"Yes. I apologize sister Tolheimia. We know of the Fellhammer. The giantess spoke of it and the dwarven treachery. She spoke of it being the giants time to hold the artifact and the dwarves stole it. She also said they would win it back with little bloodshed. I surmise they have mobilized bellow ground, or know where the Hammer is. They spoke as if the Thane brought this on by not honoring whatever ancient agreement they had. This I do not care about as the giants are an evil race full of rage. Especially the fire ones. We need to know what this artifact is capable of. If the giants are to get their hands on it we need to know what to expect. She spoke of it being easy to destroy this tiny fortress, but she also assumed we would be easily killed. Either way I believe we need to see the Thane and make sure the Fellhammer is safe."
Longirus scratches his head, He was following everything that was being said well enough, but he had little to go on in the way of context to frame it better.
"Even if the giants are in the wrong full blown warfare would be disastrous to either side. By the sounds of it the giants know that and are choosing to plan against such an event, though for strategy or honor I cannot rightly say. If it's an object that they are feuding over then wouldn't the most conservative approach be a compromise of some kind?"
"Compromise among dwarvs one of the stubbornness races, and giants a race that believe all is theirs because well they are giants? The epitome of might makes right. There will be no compromise brother. The giants will have the artifact or kill any that stand in their way, and the dwarves would keep it from them at the cost of their people. Though the dwarves may have acted against an ancient treaty or agreement we must side with them as the giants are corrupt and evil and should not wield more power then they already have. That is why we need to know what power this hammer has."
"I'm not totally convinced of the giants evil, nor the righteousness of our cause, brother. I cannot rightly preach Fathers word while committing to such grandiose declarations. Still, if the Fellhammer lies at the root of this conflict then we need to understand it before acting."
"You witness one bargaining with the life of an innocent. You know of the keeping of the Harpies and what they are forced to do for them. Also they have sent bands to murder our own brothers and sisters and you still can't know of their evil? You are correct. You should not preach or speak of the words of Goodwin for you do not understand his teachings if these things escape you."
Longirus shrugs off the slight and continues "In the eyes of another we have killed quite of a few of their own and made off with an artifact to boot. I witnessed one act out of desperation once she had been forced too, yet did so with some manner of honor - not to mention that the prospector yet lives. I will not follow a path of bloodshed when hope of some other still shines. We should know better than any that the promise of redemption can always be realized."
As the small group attempts to tangle through the various implications of siding with either group, Tolhemia listens implacably, her demeanor almost metallic in appearance, something you always thought strange about Goodwin's creations.
"We want so hard for the world to be black and white, and situations like these are so grey when we don't have enough information. Ones viewpoint is often certainly valid from ones own perspective. I think we can all agree that there is more here to unfold. I believe we have an ally in Loremaster Cronin. I am not skilled at reading people, nor did I ask for the role of leader for our people here, but I take the responsibility seriously. My primary concern is the protection of innocent lives. If a fight between two eager participants is to come, let it come. I fear that not everyone on the battlefield will be a willing participant. I must admit I do not have years of experience to draw upon. I cannot rightly foment rebellion against the dwarves as that may cause more chaos. At least things are stable here. I think that our role as scouts and spies for the Thane has to end. I cannot know where Head Marshal Hawke's heart lies, but I think we need to take upon ourselves some investigation." Her voice a whisper tinged with a metallic ring, she continues, "I will continue to work with Cronin and see what I can learn about the Fellhammer legends. He has the most contacts and access to outside information. He will be our pipeline for that, although I fear for his health. The Thane pushes him hard, the old man barely sleeps. Several times we have taken magical restoration and healing to shore up the man's health."
She ponders further, "Wandering the field will only net us more raiding parties. For all we know they are a distraction or a minor role, in the quest to recover the hammer. We need to understand more about the vector of the enemy attack, and what their capabilities are. Even if they are justified in their quest to recover the hammer, lives are at stake, and they must be prevented from obtaining it through violence. Also, we do not know their goals once they have the hammer. Its original intent was as a tool of creation as well as to fight the dragons. Loremaster Cronin says there are fewer dragons in this age than in the past, although he thinks they have just gotten more careful as every want to be hero wants to kill a dragon."
"I will visit Cronin in the morning. I have had Jovar remain with him and assist him." she says referring to the homonculous whose tinkering catapulted your group from stasis into this plane.
"I agree Tolheimaia. Based on our last effort I think these scouting parties are a distraction. Even if there is a battle that too will be a distraction. We know the prize they seek now. We would like to come with you to visit Conin. We have this other scepter. If he is the ally you think he is we may uncover what we need to know of the fellhammer. For now we will rest. I have to meditate on my abilities and what I have learned. Until the morning sister." He raises his hand as a gesture of saying goodbye.
"Please, let me know if I can be of assistance sister." says Longirus before they depart to the city outskirts.
"It seems they have give us enough space here for me and others to reflect upon what they have learned. Maybe it would be best for us to stay within the confines of the city then for the night. We still only have speculation of what the giants plans may be."
Tolhemia bids good night to those who are retiring, but remains awake herself and continues her organizations and planning with any who remain as well as those who are also night owls or others who sleep little or not at all.
Goliath you are led to a quiet spot that has enough room for your bedroll and items. Given the number of ogres and minotaurs in Goodwin's adoptees, consideration for the larger races gets a little more attention around here than in the rest of the town. Even still, its has been not that long and many of the accommodations are very makeshift, and supplies are difficult if not impossible to come by. Luckily wood is plentiful given that all the logging camps ran their production down the river before the impending attacks. Those with carpentry skills have been putting them to use. Making nails however is also something that takes time, and space at the forges is precious. Some of the furniture is simply lashed together, or people sit, sleep and rest on the floor.
Goliath will nod and thank those that lead him to the area. He will then seek out a space and start to reflect on his past battles and how he is to improve himself.
On the way back to the city it's easy for everyone to notice something new about Cryxial. He got wings! Xanya is flying around in her bubble of darkness and giggling with glee at the feel of wind in her hair.
Back with Tolheima Xanya scratches her head in confusion. "Bah, you are confusing me. Black and white? Are they good or are they evil? Keeping something that is not yours is not good. Simply trying to take back what is rightfully yours is not evil. Of course the Giants are doing a lot more than that. Are they evil, but doing non-evil things? And what of redemption? Like Goodwin granted to me. Can that be achieved? Talking with Cronin is a good idea. But if he's under the thumb of the thane, can we get the answers we need? I can talk and Kiki can walk. But what to talk or walk about. I do not know."
"Let's all stay with Goliath tonight, but what if the word we sent to Cronin and Hawke?"
Kiki turns to Xanya "black and white, good and evil, all that philosophical stuff , I have never been good at it. "
The Spiderling looks up at the stars for a moment.
" the way I see it, which side is in the wrong isn't that important to us. For now we help protect the city, because of the innocent people, who have nothing to do with the war, living here. Maybe we can sort out the hammer business while we do so, I mean, if the hammer isn't needed right now, for a lack of dragons or whatever, why not split it into two parts, one Side gets the head and the other the handle, in the stories mighty weapons are always spit up, so no one can abuse them, after all" She finishes nodding to her own words, visibly proud to have found the solution that obviously eluded everyone else.
The group finishes their chat with Tolhemia and retires for the night to the area where Goliath has set up his meditations. Hopefully word comes in the morning from the marshals, or a message from Loremaster Cronin.
You can feel the tension in the town...
Day 21 - Morning
The group wakes refreshed and ready to investigate the unfolding mystery before them. It was a change to sleep inside the safety of the walls of the town, and though the accommodations were nothing at all really, in some ways it was better than an insect infested campsite. Despite that, the group could use a good bath. Days of travel and trail dust, sweat, and the blood of battles has turned your party into a smelly grimy lot. You find or create some water and scrub away some of the grime of the road, and prepare for the day. Has it been only three weeks since your arrival here?
"Good morning Tolhemia. Any developments over the night? If not we should go see the Loremaster. We don't know how much time we may have."
"It can be confusing, and there are often no right answers, sometimes there is just the best answer you can come up with at the moment. Given hindsight, many often regret their actions later, or wish they had chosen a different path. But we cannot know that now, unless we wish to spend extensive resources on divinations in supplication to the gods. I feel as though I can trust Cronin. He has made comments several times about how he is not pleased with the state of affairs that have come about, the turmoil caused by dwarven pride and the Thane's greed and lust for power. My words, interpreting his, mind you. I believe if we ask in subtle ways he will help us, but we cannot flat out ask him to betray the Thane. I also suspect that he fears he is closely watched. The Thane's right hand fellow, that priest is a distrustful creature, and possesses power in his own right. "
"Kiki, your idea has merit in theory, but in practice neither side is likely to accept it. The hammer is a symbol of power, and a mighty tool. Undoing it or splitting it in two, makes is all but worthless. Neither side will accept that unfortunately."
---
Tolhemia greets your stalwart band. "I was made aware of nothing overnight Goliath. I spent time talking to those who were awake, and I often walk the streets to reflect on the state of things. I was created as you see me, infused with knowledge and lore, but sometimes my experience has gaps. I did not have a youth, and there is much I have to learn about people in the world. The philosophical discussions we have and my ideas, are all from things I have read, and things people have told me. Some of it I have come to on my own, but I feel that sometimes I am a sham, because I have no true wisdom."
"Come, let us visit the Loremaster while he still has energy. His health worsens as the days pass, and each hour in the day taxes him as he is driven to solve the mysteries of this assault."
She steps from the small area that she maintains as her quarters, and thumps through the refugee camp on metallic feet.
Your group falls in line as you head through the town to meet with Cronin.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. Father created you for a purpose and you have kept us together. Having wisdom matters not if no one seeks it, but having purpose gives you meaning. Yes let us go see the Loremaster."
"a solution that works for everyone, but no one likes, wasn't that how Godwin defined a 'compromise' for me."
Kiki adds with a small grin
"isn't the realisation that you lack wisdom not a sign of it? "
And continues more seriously
"your doing a great job, don't doubt that"
Slipping out of the unusual seriousness the Spiderling skitters up the golem's leg and arm, giving her a quick hug and jumps onto a nearby wall.
Quassine was quietly pondering what the group and Tolhemia were discussing. He says to himself, "What if the creatures are more like us and not as evil as we think they are? What if the Dwarves are completely wrong and are the true instigators of this war?"
Quassine sleeps in a meditative position and when he awakens he begins on his next project. He sews in two pockets in his sleeves where it is loosely fitting below his wrists. He then begins to focus on his signature hooded monk outfit to emulate a Type 1 Bag of Holding in the right arm only.
In the morning, Quassine gets ready for the day and nods, "Yes, let us go see Loremaster Cronin."
On the way to see the Loremaster, "Sister Tolhemia, have our brothers and sisters been helping the Loremaster? The reason why I ask is because so far he maybe the closest entity of knowledge we have in finding father. If he passes, that link maybe lost until we find a new one."
"I wish we had some tangible lead. Right now it's all smoke and mirrors. We do not know what the giants plan. We do not know how to get that information. Do you have any idea how we might locate or learn more about this Fellhammer Tolheima? Perhaps we can search through the castle invisible, much like we did against the giants in battle? Though if we do not know where to look, we won't have as much as success as if we did. Do anyone of you know any divinations? If Cronin knows that's all well and good and of course we should talk to him, but can we rely on him alone?" Xanya ponders the problem as hand as she gets ready to go to meet the Loremaster.
Quassine nods and neck bows, then speaks in Old Undercommon ...
"Sister, normally I would be against any clandestine actives against our host but some things are starting not to add up. I do not know any divination spells and which ones do we need? If I am experienced enough, I can research them to add to my spellbook and even create new ones like Magical Item creation."
After finishing his thought, Quassine nod bows again.
He then begins to focus on his signature hooded monk outfit to emulate a Type 1 Bag of Holding in the right arm only.
Don't forget to increase the weight of your monk robe to 15lbs. The bags of holding also have a static weight that I feel is part of the magic as well, and should go along with other items that mimic them.
You would have however long the group spent camping over night, minus 2 hours I guess, as well as rest and reflection? Probably at least 6.
As the group walks to the Fort, they discuss things about the hammer and the war between the giants and dwarves.
"Quassine, many of our clan are also out on scouting missions or assisting the town as they are able to shore up defenses or put their magical abilities to use. Some of the more learned have offered to help the Loremaster, but his quarters are small, cluttered, and he has his own manner of research and peculiar hours. The best we could do was offer the assistance of Jovar, who is quite invaluable. I know that we all wish to find Master Goodwin, but I don't think the Thane gives Cronin much time for side projects. He spends much of it researching lore for the Thane, and investigating the scepter's power."
"Xanya, lore about the hammer may exist in old history texts or dwarven histories. Some of that may be here at the Fort, I cannot know. Books in general are valuable and not just laying around. The hammer itself, will be secured and protected in a vault so well guarded and protected, that I doubt sneaking in will be a viable solution. If caught it would irreparably damaged the relationship our people have with the Thane. I suspect he would banish all of us immediately or worse. To be tossed out into the wild now, with the impending attack would be terrible, although the enemy has been few and far between so far, many of us could have been days of travel into the heart of the realm, so it is difficult to ponder. We have thrown in our lot here for now, and I guess it will be up to us to navigate its perils. Would we not face similar or worse problems elsewhere? Here we are tolerated at least, thanks to the efforts of some of our people in establishing trust with the dwarves and humans."
Soon enough the group reaches the gate, and through the elaborate, and overly cautious security protocols and escorts to finally arrive at Cronin's suite or labs, library and living quarters.
A knock on the door and Jovar the homunculous answers. The loremaster dozes in a chair in front of several open books. The small construct gently wakes the old man who starts awake.
"Eh?! Wha..? Who's it? Oh hello. My apologies, please forgive an old man for resting his eyelids. They are quite heavy these days. Hello Ms. Brass. Greetings travelers, it has been some time since we spoke." The loremaster stretches and yawns but tries to collect himself and stands to nod at the group and shuffles some vellum scrolls and books on his work area.
"Hello again Loremaster Cronin. We have learned much of these Scepters since our last visit. The giants value them and have sacrifice many in attempt to regain them."
Goliath will explain what we know of the scepter here.
"We killed what I presume was one of their great warriors. She spoke of the Fellhammer. What she spoke was troubling to say the least. By her words it seems a full attack is not their plan even though they think they could crush the city easily. A harpy from one of their scout teams traveled with us a bit as we tried to teach her the way of our master. She was under the impression the attack imminent. I fear they know the location of the hammer. We need you to request permission of the Thane for us to check on it and guard it. We also need to know what it is capable of encase it falls into the giants hands."
BEFORE LOREMASTER CRONIN's FLAT
Quassine nod bows to Tolheimia, "We will offer any assistance necessary. Although, the latest information has me concerned that we are not be told everything that we should?"
LOREMASTER's FLAT
Quassine bows low, "Well met Loremaster Cronin! Yes, it has been a while! We have two more scepters for you that are currently being shielded. But I must warn you that there may be problems if they can feel each other. In other words, when two or more of the scepters are next to each other. How would you like to proceed? Of course, we have other questions while we work on the scepters with you and/or Jovar?"
Quassine low bows again.
Quassine nods at Goliath's comments, "Also, what do you know of the Fellhammer and the story behind it?"
Quassine hurries up to correct himself, "I mean we have one and each scepter has a name. We planned on retrieving the other group's but we didn't because of the dangers with one or more scepters. I have the name of this scepter."
Quassine hands the scepter to Goliath and walks up to the Lore Master, and whispers "Vepbihr" in his ear.
Xanya responds to Quassine in common so the rest of the group can hear as well. "I don't think we need to hide anything from our companions. I do not know what spells could be useful that are within our grasp to reach unfortunately. We do not know what we are looking for. Most spells help you find stuff only if you do know. Finding one of the greater scepters would be very useful though... So maybe we do know what we are looking for. There is a spell called Locate Object. I don't know it, but it's only second rank for a wizard, though any cleric powerful enough could prepare it without having to find somewhere to copy it from first."
With Loremaster Cronin Xanya fetches out the note Karkoran wrote. "One of our companions have been able to figure out quite a bit about the scepters. Perhaps together we can compare notes and learn more than each of us know on our own?"
Recharge: The scepter can invoke a Death Knell spell effect, and as the spell it will kill the target victim, but rather than the normal spell effects, it will recharge the scepter 1 charge for each 2 HD of the victim up to a maximum of 4 charges.
Locate: Any scepter holder can locate another scepter on the same plane of existence, by making a DC 15 will save if they have the name of the other scepter. This can be blocked by various anti scrying magics or by placing the scepter in an extradimensional space or by a layer of lead. This use requires no charges but requires continuous concentration. The locator will feel a mental nudge in a certain direction toward the other scepter.
Destruction: Any scepter can be invoked destructively. This uses all remaining charges, and does 2d6 per charge in a 20' radius. For each 2d6 reduction in damage, the radius can be increased by 10'. This also destroys the scepter reducing it to nonmagic molten slag.
Only Greater Scepters have these powers:
Open Gate: A Greater Scepter can open a gate within an area where any three scepters, lesser or greater are within 1 mile of each other. The triangle ( or whatever shape is created by even more scepters ) is the field in which the gate may be opened. For each scepter above three an additional gate may be opened somewhere within the field ( 4 scepters = 2 gates ). The gate(s) is/are an opening up to 30' x 30' and visible as a shimmering semi opaque window. The gate is opened to wherever the Greater Scepter is that invoked the creation of the gate. Since the Greater Scepters can be used to 'Scry'(see below) on the Lesser Scepters, the gate can be invoked remotely using a holder of a Lesser Scepter as the eyes on the ground so to speak. The gate can be to another location on the same plane or to another plane. This effect takes 10 charges from each scepter participating in gate creation. The scepters must be at least 30' from each other to support the minimal size for the gate. The range of the gate creation is 1 mile but the target location must be visible with line of sight and line of effect to the location. The gate must be created vertically, and must be created on a solid immobile surface (for example the deck of a moving ship is invalid). It cannot be created in midair or within solid ground or within a liquid medium such as underwater. Targets on the linked planes have line of sight through the gate (with minor concealment due to the blurry effect) but not line of effect. The gates are two way.Scry: Any Greater Scepter holder can 'scry' through a willing Lesser Scepter wielder using whatever senses are available to the Lesser Scepter holder who is being used as the local observer. An unwilling target gets a Will save DC 18 to resist, and is aware of the effect and can take preventative measures ( simply closing ones eyes or covering ears for example ). This use requires 1 charge and lasts up to 1 hour. The name of the scepter is required. The scepter must be held and wielded in order for the scrying to take effect. (Merely carrying the scepter is not enough).
EARLIER
Quassine shakes his head to Xanya, "That not what it was meant for."
Tolhemia and the Loremaster take in everything that your group explains and relates about your discovery of the scepters, the note from Karkoran, and your concern over the Fellhammer and the giants' plans to recover it.
Cronin's shoulder slump a bit and he sighs. "Yes, it is their intent to recover the hammer, and with it bring about the end of times, Ragnarok. This was never clear how this power was implemented in the hammer without the dwarves knowing about it. It may go deeper though, and require powerful Jotun magic, not entirely dependent on the Fellhammer. I have only seen the hammer once, the Thane has it well guarded, with powerful wards, magics, constructs, and every safeguard imaginable. But, the giants know it is here. Really, its hard to hide the location of an artifact like that. One so tied to the two races."
"I'm afraid, asking to give you the hammer to inspect of guard will fall on deaf ears. I can see the Thane sputtering into an apoplexy now. He will never take if from the deep impenetrable vault. I dare say even if the giants breached every other defense here, the Than would be the last thing standing in their way. So obsessed is he. "
"I think a better solution is to find out who is behind this mad drive to bring about the end times and driving the giants to this fanatical fervor. Since you fought one of the mighty Jotun yourselves, I suspect more are involved. There are also, I think, other forces behind the scenes manipulating things. "
"I think however, having another scepter here will allow us to try some things. I have already once used the first scepter to open a portal to the shadow world, allowing another of your people to travel to a shadow realm for a certain quest. Since we know the scepters can open gates, and this planar travel aspect exists. I think we can use two scepters to work in unison. We may not be able to achieve the abilities of a Greater Scepter. But, what if we were able to home in on a Greater Scepter and open a gate to its location? Eh? Eh"
The old man pauses in his excitement, and coughs a bit, sitting in his chair. "Young man." he nods at Quassine, "I may need use of your magical crafting abilities. I was never very good at that sort of thing. I have always worked around it and gotten things done other ways, but now this will be more efficient to have someone versed in the art of spellcraft. Together with Jovar, we can meddle with magic better left alone? What do you say?"
You see the fatigue in his frame, his simple robes hang over what must be skin and bones, but a fire burns in his eyes, as the old man's passion for exploring and experimenting into the esoteric and arcane is stoked.
"If we can launch a counter to the giants, or at least find out who or what is behind this mad scheme, we may be able to bring about the end of this. "
"It would be so simple to move the Fellhammer to some remote dwarven stronghold, but the Thane will never agree to it and we would simply move the problem elsewhere. The artifact is old, from a brief period of time when the dwarves and giants cooperated, dating back to the prior time of the Destroyer. " The old man whispers it quietly and visibly shakes when he speaks of it.
"Opening a portal to a greater scepter is exciting but risky as well. We know the giants have powerful magic and the giantess we took down took all our effort before she put one of us to rest. Even if the portal got us to the one running the show, he would most likely not be alone given what is going on. Maybe instead of a portal we could trace a way back to the source to scry or gather information. Though if a portal could be sustained a smash and grab to jump through and retreat with a greater scepter could prove to be very beneficial. If the Thane is so obsessed then he knows what the giants come for. The hammer may not be what we should focus on then. How may I assist you at this time Loremaster?"
"Yes, indeed. If there is a presence riling the two sides up then that is where the problem lies. You have my assistance as well."
The Loremaster rocks in his chair gently, pondering as the group arrays around him. He sits quietly, and read the note you handed to him, at one point you aren't sure if he is awake or not or just thinking. The quiet grows to an uncomfortable length, and just when you are about to say something or check on him, he opens his eyes and sits up straight. "Of course you are right, it would be suicidal and foolish to assault the masterminds behind this. Deadly, very deadly....." He gets a small grin. "Speaking of deadly," he waves the notes around that you gave him, "What if we were able to reverse enchant the scepters to remotely detonate all the scepters somehow? Overload them? Since they are linked, and already have the capacity to be destroyed, it isn't too far fetched. It might not be perfect, but we might take some of them out, or at least remove these as tools for them to use. Sadly we may need the names of the other scepters. Without some major magic, we might need a way to discern them. I must ponder this. Have you any ideas?"
"Would it not also be possible to simply render them inert, rather than destroy them?"
"There destructive power is the form of an explosion of fire. It will do nothing to the fire giants that wield them. It could take out some the rabble, but do nothing to the real threat. It would take the power away from them and prevent it being used against the us. That alone would make it worth it. What do you need to do such a thing?"
Loremaster Cronin smiles at Longirus. "That would be my real wish, as I do not easily take to destruction or harming life, even of the enemy, but they have the power already instilled in them to self destruct. Creating an effect to render them inert would actually be much harder, and require much more potent magic and significantly more resources."
"Goliath, that will be true, and in some ways I am glad that no harm will come to the enemies, but as you say there are many around them that are not impervious to flame, and they will suffer, perhaps horribly. It does not weigh on my mind lightly." He frowns sadly, and the weight of his many years is etched in the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and in the furrow of his brow.
"Then I will strive for the preservation of life, even if that should prove the harder of two paths. In the meantime I take it there are many preparations to be made?"
"Yes there is much to do. I will need the assistance of Master Quassine here. I may be able to convince the Thane to provide some resources for the experiment. He is notoriously tight fisted unless it is a sure thing, so that may be a challenge. I will have Hawke speak with him. "
"Of all the plans outlined so far, I by far prefer the smash and grab plan. Destroying the scepters will undoubtedly harm or even kill many of our companions that have managed to capture a scepter or two from the Giants. Sure it's risky, but it's also glorious and it'll give a much higher chance of having the intended effect if we do succed. Is there anything we can do to help? Any spells, extracts or such that we can use to aid? Speaking of that... Maybe you have a spellbook we can copy things from so we can provide greater help in this venture? I'm not sure how much aid we can provide to you and Quassine, but we can at the very least be ready when the time comes."
Not realy seeing the point in keeping the hammer around Kiki asks
"what can it actualy do, beside starting the end of the world. Why keep it around, don't people usualy split world ending artefacts into parts and hide them in far away corners of the world?"
"arcane magic isn't realy my strong point, but we have some scepters and their names, maybe we could figure out their naming sceme, if they have one."
"uhm, couldn't you simply make the scepters go boom with a big blast, but without much force? That way no one will die from it, but it will damage their confidence"
Quassine bows low to Loremaster Cronin, "Loremaster Cronin, I will provide what ever item creation skills are required to bring the Children of Goodwin closer to finding their father, to save the world from the end times, to bring this war to a close, and to end the encroachment on Goatling lands." Quassine nods in agreement of Xanya, "It would be nice to be able to research or copy spells to fill our empty pages for those who have spell books and formula books during our idle time. The more adaptable we are on the road, the better we can assist Thane and the people of Cliffort." Quassine looks back at the Loremaster, "So when do you want to start in making this anti-magic, reverse polarity, or overloaded surge magic item? It does sound like a great idea and very intriguing. And I did already turn this current scepter into a schematic." Quassine looks at the Loremaster with eager geeky eyes.
"Well, Quassine and I can work on these scepters and perhaps we can achieve multiple objectives in case the first plan fails."
"Kiki, the Fellhammer was created by the dwarves and giants as a tool of creation, to forge great things, large golems, other artifacts, mighty fortresses. It is also a weapon, and in the hands of either race a powerful implement against dragons. Each race has also imbued it with their own enchantments, and it would seem that the giants are able to trigger some sort of cataclysmic chain of events that lead to the Apocalypse. Whether this is the result of subtle manipulation of events that lead to all out war, or a direct meteor from the sky that obliterates half of the planet, no one knows, because it has never happened. Perhaps it is linked to ... 'him'" by which you now understand Cronin means the Destroyer. "Ans yes, heroes usually try to keep those artifacts hidden. I guess you could say this artifact is hidden away, and guarded by heroes in some way couldn't you?" he smiles kindly at the little spiderling."[/b]
"Kiki that is a brilliant idea, if we can determine the significance and pattern of the names, maybe they have relevance somehow, we may be able to figure out the names of the others. How to start, I am not sure. You gave me one name, I will being my research with that. "
Loremaster shakes his head saly at the request for spells. "I do not keep many of those sorts of things around here. As you can imagine those are in high demand and used by others. I am not so much a spellcaster as a researcher. There may be arcane casters in the town still that would be willing to trade for spells or gold. Come now, times wasting, lets look at these magical schematics."
"The rest of you, we will need some supplies, your usual stock of arcane crafting ingredients. Jovar can supply you with the names."
Quassine takes the schematic out of his pack and places where everyone who will be researching can see it, "If we cause the scepters or the great scepter to an explosive overload, we have to change the energy type since the wielder of the great scepter may be immune to fire unless your only goal is to destroy the scepter network and taking out the wielders is optional? Perhaps force damage added in since most are not immune to it and we can make the result of the explosion so it is not magical damage but natural damage? Also, are we too much in hurry to add our own safety measures in this surge so it can not be rebounded on to us?"
Xanya shakes her head in disagreement with Quassine. "That doesn't solve the problem that it'll blow up our companions as well... Just figuring out where one or more greater scepters are is a good first step. I still think trying to retrieve one is our best course of action, but we'll see what you can figure out. "
"Anyway, we don't have much gold to get these supplies for you. The Giants weren't exactly lugging around hoards of gold. Could we get some for this purpose? Though it would be nice to get some to be able to make stuff for ourselves as well... We did bring in two scepters and eliminate a giantess warlord."
Quassine looks at Xanya, "Yes Sister, perhaps it would be better to make them act as beacons so we can track down the other scepters and the leader to his lair? Then use this scepter to disarm each scepter as we intercept them for safety? Perhaps as an added bonus we can have the scepters near large caches of enemy treasure teleport the treasure to a neutral place where we can divvy up the treasure since we all need coin and treasure? I am not too keen teleporting the treasure to favor of the Thane since we helped in this war effort and we have goals we yet still need to accomplish after this war has ended." Quassine nods, "Yes ... yes, should we speak to the Thane or Hawke for rewards in regards to the new scepter, the destruction of the giantress warlord, and another giant patrol?"
"Well now, we can't go changing too much. We need to keep it simple. We don't have the time or resources to make many changes. It will be risky as it is, and the more complicated we make it, the less likely we can succeed. I think we may be able to destroy the scepters but focus the damage internally to the item itself, rather than creating an explosive blast. Your fantasies about piles of treasure will have to remain just so for now. This will be crude work, no offense to your spell craft meant young lad."
"So shall we get to work? Tolhemia, please take this list from Jovar, and see if you can obtain some of those raw ingredients. It will be challenging, but there are some in town who will help you, if you tell them I sent you. They won't do it for free, but they may try their best to help. You others please go with if you wish, or stay and aid Master Quassine and me."