Suny's travels through this land of wonder would eventually lead her down to the ocean's edge.
Upon hearing of this peoples' magical power to destroy entire cities at once, Thalas maintains his outward expression of neutral observation - while inwardly deeply disturbed at the seeming willingness to engage in such wholesale destruction.
In spite of his fascination with magic, including its destructive potential, Seltyn finds this revelation worrisome. If they were truly capable of such magic, then others could someday obtain it, too: Others far more willing to use it.
Velma will be an honored guest of Elfhome, and, I'm sure, she'll be of great benefit in reestablishing good relations between our peoples.
We are not authorized to make decisions for our leaders, but we will convey your wishes to them, and return with an answer in due time. It appears that you have made great strides in a relatively short time. Our people are slow to change, but our Lady will be glad to know you are doing well, and will want to know more about these new wonders.
Wil nods happy to see tha Seltyn was on board.
"It's settled then and I shall make sure to protect Velma with my life while she is away from her homeland." He looks to Velma then favoring her with a warm smile. "I know you are more than capable and mean no disrespect. The enemies we've encountered are accompanied by more martial bodyguards. If something happens on our journey I will make sure to stick close to you and keep those martial types away from you."
The trip back is........
uneventful until less than a day of sailing from elvenhome....
a large ship sitting low in the water is spotted following the coast of the mainland but well out to sea. Your ship is easily overtaking the much slower ship from the stern. It is flying the standard of the large human city you recently visited.
Like the uninspiring design of the utilitarian city, the trading vessel you are approaching is built for utillity and cargo capacity. It is running three sails and making fair progress with the winds.
Windfavor, the sea elf, comments:"Those lines on that ship are dull and uninspiring. The shipwright that built that should be quartered. Do we avoid them or hail them? Those dogs are so slow, we could circle around them without!"
"Do we lose or risk anything by saying hello?" Suny asks, peering at the vessel.
Running that low in the water means one of two things. Either they are heaving a lot of cargo, or they are struggling and taking water aboard. If there are no objections, we can always take a look and ask. Will liven up the voyage a little
Wil leans over the rail and eye's the low running ship warily. [smaller]"Or they are heavily loaded with troops or weapons as well, we cannot just assume its a merchant vessel as cargo ships are sometimes converted to troop carriers as well. So everyone, equip yourselves and prepare for the worst lest we are taken by surprise. Mages, take a high position, looking inconspicuous the rest of us will look busy as we make our approach."[/maller] It's obvious Wil is taking extra precautions after their recent successful raid and the fact that Velma is on-board and a valuable target.
Yes, let's hail them. Find out what they're doing so close to our shores, Wil. That's what the elven navy would do.
Seltyn grabs a mop and starts swabbing the deck, looking on as we approach.
The ships close, and the large galleon is manned by a crew of approximately fifty men. None of the men appear to be armed, and they run up a signal flag as they spot you.
"That is the flag for a commerce vessel."
As the elven vessel approaches into hailing range. A bullhorn is used to shout to you.
"We are traders. We have mostly foodstuffs and equipment."
"Does that satisfy your curiosity, Wil? I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind returning to solid land again," says Thalas, implying he saw no need to pause their nigh-completed journey.
Wil was confused for a moment by Thalas's atrabilious attitude before ignoring the pointed remark completely. He was in too good a mood and was clearly relieved to have been wrong in his assumptions. He responded to Thalas’s pointed remark with a cheery tone. "I hope your vexation may be succeeded by content, Brother. If you must single me out then yes, it satisfied my curiosity. Thank you for asking, pardon me but I have duties to attend to." He hails the traders with a friendly salute before leaving them to their journey.
"Fair Winds and Godspeed!"
He returned to his normal duties then, doing as he promised to by staying close to their passenger and helping her if she needed it.
As you look at Velma, it appears she encased herself in a magic globe in case something happened from the ship. Seltyn informs you it is a globe that blocks spells.
As you arrive back home, you are ushered to the Queen.
"You are back quickly and with a guest. I assume things went without incident?"
He apologizes to Velma for wasting her efforts after informing her of what the ship had been. From there he worked to foster a friendly relation with the foreign woman in the hopes that it would help smooth the coming diplomacy and so that he could learn more about her people.
Wil bows his head in greeting to the Queen. "Yes Milady, may I introduce Maester Velma, apologies as I do not know her official title but she comes as an envoy for her people. The ones known for their alchemy and powerful magic." He turned to Velma and gestured to Lady Ciedrel with a low bow and wave of his hand. "Maester Velma may I introduce you to Queen Ciedrel, defender of Elfhome and beloved by her people."
Having spoken his fill Wil politely steps back clearly allowing Seltyn or someone else to inform the queen of their possible success and speaking only if he is directed too.
Seltyn will relate what we saw and heard, and ask Ciedrel what she thinks of their request for seeds and their claims about their powerful magic.
Eirel stands and bows low and long before the Queen. Speaking of the alchemists, it is clear that things are troubling him.
I would ask permission to speak before this court about the alchemists that we met, and with my reservations.
He pauses for a moment, checking for assent, before speaking once more.
Whilst their magic is powerful, it is also incredibly destructive. If it were to be used on the wilds that are on the mainland... I do not think I would wish to live with the consequences and still consider myself affiliated with this nation. We can believe that our cause is just and the correct thing to do. I have no issue with that. What I do not wish to happen is for this world to be blighted by the magic of Rovagug. I fear that if we were to use the alchemist's magic too often, in the destructive bent that they use it, then we would become just as bad as what we are fighting against.
I would ask this court to accept any offers of alliance with them, but to be careful with using the goods that they offer. They wish to have a small sample of some seeds apparently, and I would ask that we ask what they are going to be used to do before simply handing them over. If they are truly on our side, then they should not have much issue giving us that small tidbit of information
In essence though, in no small part thanks to the efforts of Wil and Seltyn, you have an offer of alliance with these people, and there was little to report in terms of our travels. How are things within the nation? Where are we needed?
Well said, Eirel.
We must tread carefully. Our Lady has the final say, but their claims, true or not, cannot be taken lightly. They've grown in magical abilities, to be sure.
"It may be that we can take what they offer and refine it to a more manageable scale. It also may be that the enemies we face will require that degree of force to defeat. In either case, the alchemsts will make necessary allies." Azlain says from beneath his polished faceplate.
Lady Ciedrel grants the new guest a private audience. After this audience, she meets with you. She listens to your inputs and nods politely, then she adds.
"I have talked with the young mage you invited. She is quite knowledgeable and, as Eirel has pointed out, quite dangerous. I believe they wish to use the seeds to ease their domestic burdens and grow more plentiful foodstuffs. It appears their number one food is magically created food with magically created spices. Over the years, they have found it to be dull."
She pauses to collect her thoughts, "But the greater issues is the claims of these people are quite extraordinary. I see a great benefit to cultivating an alliance. As to whether we accept their offer, that is the immediate question. Having seen your ship, Velma has asserted that it will make a quick departure after the spell is started much easier. I have asked why magical means of travel cannot be done. She just assured me it couldn't and would reveal no more."
The queen turns to Seltyn:
"What do you think? I have already decided to gift them the seeds they have asked for. The return gift is this 'demonstration'."
It would be a shame for our allies to go hungry. Give them the seeds, and let us worry about the weapons and their magics when it becomes important. That is how I vote.
Suny does frown slightly,
"Indeed, it is a good thing to help others. Though, if their problem is of their own making? Perhaps over time we could council them on such matters?" She suggests.
"As for a 'demonstration? I do believe we should choose carefully and make practice on something that no one would miss...?"
Or as harsh as it sounds, on one of the targets that we might wish to take over quickly, but it is too heavily guarded for us to take without a great deal of effort
Okay, but I'm leery of any "demonstration." How do they avoid killing innocents? What's being demonstrated?
Wil added lightly. "Send an empty unmanned ship into the water or have her demonstrate on some old ruins. Then no loss of life and damage is controlled in a sense... That is if we don't have a target already selected."
He looked to Eirel then addressing him primarily as he seemed more intent on wielding this power against civilization. "I want to avoid destruction of towns and such, if at all possible i would rather them wield this against sea born threats and amassed troops o camps. Towns, fields and anything that would induce devastation on the innocent or famine on surrounding towns should be strictly avoided. I will talk to Velma later and hopefully understand more about how unwieldy or inaccurate their strikes will be. If there was some way to aim it for them at a field level i would pursue it for more accurate and... strategic strikes as you suggested."
To Lady Ciedrel he added. "I apologize if I made promises I didn't have the power to make. In the future I will try and be more cautious in my approach and any suggestions from you or your ambassadors would be appreciated as I am to used to a soldiers approach. Aim true, hit hard and fast as my instructor always said. Again ky apologies.
Lady Ciedrel smiles: "You speak for me. You carry the banner, the symbol of our power and support. Do not apologize. Let me make our obligations clear. You are obliged to make your best decision on the spot, and I am obliged to support you."
The last statement is made with a smile and complete candor.
She turns to Seltyn. "As the expert arcanist, leader, and having seen their leader first hand. What do you think about this demonstration?"
Such power is hard to fathom. Who in the world has the wisdom and restraint to use it without causing greater harm? Their leader didn't seem too concerned about such questions. He was very matter-of-fact about it, though I'm sure he's had plenty of time to consider it all.
However, if it is as they say, then they can already use it. We should witness what they can do, firsthand. Towns and cities? Too many innocents in any scenario to justify wholesale killing.
There is a certain vessel I'd like to see destroyed. Maybe seeing that would suffice...
Suny nods. "I think the whole lot of thos epeople are coming to a world of hurt. Thier ideas and practices...just don't seem to make sense. As for that certain boat? We're going to need more supplies and gear if we're to rescue most of the innocent crew." Suny points out.
Wil returns the Queens smile and bows deeply to her before responding."I will do my utmost to represent Elfhome and with the help of my comrades we will rebuild the old bonds."
Wil turned to Seltyn and Suny. "I would like to see their power being used as a deterrent as the servants have used the Treemother against us we can ask our ally to help turn away greater threats. Armies are useless if they can be completely leveled with a single spell. Same with Armadas, if we can defend our borders and work to subvert their might from within then perhaps their won't be any need for the spells use. As for that certain ship we will cross that bridge when we get there. Once things are settled her however we will have to decide on our next course of action and where we travel to next..."
Looking to Seltyn he nodded towards Velma. "Perhaps we can learn a few things from them. I don't know how magic works but i assume it can do more then just destroy and after seeing their city perhaps there are some useful spells we can use to strengthen Elfhome."
Velma seems quite amazed that the elves allow many magic texts to exist in libraries for all to read, and comments on that fact.
The ElfQueen prepares a missive for the leader of the Elotheans. Before doing this, she asks your counsel. Given your comments, the queen thanks the Elotheans for their offer, but declines to pick a target. She requests that your group be allowed to witness this powerful magic firsthand in exchange for using the elven ship. "I will have you return this to the Elotheans as quickly as possible."
The return journey to the Elotheans is swift and uneventful. Reading the prepared missive, their leader is quite puzzled. He asks, "We would like to help you with these cultists. I have asked our advisors to help out in this matter too."
The Elotheans have a poor knowledge of geography of the main continent. They request your aid to fill in their woefully inadequate maps.
To Velma: Our society is quite open. That may seem strange to you, but magic is shared here, along with other aspects of our lore. Even a wizard like myself is proficient in our traditional weapons, and magic is something many elves get good at, in time. We've nothing to hide, among ourselves.
10 on geography = 20.
Seltyn will help with the maps, but makes it clear we're reluctant to wipe out the cultists, since too many innocents can die, too. We're not all that well-versed in "collateral damage." Elves wouldn't find that acceptable.
If you can help us locate the dryad, we can slay the guilty and maybe save her. Our last foray into a cult-dominated city led me to believe that most there do not want to support them, but are being forced to comply. Better to help them throw off their shackles, I think, than let them die with their oppressors.
As your group reconvenes in the hall and speaks with the leader of the Elotheans, there is a discussion about how best to proceed. Three mages in rumpled cloaks join the discussion.
"Unfortunately we have only second-hand knowledge of this forest creature. Do you have any of her possessions or a lock of hair?"
The three other mages chime in. "We have discussed our options. We did not create this cataclysmic spell to kill innocents either. Let us postpone the demonstration."
The leader looks disappointed and replies: "We would like those on the mainland to respect our ability to wage war. If there is to be no target, we can refine our skill further. I just want to verify the calculations we made are correct."
Velma breaks her silence: "Well, we can begin improving our agricultural centers with the seeds. Maybe we can use our weapons if the world situation deteriorates. For now, we can be glad we are not at war with anyone."
Seltyn covers his mouth, and using the message spell he already cast, says, Someone's bluffing. Check it.
In game terms, he means roll a sense motive, if your wisdom is 10 or better.
Taking seltyns advice he started to scrutinize the words of those present more closely. Watching there body language and how the moved when they spoke. He had no eye for seeing much deception and hoped his comrade was wrong...
Sadly though Seltyn ws rarely wrong...
The leader smiles, and comments:
"We do have another show tonight. You have excellent seats again. Colors, bubbles and music is the theme tonight."
Wil smiles, giving Seltyn a knowing nod, before responding to the leader of the Elothian's. "I promise not to spoil the mood tonight, Soldier's honor. I would however like to meet more of your craftsmen and perhaps gain more of an understanding on how you achieved such a pinnacle of civilization. So long as I am not prying into your personal affairs that is."
via message: We're here to make friends. And learn. Good work, elves!
The leader thanks you.
"Any scrolls, wands or potions I can help you with. 10% discount on all our wares."
He smiles at Wil.
"You already met our dancers, water shapers, and musicians. Tonight you see the air shapers and more musicians. I assure you, you can judge a nation by its arts."
You are treated to another wonderful show of bubbles being shaped into a three dimensional dramatic play of dragons and people. Colors are fused into the elastic art pieces to represent a dragon attack of massive scale. Actors represent the heroes as they fight off the dragons with magic. A few use weapons, but they fail to pierce the dragons and die.
Thanks to the heroic magicians, the dragons are defeated and the people saved. Seems entertaining and useful propaganda at the same time for a magocracy.
After the show, the leader does mention: "We would pay you very well to eliminate a few creatures for us that are highly resistant to magic. They seemed to have a lair in one of our mines. We would like the creatures eliminated and their carcasses retrieved. We can pay 500 gold sovereigns per carcass."
Thalas looks questioningly to Seltyn and the others for a moment before speaking up, "It would be our honor to aid our new-found allies in this endeavor, Elder. I have no doubt that we will be able to depart for these mines in the morning."
Seltyn grins at Thalas, and responds. We would be happy to assist you any way we can. Our warriors are quite skilled, and they don't resist our enhancing magics at all.
What can you tell us about these creatures?
Dungeoneering 10 = 20
When Wil has a time moment to himself he looks out a window, looking at the Elothian town and whispering quietly to himself.
"At most the seemed anxious to avoid using the Destructive Magic they possess. If they were bluffing than they are far more skilled than I could detect in their voice or body language..."
Later after the many festivities Wil was still astounded from the play, having enjoyed himself immensely he was in high spirit's when the Elothian's asked for their aid. For their new found ally it was a simple request. For the time he sat humming a tune from the play as the other's asked their questions. Besides Seltyn asked the exact same thing I would have asked.
Velma follows you out, she is apparently your hostess.
"These creatures are insects that look like giant ants and mantisses. They have a hard shell and are highly resistant to magic in all its forms. They sniff magic like a shark sniffs blood and feed off it somehow. The most productive vein of our mine was shut down by these abominations."
She does a quick magic casting. "Yep, you light up like a Christmas tree. Enough magic they will see you coming well before you see them."
Gesturing to Seltyn, "You may want to sit this one out. Let the warriors handle this one. Ironically, this is probably the converse of the play we saw last night. The mages are most ineffective, the warriors the most effective."
If magic won't help us, perhaps knowledge will. Who among your scholars has studied these creatures? What do you call them?
"We call them the magic eaters.You can rest in our finer inn and we will take you there tomorrow."
Eirel looks uncomfortable for a moment as it is mentioned that there might be the possibility of one of their number being split from the others.
He waits however, enjoying the performance of the evening, and waiting until they are alone as a group before he raises any questions.
I have concerns. We clearly work well as a group, pack tactics as my circle would call them. Encircle and use our strengths to bring them down, tear them apart into smaller pieces and then consume then.
With this having been said however, I worry that these people have not told us what these things are. My knowledge of the underworld is almost nonexistent, especially with my living in the cities currently. I do not know of anything in the natural world that can devour magic.
However, I also think that there is a great deal to be said for taking a risk. And the risk I propose it bring our magic user with us, using him in essence as bait. We can protect him, of that I have no doubt. We need a method to draw in these things, and the best method that I can think of to do it is to have Seltyn with us.
"No." Wil's tone was hard and unyielding as he spoke. "These pack tactics should include the fact that most predators stalk their prey correct? A pack of wolves doesn't merely attack on a whim and I for one do not want to draw out all of these creatures because we Can't ensure Seltyns safety. We don't even know what we are fighting... Say One of us fails to be in position and Seltyn gets gravely injured or dies. I wouldn't relish trying to sell this idea to the queen. No offense Seltyn and as much as I want you to join us I'd rather you live to see the next lands."
He waves his hand to the air around them. "I for one would be careful what you say out loud brothers and sisters as we are in a city of wizards and who knows who could be watching. Now I will say your idea has merit Eirell and I only speak against it as we lost a member barely over a fort night ago and I'd rather take a more cautious route. Once we lay eyes on these creatures we will be able to plan better. But if we can draw them out one at a time then pack tactics could work. Taking to many on would be disastrous. Which if the Elothians words are true Setltyn would draw several to us and we would more then likely be overwhelmed. I see this as a fortioutous time to make generate an income and aid a new ally.
He looked to Seltyn then. "Velma seems to have warmed up to us some and I think this would be a great opportunity to exchange magical knowledge. Especially anything that will improve Elfhome in the ways there city is thriving. I don't want to see our craftsmen replaced but I would love the city to become more efficient and in tune with itself and nature. It would also be a good chance for you to discuss this destructive magic with them as well. It would also give us a chance to look into a way to locate the Treemother... Just my opinion on the matter."
Seltyn is impressed by the wisdom of his cohorts. You both make good points. We need to know more about these creatures, and find a way to outsmart them.
Rather than stumbling into their traps, we should make them should stumble into ours.
We need some stealthy elves, who can peek ahead, and inform us of dangers before we reach them. Move slowly, and our odds improve. Charge in, and we lose any advantage.
Wil grimaces as stealth wasn't his strong suit at all. "Well count me out there. I am not quiet at all. Even outside of my armor." He mumbled to himself. Mother always said I stomped like a bull...
Velma clarifies her earlier statements.
"These creatures seem to be drawn to magic, our only effective way of fighting. I would be surprised if you can find them before they find you. We have never tried to fight them without spells and wands, as our people are very bad with weapons. I do not know if things with a permanent enchantment on them are detected and eaten too if carried by one of our untalented. It is an experiment no one has wanted to try."
Then that's what we should find out, first. We send Eirel in with no spells prepared, but with magic weapons or armor, and see how they react. If they detect the items, we'll know for sure. If they don't, our armored heroes can use their best gear and fight them with some advantage.
Of course, there's the small problem of Eirel maybe getting killed, but he should run right away if they notice his items before they notice him. It's risky, but we need to know before we commit, either way.