Hearing Gilthanas'a first hand account of the destruction of the Vallenwoods and the subjugation of Solace was intesly painful. Caitlyn feel tests welling up and let out a muffled sob, would she ever see her family again? How could she cope with the guilt? She should have been there, and fought.
Slowly an awful certainty crept over her, and after the elflord was done speaking, Caitlyn pointed out, "An army backed by dragons would be nigh unstoppable. What use fortification and earth works when they can fly over? It suddenly seems as if the world order has changed overnight, is anywhere safe?"
Jakun grimaces at the story.
He smiles as Thistle bounds forward and awaits the Speakers reaction for but a moment and then speaks.
"Speaker of the Suns", Jakun gives a slight bow to the venerable elf.
"I am Jakun Stormhoof, Red Wizard of the Order of High Sorcery. My companions and I did encounter a Black Dragon. Some of our companions too died that day in slaying this wicked creature. Along with death we found hope in the form of the Old Gods".
He points to Mariel, "Revered Daughter Mariel Uth Kaldar of Paladine has read the Disks of Mishakal and from them have we learned much of the true stories of the Old Gods.
Since that time, I sought the aid of the Wizards of Wayreth against these powerful foes. Unfortunately, the Wizards remain short sighted, perhaps feeling safe in their towers that they do not feel the need to intervene in this drama unfolding so near to them.
Do we find friends in the elves? The favored children of the Gods of Light? Will you aid us against these Dragons that have returned from the old Tales of Huma Dragonbane to haunt our reality?
The balance has become unraveled as there is no counterbalance against these Dragons save magic. Magic is something the elves have in abundance if the stories about your people are correct.
Our small band has fought against these Dragon Armies as your son has called them but we cannot defeat an army alone..."
Thistletorp listens to Gilthanas' tale, and a dark cloud passes over the kender's face. For once, he is neithe perky nor cheerful, his hands grip tightly about imaginary swords, and tears trail down his face.
But the moment passes, and he returns to his usual bubbly self. Hiya! I'm Thistletorp babblebrook, Pleased to meetcha! he bounds forward to the Lord Speaker, and stock as our his hand.
The Speaker of the Suns took Thistletorp's hand with great ceremony, and gracefully took a gem-encrusted ring back from the kender's other hand. "You have my gratitude for ensuring the safety of my ring," he said.
"You have brought to us grave tidings," Solostaran said. "But the Speaker of the Suns is not a king, who demands all obey. On my own behalf I grant to you the hospitality of the Elvenhome, but I must consult with the Senate on these weighty questions. It is, as you said," he nodded respectfully at Caitlyn. "Not a peril we face with great hope. None have battled dragons even in the living memory of my people. I will confer with the Senate and call you to audience when we have finished. Until then, my daughter will see to your hospitality."
The beautiful elf woman came forward, smiling brightly.
"I am Lauralanthalasa. Please let me see to your needs," she said.
Great Speaker, before you leave, there is something you must see. Something that has not been seen in Qualinost since the Age of Might she says holding out her medallion of faith.
Great Speaker, before you leave, there is something you must see. Something that has not been seen in Qualinost since the Age of Might she says holding out her medallion of faith.
Solostaran looked politely at the medallion. "I have not seen such a thing since the Night of Doom," he said, very restrained. "I do not doubt you, Revered Daughter, and I hope the true gods will preserve us. I will bring this news to the Senate as well."
If I may, Great Speaker, have permission to visit the old temples to E'li and Quen Illumini, or even to address the Senate
If I may, Great Speaker, have permission to visit the old temples to E'li and Quen Illumini, or even to address the Senate
"You have my leave to visit the sanctuaries," Solostaran said. "But step lightly. Your revelation will not come easily to some."
"The Senate decides who it will hear. It is not my right to promise you audience, but I will raise the question."
The halfelf will journey to one of the temples of Paladine. She will thank the Speaker for his hospitality and gracious permission to visit. Perhaps my Lord Gilthanas will accompany me? she ask the elf lord.
Caitlyn nods and adds sweetly, in passable elvish, "I would be honored to see the city I've heard sung so much about by the bards. I can see why they are moved so, to my eye Qualinost has ethereal beautify blessed by the sun's warm embrace and in harmony with nature."
Caitlyn had always loved trees, growing up as she did among the mighty Valenwoods. The realm Qualinost was a delight with many proud and ancient trees.
Caitlyn nods and adds sweetly, in passable elvish, "I would be honored to see the city I've heard sung so much about by the bards. I can see why they are moved so, to my eye Qualinost has ethereal beautify blessed by the sun's warm embrace and in harmony with nature."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+12
Solostaran inclined his head politely, though Caitlyn saw a few heads turn ever so slightly at her pronunciation.
The halfelf will journey to one of the temples of Paladine. She will thank the Speaker for his hospitality and gracious permission to visit. Perhaps my Lord Gilthanas will accompany me? she ask the elf lord.
Gilthanas assented and soon he and Mariel found themselves at the Temples. They stood facing one another across a wide, semicircular plaza. There the quartz turned a midnight blue color, marked by near-liquid sunbursts in the shape of the star signs of the Gods of Light. Each star was linked to the next by silvery lines so fine and subtle that the eye could almost miss them. Only from a small spot where a disk of green-veined quartz rested in the very center of it all could the entire panoply be seen. Elistan stood there now, ignoring the elves giving him rather hostile looks as they passed and staring thoughtfully at the designs.
She smiles at the elf lord as he accompanies her to the Temple. How beautiful to grow up in these surroundings, Gilthanas Kanan. I came to Qualinost only a few times to visit my father but spent the majority of my time in both Solace and Solmania, closer to Castle Uth Winstan
Walking into the Temple once dedicated to her god she feels a prayer well up with in her. Without even thinking she begins to invoke E'li in the language of the elves E'li, Sky Father, the Plantinum Father, bring your prescence once more to this place which has been devoid of your loving, merciful glory for far too long. Constant as the Evergreen is your love for the elves, by whose hands were created. Have mercy on us, we have transgressed against you, Quen Illumini, Mantis of the Rose, Kiri Jolity, Astarin and the Bison of Heaven. Come once again gods of light, we humbly pray, give succor to your people now as the dragons of the Queen of Darkness rage against us. she prays.
The Temple of E'li was an open structure, archways surrounding a huge, leafless tree that grew up and through the roof. A dozen elves, a few in white robes, stood quietly about in contemplation or speaking softly to one another. All fell silent when Mariel prayed.
The instant the sound of the Revered Daughter's words faded, a warm, sweet breeze washed through the building. The sounds of Qualinost faded away and the sound grew, words in elvish emerging half-heard from it: prayers, supplications, protests, rage, despair. Soft words gave way to hard, rising to a shouting chorus that ended half-spoken. A terrible, watching silence filled the air for a small eternity. All the elves fell to their knees, the white-robed covering their faces.
Then the wind came again, blowing from without and carrying bright green leaves veined with gold. They flew past, all somehow brushing Mariel as they flew up in a whirlwind about the bare tree. Silence, no longer watching, gave way to the sounds of Qualinost without and the tree stood thickly adorned with leaves again.
All about, elves wept.
With tears in her eyes, she prays again in elven Blessed E' li, thank you, thank you gods of light, for hearing my prayers, fro returning to the elves. Come children of the gods of light, the gods await OUR return.
Feeling a lttle like a third wheel, Caitlyn accompanies her childhood friend Mariel as she enters the arena and prays. Then the miracle with the tree leaves occurs and she finds herself deeply moved. She couldn't shake the feeling she'd just witnessed something of great importance, even if she didn't fully understand what just happened. The other thing that struck her was how much Mariel had grown over the past weeks. Grown into a formidable young woman, and apart. 'A pang of jealousy Caitlyn? That doesn't become you. Besides someone needs to keep her safe. If the gods of light have awoken, it's because the gods of darkness tipped the balance with their armies. They and their agents will be after her.'
While Jakun respects the Dragonlord, he does not revere him and has no desire to see his Temple.
Instead he seeks the elf that Par-Salian bade him to ask for, Arduin.
While Jakun respects the Dragonlord, he does not revere him and has no desire to see his Temple.
Instead he seeks the elf that Par-Salian bade him to ask for, Arduin.
Laurana gave Jakun excellent directions, taking him straight to a modest house toward the edge of Qualinost. As he drew near, the door opened of its own accord to admit the minotaur to a book-stuffed study where an elf in white robes was hast at work bidding books to fly from their shelves and into three trunks that floated silently a foot off the floor. As Jakun stepped in, a silver service floated to him and offered up sweetmeats and wine.
"Forgive me my lack of hospitality, Brother in Art. My diviniations were bent toward other visitors."
The half-elf, platinum medallion of faith glowing, looks around and her eyes fall upon Elistan. Doubt no more, Elistan. But believe. The gods are among us.
The half-elf, platinum medallion of faith glowing, looks around and her eyes fall upon Elistan. Doubt no more, Elistan. But believe. The gods are among us.
Elistan looked thoughtfully at the tree.
"There is much work to be done. Many wounds to heal," he said, half to himself. "Would you let me study the Disks?"
The half elf nods as she begins a sermon to the gathered elves.
The Revered Daughter begins People of Qualinost! Beloved of E'li and the Gods of Light, Quen Illumini, Kiri Jolith, Astarin, Mantis of the Rose, the Blue Phoenix, they all desire our friendship once again. Once, long ago they left us, not out of spite but to help us understand who we are without them. When they left, even though we acted as if we did not need them, we acted like spoiled children and shut them out. We locked up our homes, our souls to them, we locked them out and blew out the lamps and extinguished the candles. We then cursed the darkness and blamed the Gods of Light. However, the long exile between the gods of light and the people of Ansalon is over. The gods have returned, knowing that we need them now, more than ever. We did not miss what we had and now, we do. Like good and gentle parents, they are here again. Did you not feel the coming of E'li? This place is sacred to the gods and they have returned. Come, those who served them in name only, come and serve them in word and deed!
Diplomacy
While Jakun respects the Dragonlord, he does not revere him and has no desire to see his Temple.
Instead he seeks the elf that Par-Salian bade him to ask for, Arduin.
Laurana gave Jakun excellent directions, taking him straight to a modest house toward the edge of Qualinost. As he drew near, the door opened of its own accord to admit the minotaur to a book-stuffed study where an elf in white robes was hast at work bidding books to fly from their shelves and into three trunks that floated silently a foot off the floor. As Jakun stepped in, a silver service floated to him and offered up sweetmeats and wine.
"Forgive me my lack of hospitality, Brother in Art. My diviniations were bent toward other visitors."
Jakun grins, "I take no offense at all Brother. I also thank you kindly for referring to me as Brother. No doubt your years, powers and wisdom dwarf mine own and for you to treat me as an equal is an honor.
I am Jakun Stormhoof. No doubt you have heard of our arrival here in Qualinost. Par Salian advised me to reach out to you once I reached your people to see what, if any, aid you could give us in convincing your people to help us. Or perhaps, some personal help from you directly.
Know you what terrors the world faces?"
"I call you only by what you have earned by right. Those who do otherwise slight you, whatever their robes," Arduin said as a few more books went into the trunks.
"The future is always clouded, but I have seen the dragonarmies. They close on the Elvenhome from all sides. My people cannot stand against them. Even trying will cost precious lives that it would take centuries to replace. Still, we might have tried."
"My Art tells that the dragonarmies come to end the world of elves. Others as well, but the Senate is not charged to safeguard other peoples in their travails. Something has happened to Silvanesti. My scryings upon it are confused and often fail. I took this news to the Speaker of the Suns, who confirmed it all with his own Art. He is a good elf, but a man of duty and bound by the will of a Senate less enlightened than us. He has not confided in me what we shall do, but I fear my nation will do little for outsiders."
Arduin stood for a moment, thoughtful. Books floated in place.
"But our Order is of no nations. In the law of Solamnia, a wizard is not even a man or woman. If the Conclave acts not, then it is the way of the world that wizards may clash beyond the walls of Wayreth. What is it that I may do for you, Wizard Jakun?"
Jakun considers the elves' response thoughtfully and responds, "I suppose I had hoped you could aid me in convincing the elves to stand against these armies.
If your initial impression is to be believed, and I have no reason not to believe you, then the elves would be less moved than even our Order to assist.
Perhaps then you can aid me in smaller measures. Spells or items of power that can aid myself and my allies against these foes?
Know you of another group that would stand with us that we could contact?
So much collected wisdom, in both these woods and Wayreth Tower and none can see that taking a stand is what must be done. It is what Huma, and Magius and Kaz did! If they did not, what would the world look like today?"
Perhaps then you can aid me in smaller measures. Spells or items of power that can aid myself and my allies against these foes?
"That I can provide."
Know you of another group that would stand with us that we could contact?
So much collected wisdom, in both these woods and Wayreth Tower and none can see that taking a stand is what must be done. It is what Huma, and Magius and Kaz did! If they did not, what would the world look like today?"
"I don't wish to imagine it," Arduin said. "An endless, gray waste, all enslaved... I don't know that there's anyone who may help. Our world has grown smaller."
The half elf continues with her sermons to the gathered elves. The medallion of faith with a fierce light of platinum.
Caitlyn wandered through the Elven city in something of a daze. Everything she looked at was a marvel and uniformly ancient. Many of the folk, let alone truly ancient things like the trees, were older than her entire family line. She should be doing something but having no wise council to give and baring no fearsome power bar the strength of her right hand, Caitlyn was at a loss for what to do. Clearly events were gathering a pace in the outside world, with dragon armies abroad and conquering everything they saw.
More than anything she felt guilty for leaving her folk, she should have been there to defend them, not galavanting off to Xak Tsoroth. Of course that was water under the bridge now and she ached for news of Solace. Surely her brother Justin had mounted some resistance and helped those who could escape.
And so she found herself going to visit the only person who might be able to tell her what happened. Theros Ironfeld had been seriously ill when they had rescued him. Still he had been touched by the blessing of the true Gods, maybe he was well enough to talk. Her motivation wasn't purely selfish, Solace had been a small place and everyone knew Theros. She was worried for him.
Of course it was possible the arrogant Elf Lords might deny access. Caitlyn was quietly determined and wouldn't take no for an answer. She was going to see Theros and make sure he was comfortable and got whatever treatment he needed.
as he walks mittens sees several elf children playing he stops to watch them smiling kindly at them. He was glad to see such peace and happiness it was a reminder of why they had to win.
The children spot Mittens and stare at him.
The half elf continues with her sermons to the gathered elves. The medallion of faith with a fierce light of platinum.
Mariel's sermon was received in many different ways. Some elves listened intently. Others abased themselves in prayer. A few whispered among themselves, looking frequently at her medallion. But none were hostile.
Caitlyn had little trouble finding Theros. He and the rest of the Companions' charges were housed in a pair of modest buildings just off one of Qualinost's larger curving roads. A few slightly harried elves provided all the guard they had, more concerned with seeing to their needs than keeping people away.
The blacksmith was awake, though he looked quite tired.
She will welcome those with faith and courage to embrace their ancestral faiths.
"Theros! You're awake.", Caitlyn rushed in an threw her arms around the smith. "Are they treating you well, is there anything you need? I've brought you some chicken soup, there's enough for the others to share. It will help you get your strength back."
She lets him go and labels out some soup from a large pot she carried with her. Several other rescued slaves were hungry too and after all were fed, she sat down with Theros and tells her story. "Guided by the Aghur's we crept into the beast's lair. Having sniffed us out she was waiting for us, dark as nightmare, arrogant as sin, with claws like cavalry sabres, scales of sable, and a mouth full of fangs as long as your arm. Onyx was its name, it slew Goldmoon, it's great maw biting her in twain. Jackun unleashed his art, which bounced off like water. This hammer, that you forged fair near caved in that great skull before Mariel took up Goldmoon's staff. She smashed it across it's snout. Theros, the dragon rang like a bell before being consumed by blue fire. The same blue fire that earlier had cued terrible wounds. The old gods had returned."
Eventually if he seems well enough, she asks, "Can you tell me any news of Solace? We know the dragon armies came, but did anyone else escape? What befell my family?"
Eventually if he seems well enough, she asks, "Can you tell me any news of Solace? We know the dragon armies came, but did anyone else escape? What befell my family?"
Theros ate very awkwardly, making a small mess as he had to use his off, and only, hand. He listened in silence to Caitlyn's story.
"Can't say I mind having my sorry life saved, and hearing my work did good, but the dragonarmies took the only useful part of me," he stared at where his right arm had been.
"When they came, it was all at once. Theocrat Hederick, he was in it with them. Had half the watch busy chasing a rumor in the forest and they marched right in, just like that. Damn all Seekers. They were out looking for people, but I don't think many got clear. I didn't hear anything about them dying, though. Probably they're all off wherever the goblins were taking me and the rest."
In our hour of need, the Gods of Light have made themselves manifest again. In your hearts, you know it it be true. Many of you felt the prescence of E'li! You witnessed his return to this place, a sign that only those of the Elven people would recognize. He came in simple glory and majesty. Quen Illumini comes to heal. Astarin comes to inspire. Matheri of the Rose comes to help us contemplate. The Blue Phoenix comes with the power of nature and the Bison of Heaven comes to defend. Do not wallow in sadness and dispair. Hope! Believe. Do not wallow in self doubt. It was by the power of Paladine that the human, Theros Ironfeld was saved from death. It was the power of the Platinum Dragon and Quen Illumini that the black dragon of Xax Tsaroth was defeated. The long reign of darkness is over. Return to the light
Caitlyn feels like spitting at the mention of Hedrick, the little toad had much to answer for. She was saddened to see the once proud blacksmith brought so low, gently she said, "I can't foresee the future but something tells me you're not done yet Theros. Mariel would tell you to have faith in the old gods." Caitlyn shrugged, "She might be onto something, certainly I've seen some pretty miraculous things. Still I think you should believe in yourself, you're stronger than you think. Anyway they tell me you need rest, but I'll be back with some more tomorrow."
Thistletorp is disturbingly silent throughout the meal. Although, people will notice that the weight of their pockets varies significantly over time, as does the amount of cutlery before them. But, everything ends up as it was before the meal started.
For his part, Thistlepart listens attentively, and then goes back to playing an odd game with his foo.
AT the mention of the dragon Xak Tsaroth, the kender perks up. There was a dragon! Mariel whacked it on the head with a blue crystal staff, and the staff exploded! We saw visions and heard stuff in our heads and then the mean dragon died! When we got to the surface, we found the crystal in a statue! See! Things always find their homes!
Jakun sighs, which sounds more like the sound a bull would make snorting. "Very well. I do appreciate the assistance you have offered to me. Perhaps your council will surprise us with their decision.
Our path now seems unclear to me. No doubt my allies will wish to save more folk from their home town whereas I believe that we should continue to quest for allies as part of the larger picture. In the end, one small town does not a war win. There must be those who an and will stand against these Dragons and the armies that control them..."
Once he is done with the elf, he will leave to seek out his friends once more.
The half elf will spend time within the sacred temples of Qualinost and then return to where they are staying to prepare for the evening, exhausted from her efforts.
At the dinner she will listen and not say much unless she is questioned or feel that she needs to.
The stars had just begun to show by the time Laurana came to gather the Companions to a square near to the center of Qualinost, in the shadow of the Speaker's tower. The whole of Elvenhome seemed gathered there, warriors forming a tight ring about the Speaker and a few advisers. A path opened for them when they arrived, admitting them to the center of the multitude. At his feet, the stones picked out a mosaic of Qualinesti and the lands about.
Solostaran regarded them with a cool stare.
"You must forgive our somber air," he said. For a moment he looked very old. "These are heavy times and we stand at the head of a long, lonely path."
"Look upon our situation," the Speaker of the Suns made a subtle gesture and the map came softly to life, emerald stones becoming individual trees that stirred in the wind. Sapphire pulsed with waves. The assembled elves drew back.
"We have learned from these heroes and those they have brought to us, that the Dragon Highlord would end the world of elves. Already, we now know, they have destroyed our Silvanesti kin. There stars shine no more," Solostaran bowed his head for a moment and a murmur went through the crowd. Jakun saw Arduin among them, turning away as the Speaker gave the news.
"They come now for us. Here and here," the Speaker made another gesture and stones in the place of Solace and Haven turned a hellish red, "Two of the Highlord's armies have gathered. Even now they march for Elvenhome."
"Invaders have come beneath our branches before and known our full strength. If only these two armies came, we may stand before them. But a third army stands here, at the pass of Pax Tharkas. So we stand, outflanked, outnumbered, and alone. If we remain, the time of our people is at its end."
"I have given this news to your Senate. The Conscript Elves have weighed all the news come to us, wondrous and terrible. What we must do, we do without choice. For twenty-three centuries this forest has been our home. It is no longer, we must go into the west and find a new home."
Silence fell over the square. Even the trees stilled.
"Revered Daughter, Honored Guests. I must carry to you dark tidings as well. The people of the northern lands, your kin and neighbors, now slave in the mines of Pax Tharkas. They forge the weapons and armor of the Dragonarmies. Why?"
Solostaran gestured again and the pass of Pax Tharkas rose from the map, a narrow passage between high mountains blocked by a gleaming white fortress.
"Here, we know that their families are held. They ransom the lives of those they love with their toil. My son Gilthanas and his elves were to breach Pax Tharkas by a secret path -the Sla-Mori- forgotten by all save our people. They would have freed your people and led them in revolt, taking them to the south and lose themselves in the many valleys. There may yet be free lands to the South. The Dragonarmy would then be turned from our flank."
"They failed, but Gilthanas believes the Dragonarmy has not learned of the Sla-Mori. A small band may use it to come within the walls and try once more for freedom. If you succeed, Verminaard will believe an enemy to his rear and delay his advance. Every day's would buy our shipwrights more time. You may save two nations, ours and your own."
"It is the Senate's wish that you know," Solostaran briefly fixed his eyes on the Companions' human members. "We give to you a choice denied us when your people caused the Cataclysm and turned the gods from us. Hand the Dragonarmy a defeat, turn it from our border, and you will have done much to repair what was once broken: the faith our two peoples place in one another."
The Revered Daughter stands. Honored Speaker, the power of the gods of Light is with us again. I cannot speak for my companions, but I believe that the Platinum Dragon would like me to go to fight this evil. If my Lord Gilthanas would have me in his group
[ooc] What ever happened with Elistan and the other elves? Were there any
The Revered Daughter stands. Honored Speaker, the power of the gods of Light is with us again. I cannot speak for my companions, but I believe that the Platinum Dragon would like me to go to fight this evil. If my Lord Gilthanas would have me in his group
Gilthanas is happy to have Mariel along.
What ever happened with Elistan and the other elves? Were there any
Jakun responds to the Speaker, "As Mariel has said, I too will go to this Sla Mori and we will traverse the path to bring us to this Pax Tharkas. There we will discover the Dragon Highlord and destroy him, perhaps cutting off the head will kill the snake!
However, I must reply to at least one thing you said in error. You blame the humans for the disappearance of the Gods. Tell me, if the elves so revered the Gods why do your people have no Clerics walking among you? You should consider your own role played, if any, for your own loss of contact with the Gods.
What of those few humans among you that we rescued, will they remain among you still as we undertake this journey? Also, how do you know your cousins have fallen in battle? Those woods are so far, are you sayiong these Dragonarmies have presence even there?"
|
looks at the speak then the gathered elves then back at the speak. Mittens speech changes for a moment as he addresses the elves.
"I am mittens i am the sword of kori joleth. Mittens is hear to protect and defend the ones who can't from the evil comeing I shall be falling mariel to rain down justice on those who try to take our peace."
we have to help everyone! Thistletorp nods emphatically.
However, I must reply to at least one thing you said in error. You blame the humans for the disappearance of the Gods. Tell me, if the elves so revered the Gods why do your people have no Clerics walking among you? You should consider your own role played, if any, for your own loss of contact with the Gods.
A stir passed through the assembled elves. Solostaran's silence lasted just long enough to become conspicuous.
"The Senate has spoken on the matter," he said carefully. "The fate of Qualinesti is its sacred trust." Several prominent elves gave their Speaker hard looks at that.
What of those few humans among you that we rescued, will they remain among you still as we undertake this journey? Also, how do you know your cousins have fallen in battle? Those woods are so far, are you sayiong these Dragonarmies have presence even there?"[/b]
"Your charges remain welcome among us and may accompany our people when we go if that is their wish. A special place will be made for the smith Theros, who is known to us."
"The fate of Silvanesti we know from the scryings and divination of Wizard Arduin. Ours is not the only quarter of Ansalon facing the Dragonarmies."
Caitlyn considers the speaker's request, it was likely a death sentence, yet what else was there for her to do? Her home had been razed and and her family likely killed. She looked him in the eye and with quiet intensity replied, "I may not wield fearsome powers of the arcane might or be blessed by the divine, But I promise by all that is holy that I shall fight them till the last breath... No surrender, no forgiveness." Gail found that she was shaking, so fierce was her anger.