The World of Layonara
In-Character Forums => The Dragon Storm Campaign => Topic started by: ycleption on March 07, 2011, 11:03:13 am
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//For those who attended the Sederra Defense quest, a place for RP before the next session. I am assuming that we are resting a bit, and have some time to talk:
*Pallena turns to Steel* Right. We need to know more about this potential means to neutralize the poison. You've been awfully vague. If I can find a tree, I can travel out of here... I'm sure some of the magickers here have those books that can do the same thing. If one of us can get to whoever is making the thing, we need to know.
Aside from that, we need to decide what we are doing. Are we going to hold here and guard against whatever comes, or are we - or at least some of us - going to take the fight to the cult at that oasis?
Aside from that, do any of you magickers know anything about the poison? Do you know if more mundane magicks do anything at all to it? At least contain its spread, if not eliminate the harm?
*folds arms and looks at the party with a gaze demanding answers*
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Andrew sits up from his daydreaming and listens, rubbing his hands together lightly and looking at the vial.
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Steel takes his time patching up the nicks and bruises maintained from the last skirmish. He has crawled into the cave (assuming the cave is big enough once past the small entrance to fit everyone and the container) and is sitting when approached by Pallena, a spellbook open to his right, a pack open to his left.
"I did not have time to find and enlist a world renown alchemist such as Xora. However, I spoke with the elf over there **he gestures to Gel'arian** not long after learning of the poison, and he claims to be of decent skill in the alchemical ways. He was not, however, able to settle on a solution that would turn this vat of poison into a vat of harmless mud before the time came for us to embark on this journey. I suspect there are others among us here skilled in alchemy and the like. Perhaps the lot can bounce ideas on potential means of making this stuff harmless. If we are lucky enough to have the time, and I can get help from Tralek, I may be able to devise an abjuration to contain the substance and shield us from potentially harmful effects we may experience just being near it. The sailors on that ship are warning enough, anyway. It is unfortunate that we have no other mages with us besides myself and Tralek, but we'll work with what we have to work with. After building the sheild, I'll work on an abjuration to deter scrying. However, my control of the Al'noth is not spectacular, and as such, the scrying ward will likely only deflect the casual lookers. Completing both will probably take all the remaining sunlight hours, assuming no complications or interruptions."
And with that Steel removes various objects from his pack, including diamond dust and enchanting oil. He sets about building a circle of runes around the large container, gesturing to Tralek to join him.
///// Poke me if and when you need SC checks and the like. /////
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*Gel'larians ire filled stare is pulled from Andrew at the mention of his name. He gives a sheepish look at the mention of his perceived failures. It pushes him in to an introspective moment, where the details of the past days flashed through his mind.*
I could not come up with any definitive sort of answer but I have some ideas. I could try some experiments if we could extract a small sample from that. *He gestures to the large vial.* They may not be safe, but neither is letting that toxic vat sit on the earth beneath us. So, like I said, if I could get a pure sample, I could conceivably use heat or a reagent to try and separate the poison in to its alchemical components. *He looks arounds the cramped cave.* But not in here... Not now. We need to get the vat out of here some how.
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As Steel has not yet weighed in on whether he wants a chunk of Andrew's no-longer-a-hide, he scoots over to lend his voice to the warding and bolsters Steel's and Tralek's magical efforts with his own.
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Soon after they have taken shelter in the cave, the warrior with the horned helm is gone without a word
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Viper listens quietly and watches the surroundings while carefully cleaning her blades.
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*After some pacing Gel'larian turns suddenly to Pallena.*
How large was the force you mentioned by the oasis?
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**Argos is moving around changing positions over the cave, unable to stay on one place, looking around , he is seen moving to diferent spots , watching at the horizon, as a constant guard *
*he from time to time looks towards Where Ell is, but inmediatelly return to his duties *
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*Gunder takes the opportunity to rest and ensure the warriors are properly bandaged and healed*
So, when we goin' ta take out da Cult forces by da Oasis? An who knows da way to da place?
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*to Gel'larian and Gunder* Haven't the foggiest idea where the place is, or what we'll find if we go there - that hasn't been decided yet. Zahid's a desert guy, ask him if he knows where the oasis in these parts is. Or send a couple scouts. *shrugs*
*Pallena then turns to Steel and Tralek, and tries to add her magical skills to the mix if possible*
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*Tralek listens to all but seems to be looking to the side thinking a bit. Then he speaks*
I am also an alchemist and am curious about this vial and how to neutralize it, but I fear this is not the place. We need more light and tools and a ventalated area. This cave is just as cramped or more so than the belly of that ship where all those sailors died exposed to the vial. We are in grave danger being near it in this cave.
I see a few courses of action:
1. We could try to abjure a shield around it as Steel suggests to protect us from it. We could then build a carrying device for it and all leave together and carry it to an area deemed safe and secure. From there we could bring others to come study it or transport if further to be studied. After transporting it we could fight the oasis battle.
2. If its not excessively heavy (//dezza told me it was 10 feet by 2 feet), maybe Steel or I could teleport out of the cave with the vial. I can carry approximately 300lbs of extra weight and still use my tome; I'll bet Steel could carry a bit more. After that it could be transported or studied. The others would remain to fight the oasis battle, with the one who teleports trying to join them later.
3. We could shield it as Steel suggest and the cover it with an abjuration to prevent others from finding it. Then we could go off and fight the oasis battle. Afterwards we could return with others to properly transport it somewhere to be studied.
4. We could shield and cover it as in option four, and then one of us could tome or tree out to gather help. Those remaining would fight the oasis battle, while the one who tomed/tree'd out would return to the cave with a force to properly transport the vial away to be studied.
I would recommend option 2 if that is possible, otherwise I thing option 1 is the next best choice. Option three or four would then be my last choices.
*Tralek turns to look at the others for response*
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Zahid listens to all the conversations while scratching under his chin. I will see if I can find the oasis in my mind's eye, but you should speak to the man who searched the ship. Did he not say there were maps that marked the oasis? Indeed, it would have been fortunate if he had saved those maps before we scuttled the boat. Zahid stands up and crosses to a relatively undisturbed location of the 50 foot cave to meditate. He takes no food or water, and kills his Self as an ascetic would, by stripping it away one necessity at a time.
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*Vrebel tries to keep a low profile while watching the horizon and the skies*
If'n Andrew is right and this green stuff in the vial is like the tatto ink then we best be careful. I seen them tattoos blow up twice now. Once to a overzealous toranite paladin *grins to Argos* who tried ta smite it and another time to an overconfident mage who tried ta magic one them tattooed fellers.
If ya start castin' magics on that vial you best be lookin fer trouble I think. As far as grabbin it and tomin' out that might be even worse. I dont know much about that stuff but yer usin powerful magics and ya might end up blown ta peices half way there and spreadin that stuff everywhere.
*scratches his sidburn in thought*
You'd think that if you could just grab it and tome somwhere the drachs done that long ago instead of carryin' it by ship across the sea with a dragon escort.
I'd say keep it burried and we go find them others at that oasis. Leave someone stealthy ta keep watch of the vial from a distance. Once we done wiped out that second group at the oasis we come back and carry the vial ta somewhere safer. In the off chance some drachs come and sniff the vial out least we can have someone ta track em'. It could be them drachs are drawn to it like a beacon *shrugs* who knows.
I'm bettin' them cultists usin' this vial ta create another army of drachs in Dregar. Transportin' drachs cross the sea in ships aint gonna do if fer em'.
*nods and starts to clean his gear*
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// Am assuming this all takes place before you seal the cave as per the end of the quest. Next quest will spawn from these discussions.
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While they talk, Andrew takes out his journal and scribbles some calculations*, then some more; he shakes his head.
"I can't say how much it weighed when I was carrying it because my strength was so far beyond what I have any ability to compare normally, but if my math is right, that vial must weigh almost two thousand pounds." For a moment, his eyes gleam and his smile is fierce, then bemused. "How the hells did I carry that? Anyway. I doubt you and Steel together could port it out, although it would be bloody nice if we could...but I agree with Vrebel, if they could do that they'd have done it rather than risk the ship.
I believe the second group we took out was there to help move the vial and the oasis group is going to get antsy when it doesn't show up soon and work their way up from the beach. Our tracks are gone but it won't take much to figure out we have to be hiding it. In retrospect, I wish someone would have taken the ship out to sea and abandoned it as a decoy to buy us more time." Runs a thumb over his upper lip.
"We should get intelligence on how much is in that oasis group, and how the battle in Sedera is going before we do anything else. We have Raven Blue and Pallena who can both scout in their special ways, I suggest we find out what the odds are and keep working on the magical shielding.
And I'm rethinking the poison being used in the tattoos, although there could certainly be a shared component. We don't know that they can't use it to scry. And if they are scrying?" With a slight grin to Viper, he uses one of her more frequent one-finger hand signals in the direction of the vial, rotating it so his meaning cannot be misinterpreted.
*//V= pi(r squared)(h) = 3.14(1)(10) ft cubed * ~62 lbs/ft cubed weight of water (estimated). I haven't used high school math since starting my career but trust this game to make me whip out the Pocket Ref...
edited for radius
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*After hearing the conversation, Gel'larian goes and takes his notes out from his search. He reads them over and then begins a meditation. Just before he goes in to a trance, he is hears to utter, "I must be missing something.*
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**Steel speaks even as he goes about placing all the components for the ritual.**
"I don't intend to use magic on the container or the poison itself, since you're worried about that, Vrebel. I simply wish to put a bubble-shield around the container, one that will ideally keep whatever is inside from affecting the outside, to whatever degree that is possible. And of course, if we can make this thing invisible to magical eyes, that will be helpful. As for scouts, yes. Use the maps Hardragh found to lead you to the oasis and scout what is there. Also, Audiria is not far, and we could use some intelligence on how that battle is going as well. When I am done with these wards, I will start preparing a teleport to Blackford, if only to inform Blackford in person of what has happened so far. However, preparing a teleportation ritual from start to finish is another day's worth of work. The prepared teleport spells in my tome are not currently aimed at Blackford. In short, it looks like I have two days worth of magical rituals to complete, unless someone else can get to Blackford faster. Tralek, do you have a teleportation ritual aimed at Blackford already prepared? Once Blackford knows, they can possibly open up a portal to this location and send magical support."
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While Steel prepares, Andrew finally gets up, walking on two legs with a tiny sigh, and sings wards of sound dampening around the mouth of the cave to keep their voices from alerting any possible enemy scouts.
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*//V= pi(r squared)(h) = 3.14(4)(10) ft cubed * ~62 lbs/ft cubed weight of water (estimated). I haven't used high school math since starting my career but trust this game to make me whip out the Pocket Ref...
//Andrew did not do his math right. If the cylinder is 2 feet wide, the radius is one. Thus V= pi(r squared)(h) = 3.14(1)(10)(62.4)= 1960 lbs. Since 1 stone = 14 lb, the cylinder would weigh 140 stone... so his estimate of thousands of stone is off by a bit
edit: yes Gil, I did.
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//Andrew did not do his math right. If the cylinder is 2 feet wide, the radius is one. Thus V= pi(r squared)(h) = 3.14(1)(10)(62.4)= 1960 lbs. Since 14 stone = 1 lb, the cylinder would weigh 140 stone... so his estimate of thousands of stone is off by a bit
//Did you mean 1 Stone=14 lbs? Plus the weight of the container too.
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//drat. Shows you how long it's been.
//edit: Busted on the radius, but the "stone" appellation was only applying a generic fantasy-style weight to something specific and modifying it down quite a bit. I wasn't thinking of the actual weight "a stone", being American.
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*Argos looks at the group at the mention of the oasis *
In my opinion , we should secure the transportation of this thing. Also its my understanding that thru the bodies of the Drachs , scrying can be posible, are we certain that this container has no similar link or whatever you want to call it.
It would be a protection i would think for it, and the enemy has been shown being cunning in the past.
*Looks at Steel* Also. We need to decide what is our priority here. To secure the container or to defeat the drachs in the oasis, if there are more. Splitting our forces would bring weakness to the protection of it.
Also. . *looks at the inmense dragon claw trail* We need to work on getting our trail erased , don't you think?
*Argos looks over the group*
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*Looks up from his studies when Arogs speaks and then follows his scan of the sand.* That is some trick of the eye... Tralek used some Gusts of Wind to cover our tracks, and then Andrew, in an idiotic moment of bravado, used his Dragon wings to blow even more sand. No, I think our tracks are safely covered.
*He looks back to his journal.*
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*Looks at Steel* Also. We need to decide what is our priority here. To secure the container or to defeat the drachs in the oasis, if there are more. Splitting our forces would bring weakness to the protection of it.
"Unless we arre finding the vial iz merrely the decoy, the vial iz ourr priority."
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... When I am done with these wards, I will start preparing a teleport to Blackford, if only to inform Blackford in person of what has happened so far. However, preparing a teleportation ritual from start to finish is another day's worth of work. The prepared teleport spells in my tome are not currently aimed at Blackford. In short, it looks like I have two days worth of magical rituals to complete, unless someone else can get to Blackford faster. Tralek, do you have a teleportation ritual aimed at Blackford already prepared? Once Blackford knows, they can possibly open up a portal to this location and send magical support."
After rummaging in her pack momentarily, Argali stands and turns to Steel.
"Umm... If you arre wanting to be talking to the Blackforrd Castle, Argali has... zis."
She holds out a plain granite stone in the palm of her hand, though those with a trained eye for such things might catch the shimmer of its dweomer.
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*Tralek regards Steel* Sorry my tome is not set to Blackford, its set to my house in Castle Mask. I guess I could tome to my house and use my house portal to get to Center, but Center is quite a bit aways from Blackford.
*Looks at Argali* Interesting Stone there. I'm not quite sure what that is, but if its what I think it is, then Argali has a way to contact Blackford.
Yes, 2000lbs is too much to tome, and I'm in agreement that maybe its best not to move it magically.
Here's what I think we should do. There are many wagons and carts shipping supplies to and from Audira. We go get ourselves a wagon and a couple of horses and bring them to the cave. We shield the cylinder like Steel suggested to protect us from it. We load the cylinder on the wagon and head to North Fort. We can disguise ourselves as ordinary wagon pushers. The roads between North Fort and Audira are filled with other supply wagons so we'll blend in perfectly. Argali communicates with Blackford to arrange for reinforcements to meet us at North Fort. We hand the vial over to the good guys and then head to the Oasis or Audira to continue the fight.
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*Gunder nods in agreement with Tralek's suggested course of action*
Aye lad, dat sound loike da bes plan.
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Andrew nods to Tralek. "I think that is our best chance of getting this thing out of here, but let's lay out what would be prudent to do beforehand.
We need to know how large that oasis force is and how the battle in Audira is going.
We need to figure out how to get to the road without looking like a bunch of people and wagons coming from the area that the vial went missing.
We need to shield ourselves from it - well, most of us..." His smile is self-depreciating. "And we need to shield the magic from others because all someone practiced in the Al'Noth would have to do is sense and they'll feel it. It's twisted and sick magic in that vial, and it's strong.
Consider too that a dragon was strafing the wagon line we saw and the myrdrachs that got past the lines in Audira might be doing the same. Also, we should consider that the Cult might have set up checkpoints and ambushes; and that Rael and Succession most definitely will have. Letting this fall into their hands is as bad as the Cult getting it back."
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"Well then what are you waiting for, Trueaxe? Get Blackford up to speed and request Blackford's assistance, whether that be advice or manpower. Handling an object such as this is really beyond our abilities and knowledge. We're doing the best we can, but that may not be good enough."
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*Pallena is focused on the vial - she takes the time to roll her eyes at Tralek's suggestion, but does not look away* That anxious to give the thing to people who probably have less ability to deal with the thing than we do, in a place where it can do more harm? Like it or not, this is our responsibility, and we can't just hand it off willy-nilly.
*she stares at the vial a while longer*
Right. Steel, Tralek... the vial and the bindings themselves have some magicking on it - I can't really tell what, but I'd guess there's at least some shielding magic... just probably not strong enough. Can you tell if that is the case, and if so, would it work better to strengthen that, rather than create a shield out of whole cloth?
*She turns to the group as a whole*
If our group isn't prepared to deal with this, let's figure out who would be. I've heard Xora's name mentioned. How about Moraken? Maybe some of those Lucindites who deal in twisted magic... thoughts?
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*Gel'larian looks up from his journal at Pallena's mention of Xora.*
I can tell you a few things from my research in Spellgard, even though it cannot neutralize the poison at this time. First is that we definitely need to get this vial somewhere with proper equipment, otherwise any attempts we make could end up in disaster because of lack of abjurative protections.
*He looks to Pallena.* Second thing is that any texts that may have helped me were already taken out by none other than the aforementioned Xora. I think that if this vial were to go to anyone, it should be her. She has the experience, facilities and, I assume, the information at this point.
*He puts his journal away satisifed with his research.*
The best part is, she is on this continent so we dont have to do anything unpredictable or insane *He looks again at Andrew.*. Once we get away from the theater, it is an overland journey, which I feel best about.
I am happy to scout. Ferrit or Viper might be more skilled, but I have spent some time studying the desert in my past, so I know the terrain. Either way, we need to know what we might be facing before we can make a plan. So in that, Andrew was right. That force at the oasis, I have a bad feeling, might be a dog nipping at our heels, but like a giant acid breathing dog, that can fly.
Who is the strategist in this?
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Right. We need to get to Xora then. If we find a tree in this desert, I can walk to Xora's tower... *smirks slightly to Steel* No two day ritual needed. Never met her though... Am I likely to be able to meet with her if I pop out of a tree and demand to see her? Or maybe one of you who know her can give me a letter or token or something so she'll know I'm not just a random crazy druid yelling outside her tower.
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Even if you can leave a message for her that we are on our way. At least then you will only be a crazy druid and not random. *He winks.* Ask if she can send some aid, cant hurt. *Shrugs.*
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Andrew can't resist a smile at Gel - the elf's anger don't seem to stick. He looks at Pallena, then Argali. "In that case, alert Blackford, and they can send a message to Xora that the vial is here and respond accordingly. We should do that now, before anyone has a chance to interrupt us - and send the scouts out to see what's going on out there."
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*Gel'larian dons his exsquisitely made panther leather cloak, his hood of shadows and a few pieces of silver jewelry, set with topaz. He takes out some gum arabic, and puts it in a belt pouch, for easy access.*
I should also mention, about this poison, that I learned that it may be delivered via the Al'Noth itself, so be careful that your abjurations do not behave in un-intended ways. If you do see unexpected waverings in the Al'Noth, I would perhaps try a different approach to your wards. But that is in the hands of those more knowledgable than I.
Now, who is scouting with me?
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"Good to know, Master Windsbreath. I am attempting to apply a general containment ward, and it's not meant to interact with the magic from the poison short of keeping it inside the containment field. But I will certainly disband the project if I notice fluctuations in the Al'noth arising as a result of the ritual."
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*Viper sheathes her blades and switches a couple rings, then stands up and looks at Gel, nodding once to him as if volunteering to go with him to scout.*
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*Gel'larian nods to Viper and pads off silently, leaving nary a track in the sand.*
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I can try to get to Audira and find out what's happening there, if you think it's necessary. I'm not sure we need that information at this point, though.
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"Well then what are you waiting for, Trueaxe? Get Blackford up to speed and request Blackford's assistance, whether that be advice or manpower. Handling an object such as this is really beyond our abilities and knowledge. We're doing the best we can, but that may not be good enough."
Argali's hand holding the stone lowers as though suddenly deflated. For a moment she looks somewhat admonished by Steel's response. She slowly puts the stone away, then looks squarely at Steel.
"That iz [POST=1713431]zecond[/POST] time you arre zpeaking to her like she iz zome minion at yourr beck and call. The thirrd time, she will be giving you the lesson in the mannerrs that you will not zoon be forrgetting."
She stares pointedly at Steel looking full of emphasis, her hand subconsciously rolling up into a fist.
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If you're set on Xora's tower, know that the journey there is roughly three times the distance from here to North Fort and we'll have to travel through the mountains on the third leg of that journey. By the time we get to Xora's Tower and deliver the cylinder and attempt to return, we will most likely miss any chance to aid those fighting in and around Audira. If you want to get it to Xora, maybe Blackford can send some folks our way so that we can offload the cylinder with them and then continue to the battlefield...where ever that may be.
*Tralek then proceeds to help Steel and Palena in creating a shield to either bolster the one already around it or to make a new one, so that we are protected from the cylinder.*
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*Ell for the most part observes the situation, noticing body positions, temperament of the individuals of those speaking and jots down in short hand on what she feels should be noted in her journal. Ell though, offers her aide in building the containment ward if needed.*
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She stares pointedly at Steel looking full of emphasis, her hand subconsciously rolling up into a fist.
**Steel allows the silence to hang, pausing his work to return Argali's gaze, though his is masked by metal. He speaks only after a several moments have passed, and slowly.**
"Do as you will, Argali. I do not cater to pride or entitlement, whether yours, the gods', or otherwise. Whatever you don't take care of, I will."
**He starts back into the motions of the ritual, no longer looking at Argali. His next words are half to himself, as if they might not normally be spoken aloud.**
"Why did you show the stone if you did not intend for someone to tell you to use it?"
**After another pause and glancing at Tralek.**
"I will wait for the scouts' report before deciding what may be the best decision regarding this vat of .... "
**He finishes the sentence with a colorful Dark Elven curse.**
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With the scouts away, Andrew returns to assisting the ritual, adding his connection to the Al'Noth and his song to boost their work.
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**Steel allows the silence to hang, pausing his work to return Argali's gaze, though his is masked by metal. He speaks only after a several moments have passed, and slowly.**
"Do as you will, Argali. I do not cater to pride or entitlement, whether yours, the gods', or otherwise. Whatever you don't take care of, I will."
Argali frowns at Steel's response. "It has nothing to do with the prride or the 'entitlement'." She shakes her head almost in disbelief at the implication. "Iz bad mannerrs to be addressing zomeone, anyone, in zuch the mannerr. Perrhaps you would be finding you arre having less to be doing if you arre worrking with the people, ratherr than trreating them zo poorly."
**He starts back into the motions of the ritual, no longer looking at Argali. His next words are half to himself, as if they might not normally be spoken aloud.**
"Why did you show the stone if you did not intend for someone to tell you to use it?"
Argali rolls her eyes. "She does not need anyone to be telling herr to be using it. She was holding it out forr you to be using, inztead of making the two days of efforrt to be changing yourr magickings. It was forr you."
A brief pout escapes her lips, despite her intent.
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**Steel speaks without looking up from the work**
"You must assume I am slow in the head, Argali, and speak plainly. If you wish me to use something, speak the words, "Use this."
**...after a pause...**
"It was not my intent to insult you. Believe it or not, I have respect for you. However, in my world, when one displays a resource, it is with the expectation that something will be offered in payment for use of that resource. To offer something valuable or the use of something valuable without charge is considered weakness, and weakness means death. The only way to bypass this expectation of payment is to establish a dominance over the person and thus also gain control of the resource.
I applied the same logic to you because we are not allies, as much as we may wish to be, or perhaps, it is only I who wishes it was so. I support your work, Trueaxe, but understandably, you cannot support mine. It is the nature of the beast that agents such as myself will always be at odds with those who protect and adhere to the laws of the lands.
In fact, be glad we are where we are with who we are..... were we in the noble courts or indeed just the public eye, I could not offer the candor that I'm offering you now. The mask must be maintained."
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Argali pauses thoughtfully in acknowledgment of Steel's words.
"It zeems you have been dealing with the drragons zo long you have picked up one orr two of theirr trraits, no?
"Perrhaps one day, when you arre feeling brrave, you can take the few zteps in Argali's worrld, wherre you can experience the satisfaction of giving frreely, and the joy of receiving the gift unsought."
She makes a brief head bow to Steel, before withdrawing a short distance to send a message to Blackford Castle.
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*Tralek nods at Argali* Good going Argali, contact with Blackford is going to be key here. You're preparedness for an ocassion such as this is commended. If you could, I'd suggest you ask them what they want to do with the cylinder, and explain to them we need to get back in the battle and need a quick way to get the cylinder somewhere safe. Maybe they can meet us half-way at some location. Also, it would be helpful to get word to our Audiran allies and tell them our plan of action. I'd say have Blackford ask which front the Audiran allies want us to come in on, and then we hit the Drachs behind their lines and go help save Audira. After that we can head to the Oasis and deal with that force. The folks in Audira must be hurting and need our help as soon as possible.
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*Vrebel takes his helm off briefly to let his head cool from the desert heat. He grins toward both Steel and Argali after they sort of make up.*
Good idea Captain bout contactin' Blackferd. Tralek I think yer right about us helpin' them folks in Audira first even if they do have Rael's finest probably dyin' like flies as we speak. There's other good folks fightn' there too and probably knee deep in Mydrachs.
*Scratches his head*
Does pose a dilema though. Which do we move on first the enemy at the oasis er the enemy beatin' down on Audira. My vote is fer Audira after we hand off this blasted container.
*He nods to Argali* Oh captain if ya dont mind I'm gettin thirsty. Maybe you could tell Connor er whoever is comin' ta bring us some ale and sausage.
*He daps a cloth in his water jug and soaks his head*
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Zahid opens his eyes slowly, but seems shaken. He seems, for a moment, mousey and anxious before regaining his composure. His joints ache from the meditative stance, and he stretches out of it like an opening flower. He stands, sways a bit, and then works any last kinks from his human limbs. He walks to where more of the adventurers are talking, finally taking some sips from his canteen.
The desert is far from deserted; I have seen from the eyes of the others, and felt their fears. An eagle soars over an oasis, looking for water, but finding it not. Instead, it sees with its keen eyes hundreds of men and animals. It is the only large oasis for many miles, so it may be where the cult has sent their soldiers.
A desert mouse hides in his burrow, scared and anxious from the oasis's latest drinkers. It also sees hundreds of men, these with weapons and swords. Horses and camels, too. The mouse has been in hiding for days, and each day more men come.
It is likely that these are two images of the same oasis, and that the men are soldiers from their weapons, though I cannot say what side they belong to, perhaps I can pinpoint the oasis by the aerial view of the eagle. There should be a smaller oasis to the south of the larger one with the soldiers--this would mark it on the map.
This one has seen through the eyes of animals, so I cannot say for certain it is the cult, but he thought it worth reporting.
Zahid takes out a loaf of the unleavened bread for which desert travelers are known. He eats it normally, but careful observers might notice him storing bits in his cheek before he catches himself and swallows.
-
*After four days being gone, Gel'larian and Viper return, lips chapped from rationing of water supplies.*
I can tell you this. There are four hundred or more troops entrenched at that oasis. And it is the only supply of water around. If they hold it, they can out last the people fighting in Audira maybe. They can even outlast us if help does not come to us.
*He plods slowly over to a patch of shade and sits quietly.*
-
Viper walks off somewhere by herself with a canteen in order to drink in peace before returning again.
-
A lone halberdier stands frozen with fear amid the chaos of Audaria.
Protect an Ilsarian Bard! well thats all well and good but where is he. The others are dead, the city has gone to the Pits in a basket - and someone and get this, someone has put a homocidal dwarf in charge of the defence. He has started hanging his own side for having the audacity to be scared of fighting dragons!
"This is a long way from the Muse." he adds clicking his heels subconciously together. He moves off to ask someone where he might find his bard and quickly too before there is no one left to ask!
-
After the three parties of adventurers meet once more, Zahid approaches Pallena to discuss private matters regarding the battle at the oasis.
This one brings news that confounds sense, Pallena. The force routed at the Keshtan Oasis, led by the leader of the Hands of Fate, a force known for its recent adventurer hunting and terrorism of the Sederra sands had druids amongst their ranks. Their concerted efforts kept the shifting sands still when I attempted to move them. I imagine these must have been rogue druids, but the fact remains. Should we inform the council? It is clear we could be denounced for our activity, but those druids were also breaking neutrality by siding with Cult-friendly forces. What is your counsel?
-
*A weary Pallena turns to Zahid, grunting softly, then looks around to ensure there are none within earshot*
Misguided fools though they may be . . . or were - I assume with that bunch attacking, they left nothing alive - if Nature graced them with her powers, then doubtless they were doing what their misled little brains thought was in the best interest of Nature. I suppose there's always the possibility that their minds were quite literally poisoned by the cult, but its equally possible they simply believed adventurers are unnatural forces that muck up the desert. *shrugs, then looks over where the hill used to be*
*She pauses* Do you never wonder why Rhizome never gives widespread orders on these things? He respects us enough to know that we will follow our own beliefs, and that we know our own lands. Or seas, as the case may be. The order the East Druid was unusual... he was probably just desperate. And he saw the folly of his ways, and loosened the reins enough for you to have no doubts about your actions here. We are given a large dose of autonomy for a reason. Even the Great Oak's children disagree about how to protect nature. Small wonder that we do. But the hierarchy accommodates that.
*grunts* I s'pose to answer your question directly, if they are not rogues, whoever stands above them in the hierarchy will want to know that they will need to find replacements, and if they are, can't hurt to pass the word along.
*Takes a deep breath, and places her hands on a palm tree* If you have more questions, you know how to find me. *With that, she taps into the tree's life-thread, and disappears*
-
// Some people have told me what their characters do after the vial is secured. What does everyone else do?
-
// You mean apart from leaving Hardragh hanging as to whether they'll give the Long Storm a dose of the Cure? *cough* ;) //
Argali watches a moment as the giant eagles disappear towards the horizon carrying their toxic cargo. She hopes the Long Storm heard her requirement for the eagles' safe passage north.
She turns and looks to the others. "Zo, Audirra? Zome of you have been chomping at the bit to be returrning therre, no?" she adds with a small grin.
-
*Tralek looks around his party seeming quiet satisfied at the outcome of their combined actions. He stares off at the eagles until the dots in the sky disappear. He plops down on the sandy dune as he knives his sword in the sand next to him.* Well we've done the best we can to get that vial out of here and some place to be studied. I won't say I'll miss it. I say we rest our bones and recover our strength. Then its off to Audira. Those folks are gona need all the help they can get.
-
Yes, I think we must try to help them, although getting there may be a war in itself.
-
Andrew is very, very quiet as the birds wing north, and more than a few emotions work across his face. He speaks to Hardragh* after an hour, briefly; then to Argali* a little later in private, and Wren*, before giving apologies and taking his leave.
*pms sent
-
*Ell turns to listen to each speaker, making notes in her journal at times. With a last look to the north, she packs up her belongings and prepares herself to move when the time comes. First to Audira, then when possible to Bydel Castle.*
-
Arfur the halberdier regards his job half done for Gel the bard fell. Though fortunately he was stonebound and revived. Arfur considers his bloodied and tattered uniform something of a disgrace as he had fallen too, and gently kissed by the soul mother he remained a lesser man.
Shrugging off these setbacks he considers the job done for the moment and gratefully returns to base for further instruction certain the bards are safe for the moment and he of little or no influence to their future.
He sets off with a skip in his step with each stride to the west. Perhaps a canvass of the events, or a clay model might sit well he muses. He composes a small reminding as he travels. More mundanely he reflects..Bards eh you gotta love them.
-
**Steel nods to the sentiments of the others, looking toward Audiria.**
"I won't be finished here until the last of the Cultists have been removed from Sedera."
-
Gel heads after Andrew, putting a hand on his shoulder and nearly spinning him around. They are far enough away to be out of earshot but close enough to be seen. A heated discussion ensues, the elf clearly hot about something, Andrew appearing adamant and continually pointing north.
After a few minutes the discussion cools. The postures shift to something more of accord, Andrew's head dipped and his right hand busy with the heart charm of his necklace. Gel seems to be hammering a point home. Andrew leans to suggest something; they both cease their movements, and singing is heard.
Whatever it was about, Andrew returns with Gel a short time later. He prepares to move to Audira with them.
"A few days, if we're welcome to that fight. Then I head north."
-
*Vrebel finishes up cleaning and sharpening his greatsword twisting it a bit in the desert sunlight with an approving nod. He shoots a quick glance to were the eagles flew with the vat and then turns to the smoldering plumes rising high above Audira*
Allright, we let Rael's finest have their taste and it aint lookin' good over there. Least we got that blasted vat outa the drachs hands and killed the leader of the Sands.
The fate of Dregar lies there *lifts his sword to Audira* We rest and enter that fight and finish every last one of em'. Hopefully we're not too late.
-
*Gel returns from his conversation with Andrew and goes to squat next to Steel who is washing himself in the surf. They exchange a few words and at one point Gel belts out a scream. Shortly after that they can be seen sharing a joke, and then Gel starts searching any Cult bodies in the debris of the cave.*
-
**Argos still shocked by the events, gives a sigh of relief for a moment, then his eyes goes to Audria, his mind full on the friends he has there, he prepares his belongs, if able he spends some time with his mother, he'll rest , not speaking much, just answering if spoken to him, his mind in deep prayer *
-
**After searching the debris he approaches Viper and Ferrit.* We need to go scouting again... I hope you are gamers.
//PM sent
-
*Ferrit nods and says tersely,* I'm in.
-
Viper nods once.
-
*Gunder nods in agreement with Argali*
Aye, we bes' head on ta Audira an see da end of da Cult der.
-
**Steel nods to the sentiments of the others, looking toward Audiria.**
"I won't be finished here until the last of the Cultists have been removed from Sedera."
*Wren nods to Steel's statement* Let's go see if we can help turn the tide of battle there.
-
// Apologies for late notice and timing but its on the calendar
-
//// Okay, so it looks like I won't make this installment. I didn't quite have time enough to prepare. Anyhow, assume Steel is doing what Steel does: hit-and-run specialty missions or suicide runs. Good luck, everyone. Go kick some drach you-know-what. ////
-
// Ack, misread the time it seems.
-
//poop I was off on my camping trip before I even saw the post :( I hope it all went well. You can assume Wren was with Steel doing what damage he could.
-
// Apologies everyone involved in this, I have been sick this week and flat out with work as well. The post for the finale from last weeks quest relating to Sederra is coming very soon.
-
Weeks to set fire to a bard's heart, even with the consequences. Storms from the hands of Mist's faithful and sea battles that would fuel songs for years to come. Land battles against Cult forces and the Sands of Fate, and elf and a human bard singing their Ilsarian hearts out, with a most satisfying ending on that score. Oh, yes. Andrew had kicked the Sands of Fate leader's dead body hard a few times, one for each year he'd been separated from his child and a few more for Willie. If Gel'larian had, he hadn't admitted it – yet.
Those small, fierce victories would have been enough but – a dragon. Giant eagles and legendary figures. Massive vials of poison ripped from the hands of the Cult, the very short screams of evil men trying to portal into solid rock. They should feel bad about that last one. They didn't.
Andrew was ready to return to Xora's, scooping up belongings and stuffing them in his pack. A few goodbyes, a quiet word with Hardragh, and he turned north. Seeing Andrew walking away from the camp, Gel left his conversation with Steel and ran after him. Upon catching up he put a firm hand on Andrew's shoulder, nearly spinning the taller man around.
"So that's it? You're leaving?" Gel gestured to the smoke rising from Audira. "Minu can't wait another day? Is that why? After all the work you have devoted, the passion you have put out, you can just walk away?" He searched Andrew's eyes, anger thinly covering a deep hurt.
Andrew lowered his voice, one eye on the group not far from them. "Gel, you know when the Lady is directing you. She took you to the Breath, watched over you as you became one of Her archers. That...is what I am feeling, right now." A longish pause as his thick brows creased together. He pointed north. "I left Minu asleep and according to Xora, recovering - and for her sake, let's keep that victory quiet for now, least the Cult find out - to come do what we have done. Although it could be called abandoning her, I felt that was my path, not sitting around fretting while she was nearly comatose recovering. But now? Gel, you know how much difficulty I've had with love. Minu is the one Ilsare sent to help me figure it out...and my heart is telling me to return to her now. I have to go. I can't explain why...I just have to." He held the elf's eyes, looking for some understanding, but his body and hand was pointed north.
"Muse." Gel tilted his head heavenward and took a heavy breath. "We need your song, Reid. What we lack in numbers, we make up for with the strength of our hearts and that is because of you. I just worry that without you, without the Heartsong, we may not be able to face the Pit that awaits us in Audira. I can see plain as the desert sun what Minu means to you, but there is more at stake than the love of two souls, or even a thousand. Look at what happened in Hlint, and know that if we lose here, that could play out in every town, village and city across these lands.
So before you go, make sure that you can live with what it means to leave." The elven bard tightened the straps on his bracers, nothing left to say, but reluctant to walk away.
A few heartbeats and Andrew dropped his arm. "Let's pray on it." A short nod from Gel. Andrew took up his silver heart and clef while Gel held a setting of warm, shining gold, a deep pink diamond nestled within, and together they sang. The human opened himself up, listening to his voice and how it mixed with the elf's purer tone; their voices found accord and they bent their heads together as the ages-old Ilsarian prayer poured forth, until the last verse where the human's voice dropped out.
It wasn't something that one could put a pin on. Someone less inclined to religion would say that justification could always be found in prayer, well after one's mind was made up, and so it must have been before their singing hocus-pocus. Andrew could even agree to that logic sometimes. Yet there was a feeling of...incompleteness, a sense that another task awaited, and he felt it in the song he couldn't finish. One long breath later, he nodded to Gel, and they headed back to the others.
"A few days, if we're welcome to that fight. Then I head north."
There was no dawdling after that. A few left for other places, but the majority headed toward Audira despite a late start in the day. They marched through dusk but after days of fighting, if they didn't get some rest, they'd be useless in the city. It wasn't going to be easy to sneak up on them in the flat expanse of sand by the road, or so they hoped. They stopped.
Gel help set up the camp. After his conversation with Andrew he had a lightness to him and he sat by the fire only after most everyone else was settled. On a whim he pulled out a hickory guitar, his trusted friend that only seemed to get better with age. His fingers grazed the strings, searching for the inspiration that wound close to his heart, and before long a rough tune took shape. He looked around for Andrew then turned back to the tune which he fiddled with again and again until it vibrated with its own life. As the hope-filled music began to dance in the night air, he opened his mouth and lyrics came tentatively to him.
"Breeze blowing across
Now still dunes
Sun lighting upon
The crystal lagoon
Sounds return
Of joyous days gone by
Of cool nights we had
Watching Abt so plentiful
Travel cross the land...."
He continued to play with the tune and words, sitting around the campfire. Andrew returned from washing up and sat cross-legged next to the elf. He smiled at the song and opened his own pack. A thoughtful look later, and another glance north, and he pulled out a newish-looking guitar instead of his violin. No other words came out of Gel's mouth when Andrew sat down; he seemed quite happy to have accompaniment. With a nod, Andrew plucked off a counterpoint to Gel's melody, hummed, and raised thick black eyebrows in question to his fellow Ilsarian before singing. In response to Andrews's eyebrows, Gel gave an encouraging look and in the unspoken and mysterious fashion of experienced musicians, seamlessly passed the lead.
The human bard augmented the tune when it shifted to him, strumming and tapping on the smooth reddish wood until under his playing the soft wail of singing desert women was heard and Gel's tune was woven into a feeling of wandering, of heat, and of burning sun. Although his voice was shredded from days of singing and inhalation of sand and too little water, Andrew added lyrics of his own.
"A desert mouse
To oasis goes
In quiet wind
Sand ripples flow
A desert sea, the captains ride
Colored cloth and camels stride
Under ocean of starry light
The future does each battle write..."
Gel left his strings and tapped syncopation to Andrews's rhythm on the body of his guitar. The light nearby seemed to lose its nerve and retreat; shadows grew long. Gel picked up the words once again, his singing a piercing counterpoint to the hoarse earthiness of the human.
"Fork the lightning
Shake the ground
The dark of night
The trem'rous sound
Stirrings of our memories fear
Make a lovers touch more the dear
A tear in dust, yet for the past
Libations for lucks die that's cast..."
Carrying the strings, Andrew took up Gel's beat, tamping the illusion of the desert women's cries to a gauze of sound while matching the elf's tempo into the bridge.
"A stone was tossed into a storm
The call to battle, war's first stand
Song of dunes and beaches warm
Brace the lines formed in the sand"
The wailing faded to only Andrew's guitar and Gel's tapping and slapping.
"Shadowed wings
Black over beige
Ten feet of green
An iron cage
Poisoned eyes to watch us bleed
Music holds defiant seed
To sing tradition, family
Steer the course of the Sand Sea"
On "sea", his tenor gave out. He threw Gel a weary but genuine smile and leaned back as the other bard made up the last stanza.
"When Desert's Arms
Have buried
The thought of war
The memory
Our heads will still be held high
We'll sing for those who die
Withstand the darkening sky
No tears in vain
We give life once more, leave the pain
For those with less to gain."
Gel ceased tapping and his voice carried last words out in to the desert night:
"Sound ripples cross the sand.
Sound ripples cross the sand..."
The last line echoed long after both bards stopped singing. Gel set his guitar aside, quiet next to an equally quiet Andrew, and the pop and hiss of the fire punctuated the impenetrable sky.
*Written by Gilshem and Rollins, for Dezza and the Sederan Crew
-
Some weeks later, Daniel submits a report
To the acting Command of Sedderra,
Drach forces have been found in small numbers on the island off of Auderia, //North Hampton - Vanavar// by myself and small band of adventurers in a cave there. They seem reinforced with bands of mercenaries.
Captain Daniel Poetr.