Looking around and covering his eyes from the sun as Jor looked to spot anything noteworthy.
Jor can see nothing noteworthy outside the cave. Just open ground, volcanic dust and the town of Flostam off in the distance. It might be a 1/2 a day journey to get to the town from where you are.
Alathea turns to Terevalis, "You said something about magic steeds Terevalis? We could certainly use those now".
I can make 6 mounts which will last about 16 or 20 hours he says.
Seeing the light coming into the cave she quickly runs to the entrance to look out and then at the grey ash lying into the cave for any signs of movement recently.
Hearing of the mounts, "I can double with with mr Evil seeing he is light in weight too."
It does not look like there has been any excessive movement of late. The grey ash looks fairly untouched.
"Can these mounts carry us all Terevalis? If so then do it so we can hope to beat any patrols."
They are light warhorses and I can even summon a pony for the kender.
Know local
Indeed, there is a sanctioned Wizards of High Sorcery magic shop in the town as far as Terevalis knows. This would be Geon & Loren's Mystical Goods, a pair of wizards who deal with wizard-related magical item acquisition, creation and selling. They probably would also have sanction to perform epiphanies and also do local Wizard Testing as well. Beyond that you've never met Geon and Loren so you don't know their robe affiliations or disposition.
Well assuming that you travel to the town by horse or on foot, you are not harassed along the way as you arrive in the Gates of Flotsam. A wall surrounds the town and some rather scruffy looking town guard dressed in studded leathers, metal helmets and armed with a mix of swords, spears and bows give you a look as you come in but do not impede your progress as you enter through the south gate road.
The town looks like its had some new construction but off in the distance you can see some sections are in ruins or have had ramshackle repairs, damage probably inflicted by dragon attacks, perhaps even Malys in the past. The townsfolk look like a shifty sort, a mix of sailors, local laborers, unscrupulous merchants, townsfolk, travelers, vagabonds and the like. Flotsam also has a reputation for thievery as well as having a crushing system of bureaucracy. Near the entrance to the town is a building that appears to be some kind of inn and tavern called the "Jetties" where you here some rowdy noises from. The crowds tend to move off to the east towards the main market square of the town. What do you do?
"We need to seek and audience with Lord Toade. I assume in a place like this he will not simply let us use his library. We should not mention that we have the tears or the lance. I will ask a guard of the protocols of this place."
Gabriel approaches one of the armed men.
"Excuse me good man. I am a weary adventurer. My companions and I have been told of Lord Toade and his extensive library. Does he see people? If so how would I make an appointment?"
I must make a report to the Head of the Order and thus will need to find the Mageware shop. Will we be staying at the Jetties?
Athola walks besides Alathea, keeping her hand resting on her rapier. Looking about constantly out for trouble makers.
"It is uncertain even if we will stay. What do you have to report? Is it custom or duty that you report when entering a town? I understand duty and we can do this first if is yours, but we must not loose focus for the dark knights could fall upon this place."
Jor feeling a bit tired but still curiously eyeing at the inn & tavern called "Jetties" "Well, I dont know about you but I for sure am ready to grab a drink and see what I might find in that inn. I could get all of us room if needed but I guess I wont be moving for a while" Jor speaks up as he slowly begins moving to the tavern direction
Gabriel approaches the guard, he looks Gabriel over sizing him up, shrugs and he says, "Ya want to see Lord Toade eh? Good luck with that. Even I haven't seen him in person, he's always held up in his manor of his and uses the Burocrats to give out his edicts. As for the library thing, well I helped escourt some shipments to the manor, heard there was a bunch of scrolls and books in them. Seems he's got a lot of that stuff delivered to him. Guess he might have a lot of books in there. Anyhow if ya wanted to see Toade, best bet is to go to the City Hall and ask there. Now on your way, you're bothering me!"
As for Terevalis he decides to ask someone else than the guards after the rather blunt response Gabriel got. Asking a passing Gnome about the magic shop he gets the following response "Oh you're lookin for a place with magical whachamacallits and wizzamakalets, yep I've been there great place, great place to go good sir. You first go east 4 intersections to a 4 way intersection then go up two intersections to make it to the Marketplace. Then go to the west to a tucked away intersection in the south corner of the Marketplace and you'll find the place for all your magical needs. But its pretty pricy there for everthing and if you're looking for potions Aranna the Alchemist has much better deals on Elixirs, potions, urgents, creams..."
The Gnome runs on for a while and thus Terevalis gets the idea to just walk away while he rambles on.
As for Athola, you don't see anyone overly suspicious around although this town does look a bit shifty.
She whispers to her companions, "Be careful, plenty loose hands in this town."
He will follow the gnome's directions and find the mage shop.
"Jor, can you secure us some rooms at the Jetties? Athola, will you come with Murdains and I to seek out the Silver Fox here in the city?"
Diplomacy check to find the "Acquisition Guild".
So Terelvais heads off to the Marketplace seeing it a crowded place with numerous venders. Still following the directions he finds tucked away in a back road off the marketplace. The store has a sign with an eye on the front and reads Geron and Loren's Mystic Goods. A poster nailed to the wall says, Wizard Testing available for those willing to study the true art.
Entering the store you find this quaint shop with a megar supply of magical goods. Plenty of reagents and potions but only some wondrous items and a few magical weapons and armor that are on display. Inside there are two individuals. A brown haired woman with fair skin dressed in white robes who seems to be organizing a few shelves with a fresh stock of potions and a black robed individual with dark brown skin, probably an Ergothian by the looks of him who is currently sitting behind the counter reading through a tome of some kind and looking rather bored.
Soon after Terevalis gets an accounting of the area, the white robed woman looks up and is somewhat startled to see Terevalis. His robes and staff immediately identify him as another wizard of High Sorcery. After recovering she gives a polite bow and says, "Greetings brother, welcome to our shop."
The black robed man looks up when he hears this, looks at Terevalis, the staff then strokes his chin, "Humm, I have seen one of the black since I took my test. Could you be... no it couldn't be. Dalamar, Master of the black?"
He blinks in surprise at this cant believing his eyes, "No you cannot be him. The master of the Black certainly would not come to a mere magic shop in a town such as this. How may I address you brother wizard?"
Gabriel takes the mans words and thanks him. He will start wondering asking to be pointed to town hall.
Waving his hand in agreement to Alathea as Jor continues towards the tavern "Sure love" while grin appears on his face, thinking about fresh drink and possibility to get bed under himself... and maybe some companion for the night, depending if he had mood to try anything with locals.
Jumping off the horse and leaving it like that, knowing it will disappear soon, Jor moves towards the doors leading inside the tavern, listening to rowdy noises and typical noice of taverns all over the Krynn. At least one thing stays the same. Everyone loves alcohol
Jor enters the Jetties and is surprised to see that there is such a well maintained drinking establishment in a town like this. Fishing nets suspended from the ceiling, various sailing accoutrements fill the corners, stuffed fish mounted on the walls. The air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the yeasty smell of beer. The atmosphere is pleasant, homey, and seems a world away from the broken
city.
This place looks popular at the moment as you see a mix of types drinking various ales and beverages and reminiscing tales of travel and adventure. A bard in a corner plays a Sea Shanty that gives the place a more upbeat feel. One human lass and two kenders, one male, one female serve the tables, while a grizzled seaman looking fellow mans the bar and tap. Supervising them is an old looking female kender, with grey hair in a bun and dressed a bit more upscale than the other staff. She had some scars on her face and arms but otherwise looks respected. There are a few tables available for Jor to sit down on.
As for Murdains he says to Alathea, "Well if you're looking for the Silver Fox, the best place to go is the Brown Pelican Tavern as its a front for the Guild and if you're looking to make contact, that's the place to go. Unfortunately I don't have my Starjewel though so you'ed probably have to use yours to prove that we're a part of the Legion."
Greetings my brethren in the Magic. I am Terevalis Unctio, of House Mystic, wizard of the Black Robes. Like my Lord Dalamar, I am also from Silvanesti and have won the Black Robes of Nuitari. I am in need of some assistance. First I know that mage shops and those who have the ability and permission to perform ephiphanes and the Test, have access to magics which can contact the Head of the Order. I would like to make arrangements to address either the Head of the Black Robes or the 3. Also, if possible, I would like to engage in some study and trade of magical items I have found and lastly, I would like to know the condition of High Sorcery here in Flotsam, as well as any apprentices or renegade activity that you might know about. he says.
The white robe woman says, "Of course we would be willing to help you Wizard Unctio. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Loren Morse, of the White Robes. Formerly I learned my skills from the Acedemy but when I heard of the restoration of the Orders, I offered my service to the conclave. I was given regency here in Flotsam to handle magical affairs here."
The black robe man says, "I am Coan Balewa, also formerly a Sorcerer but I learned the art second hand from an Acedemy graduate, rather than formal study. You might call me a "Former" renegade, but whatever, I wanted the power to channel the arcane and Sorcery was the best source at the time. I find my membership with the Orders merely a progression to extend what I've learned thus far. I must say that the versatility of spells one can learn as a Wizard has its uses. As for Epithanies, both Loren and myself were trained in the method. There has been a few people "Trickle" in to convert although I can't help but feel that we're being taken advantage of here. Giving up magical items and spellbooks to Former Sorcerers seems like a waste of money and resources."
Loren rolls her eyes and says, "Not this argument again Coan. Look, we are obligated to give spellbooks and items to new wizards, to convince them that Wizardry is the best path to take, less they fall back to their former ways."
Coan raises an eyebrow slyly and says, "Oh really, and you think that Kender sorcerer who came in here a week ago deserved to be given "More" magic? He'll probably end up blowing himself up and destroying valuable property of the Order. We really shouldn't be giving matches to little children Loren, we should give spells to only those who wield the power and use it responsibly."
Loren says, "He did pass the Epiphany Coan, Wizardry should be without race or prejudice everyone should have a chance to learn the art if they wish to do so."
Coan looks to Terevalis and says "You can see what I have to deal with. Loren is a bleeding heart who'ed give a spellbook to any peasant that comes knocking on our door wishing to learn "Magic". Anyhow as for trade, I'm more than willing to exchange spells and items of magical power. I focus mainly on Enchantment, but I have picked up a good deal of necromancy and other spells in my studies as well. Normally we need to be rather restrictive in what we sell due to the Thieves Guild bearing down on us, but for you Wizard Unctio I can certainly make an exception.
Loren says to Terevalis, "As for your other request, I am skilled with Divination magics so I could make arrangements to send messages to and from the Orders of High Sorcery. Do you think the Heads of the Order will give you their undue attention?"
A kender? Learning the Art? By all the laws of magic forbidden! he says in calm yet angry voice, the quite boil of a molten pit behind his words. I would caution giving out too much of the Art to those who have yet to be Tested. It would perhaps be best if they apprenticed first and through that learn more of our secrets. Have there been any to pass the Test and if so, to what Order are they bound? he says as he nonchatly shows his crescent shaped cold iron dagger marking him a renedage hunter.
I myself am a Necromancer who would love to compare notes with the spells you have learned or have access to here in the Mageware shop. I do believe that the Master of the Order, if not all 3 will be interested in what I have to say he says with a smile.
He continues, Know that the renegade power of Darkhaven has indeed been lessened.
Loren sparks up with surprise and says, "Well I certainly did not know that it was forbidden. The Kender that came in here demonstrated the power of Sorcery but not enough to be considered much of a threat. So by means I was willing to offer him the a chance to follow the true art. Its not like I could have talked him out of it."
Coan says, "And where do you think he's gone now Loren? Who knows where with these children. I told you it was a bad idea to begin with."
Coan looks back to Terevalis, "Well as for testing, we've tested a few so far. We've had two of them die during the test and three pass the test. Two of them went to the Red Robes, one of them went Black. Unfortunately this is a magic shop, not a school so we gave them their tomes and items and sent them on their own personal studies. Other than that we've had a number of acolyte sorcerers come in here wanting to learn wizardry, none of them were powerful enough to be worth testing but Loren here was adamant about having them all convert."
Loren says, "Well isn't that what the standing orders are? Convert as many Sorcerers as we can?"
Coan says, "Not if it means giving up expensive spell-books and valuable reagents to the wrong people Loren."
If you would be so kind as to contact the Head of my Order? he asks.
Loren says, "Very well Wizard Unctio, come with me into the back rooms. I have a scrying chamber that can be used to communicate with the Tower of Wayreth. Hopefully you've got enough pull to convince The Master of Black to communicate with you as usually I deal with intermediaries with my communications."
Loren leads you into the back rooms and unlocks a small room. Inside is a small table with some chairs, a dresser with some reagents and a small floating light that provides illumination to the room. Loren gestures for Terevalis to take a seat across from her and then takes a seat herself and then starts casting a potent divination spell. This appears to be a combination of Mirror Sight with Message to allow verbal communication through the Crystal ball. This takes 10 minutes of casting time to set up however. You have to wait a few minutes more before someone actually answers the communication
In the crystal ball appears a white robed gentleman looking old enough to have probably been a wizard before the second cataclysm. "Master Walenty, it is I Loren Morse. I need to speak with you."
The old man looks up at her and says, "Oh, Wizard Morse, making good use of your Divination techniques I see. How can I be of assistance to a former pupil of mine?"
Loren says, "It is not myself master Walenty that requires assistance but a guest in my shop. A black robed wizard by the name of Terevalis Unctio, of House Mystic. He has asked to speak with the Master of the Black. As I do not have direct communication with Dalamar, I decided to contact you first to see if you can arrange communication."
Wizard Walenty looks out at Terevalis and then back to Lauren "Oh I see. How curious. Didn't think I'ed see another Elven black robe in my lifetime. Still there has been word spreading that some new wizard to the black that is the bearer of the staff of Magus."
Walenty then looks back to Terevalis and says "I presume that you are that individual. Well then Wizard Unctio I can try and get you in touch with the Master of the Black if you have something important to communicate with him. You will need to give me some time though. Dalamar the Dark is a rather dour individual and requests to contact him should never be taken lightly. Is this acceptable to you?"
Thank you, Walenty of the White. Please inform the Master of the Black Robes that the information is indeed pressing. I would not bother him were it not.
Walenty says back to Terevalis, "Thank you for your patience Wizard Unctio of the black. I shall send a message to Wizard Morse as soon as I have an answer from the Master of the black. Good day to you sir."
He looks back to Loren and says, "A pleasure to speak to you again Loren Morse. I wish you well on your tasks in the town of Flosam."
With that the spell ends and the crystal ball goes murky again.
With that the communication ends. Loren says, "Well it seems we will have to wait Wizard Unctio. You're free to abide your time here and study, perform transactions or trade, or you can head off to do other affairs and I will send you a message through divination when I am contacted."
A two hours pass at the store for Terevalis when Loren comes back into the room and says, "Wizard Unctio, I have heard word back from the tower. The Master of the black wishes to speak with you, in fact it was mentioned that he has some important intelligence to relate to you. He wishes a private communication so I will cast the needed spells and then leave the room to allow you a private converation."
She leads Terevalis into the room, casts the spells and the image of Dalamar the Dark appears in the orb. He looks out and says, "Terevalis... it is intreguing to see you again. Indeed much has developed since we have last spoken."
He then looks to Loren and says, "Wizard Morse, leave us. What shall be said here is not for your ears."
Loren gives a respectful bow and then leaves the room. Dalamar then looks back to Terevalis and says in elfish, "Well then Terevalis Unctio, it appears that your concerns over the activities of Chemosh were quite valid. In the weeks where you've been out of touch, some... disturbing intelligence has been gathered. First of all, Mina, the former chosen one of Takhisis still lives, that has been confirmed by reliable sources. Mina has apparently thrown her lot in with a new patron, more specifically the Lord of Bones himself. Word has it she has become his High Priestess which is something we need to keep watch of considering the history of that woman shaping the affairs of the world. Even more disturbing, Chemosh has a new weapon in his service. A new form of undead which have been dubbed as "The Beloved of Chemosh". These undead can pass as living beings and continually seek to expand their numbers by having people swear their souls to Chemosh. Apparently from reports they are resistant to magical detection, immune to the effects of magic both divine and arcane and apparently can heal from any physical injury. Now I scoff at the notion that Chemosh could create something that is truly indestructible, but so far those who have fought these aberrations have not found a way to slay them permanently. Still we do not want to spread a panic by telling everyone of the current state of affairs so I advise that you share this information only with those you can trust. In addition, if you do find out anything about Mina's location, do not engage her directly, report your findings to the Conclave as soon as possible."
After concluding his speech Dalamar says, "Now Terevalis, what have you been up to in these past few weeks? Do you have anything important to report?"
As the Master of the Black Robes appears, Terevalis open his hands and bows his head in reverence and respect.
My Lord Dalamar, he begins in the language of Silvanos, Myself and my companions have indeed been busy. We have come upon the Tears of Quenesti Pah, artifacts from the Age of Dreams. We first came upon one pure and holy, sacred to the goddess. However, they are a pair. A few days ago we found the other in a stronghold of the Dark Knights of the former Dragon Queen. I was able to procure it, however, it had been corrupted by the dark energies of the Lord of Bones he says as he brings it out I have yet to have the opportunity to study either of the Tears but the cleric of Zivilyn has used the one she has to bestow the gifts of the goddess of healing. It has been able to heal and restore strength that was lost.
On another note, My Lord, I was able to deal a telling blow to the Knights of the Thorn in Darkhaven. Most of their apprentices and at least one officer fell before the power of the Black Moon and it will take some time for them, if they are ever able to do so, to regain some of their arcane might. They fell as renegades should, My Lord.
This news of coming of Mina, is indeed troubling, but perhaps, just perhaps the Lord of Bones is overplaying his hand. While his attention is on Mina and his experiments, his attention will not be on other matters. And it is to other matters to which I would like to speak to you My Lord about... he says.
Dalamar smriks and says, "Well you have been busy Terevalis. It is excellent to hear that more of those Dark Knight renegade sorcerers have met their end by your hand. Fewer enemies we will have to deal with in the long run while we continue to restore the Orders of High Sorcery to its proper place in the world. Well done Terevalis."
Re-guarding the tears he says, "Tears of Quelnesti Pah, I thought they were long lost from the hands of the Silvanesti long ago. They would be most useful to strengthening the Orders if they were brought to Wayreth for proper study in our laboratories. That is of course if you can claim them in the name of the Orders of High Sorcery. So one of the Tears has been corrupted has it? It would be most useful if you could find a way to cleanse it. As a pair they would likely be more powerful than a single artifact. As for the other matters you have on your mind, by all means bring them forth so your words may be considered."
My Lord, what is the number of Black Robes currently sitting as members of the Conclave? he inquires.
Dalamar waves his finger and says, "Now now Terevalis, you of all people should understand the need for secrecy when it comes to numbers. Better that the opposition does not know your strength of numbers so that you can keep them off balance. As for a more vague answer, we have numbers to get tasks done but always could use more for our ranks."
[ooc] Yes those mages in the Tower of the Blood Sea, which I hope he gets to visit. [/b]
The reason I inquire, My Lord, is that I ask to sit as a member of the Conclave to represent the Black Robes. As you have pointed out I have done great things already for the Order and the Orders. It would make much of what I have to do easier, especially as a renegade hunter.
Dalamar says, in response "I would certainly sponsor you for a seat on the conclave considering your status Terevalis and your achievements. However it appears that for now you would do better serving the Orders in the field rather than milling about here in the Tower of Wayreth. This group you're traveling with has already acquired a number of lost artifacts. I am most interested to see what else you can discover on this journey of yours. Of course, if you're willing to "Retire" from an adventuring career I suppose I could find somewhere to put you where you'ed be of use. Either way I find you an asset to our Order and your contributions are... appreciated."
He gives a smile to Terevalis, although you get the sense that there is a hint of jealousy in his demeanor. His eyes occasionally look to the Staff of Magus and considering his history, Terevalis can empathize with his desire.
My Lord, I would like to bring to your attention, one Antimodes of the White Robes, who was responsible, if memory serves me correctly, was responsible for the sponsorship of your own Shalafi, he says with a smile, a powerful member of the White Robes who travelled the length and the breadth of Ansalon, sponsoring talent and finding it, in the days before the War of the Lance, who also sat as a member of the Conclave, even as he acted out in the field.
Dalamar says in response, "To take a leadership position in the Conclaive would mean you would still have to retire yourself for at least a few months for the proper training as well as perform some regional duties. Antimodes did travel across Krynn serving the Orders but not before doing a period of service directly to the tower beforehand. You would have to do the same or have some sort of means to rapidly travel to and from the tower. Have you learned any spells of the Fifth Circle yet?"
Soon, very soon, I shall have the ability to teleport he replies.
Alathea makes her way to the Tavern with Athola and Murdains in tow.
She orders a drink and then casually slips her Starjewel on to her armor waiting for one of the Legion to make contact with them.