t know what the correct etiquette is in this case, but if possible Ering will advocate for Doran receiving either a promotion or a bonus), Max said: Several church libraries buy copies, as do some nobles in the Catacombs region, and the book can now be found in various places. Heian Kelpwhisper, Treefall 's high priest of Deep Sashelas, thanks you gracefully for it as well. (I think I made a mistake here, I went to check and it was the Church of Labelas Enoreth that helped Ering and Leoavor, so they will receive the book as a gift as well). 

Josh said: "that's pretty ominous, I'm starting to understand why most dragons prefer to hide away with their hoards." "Do not fear to live, boy king," Analeth advises you, "for you have but one lifetime to do so. The sands of your own hourglass are already trickling away, before the eyes of the Watcher." Josh said: -He'll look into finding a bank that has a branch in both skyshroud and waterwend so that he can join this church. arranging payments from the stonefare treasury.  (i'll put his commune questions over the years in Pm.) (copied from PMs as a reminder to the other players of the rules for organizations)  Unfortunately, you don't yet meet the requirements to join the  Temple of Chronepsis : while you fit the special requirement of being a dragon, you need at least one level in an associated class or 4 ranks in an associated skill to prove that you'd be useful to them. "If you dedicate yourself more to learning the ways of our faith, I will reconsider allowing you to join our solemn ranks," Analeth promises. Dawi said: Josh said: I just wanted to see him, but I suppose if I got the chance I might as well see what his stance on slavery his since it seems permitted in his lands. (are their slaves in Skyshroud.?) -I expect he'll be long gone before Limar has any kind of diplomatic impact out side of the catacombs. Max said: You know that King Leopold III holds court on Stardays, Moondays, and Waterdays, but only his subjects or diplomatic envoys are permitted entry. It's possible  you might be able to pull some strings and get Limar credited as a diplomat, with the help of the Temple of Lendys . Roll Diplomacy. Diplomacy: 22  Ering is scared of what Limar could do in a court with the King, but he still feels in debt with the dragon, so he warns about his chaotic disposition but still vouches for him.   Ering can answer the question about slavery. “It is illegal here in Skyshroud, but ruling nobles in nearby fiefdoms can decide for themselves.”  You've never attended his court yourself, though you've seen the King from afar during parades. He is as well-loved by his people as his forebears, with a reputation for patience, wisdom, and good humor, so it's unlikely Limar will offend him... especially if carefully handled. Elaean helps to pull some strings, though it seems a bribe will be necessary as well: 200 gold pieces should be enough. Dawi said: Max said: You also have a chance to debrief more thoroughly with your commanding officer, Brigadier General Schnizel Remand; after hearing the long story of your experiences in the Stone River  War, and asking many pointed questions, he affirms his decision that after your leave you should return to ensure that the situation stays stable. "We don't want one of the Great Powers trying to follow in Shurreon's footsteps... and I don't like the sound of that Black Scroll business either. I thought the things were only a Rokugani legend. You did well, Walfire, but sometimes the hardest part of making war is keeping the peace." Now that the war with Suel is over Ering asks if more troops can be deployed to the catacombs region, as peacekeeping would be a lot easier with a larger military force acting as a deterrent, and while strong alliances have been made Ering admits that they are not completely loyal.  While on the subject of war, Ering takes the time to sing the praises of Doran Starflower and the 105th Squadron for their role in liberating Bowhery.  (I don’t know what the correct etiquette is in this case, but if possible Ering will advocate for Doran receiving either a promotion or a bonus), General Remand considers your requests, and decides they are wise. After conferring with high command and the King, he informs you a few days later that reinforcements will be deployed to each THM base in the Catacombs region, via long-range teleportation . He offers to send you back that way as well (as a perk) when your leave is finished, and to replace the men you lost during the Stone River  War. He doesn't inform you of his decision regarding Doran, as that would be improper, but you get the sense that the 105th will be rewarded for their courage and diligence, if they haven't been already. Later on, some time after your return to the Catacombs region, you hear through the grapevine that Doran (who already held the highest rank an NCO can) was awarded the Medal of Heroism, Brottok was promoted from Private First Class to Corporal, while Pennyroyal and Simon were promoted from Staff Sergeant to Master Sergeant. Dawi said: Max said: Several church libraries buy copies, as do some nobles in the Catacombs region, and the book can now be found in various places. Heian Kelpwhisper, Treefall 's high priest of Deep Sashelas, thanks you gracefully for it as well. (I think I made a mistake here, I went to check and it was the Church of Labelas Enoreth that helped Ering and Leoavor, so they will receive the book as a gift as well).  I assumed you were thanking Heian for helping Xankoris recreate torrential rain , since it was such a huge piece of your victory. :P But Enialis Cirrusky will be grateful as well, and add the book to their library.

honestly just keep the gold and go buy some skyshroud healing potions or something, meeting the human king is not a big point right now.

Another thing Avariel would have done during the two years was return the sack of belongings found in the caves to the children of Shamil Beren. He would comfort them any way he could, and probably weep with them as well, and definitely say a prayer with them. OOC: I think this game is the only D&D game I've ever played where I've actually struggled to stay dry-eyed. Like, ow.

Nate S. said: Another thing Avariel would have done during the two years was return the sack of belongings found in the caves to the children of Shamil Beren. He would comfort them any way he could, and probably weep with them as well, and definitely say a prayer with them. OOC: I think this game is the only D&D game I've ever played where I've actually struggled to stay dry-eyed. Like, ow. Ering already made arrangements for that, but you can definitely go along to provide some spiritual support to her grieving family. Also that means a lot to me as a DM, thank you.

         Balthasar and Edmund and some of his crews go to Waterwend with Xankoris by using Rosie and Sand Strider. Balt rents the forge until the next meeting arrives, he also demands to make it as private as possible so no one can see him making things.     The rest of his crews around The Waypoint are cutting wood to match the quota before the next fight comes.     Xankoris, after guiding Balt's team to the forge, goes to the Shrine of Isora and Thousand Fortunes. He then casts Divination in the shrine and asks: "Can any Kami or Fortune walk among us to fight against Tenebrous and/or Rizdar just like Second Day of Thunder ?" (1d100: 38)

Still completely distraught after Rezinov's revelations, Ering Teleports with Vigil to Skyshroud (76 and 62, both on target). Once inside the THM Headquarters he asks for an immediate audience with Brigadier General Schnizel Remand. 

Ritt K.  said:          Balthasar and Edmund and some of his crews go to Waterwend with Xankoris by using Rosie and Sand Strider. Balt rents the forge until the next meeting arrives, he also demands to make it as private as possible so no one can see him making things. Unfortunately, Rosie and Sandstrider have to make the return trip from  Rizdar's Castle  overland, a journey of about 4 days even with their great speed. Presumably they were left at the castle temporarily when everyone  teleported  and  wind walked  back to the  Stone River Waypoint , but Balthasar and Edmund will first need to decide how to bring them to  Waterwend . Daidoji Shouyo accompanies them as well, and splits off in  Waterwend  to go undercover and begin spying on Meilin's people. Hiskel also comes along, stopping by  Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments  to cancel an order before shopping for useful supplies. What sort of thing do you look for, Hiskel? Ritt K.  said:     Xankoris, after guiding Balt's team to the forge, goes to the Shrine of Isora and Thousand Fortunes. He then casts Divination in the shrine and asks: "Can any Kami or Fortune walk among us to fight against Tenebrous and/or Rizdar just like  Second Day of Thunder ?" (1d100: 38) Xankoris begins to feel better after walking through the torii  gate at the entrance, his guilt and fear eased by the Shrine 's purifying power.  As he prays and meditates over his incense, burning a silvered feather to draw in the spirits of the air, he descends into a deep quiet... and at last his eyes open, glowing with a soft blue light. A different voice speaks from his lips, from across time and worlds, using his body as the vessel for his answer; wise and peaceful, as one who has mastered all the elements of this world. "I am Asahina Densetsu, and I have heard your plea for foresight. The Fortunes will be with you in this battle, as on that fateful day, but only once the power of the Destroyer has been cut off." The magic fades, and Xankoris is himself once more. After he's finished praying and speaking with his  shinshoku  Emory (who has learned the basics of the Way of the Kami   over the last 2 years and is now an acolyte air shugenja), Xankoris findss Otu'ap-Xlta waiting for him at the  Merling King .  A marble fountain in a small square off of  Main Street , with a gilded statue of a triton blowing a conch shell in the center and water bubbling out of the shell's end, the  Merling King  is a popular meeting spot for locals, and often surrounded by a few stands selling street food and other useful things. Dawi  said: Still completely distraught after Rezinov's revelations, Ering Teleports with Vigil to Skyshroud (76 and 62, both on target). Once inside the THM Headquarters he asks for an immediate audience with Brigadier General Schnizel Remand.  Ering and Vigil make the great journey in two quick hops, using the same midway point (a small human town) as before, to appear in  Galvan Square  at the center of the THUHM complex, named for the statue of General Galbert Galvan, a war hero of the previous century, that marks it. His high rank and nobility are more than sufficient to pave the way, other soldiers saluting him and passing him through, though his scroll of orders and identity are magically checked several times at various checkpoints before he's allowed in to see his commanding officer, the head of MARSUB, in the latter's private office. "I didn't expect to see you back so soon..." Schnizel says, looking up from his maps, then notices the half-dead look on Ering's face. " Nine Hells  boy, what's happened? Sit down, you look like you're about to fall over." The Brigadier General gets out a crystal bottle and tumbler, pouring 2 fingers of Hamilian scotch and pushing the glass into Ering's hand.

Ering expect to appear in the Military Headquarters surrounded by a flurry of activity and panic only matched by his first Teleportation in the Battle of Bowhery. But there were no soldiers running around, no commissioned officers barking orders and no mages gazing fearfully at the skies, only the usual and too familiar bureaucracy. Do the know nothing!? Has no one looked at the moon or was the sky covered yesterday? Not a single cleric reported yet? The wizard looks at the glass, deciding that an injection of liquid courage in his already upset stomach may end up with the bountiful breakfast eaten at the Waypoint on his officer's detailed maps.  "I'm fine, sir. Thank you..." Ering draws a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. "I have an urgent report to make sir. I assume this location is already Scry-proof?"  After receiving a positive answer (or after securing the room) he continues. "I mentioned a certain Rizdar the Storm in my reports, a Red Wizard from Tempestus that fought against us in the Stone River War..."  Ering goes on to explain the assault on Rizdar's castle and the reason behind it, detailing how he was foolish to trust the plan made by someone else, how they were betrayed and how Rizdar activated the Black Scroll made by Tellaj. He end his report with the discoveries made during the council, Nola's answers and finally, Rezinov's last words.  

protection from, negative energy, death effects, negative energy levels.

    Xankoris bows as a formal greeting. "I think you already saw how the Celene changed, let me explain it." He then talks about the recent encounter with Rizdar and the black scrolls then how they went to the moon to do you know what.     "I never feel this amount of odd on our side before in my life. How about you? What do you think about this?" He really meant it when he said so, a good thing that Otu is quite close to him but not that close so he can vent something out of his chest. "I'm thinking about reinventing the spell that can rewind the fraction of time or the one that can send their conscious to Void itself, but what we're facing is a deity... and magic doesn't do much to them. Thus I'm asking for your help." Not sure why, but Xankoris can see potential in this man. Maybe he saw something similar between them, or this is just fate that brought them here.

Landing and materializing limar will hail the gate guards. "let the red king know his vassal King limar of the stone fare has returned." -if there's still time on that spell he'll pretend to be a ghost an spook kaladesh.

Wrad enjoyed his wind travel as always. He listened with utmost attention the explanation from Leoavor about the geography of the region. As he already made the journey the day before in the other direction, Leoavor's descriptions were all the more profitable. Wrad answered to Limar question with his ever smile:"The wind spell will last a few hours. You can regain the cloud form as desired and later resume your physical form. But now on, you will have to concentrate to become again able to travel with the wind. Each change to and from vaporous form takes 5 rounds."

Dawi said: Ering expect to appear in the Military Headquarters surrounded by a flurry of activity and panic only matched by his first Teleportation in the Battle of Bowhery. But there were no soldiers running around, no commissioned officers barking orders and no mages gazing fearfully at the skies, only the usual and too familiar bureaucracy. Do the know nothing!? Has no one looked at the moon or was the sky covered yesterday? Not a single cleric reported yet? The wizard looks at the glass, deciding that an injection of liquid courage in his already upset stomach may end up with the bountiful breakfast eaten at the Waypoint on his officer's detailed maps.  "I'm fine, sir. Thank you..." Ering draws a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. "I have an urgent report to make sir. I assume this location is already Scry-proof?"  Schnizel looks deeply concerned as you turn down the drink, not only for his long-time protege and friend, but out of a highly rational anxiety: anything that could spook Ering Walfire this much is not to be taken lightly.  "Of course," he reassures you. "All the THUHM offices are, you know that, son. Now what happened? Is it Shurreon again?" Dawi said: After receiving a positive answer (or after securing the room) he continues. "I mentioned a certain Rizdar the Storm in my reports, a Red Wizard from Tempestus that fought against us in the Stone River War..."  Ering goes on to explain the assault on Rizdar's castle and the reason behind it, detailing how he was foolish to trust the plan made by someone else, how they were betrayed and how Rizdar activated the Black Scroll made by Tellaj. He end his report with the discoveries made during the council, Nola's answers and finally, Rezinov's last words.   The Brigadier General listens with visibly growing worry, and soon rises to pace the room as you recount the twists and turns of the story in depth. When you finish, he sits down at his desk and sighs, running his fingers through his thinning salt-and-pepper hair, then murmurs grimly "Two gods dead, and a monster from history returned to the world... how unlucky we are, to live in such interesting times." He downs the glass of scotch himself, and thinks for a few minutes--familiar with this habit, you know to wait patiently while his powerful mind sets all the pieces to order. "It does explain that strange rumbling last night... and the recent proliferation of doomsayers in the streets. Well, it's not your fault, son. Espionage is a part of warfare, and sometimes it gets the better of us. Especially with sleeper agents. You can do everything right and still fail; that is not weakness, that is life." He gives you a comforting smile. "But in any case, we must do what we can to address this situation before it gets any worse. It sounds like your comrades in the Catacombs have a handle on things, so you're to report back to them and cooperate with their efforts. Use your best judgment, find out everything you can, and keep me apprised with regular sendings . I'll speak with General Lochless right away, and we'll coordinate with the Temples here as well." He pauses again, and muses, "The curious thing is why Rizdar chose to create this Iron Citadel  on Celene , so far from his support system... why abandon his Castle , lands, and soldiers? The location must be important somehow... perhaps because of some property of the moon itself, or simply for its isolation. If the latter, it means he's expecting a great deal of trouble... which would make sense, if the Citadel  is still connected to Tenebrous. In which case, I'm sure it'd soon become a battleground for everyone who wants Tenebrous dead again..." Josh said: protection from, negative energy, death effects, negative energy levels. Nerwenye's Oils and Elixirs  don't have any useful potions in stock, but they can arrange for Potions of protection from negative energy to be brewed to order foe 826gp, 8sp, and 8cp each. At  Frimin and Asgeifr's Armaments , Frimin Moonbrook checks her stock and tells you that the Frostbrand greatsword they have is possessed by the spirit of a ghost warrior's greatsword, and can harm incorporeal foes as readily as material ones. She also mentions that it glows at deeply cold temperatures, protects the wielder from normal fire, and can extinguish nearby fires. You don't have any luck at Ziged's Wands , though at Verrer and Arral's Quill  the tallfellow halfling Verrer Leagallow shows you a scroll of protection from negative energy  for 393 gold pieces, 7 silver pieces, and 5 copper pieces. "You might also want scrolls of death ward ," she suggests, petting her elegant bengal cat familiar Samantha. "I can order some through our supplier, for 735 gold pieces each." Ryelly's Wondrous Vault  also shows promise: the merchant owner Ryelly Underbough shows you a golden holy symbol of Yondalla he calls the Cornucopia of Protection. "It'll protect you from magic indefinitely," he explains, "but its real power is to absorb negative energy and death magic. It can only soak up so much of that, though, before the magic inside it is used up. For your master, I can let it go for 39,800 gold pieces." Around Waterwend , Hiskel notices an uneasy mood--few people seem to know any specifics of what's happened yet, but many are swapping rumors about the strange tremors and winds last night, while clergy and sensitives speak of a feeling of impending doom. Even those with no reason to fear seem to feel that something terrible has happened, so interwoven are the threads of the cosmos. Ritt K. said:     Xankoris bows as a formal greeting. "I think you already saw how the Celene changed, let me explain it." He then talks about the recent encounter with Rizdar and the black scrolls then how they went to the moon to do you know what.     "I never feel this amount of odd on our side before in my life. How about you? What do you think about this?" He really meant it when he said so, a good thing that Otu is quite close to him but not that close so he can vent something out of his chest. "I'm thinking about reinventing the spell that can rewind the fraction of time or the one that can send their conscious to Void itself, but what we're facing is a deity... and magic doesn't do much to them. Thus I'm asking for your help." Not sure why, but Xankoris can see potential in this man. Maybe he saw something similar between them, or this is just fate that brought them here. Otu'ap-Xlta, having been underground for the last few days in the Wending Maze , is shocked and unsettled by the revelations Xankoris shares. He considers before speaking, but when he does so, you can sense that he is still holding back for the sake of politeness--and to someone from the Emerald Empire , this only endears him more to you. "Deities are beyond mortal magic. To fight one directly is folly... but, that does not mean you should accept their will!" Otu says this emphatically, almost shouting in the depth of his sincerity. "Even gods are not omnipotent, nor omniscient. They can be subverted, evaded, overcome with cleverness and will. Nothing they create is beyond the ability of mortals to undo, if we have only the clarity of purpose necessary. I will help you to accomplish this. But first, we must gather more information... we must find the weakness in the power of this Tenebrous, this God-Wraith." After some considering, Balthasar comes with Wrad's group to Rizdar's Castle , to pick up the golems he had to leave outside it the previous night. Along the way, Leoavor shows him the route to bring them back to Waterwend , and once you arrive he sets to work inside the Sandstrider. phil G.  said: Wrad enjoyed his wind travel as always. He listened with utmost attention the explanation from Leoavor about the geography of the region. As he already made the journey the day before in the other direction, Leoavor's descriptions were all the more profitable. Roll Knowledge (geography) to see how much you're able to absorb. Josh said: Landing and materializing limar will hail the gate guards. "let the red king know his vassal King limar of the stone fare has returned." -if there's still time on that spell he'll pretend to be a ghost an spook kaladesh. phil G.  said: Wrad answered to Limar question with his ever smile:"The wind spell will last a few hours. You can regain the cloud form as desired and later resume your physical form. But now on, you will have to concentrate to become again able to travel with the wind. Each change to and from vaporous form takes 5 rounds." The sentries bow respectfully to the King of the Stonefare , and one hurries inside to deliver the message. Meanwhile Kaladesh, flying overhead directing the cleanup, is an easy mark... Roll Bluff and Diplomacy. Leoavor mentions to Limar as an aside, " Round  is an arcane term for a span of about 6 seconds. It's an important constant in a lot of abstract magical theory."

13773 gp from canceling the mithril armor. 1,292 gp at underbough bank + her own 509 gp and 19 platinum. 15,764 -3304 she'll order 4 of the potions 12,460 Hiskel will give Frimin a "why?" look and leave. she'll suggest the scrolls to the the other casters depending on whose all going. does the protection from magic continue after its negative energy an death protection are used up? -is it like spell resistance where it can be over come or like a golems immunity? - would it stop friendly healing spells? depending on the answers Limar will fetch more gold from the stonefare treasury and get it. bluff 17, can he speak in this gaseous form? diplomacy 35 -arsenal will also be reporting to nerosian , letting her know of erings desire to meet quickly.

Max said: "It does explain that strange rumbling last night... and the recent proliferation of doomsayers in the streets. Well, it's not your fault, son. Espionage is a part of warfare, and sometimes it gets the better of us. Especially with sleeper agents. You can do everything right and still fail; that is not weakness, that is life." He gives you a comforting smile. "But in any case, we must do what we can to address this situation before it gets any worse. It sounds like your comrades in the Catacombs have a handle on things, so you're to report back to them and cooperate with their efforts. Use your best judgment, find out everything you can, and keep me apprised with regular sendings . I'll speak with General Lochless right away, and we'll coordinate with the Temples here as well." He pauses again, and muses, "The curious thing is why Rizdar chose to create this Iron Citadel  on Celene , so far from his support system... why abandon his Castle , lands, and soldiers? The location must be important somehow... perhaps because of some property of the moon itself, or simply for its isolation. If the latter, it means he's expecting a great deal of trouble... which would make sense, if the Citadel  is still connected to Tenebrous. In which case, I'm sure it'd soon become a battleground for everyone who wants Tenebrous dead again..." Ering takes a seat as well, somewhat calmer. The breathing exercises learned to maintain concentration on his spells even in the direst of battlefields are now clearing his mind, allowing him to follow the Brigadier General's train of thoughts. "All your lands and soldiers won't matter much if every King, dragon or fool with a sword is able to reach you." Ering shakes his head. "Meanwhile, you would need a very powerful spell to even send a few soldiers on Celine. But something still doesn't fit... Rizdar is a very ambitious wizard; he wants power and influence... A lonely citadel on the Moon isn't his final goal."  The necromancer stares at the ground, still tempted to fall into the pit of despair. After all, why should he be the one to propose a plan? There must be someone better suited than him in the whole Kingdon of Terolus... Someone that can relieve him of this burden... "Rizdar's plan is not yet complete, and I'm sure of that. But what has Tenebrous promised him? What could possibly be worth enough?"  Ering remains silent for a while, then picks up again. "The citadel is made of undead iron, whatever that is... Could it be possible that the huge flow of power from the Negative Energy Plane is what sustains it? And Tenebrous Himself should be tied to the citadel... I'll try to find out more about this anomaly in the Negative Energy Plane." "We have also started to work on a possible plan, but the citadel's location is a terrible problem. A Greater Teleport would only allow me and four other people to travel there. Maybe... Maybe we could use the THM long range deployment spell?"

Sidsaspi uncoils himself  beside Ering overhearing the conversation: -I wish to be Snake on the Moon and usurp Rizdar's Iron Citadel... I will need this kind of powerful accomplishments to overthrow our Klan leader Hesilith. Possibly the favors of Varae too. I need to grow stronger if i want the Cobra Commanders to respect me !  -Let's say i help you with you're political problem and in exchange you help me with my own? -I could search some answers in undistilled demonic lore to reach the moon and it's secrets or perhaps we could capture one of them Aliens that dwells the darkest recluse of some of our peoples underground Dens. Force it to construct us a mean to go there.

    Balthasar's golems are next to the forge, he doesn't care much if it will be the point of attention or not anyway.     "6000 GP... and have to shape it ourselves..." Balthasar weighs his choices whether to upgrade a borepuncher or not in the forge with his crews. "Still too much. Got only 2 days." Balthasar then reaches to some scrap of parchment and a sharp piece of charcoal.     "One of you fill Rosie's water tank... Some more go ask churches around kindly for barrels of Blessed Water, adding  please  and  The Wayfinders  in a sentence might help" Balt asked his crews while drawing a quick sketch. "The rest... Help me make this." He shows the plan to the team. "We didn't bring any magical ring gate, but we already have a discriminator and an animator. So  ye olde mechanical breach  will do the trick." it's a sketch of Sand Strider that has another limb, and the end of it has a circular blade attached.     "A spinning blade will take us two days and a Huge Iron arm will take less than an hour." Balt lays the plan on the table and stretching himself. "And if we have any time left after all that, we could enhance the saw."

    Xankoris nods along while listening to Otu. "Well, I only know the weakness of Black Scroll. Tenebrous or other deities outside our Spirit Realms aren't my strong suit. Since you seem to practice in schools of magic that is different from my other teammates, I think you can help me with that. Maybe asking Outsider or lead me to some exotic place, something like that."

Dawi  said: Max  said: "It does explain that strange rumbling last night... and the recent proliferation of doomsayers in the streets. Well, it's not your fault, son. Espionage is a part of warfare, and sometimes it gets the better of us. Especially with sleeper agents. You can do everything right and still fail; that is not weakness, that is life." He gives you a comforting smile. "But in any case, we must do what we can to address this situation before it gets any worse. It sounds like your comrades in the Catacombs have a handle on things, so you're to report back to them and cooperate with their efforts. Use your best judgment, find out everything you can, and keep me apprised with regular  sendings . I'll speak with General Lochless right away, and we'll coordinate with the  Temples  here as well." He pauses again, and muses, "The curious thing is why Rizdar chose to create this  Iron Citadel  on  Celene , so far from his support system... why abandon his  Castle , lands, and soldiers? The location must be important somehow... perhaps because of some property of the moon itself, or simply for its isolation. If the latter, it means he's expecting a great deal of trouble... which would make sense, if the  Citadel  is still connected to Tenebrous. In which case, I'm sure it'd soon become a battleground for everyone who wants Tenebrous dead again..." Ering takes a seat as well, somewhat calmer. The breathing exercises learned to maintain concentration on his spells even in the direst of battlefields are now clearing his mind, allowing him to follow the Brigadier General's train of thoughts. "All your lands and soldiers won't matter much if every King, dragon or fool with a sword is able to reach you." Ering shakes his head. "Meanwhile, you would need a very powerful spell to even send a few soldiers on Celine. But something still doesn't fit... Rizdar is a  very  ambitious wizard; he wants power and influence... A lonely citadel on the Moon isn't his final goal."  The necromancer stares at the ground, still tempted to fall into the pit of despair. After all, why should he be the one to propose a plan? There must be someone better suited than him in the whole Kingdon of Terolus... Someone that can relieve him of this burden... "Rizdar's plan is not yet complete, and I'm sure of that. But what has Tenebrous promised him? What could possibly be worth enough?"  Remand nods in agreement, following your own reasoning in turn. "There are some big missing pieces from our information. He must have something very worthwhile to gain from his isolation there. In all of history, there are very few records of anyone even exploring  Celene ... the environment is just too barren to be useful, and too deadly to be worth the trouble."  As if sensing your anxiety, he reassures you again, his tone warm but firm, the pillar of a man who has been your mentor for many years. "Don't worry, son, you're not alone in this. When Rizdar went to  Celene , he left the Catacombs behind, and became a threat to the world--that means this task is no longer your sole responsibility. When we decide to act, you'll have the full support of the Terolus Military behind you. But for now, we need to find those missing pieces, and understand better what we're dealing with." Dawi  said:   Ering remains silent for a while, then picks up again. "The citadel is made of undead iron, whatever that is... Could it be possible that the huge flow of power from the Negative Energy Plane is what sustains it? And Tenebrous Himself should be tied to the citadel... I'll try to find out more about this anomaly in the Negative Energy Plane." "We have also started to work on a possible plan, but the citadel's location is a terrible problem. A Greater Teleport would only allow me and four other people to travel there. Maybe... Maybe we could use the THM long range deployment spell?" " 'Undead iron' ..." the archmage muses. "That rings a bell. I remember an old book about the Knights of the Frozen Sun, an adventuring party that once traveled beyond the  Crystal Sphere  to a world called  Faerûn , and there helped to overthrow a vampire queen in a temple of undead iron. Their account described the castle itself as a single, massive creature, capable of defending itself with magic and alerting its guards to their movements inside it, until they disabled its powers somehow. If this  Iron Citadel  is the same sort of thing, it must have required an enormous amount of negative energy to create it. But... hrm. Undead normally don't need a constant flow of negative energy to sustain themselves. Perhaps it's different because it's so big, or because it's partly a construct?" Knowledge (history) and (nobility & royalty) apply. Profession (astronomer) applies, trained only. He nods again. "When the time comes, I can arrange for it. It'll be a mountain of paperwork to get non-military access to it, but... well, given the circumstances, most definitely worth the trouble. It's one-way though, as you know: you'll need to be able to bring back whomever survives." Cedric D.  said: Sidsaspi uncoils himself  beside Ering overhearing the conversation Ering is in a locked and scry-proof room, deep in the heart of the human kingdom's military headquarters, 2000 miles away. You don't overhear his conversation. :P However, when he returns to share news, you could discuss your ideas and goals with him then. Josh  said: Hiskel will give Frimin a "why?" look and leave. Frimin smiles coyly. "From your shopping list, it's clear that you intend to fight some undead soon. The sword will help a lot against the incorporeal variety. Think about it, and come back if you change your mind." Josh  said: does the protection from magic continue after its negative energy an death protection are used up? -is it like spell resistance where it can be over come or like a golems immunity? - would it stop friendly healing spells? depending on the answers Limar will fetch more gold from the stonefare treasury and get it. "Unfortunately not," Ryelly answers your first question, shaking his head. "but you'll be able to tell when it is. Once the holy amulet absorbs enough negative energy, it'll just crumble into dust." He considers the follow-up questions, and explains "Its protection from magic can be overcome by a powerful mage, but most would have trouble doing so reliably. It should block almost any sort of spell, even from your friends, but only while you hold or wear it; and you can pause the magic resistance for a seconds by concentrating on the amulet." Ritt K.  said:     Xankoris nods along while listening to Otu. "Well, I only know the weakness of Black Scroll. Tenebrous or other deities outside our Spirit Realms aren't my strong suit. Since you seem to practice in schools of magic that is different from my other teammates, I think you can help me with that. Maybe asking Outsider or lead me to some  exotic  place, something like that." Otu nods slowly, considering you... and whether he can trust you. "I know of some  entity  who can maybe help us. Not god or outsider, but something else. Ghosts of ghosts, lost souls of powerful men and women who has no place in the afterlife. They are driven out by all, until ending up in a place that is no place, the Nothingness between reality. I have found secret names, in my searches, and maybe with your magic we can reach them. I think that Nothingness, that  Void , is where Tenebrous hid for all these centuries... they may know more about Him than any other living now do." You have heard of these entities in your studies, before you left Provincia: exiled souls and the shades of gods that cling to existence, lost forever in the Void. But you were always taught to avoid them at all costs, for they are evil and devious, and will bring down destruction on any who try to summon them. Josh  said: bluff 17, can he speak in this gaseous form? diplomacy 35 You can, but with some difficulty: your voices are soft and slow, for if you try to speak too sharply the air just squeezes out through your insubstantial torso. This only adds to the apparitional effect though, and you startle the daylights out of Kaladesh before Leoavor starts laughing and gives you away. "It's just a spell, we're all fine," the half-elf admits, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. He lands and cuffs you on the ear, through his claws go right through you. "You jerk!" he laughs with relief, saying in Draconic, "With all the crazy shit going on, I... well, I'm glad you're back in the world of the living. But I don't know if you'll be welcome here... your friends really pissed off the King last night." "We were hoping he might be more forgiving to Limar, and I wasn't there..." Leoavor says in Draconic, before adding in Common "Plus Wrad here is so nice, nobody could hate him." "Well, I'll put in a good word," Kaladesh offers. "Maybe I can help smooth things over a bit. You wait here." The young copper dragon flies up and into a high window. While you wait, Leoavor strikes up a friendly conversation with the other sentry, and you learn that in the last day the Red King's forces have fully captured the  Castle  and surrounding lands, along with several hundred of Rizdar's soldiers and servants. Many of the latter were slaves, now liberated, and they expect a lot of the captives and freedfolk to offer their service to the liberators. It seems that Hesilith's surviving yuan-ti somehow escaped during the fighting, though, probably through various secret doors into the Catacombs. After about 20 minutes, Kaladesh and Vadania come out of the front gates to speak with you again. Leoavor makes introductions first, since Wrad hasn't really had a chance to formally meet the wild elf priestess. "Wrad, this is Vadania Leafblade, a cleric of chaos, and castellan of the Red King's southern territory. Kaladesh commands his garrison at  Waterwend . They've fought with us before against the evil powers of the depths. Vadania, Kaladesh, this is Wrad Tamiae, a priest of the Touv sun goddess Nola. He's the one She sent to help us last night." Kaladesh gives a small, respectful bow, as to an equal, and Vadania nods her head before speaking. "The Red King is quite wroth with your guild, Leoavor," she says bluntly. "But, I do not think our bridges are yet burnt. We have a long history of alliance, and Limar is a loyal vassal to our King. We were played by a traitor last night, and tempers were high after our plans fell to shambles... much was said in heat. I think that once the traitor is dealt with, our relationship can be repaired. But until then, as much as it grieves me to say, I have been instructed that you are not welcome in our lands." She says this with a strange mix of emotions: sorrowful, abashed, angry, grim, hopeful, and serious. Sense Motive applies. With Balthasar's adjustments, Sandstrider is able to walk along behind Rosie as they head for  Waterwend . Leoavor showed Balthasar the path the take while flying there, so he can give Rosie detailed instructions. In the meantime, Leoavor has time to introduce Balthasar to the eponymous Garron, owner of the  Waterwend  shipwright company  Garron & Sons . They have the biggest forge in town, used to shape huge pieces of steel for reinforcing and holding together ships. With Leoavor's charm, and the debt of gratitude all of  Waterwend  owes to the Wayfinders, they agree to let Balthasar use the forge for his preparations. Both golems cross  Lang Bridge  and arrive in  Waterwend  on the morning of Patchwall 19th, only 2 and a half days till the meeting at the  Waypoint , and Balthasar brings them through town (to the wonder of onlookers) to help him in the  Garron & Sons ' forge. Ritt K.  said:     Balthasar's golems are next to the forge, he doesn't care much if it will be the point of attention or not anyway.     "6000 GP... and have to shape it ourselves..." Balthasar weighs his choices whether to upgrade a borepuncher or not in the forge with his crews. "Still too much. Got only 2 days." Balthasar then reaches to some scrap of parchment and a sharp piece of charcoal.     "One of you fill Rosie's water tank... Some more go ask churches around kindly for barrels of Blessed Water, adding  please  and  The Wayfinders  in a sentence might help" Balt asked his crews while drawing a quick sketch. "The rest... Help me make this." He shows the plan to the team. "We didn't bring any magical ring gate, but we already have a discriminator and an animator. So  ye olde mechanical breach  will do the trick." it's a sketch of Sand Strider that has another limb, and the end of it has a circular blade attached.     "A spinning blade will take us two days and a Huge Iron arm will take less than an hour." Balt lays the plan on the table and stretching himself. "And if we have any time left after all that, we could enhance the saw." Your men look over the schematics, and after some mechanical discussion they help you get to work. One of them goes to see about getting holy water from the churches in town, and returns a few hours later with 8 1-pint bottles of the silvery liquid. "They were willing to donate this much, sir, but more will cost us. I think I can procure us about 2 more gallons at a discount, though I'll need petty cash... 350 gold pieces or so. You were right, the name of the Wayfinders opens a lot of doors in this area."

sense motive 18 they'll get the amulet, would he drop the price for a favor note from King limar?

Josh said: sense motive 18 Limar reads the subtle meaning in Vadania's words: 'the traitor' as in 'Sidsaspi, because we're pissed that your comrades accused ours, but once you realize your mistake and deal with the real problem we'll forgive you'.  Leoavor seems to understand as well, and adds in a helpfully mediative tone, "We want to fix this situation as much as you do, Vadania. But at the moment, we're deeply worried about what Rizdar did after he went to Celene . Tenebrous is back to His full power, and He's killing gods... we just got word this morning, he already slew Deep Sashelas and Ilmater. One of our comrades, an angel of Ilmater, died bringing us the news." Vadania is shocked, and seems very dismayed by this revelation. "So it's true... I don't like organized religion, but even so..." She bites her lip, thinking hard, and Kaladesh takes her hand comfortingly. She may be easier to sway in this state of mind, if Wrad wants to assist (by rolling against DC10 Diplomacy and adding his own arguments or reinforcing his allies' points). Limar, you can also roll another Diplomacy check with your own argument, for Vadania this time. Leoavor gives you +2. Josh said: they'll get the amulet, would he drop the price for a favor note from King limar? "Hrm... with all the trade flowing through there lately, that might be a good investment," Ryelly considers, all business suddenly. "I'll knock 500 gold off the price, for it."

Leoavor seems to understand as well, and adds in a helpfully mediative tone, "We want to fix this situation as much as you do, Vadania. But at the moment, we're deeply worried about what Rizdar did after he went to Celene . Tenebrous is back to His full power, and He's killing gods... we just got word this morning, he already slew Deep Sashelas and Ilmater. One of our comrades, an angel of Ilmater, died bringing us the news." Vadania is shocked, and seems very dismayed by this revelation. "So it's true... I don't like organized religion, but even so..." She bites her lip, thinking hard, and Kaladesh takes her hand comfortingly. She may be easier to sway in this state of mind, if Wrad wants to assist (by rolling against DC10 Diplomacy and adding his own arguments or reinforcing his allies' points). Limar, you can also roll another Diplomacy check with your own argument, for Vadania this time. Leoavor gives you +2. Sense Motive 5 Wrad did not get the point from Vadania. He was preparing his official request in his thought taking his time to find the right words to achieve his goal, their goal. Leovar's answer and Vadania' reaction gave the opportunity to Wrad to adjust his thought. Assisting Leovar, Wrad said: Diplomacy 31 "We shall have time enough to discuss culpability and responsibility from each of us later, after we have defeated Rizdard and The tenebrous!" Wrad made a short pause closing his eyes. He turned the palm of his left hand to the sun and put his right hand on his heart to emphasize the continuation: "Shall Nola guide and help us!" Then he added: "At this time, at this very moment, we need to get a full access to this castle in order to gather information about Rizdard. I can't believe that your King would not allow us to do so. Te be welcome or not in your lands should not be the matter. The matter should be who wants to support those who are going to fight against Rizdar and The Tenebrous on Celene." Wrad concluded summarizing: "Again, we only ask for a full access to this castle, granted by your king." For the second time, turning the palm of his left hand to the sun and putting his right hand on his heart, he finished with this faithful words: "May Nola enlighten your spirits to see what you should rightly do in this tenebrous time..."

Ering smiles faintly, encouraged by the words of his superior officer. "I will focus my efforts on finding the Black Scroll's weakness and the nature of the rift in the Negative Energy Plane." He pauses for a moment, unsure on how properly phrase his next requests. "Our time is very limited... Would it be possible to have the MARSUB mages Scry Rizdar, his apprentices and Hesilith? Powerful clerics here in Skyshroud could also help. We would also need to find scrolls for our eventual assault on Celine, mainly Greater Teleport , Attune Form and possibly a Seal Portal one." Knowledge (history): 24 Knowledge (nobility & royalty): 22 Profession (astronomer): 17 Max  said: Ering is in a locked and scry-proof room, deep in the heart of the human kingdom's military headquarters, 2000 miles away. You don't overhear his conversation. :P However, when he returns to share news, you could discuss your ideas and goals with him then. Cedric D.  said: Sidsaspi uncoils himself  beside Ering overhearing the conversation:  -I wish to be Snake on the Moon and usurp Rizdar's Iron Citadel... I will need this kind of powerful accomplishments to overthrow our Klan leader Hesilith. Possibly the favors of Varae too. I need to grow stronger if i want the Cobra Commanders to respect me !   -Let's say i help you with you're political problem and in exchange you help me with my own? -I could search some answers in undistilled demonic lore to reach the moon and it's secrets or perhaps we could capture one of them Aliens that dwells the darkest recluse of some of our peoples underground Dens. Force it to construct us a mean to go there. (Ering doesn't talk about the experimental Teleportation Circle of the THM, but happily shares that he found help in Skyshroud) Ering eyes Sid wearily. "I've already had my fill of power hungry snakes for this year. I do not care about your goals as long as they don't interfere with ours, but your priority should be stopping the undead God with the power to kill deities! Try to find out what exactly Hesilith is planning and I might consider helping you."

Ering eyes Sid wearily. "I've already had my fill of power hungry snakes for this year. I do not care about your goals as long as they don't interfere with ours, but your priority should be stopping the undead God with the power to kill deities! Try to find out what exactly Hesilith is planning and I might consider helping you." (the discution append before Ering left after the king's dinner scene or after he came back from is HQ) Sidsaspi responds: -Mhh.. i could go back  and ask what is going on .  Surely the aftermath left conflict back home. I need to know what the Kabal as to say about this. -One of the Cobra Commanders we battled(the female abomination that escaped / Mishuleth ) is aware you pose no treat to the Kin , her failure to stop you whoever may trigger punishment , even if she saved countless of our people doing so. I think she's worthy and i want to mate with her someday. Sidsaspi slitters a 350 degree on the same square he is and dances is head in appreciation.

he'll use a favor note to for the amulet. 

"I found the destroyed Fortune in Void once, and he is a good one. So they must be the other broken ones who are willing to help us." In the siege, Xankoris just did the impossible, and The memory of the first husband of Isora has come back. With Siwan and Otu, he believes he will be able to pull it off. "I'm down, let's do it." "Of course, as far as we know, they're quite a big deal." Balt counts the plats twice before passing it to his man. "40 Plats. 35 for the blessed water, the rest to buy everyone here a warm meal. Since we won't stay for long, let's engrain the taste of a fresh warm meal into our lobes. Maybe we should bring some back too, but that can wait"

Dawi said: Ering smiles faintly, encouraged by the words of his superior officer. "I will focus my efforts on finding the Black Scroll's weakness and the nature of the rift in the Negative Energy Plane." He pauses for a moment, unsure on how properly phrase his next requests. "Our time is very limited... Would it be possible to have the MARSUB mages Scry Rizdar, his apprentices and Hesilith? Powerful clerics here in Skyshroud could also help. We would also need to find scrolls for our eventual assault on Celine, mainly Greater Teleport , Attune Form and possibly a Seal Portal one." Knowledge (history): 24 Knowledge (nobility & royalty): 22 Profession (astronomer): 17 "Of course, I'll try myself, and put my best men on it. We'll need detailed descriptions of all the targets before you go. I'll see what I can do, as far as the scrolls go," he promises. You've heard of the Knights of the Frozen Sun as well, as several of them went on to become major historical figures in Terolus. Their priest of Pelor, a human named Razi, founded the Burning Sun sect of his religion, devoted to seeking out and destroying undead; a statue of him stands outside their temple, the House of the Burning Sun  in Skyshroud, even today. Meanwhile their leader, the high elf Tharivol, founded many elven towns and cities in Terolus, including Treefall  in the Catacombs region and the new elven capital Glemmeria  in the Great Marsh  (where the ancient capital once rose among the trees of the Great Forest  before the Cataclysm). You've also read several books that referred in part to their legendary adventure beyond the stars and the  Crystal Sphere  that marks the absolute border of your cosmos. The Phlogiston , or Burning Æther, that swirls beyond is supposed to be an impassible barrier to any except the semi-mythical ships called Spelljammers that are specially designed to sail it. Beyond the Phlogiston  are supposedly other Crystal Spheres containing other, distinct cosmic systems of planes and worlds. The Knights of the Frozen Sun claimed to have visited one of these in a famous Spelljammer called the Icarus , which appears in tales from various ages throughout Terolus's history. Ritt K. said: "I found the destroyed Fortune in Void once, and he is a good one. So they must be the other broken ones who are willing to help us." In the siege, Xankoris just did the impossible, and The memory of the first husband of Isora has come back. With Siwan and Otu, he believes he will be able to pull it off. "I'm down, let's do it." "Excellent!" Otu says, grinning ear to ear with a mixture of relief and excitement. "But! I am thinking we should not speak of this to your other comrades. These spirits are maligned and hated by many faith, for the secrets they know. Most religion place death penalty on anyone even who try to contact one. So we should do this in secret, yes? I work alone normally, but I am not wanting to drive wedge between you and your guild." phil G. said: Leoavor seems to understand as well, and adds in a helpfully mediative tone, "We want to fix this situation as much as you do, Vadania. But at the moment, we're deeply worried about what Rizdar did after he went to Celene . Tenebrous is back to His full power, and He's killing gods... we just got word this morning, he already slew Deep Sashelas and Ilmater. One of our comrades, an angel of Ilmater, died bringing us the news." Vadania is shocked, and seems very dismayed by this revelation. "So it's true... I don't like organized religion, but even so..." She bites her lip, thinking hard, and Kaladesh takes her hand comfortingly. She may be easier to sway in this state of mind, if Wrad wants to assist (by rolling against DC10 Diplomacy and adding his own arguments or reinforcing his allies' points). Limar, you can also roll another Diplomacy check with your own argument, for Vadania this time. Leoavor gives you +2. Sense Motive 5 Wrad did not get the point from Vadania. He was preparing his official request in his thought taking his time to find the right words to achieve his goal, their goal. Leovar's answer and Vadania' reaction gave the opportunity to Wrad to adjust his thought. Assisting Leovar, Wrad said: Diplomacy 31 "We shall have time enough to discuss culpability and responsibility from each of us later, after we have defeated Rizdard and The tenebrous!" Wrad made a short pause closing his eyes. He turned the palm of his left hand to the sun and put his right hand on his heart to emphasize the continuation: "Shall Nola guide and help us!" Then he added: "At this time, at this very moment, we need to get a full access to this castle in order to gather information about Rizdard. I can't believe that your King would not allow us to do so. Te be welcome or not in your lands should not be the matter. The matter should be who wants to support those who are going to fight against Rizdar and The Tenebrous on Celene." Wrad concluded summarizing: "Again, we only ask for a full access to this castle, granted by your king." For the second time, turning the palm of his left hand to the sun and putting his right hand on his heart, he finished with this faithful words: "May Nola enlighten your spirits to see what you should rightly do in this tenebrous time..." Kaladesh and Leoavor watch the foreign ritual with curiosity, and indeed it seems like the sunlight shines a little brighter as Wrad lifts his hand in prayer, almost breaking through the cloud cover.  When he finishes his ardent plea, Vadania seems to give way. "...alright, alright, I get what you're saying. But you have to understand, it's not my call. I can't go against the will of my King." "Perhaps there is  something we can do, though?" Kaladesh suggests to her. She nods, seemingly having had the same idea as her long-time comrade. "I can't let you into the Castle , but I'll see to it that the grounds are thoroughly searched for any clues that may be of use to you. Rizdar left behind a lot of his library, and Ederc can probably help us search for useful intelligence. Give me a few days, and I'll send you whatever we find by courier." Over the next couple days, two new people arrive at Waypoint to swear their loyalty to Limar: Tobias, a Human Commoner1 (clerk) and "Leviathan" Mallory, a Human Expert2 (scholar). On one of her trips to the Stonefare , Hiskel brings back news of the latest incursion by Fleshreek's orcish soldiers from the Catacombs as part of their ongoing feud. Ever since Limar usurped his vassal queen Rith One-Eye, the demon's been sending troops to harass and raid the trade route now and again, but Laika's kobolds and Kal's hobgoblins, stronger under King Limar's organized and well-funded regime, always manage to drive them back. Axil shares word that Deep Sashelas' priests in Treefall have all reportedly gone mad with grief over the sudden death of their god, and that mass mournings have been seen in the streets. Ritt K. said: "Of course, as far as we know, they're quite a big deal." Balt counts the plats twice before passing it to his man. "40 Plats. 35 for the blessed water, the rest to buy everyone here a warm meal. Since we won't stay for long, let's engrain the taste of a fresh warm meal into our lobes. Maybe we should bring some back too, but that can wait" "Thank you, sir!" your men chorus, as eager as their captain to enjoy more of this land's rich bounty. The man puts in the order, and the entire 2 gallons are delivered by the next day at noon.

With Wrad Concentration  polymorphed  into a yuan-ti pureblood with the pattern of a  timber rattlesnake  and Sidsaspi wearing a large, heavy cloak, Leoavor guides the two infiltrators through the skies by wind walk  in a similar route to the one they took the previous day to Rizdar's Castle . But this time, they set down after only a couple of hours, near the strange and intricate Arcana Lines , close to where Sidsaspi left Hesilith's territory 2 years ago. The sun has set by the time you arrive; in the night sky you can see the full, bright Luna and the half-moon of Celene . "I'll teleport  back to the Waypoint  from here," Leoavor tells you. "Remember, keep a low profile and get out of there if you run into trouble. We don't want to get dragged into another big battle right now." He speaks an incantation and vanishes with a slight, firm tug of air. As you walk and slither towards the Catacombs entrance, you can see the dark blotch on Celene become visible over her horizon while she very slowly turns... and around the center of it, occasional flickers of tiny lights. Wrad is weary from his day of intense focus and careful work, and soon becomes fatigued. Wrad, Sidsaspi, roll Disguise checks. Sidsaspi, roll Survival to find your way.

Sidsaspi once on the ground cast Scent on both him and Wrad -It should be close from here, Wrad.  You will need this spell to understand my people more once i can remember were the entrance on the Den is. (Wrad, with scent , it allows you a special Tracking (survival) and Emotion (sense motive) sensor checks for 1H40 min. Disguise: 21 Survival (Orientation): 2 Survival (Tracking): 19

Following Sid advice, Wrad casted "Tongues" (120min). Feeling the fatigue coming again, he would cast for the second time "lesser restoration" today. Then he said to Sid using his language: "From now, I will wait for you 2 hours. After, I would rather go back to the Stone River Waypoint. Would you agree with that?" Disguise 9

Sidsaspi Respond to Wrad: -Yes. Stone River  is more comfortable... -But do not show signs of any fear and by Varea, do not act apologetic or thankful in any matter.  Be proud of the skin you wear and show signs of it !

Cedric D. said: Disguise: 21 Survival (Orientation): 2 Survival (Tracking): 19 phil G. said: Feeling the fatigue coming again, he would cast for the second time "lesser restoration" today. Disguise 9 With Nola's grace envigorating his weary mind, Wrad follows Sidsaspi flying over the plains at a low altitude but with great speed, as the cloaked serpent tries to remember his way home. After getting lost for about an hour, Sid eventually finds the forest and recognizes a familiar, twisted pine tree that marks a path down into the Catacombs. Underground, the wind walk  spell's clumsy speed is much less useful, and the two traveling companions find it easier to simply walk/slither in corporeal form. It takes another 3 hours of slow, careful exploration through the labyrinthine passageways to find their way deep into the heart of Hesilith's territory. Sidsaspi recognizes the subtle, snake-like markings on the walls in many places as Yuan-ti warnings of traps or directions to safe passages; because of his literacy in the secret language, he's able to avoid many dangers despite his relative unfamiliarity with the terrain from being kept in isolation for most of his time here. Phosphorescent molds, mushrooms, and flowers from the vines choking the ancient stone walls provide enough light to see by while still giving you some concealment when needed. Though you two try to avoid any encounters, you spot passersby in places: a shambling mound of plant matter feeding on a slain interloper, an enormous constrictor snake draped over the upraised arms of a broken statue, a lupine lizard the size of a man that sniffs at Sidsaspi and moves along. Your disguises seem to work well enough to get you past the unintelligent patrols, but as you're crossing a stone bridge over a festering, underground marsh, you see two figures approaching: a pureblooded yuan-ti woman (patterned like a feathered tree viper ) and a lizardman. They're speaking quietly, but fall quiet when they notice you--because of the narrow bridge, you'll have to at least pass close by. Sid doesn't recognize them, so they might not recognize him either. Cedric D. said: -But do not show signs of any fear and by Varea, do not act apologetic or thankful in any matter.  Be proud of the skin you wear and show signs of it ! If you want to try to pass them confidently, roll a Disguise check each to act in-character. If you want to stop and question them about some of the information you're here to find, you'll need to roll a Diplomacy or Intimidate check too. One of you can assist the other. Nola gives Wrad a little boost, giving him +4 on one check.

Sidsaspi lowers a bit is cloak hood and passes aside the 2 serpentfolks and gives a tongue lash in the general direction of the female once 5-10 feet from her straightening a towering stature of is large size beside the couple;  Moving to continue is way to pass the stone bridge. Disguise check: 14 Billowy cloak equiped Sense Motive check: 8 (Smelling emotions on scent spell)

Sidsaspi tells in Yuan-ti to Wrad behind him extending wide is arms: -We are here, Rattle Brother !  -(Sniff ! Sniff ! Big Sniff !) Green-Tree Python comes out of under Sid's scale exposing is head out of the sleeve of the Billowy cloak Sense Motive check: 19 -(Sniff ! Sniff ! Tiny Sniff !)

Disguise 16+4=20 Wrad answered Sid: "I am tired! I only want to rest and to eat!". Wrad will not begin to gossip as it seems that Sid intend to continue his way. Wrad will follow.

Cedric D. said: Sidsaspi lowers a bit is cloak hood and passes aside the 2 serpentfolks and gives a tongue lash in the general direction of the female once 5-10 feet from her straightening a towering stature of is large size beside the couple;  Moving to continue is way to pass the stone bridge. Disguise  check:  14 Cedric D. said: Sidsaspi tells in Yuan-ti to Wrad behind him extending wide is arms: -We are here, Rattle Brother !  -(Sniff ! Sniff ! Big Sniff !) Green-Tree Python comes out of under Sid's scale exposing is head out of the sleeve of the Billowy cloak Sense Motive check: 19 -(Sniff ! Sniff ! Tiny Sniff !) phil G. said: Disguise 16+4=20 Wrad answered Sid: "I am tired! I only want to rest and to eat!". Wrad will not begin to gossip as it seems that Sid intend to continue his way. Wrad will follow. They pureblood and lizardman glance at each other, unsure... but move into single file to pass you two by, keeping their heads down respectfully when not stealing glances at Sidsaspi.  Sid feels a sense of reassuring confidence from his empathic link with his familiar, and you cross the bridge safely, leaving them to head on their way into the passage you came from. Moving deeper into the vine-choked, dimly-lit passageways of Hesilith's inner territory, Sidsaspi begins to recognize more of the few landmarks he was permitted to see during his long captivity here. What do you want to look for in particular, Sid? Mishuleth's lair, an armory, something else?

Sidsaspi waits for a quiet place  with no small size holes around to whisper with Wrad ; Takes out a non-decayed/non-poisonous Raw Fish to him and shares is Bottle of Milk and begins to convey all information and what he knows of the layouts of this place to the Fake-Snake. -The Male chambers ( Gossips , Aggression and Rest possibilities) -The Female Quarters and pleasure dome (Gossips & Nurturing  possibilities) -The Higher-ups Lairs (Mishuleth among them but if i know more Cobra Commanders, i would point them out and/or avoid them) -The Armory and Distiller (good drugs, good poisons , unique wares) -The Arcane Kabal  (Unique spells and Soul Magiks , Teacher or Books to steal/borrow/buy) -Varea's Statue/Representative or other Beliefs Statue/Representative  (Information and Non-Leaders to speak to) -The various little holes around (Facts that we all ave polymorph into snake 3 times a day, mention areas inaccessible to companion) Saying all this Sidsaspi takes is time to speak as he is not the best person to ave a long and comprehensible discussion with. -DC Intelligence/Wisdom:  (I do 10 taking my time whoever  long it takes for him to know) Intelligence: 9 Wisdom: 10  *If there is anything  from what i described that requires Know Arcana, my result was 11 Sidsaspi explains as much as he can to Wrad before making plans

Wrad thanks Sid for the food and information and tells him: "I will wait for you here or if you think I could try to speak near the Varea's Statue/Representative and come back here, I will try to learn something. In either case, I will wait for you 2 hours! not more!" Wrad will cast his last tongue spell when Sid will left him.

Cedric D. said: Sidsaspi waits for a quiet place  with no small size holes around to whisper with Wrad ; Takes out a non-decayed/non-poisonous Raw Fish to him and shares is Bottle of Milk and begins to convey all information and what he knows of the layouts of this place to the Fake-Snake. Saying all this Sidsaspi takes is time to speak as he is not the best person to ave a long and comprehensible discussion with. -DC Intelligence/Wisdom:  (I do 10 taking my time whoever  long it takes for him to know) Intelligence: 9 Wisdom: 10  Sidsaspi explains as much as he can to Wrad before making plans Over the small dinner, Sid does a decent job describing various parts of Hesilith's inner territory, though his memory is fuzzy after a few years--and of course, some things may have changed since he last saw them. phil G. said: Wrad thanks Sid for the food and information and tells him: "I will wait for you here or if you think I could try to speak near the Varea's Statue/Representative and come back here, I will try to learn something. In either case, I will wait for you 2 hours! not more!" Wrad will cast his last tongue spell when Sid will left him. Sidsaspi recalls that the Temple is at the very heart of this complex, the most profane and powerful place in Hesilith's lands, and the place they're most likely to run into Hesilith himself. However, if secrets about his deal with Rizdar the Storm can be found anywhere, it seems the most likely place to look... Do you two want to head for it? Either way, roll another set of Disguise checks to act in character. 

phil G. said: Wrad thanks Sid for the food and information and tells him: "I will wait for you here or if you think I could try to speak near the Varea's Statue/Representative and come back here, I will try to learn something. In either case, I will wait for you 2 hours! not more!" Wrad will cast his last tongue spell when Sid will left him. Sidsaspi responds annoyed at Wrad poking a prickly finger on is shoulder a couple of time. -You are forgetting you're manners !  As much as you should try, in this form you do not owe me anything ! -If they do not respond the questioning; make them.  !  -You're Timber pattern suggest you to be a close forest cousin to us Pit Vipers . You should act very defensively towards any aggressive reaction to you from the males ! -If you engage with a female and she caries another's scent ; Avoid her or intimidate her mate first... -Got that ?!? Sidsaspi calms down ; placing the plies correctly on Wrad's vestments. -We do not see you're skin type often around caverns as they are from rocky valleys surfaces, expect them being curious about it. -And try to calm down . Some types can ave Tremorsence as well as ear you're heartbeat.  Make use of the scent spell to know you're surroundings intents -Let us meet here again in 2 hours , if i am not back by then. The last place i will be checking would be with the Arcane Kabal. Sidsaspi leaves quickly the meeting ground and heads in the direction of the Male quarters to catch up with the time away from the Klan Gather Information check: 7 Disguise check: 20 Billowy cloak equiped

With plans to be sent to Celene  in the morning, the Wayfinders' assault team has the rest of the afternoon on Starday, Patchwall 22nd, to explore tthe human capital of  Skyshroud  and make final preparations.  The city is built into mountainsides high above the foothills below, stretched across several adjoining mountains with many homes and walkways cut directly into and through the living rock. Skyknights wheel overhead on their giant eagles, cool winds billow out your cloaks, and a profusion of foreigner cultures dazzle the eye with exotic goods, customs, and languages. The Terolus Human Military has assigned soldiers to serve you as guides today, so it proves easy to find whatever you need. Ering visits the Walfire family manor, then buys alchemical tools in one of the many marketplaces. Then he goes to pray at the Temple of Wee Jas  where his family have long been regular congregants. It's a grandiose structure of black marble edged with continual flames , where the donated skulls of late congregants line the ceilings, and books are offered at the altar before being filed in the extensive library. The high priestess is a human noblewoman, the Baroness Medea Endelman, known as the Ruby Dagger. Limar and Hiskel go to the Workshops at Alwick , where they get an exotic military saddle fitted to Limar's back. It costs 60gp, and weighs 20 lb. Hiskel's also able to buy a red gold amulet of Io's symbol, which costs 250gp and weighs 1 lb. Then they descend into the undercity to find the Darkling Tomb , a shadowy mausoleum that serves as a Temple to Chronepsis. Analeth, the half-elf high priestess, meets them in the dim, cavernous cathedral. "Welcome back, Enshriner of the Hoardmistress. The Watcher warned me of your coming," she tells Limar with a knowing smile. At THUMH , Balthasar and Edmund go over the golems with full checklists, testing every component one by one to make sure they're working perfectly.

Limar-"Don't suppose that means you'll give me everything on the house? I was hoping to procure a few magic vestament castings for tomorrow morning, but some imbue with spells and a great magic weapon for my fangs wouldnt hurt."

Josh said: Limar-"Don't suppose that means you'll give me everything on the house? I was hoping to procure a few magic vestament castings for tomorrow morning, but some imbue with spells and a great magic weapon for my fangs wouldnt hurt." "Your foresight has improved, then," she says. "The army's archmage has already been here to bargain for our help, and made the arrangements. I will be meeting you and your comrades in the compound tomorrow morning to help ward you against the dangers that await on the blue moon. Come, pray with me at the altar, that in His wisdom great Chronepsis may guide your teeth and claws." Shouyo finds Rokugantown , and makes offerings at  Shrine to the Thousand Fortunes  there, praying for wisdom and vengeance. Nerosian visits the Darkling Tomb  with Limar and Hiskel, then the Temple of Lendys . Otu'ap-Xlta studies the scroll of attune form , while Wrad scribes scrolls at THUMH .

Limar doesnt pray but talks to the shrine. "hey there Grandpa, hope you and the other fate gods got your plan together, otherwise I expect I'll be seeing you tomorrow."