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Heading towards the exit to the cell block is a solid wooden door. Fortunately the door is unlocked. Peeking through the door you see a group of three guards in the room, currently sitting down playing some kind of dice game, including the guard the keys were taken from. Having seen the layout Athola knows the way to the front door involves sneaking through this room, following a hallway and then heading toward the main foyer although there is likely other guards in that section of this building. The building is not especially large but pretty well guarded. The other option would be to search around and find another exit of the building.
Ok both Athola and Fire Eye are going to have to make stealth checks if they want to try and sneak through the room.
Athola and Fire Eye are able to stick to the shadows and creep across the room. They try the door briefly only to see that its locked. Make me a slight of hand Athola to unlock the door with the key ring without making a noise that will alert the guards.
Quieter than a mouse Athola is able to unlock the door and sneak out of the room and into a hallway. The hallway heads to the east out to a main hallway where going north will lead you back to the entry area which has likely some more watchmen and prison guards. Also you have to past through another set of doors. You also could try and explore some other rooms and hopefully find an alternate exit to the location.
Once outside room and the door closed, she locks the door again and whispers to Fire Eye, "Think we should look into the other rooms to see if we can find anything useful to aid our escape, or perhaps a window with no bars."
Fire Eye nods and whispers, "Aye we should not head toward the front entrance. Lets look through some of the other rooms."
Removes the keys and places them into her pocket as she moves beside Fire Eye to investigate rooms nearby.
Althoa and Fire Eye sneak through the building ducking away as two watchmen wander by. They duck into another side room which appears to be some kind of barracks. A number of beds and chests are there but the room is currently empty. However they do notice a shuttered window that is currently closed. The window is probably too small for a person to climb through but with effort a Kender could do it.
Seeing the shutter window, she quickly tugs Fire Eye's arm and points to it. She heads to it and slowly opening it, peering through the slight visible crack to see what lies beyond. If seeing no one visibly in sight she open the window completely.
If clear beyond, she will try to squeeze through the window.
Athola opens the window and is able to squeeze through the gap with a good deal of effort. Despite being too small for a human, it is pretty small for a Kender as well. However she gets through and climbs out a window of the sandstone building to the streets beside the structure. Fire eyes is soon to follow. Fire eyes follows behind although has a harder time getting through but eventually he pulls himself out.
Landing on the ground he says, "Good thinking lass. Now it looks like I gotta get out of this city. If the Watch don't get me, the folks I own money too will be looking for me. For now it would be best to split up to confuse pursuit cause sooner or later they'll figure out we've escaped. If ya need to find me later I'll meet ya at the Sandstone Tavern in the south end tonight. Thanks for the help my friend."
Once safely on the ground outside, she nods in agreement of splitting up, "Keep your self safe now Fire Eye. Glad I could help another kendermore kender. I going to see someone to help clear my name."
Athola then makes her way to the Solomnia Knights head quarters to locate Gabriel, making effort not to be seen by the khan guards.
Well Athola is able to sneak off into the city without anyone noticing her passing. While the watch does eventually notice the escape you have vanished into the city. Eventually Athola reaches the entrance to the Legion Stronghold and thankfully the word has not spread to them about an escaped prisoner so recognizing her she is let into the Legion Stronghold. You are told Gabriel is in the courtyard training recruits.
Athola arrives seeing Centurian Shahir who is showing the shard of light to Gabriel and talking with him.
Seeing the shard of light, she quickly runs up to them, "Thank the gods the shard is safe here! How did the shard get here? Considering the idiot Khan guards took my belongings, after being arrested for trying to help a crying girl."
She holds up her hand indicating she would like to have the shard back.
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Shahir looks to the Kender and says, "What is this you are saying? Khan Guards? I was told this was in the possession of a criminal and the watch brought it here as they believed it was stolen and were looking to find its owner. In that case you must have been the criminal that was mentioned. How did you get your hands on such a blade?"
Athola blinks at Centurian, then looks up at Gabriel, before answering, "I did not steal it at all. Sir Gabriel personally gave me the shard to carry on our quest, and for me to also have a magical weapon to use against the horrid undead."
Well rather than delay the game with more RP, I will assume that Gabriel will vouch for Athola's word and Centurion will return the Shard of Light to Athola. With the help of the Legion and Gabriel's word Athola is cleared of all charges against her although they do ask her about the other kender who escaped with her from the prison, who she probably covers by not selling him out. Word is sent to the Khan and a servant of the Khan offers an apology for the mix up. The child was questioned and she was merely frightened by Athola and was not harmed in any way by her, so no assault charges will be called on. Her gear is returned and she is given 10 steel pieces for her troubles.
Oh, Athola would also hand over of the prison cell keys over to Centurion to hand back to the guards.
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Anyhow lets get onto the meeting between the Legion, the Knights of Solamnia and the Orders of High Sorcery. Zoe Left Hand is dressed in a stylized version of her red robes, and appears well groomed and probably augmenting her appearance with minor illusion spells. Terevalis can dress up or dress down as he chooses.
When they both arrive they are allowed through the gates of the legion fortress and a number of legion warriors lead the delegation to the meeting chamber.
You enter a room decorated with a number of tapestries, some appearing to be of Khurish design while others bearing the symbols of the Legion such as the Starjewel, the individual seals of the 4 Orders (The Warriors, Mystics, Scouts and Sorcerers), each the color of the respective order (Red, Blue, Brown and Grey).
A large well polished table is set up in the room, probably used in strategic meetings where maps and other displays could be easily rolled out on the table. Sitting at one end of the table is the four Centenarians, while one chair lies off to the side of the table that perhaps is used for the Keeper when he is in attendance. As he is not the chair has been moved aside. In the middle of the table seats Sir Lionel, dressed in his usual Solmanic plate mail. He gives a wary look to the black robe mage but keeps his composure in the proceedings.
Centurion Rayhan has the center point of the Legion delegation but beside him is Centurion Zakwan who definitely seems to be seething with barely contained anger sitting at his side. Centurion Alzubra and Shahir are there as well but you get the sense they are there mainly to provide support and that it will be Rayhan and Zakwan who will represent the main voice for the Legion in this meeting. Of course Alathea is given a seat at the event next to the Legion Centurions as having her would be important for these negotiations.
Rayhan stands up and says, "Greetings Red Lady Zoe Left-Hand of the Orders of High Sorcery." He gives a respectful nod and turns to Terevalis, "And Terevalis of the Black Robes, I extend my hospitality to you as well. Thank you for accepting our invitation and coming here today. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Centurion Gafar Rayhan, leader of the Legion Mystics of Ak-Khurman but also the current commander of this fortress while our keeper is away on legion business." He turns a look to Sir Lionel and nods to him taking a seat.
Sir Lionel stands and says, "I am Sir Lionel uth Dartan of the Crown, Knight of Solamnia. I have been called upon to represent my order in this gathering as well as provide some mediation between both sides of this conflict. It is my wish that a peaceful solution for both sides can be negotiated. Before we begin however there is a claim among the Legionnares of an aggrieved status, is this true?"
Centurion Rayhan stands again, "Indeed Sir Lionel. By the word of Centurion Hashim Zakwan, leader of the Legion Sorcerers of Ak-Khurman, the Wizard Zoe Left-Hand stands accused of having used magics of enchantment on Sorcerer Recruits of the Legion of Steel in an attempt to convince them to join the Orders of High Sorcery against their will. Such acts cannot be tolerated if a peace between the Legion and the Orders of High Sorcery is to be obtained."
Sir Lionel nods, "Your objection is noted Centurion Rayhan. Wizard Zoe Left-Hand, do you deny these allegations?"
Zoe left-hand says, "I do not Sir Lionel. At the time I did what I felt necessary to gather new recruits for the Orders of High Sorcery but in retrospect, perhaps it was the wrong approach was taken and for that I apologize."
Zakwan sneers at Zoe's attempt at an apology but resits the urge to talk out of line.
Sir Lionel nods, "Very well, in light of this breach of conduct I grant the Legion of Steel aggrieved status in these negotiations. It is suggested that the Order of High Sorcery offer some means of compensation for the wrongs done by this incident. But let us continue with the negotiations. As it is the Legion of Steel that has called this negotiation, they should be the first to give their arguments. Centurion Rayhan, you may begin." Sir Lionel then takes a seat
Centurion Rayhan stands and says, "We of the Legion have invited the representatives of the Orders of High Sorcery here in order to put to an end the hostility between our peoples. We of the Legion make no secrecy that we embrace the use of the power of the Heart and the wild magics of Sorcery. Such was a necessity in a time where the Gods failed to answer our prayers and all the races of Krynn could count on was each other to survive these dark times. We do not deny the return of the Gods, in fact we of the Khur never lost faith in the Gods when so many others abandoned them. The return of the Gods is something to be celebrated among all peoples. Their return however does not invalidate all we have learned from the past. Such arts developed in the Age of Mortals still have bearing and should not be so casually cast aside. Great good can still be done with these tools which mortals have built on their own. That as why we embrace our traditions and continue to use what we have learned and built over the decades. I see no reason why the power of the Gods and the power of mortals can not exist side by side. It is my hope an accord can be built between the Legion and the Orders of High Sorcery so that peace can reign in the future of our peoples."
The Balck Robe will be in simple but prestine robes that fit his station. Walking in with the Staffof Magius he listens to the speak and nods to the the greeting.
If I may interject something. The Legion of Steele is not above reproach in any of these matters. When my companions and I first entered into the city I became aware of of a person attempting to read my mind and discern my thoughts. Upon detection of magical auras and further investigation I was able to discern that this came from a Legion Sorcerer. If I am lead to believe correctly by my reading of the revised Oath and the Measure by the Esteemed Lord Gunthar Uth Winstan this is a practice which is frowned upon /[b] Know Nobility [b] For if reading a person's thoughts is allowed how soon will the commandeering of thoughts be done as they progress in magical strength. These tactics I may remind you all were utilized by the Church of Istar for the express purpose of throwing those not pure enough in the light of the Church into jail or even death. With that in mind, I call aggreivenetm against the Legion Sorcerers. Tell me, any of you, are not one's inner thoughts between the person and their deity?
When Terevalis mentions this, Centurion Rayhan nods and says, "I believe you may be misinformed on what has been done. I believe that Centurian Zakwan can explain more on the subject."
Centenarian Zakwan stands and says gruffly, "We don't read or bend minds like you wizards are prone to do. Our Sorcerers have the power to share the results and effects of their own divinations with other legionaries in the vicinity, allowing others to make use of the gathered information. It is a technique that you Wizards should be envious of. As for such scans, it is a measure to look out for dark knight spies that could be trying to infiltrate the city."
Sir Lionel says, "Such searches are dubious Centurion Zakwan as Wizard Terevalis has mentioned. Still with the threat of the Dark Knights I do agree that vigilance is needed. The Dark Knight assault on a Legion Patrol in the city a few weeks ago proves that some measures of security are required. Still I urge the Legion to use such searches with wisdom and to not make accusations without proper evidence and investigation."
And yet they did not catch these Dark Legionarres Sir Lionel. How effective is it in that case?
Zakwan looks flustered to see his methods questioned, but Rayhan puts his hand to stop his objection and then Rayhan says, "I believe Sir Lionel that there is no perfect means of detection and even the methods the Sorcerers use have their vulnerabilities. Centurian Alzubra can explain more as it was her branch that investigated this incident after the fact."
Alzurba says, "Looking into the situation, it appears that these Dark Knights entered the city through the ports rather than through the gates city gates. We do not have enough Sorcerers to thoroughly check every group that enters the city. Besides as I understand such divinations that detect magic only work on those with active spells or magical items. Those using mundane disguises and non-magical equipment they can easily avoid scrutiny from such checks. Still that does not invalidate the efforts of our Sorcerers whose useful divination abilities are a great aid in our investigations."
And yet knowing this, you focus on the gates? You invalidate your own defensive when you stated that you know where they are coming from yet are not there. Numbers have nothing to do with your failure to detect the Dark Knights, failure comes in not knowing how to organize your people. If I remember correctly it was a Knight of the Crown, one Gabriel, who put stopped an assualt on a group of Legionarres. Tell me, Sir Lionel, what would your patron, Kiri-Jolith and even the Kingfishers say about these methods? he says.
Sir Lionel says in response, "Indeed the methods used by the Legion are far different than those seen in the lands of Solamnia, wizard Terevalis. Still it is the duty of the Legion to see to this city's defenses. The Dark Knights are crafty evildoers and there is no perfect means of detection as Centurian Rayhan has stated. I am here as an adviser and a diplomat, not to change the methods that the Legion uses to protect this city"
Centurian Zakwan says gruffly, "Of course we have Sorcerers at the Gates, that's the main means of entry into the city. I also have Sorcerers at the docks as well as other points in the city. As a Wizard you probably know as well as the limitations of divination spells. We can't be everywhere at once. Don't criticize my methods when I scarcely think your wizards could be any more effective."
Zoe finally perks up looking slightly annoyed by the route this debate has gone, "While I find this bickering over magical techniques interesting I believe that we have detracted ourselves from the issue at hand. We are here to establish an accord between the Orders of High Sorcery and the Legion of Steel. If Sir Lionel, my colleague Terevalis and the Legion will enduldge me for a moment, I would like to explain the Orders objectives for this meeting."
Sir Lionel nods to Zoe and looks to Rayhan, "Are you in agreement with this Centurion Rayhan?"
Rayhan says, "Yes Sir Lionel, I would like to hear more of what the Orders have to say concerning the Sorcerers in our ranks."
You know nothing of the Art of High Sorcery since you embrace magic that comes from the Father of All and Nothing. But since all we have is each other, does that not include being taught that chaotic magic from the Knights of the Thorn? says the wizard with a sneer.
He continues The Legion of Steel is very grand to adopt things and practices and customs they themselves did not work for. The Star jewel for example, the symbol of their order was stolen from the people of Silvanesti. The magic they use was taken from renegade wizards who stole items and practices from the Orders of High Sorcery. They then embrace chaos magic taught them by Knights of the Thorn and former wizards of High Sorcery. You have worked at no development or refinement the therefore the responsability for those who practice your so called magic lies outside of your jurisdiction. There areally only two of us here who remember the Chaos War and all that Chaos did. Not one thing good.
ALloyd you have is each other? Bah! All you have you have stolen from others!
"Terevalis, you go on a tangent unnecessarily. If you wish to list the litany of things stolen by others from the elves we would get little else done, especially as I will systematically refute much of what you will say as some is true while some is colored by your own myopic world view.".
Alathea clears her throat, "Centurions, Sir Lionel, Wizards Terevalis and Zoe, I think you for allowing me to be here as part of this proceeding.
I believe that my very presence here is Exhibit A as to how the return of the Gods affects the Legion and its practices. As a devotee of Goldmoon my mentor, whose memory and experiences trace to the period prior to the War of Lance, I began my quest for balance as a practitioner of the Magic of the Heart.
Since the defeat of the Dark Queen and the return of the Gods, I have since dedicated myself to Zivilyn. Both before and after these revelations, I have served the interests of the Legion.
The Gods of Magic have every right to expect that their Order keeps Wizardry regulated. The Legion serves the same purpose for its Sorcerers.
To expect the Sorcerers to yield to the belief of the Wizards is very much like the Kingpriest of Ishtar expecting all living beings to follow his own beliefs no?"
The difference being, what no one has yet said is that the it was sorcery and its inability to be controlled that lead to the development and establishment of the Orders of High Sorcery! The story begins in the Age of Dreams, after the passage of the Greygem Gargath, during the Second Dragon War. When the dwarves delved their kingdom, Thorin,
in the Khalkist Mountains, they eventually
uncovered the dragon stones the elves had
hidden there centuries before. With the chaos
of the Graygem fresh in the long memories
of the dwarves, they removed the obviously
magic relics from their kingdom, for they had
no desire to deal with anything so dangerous.
Unfortunately, once the dragon stones were
removed from the depths of the earth, the spirits of
the trapped chromatic dragons were able to escape
and regain their physical bodies. Filled with a thirst
for vengeance, the powerful dragons gathered
together hordes of lizard men and ogres, building
an army to strike back against the Silvanesti, thus beginning the Second Dragon War. This time, the elves were better prepared to face
the chromatic dragons, for they, too, were armed
with the primordial magic of sorcery. The war
raged for decades, each side at a stalemate — the
might of the chromatic dragons and their armies
held in check by the arrayed forces of the metallic
dragons and the elven sorcery. The casualties on
both sides continued to mount, however, and the
elves could not replace their losses as quickly as the
ogres or lizard men. In desperation, three powerful sorcerers
combined their powers and caused the very
earth itself to open, flinging up arms of wind
and flame to drag the dragons into the bowels of
the earth, crushing them beneath tons of stone.
Unfortunately, the powerful magic proved to be
too much for even the combined strength of the
three sorcerers to control. The unchecked magic
raged across the continent, causing earthquakes,
creating volcanoes, tidal waves, and hurricanes.
Unable to regain control of the magic, the three
sorcerers cried out to
the Three Cousins.
When the sorcerers
called upon them, the
Three Cousins acted
immediately, in the only
way they could — they
swept the sorcerers from
Ansalon, carrying them
into the Beyond.
For almost a century
after the sorcerers
and the tower had
disappeared, the magic
continued to ravage
Ansalon. Perhaps
it is the memory of
this time that caused
future generations to
become so distrustful
of magic and those who
wielded it. Although
the sorcerers ended the
Second Dragon War,
the aftermath of their
magic caused the deaths
of countless thousands
— almost as many people died following the war
as people died during it.
Zoe in her speech says, "The Orders of High Sorcery have dictated that Sorcery is a threat to the balance of the world. Our order may have only recently returned to provenance in the world after decades of absence but the Orders of High Sorcery have a history stretching back Millennia so there is none that have more lore about the nature of Magic than our organization. Sorcery as from what I have learned from the Orders is something that. In ages past, Primal Sorcery was the rawest expression of Arcane Magic and many races embraced its power. Among the first was the Ogres who used such power as a tool to enslave the world before their own evil consumed them. The elves wielded the power to such a destructive degree that they caused great catastrophes across the world. That is why the Gods of Magic intervened. Without proper training, arcane magic can disrupt the balance of the world. Have you not already seen the destruction that the Dragon overlords have wrought on Krynn. The power Sorcerers wield is the the same as theirs, untapped Arcane power that if not controlled there could be greater cataclysms to come. This is why all Sorcerers should submit themselves to training from the Orders of High Sorcery. It is the only way the world can be safeguarded from this kind of tragedy."
Zoe then lets Terevalis give his speech as well as it reinforces her own arguments on the matter.
Sorcery was sufficent if a secondary form of magic when the gods were gone, their world stolen from them by one of their own. Now that the Magic of the Gods has returned they should embrace the teachings of the Order of High Sorcery. If memory serves me correctly even the Knights of Solamnia have disbanded their auxiilary and created the Kingfishers. They do not allow sorcerers in their ranks, the Kingfishers all are members of the White Robes.
Centurian Zakwan sneers at both Zoe's and Terevalis's arguments. He then says, "That is quite a speech you both have made, but it is also inheriantly flawed. The Wizards of High Sorcery with their so called "controlled magic" has caused just as many tragedies as the Sorcery they are trying to supress. Did the Wizards of High Sorcery not help corrupt the dragon eggs, creating an army of Draconians as foot soliders for the armies of darkness? Did not the wizards help craft the flying fortresses that brought destruction across all of Anasalon? And most of all, what of the so called greatest of you, Rasalin Majere? Who with the power of Arcane Magic nearly became a God? Where was your Gods of Magic then in "preserving the balance" of magic? I know the power of Sorcery, I am the most experienced of it here. I freely admit that some of our lore was gained from the Dark Knights of the Thorn when some of their number saw the evil of their ways. We also took lore from the Academy of Sorcery, an academy that was founded by many former wizards of your own order. Still, much like your Wizardry, over the years we have refined Sorcery into an art that can be a force of good in the world. I train my recruits well to use it in a focused and responsible manor and be sure that I will be the first to oppose one who abuses the power that I teach. With our enemy, the Dark Knights still seeking to subjugate the world in their "One World Order", the only way to oppose Arcane Magic is to wield our own power against it. We must match our enemies blade for blade, spell for spell or we have no hope of victory."
Those were done by renegade wizards. The rules of the Conclave are clear as to what is allowed for a Wizard , even those of my Order, and what is not. Creating life and becoming a god is far outside of the Realms of the Order. Yet, was it not the magic of Sorecery used by the Dragon Overlords who inflicted their damage in the Desolation and impacted the kender into becoming afflicted?
'Perhaps there is a middle way. As our brief history lessons have shown, both Sorcery and Wizardry have caused great tragedy. What if there was joint council? A council where three Sorcerers and three Wizards sat to ensure that on both sides, those who are a great danger through their use of the Art are regulated? Perhaps a seventh member can be a Cleric of the Order of Gilgeam the God of Neutrality, an impartial third party who could conclude mediation where no agreement can be reached otherwise.
This would be a place where Art could be shared and cultivated and grievances aired amongst your two groups in a constructive manner".
Perhaps those from the Legion who are willing to undergo an epiphany and embrace the teachings of High Sorcery should be allowed that choice without interference from their commander? If as Ziviln and the other gods of Balance are about choice, that might be a wonderful opportunity for them to excercise their free will. retorts the Black Robe.
Zoe looks to Alathea and says, "An interesting proposal if we even had the wizards to actually fulfill such a council. But as Centurion Zakwan has taken upon himself to gather all the potential wizard candidates for the Legion such a suggestion is an impossibility."
Zakwan snaps response, "Don't criticize my actions Red Witch! There is a war brewing if you haven't noticed. The Legion needs all the Sorcerers it can find to oppose the aggression of the Dark Knights. All who I teach are here of their own free will, putting their lives on the line to bring a better future to Krynn. What would they learn from your tutelage? How to turn water into wine? BAH, what they really need to be taught is the spells that will aid the war effort. This war is going to be won by action, not by words."
Zoe says back to Zakwan, "And what of the free will you so purposely stated Zakwan? What if they don't want to learn how to throw fireballs at Dark Knight Soliders? Perhaps they might want to learn how to craft stone into a statue of beauty, speak to the birds in the sky and hear their voices on the winds or create illusions that bring wonder to crowds of people? What we offer is versatility, not stagnation. With the art of Wizardry they can be given free will to pursue whatever course they wish to take."
Zakwan sneers and says, "I teach my recruits what they need to learn, not what is irrelevant. Talking to birds, BAH, what are they going to do? Poop on the enemy?" He can't help to chuckle a bit at his words and continues, "I teach not only the power to wield magic as a weapon, but the discipline to use it responsibly. How is that any different that what you claim to be doing with your focused art of magic?"
With a smirk at the Centurion Water into wine? Are you now trying to get into the province of the Divine? Another thing you wish to wrest from those around you.
"Certainly Centurion spells of war are important indeed. Spells that allow fr scouting such as those which allow for commune with animals have their uses as well. War is won with knowledge as much as it is won with skill and strength at arms.
Surely there must be some way to allow those men and woman of the city to choose their own path to the Art no? Perhaps here in this city a joint school for the novice with both Sorcerous and Wizardry teachers? Then when they wish to move further along the path they choose their own destiny?"
War? We are already at war. The Minotaur outside of your gates are more pressing than the Dark Knights in their hold at Darkhaven. They are using this area of Ansalon, the staging ground of Silvanesti as they despoil the Ancient Elven homeland in their bid to conqueor the rest of Ansalon. Do you not think that this town will be close to falling when the mobilize? In fact, we found a scouting party not far and not many days away as we traveled. he says with a sneer.
Sir Lionel then stands and says, "I have listened well to the arguments so far and many points have been made. Perhaps a middle ground can be made. While the Knights of Solamnia use far less arcane casters that that of the Legion, the Kingfisher and Auxiliaries swear an Oath of the Measure and are held to obey it just as any knight of the Order. Perhaps some kind of similar arrangement can be made between those of the Orders of High Sorcery and the Legion. Some of the Legion Sorcerers can keep their allegiance to the Legion while receiving the training of the Orders of High Sorcery."
Zakwan looks to Lionel and says. "That suggestion is out of the question Sir Lionel. How can we be sure that those we submit for training with the Orders will not betray our secrets and use them against us to further oppress the art of Sorcery? How can we trust someone with an allegiance split on one side to the Legion and the other to the Orders of High Sorcery? One cannot serve two masters. Indeed how can you be sure that the Kingfishers do not put the will of the Orders of High Sorcery above the will of the Knights of Solamnia?"
Sir Lionel hears Zakwan's words and considers them. Terevalis gets the sense that Sir Lionel is probably one of those knights who is somewhat dubious of arcane magic and Zakwan's words have caused a momentary bout of indecision. Is anyone stepping in?
Sir Knight he says Do you recognize this Staff? he says holding out the Staff of Magius.
Sir Lionel looks at the staff and shakes his head, "I am afraid I do not Wizard Terevalis. I have seen few magical relics in the time with the Knighthood so I am not the best person to know of such things. Perhaps you may enlighten this council on its relevance to the matter at hand."
This is the legendary Staff of Magius named for its founder. A powerful war wizard who fought at the side of one of the greatest knights in the history of Krynn. He used it to combat the power of the Dragon Queen. It was also used during the War of the Lance by a Red Robed Wizard who took the Black and used to help defeat again the Dark Queen. It went with him to the Abyss and was later given to Palin Majere, the direct inspiration for the Kingfishers, though it was lost at the end of the Chaos War. It has returned, given me by the 3 Children themselves, it must be a sign that what is going on has the will of the Gods in it. Those who are in the Kingfishers are White Robes. They are just as honest as the clerics of Quenesti Pah. Be the man of faith that the knighthood is renowned for, be the man of faith that is needed now. Do not listen to the Legionare, after all, if they are stealing recruits from the Orders of High Sorcery where next? Squires from the Knights of Solamnia. Have faith in the gods, Sir Lionel, Knight of the Crown
"Again, I agree with some if not all of Terevalis' sentiments.
It is difficult to serve two masters and be equal in ones' loyalty to both.
This is why I propose a joint council of training. Whosoever joins the Order forswears the Legion. Raw recruits will know few if any secrets to expose the Legion and the Order can begin to restore its numbers".
Sir Lionel's eyes widen as Terevalis reveals what the staff is. Sir Lionel may not be the most knowledgeable of men but he certainly has heard of the Staff of Magius before as have others in this room. Even Centurion Zakwan seems to look at the staff with a show of reverence.
Sir Lionel after his speech gathers his words and says, "Well then, eh em... it seems Wizard Terevalis is more than he appears. Truly if the does bear the legendary staff then the Gods of Magic must put great trust in him. Despite your arguments Centurion Zakwan, I see no reason why a Wizard can't be held to the same oaths as others of the Legion of Steel. I believe that in the interest of peace, such an exchange is an acceptable compromise. What say you Centurion Rayhan?"
Centurion Rayhan says, "I have no objections to allowing some of our ranks to revieve instruction with the Orders of High Sorcery. We have some Clerics working side by side with my Mystics and I believe the Wizards and Sorcerers can do the same. I find it to be an acceptable compromise. Still as Centurion Zakwan is the commander of the Legion Sorcerers in Ak-Khurman, such an agreement can not be binding without his approval. I ask you brother, please see the wisdom in such an arrangement."
Centurion Zakwan gives a stern look and says, "I do not agree to such a foolish gesture! There is one secret that the Orders of High Sorcery has not revealed to this council. That they MURDER their own recruits! To become a true wizard one has to take a deadly test that cost many who take it their lives. That is not an honorable death and is a needless waste of life. I by all my conscience cannot submit any under my command to such risks. If they must give their life for the Legion, better it be a hero serving the greater good than a foolish test that destroys those with great potential."
If it were a secret Zakwan then how do you know of it? This is the same propoganda that Dark Knights use. Perhaps someone in this room has a secret they are unwilling to share? The Test is meant to weed out those who would allow Magic to destroy them. It is not unknown for other organizations, such as the Knights of Solamnia to have a knightly quest. Some day in their quests just as some die in the Test. However would ou want untested and unreliable people handling the power of a fireball? he states
Zoe Left-Hand says, "The test is a necessity and the risks they face are made clear. One can chose to refuse the test and live a normal life, but cannot be trusted with the gifts and burdens of arcane magic. The test exists to weed out those who are not worthy of wielding the great power of Arcane Magic. Magic must be put into the hands of those who can be responsible to use it properly. Those who cannot face the challenges we put forward are better to let perish lest they bring great destruction upon the world. "
Centurian Zakwan says in response, "And what is the measure of a man's worth Red Witch? Can one not chose their path in life rather than have it dictated to them? Do the Moon Gods truly know what is best for us or are we free to chose are own path? Sorcery is an expression of freedom. What right do you have to decide that we are unworthy to practice it?"