"I fear my Wizard ally is unreasonable in many things and this may well be one of them. I will approach him on the subject. The Red Wizard though is neutral as is my Goddess, I may attempt to approach her directly before I set out again.
As for my report Centurion. My allies and I went to the Ruins of Hurim which were revealed to the world due to a recent earthquake in the area.
The place was tainted by the dark powers of Chemosh. One of the Lord of Bones minions in ages past betrayed the Gods of Light and Gray in a bid for power. It is not clear what exactly he sought to gain but what he did was all too clear. He betrayed the Temple to Ogres who invaded and slew most of the denizens that worshipped there.
This dark cleric then betrayed the Ogres, again for what purpose is not clear. An Acolyte of Paladine prayed for succor and he was granted a blade of great divine power. Using that blade the acolyte slew the dark cleric stopping his plans, or so he thought.
When we discovered the blade and the dark clerics body a creature from the Abyss attacked us. Drawing the blade allowed us to defeat the demon but the boy of the cleric vanished! My allies and I fear that his evil may again affect the world after all, the power of undeath is the lifeblood of the Lord of Bones.
I and my allies have been directed by a strange spirits to travel to of all places Kendermore to foil the Lord of Bones plans. With your permission I would travel there, once this council with the Wizards is complete or at least attempted of course".
He will inquire if she would be able to help him craft a wand of Dalamar's lightening lance since it is a level of a spell that he cannot cast but would like to add spells to his spellbook.
He will travel to the elven ghetto and approach Lord Summerhazel, in secret, if necessary.
Rayhan listens to Alathea's report with at first interest and then gets concerned as the story goes on.
After she is done the report Rayhan says, "This is a dire portent indeed. The last thing we need is another enemy to face in the wake of our conflict with the Dark Knights. I do not blame you for what has occurred Alathea. I gave you permission to go to the temple and thus the responsibility for your actions there is my own. I will contact Centurion Shahir as soon as possible and have her send a scouting force to keep watch on those ruins. If there is any escalation we will deal with the problem if and when it happens. I suppose that is all that can be done until this dark cleric chooses to reveal himself."
To Althea's next statement he says, "Kendermore is deep in the Desolation and it shall be a dangerous journey and also a place where the Legion presence is minimal. Still if you are going there in your quest perhaps you might be willing to do a service for the Legion while you are there? In the Desolation there is a splinter sect of the Dark Knights who once served the Red Marauder rather than the whims of the Dark Queen. From meeting with Sir Lionel and hearing what intelligence his contacts have gathered, I have learned they are seeking a new patron. Perhaps this problem with Chemosh is not an isolated incident. There is a possibility that they too will fall under the sway of the Lord of Bones. I would like you to see if you can investigate this further while you are there and do what you can to undermine their operations in the region. Would you be willing to perform this task Legionnaire Alathea?"
Meanwhile Gabriel goes and meets Sir Lionel at his office in the Legion Fortress. When he arrives Sir Lionel greets him warmly and says, "Sir Gabriel Lucas Barca of the Crown. It is a pleasure to meet you again my brother in arms. I am glad to see you have returned safely to Ak-Khurman. Praytell, how successful was your quest to the ruins of Hurim? Do you have any news to report?"
"Centurion, I am willing to investigate the matter. Is there a possibility to bring these Dark Knights to the middle or shall I simply disrupt their chances at finding a new patron in the Lord of Bones?"
Centurian Rayhan says, "Well first of all see if there is any truth to this intelligence and if something can be done to disrupt their operations then do what you can. I do not expect you to fight the entire Dark Knight army, just do you part to strike a blow against them while you are there. Port Balfor would be your first place to find information. Work with Sir Gabriel and see if you can make more personal contact with his informants and do with that information what you feel will serve the Legion's best interest. Speaking of which as I am putting a great deal of responsibility on you, I am giving you a field promotion to Legionnare Captain. Serve this rank well and remember the oath, "All we have is each other". With this promotion you shall have greater sway in the Legion and take greater advantage of our safe house, courier network and information network."
He reaches into his desk and pulls out a new Starjewel insignia to show her new rank in the legion and gives it to her.
Gabriel nods to his brother knight.
"It is good to see you again brother. I have done well for the order. Athola come here please." Gabriel reaches back for the blade. Gabriel takes the blade and extends it out to Sir Lionel.
"I have recovered a powerful relic of the founder of our order. Paladine. Though he is gone from this world magic remains in this blade of light. With the aid of this weapon we were able to send a mighty bone devil back to hell. The quest to find the blade has shown and put us on another quest. Though we found this relic it seems a great evil. The cleric that betrayed those at the great temple that day. His body was pinned beneath the blade, but at removal the remains vanished teleporting away. A seer has foreseen us traveling to Kendermore were our quest will continue. I have also recovered three holy relics of a great elven paladin. The sword Alurashaen has bound itself to me. His holy shield and this sacred tree." He sits the tree out on the table.
"I humbly carry such blessed weapons. It is as if paladine is somehow with me. The sword of light is carried by my brave companion Athola. I ask that I continue on this path as it seems as if I have been chosen as champion of paladine to correct mistakes of the past."
"With Zivilyn on my side I shall not fail in this Centurian. I shall make contact with Sir Gabriel's informants and put them to work for us as well.
If there is nothing further, I will take my rest, it has been a long and harrowing trip".
The elf will make his entrance to Lord Summerhazel Greetings my Lord, I have come to tell you that I have gained in skills to make magical items. I have learned how to make wands as well as fashion magical armor and weapons. Do you have any needs right now in these departments?
Sir Lionel takes the blade and stares for a moment admiring its majesty but still listening intently to Gabriel's report. He considers his word and then says to Gabriel,
"You have done well Sir Barca in recovering such blessed relics of Paladine. This blade you show to me... its craftsmanship is unlike any I've seen. Surely its forging is that of a god."
He places the shard of light gently on the table. And examines the other relics also suitably impressed by their craftsmanship.
"If it is the Gods will that you bear these relics then I cannot refuse such a request. Use them well to uphold the Measure and honor the Gods. Still I would like to inquire about one of the relics you bring to me."
He looks to the Platinum Tree and points to it, "A relic such as this seems to be better put to use in a holy temple of the Gods rather than carried on the road. If this relics purpose has been fulfilled I would like to keep this Holy Relic and see that it is donated to the Knights of Solamnia or one of the holy shrines of the Gods to honor Paladine. Would this be acceptable to you Gabriel?"
Zoe can create a Wand of Dalamar's Lightning Lance although it would expensive to create, probably far beyond what you can afford. It costs 10500 Steel Pieces in components to create such a wand.
As for Lord Summerhazel, Terevalis is able to get himself an audience easily.
"Ah it is my dark robed friend Terevalis returned once again. It is a pleasure to hear that you've grown in your crafts during your travels. As for magical items, well I do have one request that needs to be fulfilled. A contact of mine to the north is having rather some trouble with trolls and would like a blade forged with arcane fire that will be efficent at slaying such creatures. Could you create a longsword of such design?"
I believe I would be able to do so, My Lord. For the cost of materials plus my own bonus. Should the sword be of elven design? he inquires?
Gabriel looks to the tree then to SIr Lionel.
"It has served its purpose, but as I quest with others I do need to consult with them first. I see no reason why this request would be denied, but they may request some sort of compensation. It is a divine tree indeed. It only shines in the hands of one good or heart. We will be meeting in the morning for breakfast. I will have an answer after that. For now I am weary from the trip across the desert. I would like a bath and some rest. I will report back tomorrow with the decision of the group. May I have a room here for the night?
Sir Lionel says, "I understand Gabriel and shall give you the time you need to make a decision and consult with your travelling companions. As for food, lodgings and a bath, you will have access to such here in the fortress. I will arrange a room to be given to you during your time in Ak-Khurman. By all means get some rest and in the morning we can discuss other issues at hand. Once again, well done Sir Barca, you do honor in your service to the Knights of Solamnia."
As for Terevalis,
Lord Summerhazel smirks and says, "Of course the weapon should be of elven design. What better way to show off the skills of our smiths than to use the most superior of weapon designs, that of course being of the Silvanesti. I shall of course keep the same arrangement. Money for the crafting costs plus a commission to you upon delivery."
Agreed. My Lord there is a member of House Woodshaper recently arrived. Perhaps his skills could be useful to your house? His name is Janoas? Perhaps he could even act as a go between in case some would grow dubious of this arrangement?
Meantime Jor is getting beautifully drunk as he keeps ordering one beer after another and drowning his sorrows and worries. Not much caring about things around him for the moment before the morning comes.
A bit tipsy he eyes one of the barmaids, eyes crossing as he tries to measures quality but unable to do so, shrugs and just goes for it "Hel... hell... oh, hellooo beautiful flower. I..I-I-I am Jor, urgh. nice to meet you. Tell me, would you be interested to hear some stories after, or what the heck, between yuo-zoor-yoour-your wooork has eended here, eh? A-a-a- nice chat there on my table, mmmhm? Nothing much elsee or maybe something, who knoows. Maaybe youuu can tell me something niseee, uff, naicee, uff, how-was-it-now, nice, ah that was it. Maybe I could reward you" as he speaks to barmaid and waves around like a clock but somehow keeping his balance and keeps smiling at her between her drunken speaking
After spending the night in the Tower and having a light breakfast the Black Robe will arrive at the Inn proudly walking near Legion members and orders white wine.he sits down. His apprentice is at the Tower. He awaits the coming of the other members of the group.
As for Jor, he's got enough charm to make himself the life of the tavern and ends up spending the night with one of the local ladies of the town. He wakes up in bed with her lying next to him fast asleep.
Shaking his drunken head after the long night, getting up and collecting his clothes as he tip-toed outside and slowly moved donwstair to grab something to eat.
Eyes still crossed over as he sat on the chair, and looked to see if he could order some food. As Jors eyes wandered here and there, one of his hand moved across his chest, trying to found pouch. Finding it, opening it somehow and picking up a crunched, spot of sweat here and there, as he tried to straighten it and make it more clean, in order for him to write on it
"Ah, you can continue eat and drink. I just.. urgh, need to write things down"
The wizard will give Jordan a disgusted look. Rutting again I see.
Looking at the elf and smiling "and thats how we always have more humans than elves. Pretty neat eh? It has always worked, outnumbering your enemies. Plus someone has to do it, its not getting done by praying to moon and hoping for miracle, you know" retorting back still with smirk on his face as Jor begin to ponder, what he should write
With a smile the elf addresses the knight
Inquiring what he wants.
Jor gets himself a typical khurite breakfast and wait for the others to gather at the inn to discuss what your plans are going to be for the next few days.
"Good morning all. Terevalis, Jor. I trust you had a good night. I have been given freedom to continue our quest. The Solamnic Knights have requested we leave the blessed tree of Paladine with them here. I told my commander I would ask what the rest of you thought of this. It served us in the valley well, but that was only do to the brave kender we found there. I can not wield it and fight well. I feel it will have little use for us from here on, but it is not my decision alone. Please what do the rest of you think?
Absolutelty not. The item is sacred to the people of Silvanesti, it is a traditional representation of E'li and not one embraced by the Solamnics. If it goes any where it should go to the people of Silvanesti who live here as a means of hope as well as to be taken care of properly. The Solamnics have no claim on what is not theirs. They, through you, have enough Silvanesti artifacts from times gone by.
"Sacred? Do you even know what that means black robe. It was locked away in a tomb forgotten by time. What makes it of your people besides it was last carried by one. On that claim it is now of my people as I carry it. Tell me more of the elven champion. What would you say if you knew he was a knight of solomnia? Would your claim still be the same? The light brought me to the items and one far more pure than you spoke on behalf of your people wanting me to have these. If the group does not wish it to be left with the knight I will continue to carry it to remind me of my commitment to the elven people."
As an elf he belonged to a Tradition ancient while Vinas Solamnus was groveling before the Ergotgian Empire. As an elf he would not have been allowed in your Order so your point is moot.And what commitment have you actually demonstrated on behalf of the elven people? Were you so dedicated the fate of the cone would not even be a question.
"An elf not allowed? Why? Why would the knights turn away a holy knight of Paladine?"
It is not until after the Chaos War that half humans have been allowed into the Knighthood. Even Tanthalas was only awarded honorary knighthood because he was half human. Really Gabriel, you really should be better acquainted with your own history and the history of the noble Knights of Solamnia.
"I don't have such luxury of time for such. I am only eighteen, my life has been dedicated to knightly training of combat. My studies have been in religion and nothing else. We all don't have centuries to spend in study. I must do what is needed of me now. History does not concern me. You seem to live much in the past and it has blinded you and filled you with hate. I will stay in the present and continue my pursuits. I will be a student of history as long as you stay with us."
I am very happy to teach you history, knight. The lessons of the past must be remembered especially as we almost lost it due to the machinations of the Dragon Queen. You know where I stand. Is there any other pressing business that we need to discuss? How long are we looking at staying in this town? I have been hired to do a job here and will need at least 4 days to complete it.
"There is nothing pressing, I suppose Kendermore will still be there in four days. I will offer support to the legion over those days. If I am needed send for me there."
Dm are you going to have the cleric discuss the Knights of Nevada quest
I think she is goneeded until Sunday.
Alathea says to the group, "Greetings, it is good to see you all today. I have been given permission from Centurian Rayhan to go to Kendermore with the group. However he has also assigned me to a task while we are in the Desolation. I was told that the Dark Knights have a splinter faction in the Desolation, one that served as agents of Malystryx until her demise in the War of Souls. Now they are seeking a new patron and Rayhan suspects they could make an alliance with the Lord of Bones. He has asked me to investigate these Dark Knights while we are there and do some part to disrupt their activities in the region. The first step to this would be in Port Balfor and gather information on what the Dark Knights are up to. I expect Sir Lionel may assign you to a similar duty Gabriel as the information he gained on this splinter group came from him.
Are there any Thorn Knights in the group Alathea? inquires the wizard.
Alathea says, "I do not know for sure as I am not from this region but generally where Dark Knights are there are Thorn Knights among their ranks."
Then you will need my abilities. If a fewe renegades fall then so much the better.
"Seems easy enough, Alathea. Knowing our luck, we probably would have stumbled into them anyways."
Turning to Gabriel, "No disrespect to the order, but the tree thingamabob, isn't really ours to give away. We were given permission to raid a Silvenesti tomb to pilfer it. I guess honour would dictate that it should be returned to its rightful owners."
Alathea says, "It would be a balanced path to give the relic to the Elves. We can not return it back to the tomb with the Minotaurs in the forest. Who among the elves would be best to entrust such a relic to? If we are to give this relic back to the elves, it should go to the right person."
The largest group of elves here is led by Lord Summerhazel. Perhaps if someone made contact with him to inquire as to whether or not there are clerics in his household. replies the elf.
Alathea nods, "Perhaps that may be best. If a holy relic should go to anyone it should be to a cleric."
"On another issue I am wondering if you could arrange a meeting between me and the Red Wizard of Khurman Tor? Centurion Rayhan wants to engage in a peace negotiation to clear up ill will between the Wizards and the Legion of Steel."