Descending, the Aftermath: A Discussion.

[miltonyorkcastle]

////// use this thread for the comments and discussion among those who returned from the Deep, what might have been spoken on the long journey back to Miritix. //////


"Curious dragon. I can see why some might choose to side with him over Fisterion. He proved slightly more tolerant than his cousins. Still pompous, but wise enough to be patient. I look forward to speaking with him again. But first, time to speak with Mighty Fisty, Alexander of Hilm, and the deposed Queen....... oh, and the Black Wizards."

[mixafix]

An Investigaor seeking clarity - Brualot chips in early:

So we work for a dragon now, some have made this mistake twice at least too it seems.

So why does the Dragon want us to do this work?

what do we hope to achieve by it?

what are the overall objectives?

can we clarify these points here as part of this discussion for those like myself who are ignorant of the detail or the purpose of doing this dragons bidding.

[Script Wrecked]

*Argali makes a soft chuckle in her throat as she grins to herself*

"Any appearance of choice in the matterr of worrking forr the Drragon orr not was merrely the politeness by the Drragon. Unlike zome otherr drragons...

"The Tearrs arre the scrying devices. Orr one allows to scry and the otherr to block the scrying. Zomething like that.

"Anyway, as you can imagine, zis iz verry useful in the conflict, to be knowing what yourr enemy iz doing.

"All sides arre wanting the Tearrs.

"What arre we hoping to achieve?"

*she tilts her head and becomes very serious for a moment, looking Brualot squarely in the eyes with a look of deadly earnst*

"To stop anotherr city frrom being razed like Leringarrd. To stop the Drragon Stealerrs with theirr corrupted drragons and drragon-daemons frrom taking over Belinarra. To stop the lives of frree folk frrom being trrampled underrfoot in zome inconsequence while these giants crrash arround carrelessly as they settle theirr differences. Zis iz what we hope to achieve.

"Getting the wand iz the firrst small victorry we have had in zis conflict, though we are yet to realize its potential."

[Filatus]

*Hardragh for the first time speaks out, since they left the Deepening's lair*

"Not knowing how this wand exactly works, perhaps it would be a good idea for some of you to tell how the Tear got stolen from Fisterion in the first place. It is not known by all I warrant, but important if we want to know where to start searching."

*He pauses for a moment*

"And what was said about this bloodpool and the remains of the Broken One. Perhaps it is easier to find our foes in the here and now by looking closely at where it all started in the past."

[miltonyorkcastle]

"Stolen from Fisterion. Has a nice ring to it, yes?"

Steel pauses, rubbing his metallic chin.

"Really, one of my greatest accomplishments, though as much as I'd like to take full credit for the event, I had many accomplices. Some of whom are here with us now, and some of whom are supposedly with the Cult, since it is with the Cult that the Tear is now believed to reside."

"And when Argali says this is the first small victory we've had, it's because we've been trying to determine the head of this Cult. In this one venture, not only did we discover a proposed name for the head, but we also ruled out the Deepening Dark as being the head, and for that matter, even being affiliated. Well, unless it's not actually the Cult that has the stolen Tear. But since we're still working under that assumption, asking us to bring the Tear to him more than likely means he doesn't have it, and is therefore not working with the Cult. Of course, he could actually know where it is, and simply wishes us to waste time chasing it to keep us from meddling in something else the Cult is doing, but let's hope he really is a faction outside the Cult's influence."

[Script Wrecked]

Originally Posted by Filatus

*Hardragh for the first time speaks out, since they left the Deepening's lair* ...

*Argali glowers at Hardragh, her eyes narrow, her face grim, she slowly turns and walks away, putting some distance between them. As she moves off, she shoots Steel a look of disappointment.*

[Script Wrecked]

"Alright, enough of the chatting. Time forr the doing."

"Misterr Madgickerr," *Argali addresses Idoran Mossfeild* "iz time to see if wands worrks..."

[miltonyorkcastle]

**glances from Argali to Idoran and back**

I don't think that man knows much at all about the Al'Noth, or if he does, he's doing a good job of hiding his connection to it.

**Looks back to Idoran.**

What do you say, dragon-gifted? Point the way?

[mixafix]

Brualot continues, aware his questions are blowing away in the wind somewhere...

well taking this forward....say the wand leads us..somewhere.....plan on arrival is?

and if this relic is recovered....by some chance...not yet explained....what would be done with it?

[miltonyorkcastle]

Mm... not much planning we can do because we don't actually know where we're going.

But the question of the hour is your last one, yes?

Fisterion wants the relic, and will cause me and a few others literal pain if we don't give it to him. But that's the worst he can do, short of stomping on more cities, which he knows would eventually lead to dragon hunts again, and the last thing he wants is another Bloodstone.

Shadrix wants it as well, and would offer important information in trade, though since he has the relic's counterpart, affording him both pieces gives him a rediculous edge in power we may not want to allow.

I'm sure the Cult wishes to keep it as well, and if they're smart, will negotiate to do so. Otherwise we'll steal it from them like we stole it from Fisterion. I bet we could even use the same trick they used on Fisterion.

And if we take it, and don't give it to any of these factions, you know that all three will come knocking on our door to get it, just like we're knocking on theirs. It may, in fact, be best for the balance of power to return it to Fisterion.... though I'd just as soon use its power to kill Fisterion instead. Anyone up for a dragon feast?

[mixafix]

*Brualot muses nodding* yes I rather feared that might be the issue. As you put it one or all will be in pain really!

Of course there is another...no...no...I shouldn't ...*breathes in and then* well look what if it was destroyed.....or preferably both were destroyed...then there would at least be a limited point in causing further pain with no prize at stake...

So I ask this can one be destroyed with any sense of balance to the fight..or would it need to be both! and could we do either ?

[Harlas Ravelkione]

[ Aiming the follow up quest for the 22.nd of November folks - same timeslot as the previous plot quest. Now you have a timeframe to work with. ]

[Script Wrecked]

// FYI, PMed Link092/Idoran so this doesn't slip by. //

*Argali chuckles dryly to herself at Steel's words*

"If only we could be using zis thing to be brringing these dogs to heel."

*she then replies to Brualot*

"These arre the verry Tearr of Orrn and the Tearr of Ausirr. Argali thinks it would be no small feat to be brreaking them.

"But of courrse, zis iz all assuming the wand does what it says, that we can follow the wand wherre it leads us, and we can be recovering the Tearr once we get therre.

"Time slips by. The longerr we tarry, the morre chance zomething bad happens to make the difficult task harrderr."

[mixafix]

At this stage I am just not sure why good people might die to take magic from one Dragon to another, which if I have understood this correctly will upset at least one, or two if still alive....and to which you and maybe me are already beholding to....or have I missed anything?

[Link092]

*Idoran clutches the wand, looking nervously between it and the others. He mumbles something about protecting something this time*


*looking at steel* "I like to leave magic to the professionals... an' I think I made a slight mistake handin' over tha' dust... I'm gonna start bein' more careful with 'em now..."


*he glances at the wand, and lifts it up tentatively, twisting his wrists as he brings it parallel to the ground. he starts turning around in a full circle, feeling the tingling sensation he gets from the wand, stopping periodically to get a feel for how it works*




*glancing up periodically* "Can ye give me a run down on some things? I'm fer thinkin' I asked a stupid question, but a man I spoke to a while back put some doubts in my mind."







// on the 22nd? I might not be able to get to that... well, I take that back. It's possible, but doing it the day after the CDQ won't help the "bosses" mood. What do I need to do with the wand if can't go?

[Script Wrecked]

*Argali answers Brualot*

"We do it to prrevent morre razings of the cities, morre deaths of the innocent on the whim..."

*Her attention is drawn as Idoran makes use the wand. Argali watches excitedly and no small sense of uncertainty. Then, the possible implications of Idoran's words dispel her minor reverie.*

"What dust werre you giving the Drragon?"

[mixafix]

Then regardless of individual pain or other distress that other dragons or cults might deliver...you intend to return it to its original owner ?

or did you have another plan?

[miltonyorkcastle]

**Steel looks to Brualot, but this time is silent, his mask hides any expression that might otherwise betray his thoughts.**

[Link092]

*looking at the group, then at his surroundings.* "Where are we gonna start the search? Fort Miritrix?"

[Script Wrecked]

"We arre starrting herre, now. What iz wand saying?"

[Link092]

*looks at Argali* "ya, an' where is here?"

[Link092]

*looking up and around* "I say we head to neutral groun' 'fore we mess with anythin'."

[Script Wrecked]

"Because the Tearr might be nearrby, zo when we arre trravelling away, we arre having to trrravel back again?"

[Script Wrecked]

*Argali looks around at the others, her eyes alighting briefly on Brualot*

"Perrhaps anotherr magickerr can use the wand if zis one" *she indicates Idoran* "iz not feeling up to the task?"

[Link092]

*Idoran Scoffs, and lifts up the wand again, repeating his last movement*




.........

[mixafix]

Brualot *taps foot considering then offers* I think there is danger that, knowing looks, spirited gestures, and tuneless whistling in the end, will likely fail us, and more improtantly those we deem to serve. *pauses*

This is the time for plain speaking, clear articulation of thought into word, that is, can anyone, anyone answer any of my questions?

[Harlas Ravelkione]

Originally Posted by Link092

*Idoran Scoffs, and lifts up the wand again, repeating his last movement*

// No one is providing a location, so I'll just spout one out. Beside the entrance to the Deep that's in the forest. (the one we went through)

.........

// To let you discuss (as the group is doing right now), let us assume you start out from a more neutral and less dangerous ground (the forest provides plenty of encounters with ogrillions, pig-beasts and black wizards!).

Since no one but Link092 has proposed a starting location I suggest that you act as if you travelled back to Fort Miritix for a rest and to resupply. Some members of the initial group may have chosen to leave - the rest can continue from there.

[Link092]

*His brow furrows, as he stares at the wand. He shakes it a bit*

"Bloody thin' mus' o' bro- ehh? oh.. there it goes..."



*Idoran looks in the wand, spinning around, pointing it every which way. He stops periodically, shifting around with the wand, until his movement halts in a certain direction.*

[Harlas Ravelkione]

* As Idoran slowly turns in a circle the close bystanders are able to see how the tip of the wand (carved out of bone) vibrates. Increases and decreases are subtle, but as you check several times in a row - having poor Idoran turn this way and that until he is dizzy - you are pretty sure that the direction is north/northwest. *

[miltonyorkcastle]

**Watching Idoran being spun around, Steel moves next to Brualot**

I don't think there will be a group answer to your last question. Too many of us have different agendas, and some of us do not hope to know the answer until after the Tear is in our possesion.

[Script Wrecked]

*Argali makes a small sigh when she sees the direction they have to travel in.*

"Come, we go."

[Chazzler]

*Chakar arrives huffing from a long, long run from the coastal town of Nith to Miritrix, and stops in his steads as he sees the group...*

*He looks at the ones he knows and opens his mouth to speak*

"So, I think you all have been.. down there already? *sighs* I am sorry, but i was too late it seems"

*he settles his backpack down and sits by the common campfire*

[Script Wrecked]

// Assuming noone objects, and I'm not jumping too far forward... //

**The group heads out from Fort Miritrix in a north by north westerly direction. It isn't long before they cross into the territories of the Hilm Protectorate. Eventually, coming from the south, they arrive at the western shore of Tempest Lake, where it meets the Suw River.

There, they stop for a short break, take a quick meal, adjust their packs, and ask Idoran to make another sounding. It is with no small unease that they watch to see if the Wand leads them into the Kuhl Kingdom...**

[Harlas Ravelkione]

* The bone wand is turned and the result checked several times. The outcome, however, is the same. The strongest vibration is felt when the wand points into the Kingdom of Kuhl - in a north/northwesterly direction. *

[akata]

*sitting at the campfire in Fort Miritrix, Angela watch the group, and as they get ready to leave she picks up her backpack*

Just to make sure I understand this...
Half the group is marked by Fisterion. We all had Shaddy perform some icky ritual on our shadows..
We have people who would backstab their own mother *her gaze rest on Hardragh saying that* if they figured they could gain something from it, And you all think you can sneak into Kuhl without being noticed?

You have no plan for what to do IF you find the tear, because one half doesn't trust the other. *shakes her head sadly* there are simply to many things left hanging to blunder about in the bushes, if you wish to leave now it will be without me. I have no intent to travel into the heart of the dragon cult to watch you backstab each other for the tear
*waves a few fingers to Sasha and Sall before leaving heading towards Stort*
safe journey

[Script Wrecked]

Originally Posted by akata

*sitting at the campfire in Fort Miritrix, Angela watch the group, and as they get ready to leave she picks up her backpack*

...

*waves a few fingers to Sasha and Sall before leaving heading towards Stort*
safe journey

*Argali waves after Angela*

"Thank you forr helping. It was much appreciated."

[Script Wrecked]

Originally Posted by Harlas Ravelkione

* The bone wand is turned and the result checked several times. The outcome, however, is the same. The strongest vibration is felt when the wand points into the Kingdom of Kuhl - in a north/northwesterly direction. *

*Argali surveys the forests and rolling hillsides that stretch out before them.*

"It seems we must enterr the Kuhl. The last time we arre doing zis, to rescue the Queen, it becomes verry dangerrous, verry quickly, with no small sacrrifice by zome involved." *her eyes alight briefly on Sallaron*

*she thinks a while, considering options*

"Given that we arre not knowing wherre we arre going, we have zeveral options.

"Firrstly, we can follow the wand wherre it iz leading us. At zis point, zis would mean enterring Kuhl. If we werre to do zis, it iz obvious we cannot enterr as the heavily arrmorred forrce. Zis would be drrawing all zorrts of bad attention, no? If we werre to do zis, we would have to be in the smallerr grroups, looking like the common people orr the arrtizans, no? Like we do when we go to the Phal."

*Argali spends some more time thinking*

"Anotherr option iz to trravel norrth along the borrder as it winds, and find wherre the Wand iz pointing to. As and when the Wand points due west, we will have the better idea of wherre we arre going, and will be able to make betterr prreparrations, no? Alzo, trrravelling west into Kuhl means spending the least time within the borrders.

"Yes, zis iz sounding like the good idea, no?"

*she looks around the others for any response...*

[EventHorizon]

Originally Posted by akata

*sitting at the campfire in Fort Miritrix, Angela watch the group, and as they get ready to leave she picks up her backpack*

Just to make sure I understand this...
Half the group is marked by Fisterion. We all had Shaddy perform some icky ritual on our shadows..
We have people who would backstab their own mother *her gaze rest on Hardragh saying that* if they figured they could gain something from it, And you all think you can sneak into Kuhl without being noticed?

You have no plan for what to do IF you find the tear, because one half doesn't trust the other. *shakes her head sadly* there are simply to many things left hanging to blunder about in the bushes, if you wish to leave now it will be without me. I have no intent to travel into the heart of the dragon cult to watch you backstab each other for the tear
*waves a few fingers to Sasha and Sall before leaving heading towards Stort*
safe journey

Well that settles it for me as well. Going in without no plan and with this... fractioned group is simply going from bad, to worse.
Some of you I trust with my life, and I am sorry but I dont see this leading anywhere good.

*glances to Sall and Sasha before turning and leaving, heading towards Nith*

[Link092]

*Idoran follows along with the group, listening to they're conversations. He occasionally steals glance at the bone wand. At one of the stops for camp, he begins to unpack his armor, lifting it from the pack. doing so, you hear a small pop, and a short yelp of pain, as the armor clatter's against the ground. Frowning, Idoran grumbles as he rubs his arm. The muscle under the skin seems to have gone slack, and torn slightly out of place.*

"I've been exertin' my self a bit too much these past few days... Steel, take the wand, I don' wan' it gettin' broke with me holdin' it..."

*Grumbling in pain, he passes off the wand, and holds his limp arm, testing it for anymore damage. He look's up to the others.*

"I won' be doin' much fightin' either, but I'll keep goin' with ya, to see it through."





// OOC I will more than likely not be going on this next quest. Sorry guys. I might join the next afterwards if there is one. just keep me updated. I won't be back on the forums until a few more days.

[Filatus]

*Hardragh walks up to Steel and smirks visibily at Argali*

"Funny how repeatedly pointing out other people's flaws makes it easier to forget one's own. There's really only one question I have at this point. Especially to the one's bound by Fisterion."

"Are you even considering returning the Tear.. after all he has done to Leringard, just to get rid of your own problems?"

"I say that he can get the Tear, but the price would be the head of Snowtooth. And the newly rebuild docks of Leringard decorated with the white wyrm's scales."

"Or would you simply hand it over, betraying the people that died?"