I'll leave the town and look for a nearby hill .
If I find on I will sit down, summon a guitar and begin to compose a lament, which I think would be fitting to an elven funeral.
Mantooth @The Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance
"Magnimarana has given me his servitude until the end of time."
Tears come to the eyes of Swordknight, Kiegar Reestak, as the proclamation is made. The spirit of Magnamak smiles and exclaims,'Iomedae be praised, the great blade, Magnimarana, has chosen Sir Mantooth Longbrow! This is a mighty gift. Forthwith from this day forward, the bond between this sword and this knight will grow stronger with each victory achieved. That which our mighty Inheritor has brought together cannot be undone until your passing. Together, may you go forth and serve our lady, Iomedae, the Inheritor of all that is good. Together may you drive away the enemy and thus bring peace, justice, glory and light to this world! Now go forth, Mantooth Longbrow and Magnimarana, to live and serve all the days of your life."
With Magnamak's holy words of parting, the cathedral is engulfed and blessed in a warm light as the spirit of Magnamak slowly rises as he departs whence he came. All is quiet as the spirit leaves. Then suddenly the priests of the Cathedral break into spontaneous cheers!
Hail Sir Longbrow!
Hail Magnimarana!"
Suddenly, the clergy break into song with the joyful singing of Iomedaean Light! At the end of the song, Swordknight Reestak loudly proclaims,
Everyone assembled responds with . . .
He repeats this proclamation two more times and both times the response is enthusiastically shouted in fellowship!
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@DM Harpwizards
"I've also got this mithral shirt. Now, you'd suggested that if I pay extra, you could enchant it even quicker. I can only afford an extra 200 gold for a total of 1,200--will that do?"
"Unfortunately, my friend, the cost of material components to open the planar gate are very expensive and I would take a great loss at that price. I would be able to perform the task for a total of 1,800 gold pieces. However, if you were willing to wait, I could simply have the mithral enchanted by tomorrow for only 1,000 gold. What is your choice, my friend?"
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@DM Harpwizards
Oh well, unfortunately I don't have THAT kind of money lying around. I'm going to have to part with this until tomorrow then. Here . . . is the shirt, and here . . . is 1,000 crowns. Same time tomorrow OK?
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If you don't mind, I'll poke about a little; my dwarven friend Thordak is going to be coming here to speak to you as well. I think he's got some armor he would like to see about enchanting too!
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@Bofus
D.M. Harpwizard looks over you carefully as he strokes his long white beard and then offers, "You seem like a trustworthy sort, Bofus. I do not offer this too often, but you seem to be a person in need of haste and good protection. I would be willing to perform the deed as long as you could assure me that I am paid back at your earliest convenience. However, remember, your word is your bond!"
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@Bofus
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D.M. Harpwizard looks over you carefully as he strokes his long white beard and then offers, "You seem like a trustworthy sort, Bofus. I do not offer this too often, but you seem to be a person in need of haste and good protection. I would be willing to perform the deed as long as you could assure me that I am paid back at your earliest convenience. However, remember, your word is your bond!"
Sir, I would be a fool not to take you up on such a kind offer. I'll give you 1,200 gold now and I shall be in your debt the remaining 600. I'd also be a fool to try and take advantage of your kindness and generosity, so rest assured that you'll get paid back the moment I have the funds!! and i count out the additional 200 coin.
@DM Harpwizards
The white bearded wizard takes the mithral chain and places it on a table. Next, he sprinkles a multi colored dust upon a stone archway built into the wall. Then he sits down at his grand harp and begins playing. First softly and gently, but soon the chords grow greater in intensity and suddenly a thick multi colored swirling mist grows in an archway that only moments before held a stone brick wall. As the last chords of the wizard's piece fade, the harpist slowly lowers his hands, turns to you smiling, and leans his harp back down. The white bearded wizard gets up, walks over to the mithral chain, picks it up and walks into the misty archway with it.
Nearly as soon as he enters the archway, he walks out. "Presto! Here you are, my halfling friend, a suite of Enchanted Mithral Chain Mail Armor. May it serve you well! Please feel free to look around while you wait for your friend Thordak. You may enjoy this globe that models the planets and celestial heavens surrounding Golarion. In the meantime, I am going to catch up on a little light reading."
DM returns to his desk and begins poring through a large tome as he scribbles down notes on a piece of parchment.
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Wow!! that is most excellent, Professer, I've never seen nor heard of the like. You truly are a wiz of a wiz, if ever a wiz there was!
I'll don my new armor as quiety as possible. I'll check out the toys he pointed out to me, but I also want to peruse his books and see whether this fine gent appears well versed in dragon lore based on the tomes at his immediate disposal.
@Bofus
After looking around his bookcase you find books and tomes and nearly every imaginable subject possible. As you look through the collection, Professor Deitrovicca Manturiel looks over at you and comments, "You seem very interested in my book collection, my dear halfling. Is there anything there that you have an interest in?"
@Reestak
Once the chanting finishes, Mantooth extends a hand to Reestak, smiling. "Thank you for your help, master sword knight. I am in your debt for performing the rites of Magnimarama for me." Mantooth sheathes his sword and then waits until Reestak is finished talking before making his exit. On the way, if he sees her, Mantooth will also greet and thank Kaiana. "Thank you, Kaiana. None of this would have been possible if you hadn't pointed me in the right direction. If you ever need help in any way at all, please do not hesitate to seek my aid."
When all is finished at the cathedral, Mantooth will head back to the Wyvern and head right to bed, this time placing his sword directly on the bureau next to him.
@The Cathedral of Peace Through Vigilance
""Thank you for your help, master sword knight. I am in your debt for performing the Rites of Magnamak for me."
"The honor was all mine, Sir Longbrow. Magnimarana is a very sacred sword to our faith, and I was not sure if he would take to you, but you have clearly made quite an impression on the blade. I have no doubt that you will both accomplish great things! Be well, my friend. My the light always be with you!"
As your eye catches Kiana, she rushes up to you and she wraps her arms around you in an enthusiastic embrace.
"Congratulations, Sir Longbrow! I am so pleased for you!"
"Thank you, Kiana. None of this would have been possible if you hadn't pointed me in the right direction. If you ever need help in any way at all, please do not hesitate to seek my aid."
"You are most welcome. Likewise, if you ever need help in any way from me, please do not hesitate to seek my aid. Remember, don't be a stranger around here. We all work for the Inheritor around here!"
Kiana reaches over and gives Mantooth a gentle kiss on his cheek before departing.
@DMHW - I do not know if you saw - I went with Thordak to the weapon store, unless he did not want me. I did an engineering roll as it appeared that one was needed. Just checking as you have not responded to my assistance to Thordak earlier.
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After looking around his bookcase you find books and tomes and nearly every imaginable subject possible. As you look through the collection, Professor Deitrovicca Manturiel looks over at you and comments, "You seem very interested in my book collection, my dear halfling. Is there anything there that you have an interest in?"
Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. How well versed are you on some rather esoteric dragon lore?
@Bofus
"Dragons are perhaps the most dangerous of all foes. I have some knowledge of Dragon Lore and I have even had some experience with them. What would you like to know about them?"
@Tirion
I will let you know if you can help Thordak with his request, but not at the moment.
@Florence
You pass through the west gate of Brindol and a few short miles away you climb up onto a hill where you are able to get a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding countryside. You summon your guitar and find inspiration out in this setting to compose your lament.
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Well, it's not about particular kinds of dragons . . . see, we've heard some very strange things recently. Now, perhaps I can give you a few things to think about, and when Thordak shows up you can tell us both--he'll want to hear this.
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Have you ever heard of the "Warriors of the Kulkor Zhul" or "Azarr Kul, son of the Dragon?"
"Have you ever heard of the "Warriors of the Kulkor Zhul" or "Azarr Kul, son of the Dragon?"
The Harpwizard looks at you curiously and strokes his beard as he contemplates the name. "Hmm, I have seen that name before. Now where did I see that. Ahh yes, it was from a journal entry by an explorer by the name of Jorr Natherson. He didn't say much, but I have an excerpt from his journal in one of my history books of the vale."
The wizard stands up and fingers through his library books. Finally, he pulls out a tome and he fingers through the pages. At last, he stops at a page and announces. "This here is the entry that I as thinking of. Perhaps this is what you are looking for." The entry reads as follows:
The Son of a Dragon, A brief account of a fiend known as Azarr Kul
For centuries, the dry and dusty Wyrmsmoke Mountains have been home to dozens of goblinoid tribes. Travelers skirted the goblin-infested hills by a generous margin, but the Wyrmsmoke tribes posed no significant threat to the nearby human townlands and settlements other than the occasional bloody raid. Yet, nearly over twenty years ago, the young half-dragon hobgoblin warrior Azarr Kul, awed by the teaching of Tiamat, the Queen of the Evil Dragons, abandoned Maglubiyet, the traditional deity of his people, and dedicated himself to leading the rest of his nation to Tiamat’s worship.
Azarr Kul grew into a powerful warlord and a mighty priest of Tiamat. Early in his rise to power he struck up an alliance with the blue dragon, Tyrgarun, his own sire. Aided by this powerful ally, Azarr Kull converted his entire tribe into fanatical worshipers of Tiamat. He renamed the tribe that had fallen under his wing the Kulkor Zhul and began to lay his plans for the conquest of Elsir Vale. However, these plans were cut short when Azaar Kull was slain in battle deep in the Wyrmsmoke Mountains by a small force known as the Lion’s Jaw, a group of elite fighters of the Brindol Lions.
J.Natherson. 25 Arodus 4706
Looking around, I soak in the beautiful landscape and notices the strange bird. Realising that it muste be a magical or at least intelligent creature I beckon it over.
@Florence
The hawk turns its head right and then left and then it spreads its wings and glides off the nearby branch to land by a nearby rock. It simply stares up at you.
@Bofus
"That is no problem, my young friend. I wish some of my own students took such a keen interest in their academics. Have you brought your own parchment, quill and ink or do you need me to provide them for you as I do many of my students?"
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"That is no problem, my young friend. I wish some of my own students took such a keen interest in their academics. Have you brought your own parchment, quill and ink or do you need me to provide them for you as I do many of my students?"
actually, yes, that would be great. I don't seem to be as well-equipped as I'd thought, have to pick up some ink and a pen today!!
I carefully copy this out.
Sir, Thordak should be stopping by soon; I told him I'd meet him here, but Iv'e got somethign else to do. Could I bother you to pass on that I'll meet him back at the Wyvern? And woul dyou mind leaving this book out for him to see as well? I appreciate all your help, and I'll get you your money as soon as I can, I promise!
I head out (unless something else comes up). I'll stop somewhere to pick up a few pieces of parchment, ink, and a pen (I'll dock myself 10 gp), then head back to the Wyvern to talk to Master Yab.
Assuming that it's not really busy right now (wouldn't think so mid-morning), I beckon to him.
Master Yab, a moment? I've got a business proposition for you! The other day, my friends and I liberated an impressive store of goods , artwork, and furniture. It's pretty valuable--the artwork alone could probably fetch 500 gold--but it's fairly bulky and would take time for us to haul back and sell.
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So . . . I thought I'd approach you first, and offer a discount because of our recent history. For 500 gold, I'll give you precise directions to the goods; you can then have Roland bring a couple of sturdy lads with a wagon to retrieve everything back here, to do with as you will. Whaddayasay? Sound like a deal?
An animal companion! Great, I knew I was made to become a druid...or I put a stick through it and roast it...
Hey mr. beak, how do you do? Oh I guess that is the wrong address for such a majestic tweety as you are, mhh? So, let's be frankly, I guess you're no ordinary bird, so would you please shapechange again into the most handsome prince with the castle next to the tropical shore, you actually are?!
@The Stone Wyvern
"The other day, my friends and I liberated an impressive store of goods"
Trabalard Yab listens carefully with thoughts of a jingling purse on his mind, but alas replies, "Oh my, oh my! This sounds like it was quite the hideout. That stuff sounds very lucrative, but are you sure it wasn't all stolen. I don't like to do anything illegal you know?"
"My friends, you know that I am certainly most happy to have you stay at my lovely Inn, but to be honest, I'm surprised that you folks did not decided to keep this place for your own lair. You guys just seem to be in so much trouble with different factions, that I figure that you would want a little hidden retreat. You would be able to protect yourselves better than I can here in the Wyvern. Well, these are just thoughts from a crazy old gnome anyway."
@Florence
The small raptor listens to your words as you talk to it, but it does not reply. Instead he jumps back up to a branch on a tree in a south westerly direction from where you sit. He rests on the branch and looks back to you expectantly.
@Tirion
@Mantooth
Well, since Thordak and the shopkeeper appear to have gone comatose, I return to the Wyvern.
Once there I will join Bofus, either before or after he speaks with Master Yab. I do not say anything about the hidden hideout as I really do not know much about it yet.
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"You guys just seem to be in so much trouble with different factions, that I figure that you would want a little hidden retreat. You would be able to protect yourselves better than I can here in the Wyvern. Well, these are just thoughts from a crazy old gnome anyway."
*blink* *blink* Well, why didn't *I* think of that?!?! I'll have to ponder this with my friends . . .
After getting a sufficient amount of rest and spending most of the morning in meditation, Mantooth comes down the stairs in full plate mail and with his sword at his hip. I cannot believe that this morning really happened. Magnimarama? Are you there?
He greets Bofus and Yab as soon as he sees them. "Good morning, my friends. How are you? I have some news I would like to share with every one once people return to the inn. Have I already missed breakfast?"
He wants me to follow him, doesn't he?
I get up and walk over to him
OK, mr. beak, what do you wanna show me?
@Florence
The hawk glides from branch to branch looking back each time to see that you are following. After a short while, the small raptor leads you over some pasture to the edge of a small forest. At this point, you can clearly hear the words of a short elderly woman calling out, "Help, help! Get me out of this killing contraption."
You arrive at the scene of an elderly woman ensnared by a mechanical trap that is holding her leg in locked teeth. As you approach, the woman looks up and yells out, "Don't just stand there sonny! Get me out of this thing!"
Hey, don't yell at me...
I scratch my chin and reply
Who tells me, you're not some kind of demon-witch that was entrapped here by a band of crusading paladins, huh?
I throw my arms up in frustration and walk over to the trap
Nevermind, If you cast a spell on me once you are free, I will return from the hells as a succubus and flay you for weeks....
Anything I can do about this contraption?
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Ah, morning good Sir Knight!! We're still down a couple folks, so maybe you want to keep your news . . . hmmm, it's important, isn't it? You look . . . different somehow.
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Huh.
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Anyway, Master Yab here just gave me a wonderful idea. I offered to sell him the heavier loot from Nextic's place, but he suggested we might claim the hideout as our own. I think this is a capital idea!! It was well hidden, already has traps in place that I'm sure I can reset and fix, it's got plenty of room, it's quite defensible, already has a lot of stores, it's close to town yet not general knowledge . . . it'll take soem work to clean up after the mess we made of it, but it sounds perfect otherwise. let's think about it, shall we??
as I'm sipping my tea, something obviously came to me in a mental thunderclap and I almost choke.
Oh, what a fool I am!!! I must be short a couple of cups of tea, my brain is working slow. Harpwizard is an expert in extraplanar travel. He's also well-versed in creating magical items. I'm going to bring our treasures to him right now and see what he can make of them!! I'll bring thordak back as well, and share Yab's idea so he can chew on it. Speaking of "chew on it," here . . . I toss down my transcription of the Son fo the Dragon entry read this while I'm gone. Also, you might want to reread Cebre's journal entry on this subject. I'll be back in less than an hour, I think . . . MASTER YAB!! Our good KNight is in need of a horde of berry pancakes to defeat, if you please!!
I scuttle out the door and head right back to the harpwizard, both Dragon Eyes on my person!!
I tag along with Bofus. You sure you want to show him both of those? Right now only we know about the second one. If he has knowledge of one, I doubt the second one will assist us and spreading this info around could come back to haunt us.
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You make valid points, my new friend. But, three things.
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First, this is a matched pair. Individually they have one function, but together htey have some other function that we haven't been able to determine. I strongly suspect that we need the pair together to determine what the pair can do.
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Second, that function has to do with planar travel, so I surmise that an expert in that field would be the best way to determine what these do, exactly.
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Third, D. M. Harp Wizard has proven himself to be not only just such an expert, but quite trusworthy in my dealings with him so far. I have no doubt that he'll keep quiet, particularly when I point out that he could be in danger if he spills the beans.
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Does that satisfy you?
Sounds good. I will defer to your judgment on this. Just wanted to make sure that you were not putting these at risk since your friend the baron seems very interested in acquiring them. Speaking of which, you want me to hold one of those - could put it in my spell pouch, that way if you are grabbed, you would only have the one gem.
@Florence
@Bofus & Tirion
You arrive back at Brindol Academy where you race through the halls to D.M. Harpwizard's Office. "Back again already? What can I do for you this time, my friends?"
This is going to be tough, granny.
I crouch and begin to press the trap open
Phew...you know a friendly strongman?
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You arrive back at Brindol Academy where you race through the halls to D.M. Harpwizard's Office. "Back again already? What can I do for you this time, my friends?"
Well, sir, it occurred to me that you might be able to help me and my friends. Before I tell you what this is about, I ahve to warn you: the knowledge I'm going to give you is dangerous. There are nasty folks who would kill--no, I'm not using hyperbole!--for the info I'm about to disclose, so you must promise, for me and for yourself, to keep this completely between us. Are you willing to make that promise, Professer??
Sense Motive:
@Florence
"If I knew a strongman wandering around the woods, don't you think I would have asked him to free me. Listen up, luv, I appreciate your help. Maybe you can help pry this jaw free with a branch or something. Do you have any oil? That might help me slip my leg out."
@Bofus
"You certainly are taking your responsibilities seriously. I have very few secrets in my life, but if you need me to keep quiet about this affair, then I will do my best to comply. I just hope I don't inadvertently say something by mistake."
Oil? Do I look like an engineer? Hrmpf...I'm an artist...I fetch a branch...
Any solid looking branch nearby?
@Florence
"Bahh, it serves me right that I always adore the arts and have no time for those machine making nimwits that are ever so useful in a pinch!"
@Mantooth
Trabalard Yab brings a steaming stack of three monstrous sized blackberry pancakes to your table and lays them down in front of you. "These here are Mancakes, in your honor, Sir Longbrow. I hope you enjoy them!"
Good news ma'm - I found a branch and a rock and since I'm very clever, I will build a catapult out of those two and shoot you out of the trap! Hold on, just one more...and then this...now here...ah yes...OK, 3...2...1...PULL
Hmmm...that didn't work out...suggestions? I might retry it?!
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"You certainly are taking your responsibilities seriously. I have very few secrets in my life, but if you need me to keep quiet about this affair, then I will do my best to comply. I just hope I don't inadvertently say something by mistake."
Well, in my business--as in yours--you have to know when to have fun, and know when thigns are deadly serious. This is one of the latter.
.We came across a matched pair of magic items. Singly, they help with minute searches. As a pair, they have a function that we've been unable to determine, other than they may hvea something to do with planr traval--your cup 'o tea, eh?? Would you mind taking a look and see what you can discern?
I take out one Eye of the Dragon and indicate Tirion shoudl do the same.
@ Tralabard
"Thank you so much, Master Yab! If there is one thing that I will be missing when we leave your inn it will be the breakfast." Mantooth cuts off and eats one bite of the pancakes and looks quite happy afterwards. "The'yre quite delicious this morning. Say, Master Yab, any news in the town this morning? I know I have woken up somewhat late."
@Florence
"Well lassie, you do seem rather clever with your use of that rock, but may I suggest you keep up your artistic endeavors and stay away from strong man work. However, let's keep trying and I will try and help you as well. With a little more effort perhaps us two lasses can pry me free without calling some man to rescue me. Although, my friend Thorry would be a big help at a time like this, but I guess you just can't rely on the men folk all the time."
@Mantooth
"Well, my good knight, the talk of the town still seems to be of that devil at the theatre last night. This seems to have frightened a good number of people."
@Bofus and Tirion
"Ahh, the Eye of the Dragon"
Deitrovicca picks up the eye of the dragon (the one from the gauntlet) and studies it carefully. After casting a variety of spells upon the rock, he studies and contemplates for an unusually long time.
"Without doubt, this beautiful gem does allow tremendous enhancement to one's perception. However, it does radiate a strong conjuration aura as well. . . Hmm? You know, I think this may be a portion of a key to a large planar gate. I am not clear what gate it could be, but I believe there are other similar such gems that when used in combination on the right artifact could open a portal to another realm. Hmm? This one appears to have a red color to its aura that is invisible to the naked eye. Very curious indeed. Bofus, is this the gem from the Gauntlet at the tournament? I had known of this little treasure, but I had no idea that it held some secrets within it."
Oh yeah...men...
Ha! At last!
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@Bofus and Tirion
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"Ahh, the Eye of the Dragon"
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Deitrovicca picks up the eye of the dragon (the one from the gauntlet) and studies it carefully. After casting a variety of spells upon the rock, he studies and contemplates for an unusually long time.
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"Without doubt, this beautiful gem does allow tremendous enhancement to one's perception. However, it does radiate a strong conjuration aura as well. . . Hmm? You know, I think this may be a portion of a key to a large planar gate. I am not clear what gate it could be, but I believe there are other similar such gems that when used in combination on the right artifact could open a portal to another realm. Hmm? This one appears to have a red color to its aura that is invisible to the naked eye. Very curious indeed. Bofus, is this the gem from the Gauntlet at the tournament? I had known of this little treasure, but I had no idea that it held some secrets within it."
Yes, professer, this was from the Gauntlet. No ideas what gate that might open? Or what the gate we're talking abotu might look like, or how we'd know it when we see it?
So, this is a red stone, and it has a conjuring aura about it, I got that same aura when I looked at it yesterday. What if there was a second stone found in a very cold place, I wonder if it might have a white glow about it. What do you think Bofus?
@Bofus, Tirion, and possibly Mantooth.
As white bearded wizard picks up the second eye of the dragon, he also studies it carefully and casts several spells on it.
"You are very astute, my dark gnome friend. Your instinct serves you well. Indeed this gem gives off a strong white color within its aura. This makes me wonder if there exists one or perhaps two dragon eyes for each of the colors of the five types of evil dragons. You see, there are White, Green, Blue, Black, and Red dragons. These are the five chromatic dragons. Indeed, Tiamat, the Queen of these Dragons is reputed to have five heads, one of each of the chromatic dragons. I wonder if these two gems are two of the five or possibly ten gems related to the chromatic dragons. In terms of finding the planar gate, you want to be looking for a portal with either five or ten slots to place the gems. Once all of the gems are in place. . . Presto, the gate will open! Oh, my! This certainly seems like a very exciting and worthwhile pursuit. Perhaps it is simply my curiosity, but I cannot help but wonder what lies beyond such a portal."
@ Florence
"Ahh, that's it my dear. Those damn teeth nearly took my whole leg off!! Thank you for your assistance, Luv! You may not like to hear this, but you have just freed the Western Witch of the Eastern Witchwood! Ahh, don't you worry! We are not as bad as you think. I certainly was not trapped here by some noble paladin. I suspect it was some hunter with some bad taste and poor manners. Don't they know that some people like to enjoy a bit of nature by simply walking around in the woods. You also don't need to worry, I am not going to cast a spell you after your kind deed. However, you could do me a kind favor and play a piece of music for me while I try and tend to this bad break and cut. Tingar, my faithful falcon says you play very well. However, it sounds as if you are playing some very sad material. I hope you aren't struggling with depression or anything dark like that, my dearie?"
To Bofus: So, there are most likely 5 gems (or possibly 10), one for each of the chromatic dragons. Green, While, Black, Blue and Red - we have the red and white -- how much you want to bet that the good baron has at least one or more of these gems.
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Which leads to the next question - Are we going to continue to investigate the local thieves guild, or is it time to learn more about the infamous baron Trask?
The perennial cycle of life and death is what saddens me...and I knew you are a witch.
I grin and play some rustic tune to lighten our hearts.
Oh dear, I really had better days...