So you head to the Brown Pelican Tavern. The place actually has a solid stone construction and has the looks of a building that was perhaps some sort of military barracks before being converted into a tavern and drinking establishment. A motif of a Brown Pelican is drawn on the outside above the door.
As you go inside, you find the place clean and well maintained, with numerous tables and a mix of rather shady looking individuals dressed in leathers. Some are drinking, others gambling playing dice or card games in the place. Alathea flashes her Starjewel in the place and orders a drink from the one of the barmaids. Not too long a wait later, a scruffy looking individual comes to your table, takes a seat in an empty chair, opens his coat and likewise flashes his own Starjewel briefly in a way that only your group can see.
He then says quietly, "I don't recognize you. You aren't from around here are you? We don't casually flash our jewels around in this town. As far as the people of this town know, we're the Guild and we like to keep it that way. So what's your business here? Who are you looking for?"
Alathea palms the Starjewel and places it back inside her armor for safekeeping.
"I don't usually casually flash it anywhere, in fact it's the first time I have worn it but I have need. My companions are Athola and Murdains, the latter a member of the Legion. I am Alathea of Solace, Cleric of Zivilyn.
He was captured by the Dark Knights and we managed to rescue him from Darkhaven. I and my former companion have very dark roads to travel ahead of us and could use the aid of the Fox..."
He raises an eyebrow and says, "You want to meet the Fox eh? I suppose that can be arranged. He'ed probably want to size you up personally just to make sure you're on the level. You can call me "Sparrow" and if I take you to see the Fox, remember that what you see remains between us. You go blabbing about the Guild, we won't appreciate it, ya got me?"
Murdains says in response, "I'll respect the way you do things here. I'm not the sort to judge what you guys do. We're just here to socialize that's all."
Sparrow says, "Right, then keep it in mind when we go into the back. Come with me."
With that he gets up and leads the party to a side door with a burly looking Ergothian man with a Cutlass on his belt. He gives a hand signal to the burly guy. He looks you over, nods and then opens the door. You enter what looks like a storage room with bunches of boxes. He leads you to the back of the room, moves a crate out of the way and pushes the wall away to reveal a secret passage.
You enter the next area and see what definitely looks like a thieves guild if you've ever seen one. As you walk through the area, you see a number of thieves practicing lock-picking on boxes and door locks, stealth training, climbing, trap finding, trap disarming and other underhanded skullduggery. The people are mainly human but you also see a good number of Kender and a few Gnomes among them. A woman maybe in her 40's dressed in leathers with graying streaks in her hair seems. Despite her age, she seems to have done so gracefully and seems a bit "Lean" for your average human. The woman seems to be drilling out a recruit for failing at a trap finding training task
the woman bellows, "Watch your feet rogue. Ya do something sloppy like that in real life you'ed have an arrow trap shoot you through the throat."
He gulps and says. "Yes mam! I'll look out for myself next time."
The woman responds sharply, "You'ed better you goon."
She then turns a look to Sparrow and says, "Sparrow, what have you drug in here this time. A Cleric, a Kender and some kind of scout by the looks of em."
Sparrow says, "Oh Vixen. Yes we've got some new folks in town."
He goes up to her and whispers in her ear. She nods to Sparrow and looks back to your group and says, "Ah I see. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Vixen, only daughter to the Silver Fox and second in command of the Guild. If you're looking to see my father I might as well come along with you."
Once out of earshot of the training rogues she says, " I am also a Legion of Steel member as is half of the Guild. We use a policy of sanctioned thievery as a method of our operations. I believe I will leave the rest of the explanations to my father."
With that you're lead to another hidden door that opens up into a hidden stairway that heads down into some hidden smugglers tunnels and you pass a number of rooms before coming to a closed door. Knocking on the door Vixen says, "Father, it Vixen. We have some new guests from another branch of the Legion here."
An older voice answers, "Have them come in."
With that the door is opened and you enter a decorated office with a nice desk, chairs and a decor of tapestries and chests, a number of them seem to be symbols not seen since the war of the Lance.
Sitting at a desk is an old gentleman with silver hair in a pony tail. He is dressed in fine leathers but appears also a rather slender fellow for a human. The man has silver eyes and fair skin with some light wrinkles. On his face he wears a Silver Fox mask.
He stands and takes a bow and says, "Welcome friends of the Legion. I am the Silver Fox, leader of the Thieves Guild in Flostam."
Alathea nods to Vixen and to the Silver Fox.
"It is a pleasant surprise to see so many of the Legion here and operating in such a fashion. In the open but yet not, quite a brilliant strategy and one which I shall take to my grave before uttering to another.
I wish to pass a message along to Centurian Rayhan of the Legion in Ak-Khurman. Is this something you can do for me?"
"Also, Murdains here needs to get back to his post within the Legion and will likely need your help in doing so if you can offer it. There is also another task I may need your assistance with but first I must speak with a member of the Knights of Solamnia also with us in Flotsam before I can fully reveal to you my needs.
I do not come only asking favors though, perhaps there is something I can do here to aid you? Certainly I can inform you that we have recently stirred a bees nest in the Desolation as well as in Darkhaven which may have a spill over effect here in this city..."
As they move pass the thief in training she speaks softly, "I seen far more deadlier and complex traps, that I had to bypass. Better pay attention if you want to live long."
Once they in the room with Silver Fox, "Very nice place you have here. We organized it seems too."
The Silver Fox says concerning the Guild says, "We do what is functional here in Flotsam to keep the peace in the region. We use the Thieves Guild as a front to keep out competition that could have far more sinister motives. We do a lot of good here, protecting caravans, keeping an eye out for the Dark Knights and other sinister types, helping with tax collection and acting as an unofficial defence force in case of outside attack. Now we are a thieves guild so we do some less reputable actions as well such as loan sharking, theft, prostitution, racketeering assassinations, drug trading and the like, but we keep strict control over such activities. Anyone we steal from is those that are either our enemies, or those who can afford the losses. We do not steal from the poor and downtrotton and avoid killing unless it's in self defence or a required operation. It is what works here and while it may not be up to the Legion code, I am a veteran of the War over The Lance and have run things here in that way for a long time. My alliance with the legion Is one of convience, we needed the Legion support to survive in this age and I am grateful for the support."
As for the requests the Silver Fox says, "Ah so you're acquainted with the Legion Fortress in Ak-Khurman I see. Quite a bastion of order I hear in the lands of Khur. We do have an efficient courier service in Flotsam and occasinally communicate with other sects of the Legion, including with Ak-Khurman. As a favor to a fellow Legionare I could arrange a message to be sent out on a trading vessel. As for mister Murdais here, I could arrange for him to go as a passenger on the ship to Ak-Khurman and even deliver the message in person if that is what you'ed perfer. Hopefully from there he can find his way to wherever he needs to go. I would ask that you pay a shipping fee of 75 steel to help cover expenses for the voyage as a sign of good faith. It costs money to ship personnel after all."
Murdains says, "That would be acceptable Silver Fox. From Ak-Khurman I believe I could arrange passage back toward Solace. Your aid to us is most appreciated."
The Silver Fox says, "Think nothing of it Mister Murdains. Its the least I can do to help a fellow member of the Legion."
The Silver Fox looks interested when Alathea mentions Darkhaven. He says, "Darkhaven you say? Indeed, they are a threat to the town of Flostam. In our history we've been occupied by their predecessors, the Dragonarmies and then the Dark Knights themselves for quite a while before we were able to oust them from our territory with the aid of the Legion. Any intelligence you can give on their activities would be most valuable to us. Ah yes, silly me, how is it I should address you. What rank do you currently hold within the Legion?"
"Yes, that would be quite helpful, thank you. I have little steel, in trade I can give you something of value taken from the Dark Knights".
"The Dark Knights are likely in disarray as we slew many of their internal leadership within the Temple of Chemosh, the God they have now aligned themselves with. They scout the Desolation and search for an artifact they shall now never find.
Clearly, their goals have fallen in lock step with those of the Church of Chemosh, whatever they may be".
The Silver Fox says, "So it appears the Chemosh Worshipers are gathering up anyone that are willing to support their cause, including the Knights of Darkhaven who no longer have the backing of the Dragon Overlord. Still with those you killed there, hopefully it will put things in disarray for a while in Darkhaven. In this town we've had recent incursions of some Chemosh worshipers. They are apparently spreading their faith, what on the surface seems like their typical spiel. The whole Afterlife is a lie thing and that the only way to live forever is through the loving embrace of Chemosh, bla bla bla. This time it seems they have the power behind it to back up their claims. We have attempted some subtle assassination attempts on some of these naysayers but it seems they are a bunch that seem to be impervious to death. We've poisoned their food, struck from the shadows in lethal areas but apparently they seem they just will not die. So for now we've decided to take an approach of limiting their influence but there is always some desperate or foolish sods willing to take a bite at what they're offering. You should watch out for them yourself and give these Chemosh worshipers a wide birth miss Alathea."
He then goes back on subject and says, "Well then, we have a ship called the "Sea Wraith" heading towards the Khur region in two days. I will arrange passage for Legionare Murdains. If you wish to give the message to them or have one of the crew of the ship deliver it, that can also be arranged."
Dalamar says to Terevalis after his response, "The request for a seat on the conclave will be considered. Learn the spell of teleportation and the means to perform it without assistance. Then inform the tower that you are ready to visit and you will be given access to teleport there. Once you arrive in person then we negotiate what role you will play within the Conclave leadership."
The elf bows his head in deference to the Master of the Order.
Dalamar nods and then says, "If there is no other issues to cover, I suggest you continue on your course of action Terevalis. Whatever this group you are with are up to, it seems that it should be monitored by one of our own. You are currently in Flostam right now it appears. I heard that that wart of a hobgoblin creation, Toade rules there. A pathetic buffoon by all definitions but still strangely alive despite being at least twice as old as any mere hobgoblin should live. From our network, I learned that Toade has been spending a good deal of funds and influence to acquire rare and expensive tomes of knowledge, some of which may be useful to the Orders of High Sorcery. If you can find a way into his library and find out what tomes he has that could be of value, it would be a useful service to the Conclave. Is this a task I can trust you to perform Terevalis?"
Sitting down on the table and lookking around, Jor waves the barmaid over and orders mug of beer as well something to eat alongside it. "Oh, and before you go off, does this inn have still some rooms left? I would like to reserve couple of them for the night or two, for me and my companions. Also I would be willing to hear some news, what is going on here lately, if you dont mind. I have been under rock some time and missed the days of decent companion." winking at the end and smiling at the barmaid
It shall be done my Lord. he responds.
Talking to one of the human barmaids she says to Jor, "Most certainty sir, we have plenty of rooms here at the Jetties. We have the cleanest rooms and the best ale in this entire region I assure you. As for rooms, they will cost 2 Steel a night for a common room or 4 Steel for one of the Suites. As for what is going on, quite a good deal. From visits from the Sea Elves, to rumors that some dragon eggs have been stolen from Lord Toade. I have also heard tales of a Sea Monster called Malmanas being seen by sailors along the coast. There has also been some strange black-robed individuals who have been preaching about the salvation of some God called "Chemosh", not that I believe in such tripe. Shrine is the Goddess I respect, although I keep my fear of Zeboim the Queen of the sea as well."
"A message through Murdains as well a second Legion source I think would be wise. Indeed, that is all the intel I have at the moment I am afraid.
Let me meet with my allies and then I shall return to you and I will better know if there is something else I can help you with or in turn myself need help with, perhaps some way to deal with these followers of Chemosh? Is that agreeable?"
The Silver Fox nods to Alathea and says, "I appreciate you announcing your presence in the town Alathea of Solace. Certainly, know that you will be safe here under the protection of the Guild. You need not do anything further for us for I believe you have done more than enough with your disruption of the Knights of Darkhaven. Still be cautious of those Chemosh worshipers, they are dangerous to be sure. Keeping a wide birth of them would be advisable."
Alathea will nod to the Silver Fox and head back to the Jetties with Athola unless she has something else in mind to do.
The wizard will returun to the Mage ware shop.present his items and begin trading.
Dalamar says the parting words, "We shall speak again Wizard Terevalis. With more information to learn perhaps."
With that the message cuts out and Terevalis heads back to do some trading.
He will trade the wand for a wand of mage armor,
the lesser intensify for an acid metamagic rod
Wand of Mount
Scroll of Teleport
Scroll of Wall of Fire
Scroll of Wall of Ice
Scroll of Lesser Globe of Invunerability
Scroll of Icestorm
145 left in credit
Gabriel heads towards the town hall after getting directions from one of the people. Its not in the center of the town however but more on the north-end if it. This area looks to be in much better repair than most of the town although still bearing marks of dragonfire. Still a lot of effort has been put into repairing this area of the city. There is a small square with a fountian and a few surrounding buildings that looks like a mix of residences and businesses. Before he can enter the town hall though he sees a small gathering outside the building although not in a way that impedes progress.
The people appear to be looking at a trio of people dressed in Black robes with yellow trim. Their robes have hoods but currently their hoods are down, showing the faces of three young looking individuals, probably in their late teens, early 20's. There are two men and one woman among them, all of them attractive youths who smile to the crowd. The spokesman is a brown hair young man with fair skin. He has a unholy symbol of Chemosh over his neck and gestures seeming unusually welcoming for a cleric of that denomination. He intones.
"Listen to me oh people of Flotsam. The afterlife your Gods preach of is false. Beyond the so called Gateway of Souls is not a paradise. It nothing but the gateway to Oblivion, an utter end to existence. Existence is but one life and paradise is what you make of it in this world. But fear not the grasp of Oblivion, for there is one God that wishes to save the souls of those who live. Chemosh, the Lord of Bones can save you from the non-existence of the afterlife. He offers you an eternity in this world, free from suffering, pain, want and hunger and the suffering of Mortality. You merely must ask for the grace of Chemosh and he shall raise you to become like Gods on this world of Krynn. He shall free you from the caress of death now and for all ages. So free yourself from the lies of the other Gods and embrace the gift of eternity from the Lord of Bones people of Flotsam."
Gabriel makes his way close enough to hear the speech.
"Acolytes looking to claim souls through fear. Trying to increase ranks in a an undead army. They know not we have the tear now and struck a blow against them."
"Good people of Flotsam. Do you wish to embrace this darkness. Giving your soul to eternal torment so that your body may live on as an undead abomination. Chemosh is weak and looks to rule and suppress you with fear. No just God would ask this. I a knight of Solamnia and follower of Kiri-Jolith knows these words being spewed from these corrupt people to not be true. It is said Chemosh has came down from the heavens. This shows his desperation and when a God is not in the heavens they are vulnerable. Stay true to your faith. Keep protection of your family and believe that Chemosh will be stopped."
Seeing Alathea is wanting to return to the rest of their group, she quickly tugs on Alathea to get her attention and indicates she wants to whisper something to her. When Alathea has lowered her head to her level, she whispers, "Over the days we have spent together saving the world, I must say I have come to liking your organization. Also seeing what they doing here and so close to Kendermore to be able to help. I can see the benefit of joining your organization, and also work from here once we saved the world."
Alathea grins at Athola, "I would certainly sponsor your membership Athola".
Alathea turns to the Silver Fox, "As you are affiliated with but not necessarily part of the Legion, can you still admit members who are worthy candidates?"
The Silver Fox says to Alathea "Most certainly I can initiate new members into the Legion. As tradition, we of the Legion do not judge by race or creed but those willing to help the common people of Krynn. We ourselves have taken other Kender into the fold and would welcome a new member so long as she has skills to contribute to the fold. With your sponsorship I am willing to offer Althola a rank of Legion Apprentice. Still Althola will have to do a period of service and learn our ways before she can be promoted to full Legionnaire status and be given her Starjewel."
He then looks to Althola and says, "Joining the Legion is an important step in one's life Althola. It is a not a mere club you join on a whim and then abandon just as quickly. To join the legion is to join with a fellowship of brothers and sisters all seeking to support each other in these dark times and beyond. It is my hope that you can understand the responsibilities your membership entails."
He would like to spend time adding spells to his spellbooks if possible.
Athola looks up to Silver Fox standing proudly, "Yes, I do understand what it means to be a member of the Steel Legion after working with Alathea for some time now. I gladly accept the rank of Legion Apprentice."
The Silver Fox nods and says, "Then congratulations Alhola, you are now an apprentice to the legion. While usually you would be given a chance to apprentice under one of the four branches, the Mystics, The Sorcerers, The Scouts or The Warriors to eventually join their ranks, I have a feeling that you won't be remaining in this region long enough to apprentice to one of our number here. So for now, Althea will be your mentor. She will teach you the code and our ways and when you have earned your place she will present you to the Legion for promotion to a true Legionare. In the meantime, you are welcome here to make use of our facilities as you see fit. You look like a sort that has already learned the skills of the roguish persuasion, but if you want to brush up on your skills you can make use of our training areas. I hope to see great things from you Athola. Welcome to the Legion."
Meanwhile back at the Town Hall Square, the passionate words of Gabriel easily sways the people there who were already rather suspious of these black robed people to begin with.
One person yells out, "Yes! The knight is right. Why should we believe what an evil god says?"
Another yells, "Chemosh is liar just like all the other Gods. The Gods abandoned us for decades. We can't trust any of them, we don't need your faith here! Neither your Death God nor the God of this knight telling us how to live!"
A man dressed in leathers and wearing a cloak and hood steps out from the background and says, "Indeed, the Gods can't be depended on. We did well enough without them meddling in our affairs. Its bad enough that the Sea Goddess Zeboim demands tribute to placate her wrath. Now we have some Death Worshipers telling us to bow down and surrender our livelihood. The Gods should have just stayed gone, we don't want them here. The only thing we can depend on is one another. Faith in the Gods is lie to bow down to slavery."
There is some loud grumbles from the gathered people, apparently not a lot of people here are religious and have lost their faith in the Gods. Indeed, Gabriel recalls he saw only one church building of Shinare that seemed to be in plain view. No other church buildings seemed to be visible during his trip.
The head Chemosh priest scowls at the crowd and says with biting anger, "You dare bespeak Lord Chemosh you pitiful peasants! Such foolish lack of faith shall be your undoing when Chemosh shows his true strength and brings this world into his dominion."
He then turns a head to Gabriel and says, "And you, Knight, what pitiful power does your God provide you with? Sure he grants you power to your spells, but can he save you from the embrace of death? In the end if your life does not end in battle, you will grow old and die and face oblivion beyond the Gateway of Souls. My God has freed us from the embrace of death. Witness the power Chemosh offers to those faithful to him."
He turns to the robes woman behind him and says, "Sister Andonna, will you please demonstrate the gift Lord Chemosh is offering."
She nods and pulls out a wicked curved dagger from her cloak. Next she takes the blade and puts it to her throat in a calm and composed manor and says, "I pledge myself to Lord Chemosh."
She then shoves the dagger into her throat and upward in such a way that the blade would sever many major arteries. For a normal person this would be instantly lethal. People cringe in terror and disgust from this. However she does not die, she doesn't even fall unconscious. Some blood bleeds out but then she reaches up and pulls the blade from her throat. Within seconds the wound closes and she wipes the blood with the sleeve of her robe showing not even a scar from the wound that for a normal person should have killed then.
The head Chemosh cleric raises his hands in reverence and intones "Witness the reward of the Faithful! Freedom from death! Chemosh keeps true to his word! Praise the Lord of Bones!"
People are shocked and awed by this and mutters go through their number. The brown cloaked individual tries to do some damage control and says, "Ha! Don't believe the lies of these God worshipers. This is but a cheap trick of magic or sorcery. I've seem spells and elixirs heal the most grievous of wounds. This is just cheap theatrics, not the miracle of any God."
"Kiri-Jolith can do all this and more without the demand of my soul. If it is not my time he will keep me safe. These tricks are but cheap illusions like the man said. I have seen the mindless abomination created by the followers of Chemosh and destroyed them in turn. You have heard the voice of the people. They want nothing of your god nor mine. The difference is Chemosh is so weak he needs droves of followers and weak willed men like you. Kiri-Jolith blesses those that seek justice and have courage to stand against the fear you spew. Now I say to you three leave."
Mumblings and discussions occur but not for long when the commotion attracts a number of armed guards along with what looks like a clerk from the town hall to respond to the commotion.
A a more ranking guard armed with a Halberd yells at the crowd, "Oai! Break it up all of ya. Back to yer business."
The people back away as the guards arrive on the scene
The guards then point their weapons at the Chemosh worshipers and the clerk says, "Worshipers of Chemosh! While practicing your religion is not illegal within this town, disrupting the peace is. The Town Hall and surrounding lands are property of the Government of Flotsam and we will not tolerate such antics disrupting our place of burocracy. Dispurse yourself or I shall have the guards lock up the lot of you."
The head cleric looks to the clerk with distain and says, "We will leave but know our faith will not be silenced by your pitiful council. Interfere in our affairs and you will find the reckoing of death come swiftly to you."
With that the Chemosh Cleric gives a hand signal to the other two and they follow silently behind him as they move out of the area.
The Clerk and the guards watch them go. Despite keeping a good front, you can definitely see the Clerk and the guards sweating, clearly fearing things might have come to blows.
The Clerk then looks to Gabriel and says, "As for you Sir Knight, the same applies to you. Town Hall is a place of government, not religion or preaching. If you have real business here you may speak to the staff within, otherwise be on your way."
With one last look to make sure the Chemosh worshipers are gone the clerk turns and heads back to the Town Hall with a few guards while the others disperse onto their assignments.
When the Clerk is gone, the brown cloaked man approaches Gabriel and says, "It is not the first time they've done this spiel around here. Fortunately there are people like me and you willing to call out the crock of bull that these Chemosh worshipers are spewing. I would be careful though with spreading your faith here. Many in this town are bitter to what the Gods have done."
"Thank you for accepting me, and offering me the use of the training facilities here. I sure they come in handy. I could help teach the new ones to the trade on how not to die."
She turns to Alathea, "I will do my best not to disappoint you Alathea."
She bows to Silver Fox then turns to head out of the door.
How many spells can I Scribe in my book?
"I have no wish to spread my faith. People can believe what they like, but I will not let the word of corruption or evil spread. I know a mighty blow was stuck to their faith recently. They are probably not even aware. I am glad the situation did not escalate. I have business with Lord Toade. Can you offer any advice on how I may gain an audience with him. Forgive my rudeness. I am Gabriel Barca, Knight of the Crown. I did not wish those worshipers to know my name as i have struck many blows against them of late and I do not need them to know my whereabouts or bring trouble to the people here or my companions. What is your name sir?"
The man says back to Gabriel, "You may call me Typhus and leave it at that mister Barca. The Chemosh worshipers are a worry to be sure, but my employers are keeping an eye out for them and have sent people like me to make sure the Chemosh rhetoric does not sucker the population. The real concern right now is Zeboim making the seas dangerous again. Things were far better here when you didn't have to worry about an angry and cruel Goddess of the sea. Now with her return, our livelihood is in grave peril to be sure. As for Lord Toade and meeting him, well you don't just walk up to his mansion and ask for an audience. Either you got the connections to see him or you're going to have to deal with the bureaucrats inside and arrange through official channels. It won't be quick though, they've been known to take their time when it comes to paperwork."
"Thank you Typhus. I will return to my companions and let them know of this. Keep up your good work."
Typhus nods and then heads off in the direction of where the Chemosh worshipers went, probably to shadow them further. Left alone, Gabriel now needs to decide what steps he'll take next.
Materials and Costs: The cost for writing a new spell into a spellbook depends on the level of the spell, as noted on the following table. Note that a wizard does not have to pay these costs in time or gold for spells he gains for free at each new level.
Spell Level-----Writing Cost
0---------------5 gp
1---------------10 gp
2---------------40 gp
3---------------90 gp
4---------------160 gp
5---------------250 gp
6---------------360 gp
7---------------490 gp
8---------------640 gp
9---------------810 gp
with the other trade he has can he get another spellbook?
Terevalis can get another spellbook, problem is unless you want to recopy all your spells you'll need to carry multiple spellbooks.