Habololy Forum
Icefian Campaign => Reluctant Heroes => Topic started by: whitesword on April 24, 2013, 10:40:43 PM
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As the throne room and all the larger formal rooms are occupied by refugees and the wounded, the decision is made to receive the messengers on the roof of the inner bailey gatehouse. There is already a large brazier for a fire and a sturdy tent, enchanted to keep the cold at bay, is erected. A number of chairs and benches are brought out as well. Asinjin, Rubius and Thale are the last to arrive before Martine, Nisoru, Arion and Lira.
Arion and Lira sit facing the stairs, just as if they were in the throne room, he in the right side chair. Arion is dressed in his full, white, plate, missing only the helm and the Gemblade is sheathed at his side. He has a heavy blue cape as well. He looks ill at ease in the formal setting. Still he is formidable looking, easily the tallest and most powerfully built person in attendance. Lira is the opposite. She is clearly comfortable and has likely been to dozens of these events in her young life. She is perfectly dressed and made up, though her blue dress is relatively simple, rather than the formal gown you have seen wealthy Icefian women wear.
To Arion's right stands Martine Vanyar. He is dressed in his intimidating black dragon leather and admantium ring mail, with the admantium shoulder guards and mithril sash of the champions mantle. He is armed with three short swords, one on each side and a third on his back with a shield. His face is impassive as always.
To Lira's left is Nisoru. He is arrayed as you have always see him: his mithril "wicker" armor with its diamond guards at the joints, the Kovan marked katana, with its blue jade handle and its companion wakizashi. He appears impatient, as if he would rather be in action.
Seated before and below Arion is King Oliver. He too is dressed in ring mail, his royal crest on a fine linen tabard, and his Kovan marked blade at his right hip. He looks perfectly at ease. Before Lira is seated Queen Irene Degala-Gemblade. She too has clearly sat through similar events on numerous prior occasions. Her gown is far more elaborate than Lira's, and perhaps more suited to the climate.
Two sets of long benches, with comfortable pads, face each other. On Arion's side are seated Lord Whiteknight, Michael Steelsmyth and the leaders of the church of Stasis, along with Asic Wintersend. Beside him are the high clerics of Gnarion, Enrik Firstsnows, and Hemator, Hugh Colrain, and a drow elf. Though you did not see him during the battle, word of his deeds spread quickly afterwards. He is William Summerlight, The Lord of Swords, of the church of Falan. He is dressed in a mithril chain shirt with a black tabard bearing the wheel of swords in white. Pinned to his breast is a small silver wheel as well. He too is armed with a sword that bears Kovan's mark on its hilt. His face is unreadable. Ari is seated beside him. Behind them are the Knights of the White Sword; Sir Bartholomew, Lady Alara, Lady Hanai and Lord Thamolly.
On the facing bench, closest to the thrones is Thale. He is still armed with the staff you saw him wield during the battle. He is dressed in a pure white robe with the symbol of Smofarf in the center. The stars seem to twinkle, though they are not gemstones. He also has a badge pinned to his belt. Now that you see him cleaned up it is clear that he is much younger than you realized. Beside him is lord Darpus, dressed in a robe of indeterminable color. He looks relaxed. Next is Strydus Archir. He is well dressed and unarmored, though a short sword hangs at his side. He chats easily with all around him. Beside him is Dean Hawklyn, dressed in a fine but worn outfit that Asinjin is sure is the same one he wore to the state dinner at the college. Beside him is Dean Haskra, his blue and purple scales making him nearly invisible in the flickering light. He is speaking with Russel who is seated next to him, looking miserable. He has a sword awkwardly belted on and his staff is standing beside him, unsupported. Beside him are Luigi, Cloud, Parker and last is Asinjin.
A young herald announces: Your majesties (at which Arion opens his mouth to speak but Lira lightly touches his hand) Amaras, Avoral of the Guardian Temple, The Messenger of Arborea, comes with two companions and requests an audience. Arion nods and the herald gestures to the stairwell. Amaras enters with a human woman and a halfling trailing behind him. Amaras' silver hair is loose and his green and grey robes clean. He is unarmed. He looks very tired, a marked difference from times you have seen him in the past, when his celestial nature seemed unaffected by any concern. The woman is in her thirties, with regal features and light blonde hair. She looks uncomfortable in a dress and a heavy fur. The halfling is dressed in chainmail with a tabard bearing two crossed short swords. He is armed with a short sword on each hip and his left forearm appears covered in a sheath of blue water. He surveys the assembly vigilantly, evaluating the warriors with particular care.
Amaras says: "Hail Arion, true heir to the throne of Icefia. All the Guardians are glad this day has come, may you and your queen rule wisely and justly in the Light. I bring you word of what has happened in the Vale."
Arion says: "Greetings Amaras, our thanks for your words, though I am not yet crowned High King, for we have been engaged here by the servants of darkness. Tell us your news, for I know you and your brethren would not fail to come to grips with the creatures of the infernal planes unless some greater threat prevented them."
Amaras says "The Vale was assaulted by a host from the north. Many zombies and barbarians, as well as werebeasts and even a small cohort of fire giants. But the heart of the host were Tanari, sixty in all, nearly all those that we have been seeking these last few years; each more powerful than is typical for their type. They were herded into battle by Nycaloth and Piscoloth. We stood against them for three days and nights. We summoned all the aid we could and with our allies we prevailed. Many of my brethren have been gravely wounded and others slain. Midan was nearly killed and enspelled, else he would be here. Anakova Brightsky and Shesthul Ari'aon were slain. Both will be returned, but a new master Clerist will be elected. "
"It is no coincidence that both of our homes were attacked on the same day but we do not believe they were the work of the same enemy, except that the darkness serves a common master. Marius Darkthrone sent the horde against us. We think his assault had four aims: first to weaken us, second to prevent us from coming to your aid, next to force us to destroy those Tanari we had sought to capture and last to allow him to consolidate his hold in Valleyhope.
The elves that have fled looking for refuge have told us that Marius now rules in Valleyhope. We have learned he has been living there in disguise, claiming some relationship with Fraelix, the elves long dead ruler, and was giving the elves' leaders counsel and aid. When the leaders of the military, actually their duplicates we now know, moved to surrender unconditionally, the most militant and wicked of the leaders listened to Marius' whispers and threw their lot in with him. Now no word comes from the north; nearly three hundred miles south and east a persistent storm rages with killing cold, grey snow and daggers of ice. It is clearly the work of powerful magic but it cannot conceal from us the evil that is building within. How many fiends Marius has summoned we cannot say but their numbers are growing. Marius has done this before, though not here." He gestures to the Halfling.
"My lords and ladies, I am Kerkley Andest, champion of Avoreen and Captain of the Imperial Guard of Chryatea. This is Lady Katrina Warburton, also a member of the imperial staff. Centuries ago we were guests of Stasis here in this castle and he aided us in a mighty task. It seems only a few years ago to us, for recently, in our minds, were cursed and fell into a magical sleep of sorts. We awoke only a few days ago in the midst of the battle. Our protectors, the Guardians, would have spared us from the danger but that is not our nature. (Here Katrina starts to speak, clearly to give her different take, but Kerkely continues right over her.) My brothers in arms, Möbius, Isolder and Alyssa, put many to the sword. Now we find enemies that were little more than legend on our world, Marius and the shadow drake, have come to plague your world. I did not include Uscis, for I saw him once, years ago, and he is more nightmare than legend. I will tell you what I know of them when it is time. "
Amaras says: "I regret to say my stay must be brief and that my farewell will be my last. The wall that has been created between Arborea and this world has grown strong enough to cut me off from my power. Soon I will weaken and die. Know that I continue the battle elsewhere. Long may you reign and may the Light shine upon you."
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(I clearly assumed too much: a person who requests an audience is typically questioned by the king's advisors. That would be all of you.)
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Waiting until after the guests with more seniority, authority have spoken, and assuming there have been plenty of introductions already, "Who did the fire giants worship? Where did they come from?"
cough cough
"Are all of the Tanari slain? What does that mean for the ban and those trapped?"
cough cough
"What of the elves in the south, at Dethambrais, who leads them now?"
cough cough
"What types of fiends does Marius now summon?"
cough cough
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"Pardon me Amaras, but would you happen to know what became of those seeking asylum in Elysium during the assault? My wife and children were among them."
"Forgive me for asking, but what is this wall you refer to between Arborea and this world that is cutting off your power? Is there any similar magic in place that could prevent Marius from accessing this world? If we could keep him banished to the plane of shadows, we could rest easier."
Turning to face all those present: "I feel there is much work left to do in order for the good folk of this world to be at peace. I humbly offer my services, such as they are, to those tasked with rooting out Marius and his minions."
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Waiting until after the guests with more seniority, authority have spoken, and assuming there have been plenty of introductions already, "Who did the fire giants worship? Where did they come from?"
cough cough
"Are all of the Tanari slain? What does that mean for the ban and those trapped?"
cough cough
"What of the elves in the south, at Dethambrais, who leads them now?"
cough cough
"What types of fiends does Marius now summon?"
cough cough
It seems as if the more senior attendees are waiting for others to speak first.
Amaras says: "We do not know where they came from or how they arrived in Icefia, though as you unfortunately know firsthand master Asinjin, the lords of Baeneral have some role in these plots. All the giants bore symbols of Nilas'Anor but all had tokens, tattoos or symbols of Sutyr as well."
"As for the Tanari, all that were brought to the Vale were slain. That leaves six at large in the world. After we have taken stock of the situation and given aid to the refugees we will seek to identify those six. We know not what the destruction of so many means for the magic at work."
There is a slight moment of awkwardness when you say Dethembrais but it quickly passes.
Thale answers before Amaras: "The elves had begun to abandon the city in search of food. Most headed north and it was reported to us just before the attack here that many from both north and south had begun fleeing east towards our lines."
Amaras says: "Those we have encountered are mostly civilians and mainly women, children and aged. The elders lead them. We have not sent scouts into the city."
"The storm wall is partially blocking our ability to determine what has been summoned but Maglore believes most are Baazetu. The 'Loth do not fight in formation so it would be unusual to summon them in large groups. If enough are summoned, even with the storm, we will be able to make a determination."
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"Pardon me Amaras, but would you happen to know what became of those seeking asylum in Elysium during the assault? My wife and children were among them."
"Forgive me for asking, but what is this wall you refer to between Arborea and this world that is cutting off your power? Is there any similar magic in place that could prevent Marius from accessing this world? If we could keep him banished to the plane of shadows, we could rest easier."
Turning to face all those present: "I feel there is much work left to do in order for the good folk of this world to be at peace. I humbly offer my services, such as they are, to those tasked with rooting out Marius and his minions."
Kerkley responds: "Master Humperdinck, your lovely wife and children returned to the Vale this morning. They were among the first, for the bliss of Elysium suited them a little too well. When we depart you are welcome to return with us."
Amaras says: "I am no wizard, but I know the planes well so I will give you as good an answer as I can. The inner planes combine and give rise to the material plane, this plane. As a result it is not possible to cut the material plane off from them. The plane of shadow is a side effect of a sort of the material plane and thus it cannot be cut off either. The outer planes are completely different and sadly can be cut off or blocked. Such a block is what keeps the Tanari from being summoned to Habololy but also the celestials of Arborea as well."
There are several nods and quiet approvals of Rubius' statement.
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Kerkley responds: "Master Humperdinck, your lovely wife and children returned to the Vale this morning. They were among the first, for the bliss of Elysium suited them a little to well. When we depart you are welcome to return with us."
"I would very much like that; thank you Master Kerkley."
Amaras says: "I am no wizard, but I know the planes well so I will give you as good an answer as I can. The inner planes combine and give rise to the material plane, this plane. As a result it is not possible to cut the material plane off from them. The plane of shadow is a side effect of a sort of the material plane and thus it cannot be cut off either. The outer planes are completely different and sadly can be cut off or blocked."
"If the plane of shadow is a side effect of the material plane, would it be safe to say that both planes are governed by the same rules? Would it be possible to track Marius through magical detection, such as through a powerful Discern Location spell, then force him to teleport to the material plane? If Marius is anything; it's vain. We should be able to goad him into a confrontation here on the material plane. Once here, it may be possible to shunt him off to a goodly plane where his essence would be weakened or destroyed. I realize this may seem absurd, and I apologize to any who may feel this is beyond our ability, but after seeing the dazzling display on the battlefield alongside the bravest, wisest, and mightiest defenders of this great world, I feel nothing is impossible."
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"I would very much like that; thank you Master Kerkley."
"If the plane of shadow is a side effect of the material plane, would it be safe to say that both planes are governed by the same rules? Would it be possible to track Marius through magical detection, such as through a powerful Discern Location spell, then force him to teleport to the material plane? If Marius is anything; it's vain. We should be able to goad him into a confrontation here on the material plane. Once here, it may be possible to shunt him off to a goodly plane where his essence would be weakened or destroyed. I realize this may seem absurd, and I apologize to any who may feel this is beyond our ability, but after seeing the dazzling display on the battlefield alongside the bravest, wisest, and mightiest defenders of this great world, I feel nothing is impossible."
Amaras says "Marius dwells here on Habololy and has shown himself to be well protected from divination. If you could banish him to an upper plane he would be destroyed quickly, but he is an archmage and could likely travel to another plane quickly. We believe that he and the other two cannot reach the outer planes as a result of the curse on Dakon and Nilas'Anor. Finding a way to undo this limitation is clearly one of their goals."
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There once was a Halfling named Rubius,
Fighting against enemies and evil most scrupulous
His holy bow struck true,
Splattering Loth’s into goo
The Juggernaut defeated; he and his companions happy,
Only one thing left DM; how about some XP?
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There once was a Halfling named Rubius,
Fighting against enemies and evil most scrupulous
His holy bow struck true,
Splattering Loth’s into goo
The Juggernaut defeated; he and his companions happy,
Only one thing left DM; how about some XP?
only Ari and Parker stand between you and lots of XP.
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There once was a Halfling named Rubius,
Fighting against enemies and evil most scrupulous
His holy bow struck true,
Splattering Loth’s into goo
The Juggernaut defeated; he and his companions happy,
Only one thing left DM; how about some XP?
Asinjin awards Rubius 25 of his xp
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Asinjin awards Rubius 25 of his xp
Rubius awards Asinjin some peach nectar and a fresh baked Poed pie.
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".... We believe that he and the other two cannot reach the outer planes as a result of the curse on Dakon and Nilas'Anor. Finding a way to undo this limitation is clearly one of their goals."
"Nilas'Anor and his lackeys may be doing just that. While the battles here and the Guardian Vale may have been an effort of our foes to rid themselves of those who could defeat them, I believe they were also a feint. As you all should know by now, Lady Allanda was captured by Uscis. Uscis and a great flying lizard breached the Bardic College, did significant damage and was able to somehow imprison her. The efforts of my companions and I, as well as professor Wonderword, were too little too late. We managed to slay the wyrm, but Uscis was able to escape with his prisoner.
If their true goal is to undo the 'Ban', then taking Lady Allanda, who, if she did not have a direct hand in its creation, would know more about the 'Ban' and how to undo it, than anyone else living, puts their plans closer to becoming reality."
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"As for the Tanari, all that were brought to the Vale were slain. That leaves six at large in the world. After we have taken stock of the situation and given aid to the refugees we will seek to identify those six. We know not what the destruction of so many means for the magic at work."
"The magic number was 13. 13 Tanari from the 50 originally brought to Habololy needed to live to foil Nilas'Anor's plan. That is what we learned from the...information gathering excursion Professor Hargrove commissioned us to conduct. It seems the Cult has succeeded in that aspect of their plan."
"Turning to face all those present: "I feel there is much work left to do in order for the good folk of this world to be at peace. I humbly offer my services, such as they are, to those tasked with rooting out Marius and his minions."
"You will not be alone Rubius. I have faced Marius once and Uscis twice, and failed to end their insanity on all 3 occasions. I do not plan on letting them slip away again."
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"The magic number was 13. 13 Tanari from the 50 originally brought to Habololy needed to live to foil Nilas'Anor's plan. That is what we learned from the...information gathering excursion Professor Hargrove commissioned us to conduct. It seems the Cult has succeeded in that aspect of their plan."
"You will not be alone Rubius. I have faced Marius once and Uscis twice, and failed to end their insanity on all 3 occasions. I do not plan on letting them slip away again."
Amaras says: "In regard to the Tanari Lord Ari, there is both good and bad news. More than originally believed entered through the rift. Eighty nine in all were set loose on this world. Seventy four escaped the initial battle. Since then we have captured nine and slain four, including the one you defeated in Phiam. That left sixty one. Sixty were brought to bear against us and six escaped, leaving seven at large. We are three above the magic number, so to speak."
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"Nilas'Anor and his lackeys may be doing just that. While the battles here and the Guardian Vale may have been an effort of our foes to rid themselves of those who could defeat them, I believe they were also a feint. As you all should know by now, Lady Allanda was captured by Uscis. Uscis and a great flying lizard breached the Bardic College, did significant damage and was able to somehow imprison her. The efforts of my companions and I, as well as professor Wonderword, were too little too late. We managed to slay the wyrm, but Uscis was able to escape with his prisoner.
If their true goal is to undo the 'Ban', then taking Lady Allanda, who, if she did not have a direct hand in its creation, would know more about the 'Ban' and how to undo it, than anyone else living, puts their plans closer to becoming reality."
Amaras looks very concerned by this news. "I know little of how the Ban was enacted but I do not believe she helped in its making. However, if there was a way to undo it, or find another loophole, or alter it, then she would seem the ideal figure to interrogate. I will alert the council immediately, even before we depart in the morning."
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"You say the Marius is summoning devils in great number. How is he doing that? Short of a permanent gate, there is a limit to what he can personally summon and to how long they will remain."
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Slightly off topic OOC question: did we learn what became of Marius' prisoners? I seem to recall the Guardian's planning a rescue mission to the plane of shadow, but I have no recollection of how that turned out.
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"You say the Marius is summoning devils in great number. How is he doing that? Short of a permanent gate, there is a limit to what he can personally summon and to how long they will remain."
"That is a question to which to we do not have an answer and your statement is generally correct. However, Marius is ancient and there are spells that are best lost to mortal knowledge which would allow him to bring fiends here permanently. These spells too have a cost but less than a Gate."
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Slightly off topic OOC question: did we learn what became of Marius' prisoners? I seem to recall the Guardian's planning a rescue mission to the plane of shadow, but I have no recollection of how that turned out.
OOC Ari went to the Vale and saw them. That is when you learned about the force approaching the Vale.
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If there are no more comments the audience adjourns. Consider what if any activities you undertake in the days that follow. Rubius is going to the Vale, but feel free to discuss.
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If there are no more comments the audience adjourns. Consider what if any activities you undertake in the days that follow. Rubius is going to the Vale, but feel free to discuss.
Rubius will assist with burial services for the dead, tend to the wounded, then say his goodbye's to all his friends and, of course, the counsil. If the king allows it, I'll prepare one last feast for everyone before I depart for The Vale.
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Asinjin awaits audiences with those that still have to speak with him, if they do not approach within two days, I seek them out. In the interim time, he rests and researches theories on how the ban was enacted.
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Rubius will assist with burial services for the dead, tend to the wounded, then say his goodbye's to all his friends and, of course, the counsil. If the king allows it, I'll prepare one last feast for everyone before I depart for The Vale.
I forgot: after the audience everyone goes downstairs for a meal. It is not as formal as would normally be expected because of the circumstances and the location. Others who were not at the audience join you including the spouses of those who were in attendance. Feel free to speak with anyone.
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Are either of the individuals I am looking to speak with in attendance?
Are the halfling or woman from the other world there?
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Are either of the individuals I am looking to speak with in attendance?
Are the halfling or woman from the other world there?
No on the first, yes on the second.
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OOC Ari went to the Vale and saw them. That is when you learned about the force approaching the Vale.
Does Amaras have any news on the progress of their recovery?
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Does Amaras have any news on the progress of their recovery?
The remedy devised by Padra and the cleric of Hemator (bonus xp if you remember his name) will work, but Aizim will be needed to restore their memories. The Guardians hope he can visit again in the next two months.
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The remedy devised by Padra and the cleric of Hemator (bonus xp if you remember his name) will work, but Aizim will be needed to restore their memories. The Guardians hope he can visit again in the next two months.
Are you referring to Anakova?
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Are you referring to Anakova?
No, she is the cleric of Arsur'anyodel. Rubius actually has not met the person in question.
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The remedy devised by Padra and the cleric of Hemator (bonus xp if you remember his name) will work, but Aizim will be needed to restore their memories. The Guardians hope he can visit again in the next two months.
Deskin?
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Deskin?
winner!
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If there are no more comments the audience adjourns. Consider what if any activities you undertake in the days that follow. Rubius is going to the Vale, but feel free to discuss.
I spend time trying to learn as much as I can about Valleyhope. I start by asking Thale who the local expert is. Trying to get a feel for layout mostly, if that is where I'm going next.
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"I think an objective of great import would be stopping the flow of devils. If I am going to work on a problem, it would be that."
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I spend time trying to learn as much as I can about Valleyhope. I start by asking Thale who the local expert is. Trying to get a feel for layout mostly, if that is where I'm going next.
Thale says: Wilar Tel'Cu is the expert on all things related to the Scaled Elves. He was attached to an Elven unit during the War of Technology and fought at the Third Battle of Portet. In the Wyvern Crusade he was sent to offer them terms and they tried to take him captive. He fought his way back to our lines, a journey of hundreds of miles. Valleyhope, however is not well known to him as it was transformed after the Revolt. Acure Edana of the Guardians knows Valleyhope better than any Icefian.
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"I think an objective of great import would be stopping the flow of devils. If I am going to work on a problem, it would be that."
who is this directed to?
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I mention it to whoever when the subject comes up of plans.
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I mention it to whoever when the subject comes up of plans.
Its not really dinner conversation.
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"I think an objective of great import would be stopping the flow of devils. If I am going to work on a problem, it would be that."
Agreed. How soon will you be ready to leave?
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Thale says: Wilar Tel'Cu is the expert on all things related to the Scaled Elves. He was attached to an Elven unit during the War of Technology and fought at the Third Battle of Portet. In the Wyvern Crusade he was sent to offer them terms and they tried to take him captive. He fought his way back to our lines, a journey of hundreds of miles. Valleyhope, however is not well known to him as it was transformed after the Revolt. Acure Edana of the Guardians knows Valleyhope better than any Icefian.
Acura is back at the Vale, I presume?
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Acura is back at the Vale, I presume?
Yes
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Assuming that Rubius goes to the Vale to be with his family until the end of the winter, would the rest of you email me any plans you have for the next few months. Some of you may wish to review my emails to see if there are any loose ends.
It takes three weeks to fully secure the city and return the residents to their homes. Five days before the end of the year messengers are sent to the capitals of all the nations of Habololy. They announce Arion's ascension to the throne and the marriage of Arion and Lira. No public festival is too be held until after the winter (and hopefully some resolution of the situation in the west). A private reception will be held on the day after New Year's Day.
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I am waiting on two others that I have heard need to talk to me about positions.
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Yes, Rubius is heading back to the Vale to be with his family unless someone needs something more of him.
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I am waiting on two others that I have heard need to talk to me about positions.
No one approaches you before the end of the year.
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Then I will politely contact those that I was told were interested and ask for if the positions are open.
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Then I will politely contact those that I was told were interested and ask for if the positions are open.
we can conduct that over email.
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When do I leave for Fallingleaf?
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It is so nice to see the town that I created in 2nd Ed. is still around :)
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It is so nice to see the town that I created in 2nd Ed. is still around :)
Elves don't change much.
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When do I leave for Fallingleaf?
Not until after the first of the year.
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There once was a Halfling named Rubius,
Fighting against enemies and evil most scrupulous
His holy bow struck true,
Splattering Loth’s into goo
The Juggernaut defeated; he and his companions happy,
Only one thing left DM; how about some XP?
So, have you had a chance to sift through the posts? I'm holding you to your promise of bonus XP once you realize you never posted it. Don't forget Rubius is only 15th. Please dispense XP generously. Don't make me compose another poem... ;)
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I admire your fruitless persistence.
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I admire your fruitless persistence.
Well, Rubius has an entire war-torn nation to feed. I'm going to need a few more levels if I expect to help save the starving masses of Portet.
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Ari addresses Asinjin, Parker, and Rubius:
"My friends, I am in need of your assistance. I have been asked to assist in the relief efforts in Portet. The situation there is dire, the elves, though struggling to survive, are loathe to accept the assistance they so desperately need.
And they are mostly ignorant of the shadow of Marius that lurks at their doorstep, threatening to consume them in darkness. This is why I have accepted this task. Portet needs to be defended against the agents of Nilas'Anor, securing what remains of that nation is the first step to routing out Marius. The scaled elves will not tolerate Knights of the White Sword or any others typically associated with the Icefian military.
I regret having to ask any of you to throw yourselves back into the fire after all we have been through. But I need people I can trust, those that know and understand the threat of Nilas'Anor, those capable of standing against the shadow. I need Asinjin's arcane might, Rubius' kind heart and keen bow, and Parker's...ummm...eclectic...mix of...talents..?....
Know that you have no obligation to risk your lives again for the Kingdom. I ask only that you consider the gravity of the situation, and do as your heart compels you. I leave in 3 days."
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Ari addresses Asinjin, Parker, and Rubius:
"My friends, I am in need of your assistance. I have been asked to assist in the relief efforts in Portet. The situation there is dire, the elves, though struggling to survive, are loathe to accept the assistance they so desperately need.
And they are mostly ignorant of the shadow of Marius that lurks at their doorstep, threatening to consume them in darkness. This is why I have accepted this task. Portet needs to be defended against the agents of Nilas'Anor, securing what remains of that nation is the first step to routing out Marius. The scaled elves will not tolerate Knights of the White Sword or any others typically associated with the Icefian military.
I regret having to ask any of you to throw yourselves back into the fire after all we have been through. But I need people I can trust, those that know and understand the threat of Nilas'Anor, those capable of standing against the shadow. I need Asinjin's arcane might, Rubius' kind heart and keen bow, and Parker's...ummm...eclectic...mix of...talents..?....
Know that you have no obligation to risk your lives again for the Kingdom. I ask only that you consider the gravity of the situation, and do as your heart compels you. I leave in 3 days."
"Ari, it would be utterly irresponsible of me not to aid those in need. I haven't fought side by side with you and all our fine companions simply to see the sacrifices we've made be in vain. If innocent people are suffering, then you may depend on me to provide relief in any way I can. None of us can truly be at ease until the threat of Marius is ended. I'm with you until the end, my friend."
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Ari addresses Asinjin, Parker, and Rubius:
"My friends, I am in need of your assistance. I have been asked to assist in the relief efforts in Portet. The situation there is dire, the elves, though struggling to survive, are loathe to accept the assistance they so desperately need.
And they are mostly ignorant of the shadow of Marius that lurks at their doorstep, threatening to consume them in darkness. This is why I have accepted this task. Portet needs to be defended against the agents of Nilas'Anor, securing what remains of that nation is the first step to routing out Marius. The scaled elves will not tolerate Knights of the White Sword or any others typically associated with the Icefian military.
I regret having to ask any of you to throw yourselves back into the fire after all we have been through. But I need people I can trust, those that know and understand the threat of Nilas'Anor, those capable of standing against the shadow. I need Asinjin's arcane might, Rubius' kind heart and keen bow, and Parker's...ummm...eclectic...mix of...talents..?....
Know that you have no obligation to risk your lives again for the Kingdom. I ask only that you consider the gravity of the situation, and do as your heart compels you. I leave in 3 days."
"I will send to you regularly and teleport in to help if needed."
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Ari addresses Asinjin, Parker, and Rubius:
"My friends, I am in need of your assistance. I have been asked to assist in the relief efforts in Portet. The situation there is dire, the elves, though struggling to survive, are loathe to accept the assistance they so desperately need.
And they are mostly ignorant of the shadow of Marius that lurks at their doorstep, threatening to consume them in darkness. This is why I have accepted this task. Portet needs to be defended against the agents of Nilas'Anor, securing what remains of that nation is the first step to routing out Marius. The scaled elves will not tolerate Knights of the White Sword or any others typically associated with the Icefian military.
I regret having to ask any of you to throw yourselves back into the fire after all we have been through. But I need people I can trust, those that know and understand the threat of Nilas'Anor, those capable of standing against the shadow. I need Asinjin's arcane might, Rubius' kind heart and keen bow, and Parker's...ummm...eclectic...mix of...talents..?....
Know that you have no obligation to risk your lives again for the Kingdom. I ask only that you consider the gravity of the situation, and do as your heart compels you. I leave in 3 days."
"You would think that after destroying an Avatar, felling two Doggedens and, literally, relieving a flying worm of its ass, you could do better than 'eclectic mix of talents'. How about 'Tenacious fortitude in the face of Overwhelming odds' or 'Surprising scope of Unparalleled Cunning and hidden talents'. Regardless, I will assist in any way I can. Let it never be said that the Icefian Nobility would not lend a hand to our war torn neighbors in their time of need. It just so happens that I am looking for a place to open up a guild for fellow Relic Hunters. A safe haven where others of my calling can come, trade legends, barter with adventurous stories, and pay a handsome, but reasonable, membership fee. I call it L.O.R.H. The League Of Relic Hunters. Has a certain ring to it, don't you think?"
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Asinjin chuckles and then coughs, "Lohr, oddly appropriate. I could collect some data for you if it would help."
Wait for it....
Wait for it...
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Asinjin chuckles and then coughs, "Lohr, oddly appropriate. I could collect some data for you if it would help."
Wait for it....
Wait for it...
I believe the episode where Data is collected by an alien entitled "The Most Toys" is what you're referring to. I think the antagonist was known as "The Collector" actually. Does Parker have a new religious affiliation we should know about?
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Natsu just had an epiphany for a new target demographic.
"Parker, your assistance is most welcome, but I caution you to not expect too much traction in the short term. Half of the city is abandoned, and those that remain are only concenred with survival at this point. Plus the scaled elven society is a very structured and lawful one, so be mindful of that. I hope these things do not deter you. If nothing else, these times ahead of us should provide you with more stories to tell."
"Rubius, thank you for your dedication. I knew I could count on you."
"Asinjin, thank you for your offer. I know the climate and the risk are not to your liking, but I implore you to reconsider coming with us. I could really use your day-to-day presence. I'm sure that when your skills are needed, the time it takes to cast a sending and a teleport will seem like a luxury."
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How long is this after the battle at the castle?
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Natsu just had an epiphany for a new target demographic.
"Parker, your assistance is most welcome, but I caution you to not expect too much traction in the short term. Half of the city is abandoned, and those that remain are only concenred with survival at this point. Plus the scaled elven society is a very structured and lawful one, so be mindful of that. I hope these things do not deter you. If nothing else, these times ahead of us should provide you with more stories to tell."
"Even better. Real Estate prices are much lower when half the city is abandoned. As for the rest, well, you can not convince me for a second that when a city is abandoned, opportunists won't come out of the woodwork. There will have been items lost in the chaos. Items that the good citizens will want back. It will most likely take individuals with the ability to walk on both sides of the 'Law' to recover said items. That's where my L.O.R.H. brethren will come in. What city would not welcome some economic stability as well. I set up shop, pay some taxes, create some jobs, etc... I'll help to bring back some normalcy."
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"Asinjin, thank you for your offer. I know the climate and the risk are not to your liking, but I implore you to reconsider coming with us. I could really use your day-to-day presence. I'm sure that when your skills are needed, the time it takes to cast a sending and a teleport will seem like a luxury."
Asinjin, we need you with us in Portet. You do not owe anybody anything after all you have done, but I ask you to search within yourself and do what you know if right. How's that saying go? 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good elves to do nothing.' Something like that. I never could stay awake during my history classes."
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How long is this after the battle at the castle?
I need this answered before I can reply.
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I need this answered before I can reply.
Do you mean when Ari asks you? The last week of the first month of 786, so about 2 months after the battle.
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Yes, then my response to Ari is, "I cannot come and spend my entire time with you. Do not suggest that I have done nothing to let evil thrive. I have done things for years in the quest for the light and the good."
cough...cough
"Exhaustion creeps up on me, and more months in a terrible climate with limited food would be more than I would tolerate. I reiterate what I offered before. I will send you, I will teleport in and give aid. If you are still there come summer time, I will revisit my decision."
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"Even better. Real Estate prices are much lower when half the city is abandoned. As for the rest, well, you can not convince me for a second that when a city is abandoned, opportunists won't come out of the woodwork. There will have been items lost in the chaos. Items that the good citizens will want back. It will most likely take individuals with the ability to walk on both sides of the 'Law' to recover said items. That's where my L.O.R.H. brethren will come in. What city would not welcome some economic stability as well. I set up shop, pay some taxes, create some jobs, etc... I'll help to bring back some normalcy."
I somehow missed this post. Parker will not be able to accompany Ari right away.
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Yes, then my response to Ari is, "I cannot come and spend my entire time with you. Do not suggest that I have done nothing to let evil thrive. I have done things for years in the quest for the light and the good."
cough...cough
"Exhaustion creeps up on me, and more months in a terrible climate with limited food would be more than I would tolerate. I reiterate what I offered before. I will send you, I will teleport in and give aid. If you are still there come summer time, I will revisit my decision."
I am sorry, my friend. I did not intend to insult you. I was simply trying to inspire you to action. I appreciate your offer and will contact you should the need arise."