Dragonlance: Heroes of a New Age

Game Master Shalafi2412

"What do we need answered my friends?"

I will give this some thought and post later.

Ok with that you know a little about them Terevalis. The Oracles are mysterious but by their clothing you suspect that they either respect the Gods of Magic or are wizards themselves. This is probably why they were able to protect this patch of land from the Red Marauder. Well either that or they made some kind of deal with Malys. From what little you heard from your studies in the world they are powerful diviners of some kind. To what extent however is beyond your knowledge.

Sorrow says to Gabriel, "We ask not of your honor Sir Knight."

Mourn says, "For such is that of thine own will."

Lament says, "What we seek is an item of magical power that will be of use."

Sorrow says, "But first the burden must be addressed."

Mourn puts out her hand and in a flash of light a gold chained amulet with a large amber coloured gemstone appears in her hand, "This is what you must bear"

Lament says, "Your party must carry this amulet for a month of time."

Sorrow says, "But do not lose the amulet."

Mourn says, "Or have it come to destruction."

Lament says, "For to do so you shall bear the burden of our wrath."

Sorrow says, "The second price will involve a quest."

Mourn says, "You must travel to the Peak of Malys."

Lament says, "And must seek the Necromancer known as Grigolthan.

Sorrow says, "Do as you would like to him."

Mourn says, "But return here with his staff of bones."

Lament says, "For we wish its power to augment our own."

Sorrow then says, "For the third question, one of you must give up an item of value."

Mourn says "An item that bears magical power that can be of use."

Lament says, "Do this and agree to the other tasks and all three questions shall be answered."

What do we have?

Gabriel has: Alurashaen, The Tree(I don't think we dropped this off as it needed to go back to Pashin right? Or whatever the first city name was. The sacred shield, The Magic Full Plate.

Athola: has the shard, we are not giving this up.

Alathea has the Hammer, This would be my vote if they take it.

Terevalis has his headband and staff and some scrolls. His headband is the cheapest item we have and you could replace it if we held onto the hammer and sold it later. That would be up to you and if they would accept the headband.

Jor has the Goblin bane sword. Nothing special as we are probably not going to be fighting goblins, but a valuable item and it lets him hit incorporeal things.

I think that is it.

Gabriel walks forward and kneels allowing the pendent to be placed around his neck.

"We will accept the burden and claim the staff from the necromancer. Give us a moment to decide on an item to give you as tribute."

Mourn nods to Gabriel and walks forward and places the amulet on his neck. It has no adverse effects as he can judge or feel. She then rejoins her position with the rest of her coven.

The Tree I believe you gave up to Summerhazel and you sold off the shield. For the purposes of what you have to give them, you have to give them a Magical Item worth 2500 Steel or more to fulfill the price.

[ooc] I thought we had left the shield back in town to be given to the elves in Lord Summerhazel's holdings. [/ooc[

No Gabriel has been wielding the shield from the elven tomb. Did we find another shield with the paladin in the valley with the plate and the hammer? If so I'm not sure what we did with that. The shield from the elven tomb is a +1 Ghost touch shield Gabriel nor Terevalis would sell anything from that tomb. The tree I thought was decided to go back to the elven conclave, but with no way to get it there I assumed I still had it.

No you found only the armor and the hammer. You have only one magical shield, the one from the tomb. You also have the helmet as well that casts death ward.

Oops, meant the tree.

Yeah I assume the elven stuff is off limits, the idea would be to return it all once Gabriel has fulfilled this quest of destiny. So hammer or Headband? The headband is 4000 and the Hammer is 8000

The headband would impact his spell casting a bit: lower DC, fewer spells. The hammer is the cleric's magical weapon.

Know Arcana on the staff of bones 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

Well Terevalis has never heard of something called "The Staff of Bones", does not seem like anything well known so to speak. However it would make sense that a Necromancer might craft a wizard's staff out of this kind of material.

He thinks to himself A Staff of Bones? Interesting. I wonder what magical knowledge could be gained from it, especially for a Black Robed necromancer.

The Staff of Magius is in no way up for being given to the Oracles.

Greetings Servants of the 3 Children. I am Terevalis Unctio of the Order of the Black Robes, and these are my companions.

We do have the evil dagger from the Hidden Temple as well

When addressed they turn in unison to Terevalis and say,

Sorrow says, "Greetings chosen of Neith."
Mourn says, "The Favoured of the Moons."
Lament says, "Bearer of the staff of Magus."

Sorrow says, "Such of we and three."
Mourn says, "Have all been chosen by the cousins that be."
Lament says, "But there is much other power that is yet to be seen."

Sorrow says, "The weave of magic flows wild and fold "
Mourn says, "Claimed by those who are so bold"
Lament says, "Twisted into the form of a chilling cold."

They nod sagely in agreement with a glance to one another.

We don't know of the dagger but if you wish to offer it go for it. The hammer may not be as much use but it is worth two of the headbands.

It is interesting my Ladies that you all 3 work together, just like the Orders and the mages in the Towers. I would be honored to learn a bit of your magic especially as the Orders attempt to rebuild.

Sorry had a vet emergency last night and into today no chance to look or give this much thought. The dagger or the hammer I would agree. While the Hammer is certainly useful it is not critical for Alathea. If Terevalis does not give up the dagger, I will offer the hammer.

Alathea ponders the Oracles word and fingers the Hammer knowing that it may need to be handed over for the greater good.

She pulls her comrades close to discuss the questions that an be or should be asked, "My friends we have three questions that can be asked so we must make them good ones. I am willing part with my Hammer as we know it to be valuable, I had hoped to keep it as a relic of times past but it seems that is not to be.

The way I see it we should ask one of the four following questions. First - where specifically is the Tear of Mishakal located here in the desolation - not the one that the Dark Knights have retrieved as we already know it's location. Second - is there some way to cure the wasting disease of the elven people? Third - what does the Key of Quinari unlock? Fourth - and perhaps least importantly - what is the best way to sneak into the Knights Stronghold. Have any of you better ideas of what to ask?"

When Terevalis asks for them to help the orders they shake their heads in polite refusal and then say to him.

Sorrow says "The orders are not for such as we."
Mourn says, "We answer to none but the powers that be."
Lament says, "Our ways are that of neutrality."

Sorrow says, "We cannot chose to favour a side."
Mourn says, "Lest we make foes from where they hide."
Lament says "Our purpose is but to act as guides."

Will the dagger allow me to offer it since it seems to have a hold of me?

You can try and offer it Terevalis. The question is if they are willing to accept it.

Athola listens to them discussing the item to give. Hearing the proposed questions, "Should word the question for the unknown tear carefully so they don't tell us of the one we know where it is already. Besides there is always more than one way to get into Darkhaven"

I need to look back and read through some stuff. I can't remember why we were heading to kendermore.

The ghost told us to go to the city that once did not but now knows fear.

Besides if you are to get the 2nd question you have to go to the Peak of Malys which would involve going through Kendermore for the more direct route.

The black robe will rifle through his backpack to get the dagger.

Terevalis takes out the dagger and unwraps it from its cloth to show the blade to the Oracles. However when he does so and looks upon the blade a voice yells into his mind, "How dare you bind me Black Wizard! I offer you power and you seek to contain me! You WILL not ignore my will any longer!"

Terevalis make a will save please as suddenly you feel a force trying to dominate your mind.

1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 2 = 18

Ok Terevalis is able to barely fight off the dagger's influence for now and silence the voice in his head. Still by fighting it off he got a glimpse of its plan. It planned to take control of Terevalis and then make him stab Gabriel in the throat (With a Coup De Grasse) with the dagger after paralyzing Gabriel with its power.

The Oracles look at the weapon and cringe in recognition looking at the black blade.

Sorrow says, "The horn of the Black Goat!"
Mourn says, "The Dagger of Death's Embrace!"
Lament says, "The Blade of Betrayal!"

Sorrow says, "Such a relic we cannot accept."
Mourn says, "It is cursed by he who transcends death."
Lament says, "To slay all that would oppose his wrath."

Gabriel stands and watches as the actions of the elf unfold. He stares at the blade then to the elf, then to the oracles as the speak. He blinks slowly as he processes what they say and then looks back to the elf.

"Terevalis, What is this blade they speak of? Perhaps wrap it back up. Let us deal with the task at hand. We will talk of this blade after. Alathea present the hammer if you will. If I understand our first quest will be.

If these are agreed upon then present the hammer Alathea."

The elf will wrap the dagger up again and put it in his backpack. Smiling as he does so at the paladin's comment.

Sorrow says "All questions can be answered heroes be."
Mourn says "But be sure of the question that you ask."
Lament says "Before receiving the answers you seek."

Assuming you ask the first question, the Oracles answer.

Sorrow says "You look for the tears of the Bearer of Light."

Mourn says "That lie within these lands of blight."

Lament says "They are among the things you seek."

Sorrow says "For without them your future appears to be bleak.

Mourn says "One tear bears the touch of Life."

Lament says "The other bears the touch of Death."

Sorrow says "But both of them you must find and claim."

Mourn says "One from the hands of the radiant blue flame."

Lament says "The other from the place where darkness came"

Sorrow says "You must seek the ones with blood divine."

Mourn says, "Who ride the skies on burning fire."

Lament says, "They hold that which you desire."

The Oracles then nod to you having kept their end of the bargain and answered your question.

KNOW Arcana 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Terevalis interpreting the words you know what they are talking about. They are talking about the Phaethon, the children of the Blue Phoenix. Legend says that Habbakuk fell in love with a Kagonesti elf and sired a Half-God son who had the blood of the divine in his veins. This gave him the power to grow wings of fire as well as being immune to fire and longevity. Of course he became an outcast of his people and instead found lovers among the humans and cross-breed with humans, creating the race of Phaethon with powers of the father. Most Phaethons are long lived but rarely live more than 100 years. However it is said the more potent Elder Phaethons are immortal and do not die of natural causes (but can still be killed). Still their numbers are small and they are quite recursive so few people have met them.

The Children of the Blue Phoenix? The Phaethon? They are as legendary to elves as dragons are to humans. states the Black Robe.

Alathea makes her way to the Oracles and draws the Hammer, "I had hoped to keep this relic of the past but if it is not to be then may you put it to good use and may it lead us to the answers we seek from your wisdom".

Elijayss says, "I have encountered some strange half-elves in these lands before during my scouting missions. They had light brown skin and seemed to be skilled at living in these lands. We traded a few items and went our separate ways. I do not know what settlement they came from however."

If they are key to the prophecy we need to find them or allow ourselves to be found.

Sorrow takes the hammer and shows it to the sisters. They look it over and then nod.

Sorrow says, "This hammer of blessed power."
Morrow says, "Is an acceptable price for our aid."
Lament says, "You may ask your questions and they shall be answered."

Sorrow puts the hammer away in her pouch and then they look at the party waiting for the second question.

To speed things along I will assume you want the Oracles to tell you of the Key of the Quinari."

When the second question is asked, the oracles respond.

Sorrow says, "The box you hold is an ancient key."

Mourn says, "But not what you first perceive."

Lament says, "Its song is more than a pleasant melody."

Sorrow says, "The key is relic of an elven queen."

Mourn says, "A pact forged in an age that has been."

Lament says, "For righteous deeds the dragons have seen."

Sorrow says, "The melody unlocks the Sanctuary of Spirits."

Mourn says, "That exists beyond where this world lies."

Lament says, "Where the souls of dragons go to die."

Sorrow says, "Bring the key to the proper place."

Mourn says, "And open to gate to where the dragon's graced."

Lament says, "And fulfill the destiny that you face."

With that they nod to each other sagely and await your third question.

Alathea will ask the final question,

"The elven people waste away with a withering disease. Is there something we can do to lift the plight of the elven people?"

You ask the third question to the Oracles and they intone.

Sorrow says "The blight exists upon the elves."
Mourn says, "For a sin they committed they themselves."
Lament says, "Offending the Rat King God himself."

Sorrow says, "Defiling the god's unholy ground."
Mourn says, "With their presence there abound."
Lament says, "A curse of sickness is what they found."

Sorrow says, "The unholy power of this disease."
Mourn says, "Will take more than spells to ease.
Lament says, "They must chose which god to appease."

Sorrow says, "But if the Black Wind is not who they pray."
Mourn says, "You must seek yet another way."
Lament says, "Seeking the goddess tears from where they lay."

Sorrow says, "One tear of light."
Mourn says, "The other of dark."
Lament says, "Both must be sought for they are apart."

Sorrow says, "The tears must brought to the healing pool."
Mourn says, "Cleansed of the taint that cesspools."
Lament says, "Allowing the divine light again to rule."

Sorrow says, "With the strength restored."
Mourn says, "The tears powers full."
Lament says."They may cure any plague no matter how cruel."

With that the oracles nod having answered the last question.

Gabriel nods.

"Thank you."

He then looks to the others.

"Elijayss. It seems we need to find these half elves you have traded with. Can you lead us to where you have met with them?"

Elijayss nods and says, "I can lead you to the area I met them but I cannot guarantee they will still be there. It will be some more days of travel and there is still task to helping the Kender as part of your deal for the aid of the resistance in these lands. For every day we wait, more Kender will suffer or lose their lives. Still if it is the consensus of the group to seek these "Phaethorn" rather than help Kender then I shall aid you."

As for the Oracles they say,

Sorrow says, "Your party is welcome to stay."
Mourn says, "Be peaceful here if you may."
Lament says, "Come not into the cave where we stay."

With that they nod they turn in unison and head into the cave. As soon as they step into the cave they vanish into the impenetrable darkness leaving you alone at the spring to discuss your next step.

Thank you Oracles. This makes sense! This makes sense. Morgion has inflicted a curse upon the elves of Pashin. Perhaps the underground housed a temple or some sacred site that we disturbed when we went underground. Perhaps the Tears of Quenesti Pah will be able to cure the disease? the Black Robe states.

Thank you Oracles. This makes sense! This makes sense. Morgion has inflicted a curse upon the elves of Pashin. Perhaps the underground housed a temple or some sacred site that we disturbed when we went underground. Perhaps the Tears of Quenesti Pah will be able to cure the disease? the Black Robe states.

"Now that we know what we need to do to help your people, we shall do it. I think first we must find the tears from there we can decide whether to assist the Kender or find the Phaethorn. Though now we must journey to the Peaks of Malys as well. All daunting tasks. We should rest here for now and then move along".

"No, Elijayss you are right thank you for reminding me. We made a deal for the aid given and we will honor that first. Let us continue on then and waste little other time. The tear is with the Phaethon. They have kept it safe so far we should trust that they keep it safe long enough for us to do what we said we would do and help the kender."