While Terevalis has not heard of the Key of the Quinari, he does know that the Quinari was the wife of King Silvanos, the uniter of the elves, hero of the Dragon Wars and the founder of the city of Silvanost. Quinari became queen by marriage to the king and ruled with him justly back in the early times of the elves. A good deal of the royal family is blood linked to her. So any relic with the name of Quinari in it certainly is something of great value to the elven people.
Alathea opts for the Suite and hands Emeline the 2 steel.
Mithas sits with the other elves. Seeing Terevalis, he says in Elvish, "I guess I shouldn't be too surprised to see you here."
Turning to the other elf, "So you mentioned earler of coin to be made..."
Kaienthalas spares a seat at the table for Mithas and says in elvish, "Welcome one of the wilds. It is good you have decided to come.."
He gestures to Terevalis and says, "This is Terevalis, a member of house Mystic and devotee to the arcane arts. Anyway I will get swiftly to the point. A Nerakan bandit leader called Pegrin and his band of cronies have been making a profit on stealing and selling elven relics. I wish to hire a group of skilled individuals to put an end to his operations. I am willing to pay 50 steel for your services as well as give you looting rights to any coin and any non-elven items you find in the bandit camp. Any elven relics however are to be returned to me so that I can either find their owners or donate them to our people for safekeeping. Does this perk your interest?"
Gabriel hobbles in and gives a nod to the barmaid.
"Food, drink and a room please. Can I just have a seat?"
As she nods he sits at a table beside the elves recognizing them from the scuffle this morning. He pulls out a steel piece and when the barmais brings his food and drink he offers it to her.
"Thank you. The rest is for you."
He hears the conversation but can't piece together what they are saying.
Alathea approaches the table, "I beg your pardon my elven friend. The blessing of Zivilyn upon you this evening. I remember you from the market earlier today, I trust that those ruffians have not harmed you in any way after the confrontation ended?"
Looking up from the conversation he nods to the humans and tells the Kagonesti in elven after his statement, I thought I would find you here And I thought you might have taken to some jungle to swing through the forests in all of your savageness, but alas, at least some of the Chosen of E'li still care for the people.
Hm, so the target is Pegrin and his underlings. Also 50 silver piece for this ordeal? Seems to be a bit cheap price for whole thing. Worst of all, if it would anger the Dark knights, there is a not much place to hide Jor ponders to himself as he slowly drinks
Recognising the priestess from the morning approaching the table and another elf although a bit different from the other two, Jor is having a hard time Should I report this or not? It is not my business, damned be me and these are anyway not my problem but the possibilities of having good word with Nerakans, excluse opportunities for Brass Tigers... uff, what should I do contemplating with the hard decision
Kaienthalas says to Alathea in common, "Greetings priestess of the tree of wisdom. I am Kaienthalas and thanks to some intervention I was able to get the stolen relics back to where they belong, my people. As for the bandits however they are are still trouble. A foul Nerakan named Pegrin leads these evil men in the theft and sell of elven relics. It is about time something is done about them. I am looking for those willing to bring their criminal operation to an end. I am willing to pay for such aid as well as give looting rights to anything found in their camp, other than elven relics which should be returned to me so that they can be returned to their proper owners or the community as a whole. Would you be interested?
Alathea considers the offer, "Certainly the rich history of a noble people such as yourselves should not be plundered by anyone much less common thieves. I have an obligation that I must fulfill. However, I do not see why I cannot aid you in your quest prior to leaving on mine. In lieu of an earthly reward though I would instead beseech your assistance in an important task. Micah ib'n-Gar High Priest of Zivilyn and caretaker of the Temple of the True Gods is truly overwhelmed by his duties. He seeks assistance in tending to the shrines of the Gods who are honored within. I would ask that your people, who were true to the Gods even through the Cataclysm, render him assistance in this endeavor. Grant me such a favor and I will assist you. I may even be able to enlist the aid of another..."
Kaienthalas says, "Aiding the temple does seen like a noble endeavor. I myself bear a medallion of faith, although I serve as one of his bards rather than a teacher of the faith."
He pulls out an amulet from under his shirt. Alathea recognizes it as the holy symbol of Branchala, God of Song and Inspiration. It is an authentic Medallion of Faith.
"I cannot guarantee that I will be able to convince some of my kind to help tend the shrine. Many of the elves are hated and reviled by the populace and are fearful of acting so openly in public positions. All of our clerics are busy currently tending to the sick and wounded among my people. Still you have my word that I will send a message to my people and give them the choice of what to do. Perhaps I can convince some to volunteer for the task. Is that an acceptable offer Priestess?"
"Yes it is. I shall locate my contact tonight and request his aid as well. Where shall we meet to pursue your task?"
Looking up from the conversation he nods to the humans and tells the Kagonesti in elven after his statement, I thought I would find you here And I thought you might have taken to some jungle to swing through the forests in all of your savageness, but alas, at least some of the Chosen of E'li still care for the people.
"I thought about it, but the novelty of a Sivanesti asking one of us dirty savages for help and actually paying me for work was just too much to pass up."
Mithas' thinks over the offer, "Seems reasonable enough."
Kaienthalas says in response to Alathea, "I shall be here at the inn if you need me. As for the task itself, you will first have to find where the Bandits hide. Some avenues of search might involve shaking down a member of Pegrin's Gang or making a deal with the Blackbird, the leader of the criminal underworld in the Town. Also the Herald could be someone who might know as he is well traveled and wise about many things I hear. The choice in the end is up to you."
As for Mithas Kaienthalas says, "Then you are in my employ for this mission. I ask that you work with this group and find where Pegrin hides, go to his camp and see that his operation is brought to an end."
Alathea what are you doing. I would love to help this man out. I feel it is my duty too, but I have a mission. I have to return this package. I need to pray on this.
Gabriel sits and listens while enjoying his meal.
Alathea nods to the elves, "I shall take my meal and get some rest, I will be here in the morning my new friends".
Alathea takes her meal away from the elves and writes a letter to the Knight but waits for the right opportunity to drop it off at his table...
The meals are an excellent mix of Khurish cuisine, Beef and Camel meat, bread,some cheeses although not a lot of vegetables as such are not native to the desert. To drink you're given either a cup of coffee, water, goats milk or on request an alcoholic beverage. The atmosphere is quite pleasant.
So other than eating does anyone want to do anything. You do know that tonight there will be a history telling of the Herald outside the Wounded Crow Tavern tonight in about an hours time if you wish to attend.
As for the rooms, the common rooms are sparsely decorated, consisting of little more than bed, a dresser and a chest. The suites on the other hand are better decorated and have a table, chair, double sized bed, dresser, drawers, chest, wash basin and a chamber pot provided as well as a large carpet on the floor. All the room doors have locks of course with the suites having higher quality doors and locks than the standard rooms.
After hearing everything necessary Jor will finish his meal and drink. Paying for the food & drinks as well lodging he soon heads to the Wounded Crow to reach his appointment at 8 with the Nerakans.
Might as well see and hear this famous Herald same time as I do business. I should maybe get some information also same time about this Pegrin person as he navigates in the streets towards Wounded Crow
Alathea will drop the note on Gabriel's table as innocuously as she can while she heads to her room to change. She will then head out to hear the Herald seeking to get an audience with him.
To speed things along, I will assume all of you end up heading toward the Wounded Crow tavern. Outside the building is a makeshift stage set up and a large crowd of people consisting of mainly local Khurites but also a mix of Nerakan Civilians. A number of lanterns have been set up illuminating the area as night has fallen upon the town. There is a number of chatterings among the people there, with the Khurites exuberant to see the famous Herald and hear his stories. The Nerakans look less enthused and almost indifferent but curious enough to show up and see what the Herald has to say.
When the time comes, the Herald comes onto the stage. A man probably approaching 70 walks onto the stage. He is balding on the top of his head, but white hair still hangs out the back of his head. He has a trim well kept beard and he is dressed in a fairly modest white robe. There is a weathered looking eyes as though he has seen very much in his life. There are cheers from the crowd as he goes onto the stage. He raises his hand and speaks with an Abasasinian accented common. "Thank you, everyone. May you please hush your words so I may weave a tale for thee."
With that the crowd quiets down to listen. The Herald begins to speak.
"I am known as the Herald. The Memories of Krynn are mine to know and share. In my dreams I have lived many other lives. I have lead men into battle on the side of good and evil. I have fought on dragonback and wielded the mighty dragonlance. I have lived, loved, and died a thousand times. This eve, I shall share some of my tales with you."
The crowd begins to shout, "Tell us of Huma!" A Khurite yells.
"Tell us of Raistlin and the Dark Queen! Tell us of lord Ariakan's fall among the minions of Chaos!" A Nerakan yells.
"I have another story for you this evening," the Herald intones. "I shall tell you this day of a young girl named Mina and of a great war, one fought not over control of Krynn but for the souls of its people." Murmurs go through the crowd mostly positive sounding but a few grumbles are heard also.
"My story begins about a year ago, the night of the Great Storm. Everyone remembers the Great Storm right?" replies of yes come from the crowd. He begins to tell of how the child Mina appeared to a platoon of Knights of Neraka that night and how Mina healed the minotaur Galdar who quickly dedicated himself to the child. He tells of how they journeyed to Sanction and helped prevent the Knights of Solamnia from breaking the siege. He speaks of how the Lord of the Night Targonne scoffed at her claim that she would do what no other has been able to do, capture Silvanesti. He continues with her doing exactly what she said, she captures the ancient elven homeland. It is said that when she first arrived there that a portion of the normally xenophobic elves fell instantly in love with her. He goes on and tells of her betrayal at the hands of Targonne and his eventual downfall and then of Mina's leaving to the north. You notice that the Nerekans start to get a little edgy now. He starts to tell of how the Qualinesti elves fleeing their own homeland arrive in Silvanesti and help their cousins run their occupiers out of the country. As he starts to tell how the dark knights allies the minotaurs had to come in and "rescue" the Nereakans make themselves known. A voice cries out from the crowd.
"Lies! Lies! Enough of your lies! We had an agreement with the minotaurs is all. They rescued no one, it was all planned that way.", you notice that several of the Nereakans start pushing themselves towards the stage.
The Herald with the same look on his face that he has kept all evening replies to the angry Nerekan, "I do not lie about the truth of history. If you are angry with someone why don't you take it up with the minotaurs? You do know where they are don't you?"
This little jab at the Nerekan sets him and companions off and a rock flies out from the group and slams the Herald in the head causing him to stagger as a trickle of blood comes from his forehead. A crowd of angry Nereakans then forms to make their way towards the Herald with fists and clubs ready to beat down the Herald. Someone jumps into the way of the Nereakans and is quickly thrown out of the way. This sets off a riot as the Khurites and Nerekans engage in an all out brawl with one another. However a group of seven Nerekans push their way through the crowd and are close to reaching the Herald. What do you do?
I will make a spot check to see if any of the Nerakans might have Silvanesti artifacts on them
None of the Nerakans looks like they have any elven objects on them. They look like either civilians or maybe off-duty soldiers at best. Still they are angry and looking to give the Herald one hell of a beating.
The Silvanesti will sit back and listen and even smugly say, The cows betrayed their allies the foul knights
Alathea will move closer to the stage and cast Command on the thug who appears to be leading the group ordering him to FLEE!
Gabriel hobbles his way forward but with a bit of speed. He steps up on the stage and looks out to the thugs.
"Go on the fight you want is in the streets. Come close and you will force me to defend myself as well as this man. I may be old but I have terrible dark magic that I will defend myself with. You would be wise to pick on lesser foes in the crowds."
Gabriel raises his staff high and holds out his hand and starts to speak words in Draconic.
Alathea uses her command on the lead man as he blindly runs in panic back into the crowd and gets caught up in the brawl. Still the other Nerekans still don't think they are letting up on their assault.
The remaining attackers halt in their steps as they are fooled into thinking Gabriel might be some kind of spellcaster. Their stop in motion causes the crowd to close in on them and the remaining Nerekans get caught up in the brawl. However not too far off the Dark Knights respond and immediately trying to break up the brawl. The Herald comes to his senses and blinks surprised at the outpouring of violence. What do you do next?"
Terevalis will move forward and attempt to move the Herald out of the combat telling him, Your stories, though true, Old One, are not always appreciated, as Truth seldom is
Jor enjoying the show so far but as soon as the situation escalates to that of mob and the Nerakans getting more rowdy, Jor retreats a bit back. It was not his job to get all mr-muscle-bodyguard but he might as well see that nothing serious passes.
Approaching the Herald from the sidelines and attempting to speak to him if you do value your life, I would recommend you to back up a little before these Nerekans reach this place without even mentioning the Dark Knights. I assume the best idea would be lay low now and disappear after a while. Jor mentions and motions him to leave as soon as possible.
As does all that he is not taking his eyes off from the cloaked figure who just a moment ago defended Herald from oncoming mob
Mithas will help pull the Herald out of the fray.
The group is able to shuffle the Hearld to a nearby alleyway as the brawl still rages in full force.
The Herald seems to get his wits and says, "Thank you for helping me back there. It does appear that the Nerakans are still quite touchy on that subject, ho ho ho."
He then turns a glace to all of you and his eyes bug out big time, "Wait a minute! I know you! You names are Mithas, Jor, Terevalis, Althea... and Gabriel. I saw you... I heard your names and faces in my dreams. Thank the Gods I have found you all. You are the reason I came to this town in the first place."
Alathea cocks her head, "Dreams? Are you some sort of Cleric who receives premonitions from the Gods?"
Hush old man, my cover not now...
The cloaked man leans in and addresses the group.
"That is well and good, but perhaps we can find a place to sit and talk somewhere not so public. It won't take the dark knights long to calm that brawl and I would rather be enjoying some ale somewhere."
The Herald says, "Oh yes.. I believe that would be a most prudent decision. The Dark Knights would most do certainly take offense to what was said. In the future perhaps I should reveal histories that put them in a better light I suppose. Oh, what were we talking about? Oh yes, going somewhere. We have much to heroes and thus if you can take me somewhere that is safe to converse I will be most grateful."
The Herald seems borderline senile in his mannerisms and speech but nonetheless he has a look of wisdom to him as well.
"Perhaps the Temple to the True Gods? The Dark Knights will likely not look for us there".
We should be off before they begin to pay attention that we are even here.
Not sure what to do between moving with the Herald or staying for the appointed meeting as Jor mentally battles about the decision but finally gives in to help Herald out Well, we dont have much time so we might as well get moving. Time is running and there isnt much of it. Lead the way, Aletha is it, since I do not know the way and with that Jor grabs Herald and motions her to hurry
So everyone heads to the temple of the True Gods while speeding away from the scene of carnage. The acolytes of the temple are welcoming to the group and are impressed to see the famous Herald and the group. They accommodate you by providing the group with a room in the temple in order to discuss your business in private. The room you are in was perhaps at one time a living quarters for a priest but now lies nearly empty other than an old bed, chairs, table and an empty book shelf.
The Herald settles into a chair and says, "The fates have led me to who I wish to see brave heroes. It is now time for you to take up the reigns that destiny has foretold. Despite the return of the Gods, the balance lies on the path of darkness and there are forces at work seeking to fulfill their ambitions. You must seek the Key that will unlock the long lost secret of the elves and dragons. Only then can the world hope to shift towards balance. The key currently lies in the hands of evil and if you do not act quickly it may be lost forever."
"How do you know this? Assuming what you say is true, what does this key look like and who has it?"
"You speak in riddle's old man. What is the lost secret? You said we were destined. Speak to us more on your vision."
Gabriel sits and takes down his hood revealing the face of a young man with sharp handsome features. Shoulder length dark hair and a full close cut neat beard.
Mithas is taken aback by the Herald's supposed recognition of him. "I fear that you are mistaken. I don't think there's a heroic bone in my body. Besides hero is the kind of word they tend to throw around after your dead. Now if you're in the market for a scoundrel..."
Later,
"So a key hmmm? And long lost secrets? In my experience, some things should probably stay buried, especially when dealing with dragons. You seem like a nice enough old fellow, but I'm not sure I want to go off to fight 'evil' on your word alone."
The Hearld says, "I saw a vision of all of you bearing a box of six sides whose song shall be the key to the treasure long lost. As for what the key unlocks, it has been lost to time but you are the ones that must bear its burden and find what it unlocks. As for who will oppose you, the darkness wore the horned skull. You will inevitably cross his path on your quest."