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Post by Zeric on Sept 7, 2008 11:55:25 GMT
That is it, I think, though Sorcerer your choice may be limited" [/b] [/quote] Zeric inclined his head in gracious thanks, " Nay, my Lord Wizard, I see the very thing t'will serve my needs from His Lordship's most gracious and welcome gifts." He reached out and picked up the wand, " Despite the random nature - which may serve to teach me the responsbilities as a wielder of The Weave and also hearken to remind me of the Wild Magic of The Time of Troubles, I choose this wand. It shall serve us well, I suspect in the tasks that face us in the coming times. I convey my most sincere gratitude to you both, My Lords" He turned to Cathmhaol, " As our leader, I feel it is proper that you tell His Lordship of our encounter with The Shade of Neverwinter Wood. I shall be more than happy to fill in any minor details." OOC: Damn... forgot we'd have to think of something to tell him... I'm stalling here, so entertain him, Phil!
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Post by Zeric on Sept 7, 2008 18:51:54 GMT
Without waiting for Cathmhaol, Zeric told the story of their adventures just as he had in the inn earlier that day.
"We came to yon village by a hard road and sought refuge in the deserted inn to rest and recuperate.
With a noise that I have never heard and hope sincerely never to hear again, the shadow creatures all stopped and started to sway as if some sort of trance. As if swaying in time to some sort of strange dark music.
The tower grew even darker and the creatures moved to form a path between them. The path allowed a larger shadow to make its way out of the door of the tower, its height near ten feet with an almost human visage. Standing before the door to the inn, it spoke, it voice like death itself shouting reverberating around the whole of the village.
"Humansss, my name is unimportant, let it be known that I control these shadows and I will give you my word they will not attack. I sense one in your midst, a man who controls the weave, he must appear. That is the price for your life, the sorcerer in your midst I require him."
Left with little option if my comrades were to survive the night, I announced, "I shall go to him, if it will appease the shadows and keep all of you safe. Wait for me - I shall return in my own time."
My comrades were understandably reluctant to give up one of their own, but I accepted the invitation as it seemed our only hope of escaping the cursed place. Leaving a light spell to ward against the Shadows, I departed, ascending the tower under the malevolent gaze of the dark creatures.
The Shadow led me to the top of the tower where a pleasant-seeming old man sat, two cups before him, and a carafe of wine between them, “Come in, traveller and please indulge an old man his dramatic urges. Take a cup of wine with me. We have much to discuss.”
He beckoned me to sit and I did so, pouring two glasses and reaching for one at random. I waited for him to sip first and he did so. I followed suit. Just enough to satisfy the conventions of hospitality.
Then, without warning, an area of dark viscous space appeared, torn like a wound in the middle of a mystical symbol on the ground, suspended between two jet pillars. Its seemed to winkle as though alive, seemingly moving through all the planes simultaneously. The old man had disappeared. I had been taken in by an illusion like a novice… An age seemed to pass, probably not more than five minutes or so in reality when a tall man walked through the portal. He was dressed as a wizard and the symbol of Shar dangles from his neck. He spoke with a Moonsea accent, his eyes sparkling but something within them was dead.
"Well met my fellow practitioner," he said with a smile. "We have a deal to make with some adventurers, are you interested? Of course you won’t live if you’re not and you can join the throngs of shadows here."
I saw no choice but to hear him out and answered, controlling my fear as well as I could. "Well met, disciple of Shaar. I shall listen to your deal and then shall pronounce my willingness to accept, or otherwise. Then the Fates shall pronounce their will. Speak on, I am listening." I answered, quashing the fear in my soul.
"The wizard of this temple, sorcerer, came to the plane of the shadows and took the Staff of Shadow Darkness from us and ran off to Waterdeep. We, Shade, are after him but we need human agents to get to the City of Splendours. We want that human agent to be you and in return sorcerer we will give you the lives of your comrades. Return the staff to us here and you will have what you seek, a quick and easy death and life for your fellows." The wizard laughed with a roar.
"Of course, this bargain for your friends lives is not without sacrifice, your friends will never understand it and your soul will be ours forever. The sacrifice of your very soul to Shar will be absolute, you cannot save your comrades without it." he smiled, his eyes soulless and dark.
He gestured casually to the wine carafe, "The wine you have imbibed allows us to follow your essence. There will be literally, no where to hide on any plane."
Cursing my stupidity, I replied, "Since I am going to the City of Splendours anyway and I have lost too many of my fellows already, I shall seek you staff and return it here to you in the hope I can restore my soul to mine own ownership by my own means."
The wizard continued, his tone gloating and mocking, "The wizard's name is Melfaunt, he is a necromancer of some power and a collector of magical items. It’s probably the reason that your elf friend is after him. He steals from any one and any thing, as long as it gives him power. That’s what he craves; power above all else."
"The wine contained a slow time poison, it will change your body slowly over time. We think about three ten days till the change sorcerer. I’m not going to tell you what happens, suffice to say it’s not without pain." He just smiled and clicked his fingers, flame and smoke rising from them blue in colour.
Smiling he said, "You can leave in the morning, it’s at least three hours to daybreak. You can also take anything on this table, one item. But it is Melfaunt's so he might want it back when you see him."
Zeric nodded bitterly. Suddenly feeling a bone-crumbling chill, he took the cloak and draped it around his shoulders, "I shall take my leave then, shade and see you upon my return from Waterdeep."
He turned his back and began descending the steps, heading back to the inn, leaning very heavily upon his staff as though greatly weakened.
We left in the morning and encountered your agent in the woods later that very day. I have not spoken of this burden before now…”
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Post by Dungeon Master on Sept 7, 2008 20:54:17 GMT
Lord Nasher nodded his head, grimly and spoke slowly. "Thats a tale of woe, my friend, a tragic story. Of that there is no doubt. Your a brave or a foolhardy man, sorcerer. Id be proud to have you in my adventuring party." Turning to his wizard he spoke loud and clear
"Myrmidion, take the sorcerer here and have him assessed by the priests of Helm and yourself. Do not put this mans life in danger.We need to work someway around the horrible spells that the Shade have placed on him"
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Post by Zeric on Sept 7, 2008 22:37:17 GMT
Zeric seemed to slump, letting out a sigh of relief as though a terrible burden had been lifted from his shoulders, "*Koff-Koff* I thank you for your kindness, My *Kaff* Lord Nasher... I fear it will prove a foolhardy decision. I cannot say that I do not hope there is *koff* a way out of this predicament for *koff* myself."
He left with the Wizard, leaning heavily upon his staff, saying to him as they walked, "Perhaps whatever damage caused by that wizard's poison *koff* will be minimal, My Lord High Wizard. But I fear not..."
He reached up and stroked Tress behind her ears as he followed the wizard.
OOC: Paul, PM on its way!
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Post by Cathmhaol on Sept 8, 2008 19:53:26 GMT
Cathmhaol watched his comrade leave, his concern bearing down upon him. "M' Lord, we had no idea o' what ailed him. If'n yer man can heal him, I will be f'rever in yer debt."
He stepped up and studied the items in the chest. He leant forward and lifted up Lord Nasher's own armour. "M'Lord, I would be honoured t' wear this." He stepped back and waved the others forward.
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Post by Cathmhaol on Sept 9, 2008 15:54:29 GMT
OOC: Mr DM, I've got a question to ask Lord N after the PC/NPC's present have chosen their weapons. Don't let me forget!
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Post by Dungeon Master on Sept 9, 2008 16:17:45 GMT
Delora picked up the shield called Bridon's Sense, tears in her eyes she spoke "M'Lord, this is truly a wonderful gift. But I must refuse, Im giving this quest up. My own reasons are revenge, but the death of my father has brought home that I too am very vulnerable and I need to mourn and move on. I think Ill stay in your beautiful town, M'Lord and set up business here. Im tpo young for adventuring"
Nahser nodded. "Your wise beyond your years, girl. You can have a place at the castle we could use someone like you."
Smiling towards Cathmhaol, she smiled with tears. "I need to rest Cath, I have nothing left to give." She took off the silver scaled armour and handed it to the warrior. "Sorry "
Eneval walked up and hefted the mace. Bowing silently he moved back into line, he made no sound but just touched Delora on the arm silently.
"Cathmhaol, I think the child should stay. Ill provide for her until she is old enough to claim her inheritances." Said Nasher, mournfully
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Post by Dungeon Master on Sept 9, 2008 16:33:53 GMT
OOC: Mr DM, I've got a question to ask Lord N after the PC/NPC's present have chosen their weapons. Don't let me forget! OOC- thats it once youve responded to Delora's request.
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Post by Cathmhaol on Sept 9, 2008 16:41:39 GMT
"I'm sorry t' lose ye, but I understand yer decision," said Catmhaol somberly, "but at least this time when I say farewell t' a comrade, I know that I'll see ye agin." He smiled at the young woman, whose tears rolled down her face. He reached out and drew her into a hug, sorry to see her leave but pleased that at least one of his comrades would survive.
He released Delora and turned back to Lord Nasher, "M'Lord - please look after her. She is special to us all." He cleared his throat and continued. "We ha' two further companions who are not wi' us today. I would not normally ask but the task afore us is mighty, so I wonder if'n we cannot take something f' them also?"
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Post by Dungeon Master on Sept 9, 2008 16:50:15 GMT
"Of course, she'll be well looked after. If her father was half as bright, she will be well looked after from his estate." he smiled fatherly
"Yes of course, help yourself. Id like to do more to help but Im afraid our hands are tied mostly." he stroked his chin
"I make that three extra items. One for Delora and the other two for your missing colleagues." he said with a smile
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Post by Cathmhaol on Sept 11, 2008 20:34:13 GMT
OOC: So she's not going with us but she still gets the loot? Eh?!
So why are we going? We could just take the best stuff, flog it at the market and clear off!
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Post by Dungeon Master on Sept 11, 2008 20:39:24 GMT
OOC - because your the noble leader of a party of degenerates!!! No what I meant was that, you can choose 3 items for use by the party.
You want to go into the "Largest mass grave in all of Faerun" - Elminster, without magical assistance.
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Post by Cathmhaol on Sept 11, 2008 21:39:27 GMT
"Ye're very generous, m'Lord," said Cathmhaol. He studied the contents of the chest again and looked back at Lord Nasher. "If'n it pleases ye, m'Lord, I shall take Flamerin', the hawk shield an' one o' the daggers." His hand hovered over the snake crossed hilt but then he changed his mind and picked up King's Ransom. "F' all that I accept yer generous gifts, m'Lord, I ha' a distrust o' magic. A blade that screams f' blood? I prefer m' weapons t' keep themsel's in check."
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Post by Dungeon Master on Sept 12, 2008 8:27:42 GMT
"Its completely understood, Cathmhaol" replied Nasher smiling. "thats why I have my own Wizard advisor. I dont have anything else to say or ask. But my carriage will pick you up from the outside of the Moonstone mask at 7in the morning. We have a meal set out for you in the dinning room, which unfortunately I cant host. The affairs of state are long, hard and dull. Stay adventurers, my friends."
With that statement the lord waved his hand and the servants gathered up the chest, carrying it out of the room behind the lord. A second manservant led the Adventurers to a door, which opened into a large dinning room. Whose large table was filled with food if all sorts.
As the adventurers enter the room, Zerics Tressym flies into the hall resting on Cathmhaol's shoulder. Sitting there while the warrior ate. _____________________________________________________ Meanwhile it was close to 9 pm and back at the Moonstone Mask, the 'out of time' dwarf, Rumpleskin, Sat at the bar drinking on his own with the barman. Telling tales of the wonderful Ironeater Clan the building of the tunnels in Illefarn and its connections to the Underdark.
Entering the Mask came Dace, the Caravan Guard accompanied by an attractive woman, who was dressed flamboyantly in fashionably yet practical dress. Her head covered with a large floppy brimmed hat with a couple of white oyster feathers in the hat.
OOC- Actions from dace and Rumpleskin. Cath? You want to do anything from here?
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Post by Dace on Sept 12, 2008 18:36:34 GMT
Entering the inn, Dace nodded at Rumbleskin.
"Hey. The others not back yet?" Then, remembering his friend, he gestured to the woman at his side. "Rumbleskin, Maylene, Maylene, Rumbleskin."
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