Gareth says that to Klaudia. She ponders for a moment and then says. "Humm, You do not look like a Khurite nor do you have the demenor of a Nekharian. A Solamnic perhaps. Most of you types have the sense to keep a wide birth of this place, especially now with the Dark Knights expanding their control of the town. But not to fear, I will keep your identity safe, for you can trust me."
Klaudia reaches into her robes and pulls out from inside of them, a Starjewel replica, the Symbol of the Legion of Steel. Garth knows from his family history that the Starjewel was gifted to Sturm Brightblade, by the princess of the Silvinesti, Alhana Starbreeze. "If you are a Solamnic and know the password, then I believe you are here on an important task. What is the reason of your coming?"
As for the Wounded Crow, looking around some more you do end up seeing two ogres in the main drinking area, sitting at a table drinking ale and talking boisterously in Ogre. You know that the Ogre Kingdom of Blode is not too far from Pashin and the town on occasion gets visitors from there so it is not too unusual.
Not realizing her friends are inside, Melisaria arrives early to the stage being built outside the Wounded Crow. She wanted to get a good spot near the front. She keeps her eyes open for anything unusual going on while she sits and awaits the performance outside the tavern.
Gareth eyes widen when he sees the replica of the starjewel. You are correct in your observation. I am Solamnic and I am here helping the Legion of Steel. I was sent for information. It should be in an unopened package.
Klaudia nods and says, "Ah most interesting that the Legion would send a Knight for such an errand. The task however is a vital one for the resistance. Myself and my contacts have been keeping tabs on the goings on around Pashin and have gained some valuable intelligence that may be of aid to the Legion and its allies in opposing the knights in the future. Please wait here, I will retrieve the package."
Klaudia walks off into another room and closes the door behind her. A minute later she comes out carrying a solidly sealed leather parchment holder, well oiled and likey water-resistant. She hands the package off to Gareth and says. "I put my upmost trust in you Sir Knight. This packaged is not to be opened under any circumstances. The package also must not fall into the hands of the Dark Knights. If this happens, it will expose spy network and hamper the efforts of the Legion in Pashin. You must get this package safely to the Legion even at the cost of your life. Are you up for the task?"
Gareth takes the leather holder. Understood. I will protect it with my life. Delivering this safely is a matter of honor.
Gareth makes a fist and holds it against his chest.
Ahelcot let's go get the others.
Ahelcot tore his gaze from examining the fascinating objects and moved to rejoin Gareth. "We shall endeavor to complete this task as quickly as possible, Klaudia. I should hope to have more time to browse some of the items in your shop after we have completed our task."
Anshim snorts at Cassim's obvious fear, his mouth curling into a cruel grin.
"Brave Cassim." But the way he says it, you cannot tell if he is calling you brave, or telling you to be brave.
Klaudia nods to Ahelcot and says, "My store is open for business if there is something you need. I am a skilled alchemist and also keep a supply of different reagents for spell-casting. As for departing the town, it may be prudent to check out the bazaar on the morrow and see if you can arrange passage with one of the caravans. The desert can be dangerous to travel alone."
From what you observe on the shelves you can buy any potion of 300 Steel Pieces or less. (So generally all the Level 1 and 2 potions are available for purchase). Ahelcot also sees that he could get a fair supply of spell components and alchemical supplies from the store if his need calls for it.
(OOC: So barring any other errands, I presume you all eventually find your way to the Wounded Crow in the evening and meet up to see the Hearld. Still I don't want to rush the game too much so an leaving time for open RP if you've got other tasks you wish to do before the gathering.)
Anshim says nothing, producing a steel piece or two of his own to buy whatever passes for drink, snorting at the room and to get the flavor of ogres out of his personal space.
"Herald outside." Nothing else, he feels, needs to be said. He takes whatever drink is brought to him and saunters out to the wooden stage.
Melisaria is standing near the stage waiting for the show to begin looking at the crowd when, to her surprise, Anshim comes out the door of the Wounded Crow.
"Dear one," she says, running up to him and Cassim who is trailing right behind. "How pleased I am to see you. I did not know your meeting with 'Blackbird' was at this place, but it seems fitting now. How did it go? Did you find any leads on who might be stealing and selling Elvish relics?".
She leads them back to her place near the stage and listens intently to their tale.
Evening has come in Pashin and a large crowd of people have gathered on the street near the makeshift stage created outside the Wounded Crow tavern. Most of the Khurites there are very excited to attend, speaking to one another in their native tongues. Cassim, being a Khur gets the gist of conversations about the Herald. That he is a man whose lived through the previous age and has crossed paths with many a great men and women throughout the world. There are some Nerekarians in the crowd as well, although none you can see look like Dark Knights, more like just civilians. They seem more reserved on their opinions of the herald, at the event more out of curiosity then actual admiration.
Either way you can see why the stage has been built outside. There is far more people than what the tavern could hold in its normal venue. Whoever this Hearld is, his arrival has brought many to see his performance.
When the time comes, the Hearld comes onto the stage. A man probably approaching 70 walks onto the stage. He is balding on the top of his head, but white hair still hangs out the back of his head. He has a trim well kept beard and he is dressed in a fairly modest white robe. There is a weathered looking eyes as though he has seen very much in his life. There are cheers from the crowd as he goes onto the stage. He raises his hand and speaks with an Abasasinian accented common. "Thank you, everyone. May you please hush your words so I may weave a tale for thee."
With that the crowd quiets down to listen. The Herald begins to speak.
"I am known as the Herald. The Memories of Krynn are mine to know and share. In my dreams I have lived many other lives. I have lead men into battle on the side of good and evil. I have fought on dragonback and weilded the mighty dragonlance. I have lived, loved, and died a thousand times. This eve, I shall share some of my tales with you."
The crowd begins to shout, "Tell us of Huma!" A Khurite yells. "Tell us of Raistlin and the Dark Queen! Tell us of lord Ariakan's fall among the minions of Chaos!" A Nerekarian yells.
The stern gaze and hand motion from the Herald silences the shouting and he says "I have another story for you this evening." The Herald intones, "I will tell you this day of a young girl named Mina and of a great war, once fought not over the control of Krynn but of the souls of its people."
The Herald weaves a gripping tale of the events of the war of souls. His lyrical words flow as he tells events in grand detail and the skill that only a master bard such has himself could tell.
Perform Check (Oratory)
While a majority of the crowd is gripped in excitement from his tale, the Nerekarians do not seem to be taking kindly to his words. While he is very honest in his Oration the Nerekarians take offense. They yell out taunts and geers and some start flinging rocks and mud at the Herald. In turn the Khurites inflamed the words of the Herald over the sins of the Dark Knights during the War of Souls start to get very unfriendly towards the Nerekarians of the crowd. Things are getting out of hand, FAST. What are the you doing in response to this?
"This crowd is getting unruly. It appears those Nehkarians are the culprits. But I do not see any Dark Warriors among them."
Looking at the trouble-makers, Melisaria tries to see how many there are.
Ahelcot listened to the story with a rapt look on his face as the storyteller's words washed over him. He almost did not notice the trouble building until Melisaria mentioned it.
"You are right, Milady. We need to get the Herald away from here before they do show up. Do you see a way out of here?"
Ok Melisaria, the crowd is pretty thick with people so its not easy to get an accurate number. Of course you know the difference between a Khurite and a Nerekarians and there seems to be a larger amount of Khurites in the crowd, but the Nerekarians still have a sizable presence, more than enough to cause trouble.
As for Ahelcot, the stage is is pretty surrounded by people so getting him an escape route might be difficult. As for ways to escape, you're on a sizable street and there are some back alleyways you could use as well, so long as you're able to get the Herald away from the crowd.
"Too many to safely handle. We must flee. Ahlecot and Gareth may be able to get the Venerable One from the stage. Anshim, be ready to assist if there is trouble. I will see if Cassim can lead us out of here or if he really is part of the problem,"
She steps over and grabs Cassim by the lapels and whispers harshly into his face. "Listen Khurite, we need to get out of here now. I will let Anshim have his way with you unless you stop this foolishness and assist us in spiriting the Herald away from this mob. I am assuming you like all your limbs attached? It is time for the better angels of your nature to assert themselves. Are you friend or foe?". She is clearly exasperated at this behavior and her anger burns through her Elvish eyes into him.
Fool. Why does he incite the crowd? Gareth pauses to think. We do not need this trouble Ahelcot. If we are arrested, we are doomed. I say we head back to the Inn. Is there a reason we need to help this guy?
Anshim catches a rock thrown at the Herald and lightly taps Cassim with it. (probably just enough to hurt). "Not throw! Hurts."
He takes out his bec-de-corbin and moves towards the Herald, standing in front of the stage and blocking what thrown things he can.
Ahelcot stares at Gareth for a moment struck speechless. "This is the HERALD...only the last repository of the true events that took place in Krynn's history! Losing such a source would be catastrophic, as if the Great Library in Palanthus would be burned to the ground!" He then takes off to move towards the Herald along the path cleared by the minotaur's body.
The herald or a chance we fail our mission...I can't leave Ahelcot here unprotected.
Gareth follows after the wizard.
Melisaria smiles at Cassim her fierce anger burning away. "Find us a safe path back to the Inn, we must spirit the Herald away this time as well,"she urges the Khur rogue.
She hesitates for a moment, look back at the Herald being pelted on the stage and leans forward enough to touch just the hem of his robe. She thanks her Blue Goddess that she found seats near the front as she whispers a quick incantation: "Goddess protect this innocent. Give him your Sanctuary."
School abjuration; Level cleric 1
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, DF
Range touch
Target creature touched
Duration 1 round/level
Saving Throw Will negates; Spell Resistance no
Any opponent attempting to directly attack the warded creature, even with a targeted spell, must attempt a Will save. If the save succeeds, the opponent can attack normally and is unaffected by that casting of the spell. If the save fails, the opponent can't follow through with the attack, that part of its action is lost, and it can't directly attack the warded creature for the duration of the spell. Those not attempting to attack the subject remain unaffected. This spell does not prevent the warded creature from being attacked or affected by area of effect spells. The subject cannot attack without breaking the spell but may use nonattack spells or otherwise act.
Gareth attempts to grab the herald off of the stage and carry him off, but he is unable to reach him.
Herald come with us before you are killed. We can save you.
Reacting quickly before things really get out of hand you work together to see to the Heralds protection. And none too soon as the fists start flying as the crowd breaks out into pandemonium. Fortunately Anshim is able to open a path to the Hearlds by drawing his weapon and giving an intimidating glare and blocking a few stones here and there.
Melisaria's then hits the stage and uses Sanctuary which was a smart move as a group of six Nerekarians were rushing the stage at about the same time with clubs out ready to beat the Herald into a pulp. Suddenly the magical protection of the goddess activates and they are unable to follow through with their assault.
Garth and Ahelcot use the Minotaurs distraction to get onto the stage. The Herald gives a surprised look for the moment to the group but it passes quickly as he seems to be well aware that people wish him harm. He looks to Garth and nods saying, "Very we'll destined one. I shall go with you and trust in your protection."
Unfortunately, Cassim is caught in the middle of the riot as fists are swinging around with Khurites and Nerekarians beating one another. While no one targets you directly, he loses attention in the clutter of activity.
As for the Nerekarians on stage, confused why they cannot attack the Herald, turn their attentions to those protecting him. These men however don't look like professional fighters though, just a bunch of angry rabble. You could overpower them pretty easily, although shedding blood on Nerekarian citizens is bound to get you in trouble with the dark knights.
(OOC: Not making this a fight. These are level 1 commoners so you could easily overpower them in a fight. You just have to tell me how you are dealing with them as they will impede you escape)
Melisaria shouts to Anshim over the din of the mob"Great One, clear a path back to the Inn. Threaten, but do not harm any of these fools unless absolutely necessary." Mel will cast Guidance on the minotaur, asking for Mishakal's hand to guide them safely through this mob.
School divination; Level cleric 0, druid 0
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Range touch
Target creature touched
Duration 1 minute or until discharged
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes
This spell imbues the subject with a touch of divine guidance. The creature gets a +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. It must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies.
To Gareth and Ahelcot:"Keep the Venerable One safe and follow the minotaur's path. Help him should he require assistance in moving the rabble out of the way. We will re-group at the Inn."
To Cassim:"Follow if you wish, we have need of your contacts with this "Blackbird" person. But we will persevere if you choose to stay with your countrymen".
To the Nekharians in the path:"I will turn my beast upon you should you give me the slightest provocation. It is not a pretty sight when he rages and rends flesh. Step aside at once or face the consequences"
.
Anshim steps towards the crowd menacingly, brandishing his pole arm in an attempt to frighten off any attackers.
The rabble sneers at Melisaria Darkflower's attempt at a bluff, having no respect for an Elf and start to close. But then the massive Minotaur Anshim Karas with the big polearm goes in front of them and lets off a fearsome growl. The Nerekarians may not respect the elves but definitely are fearful of Minotaur’s, especially after the Dark Knights were driven out of Silvanost.
One of them yells "The beast is going to butcher us! Flee before he kills us all!"
The Nerekarian rabble run in terror, eliminating their interference as you push your way through the crowd with the Herald. While the Dark Knights were not immediately at the location, the massive brawl in the streets soon attracts local Dark Knight Patrols who converge on the location and begin to brutally supress the riot. But fortunately the scale of the riot is enough to slow down their progress, leaving enough time for all of you to escape. (including Cassim)
Eventually you find yourselves in a back alleyway, with the echoes of the riot dying down off in the distance. The Herald looks to the group and says, "I thank you for your aid friends. Without your aid I may have been brutally harmed by those evil people."
He gives the group a look of familiarity and says, "It appears fate has brought us together. My reason for coming to this town was not only to reveal the true history of Krynn but also to find you. Fate has brought you together and destiny has a greater task for you to accomplish."
The Hearld gathers his composure and continues. "Once in the Palace of Quinari in the Kingdom of Silvanesti was a key to something long lost to the ages of Krynn. When the Minotaur’s invaded the elven lands, the Dark Knights took a share of elven relics and fled from the forest to the lands of Khur. One of the Dark Knights, named Pegrin took his share of relics including the key that you require. Pegrin abandoning his order is now a bandit in this region I hear. You must seek him out and recover the key before it becomes lost to you. I implore you, find the key and fulfill your destiny."
Once the crowd has gone, Anshim steps again behind Melisaria. He looks over at the herald after his speech.
"Different story, less anger." He snorts as though to indicate that was enough that needed to be said about their previous situation. "What key?"
"Yes, what Key Herald? What does this Key look like?" Ahelcot asks excitedly. "Is it a magical key? What powers does it possess?"
The Herald says in response to Ahelcot and Anshim, "I saw in my dream a box in the shape of a hexagon, skillfully crafted by elven hands and bearing the seal of the royal family of the Silvanesti. The key may not be a "Key" in the traditional sense. As for its ultimate purpose, that is for you to discover for my dreams have not shown me anything further."
Gareth looks on thankful that his friend had encouraged him to aid the herald. You mentioned fate. There is a purpose for our gathering?. He looks around at his new companions.
The Herald replies to Gareth "What mortal can know their own destiny? Did the companions know that their act of seeking the Gods would bring back the faithful? Did the companions know that their adventures would hold the very fate of the world in the balance? No, they did not, but destiny called and they fulfilled their role in the River of Time. Now in this Fifth Age, scarred by decades of maledictions by the forces of evil, there is no better time for heroes to rise. And I believe you are the heroes of the new age who will change the world for the better."
To Anshim: "The Goddess blessed me the day we met, Great One. Thank you again for your assistance in clearing this mob from our path.
After the Herald speaks, "You speak wisely, Venerable One. We were investigating the theft of elf relics before our meeting and it is apparent that our paths converging was more than a mere accident. As one who communes with the Goddess, I do believe there is a calling here for all of us. I for one, will take up the quest to look for this 'key' whatever it may be."
She looks intently into each of the companions' eyes, measuring them up and challenging them to join her quest.
Seeing that they all seem to agree, she smiles and says:"Wise One, tell us more fo this Pegrin a Dark Knight who fell. We would seek him out and inquire about his key. Do you or anyone know where we might find him?"
The Herald says in response to the question "I know not where Pegrin resides but certainly not too far from the town of Pashin. The most likey place I can presume is the forest to the south. But wandering blind into the forest would be foolhardy. Travel too far in and you may encounter the Minotaurs and they are not known for their hospitality. My advice would be to seek information in the town. Surely there is someone who may know where the bandits make their camp."
"Why fate?", again stating an ambiguous question through what words he can.
(OOC: Minotaurs also believe in fate to a degree. Indeed, most believe that they have a destiny to rule over the world. Of course this is often egged on by their god Sargas, who whole heartily encourages the Minotaurs to bring their wrath upon the other races and conquer in his name. This is especially true now considering that he's currently the head of the Gods of Evil now that his wife Takhisis has kicked the bucket.)
The Herald says, "Well I do say that you indeed are an odd group of adventurers, but nonetheless I cannot deny what my dreams do tell. But whatever the case, I tire after this Fiasco. I would return to my room at the Wounded Crow if I could but for tonight at least it may be good to distance myself from that locale. In future Orations, I should perhaps be more tactful in my tales considering the audience in this town."
"Cassim Doka, you belong to this group like the rest. It may not be revealed yet, but if, as the Ancient One says, Fate has brought us together, then there is a part for you to play. Ours may not be to know the Plan now, but to have Faith in the Gods of Good to lead us on the right path.
"Cassim, do you know of this Pegrin? We must find his bandit camp and travel there."
"Wise One, we have lodgings not far from this place and are pleased to offer you what simple accomodations we can at our expense."
The Herald smiles at Melisaria's kindness and says, "I would appreciate the gesture milady. I am weary from the events of today and could use a soft bed to rest my bones."
To speed things along you likey bring the Herald back to the inn with you. Emilie's eyes widen as she sees the Herald and recognises him, "My word! The Herald, here in my inn. I am honored to meet you sir!"
The Hearld raises is hand and says, "Now now my dear. No need for flattery in my presence. I merely wish to request a room for the evening as the Wounded Crow had an insident tonight I would rather distance myself from until the atomsphere calms down. I ask only for lodgings for the night."
The Emilie says, "Of course. You shall have one of my best rooms."
She yells upstairs, "Cynthia, get down here!"
A girl in her later teens exits one of the rooms on the 2nd floor, carrying a cleaning bucket. She looks somewhat like Emilie, although with a darker skin tone more on the line with Alek, Emilie's husband.
Cynthia goes downstairs and says in Khurish, "Yes mother."
Emilie replies in Khurish, "The Herald will be staying with us tonight. Get room 3b ready for him. Make sure it is in the best of shape."
Cynthia gives a look of surprise at the Herald and then nods to her mother. She grabs the key for the room and heads upstairs to get the room ready.
The Hearld goes and takes a seat at one of the tables. Alek quickly gives him a mug of water and the Herald gives it a swift gulp and begins to relax in his chair near the fireplace.
So what are the rest of you doing?
Anshim stalks boldly back into the inn, and also takes a seat at one of the tables. He looks up to make certain that Melisaria is alright.