"This is a great gift that I do not deserve. I will honor it. If Kiri-Jolith wills it then I am to not question. Thank you Sandstorm. I would say I hope not to use it but based on what we have seen and what we are attempting to do I will one day call on you. It does me well to know you protect the city and its people."
Gabriel take the orb and stows it away.
"Kiri-Jolith continues to bless me. I will try to be the knight he needs me to be in the coming times. Be well Sandstorm. If there is nothing else I will leave you to your business then."
Kiri Jolithe is a he
Sandstorm says, "Yes I believe we are done here Gabriel. I trust that you will keep my secret between us. Anyhow, looks like I have to have a talk with a flea market seller about stolen merchandise. Good luck in your journey Sir Gabriel."
He nods to him respectfully and walks off from the alleyway back into the streets and walks towards the south.
Gabriel will nod as well. He then leaves the ally and continues about his business. Heading to the Legion fort to train with them for the day.
Jor is absentmindedly drinking as he focuses on the paper in front of him and thinking what to write, as it seems that time is closing and the group he was with will be leaving in the next few days again towards Kendermore and this whole business of him being part of prophecy confused him
Commander Gwynneth,
Time has passed since my last report about the situation in the lands of Khur. At this moment of time I am staying in one of the inns of Ak-Khurman city and seeing out the situation around.
So far I have some new insights to the surroundings. Recent minotaurs sighs and attemps of Dark Knights of Nerakan to infiltrate to city, has caused worry to the citicens and the local defense forces, Legions of Steel, has started to more actively patrol around.
Also in the city seems to be operating an independent group or organisation of "defenders" or more likely assassins, who are targeting infiltators from Dark Knights. They call themself as Silver Shadows, hands of vengeance and seems to protecting Khan of Ak-khurman. Due to accidents, I recognised their leader to be none other than the daughter of Khan - Chatomi. I suppose we can use this information for our gains but in what sense, I am not sure so I leave the decision to you.
Furthermore the activities in the forest to Silvanesti seems to be escalating as the Minotaurs are building a huge road through the forest to support massive troop transportation, using elven slaves as well minotaur work force to speed the process. This I was able to found out during our infiltration to the forest in search for an ancient burial site of elven paladin.
Also the recent change sin the area seems to be affecting now atmosphere. Close by the city around week worth of traveling - give or take couple of days depending on urgency and amount of people - was an ancient temple of Hurim being overrun by evil and other creatures. As the group, which hired me, advanced there, we were able to clean and empty the place to some extent although evil still lingers around. This could prove some useful contract opportunites for us as different parties - either Order of Wizards or different servants of Gods - would show interest to explore it more and convert it to their base or just cleanse it.
Furthermore, I have had no contact so far with the recently formed spy network in Pashin so I do not have information what is going on there but as stated in my previous letter, there should be work going underway and should be able to elaborate more accurate information to the current situation. Unfortunately here in Ak-khurman I do not have the same opportunity but might send a another letter to Pashin to my contact and inform him to expand the network to here, which could be useful and most likely a gold mine to us - as we would need to keep close eyes on the matters of Ak-Khurman politics.
Recently, as I have understood there will be some kind of conference between Order of the Wizards and Legion of Steel but otherwise I do not have more information regarding it.
Ah, before I forget, during our trip back to Ak-khurman we did stop for a night with a traveling tribe of Khur people and they told me an interesting news. The tribe has encountered a number of wandering elves in the desert. Word has it that they're searching for a place to build a settlement but such places are few and far between in Khur as the fertile areas tend to be where the less nomadic of the Khur make their settlements and many are not so willing to share. There is also a rumor that Khan Sahim Zacca-Khur in Khuri-Khan is in negotiation with the Nerakans for an alliance due to the threat of the Minotaurs to the south.
Brass Tiger Company, Lieutenant Jor Majere
Going over his words and seeing that everything was encrypted with their company secred code, Jor sealed the letter and used wax on it before carefully pressing the image of his company logo on it. Getting up and stretching, Jor begun his walk towards the harbour and contacting possible merchants to send it to Brass Tiger Company headquarters, hoping to catch the same people or at least same merchant branch members to ensure safe delivery of letter
Centurian Zakwan and four other legionares (1 Woman, 3 Men), go to the tower of Khurman Tor dressed in full uniform and are let inside. They are all gathered in a meeting room around a table. Of course Terevalis is there as well.
Centurion Zakwan, "I have chosen my four to become wizards along with myself. Allow me to introduce Apprentices Faysal, Hisein, Efraim and Wafiyah (Female). How are we to proceed with our transition?"
Zoe says, "To become wizards you must undergo an epiphany. For your apprentices who have only started on their arcane path the transition will come easy with a short ritual. You on the other hand Centurion Zakwan are a more difficult case. There are two methods. The first is to undergo the ritual but you will have to rebuild your power from the ground up through a long time of study. The other is far more dangerous, you take the test of High Sorcery and if you survive you will awaken as a wizard at your full potential."
Centurian Zakwan says, "I don't have the time to be reading books when I've got duties to the Legion. And I will not approve the epiphany for my apprentices until I myself have taken the first step. Therefore I accept the second option. I shall take the test and prove my mettle. I relish the chance to champion the test that took the life of my Grandfather. I want answers for the price he had to pay from the Gods of the Moon themselves."
The elf will explain The gods of magic will show you more about yourself than you even know Centurion. I came here at first as an apprentice wearing the white robes and left a fully iniatiated member of the Black.
Zoe says, "It is your choice Centurion Zakwan. You are of all people know the price of failure. Even if you surprised you will not exit the test unscathed. You may well pay a price that you will not be comfortable with."
Centurian Zakwan snaps, "I have survived the wrath of the War of Souls Red Witch. I have lead men and women into aginst the forces of darkness and stared into the face of death many times. I will pay any price for the answers I seek. Bring on the test Red Witch."
Zoe nods, "Very well Zakwan. So happens I expected this response from you and have prepared the testing chamber. Do you wish to bring anyone with you?"
Centurion Zakwan replies, "The risks are mine to bare alone. I only ask for some time to speak to my apprentices and leave instructions before I take the test."
Zoe nods, "That is agreeable. When you are ready you shall be lead to the testing chamber."
With that Centurian takes his apprentices aside and spends a good half-hour speaking to them in Khurish in one of the back rooms. Centurion Zakwan then goes to the chamber. Zakwan indeed is someone unusual for the test. He looks more like a warrior then a Wizard and instead of staff has a Scimitar on his belt and a crossbow strapped to his back. He also brings a backpack and a number of spell reagent pouches and wears his Starjewel amulet proudly.
Zakwan is given the instructions and nods. Before he steps through the glowing doorway he says to his apprentices, "Let this be an example of Legion bravery. Know that I walk into the jaws of death and fear not what lies beyond."
He then steps through the threshold.
The Black Robe will talk to the other recruits about the benefits of the Black Robe Order.
The Recruits give Terevalis their time. Hisein seems a bit interested in the Necromancy side of things but is quickly shot down by the other apprentices who say Necromancy is evil and should not be practiced. Using magic to control and command the dead is not for the betterment of the people of Krynn.
Hisein says, "Well if we could raise undead we could save lives by throwing worthless corpses against our enemies. Better they die because they are already dead anyway."
Wafiyah says in response, "Binding the bones of the dead is an act of evil Hisein. It manipulates the souls that should be allowed to pass onto the afterlife. Such is a power that the Legion should not wield lest we become like the Dark Knights."
Hisein says "Is it really though? Are mindless undead animated by souls or just magic? Would not their souls have passed on already? How is raising a skeleton any different than summoning an elemental?"
You speak wisely Hisein. I am a specalist in that school. I was able to use my control of the undead to defend my party members as we entered into a Temple filled with the undead. I kept them from hurting them, it has its benefits just as any other school of magic. A fireball can take someone's life as well. As can a properly placed illusion or enchantment spell.
The elf will then inquire What made you 4 volunteer to study the Art of High Sorcery? he begins to take a special interest in Hisein.
Faysal says, "I decided to join with Zakwan because he said we needed to keep the wizards happy by having some of us learn wizardry."
Wafiyah says, "I went along as well for a similar reason at first but the truth is I was interested in learning wizardy so I could find a way to combine it with divine magic to create new magical effects."
Hisein says, "I don't know much about how wizards do things but the powers you mentioned about the black robes interest me to learn. I just hope I can use them in a way to benefit the legion."
Efraim says, "I am looking to specialize in combining magic and the blade. I was a legion warrior recruit before it was discovered I had some magical ability and I was transferred to the Legion Sorcerers instead. Now I want to research magic that can make me stronger in battle."
Wizardry can do all of this for you. Some of you might, after being Tested, join the Red or the White Robes and perhaps a member for the Black? However, that will be determined in your Test. You will be joining an organization that has existed since the Age of Dreams, older than the Knights of Solamnia, older than the Kingpriest and the Knights of the Dragon Queen. We have seen Empires come and go. The gods of Magic teach us:
All Wizards of High Sorcery are brothers and sisters in their order. All orders are brothers and sisters in the power.
The places of High Sorcery are held in common among all orders and no magic is to be used there in anger against fellow Wizards of High Sorcery.
The world beyond the walls of the Towers of High Sorcery may bring brother and sister against brothers and sister, and order against order, but such is the way of the universe.
It is a long wait for everyone to see if Zakwan is able to make it though the test. The acolytes are definitely nervous but pray for their Centurian and their prayers are not unfounded.
But then the doors swing open and out comes Zakwan dressed in new white robes. Still he looks beaten to all hell and you can definitely see his hands stained with blood. You also see a strip of cloth tied around one eye. In his left hand he carries a leather bound tome, in his right his scimitar also stained with dried blood. Still despite his injuries he smiles as he exits the chamber, a man whose soul is at peace.
Some of the acolytes rush to help him, he says. "No my apprentices. I shall walk on my own two feet. Finally I am at peace with the past. The Soranus has accepted me as one of his own and I can now let go of my grievances and look to the future."
He then gives a jovial laugh and walks up to Terevalis and puts his hand on his shoulder and gives him a smile, "And by the way Wizard Terevalis, I got back what the test took from my family."
He shows the book, "My grandfather's spellbook. I thought it was lost forever but the Gods kept it safe for one of my line to retrieve it. The spells of generations lie in this tome. Only had to give up an eye to get it back."
He winks to him and looks to Zoe,
"Well then Red Witch, I'm one of you now. It looks to me we'll be working together in the future."
Zoe says, "Indeed, I was watching. You definitely put a lot of muscle as well as magic into the exercise it seems."
Zakwan laughs at the comment and says, "Well I like to be unconventional. Why waste a spell when a good shove can get the job done just as easily. Magic is a tool to be respected, not a crutch to lean on after all."
Zoe says, "Well as tradition I do owe you something. I believe I have something that will be useful to you. Just wait here."
She goes into her office and comes back with a rod crafted out of steel with a Golden head and gives it to Zakwan. "Here is your item. By tradition it is up to you to figure out what it does."
Zakwan takes it and looks at it, "Should be simple enough. Interested to see what it does."
The black robe will nod, disappointed in the color of Robes but knowing that the Orders, not just the Black must be rebuilt.
Shall we begin the epiphany now Mistress? Especially since we now have a representative of each of the Orders here, for the first time in at least 40 years!
Zoe says, "Indeed wizard Terevalis, it is time to give the Epiphany to the others, if Wizard Zakwan approves of course."
Zakwan nods and says, "We had a deal didn't we? I pass the test and the others follow in my footsteps. Let us get this done."
So the other apprentices undergo the epiphany during the night, converting to Wizardry and Zakwan then takes them back to the Legion Stronghold.
The next day Zakwan is healed up but his eye is permanently gone as you learn he tore out his right eye during the test but not the reasons behind it as one does not speak of what happens in the test as is tradition. He now wears an eye patch over his right eye. He does come to the tower to guide the new apprentices but spends a lot of time delving into his grandfather's spell tome, very obsessed with its contents.
In Khurish the Black Robe will tell Hisien Do not allow the other's limited view of what magic can be used for or how it should be used cloud your judgement. Magic is the way to power over many things. The Art, unlike the Legion does not discriminate on what we can study. Though I am a Black Robe and specalize in the art of Necromancy, I know spells from all of the schools of magic.
ooc] I am wnderinf if something that boosts my intelligence might be good? Or a wand? [/ooc]
One day before the ship's departure a courier from the Brass Tigers delivers a letter to Jor Majere. He soon finds it is from Gwynneth Cordaric when he opens and reads the letter.
________
Greetings Jor Majere. It is great to hear that you are safe and that you are progressing well with your mission in the nation of Khur.
From your words it appears my instincts were correct about the nation of Khur. There is much brewing in those desert lands and conflict is on the horizon.
As for a side to chose in this conflict, I am leaning more towards aiding the Legion of Steel. The Dark Knights although well paying could very well could force the Brass Tigers to commit acts that would harm our reputation with our more respectable clients.
Still the Brass Tigers are not a charitable organization and if the Khurites wish our aid in the upcoming conflict, they will have have to pay our dues.
Pashin does seem to be a point of contention to say the least. You have convinced me to send a squad there to further establish our presence in Pashin, hopefully with the help of your new contact Dove. She of course will be offered a chance to join us if she proves useful to our agenda.
I would rather not cross blades with this Blackbird you mentioned. The Brass Tigers are not assassins and do not have the numbers to influence an entire criminal underworld. It would better for our agenda to keep a cordial relationship with the criminals in the city and use them as a potential source of intelligence or perhaps recruiting stock for those who may be accepting of our ideals.
Whatever the case, it may be many months before we can shift focus from our current employment in Kern to the events occurring in Khur. We continue to aid the Grand Lord Golgren and his forces against the malications of the Dire Covey Hags and those that serve them. This has become more complicated as our rivalry continues with the Piper's Company. That sick half-ogre bastard has questionable tactics in the field but a lot of his acts have garnered approval of the Ogres. Still it is my hope that we can prove to be the superior company in this conflict and get the lion's share of the profit once our contract is at an end.
As for this Herald, or Master Lor as he is known as, I have heard of such a man before in my travels. Many rumors surround this man, some calling him the reincarnation of Astinus the Chronicler. While I am dubious of so called prophet, if indeed following such adventures can bring profit to yourself and the Brass Tigers, you have my permission to pursue this course of action. Please keep me informed on your progress. When you are done with your work with this priestess, you can typically find us in the town of Sargonath unless we are currently out in the field continuing the war effort.
It is great to hear from you again Lieutenant Jor Majere. Good luck in your current contract. I look forward to seeing you again so we once again can work together to make the company stronger.
Gwynneth Cordaric, Commander of the Brass Tigers
____________
Our heroes of destiny spend the next few days doing their own things in the city. Eventually the day comes when the party will be getting their ship to Port Balfor to continue their quest. Does anyone have any further side-activities they want to do before the ship leaves?
One day unless, I think it is in a Tower. Then 2, but that might be the Spellbook additions.
ok
Reading the letter and pondering the options in front of him, Jor was spending the evening before departure on his own as he watches outside of window on the diminishing crowd.
The decision forming slowly as his thoughts were all pointing for possible outcome and benefits from this, Jor approaches other party members "Seems like there will be some opportunities being presented in Kendermore and chance for me to improve my skills. I will be joining with you for this voyage to see what is actually behind the horizon and also to see, what this whole prophecy holds. I am just a simple man and might as well do same as one of my ancestors, mainly to see what the future hold for me and test my strenght." Jor lays out his thoughts to others as he sits along others "I will just take a small trip in the morning to bazaar to find some new armor for myself. As we discussed earlier, that armor of paladin was just for one way use in the temple of Hurim but I do find it anyway a bit restricting for myself. Need to spend some steel coins also for supplies"
As the ink dries on the last scroll the wizard will call Anwar and explain to him that the roads he travels will be dangerous but that he has made arrangements for him to stay with Mistress Zoe to begin and complete his training.
I will Scribe a Scroll of Fireball and a Scroll of Suggestion. At 5th level.
"Very well Jor, we are happy to have you continue with us. I will wear the armor then until I am gifted my solomnic plate. It may be awhile since we are traveling so far. Here Jor take the steel I have to better outfit yourself. I keep only five for myself for food and lodging."
Gabriel hands Jor a pouch with 190 steel and 2 gems worth 30steel each.
On the day of departure she packs her pack pack and heads down to the eating area to await the others to arrive. "So today we begin our journey to Kendermore."
Ok. I am ready to move on if everyone else is.
So on the 10th day of Rannmont at 10 AM in the morning you all go to the docks and meet with Yassim Imar and his ship the Levinbolt. It is a sturdy looking vessel although not overly impressive. Alathea and Gabriel have their fees pre-paid for the trip. Everyone else must pay 70 Steel pieces for a place on the ship as there is a high demand for transport these days. You can try and haggle for a better rate if you don't want to pay the full price. If you can make a DC 22 diplomacy or bluff check you can cut 10 steel off the price.