Mangroves of the Desert (Inactive)

Game Master Herkymr the Silly

For one first meeting Mang Fu Ha Saan, the first thing they might notice is he has a very weathered rugged mountain man look to him. His stony demeanor suggests many hardships being a normal routine for him. His skin gray like stone with amber eyes always alert and assessing his surroundings. Appearing bald at first glance closer inspection reveals a head crowned with spear like outcroppings of hardened stone adorn his head like rows of teeth in the jaws of a shark. His face wears a long and very thick almost dwarven like beard that's been woven into an elaborate braid, which is held together by a small carved stone circlet at the end.
He wears leather armor covered with many small plates of metal, many of which bear runes on them. At his shoulders on one side a large leather pauldron, and on the left sits a very large furry piece of thick animal pelt; both of which add to his already large stature. Standing over six feet tall the man has quite a presence.

When addressed the question on the reason for his quest, Mang Fu Ha Saan at first becomes pensive for a moment as if reliving a past memory. His hands on the table with fork and knife in hand clenches tight in anger while he glares into, or rather beyond his plate of food. The wave of anger is brief, and he relaxes visibly before looking to Janna to speak.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Under any other circumstance, Lady Janna, you would be correct to believe that my tribe could weather out a disaster in our north home. For as long as my tribe has kept history many disasters both natural and wars of men have come and gone, but we remained. Though we have no permanent settlement our spiritual home and fortress was the mountain in which the Dwarven fortress of Ragnor's keep resides. We shared our mountain home with the Dwarves for to us they held the mountain in reverence, caring for it like a mother cares for a child while they collected the riches of the depths and harnessed the great fire of the mountain heart. For them, we provided a link to the outside world when our nomadic ways brought us home for a time until we again departed.

I have indeed been with the high Druid Vigi, and he witnessed to me a prophecy where I would gather the Elf with the mark on her head, Shadara, the man with a horse that is not a horse, Milos, the one of Dragon descent, Unk, whose life was taken by a foul demon before our eyes. There were others foretold in prophecy, but they have not been found to me yet.
The Yellow Scorpions are behind the destruction sweeping the world, they seek to harness the great fire at the heart of the earth, but unlike the Dwarves they are destroying everything to achieve this. For that they must die if the world will be returned to balance.

Requested Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Sense Motive on Richard: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Wow! My dice don't like me right now.

Quinten studies Richard, uncertain whether his confusion is genuine. It's possible he's confused because Jana added a wrinkle to his story by claiming he had lost his family, but why put him here? She seems to have business to attend to, and he's distracting us from it.

Perhaps that's the idea. With him drawing much of our attention, we'll be less likely to notice other subterfuge. But if the creature who spoke with me–and apparently Shadara as well–is a dragon, as I suspect, I don't see any cause for suspicion. Dragons may have been heavy-handed at times, but in all but a few of the stories, they come across as honest.

Recalling how off-putting he found Shadara's initial suspicion of him, the teacher smiles apologetically at Richard. Forgive my friend's suspicion, sir. It's been a rough day for all of us.

The teacher pauses, considering Jana's question. To be honest, I'm restless. I've been teaching or helping my father teach since I was 12. I love what I do, but I'm in a rut. I'd hoped that taking a break to study history would reignite my enthusiasm, but instead, it's made me feel guilty. As much as I enjoy learning, I view knowledge as a tool to help others, not an end in itself.

When Jerras asked me to guide this party, I saw an opportunity to help newcomers adjust to the city's dangers while returning a favor to a family friend, trying something new, and irritating the organization I believe to be responsible for raiding my family's museum.

So far, it's been more interesting than I expected. I'd be lying if I said the encounter with the vampire children and the sense I'm out of my depth aren't frightening, but to be honest, that's part of the appeal.

Tears glint in Quinten's eyes as Mang speaks of being cut off from his home and his dwarven friends. No one should have to experience such loss.

The teacher nods as the druid gives the Scorpions a death sentence. If your goal is to fight the Scorpions, I will do what I can to help you.

As you eat, Janna begins to openly relax and relate to you "history" of several things.[b]I will spin a story from long ago as I remember it from the histories and the oracles and the witches. Years before Fifth Port was more than just a minor settlement of fishermen and their trolling ships, the dragons and the people of before were predominant throughout our world. The storms had not come and the deserts that existed were natural, small and limited. Rich forests of deciduous and coniferous trees dotted the mountains and many more species lived and thrived during this time.
Slowly other races began to emerge. The elves, dwarves, human, halflings, gnomes. and many of the more savage species began to claim areas as their holdings and kingdoms. The Dragons and the people of before began to with draw from the civilized jungle to areas that few could find or knew of. Many of the impossible valleys housed the people of before and they have left ruins of their domiciles in a few of these valleys as they faded from all but memory.
As these calming influences left the land, kingdoms emerged. Some from emerged dispute and war , some from supply and demand of resources, and some from trade routes supplying things to areas in lack. The races split apart from the other races and developed their own way of life. The dwarves took to the Mountains, the caverns, and the high vales. Elves took to the forests, the swamps, the jungles, and many of the other woodlands. Humans, adaptable as always, filled in everywhere that others didn't want. The halflings and gnomes found ways to blend with in the societies around them.
Some groups became friendly and peaceful neighbors. Other became domineering, aggressive, and warlike in their desire for power. Their need to expand and dominate became the main reason for the wars that ravaged our lands. A few of the races withdrew and became almost myth; while others joined forces with one side or another in the conflicts. Peace came and went never lasting more than a few decades but war and strife were constant.
Finally when the need for control enflamed and threatened to destroy the kingdoms, some of those who sought to gain the upper hand, sought the dragons. Not for peace and knowledge but for magic, armor, and riches. They hunted them until the dragons struck back. Many kingdoms and civilizations were annihilated with the dragon reprisals. As the threat of the dragons began to weigh heavy upon many of the rulers, a council was called and a peace was established. Unbeknownst to the parties meeting, several dragons also attended the counsel meeting in the guise of one race or another. One such was a dragon of high birth and an agenda of his own.
There are many, many rumors of what happened and what lands were given and taken by whom. Little of the facts can be substantiated but a few do remain though mostly in legend or ancient long lost or forgotten tombs of history.
A small group of those that came before, the druids of the lands, the oracles of the elements, and the witches of the covenant were charged with the writ of promise. In this writ, sentinels of peace were established from each of the sentient races. These sentinels were charged with judging between kingdoms when dispute arose. They were given lands for their inheritance which with the help of many magics, were sanctified for their kin ,providing the needs, and maintaining the independence of the sentinels.
The locations of these sanctuaries blessed and shielded by the magics of all disciplines. Entrance to these sanctuaries was granted only when accompanied peacefully by a sentinel. Exit was also handled by the sentinels themselves. The memories of the location of you had been simply disappeared once you left. The sentinels families rarely left the sanctuaries and then for only brief periods. This helped to protect the sentinels enabling them to stand apart from the peoples of the lands. The sentinels belonged to the land, attached to the needs of the peoples, the creatures, and promised balance and justice.

The sentinels however were not autonomous. They were checked and censored by the very peoples the assisted. Three rulers from different kingdoms could sit in judgment of individual sentinels but the punishment or discipline was only dictated and carried out by the Sentinels superiors. The leaders bringing the dispute were often allowed to give input and watch the results of their judgment being carried out. This allowed for peace and balance to coexist with the sentinels and the peoples of the land.
When disputes between kingdoms arose, 3 sentinels from different groups were called to sit in judgment. During this time, an armistice was in place for all that the dispute effected. This armistice was enforced by the home clusters of the three sentinels sitting in judgment. The decision of the sentinels was the final say and end point to the conflict. Should one or the other of the parties involved refuse to withdraw from the conflict peacefully, the sentinels would organize strike forces and armies to carry out the decision. Penalties for disavowing the rights to judgment by the sentinels were levied upon those ignoring or refusing to uphold the decision.
The life of the Sentinels often became hereditary moving from one generation to the next but it was not mandatory. Even those that did not wish to be sentinels but desired to remain with in the sanctuaries with their kin were allowed as long as the could add to the support of the sanctuaries population. Those that wished to leave, were also allowed to but the memory of how to get back to the sanctuary was also taken from them thus further protecting the sanctuaries. Some of those that left would seek mates and after living in the world would desire to return to the sanctuaries. Sometimes this return occurred but often it did not. This flux of population allowed the separation of the sentinels to continue unaffected by time as new families and generations were introduced.
This also helped to keep the sentinels in contact with the outside world and up-to-date on much of the current cultural norms Slowly the world returned to balance and races had learned to be neutral in dealing with others and to keep peace for they still feared the reprisals of the dragons should war and the hunting of the dragons once again break forth. Several decades after the the Counsel of the Accord (as it became known) messengers, many half-dragon in descent, arrived at the council halls with directives and accords of their own from their draconic Lords.

The words to these accords have been lost to know writing but the gist is as follows: You have shown you can respect each other and solve your differences in peace. We will no more retaliate for the sins of the past. ... However if war begins again that ravages the land and extinguishes the life many kingdoms and encompasses the races, we will feel it is necessary to reestablish peace whether by breathe and claw, wing tail, or subterfuge and sabotage.
Hunt us and we will hunt you.
This world is ours. We drew it from the waters. We blessed it with abundance in life and substance. And we will see it remain whole.
Our descendants, our half blooded children, and those of us who so choose...will live among you. We will live openly or only reveal ourselves to those who have need as we deem fit. We will send several of our children to join the sentinels. Our wealth and our magics will help in keeping them with sustenance.

This is our pact, our accord, and our warning given to this land. The witches of the covenant, the druids of the land, and those who have gone before and choose to remain among you will, have our help and our protection. Should they seek with need they will be directed to our clan council and we will see if it is time for us to come forth again.

Marry continues the dragons were still around for some time after the accord was completed. Slowly with not reason anyone has discovered, they withdrew from sight and soon from most memory. Shortly after this began to happen the storms arose. When the people who came before where sought out for knowledge on how to stop the storms, few could be found and those that could politely refrained from assisting by simply delaying and then disappearing when the interested party gave up. After a few decades, the people of before were considered by many as having been no more than myth and legend.
It has been said that when in great need or with clean intent, the villages and abodes of these people can be found. Often it they are in places nearly impossible to reach by most means. Those that enter such buildings usually come back with a blessing, a curse, or empty hands. Some do not return at all.

Marry pauses once again, looking to a space not far behind you as if you where not there, seems to contemplate her next words. She sits for several minutes and just as you begin to shift and speak she holds up a hand, You must wait before asking more for what I have to tell is not complete. Many of the answers you desire will be revealed in the tale itself.
Now, when help could not be found in the ancient ones, the sentinels, witches of covenant, many high druids, and the elemental Oracles came together to address the problem. The desert was expanding exponentially and the surrounding life was dieing.
Several things came about because of this meeting. First, the druids and the Oracles combined forces and sealed the rivers and a small portion of the surrounding land within a protective "bubble" some would call it. While this did not solve the problem of the parching storms, it did seem to pause the completion of the desert's bid for complete dominance.
The second occurrence, was that sentinels and the witches of covenant joined ranks to create many items to combat the power of the storm and the creatures that had begun to emerge from with in the parching wind and burning sands. Many of these were weapons designed for the sentinels or those blessed with such weapons, to "attack" the storms at range with magic drawn through the wielders themselves. The magic of these weapons seemed to be another way to deter and slow the destruction of the lands. These weapons became known as storm bows-- not always weapons such as your bow or even things we would perceive as weapons. The were called bows because like the bow of a boat the were meant to cut through the storms and lead to a safer tomorrow. Many of the only ones known to still exist, are bows like the one you carry. Thus after a few years the common people started calling them stormbows and most have forgotten these weapons are not all bows but range in types like the races of the land.
Yes many of the wielders and many of the weapons themselves have become victims of the very storms they were charged to defend us from. Slowly the sentinels have withdraw from civilization. They are thought to be in their sanctuaries forging new weapons and other magics and means to again drive the storms back.
Some people claim to see them on occasion just before the storms get at their worst. Some debate whether they fight the storms or control them now. Their withdrawal from the lands hasn't helped with this concern either.
The witches of Covenant, before you ask I will tell you--no one but they know what the Covenant is and they become evasive or aggressive when asked directly about it, with drew into their hideaways. We do see them occasionally when they come to our metropolis but those that have attempted to question them about where they are dwelling and what they are up to, seem to be few. Far fewer are those that follow them out of the city.
standing she walks to a nearby counter and reaches behind it for a couple of crystal goblets, fills them from a bottle kept nearby them in their nesting hole, and brings one to you. The telling of this always makes me contemplative or moody some would say, but it always makes me thirsty. I have nothing but my favorite beverage here as this is my private sanctuary. I cannot in good faith ease my parched throat without first offering refreshment to you.
The liquid inside the masterpiece goblet shimmers as the light reflects from its mercury like surface. The faint smell of the rare peach hanging on a tree in a forgotten orchard wafts enticingly up and tickles not only your nostrils but also nips with sweetness your mouth. A sip. Savored. Parts your lips, frosting your tongue and disappearing with a lingering and pleasant chill.
As you sit in the chair offered and revel in the sweet frosted beverage, Marry continues The Oracles as well have dwindled to only a few. They are scattered throughout the land. Many of those the live around don't even have an inkling of who and what they really are. They no longer seek recruits from the races around as they once did..

Quinten listens intently, looking for discrepancies between what he was taught and what Janna says. Every time I've told the story of the dragons, a student would ask the obvious question: If the dragons had the power to intimidate entire nations into maintaining peace, why have they let the storms persist? I think I know the answer now.

You had us deliver the dragon eggs to this hideaway. Would I be correct in assuming someone is hunting the dragons again? The Scorpions, perhaps?

If it is them, they will be hard to crush. The stories say that spells fueled by dragon blood could incinerate entire cities. Let us hope the art behind such spells has been forgotten.

Mang Fu Ha Saan sits in quiet observation as Janna tell her story, thoughtfully sipping from the drink she pours for the group. As she finishes the story he contemplates what had been revealed.
If they are, Nella would know. Even more reason to go after her.

Yes Nella is one of the leading yellow scorpions that we know of. As for why the dragons could not or cannot currently stop the storms, one of their kind has become involved either through deception, manipulation, pride, or some other unknown reason. We and the others cannot act openly for fear of being targeted and eliminated before we are able to figure out how the storms themselves were created and are controlled.
This is one of the few sanctuaries still "commonly" known of. You will not remember how to get back here, even under extreme duress and could not have found it with out specific information and "codes" presented to you ahead of time. This has always been the way of the Sentinels she turns to Quinten with a some what quizzical expression before continuing. Did not your father ever tell you much about the Sentinels. I would expect that the son of two of the leaders of shared responsibilities would have been brought up with more knowledge?

Quinten blushes. I'm afraid I know little of the Sentinels beyond what my father taught in classes. Are you implying he and Mom are members?

If so, you may be asking too much of them. The few times Dad tried to teach me lessons about surviving in the wilds and interacting with those outside Fifth Port, Mom would invent reasons to pull him away. I thought it was jealousy, for the initial lessons dealt with vampires, and she hated his association with a beautiful lady who had lived through half the history he studied. But perhaps she merely wanted me to live a normal life.

Regarding Nella, I have reasons to want information from her as well. But if we find her, how do we get her to talk? I'm no mind reader. And none of you look like torturers.

Richard listens to the story intently and upon the mention of memory erasing magics his interest I clearly seen on his face. She said her story would answer some questions yet it only is giving me more.

Richard speaks up after the Professor. "These Sentinels as you call them could manipulate memories. Could they be responsible for my current lack of them? You say this place is part of their sanctuaries and you mentioned you know of me. Does that mean I had or have some connection to The Sentinels?"

Forgive me for adding a question of my own. Your regalia was both informative and cryptic. While it raises many questions that I would like to spend hours conversing with you about there is one that I feel is most important to our current situation. You noted and I believe that your exact words were,

From these two statements you know more about this dragon that you have not shared. Do you have any further information to share on this draconic player?

A laugh like tinkling sewels being dropped into a pile of gold waves across the room as Jana begins to look at each of you admiringly and with new found appreciation and somewhat mirth.
Well, I must say that I can see why this is the group offered the choice to help. We have one with Revenge on his soul that can control the elements when the time comes. Another doesnt remember even the basics of his generations but now knows some way that his memories may be restored but not what memories or at what cost. The third is ever the teacher, seeking knowledge for the sake of knowledge much like his mother but tempered by his fathers need to use it to help others. And then we have the Maldetrin's ofling herself; direct, perceptive and always one to grab the sphinx by the balls to solve the riddle. Jana turns with an iimpish wink at the young elf I always did like that with your mother. She was ever the prankster in our partnership but also the authoritative and most responsible.
As for more on the Dragon entangled with in the weaves, I cannot share much for there is not much that has been shared with me. We assume that he has gathered together a group of like minded cabalists to control the storm. About the time the storms began to arrive, those who we now call "those that came before" began to disappear a few at a time. So few in fact that at first we weren't sure and neither were their councils that t was anything more than happenstance. As this began to become more apparent and we sought to find out why or what these disappearing ones had to do with anything, one conclusion was reached although I know not all the details on how; Something in the way the storms draw upon the power of etherealsness and upon the strengths of those who we assume are its captives led us to believe that some of those who were left behind were either connected to the storm as controllers,captives, or manipulators and that the increasing absence of the people seemed to have a correlation between the intensity of the storms increase and the # of missing. taking a bite of fruit, she lets her words sit in the air among you. As the food on the table and the variety of beverages placed within their various containers, dwindle a small flood of air wisps and twiglings and other such fey creatures mingle among the rooms acutremants clearing and serving. The food is always warm or cool depending on its needs and is not allowed to "sit" long before it is refreshed or replaced by the "confusingly apparent" variety of servants.
Finally after several moments of silence, Janna clutches a grisled bone mug to her mouth with her left hand. I do not like nor could we control the rest of what happened.

The storms took on another aspect. They appeared to be hunting the sanctuaries and absorbing or nullifying their magics. The council of Wyrms was convened among the dragons a rare occurrence indeed but the only thing that was resolved was that dragon magics were being used in part to fuel the storms. The council broke into disagreements but there was really only two that stood out in their disciplines, a younger adult black dragon and a great golden wyrm. The council took a break from the discussion intending to revisit and reopen the discussion after a bit more research into the situation.
When the wyrms reconvened a couple of years later. The number invited was much smaller and only those of great knowledge and intellect as well as wisdom and tolerance were thought to have been invited this time. Some one must have figured out what was being discussed and who the main "rivals" were among the council. During the summit, a group of creatures set with only the purpose of killing the dragons did just that, they attacked and most of the great wyrms, caught by surprise, were killed or captured. Some it is rumored either sided with their captors or went into hiding whether for safety or to merely avoid a choice is still unclear. Unclear as well is the number of dragons that survive across our lands.
We have discovered since then that the informant/betrayer of the council was a dragon himself. We have not been able to determine whom the betray worked for or with or if it was for another purpose altogether. Our arrogance however is what led to our destruction. If we had not thought that we to could be attacked and killed when we were gathered at our council then we would have taken precautions to prevent just what happened.
What we do know in totality, A power as great or greater than a dragon is somehow connected to the appearance of the storms. The disappearance of Those that came Before is linked in someway. The dragons are disappearing, dying, or simply no more this to seems to be some how used to fuel the storms. The more vicious of the Giants are emerging once again to cause destruction on those able to survive outside Fifth Port. They seem to be organized which is something we have never seen before. Karhif an orc wizard is somehow connected to the storms as well and the Yellow scorpions. They have many items that were once only found in the lairs and collections of the mighty wyrms and seem to be "finding" more. The Sentinels that have survived atleast, seem to be more focused on the storms and surviving than in completing the accords responsibilities for them.
The storms are getting worse and the "bindings" on Fifth Port are not as strong as they once were. The groups that joined in the making of the Accords are being destroyed or attacked from with in. Those that could most influence and stop some of these occurrences have been or have chosen to be scattered.
The eggs you brought here are a few of the ones that are still known of and surviving. They were brought here so the Witches of Covenant may protect them with his guidance. There are several other clutches that need to be recovered that we know where they are. We need to figure out what the connection between the Yellow Scorpions and all this are linked. We would enlist your help with accomplishing some or all of these tasks.
Once we have become more comfortable with each other and how we do things, or dont, we will more openly share what we have learned. We are cautious of course and thus the extreme if paranoid efforts to conceal who and what we are.
For now , I trust that you wont betray us to those we have named as rivals and I ask that you trust we will reveal more to you as we come to know each other the safety of all is accounted for.

You may decide with out retribution. If you decide not to then you will lose the memories of what we have said here and even where here is.We will not contact you nor make an effort to hinder you unless you join our adversaries.
We become allies and you get the advantages of a wide spreading influence although unseen and access to what support and supplies we can offer.
I will leave to resolve a few other issues that have arrived since your arrival here and shall return for your decision. If you remain here, I will assume that you have allied with us. If you decide otherwise, That hallway will lead you out of our domicile and you wil be free to go although the memories of here will not remain.
With a crisp but personable curtsy of elegance she rises and flows from the room.

Quinten frowns as Janna speaks. At first, the frown comes from irritation at her decision to ignore his question. But as she outlines the problems the Sentinels face, the frown has a different source.

That lady wants us to oppose creatures who are capable of killing dragons, the beings of legend who once forced even the most warlike empires to accept peace. In return, she offers the assistance of an organization that she admits is being hunted and that may be torn apart by internal strife.

Quinten sighs. I do not know about the rest of you, but I intend to stay here. It would be easier to go back to teaching, but if the wards around Fifth Port are weakening, as she suggests, the world I know may soon crumble. I do not think I could look my students in the eye knowing I ran from the opportunity to preserve their future.

Mang Fu Ha Saan patiently hears out Janna's explanation of the situation, then sits introspective for a brief moment, broken from it by Quinten speaking. He then speaks a calm message backed by the purest confidence.
My master can split a mountain in two with a single punch, and when he desires to he can cover vast distances in a sprint faster than you can blink your eye... At his word there are even others among my own that have achieved greater power. Getting to that level takes a lot of training, but it is not impossible by any measure.

Quinten smiles as he pictures someone splitting a mountain in two. I'm afraid I'd have to see a mountain fall to believe that's possible, and it would be a shame to destroy such a majestic feature on my account. But your point is sound. Perhaps with time, our abilities will grow.

For now, I hope whatever tasks we are given are appropriate for people with more modest abilities.

The teacher relaxes, perhaps reassured by the thought of someone with a more martial bent joining the cause. But what of the rest?

Had I known that the outside world was this much fun, I would have left to explore it 30 years ago. Is it just me or did Jana just admit she is a dragon?

Shadara looks quizzically at the others and then continues to pick at the food and takes another sip of her drink.

Richard is noticeably frustrated and irritated as Jana walks out. She claims to know about me yet she only offers vague clues that only give me more questions than answers. But if what she said is true I guess I've got more important things to worry about.

Richard looks towards the teacher and the others. As you can imagine taking all this in as well as the lost of my past is a little overwhelming. But Jana seems to think me helping you and the others may yield a clue to finding out who I was or maybe a way to regain some memories of my past. Though I may not look it but I possess a unique power." With a simple though he makes a piece of fruit on the table rise and float towards him taking a bite without so much as moving a muscle. after he swallows the fruit he continues speaking. "My gifts also extend to other areas than simple telekinesis, and I must come clean if we are to work together. I was reading your thoughts for most of my time here Professor. I hope you can forgive me for such a rude act. I meant no harm in doing so, and only wished to learn more about where I was and who you all are. I hope you can understand my reason for doing so."

Any other parlor tricks that you would like to share with us "Richard"

Shadara frowns and then seems to brighten a bit.

how much can you lift with your mental hands, could you say pick up Mang over there and if so how high. I think he might enjoy flying with his friend.

Quinten smiles at Shadara's suggestion. I believe you're right. Her lack of concern for our questions would support that theory. The dragons could be careless or arrogant at times.

As Richard speaks, the smile fades. Quinten goes quiet, trying to recall as much as he can of his recent thoughts. Well, you know some of my less flattering suspicions about my mother. I trust you will keep them to yourself.

With an effort, the teacher keeps his expression neutral. My hat is off to you, sir. Your magic is subtle. I would like to think at least one of us would have caught you drawing on power, but although I practice a similar form of magic, I did not. Nor did I see you react to any of my less pleasant thoughts.

I understand why you did what you did, but I'd suggest you stay out of my mind in the future. And if I think you're digging, I'll be sure to dredge up the most unpleasant thoughts I can imagine.

If you have questions, ask. The teacher smiles. As a teacher–not a professor, though I'm glad I come across as one–I love to answer them.

Besides, our hostess asked me to help you. She referred to you as "the psychic of those who came before," which suggests you are from a time before ours. If we get a chance to breathe, the Society and I may be able to help you figure out where and when you came from.

As you sit and discuss things as a group, a small chime followed by an ostentatious cough sounds from one of the door ways. Looking up you see a small elf boy step back through the Magical barrier you know is placed there and wait for your response.
He enters at your gesture and bows deeply, I have come to ask if any of you have special needs or desires for items to assist with the quest .... he smile sheepishly and obviously with much youthful pride,I was listening. I should have been. I wish I could go on the quests for Lady Jana. I have always wanted a quest of great import and to have songs written about me I do serve Jana and the witches of Covenant but I also have a few "things" with a kind of slightly embarrassed and guilty expression, he "covers" his mouth and makes a noise as though clearing his throat at the "things' word from my excursions and friends outside this place. If I can give you some of my potions and such to help I would. He smiles ruefully and continuesmany of the things I have maybe mundane but i know some have properties beyond the mundane. If I cannot go myself I will atleast have the "pride" of knowing I provided some comfort to those that do.
He waits for an answer quite anxiously.
[spoiler=attempts to see his "honesty" and purpose]He is most definitely being honest as to his intent and you can feel no guile in him. He is just a young elf wishing to helpp where he can not go.[/spoiler]

Milos sits deep in thought for a long while listening but not participating in the conversation. After a while he arises and bowing courteously to the group he begins to speak, I have a feeling that our paths may once more cross in the twilights of the coming shadows. I however must decline the invitation of this Lady. I have been summoned to Vitras and to the Order of the Blackwolf. I hope to that the everchanging will grant you success. I am honor bound to keep what I we have been entrusted with to my shadow and my fear of lifeless eternity. Til our shadows rise and entwine once again, I pledge my thanks and my wish for a sured hunt with dreams of your prey in your mind.
Marry will have a means to contact me or Vitras and then to me. If you need to do so I will serve where I can.
In passing of shadows, I ask that each may maintain his solidarity though once joined and hope for the mysteries of our time together to remain in memory only until we shall blend shadow to shadow once again. Once more he bows, then turns to the young elf, {b]you will lead me to the door and call for some one to lead me from this place.[/b]
The youngling noticing Milos at last, starts at being directly addressed ,a bit to unsure to speak, stumbles towards the door from which he entered. Once outside the barrier that blocks sound, he claps his hands, sparse moments from his clap a sevant arrives and leads Milos and his "horse" from view. As soon as the "servant" has left sight, the elf surreptitiously glances around before entering the room once again.
A bit puzzled and speaking quietly to himself as he approaches, I would not have expected one of the infected to be the one to discontinue with Janna's quest. They usually are a quiet group. I can understand though: many would ostracize his kind if they knew that he was destined to destroy or be destroyed by the very infection that gives him his strength.
As he nears your group, he seems to chip up and looks to each of you for some clue as to whether or not his offer will be accepted. He speaks once again before you can answer him, I will see that the things are left with the great teacher Quentin's father at their repository and should you choose to use them I will leave to you. If not have your father send a message byway of Marry and I shall retrieve them when I can. I am Eliaver Winteredwoad.
I must go now before mistress Jana appears and shows me her displeasure for my "listening. again he glances around like being afraid of having his hand caught in the magistrates purse the hurriedly ducks back out the doorway.

Quinten goes quiet as the boy departs. So, Milos is a vampire. Given his pale skin and knowledge of those creatures' etiquette, I should have guessed as much. I have no desire to antagonize him, so I will keep his secret.

That boy called me "great teacher." He thinks too highly of me and too little of himself. I'll have to send him a thank you note and perhaps a gift for his generosity.

The teacher watches, wondering how Richard will respond to Shadara's question and his promise of aid.

Richard is unsure of how serious of a question that the female elf gave but answered anyway. "No I cant lift your friend with my power or at least not yet. I have a feeling though I know how to use my gifts I forgotten how to use them to their full potential. And as for you teacher." He turns towards Quinten. "I shall remember your offer should I need any questions answered and it would indeed be of some comfort to know at least where I came from."

Quinten nods. I hope you're right. Sometimes digging into the past can reveal things you'd rather not know.

Do you know how much you can get from peoples' minds? For example, could you figure out the Yellow Scorpions' plans and hiding places if we were able to capture someone of a high enough rank to know that information?

Richard thinks for a moment before he answers the teachers question. "I know for certain I can read the surface thoughts of others as I had done to you, but I'm not certain how much deeper I could go or at all. Though I might not be able to delve much I may be able to make them more willing to offer us what we want should we get a chance."

I don't know whether I should be relieved or disappointed that you may only be able to get surface thoughts. But I'm not surprised. That's consistent with what I know of magic.

Making people more receptive might be useful, but be careful using that power. If you do it to a person with influence, you could end up in trouble, especially in the city's more lawful sector. Elsewhere, you might get away with it, but only because you don't look like you have much for the guards to confiscate.

"You need not worry about that. Though I may have lost most of my memories I still have common sense and if I ever do use my powers in such a setting I know how to be very subtle with it's use."

I wonder why or how I learned such techniques. Well what ever the answer it may come in handy sometime in the future,

Mang Fu Ha Saan focuses his attention to Milos when he gets up and announces his departure, bidding him farewell.

He gives Shadara a look of contempt at her suggestion, switching focus to Richard as he explains his abilities.

What range do you have on that power? Knowing everything we need before we strike out at anyone would allow us to strike when we choose.

Quinten listens quietly, eating slowly. I'd love to wander around this room and study the artifacts here, but I'd best stay at the table so I can intervene if the questions turn hostile again.

Jana steps back into the chamber and clears her throat courteously. May I know if your discussion is at an end? Or do you need a bit more time? Unfortunately I cannot offer you much or the shadows will be faded into the night.
I have been informed that you have another decision with a possible rival that still must be resolved tonight. I will be frank, I do not like the connection between "him" and you. I also do not know what your task is but rarely does it coincide with the needs of The covenant or the benefit of the Port.
Your reward is being gathered and completed now and will be here shortly. I can give you til then for further discussion among yourselves or if you have more questions that I may answer I will. The choice is yours.

Lady Jana, a moment please. Shadara pauses a moment to look at each of the members of the group who came from 5th port.

If all that you have told us is true we may have met as you say a rival or possibly a member of the group responsible for the storms. Are you willing to help us? We have been posed with a test. We have the choice of completing the test or paying 50 gold tetrachs not take part. If you are willing to help with the tetrachs I can tell you what was said. Who knows it may help you.

Quinten smiles as the voice speaks in his head. Curious and cautious sounds about right. Perhaps I've been influenced by her more than I realized.

Quinten ponders Shadara's words. Forgive me, for I do not know the man you're referencing. But if he is a rival, it might be worth going along with his plans as a way to gather information. That would take a knack for acting, but I'm certain you could manage.

The teacher regards Mang. But I'm not sure he can, and when the ruse inevitably fails, someone with his skills may be vital.

Failing that, would it be possible to place a tracer on one of the coins? If the spell is disguised well enough that we're unlikely to be associated with it, the information it provides could be useful. People tend to use tetrachs for more esoteric purchases, so knowing where the coins go could tell us something about our enemy's magic. If he does not spend them, we might know the location of one of his bases.

Well.... Jana pauses and looks absnetly into the air momentarily before continuing..I can supply the tetrachs and will do so in exchange for 1 of 2 choices. You can aide us and I will call it a bonus or you may choose to go your own way and I would supply them in exchange for your promised payment for the delivery.
We however do have enemies and many of them have those who would ingratiate themselves through any means. However this still maybe an unknown.
At Quinten's comment, Jana turns her head a bit puzzled..You were not with them teacher when they made this "bargain?" Then I would wonder if the bargain would still require the group with whom it was made to pay or to complete the challenge? So.. I must ask again she glances to Shadara and then to Mang whom was the original deal made with?

Mang Fu Ha Saan sits frozen hearing the voice speaking telepathically to him. For a moment, the outside world ceases to exist and he clenches tightly in anger. Impossible! The foul demon was right?

His senses of the outside world returning, he speaks in a quiet but deathly serious tone.
I will see the Rakshasa dead before my eyes.
He turns to Shadara with murder in his eyes.
You called it with that coin it spoke of? You are going to aide me in killing it. That thing will lay dead at my feet and nothing will get in my way. You are going to help me see to it.
As he finishes speaking he is visibly trembling in rage.

Knowledge (planes) to reflect Quinten's knowledge of Rakshasa abilities: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

I knew I should have taken 10! With the house roll for natural ones, that makes my total roll 1. In the spirit of something bad happening, Quinten is going to underestimate the rakshasa's power.

A Rakshasa? Those are merely changelings, yes? An inexperienced one should be easy to defeat. Even an experienced one should be manageable with preparation.

The teacher watches Shadara, wondering how she will respond to Mang's demand.

Far be it for me to try to stop a boulder from rolling downhill but is it really enough to end its life. Wouldn't you rather wipe all trace of it's influence from the face of the land.

She stops for a moment and then brightens.

Lady Jana, we will aid you in the quest to stop the storms and return the lands to what they once were. We only need a few minutes to discuss our tactics. I believe that how we achieve the goal is less important than achieving the goal. If you would leave us for just a few minutes we will be ready to go.

Jana looks thoughtfully at Shadara then with a rye smile says I will leave you to your final discussion, remember the time is getting late. With that she turns and leaves the room.

So I am going to guess that you heard someone speak to you in your mind? Shadara asks Mang.

I too have had some conversations with this entity and I don't care if it can hear me or not. The question posed is irrelevant. We currently have three choices that have been presented to us, well me at least, and I think we need a bit more time before choosing.

Now Mang you are upset about something and obviously want to end the existence of one of our choices, care to elaborate. Oh and think on my question to you before answering. In fact think on that answer while we finish up here and depart. I think that we will have time for talking later.

Just as Shadara finishes speaking Jana re-enters the room

Mang Fu Ha Saan roares in anger. We will speak of this NOW. My tribe has been destroyed. And that thing is responsible.

If you desire to wipe all trace of its influence I will gladly carry that out. But that creature WILL die.

I have heard the-

Quinten stops and shifts in his chair, instinctively distancing himself from Mang. I would say "Remind me not to cross that man," but his anger is understandable.

Forgive me, but how do you know? From what you have told me, your people had the strength to shatter mountains and the cunning to survive even in the desolate lands outside Fifth Port. It's hard for me to imagine even the most clever changeling destroying them.

Unless rakshasas have more power than I thought.

Mang Fu Ha Saan turns his attention to Quinten.

When it first appeared to us it spoke of destroying my tribe, but I did not believe it because of just that, I don't know how such a thing could be done by one creature... The voice confirms what it boasted...
After that he speaks towards the emptiness.
Voice, by what name do you call yourself?

Quinten frowns. If the creature is powerful enough to destroy Mang's tribe on its own, it's not something we would want to fight without considerable planning.

Quinten watches Mang, looking for a sign that the voice has answered the man's question. Failing to see one, the teacher sighs. I do not think the creature is going to answer, friend. Perhaps giving its name would give us power over it. Or reveal its tactics and weaknesses to our enemies if we are captured and interrogated.

For what it's worth, I believe the voice to be a dragon. The stories said the great peacekeepers could speak in men's minds, as it has in ours. The voice also invited me to look around but asked me to stay away from its children, who I assume to be inside the eggs. For now, I'll assume we can trust it.

I will do what I can to help you take revenge on the creature who destroyed your people, but if it is a direct confrontation you're after, I must decline. I do not know much about rakshasas, but if the one you met is strong enough to beat your master, it is far beyond my ability to fight.

Let us pay it off for now, with no attempt at trickery, and hope it dismisses us. If its interests oppose the Sentinels', we can fight it indirectly by aiding them. In the meantime, we can train and study the enemy so we have a fair chance of victory when we finally confront it.

The teacher turns to Shadara. Unless the third option you mentioned is better, that is the course I would recommend.

Shadara watches Mang as Quinten finishes speaking.

I promise you now that we will avenge your people but I am going to say something you may or may not understand is difficult for me.

She takes a slow deep breath. I need your help. You have been willing to allow me to lead so far, listen to me know. I see your rage and pain, it will not be put aside or forgotten. Continue to follow me and I will make sure that you are presented with the opportunity that you desire at a time that will assure your victory. In the interim your strength and presence is needed. I do not and will not lead by force. I will only lead those that I respect and you have my respect. Let us leave here and plan our next steps, we have a great deal of information that we need to discuss and our welcome here is coming to an end. Understand that I am not asking you to ignore your feelings. The choice is ultimately up to you on what you want to do. I will pledge to be by your side when the time is right to exact revenge but that time is not now.

Quinten glances at Richard, wondering if the psychic is still reading his thoughts. So she's willing to do something she finds difficult? A good trait in a leader, but a leader should also get used to relying on others. There are other things I would say, but I don't want to cut in before Mang has a chance to respond.

Richard goes deep in thought with the new information the voice conveyed. Well if we are both being hunted then I see no reason why we shouldn't work together to stop who or what ever is after us. Perhaps i may find more clues about myself or maybe i might regain some of my lost memories. Richard returns his focus on the others as they seem to talk about some deal with some kind of creature called a Rakshasas. And how it may have destroyed the tribe of one of them.

Richard watches Mangs anger and rage at the creature with interest. I wonder if I could remember those I lost and knew who did it. Would I be acting the same way? Richard returns the look the teacher gives him but remains silent. Waiting to speak after the one they call Mang to respond to the elf.

His trembling rage subsides when Shadara pledges support to him, he listens to her admission of needing assistance before he responds after a moment.

Very well, I accept... You are right that now is not the time to strike... My name in your tongue is Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain. My name is a gift from my elders and Master, it also says who I am as a warrior, just like my master was given the name Fist of the Angry Stone God.
My tribe may have been cut down, but there is no possible way it killed them all, or even all of the tribal elders. The elders that still live, and any among my tribe who remain will be in hiding, there we will find answers, weaknesses and strategy of our prey, and an opportunity to grow strong if we find one of my elders.

We will smite the ruin of the demon upon the earth when strength and preparation favor us.

I agree that you are aptly named.

Shadara turns to Lady Jana. As you may had heard the creature that we interacted with what named Rakshasa as Mang stated. He noted that there would be three tasks that we would need to complete. He eluded to having influence over the actions of my mother and my entrance into this world. His first task was to ask us three riddles that we were easily able to answer. He noted that the second test would be of strength and we could either perform the task or pay the money. I can describe him if you need more information

Janna looks at your group with a new look in her scrutiny, I see that the Covenant has not chosen harsh, rash, or without wisdom when you were chosen. I can continue to help supply your needs. What was the amount and for how many, owed the Raksasha?

It said 50. It did not say for each person but to be safe we should plan that it did. There were 4 of us then and there are 4 of us now so it should all work out to a total of 200.

Shadara acts like she is thinking for a moment and then asks offhandedly, How well did you know my sister?

If my parents are Sentinels, I have no plans to be present when you hand over the payment. I doubt the creature would recognize me or my parents, but if it does, it might realize you've had dealings with its enemy.

Quinten frowns. As much as I hate to admit this, paying for four people might still be the right path. The extra funds might placate the creature and keep it from going after Milos or anyone else who chooses not to be there.

As he speaks, Quinten glances at Mang.

Having spoken his mind Mang Fu Ha Saan again loses focus on the world around him, his thoughts solely on memories of his people.

Jana nods at your comments and then raises her hand motioning behind her. A dwarf and several gnomes arrive somewhat heavily laden.
Here are the promised items for payment of delivery. Some of them we were able to create while you were here so I did not "charge " you what they would cost in the streets. This is a thank you for listening and considering. I also Milos went on his way with a few things as agreed.
An unladen gnome swiftly clears the table of the remains of your repast while the others lay out the items for your pleasure.I did take some liberties and a couple of items I gave to you because you may find use for them where we have not.
Also, the key, it once belonged to the Oracles of the elements. Due to a prophecy long forgoten in its entirety it will be needed so we entrust it to you.With in the depths the gold will once again shine or be rusted in pride..trust not just sight for truth lies inside and with every misstep comes success or demise. Jana pauses and clears her throat.You now know what is known of the key. keep it safe.

"theseJana mentions as she motions to the money and items, should be of use.
Turning to Mang as the token is presented and bowing deeply My condolences on your tribe. That token is a symbol of restoration as all things come again when needed Nature has a way of restoring balance much quicker with the help of a few dedicated servants.
Glancing at Shadara, Jana becomes a bit more calloused as she stares the elf directly in the eyes as she speaks [ball things can be miss used. Part of the lesson the Witches teach is that with power comes loss. The items you have received allow for great destruction, I am trusting you will use them with more wisdom than you have so far displayed.[/b] She stares for a minute more until Shadara shifts slightly then turns to Richard
The bargain was between these and us. If they decide to include you that is their choice. However I do have this for you, She reaches inside her robe and removes a small sack of concealment (stats pfrd), opens it and reveals several scraps and a few sheets of paper. [These have been recovered and I feel they have some connection to your lack of "person" They are not much so do not expect much but they may start you down the road you seek.[/b]
She gives you a few minutes to gather your rewards,

If all is in order then, I will cast the spells to take you outside the sanctuary.[/b]
she pauses hesitantly before going on and looking at Shadara, You asked about your sister, I know little other than she to refused to join us and has opposed many of our plans. She is a hunter of skill. It is not my place to tell you her name though but you know her by name and body.Think on it for she is a jealous one and may seek to thwart you.
Upon finishing she mutters a few words and the room spins briefly.

You find yourself at the edge of a large warehouse some distance from where the Archer's were. Several people of different races wander the streets: beggars in their drab clothing, common workers , no-goods belligerently looking to make trouble, a few cloaked and guarded figures, and a wagon with bars containing slaves to be sold.
The shadows you arrive in, mixed with the hustle of the day, makes your arrival unnoticed. You have a distinct feeling that a spell has been laid upon you so that you can find the inn again.