The Nation of Khur, a vast desert land that lies north of the lush forests of Silvenesti, South from the evil lands of the Taman Buruk and east from the Ogrelands of Blode. Long has it been the dominion of the Nomadic tribes of the Khur, a brown skinned people well adjusted to surviving the elements. Khur has had its share of hardships in the past but much like the desert, its people have survived. The Khur are a spirtural people and one of the few humans who held faith in the gods even after their long depature. Still despite the return of the gods, the nation of Khur is in dire straights.
To the south, the Minotaur invasion has driven the Silvenesti elves from their homeland. These elves now swarm to the Khur civilizations in hopes of finding shelter from the vast and unforgiving desert. But they are just one worry for Khur and its people. The Dark Knights, driven out by the Minotaurs have also moved into the region. Many suspect the Dark Knights have plans for Khur in their effort to create their "One World Order". Feared the most are the Minotaurs of the south, who now consolating their power and resources in Silvenesti and there is fears that Khur will be the next target in their military conquest.
The town of Pashin has become a boiling point in these potential conflicts. The town being a major trading hub in the Mikku region attracts numerous tradesmen and refugees from a number of nations. The coming of the Dark Knights however has brought the town under their dominion and making it a base of operations for their activities in the region. Still there are many that resent their grip upon the town and mount a resistance against these occupiers. This of course has also attracted the attention of some other factions in the fate of the town. This is where our story of the heroes of destiny begins.
The Knight, Drake Steelwind
Drake Steelwind a young Squire of the Crown has been sent by his order on a knightly quest to the nation of Khur. While the Knights of Solamnia have little influence in the region, Khur is one of the strong points of power for their ally, the Legion of Steel. With the growing Dark Knight presence in the region, the Knights of Solamnia will not stand idly by and allow their mortal enemies to bring more regions under their sway. Travelling to the Legion Stronghold at Ak-Khurman, he meets with Lional Uth Dartan, the Solamanic representive where he is given an important assignment, to travel to the town of Pashin and retrieve an intelligence package from a legion spy by the name of Klaudia Lorn, the proprietor of Old Omar's Oddities. When meeting with her, he is to give the password "Star eyes" and she will know he is there to retrieve the package. By no means must the package fall into the hands of the Dark Knights. You are also warned not to reveal your affiliation while in the town for the Dark Knights will surely interrogate and then execute anyone who serves the Knights of Solamnia. So with that Drake travels across the vast desert with a Caravan, heading into the town of Pashin.
The Wizard, Terevalis Unctio
Six months have passed since the invasion of the minotaurs and Terevalis still bears the scars of his experience. The foul bull-men struck without warning and without mercy, breaching the gates of the city and striking down those brave enough to resist them. The tower of House Mysti was one of the foremost targets of the invasion and the wizards lacking in the power they once had could do little to resist them. Among the wizards that escaped was Terevalis Unctio who fled the city with other refugees. He would wander from place to place for months, not welcomed by the Khurites he met along the way. Eventually his journey lead him to Pashin where he took up residence in an underground colony, meeting with another wizard who escaped the invasion, Shaylin of House Mysti. Things have been dire for the elves in Pashin. A plague ravages through the population, inflicting them with an illness that was named "Sunblight". The more fortunate have been able to avoid the infection, but those under it have become sicked, pale and allergic to the touch of the sun, a horrifying curse for any elf. The few divine and arcane casters among the population are stumped on the cause for no spell has been found effective against it. Other than the cause of survival, some elves have helped with the resistance against the Dark Knights, while others have looked to other concerns.
The Outcast, Semus Cloverleaf
Semus still has nightmares of the day the land burned. In one fell swoop, the lush lands of Kendermore were turned into a scorched wasteland and from this he would know something unknown to many kender. The feeling of fear. Many of the afflicted kender chose to stay behind and rebuild as best they can in the Desolation. Semus on the other hand sought his survival elsewhere, on the road. Over the past months he would bouce from place to place finding no place he would call home. In his constant wanderings he ended up in the town of Pashin. He would not be the only Kender there for other afficted have also taken up residence in the town, much to the chagrin of the town's residents. For now he has taken up boarding with a kender named Kelwick and his daughter Mayleaf in one of the hovels in town and thinks of what his next course of action will be.
The Bard, Serenatholos
The destruction of Qualinost would be only the first of hardships to befall the Qualenesti people in the previous year. Taking advantage of the chaos, ambitious humans and foul goblins invaded the Qualnesti forest, driving its people into exile from their own homeland. Many holding onto the hope that the Silvanesti would allow them to settle in their lands took the long journey across the plains of dust to reach the Silvanesti lands. Serenatholos would be one of those who would brave the journey. But this would be a failed venture for upon arrival they would find out the Silvenesti had not fared any better. The Minotaurs had conquered the forest and enslaved or driven out the elves. For the first time though, the elven peoples shared a common goal, survival. Seranatholos eventually found himself settling in Pashin, using his skills as a sword dancer as best he can to survive on the streets.
The Wildlander, Datura Oleander
While the Kagnosti are far more widespread than their Qualnesti and Silvenesti bretheren even they were not untouched by the elven tragety. Datura Oleander despite losing his godly powers still tended to the forests of Silvenesti, respecting nature as the Gods had intended. A vision from Chislev in his dreams restored his druidic powers but this blessing was not enough to save his protected lands from the Minotaur invasion. The Minotaurs came with their army and slaves, defiling the land by cutting down age-old trees for wood and supplies as well as to build roads through the forest to further speed their progress. Despite drawing on some woodland allies, the Minotaurs were too potent a force to face and with a heavy heart he fled to the north, ending up in the town of Pashin, a foul bastion of human civilization but one at least sheltered from the burning heat of the desert sun and with ample supply of food and water.
The Alchemist, Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz
The Gnomes were among the few who were unchanged from the worlds events. Sure, some of Mount Nevermind got destroyed from an eruption and a dragon took up residence there but many saw it as a new opportunity to harness the power of the volcano as well as have a chance to study a dragon firsthand. Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz on the other hand saw her lifequest could not be accomplished at Mount Nevermind and thus took to the road seeking the lost ingredients for Umbilicus' Ultimate Fizzy Drink. In her search she heard of an exotic land known as Khur, a place with stange spices unlike any in the world. After checking a number of market towns to no avail, her travels have brought her to Pashin, where a Grand Baazar is being held with merchants from all over the region hawking their wares. Indeed, this would be an opportunity that should not be passed up.
The Story Begins....
Our story begins at midday on the 8th day of Aelmont (Winter). The sun is shining down but the town is not too hot as there is a cool breeze from the north on this day. Our characters are currently in the the Open Market of Pashin in the center of town. While Grand Baazar is on the ourskirts of the town, the Open Market is still a place of much commerce as there is numerous market stalls hawking various wares of all sorts. Despite the jovial sale of goods, there is a presence of warriors dressed all in black and a frightening demenor. All of you know these are Dark Knight soldiers who are the so called "Law" in these parts, although such a term could be used loosely. At this time all of you have a reason for being here at this time.
Terevalis Unctio, you are here doing some shopping for supplies, seeking to get your hands on few reagents for your spells. Datura Oleander is here shopping for produce, looking to get some vegetables in order to fulfill his sensitive palate. Serenatholos is doing a bardic performance for some coin off in a corner. Semus Cloverleaf is looking for some pockets to pick to make a little coin on the side. Clarabibulus is checking out the market for more strange alchemical supplies and Drake Steelwind having recently arrived in the town is looking to either get a room at the inn or proceed with his mission and find Old Omar's oddities.
As he looks over all of the produce with a refined eye, Datura can't help but sneer at the horrific quality of the selection he is stuck with. All the juicy vegetables are shriveled and dry, the succulence having drained away to stain the wood of the stall holding them. Most of what he's left to choose from is either tuber, legume, or filled with the spicy bite one can only find in hotter climes. He misses the lush greens, and bright reds and oranges of a rich soil produce.
Adding to his dissatisfaction over options, he is forced to watch Awd eat whatever she can. Opening her petals to allow the sickly sweet aroma to attract the pervasive flies that inundate the vendor's stalls, she waits until many of them gather and land, before she snaps closed with with a quick 'Thwwip'. It's really all she has had for protein in this ugly brown landscape, and he's already had to keep her from snapping at a hapless urchin they passed in the street the other day.
Datura turns to her, speaking sylvan to her as he always does "That's disgusting. I know your hungry for good food as well, but sometimes watching you eat reminds me why I don't eat meat." Turning to the vendor he offers, "I'll take these three, and one of those. No, the one beside it." before handing the man much more coin than the food is really worth, but that's the trouble buying from the stalls.
Awdrithicus just turns her head slightly, not really understanding what he says, but used to the fact that he talks to her. SHe just lets out a brief chirp, roughly equal to the creak of a wind-blown tree limb. She stops, leans back and spreads the petals again, eager for more of the little morsels.
The merchants in the Open Market are willing to sell to Datura but he can easily tell on their faces that only his money interests them. They make only a weakly veiled effort to hide their dislike of the Druid and try and keep some wide birth from the plant crawling next to him. Indeed even getting Awdrithicus into the town was difficult as Daturna had to hide the plant from the gate guards, lest they might not have let the both of them into the town. Occasionally the plant gets a look from one of the local dark knight as they moves through the market but none has yet decided to antagonize Datura maybe a little wary of getting a nasty bite from the the plant creature.
As for the produce, indeed a majority of it is the dried foods of the desert but you do find a few who sell lettuce and other greenery although Daturna can definitely tell that it is not locally grown and likely imported materials and are displaying some degree of withering due to age. The prices are also rather high for such goods.
Seren sits on the street corner, telling a rendition of the traditional tale of Huma to a small audience. His voice rises and falls with with the tale, enrapturing them with its fine silvery tones, and with the story of the world prior to the First Cataclysm.
Seren tells a rousing tale of Huma although gets a mixed response. Indeed the average Khur citizen of the town have a good respect for the tales of Huma. On the other hand Seren is a refugee and the Khur have seen far too many elf "beggars" in the streets of late. Still with the subject matter in mind it does give Seren a slightly better disposition than most (That roll is an equal to a 21 with the penalties). This will earn Seren Silver from a few listeners willing to drop some coins to hear his rousing tale. Of course this is earned with a days performance, not all at once.
Drake looks about the hustle and bustle of the busy market he stands in. A smile crosses his face as he sees some children at play, and then again as bystander helps out a merchant who dropped his wares momentarily, noting after the incident was over that the exchange was completely honest, everyone had their own belongings afterwards with no missing food or filched coin purses on either side. Drake likes to see displays goodness in the world, especially during these harsh times.
The smile briefly disappears when a patrol of Dark Knights wander by, a blight upon Ansalon that needs to be excised. One of his fondest memories is seeing the Knights of Neraka suffer such a devastating defeat at the Battle of Sanction, he thinks upon it now, regaining a slight smirk on his face after they pass by.
He searches for someone local who seems inviting, genuine, and not shady, all in one. Upon finding such a qualified person he inquires as to where a good inn can be located, and to the location of a shoppe of eclectic treasures he was told by a friend he should see with his own eyes, Old Omar's Oddities.
Drake will conduct the discussion in a warm and friendly manner with those willing to converse with him. He has been told he has a really good sense of humor....for a paladin and knight of Solamnia.
Drake spends a bit of time talking to some of the local merchants. They treat him with a neutral disposition and hawk him some local wares before he gets the information of Old Omar's Oddities. A merchant says, [i]"Oh that place you say? Well I believe the store is in the merchant district off to the north-west in a back alley. The building is off beaten path for a cultured man such as yourself though. Now here at the open market, we have quality things here. You'll find naught but a few trinkets and elixirs at that dump of a place. Please let me show you more of my fine jewelry!"
Clarabibulus was tired last night from the journey to town, but she wakes breathless at dawn, excited to buzz about the market in search of new ingredients for her fizzy-and-uplifting quest.
She bounces around the market for most of the morning. When she finds an unfamiliar spice she sniffs it with gusto, making use of her marvelous gnomish gnose. This is all well and good for some of them, and she's building a small catalog of new ones to try out (some intriguing cactus fruit and blossoms) and purchasing them when she can afford them. Unfortunately when she sniffs cayenne for the first time, she finds herself sneezing and weeping...all while still scheming about how this could be just the uplifting quality she's looking for.
To clear her head after the cayenne, she sits down on the curb for a few minutes...only to be shocked to see a carnivorous flower walking by! Wow, I wonder what THAT sap would taste like in a fizzy pop? Heck, just a few leaves...
She looks up to see that the plant seems to be following a Kagonesti, and walks up to introduce herself.
Greetings, oh fascinating-walking-carnivorous-plant-who-I'd-really-like-to-get-to-know and also-I'm-sure-fairly-interesting-elf-who's-likely-not-much-appreciated-in-t his-harsh-and-unforgiving-but-spicy-land. I am Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz, great-great-great-great-great Granddaughter of Umbilicus Flingflopsparkfizz (who I assume you've heard of) and I'm on an Epic Quest. How do you do?
for any info about the plant.
As the little gnome walks up and begins talking to Awd, the flower opens her petals wide once again, leaning forward 'displaying her color'. Just then Datura turns and sees what she's doing, and starting at the stem sweeps them closed again until he holds them together in both hands. He turns her to face him, and says a single word in sylvan, "No!".
Turning to the little gnome, he merely looks at her, before asking "What? Wait nevermind, I don't want to know. She's hungry, if you stay away from her petals you should be fine. Your small size makes you prey."
Clarabibulus recognizes the plant as a carnivorous flower, a small predatory plant that can be found in some woodland areas. She is somewhat impressed that someone could tame such a creature, for they're not known to be especially intelligent or friendly to people in general. While they generally feed on smaller things like bugs, they can give a very nasty nip to those who annoy them.
Looking over different spell components, Terevalis hears the elven music. [ooc] This is something that I have missed since our forced diaspora from our given lands. What I miss most is the culture of the elven lands but I cannot be happy even as the cows destroy our ancestral lands.[/ooc.
Walking over to the bard he says, in Elven Follower of Astarin, tell a story of the House of Sithel and the tears that Queen Alhana shed at the sacrifice of her son to slay the damned Dragon Queen, rather than entertaining a story of those who used both our people and then departed when we were no longer of use to them"
Drake thanks the merchant for the information and politely excuses himself with a bow. Looking at his surroundings he see a motley group forming just across the way and reasons that these folk may have information on a good inn, since the merchant only provided him with half of the information he needed.
Drake approaches the elf in white robes Hail and well met friend Mage. I was wondering if I could trouble you for just a moment. I am looking for an inn in the city, one of comfort and hearth, that a weary traveler may find rest and respite in.
A practitioner of the arcane are you? While some of my...comrades distrust magic-users, I personally harbor no such ill will. My great-aunt was a White Robe Wizard in the years following the War of the Lance, unfortunately she perished during the Chaos War, helping defend her town against dragons made of pure fire, as the story is told. My mother still recounts tales of her adventures and heroics to this day.
Semus starts looking for a target, walking from stall to cart and generally snooping around, unlike most Kenders he feels fear, this has saved his life in more than one occasion, and so he looks for a target unlikely to cause him harm.
He finally spots a female gnome, a most uncommon sight in Pashin, and closes in silently, trying to avoid being seen...
He then stops and listening to their conversation, it appears he has run into a group of tourists...
He quietly awaits to be acknowledged by the group.
Semus is about 3 feet tall, he wears leggins, boots, chain shirt and cloak all his clothes being a mix of earth colors, worn and patched. His hair is short and dark, his eyes move quickly, squinting often.
He carries a small longbow and quivers, and 2 hatchets hang from his belt.
While everyone is doing their own thing in the open market, a group of six scruffy looking individuals looking to be of Nerakan in appearence, dressed in leather armor, carrying shields on their back and carrying short swords and saps at their side are speaking to a figurine dealer. Their leader speaking with the proprietor of the stall and haggling with the merchant. He then reaches into a sack next to him and pulls out an Onyx Statuette in the shape of a panther. The merchant's eyes widen as he looks at the pristine figurine. This in itself does not attract too much attention as the Open Market is a melting pot of many different people and much is sold and traded.
What does attract attention is that a finely dressed Silvenesti elf with silvery hair dressed in attire of a courtier of Silvanost, sees these men and his face contorts to that of anger. He storms up to the the men raising his voice and says, "You Fiends! You dare steal the heritage of my people and sell it like baubles in the Open Market! Have you no shame for your crimes against my people?"
The thugs turn to look at the angry elf and then laugh a hearty laugh. The head thug then says, "Yea, so what you pritzy little elf? You didn't have the guts to hold onto this stuff so what we're doing with it is fair game."
The elf looks even more flustered and yells, "It is hard enough that my people have been driven from their homes by the filthy bull men and forced to live in the squalor of this human infested town. What is worse is seeing you dammed humans profiteering off of ill gotten gains pilthered from the homes of my people. I demand you hand over the goods to me you thugards for they do not belong to you."
The head thug gives an evil smirk and says, "So the pritzy elf thinks he's a tough guy huh? You really don't know who you're messing with Knife Ears."
Another thug says, "Hey Nedd, this elf looks cleaner than those beggers we've been seeing on the street. He's likey got some steel in his purse."
The Nedd thug leader grins wider, showing his dirty unkept teeth. "Ya know Gentz, you're probably right." He snaps his fingers and then he and the rest of his thugs pull out their saps.
The elf reacts by drawing his rapier. Despite being majorly outnumbered in his rage he does not seem to want to give ground to these thugs.
Seren smiles slightly at the Silvanesti wizard, about to nod, before he notices the other Silvanesti's problem. He grimaces, knowing how quickly public opinion would likely turn against him and the mage if they helped the other elf. He decides quickly to take steps to help prevent that from even beginning.
He shouts something in Khur, throwing out his arm to point at the ruffians and the elf.
Serenatholos yells out trying to get the public on his side. Unfortunately Pashin has not fully developed any solid legal system although the Dark Knights apparently have promised to bring justice to the town. This may have rallied support if the person was human. In this case though the person being victimized is an elf. Instead of providing aid the few witnesses who witness the event merely give the situation a wide birth and do not get themselves involved. There is one Dark Knight solider close enough to see the event and Seren's words attract his attention. But he does not intervene at all with the events.
Those who have Knowledge (Local) or Knowledge (History) as a trained skill know that the Dark Knight soldiers are notoriously corrupt. You get the feeling this solider turning blind eye to the event not caring if an elf gets pummeled by Nerakan citizens. Odds are he might even get his palms greased after the thugs have robbed the elf blind.
At least their predecessors had a modicum of honor. You will return the property you took to a citizen of Silvanesti, you will refrain from harming any of that noble citizenry or you shall meet the Dark Wind! in a common heavily accented with Silvanesti.
When Terevalis steps into the situation the thugs totally ignorant that he is a wizard laugh at his attempts at bravado. One of the thugs says, "Hey look! Its an elf dressed in girlie robes! Lets give this one a clubbin as well."
They don't seem the least threatened by Terevalis and the one that insulted him turns and raises his weapon to hit Terevalis.
Datura looks away from the gnome toward all the commotion, as two Silvanesti get bullied by some filthy smelly humans. Normally, he has no issue with the hardship the former holders of his shackles and those of his kin suffer. In this case though, he will always pick a fellow elf over any of the other races, they at least know how to live with the land. He turns to Awd, "Well, my friend, if things turn ugly, at least you may get something to eat. Let's go, Heel." this last word Awd understands and follows.
He walks over towards the group and the excitement, "Hold human! Just because you outnumber us in your lands, don't think we won't stand up for ourselves. I will fight to defend my people. You don't face only two elves, but at least three." He glances over to the other one he noticed nearby entertaining these filthy people and trying to appeal to a sense of justice they are not likely to have for us. "How do you feel about your odds now?"
Unwittingly, Awd adds to Datura's threat. Really all she is doing is writhing her viny limbs and moistening her petals with the scent bait. To others, though, it looks like she is licking her lips in anticipation.
Seeing as his introduction will have to wait, and always wanting to help those with the odds against them. Semus walks up to the elves, pulls an arrow from his quiver and cleans his finger nails non nonchalantly.
Aye, as any betting man knows, odds can change pretty quickly, you should be wise to know when to fold...
The thugs are more intimidated by the muscular elf with the animated plant as a pet than the other elves and the Kender. The head thug gives a disliking glare and then signals for his men to stand down. He says, "You're not worth our time you dammable elves." He looks to the others and says something in Nerakarian to them (OOC: As no one speaks Nerakarian you don't know what is said). They nod in agreement. With that he shoves the panther back into his sack and says. "We'll leave for now Elves. Stay out of our business if ya know what's good for you." They back away slowly and prepare to leave.
The noble elf however is still resolute to not let these men run off with the elfven goods. He yells "Leave the sack human!" Without some convincing or interference he's bound to get himself into trouble. You all get the feeling that if he tries to attack these men the Dark Knight soldiers will intervene.
Semus moves quickly in front of the elf and raises a hand in front of him and speaks in a low voice I can help you, but not here, not now... and discreetly points to the Dark Knights
Drake has taken note of the situation and decides to interject on behalf of the elves.
Gentlemen, I think it is time to return the elves property to him. Turning to the elf, I say To end this situation amicably, perhaps you can give something of a finders fee to these men, and then we can all be on our way. There is no need for an altercation in the middle of the market square
One does not pay for stolen property that needs to be returned to them, Solamnic.
Seren walks to the confrontation, speaking again. "I'm sure that is not the case. These fine men were surely only borrowing it, yes? We can all work together to figure out how to resolve this... issue, surely. I would say that if my fine kindred are unwilling to buy it, I shall most certainly do so..." For them, he adds mentally with a sigh. He looks to the Silvanesti, bowing his head slightly before speaking in swift, fluid Elven.
He turns back to the Nerakans, offering them a friendly (albeit patently false) smile.
Responding to his Qulanesti cousin in Elven You give them the excuses of a kender!
Seeing the near inevitable fight abated, Datura has nothing more to offer the conversation beyond his own opinions of the uproar in the first place, quietly to his most trusted advisor. "Awd, to think this man would get himself almost killed by ruffians over the supposed value beyond coin of an object. Our kin places too much worth on trinkets of art over objects of purpose."
To the others, he replies in elven "They have been talked down for now, but they will return in an alley or the dark of night. All we have done is delay their intent."
The leader of the thugs says to Derek, "If he wants the items, he'ed better pay its value. Five hundred steel for the lot."
The elven man hearing the appeals of Drake and Seren sheathes his Rapier, seeing the insanity of fighting these men in the streets with the Dark Knights watching. He gives a glare to the men, "No deal you cheating bastards!"
The head thug shrugs and says, "Your loss knife ears."
The thugs turn away and depart. The elf stares daggers as they leave. He then turns a look to the group. "Thank you for your efforts to aid me. I am Kaithanelas, once a high minstrel in the service of the royal family of Quinari. It sickens me to see rogues such a those men profiteering off of the heritage of the Silvenesti."
He gives a wary gaze to the Dark Knight watching them and looks back at the group And says, "If you do not mind, could we continue our discussion at the Inn. I do not want to talk about such things with such evil men watching on."
Drake warmly embraces the elf You have my deepest sympathies for what has happened to your homeland and your people, Child of Silvanesti. May your rightful property and place one day be reclaimed. I am Drake Steelwind, it is a pleasure you make your acquaintance, Royal Minstrel, I do wish it was under better circumstances though
When the group departs Drake kinda inwardly chuckles to himself, thinking I guess that's one way to find the inn.
Kaithanelas, if I am not mistaken, you are a member of House Servitor? speaking in Silvanesti.
"Please, lead us, Kaithanelesas." He bows respectfully, his eyes going to the Dark Knight as well. He looks to the others who came to the elf's aid. "Let's wait for formal introductions until we get to the inn, yes?" He glanced at the Knight, not particularly keen to allow the man knowledge of his name. His eyes carefully scan the Dark Knight for any indication of rank or order.
Clara sighs with relief as the potential fight abates. I'm on an Epic Quest, she reminds herself. There're bound to be fights sooner or later. Great-great Umbilicus was in plenty of battles. "You can't make fizzy pop without breaking eggs", he used to say. Still, I'd rather not get into a tussle quite yet...
At any rate, this seems to be an intriguing crew, and folks of good (though oddly non-Gnomish) character. And that knight looks like a good person to have around if things get ugly again.
She sidles up next to Drake and introduces herself as they walk, "Drake Steelwind, you say? You seem a true-and-mighty-bash-and-crash'm knight of high honor, and that was a brave deed, standing up to those thugs. I'm Clarabibulus Flingflopsparkfizz, great-great-great-great-great Granddaughter of Umbilicus Flingflopsparkfizz (who I assume you've heard of) and I'm on an Epic Quest, sort of.
In honor of your bravery let me present you with this jar of zesty-and-uplifting-if-still-somewhat-experimental-fizzy-pop, guaranteed to quench your thirst, unless it does something even more exciting."
Kaithanelas nods to Terevalis and says in Silvenesti, "Indeed I am a son of House Servitor and loyal to the royal family of Quinari. My family has served the royal household ever since it was founded. As for yourself I can tell your affiliation is with House Mysti for only they are allowed to take up the path of wizardry. A pleasure to meet you."
He then turns to common and says, "Please follow me. I have a room at the Five Dragon Inn. It is a nice enough place I suppose."
You're lead not too from the central square. Dominating over the northeastern corner is a building that stands out due to its height and looks to be almost as old and as the temple on the other side of the square. The L shaped building flank the central square. The building looks to have a main entrance and a stable entrance. Double doors lead into the tavern. On the doors is a five dragon heads each of a different color but the chipping of the paint shows that it was likely painted over either in generic or metallic colors over the years. The building is weathered sandstone like much of the town, the typical building material of Khurite buildings. You all enter the inn seeing 3 tables a bar, a stairway up and a few doors likely leading to the kitchen back areas and of course the stables.
The party is greeted by an middling aged Khurite woman with a friendly demeanor. A younger woman who has a darker skin tone but a family resemblance to the older woman tends to the bar.
The woman looks to Kaithanelas and says in common, "Oh Kaithanelas, welcome back to the inn. And I see you have brought some others with you as well."
She looks to the others. "Welcome all of you to the Five Dragon Inn. I am Emaline, the owner of this establishment. Please by all means take a seat wherever you wish. Would you like to partake of any food or beverages while you are here?"
Kaithanelas takes a seat at a table and looks to Emaline saying, "Yes, I have had a rather hard day milady. Please provide me with a bottle of that spiced wine you Khur people are so fond of."
Ok lets make this interesting Clarabibulus. Make me a craft Alchemy check to see how well you make the fizzy drink and what weirdness you get out of it. As for your random quirk: .
You get the result "Overly Complex". Your Fizzy Drink has been overly packed with so much fizzy goodness that the drink is Jug Sized rather than pint sized. This does not add any additional properties to the mix it just has way too many useless extras in it.
I think this is one of my better batches so far. It's vanilla rose caramel cardamom lavender blueberry birch bark honeydew licorice root oak sap paprika flavored.
There's still room for improvement, but tell me what you think.
Since it's jug-sized rather than pint-sized, Clarabibulus will offer some to the Kender and Elves as well.
She'll order an almond cake and some salted fish from Emaline, to go with her home-brewed fizzy pop.
Drake looks at the jovial little gnome girl who has approached him. umm, why thank you...Clara (picking out the part of her name he actually made out)and it is a pleasure to meet you as well. He takes the jar and gives it a sidelong glance before carefully stowing it in his belt pouch. I thank you for your generous gift, little one, but I was not the only brave and stalwart defender of our new elf friend, but it does warm my heart to see such kindness amongst folks. So, an Epic Quest you say, maybe sometime you will have to tell me about it
Upon arriving at the inn, after the innkeepers introduction, Hail and well met Emaline, I am Drake Steelwind. giving the woman a bow, I do require lodging for the evening in your fine establishment if I may inquire as to the rates
Emaline looks to Drake and seems to warm up to him. She replies to his question saying, "Oh yes good sir we have very fine rooms here at the Five Dragon Inn. As for the rates, the simple room that can hold up to two people is 5 silver coins per night. For the larger noble rooms on the third floor we have two currently available and they cost two steel pieces a night. With your room you also gain a chit for one meal a day. If you wish additional meals or wish to purchase Alcholic beverages, those will cost extra. As you seem to not be of these lands I must tell you that the food here is of usually of the traditional Khurish fare. If this is not to your tastes my husband Jemson is from Ergoth and a former sailor. He is well versed in numerous recipes throughout the world and if you have a specific request outside the normal fare I will see if he can prepare it for you. Specific requests however will cost extra as imported ingredients may be required."
As he walks a little ahead of Kaithanelas, Trevalis will ask, in Silvanesti, what he knows of the fate of the land as well as of the elven plight in Pashin.
Datura is uncertain why the Silvanesti wants them to follow him, but he might as well see him to his home. He is silent on the walk, focused on ensuring the thugs do not return for the man when they are out of the open. He in turn has Awd watching after him, as he watches out for the Silvanesti.
When they arrive at the place, it seems fancy enough that he may be able to find some nice greens. As the woman offers food and drink he asks, "Do you have a nice vegetable soup? Something maybe of cabbage and carrots. No meat stock. Oh, is there somewhere my friend can trap vermin? She prefers live meat, so if you've seen any rat or spider trouble in your larder she would be most pleased."
Datura is baffled by the gnome's choice of ingredients. Most of them were good flavors of their own, though he had no idea what caramel was, but to mix them together could only confuse the taste sensations.
Kaithanelas gives a dour expression on his face when Terevalis mentions the fate of Silvenesti and says in elven, "Silvenesti has fallen almost almost completely to the control of the Minotaurs. Those among our people who did not escape now live in chains, forced to serve the foul bull-devils as laborers. From what I have heard from some others who escaped the yoke of slavery our people are being forced to ravage the very land that they live. Our people have been forced to cut down trees for lumber, mine the earth for ore and build structures for the Bull-devils."
Kaithanelas pauses for a moment in passionate thought and then continues speaking in elven, "The most worrying part is that the Minotaurs are building fortresses and outposts at the borders to both prevent invasion and to keep any non-minotaurs out. I have no clear numbers of troop strength but vague reports say the number in the thousands, far more troops than we could hope to match on the field of battle. And then there is Silvanost itself. While the city still stands vast parts of the city have been destroyed and turned into a slave market and gladiatorial arena. I heard that the bull-devils are throwing our people into gladiatorial matches and killing them for sport. There is no end to the evil that these monsters inflict on our people."
Emiline says to Datura, "Oh well those goods are not typically grown in Khur due to the desert climate but we do have a supply of them in the kitchen. I could ask my husband to prepare a dish for you but as the fare is outside our usual cuisine you will have to pay extra. It will cost 5 silver pieces for the meal sir elf."
I was among those who fled the destruction of our beloved Silvanost. I was born on the Night of the Eye and as such always had a special connection to the god, Solinari. As I was even more of a novice before the Chaos War than I am now, I was still able to feel a strong connection to Solinari and in fact, he often visited me in my dreams. That stopped with the Chaos War and the Dragon Queen's theft of the world of Krynn. The pale moon had no life! I languished studying that magic I could in our hallowed halls but the magic would not come, the words were dead. As the son of Laurananthalasa brought our cousins to our land to look for the Speaker and then departed with Alhana Starbreeze to rescue Speaker Silvanoshei, I was among those selected to remain behind in Silvanost.
The minotaurs came with surprise. They targeted our fair temples to E'li, Quenesti Pah, and Astarin and put our mage halls to the torch. Many were killed defending our life blood, gods and magic. I wept for our people who were killed. I wept for our culture. I was able to flee with a few spellbooks that I had in my collection. I fled and was able to keep out of the sight of minotaur patrols. In vain, I studied the books, hoping that the gods would hear my entreaty.
One night I was almost caught. In that moment, uttering a prayer to Solinari, wherever he was to receive my soul as the minotaur brute was to slay me, something spectacular happened. The 3 Cousins returned and the Night of the Eye occurred again. Words that I had spoken countless time with no power came flooding back with arcane might and the minotaur was slain by my magic and the patrol, unsure of themselves fled.
I fled as long as I could to put as much distance between myself and the minotaurs. That night as I lay down to an exhausted sleep, Solinari appeared to me and we spoke. What we spoke about is between myself and my god but I have been encouraged that high sorcery has returned.
I traveled here looking for the diaspora of our people and am looking to complete my studies with Shaylin, a powerful wizardress. I hope to one day strengthen the resistance against the bull men but need to pass my Test before that day and grow in knowledge and wisdom and I hope to help in the restoration of our people, the Conclave, and the Towers of High Sorcery
This is all in Silvanesti.