First of all lemme tell you where we will begining our campaign.
The area is near Sword Keep on the border of Thrane and Breland in a village known as Besorne only a days travel on foot from the Greenhaunt.
Your local contact in town is Merton Mornspike (CG 1/2 Elf Rogue 12) a retired adventurer who started this little village 20 years ago.
Other important people in town.
Mayor Rol Burnes (CG 1/2 Elf Expert/Wizard 6/9)
Father Brod Lorbex (LN Human Cleric of Dol Arrah 9)
Sister Mary Bores (LG Human Cleric of the Silver Flame 3)
Capt. of the Town Gaurd Vorcon the Dog Faced (LN 1/2 Orc Fighter 6)
(Please note Sister Mary is well respected in town where her followers are not. SHE IS NOT A ZEALOT!)
As Merton awakens, the day seems normal. But as he looks in the mirror to shave, things begin to go very very not-normal. He reaches up and pokes at the thing in his hair. It moves, it has a texture. Obviously it's not an artifact of sleep. He carefully cuts the dozen hairs that are tied with intricate knots around the very tiny item.
Getting it free, he carefully unrolls the tiny scroll. He has to strain to read the Sylvan writing.
Merton Mornspike, thee are informed that the Dryad of Torgaren Forest calls upon thee to repay the debt thy owe her.
"Hoy, Mornspike. Over here." A fluid voice echoes through the room. Looking over, Merton would see an atomie sitting on a shelf. "I am Milgen, The Dryad's Foil."
Merton walks over and to the Atomie, says "Greetings good being"
Merton pauses and a shining glow returns to his eye and a smile to his face as he further states "Ah I am slightly sorry I forgot about the debt that I and my ex-group members owe your lady."
"Yet I always repay my debts even if my old friends won't or can't" Merton smile grows much wider and he says further,"How can I be of assistance to the Dryad of Torgaren forest's Foil?"
Talon smiles in the dark alleyway as Silver Flame worshiper breathes his last in the dark alleyway Talon calls home.
Soon I will have my revenge on all who dare attack me and my own.
Drawing the sigil in blood Talon calls out to a dead spirit.
"Come to me Tyrant Cromwell I desire your services."
As the spirit begins to manifest Talon is surprised to see Aza'zati there instead. Surprise flickers across Talon's face before he masters it.
"You call upon me Green Wyrmling?"
The Wyrm seems to chuckle before looking at Talon with untrustworthy eyes. "Yes I do, you are required at the Mornspike residence don't be late."
With that Aza'zati is gone, and the ceremony is done.
Very well let us see what this man has to offer.
Leaving the body to be discovered Talon makes his way to the home of Mornspike. Introducing himself as an ally covered from head to toe with clothing and armor.
"Excuse me Dryad's Foil," Merton says "For I have other guests coming tonight that even you would be interested in meeting, so please hold your questions till almost everyone is here"
He then wanders over to the newcomer in heavy armor and says with a grin "You must be Talon the one who calls himself The Exalted".
He then smiles knowingly "We know about your distinct dislike for the Silver Flame good sir"
Smiling deviously he states"And we know you are quietly and discreetly terminating them for us"
Lastly he says the following loudly and seriously "There is a Silver Flame member in this town you absolutely must not harm under any circumstances", before giving the name he says "If you do the Silver Flame will attack this village without hesitation!"
"The sister Mary Bores is a fine and noble woman who unlike many of the zealot Silver Flame members around here, actually cares for the local population and the surroundings!"
"Do we make ourselves clear?" Merton states frankly and harshly.
"Do not get me wrong good sir" He smiles a wicked smile,"We will provide you many chances to be a thorn in the side of the zealot's of the Silver Flame"
Earlier that very morning, Lucius arrived in town on foot and alone. Some might have thought it a peculiar sight considering his garb spoke of a noble background, but none the less, few were up and moving at that point in time. So after a bit of wandering, he came across a young lass gathering water for her family and asked her for directions to Lord Mornspike's place of residence. With a blush, she stammered out directions to the Lord of the town's home and they went their separate ways.
Now the streets, despite having been nearly deserted a few minutes before, started to come alive as women fought to get a glimpse at the newcomer. There was something about him that drew the eye of the fairer sex. A supernatural beauty that caught the glancing eye and made it linger. And it was in this manner that Lucius made the rest of the journey to the Lord Mornspike's front door upon which he gave a sharp rapping with his knuckles before offering a kind smile to the women that had started to follow him.
Earlier that morning Merton smiles as he opens the door for his first to arrive guest and says "Good day you must be Lucius Fremont!"
"We have been expecting you" he says as he invites you into his mansion.
"Please forgive the ladies of this town," Merton says before shooing them off, "You would expect they had never seen a being as handsome as yourself before"
The ladies all quickly flush as they rush off to their own business.
"Mr Fremont you are most welcome here if you wish to remove your hat you may without fear of me telling anyone your not human!" He says as you quickly note the eye glasses he's wearing are strangely glowing.
"The only prying eyes other than my own are those of the person who sent word of this job opportunity to you."
"Who is" Merton says,"greatly sorry they can not make it here from sharn"
Lucius would raise his hand to his chin and scratch at his well-kept beard while regarding the man with a raised brow. Then, with a smile and the door firmly closed behind him, Lucius would dip into a bow while removing the hat from his head. As he did such, his appearance would quickly change. While the the majority of his upper half would remain the same beyond clothing, a mithral shirt becoming apparent beneath his fine shirt, and a pair of horns protruding from his brown hair, his lower half would shift from that of a humanoid creature to that of a goat.
"Sir Lucius Fremont at your service and might I take it that you are Lord Mornspike?"
Milgen simply nods and waits in shadows. In fact, he vanishes and takes up a place of hiding in the rafters, waiting with patience, watching and listening.
"Please call me Merton" he says "I never did receive a title before coming here"
"Enough with the formalities please as your the first here so let me offer you something to break your fast" Merton states.
"Heric, HERIC!" Merton calls out.
A few seconds later a rather old gentleman walks out of the side room and says "Yes Sir I've put out another place setting for our guest"
Merton smiles at Heric and says "Come lets eat, and Heric set yourself a place to there's always way too much to go around"
With that Heric rushes off to get himself a plate and such to eat.
As they moved to the dining room, Lucius would place his hat upon his head once more. However, this time he would only invoke it's magic to make it so that his mithral shirt changed to look like a silk undershirt.
"I find such tricks help my opponent's underesitmate my talent," he would explain with a smile. "Otherwise, might I inquire into how many are to be a part of our group and their expertise?"
He answers your question with "You all are bunch of individuals from among many races"
He almost falls out of his seat laughing.
Then stating after regaining composure "Currently I have 3 coming including yourself, and 2 will not make it tonight as they coming in on the lightning rail, and that isn't due for 2 days, and I have heard that possibly we will be blessed with two others."
"The 3 due today are yourself, an occultist who is already in town doing what he does best, and stalking the outskirts of town is a bounty hunter who must remain hidden till after dark."
"Those coming in 2 days are a pair of Aereni Elf's a white necromancer and his relative a rogue, when they get here you will see how um special they are"
"Do we have an approximate time of arrival for the other two that should be arriving today? For it might be useful to start getting acquainted with the town while we wait for the others. After breakfast that is," he says with a smile.
Milgen moves from the previous room to the dining room. He's a bit careless, but given he's still invisible and his natural talent, he's still hard to notice.
Talon remains seated not saying anything for now. Instead he examines Fremont, Heric, and Merton. He pays close attention to any mannerisms they have.
Merton says I was about to tell you that "They will be here sometime after dusk"
"So you have time to explore town if you will" He finishes with saying "Please stay in human form with that hat and stay out of the way of anyone from the church of the Silver Flame"
"Ah yes, I don't want to draw any unwanted attention my way at this point in time. So other than being followed around by starry eyed women, what fun is there to be had in this town?"
"Not much other than the mayors shop" Merton says.
"Its a simple village" he winks and says no more.
"I was afraid of such. It would be nice to test my mettle somewhere. It's been some time since I had a good fight," he says with a smile. "But I suppose all comes in good time. Where might I find this mayor's shop?"
"That's on the other side of town at the end of the road you came in on look for the house with the Blueish paint and the wand symbol on its plaque." He smiles as he responds.
"Merton and old Rol used to adventure together" Heric says, "Don't let the dottering old fool Rol sell you any trinkets."
Talon ears perk up at the word 'old fool'.
"Well if you're bored Fremont let's go I have no appetite anyways."
Once the other two are gone, Milgen will fly down, and snack on some chunks of sausage and bread and cheese from the uneaten breakfast.
"Returning to our interrupted conversation, if you wish the Flame woman to not be killed, then you should dissuade her from entering the forest. It is now closed against all who hold the Flame, and she will be killed on sight once she enters. The Great Dryad has spoken, and the forest, great and small, good and evil, friendly and predatory, have all headed her word. Even the red caps, who will enjoy hunting with mandate." The Atomie informs Mornspike, his voice billowing out with plenty of authority, having been given that warning by The Dryad herself.
"Sister Mary has enough problems as it is good Sir Milgen" Merton says bluntly."She can't leave her church because of false death threats from town's folk, she goes between the church and her house via underground passage"
"Several of her underlings want to force convert everyone in town"
He proclaims "Specifically her most immediate underling Brother Jordan"
"Brother Jordan is a self-righteous egotistical fat blowhard, but he's the real power behind the Silver Flame around these parts" Merton say and finally grimacing viciously says "I would do just about anything to get that fat dung heap into the forest where he can be made to disappear!"
Lucius would turn his head to regard the man, his smile never leaving his face. "That sounds like a wonderful idea," he would state before returning his attention to Merton. "Well it seems we've decided on a course of action for now. Please excuse us and perhaps we'll have the pleasure of sharing a meal later tonight." As he spoke, he would activate the hat's magic to resume his previous form from earlier that morning.
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"Well then good sir, might I inquire into your strengths? Mine lay with the sword and bow," he would inquire while they made their way to the shop.
"My talents lie in the use of deception and disguises. I am best when I can fool those around me and attack before they even know what I am doing. My personal choice of weapons really depends on what disguise I am using."
His smile never faltering, Lucius woud continue forward. "Ah, I see. So if we need information or someone on the inside, you are the one to call upon?" he would ask.
"Yes, I can do that if needed."
Talon glances around to make sure nobody is listening to them.
"What feelings do you have about the Silver Flame?"
"I find them to be the same as any group, whether that be a religious or racial group. They are divided with differing ideals and concepts of how to achieve such. And as you will find with any kind of gathering, there are some bad apples among them. Some bad apples that need to be removed from the grove so that the other's may continue to flourish."
Milgen nods. "It is my mission to destroy those of the Flame. I have no orders to spare any. However, if sparing this woman will allow me to destroy many Flame, then I will do so and take any punishments for not killing her. However, I cannot protect her in the forest." Milgen responds, using his rapier to slice a chunk of cheese off the size of his head from a corner, and begins to nibble on it. "Now, as to this Brother Jordan. If he is of the Flame, he is my meat. Where can I find him, and how many retainers does he have. How much magic do they have at their disposal."
Merton says with a wry smile "Brother Jordan usually wanders the town screaming at residents to convert or face the consequences."
He continues after stuffing some bread with honey on it in his mouth "As for numbers there are 20 converts remaining from out of town"
He starts to laugh saying "As for magic they are at a severe disadvantage in that Brother Jordan isn't a cleric (can hear him mumble he's too lazy for the requirements for that) just a very zealous outspoken member of the Flame"
"You probably don't know it but the Silver Flame is harsh on arcane casters" He says "Mayor Rol enjoys using simple spells to hinder them as much as he can"
"Can you arrange it to make a person disappear if they go into the woods south of town?" He says discreetly.
"I would not even have to interfere, if the person entered with a symbol of The Flame. They would be killed and vanish within minutes of entering. The Dryad has spoken. The forest is aware and armed and waiting."
"It depends on the number and strength. A single person I can personally take care of. If more than one, I can seek out the hosts of the forest and explain the situation to them, and show them my Authority from The Dryad, which will most likely draw some supporters. I would discuss my plans with the powers of the forest aforehand, regardless."
Milgen finishes the cheese, and then pulls out a mug from his pack and dips it into the pitcher of milk, bringing out a shot glass worth of milk. He downs half the mug, and then belches lightly. "Who were those creatures you were dealing with earlier? I am not familiar with the Satyr, nor whatever the other was."
"Interesting view."
Talon begins looking around at the streets around them.
"I believe that we should take a quick stop by the temple before we go to the shop. I wish to meet this Brother Jordan, and see what we are up against."
"Sir Lucius Fremont is a swashbuckler of some renown in these parts" Merton says "Who makes a living fixing problems for other folks."
Merton smiles drinking a mug of milk "He's a trouble shooter of sorts"
"The other is different than alot of other adventurers I've seen he speaks with what he calls spirits" Merton says rather strangely "He's the one in town that's been keeping the Silver Flame all astir.
"But I can say this also he's got the air of a dragon around him," Merton shakes his head and finishes "Don't get me wrong I've seen his hands without the gloves they have green scales along the back part"
"Funny thing is I've met a half-dragon once along time ago he had a tail Sir Talon there doesn't." He mumbles in hopes that Talon doesn't hear this part of the conversation.
As Talon and Sir Fremont turn the corner to the church they see a rather FAT human man screaming at the top of his lungs at passers by in front of the church of Silver Flame.
Most of them are ignoring him, a few are listening to him and several are jeering at him screaming "You fat tub of lard, go back inside the sanctity of that there church and scream all you want." By his dress and demeanor he appears to be the man your looking for.
All of a sudden a young fairly pretty lady comes out in the regalia of a cleric of the silver flame who says meekly but with authority "Brother Jordan you've heckled the people on the street long enough go inside the church and prepare for the daily prayer."
Brother Jordan looks at her for a second almost wanting to mouth off but she quickly shoots him down and says rather unladylike and loudly "NOW! not 2 seconds from now. NOW!". It's obvious to you this frazzled young lady cleric is Mary Bores the head of the church of the Silver Flame here in Besorne.
Talon smiles at the woman's fire.
"Heh, I like that one. I don't like many Flames, but that one is alright if she shuts up the fat one. Anyways, Fremont I just remembered something important would you mind meeting up with me at the store?"
Lucius would smile at the display of power over the wretched man. "Indeed, it does put one's soul to ease a bit seeing that not everyone in a religious organization is as corrupt as they come."
Then, turning his head to give his full attention to his new comrade, he continues on with a playful smile, "I have no issue with that. However, it's a shame that such a dirty man will be allowed into a place of worship." Then, a serious look would come into his eyes while his playful smile remains upon his face, "And it would be an even greater shame if such a scoundrel's innards were allowed to desecrate it."
"The fool is safe for today. I have other business that needs to be taken care of first."
Talon begins to look around for any deserted buildings or alleyways.
Milgen nods. "I've been charged to find allies to destroy the Flame. If one of them is already attacking the flame, then perhaps he would be an ally. The Satyr, at the least, may heed the call of a Great Dryad. I would be wont to ignore such possibilities. I shall return after I have watched these two."
Milgen then zooms toward the fireplace, zooming up the flue fast enough to avoid any burns, and only picking up a small bit of soot on the way. Outside, he snaps his fingers, and the soot falls off, leaving him squeaky clean again.
Then he takes off in a widening circle, searching for the two from before.
Milgen settles on a rooftop overwatching the street, and listens to the girl chew the fat toad out. He grins, wondering what the fat man's throat would like after his rapier had opened it up.
Milgen settles in, watching the two potential allies, loath to talk to them as they travel together, especially in broad daylight. Instead, he will follow until the split up, then decide who to approach first.
"Very well. Then I will see you at the store," Lucius would offer with a smile. With a wave, he would depart and start for the store once more.
.
A Large Half Orc walks up to walks up to Sister Mary and asks "Sister how long are going to put up with that backstabbing cretin"
A second later Sister Mary says "My superiors at Imistil Fort told me to coddle him, but be firm, he really isn't that dangerous"
"Sister Mary please let me assign 1 or 2 of my men to protect you.
She shakes her head frowns and turns to go back into the church.
Fremont's eyes would narrow for a moment as he considers the scene that had just unfolded before him. Then, while putting another smile on his face, he approaches the two. "Miss might I bother you for a bit of your time?"
Talon nods and moves into an abandoned alleyway hoping that Fremont will keep the humans distracted with his looks.
Luckily I won't need blood for this ceremony.
Pulling out a thimble filled with foul water, leaves, twigs, and acid Talon gets ready. Beginning to scratch at the walls Talon begins to tell the story of greed. Humans stabbing each other in the back just for a few gold coins. The greed of orcs or battle driving them to attack human farms. The greed of dragons being the strongest. The strongest of all dragon greed was Aza'zati and his lust for gold was his undoing. Dying before he could amass all the wealth he wanted Talon calls upon his greed to bring him out once again. Drinking down the thimble Talon smiles as the egg appears and hatches revealing the wyrmling.
"You called upon me once again?"
"This time I call upon you by name Aza'zati. I need your power for a time join with me, and fulfill your greed once again."
"The same deal as always? I think this time I will take a bit more. You will thank me for this later."
Rushing forward the Wyrmling closes around Talon and rushes in. Suddenly cracking is heard from Talon's back, and his eyes seem to bleed acid. Talon nearly collapses at the pain as the transformation continues across his body. With a horrible crack two green scaled wings burst out of Talon's shoulders, and a tail bursts out of his lower back. Without shame Talon screams out in agony a human voice twinning with a dragon's roar. Waiting a few precious moments to compose himself Talon gets ready to see what damage has been done. Pulling out his mirror Talon can see that his irises have changed into a form not unlike a lizards. His slited pupils widen as they see the new wings and tail.
Great I will need to cover this quickly.
Pulling his remaining clothing around himself, and running down the alleyway Talon wraps his wings around his body and wraps his tail around his waist. He begins to hide his new transformations as best he can.
As he entered the small town, Yldaph's ears perked up. What did that creature just say? Allies to destroy the Flame?
Yldaph approached Milgen silently.
Merton smiles "Welcome Yldaph is it yes we are looking to hire like minded folk who can look the other way when doing work against the Silver Flame."
He smiles and continues "Right about now the rest of the like minded individuals you are going to be working with are meeting with the only Flame member who isn't completely scum or out of their mind within 80 miles"
"You appear to be slightly agitated that your as close to Thrane as you are," Merton says slyly "Don't worry my friend they don't bother looking for ex members of the church outside of Thrane"
"Your one of the new hires of Sir Merton" The 1/2 Orc says bluntly, "The name is Vorcon you could say I'm the law in these parts."
"Well good day Sister Mary, I'll have Jessa and Meednu check on you later"
Sister Mary says after regaining her composure "Yes how may I help you good sir?"
Milgen watches the man, but as he approaches the woman, he realizes that man is not going to be alone for awhile. Human mating customs are a darkness he has no interest in penetrating. Rather than watch uselessness, he flies off in the direction the other took.
Milgen hides in shadow as the stranger performs his ritual. He watches as the strange transformation overcomes the stranger, making him into a true half-dragon. When it's done, and the creature seems weakened from the pain, Milgen flutters down to a window sill about 15 feet above the newly minted half-dragon's head. "Well now, that was certainly worth the price of admission. Never seen a half-dragon born in adulthood before." Milgen says, his voice smooth and calm. "Gonna be hard to hide that, especially with all your clothes ripped. Be a lot easier if you were invisible to the mortals around here, wouldn't it?" He asks, raising one green eyebrow.