"Hylo? We little friend we are clearly in the woods of Kothas and Mithas! How they brought such trees to these lands is truly magical. This must be Wayreth Forest! But, in which direction must we walk to find the Tower? Kossel what do you see?"
Jakun looks about for a path.
Perception [/dice].
Shocked by the changes as they walk in, Caitlyn narrows her eyes and mutters darkly, "Magery..."
Wait? We all see a different place? That's amazing! WoooooOOOOOOooooow!
Thistletorp scampers up Mittens' head to try and grab onto a tree and examine it further.
"Hylo? We little friend we are clearly in the woods of Kothas and Mithas! How they brought such trees to these lands is truly magical. This must be Wayreth Forest! But, in which direction must we walk to find the Tower? Kossel what do you see?"
Jakun looks about for a path.
Perception 1d20+9.
"It's a forest, boss. Trees, leaves, no shiny bits. That one over there looks good for nesting."
As soon as Jakun looked for it, a path opened. Level ground unmarred by as much as a protruding root stretched out arrow-straight in front of him.
Shocked by the changes as they walk in, Caitlyn narrows her eyes and mutters darkly, "Magery..."
The thought slips away from Caitlyn's mind a few times, as if she were being nudged away from it, but with concentration she realizes that the forest she now stands in must be Wayreth. Once she draws the conclusion, she remembers the same twisted, blighted wood turned verdant with perfect clarity.
Woooow! Push me higher Mittens! I think I can climb to the top!!!
"It's a forest, boss. Trees, leaves, no shiny bits. That one over there looks good for nesting."
As soon as Jakun looked for it, a path opened. Level ground unmarred by as much as a protruding root stretched out arrow-straight in front of him.
"Well Kossel I meant is there a.... ah there it is. Come along my friends. On to the Tower. I have an appointment with my destiny".
Jakun follows the path that has opened before him and motions for the others to follow.
With a great leap and twist in the air, Thistletrop bounds off of Mittens' head and then bounces along the trail, skipping merrily as he searches for new and exciting things.
WOoooooow! It just appeared!
The half-elf, a little bit afraid, will grasp her medallion of faith, its soft light and warmth reassuring her that Paladine is with her.
E'li, be my strength. she says as she walks forward, thinking back to her history lessons and the Lost Battles.
Caitlyn speaks to Jackun saying, "I've been here before, well not precisely here but I've seen this forest before. It's strange, I knew that the instant I saw it, yet my thoughts twisted away from the memories like a leaf in the wind. Memories of what happened to my brother Justin in that tower haunted my dreams for years... I can see that same thirst in your eyes Jackun. The thirst for knowledge and the power that comes with it. Of course such things come at a price. They warned Justin and he wouldn't listen. Afterwards Par Salian claimed white heat of the test had forged him anew and annealed his flaws. Skin however isn't like steel, heat does irreparable damage."
She falls silent for a while before adding quietly, "Afterwards the black robed master Ladonna told me if I had asked I would have been allowed to fight by Justin's side. She claimed that Par Salian chose not to tell me. Alas she was using me and I did something rash, and was forcibly expelled shortly after. Anyway I had a point to all this. I stood by and watched once before, I don't think I could bear to stand by and watch another friend get hurt again. If you need us I and I suspect the others will be there for you."
If possible, I would like to speak with the Master of the Conclave, Par-Salian the White.
Caitlyn speaks to Jackun saying, "I've been here before, well not precisely here but I've seen this forest before. It's strange, I knew that the instant I saw it, yet my thoughts twisted away from the memories like a leaf in the wind. Memories of what happened to my brother Justin in that tower haunted my dreams for years... I can see that same thirst in your eyes Jackun. The thirst for knowledge and the power that comes with it. Of course such things come at a price. They warned Justin and he wouldn't listen. Afterwards Par Salian claimed white heat of the test had forged him anew and annealed his flaws. Skin however isn't like steel, heat does irreparable damage."
She falls silent for a while before adding quietly, "Afterwards the black robed master Ladonna told me if I had asked I would have been allowed to fight by Justin's side. She claimed that Par Salian chose not to tell me. Alas she was using me and I did something rash, and was forcibly expelled shortly after. Anyway I had a point to all this. I stood by and watched once before, I don't think I could bear to stand by and watch another friend get hurt again. If you need us I and I suspect the others will be there for you."
"I am sorry for what happened to your brother. The Test exists to ensure that magic does not fall into the hands of those who would wield it without knowing the cost. I am prepared to pay that cost.
I emphasize the I in that sentence. Though I have only known Thistle among you for more than a few weeks, I feel a kinship to you all. No doubt this is the bond that brought Kaz to fight when he could have left Huma and Magius' side. Humans are different than the people of myself and Mittens in so many ways and yet so similar in so many ways.
If you honor me then you will not interfere. I take the risk for myself not for all of you. Know that the offer to aid me will strengthen me through this upcoming trial".
If possible, I would like to speak with the Master of the Conclave, Par-Salian the White.
Jakun turns to Mariel, "As would I, I think we will need his counsel. Revered Daughter, is that your proper title? Revered Daughter Mariel Uth Kaldar, a good name - a strong name. Perhaps a name that shall echo through time as the heroes of Solamnic past!" He grins.
Yes Jakun, from what I have read in the Disks of Mishakel, those ordained to the ministry of Paladine in formal orders, which he has given to me, are known as the Revered Children. I am a Revered Daughter of Paladine, the first in over 300 years.
Perhaps Solinari, the god of the White Moon, desires that we see the Head of his Order here on Ansalon.
The Innfellows walked for a few minutes, for an hour, for most of the day. At times it seemed each, as trees that seemed distant one moment drew near the next and then receded again. They progressed straight through the forest, but the same trees came and went several times, as though they had somehow turned.
But at length the trees parted one last time to show them walls of black glass that drank deep of the sunlight, leaving scarcely enough to glint off the silver and crimson runes that marked them. A gate of silver and gold, a gossamer structure that looked ready to blow away in the slightest breeze, stood fast against them until Jakun drew near. Then it swung silently open.
Above rose a great black claw, twin towers of the same glass that made the walls, twisting as they ascended so that they seemed ready to lean forward and crush the two smaller towers joining them, or all topple together into the plain gray courtyard. Neither door nor window marked the towers' faces, safe for doors to the foretower which now stood open.
Stepping inside Wayreth's empty silence, one had the sense of entering a place more teeming with people than the most prosperous village on market day. Yet none appeared and no sounds marred the stillness.
"Welcome to Wayreth," A red-robed man said, suddenly before them as if he'd stood there all along. He had a deep voice and vigorous manner. Aside from his robes he wore only a glinting ring of platinum with an emerald set in it and a small ruby on his brow. "I am Justarius, master of the Red Robes. You must be Jakun," he said, looking the minotaur in the eye.
We thank you for your greetings, Justarius of the Red Robes, denizen of Palanthus.
Jakun gives a slight bow to Justarius as befitting his station, "Yes, I am Jakun, I have journeyed far from my homeland and after many, adventures, I have finally arrived to take the Test all Wizards must pass to be accepted into the Order.
With me are my friends, Mariel Uth Kaldar - Revered Daughter of Paladine, Thistle Babblebrook - Kender Handler, Caitlyn Weissman - who I believe needs no introduction to you, and Tallen "Mittens" Short Horn - Warrior of Kiri Jolith.
My test, while the most important moment of my life, perhaps must take a backseat to events that have unfolded during our journey here. The return of both Dragons and the True Gods to our world".
If possible, Master of the Red Robes, would it be possible to address the Head of the Conclave? asks the Revered Daughter.
Justarius took all Jakun and Mariel said quietly, though he evinced a brief puzzled expression at the notion that he would know Caitlyn.
"You are welcome here as Jakun's guests," the red-robed wizard. "But I ask you all to understand that the Towers of High Sorcery are refuges for our Order. They are places of peace and learning, for all Wizards to share in common. They are not meant for others, save those coming for the Test. Many bring companions, but both for your own safety and the comfort of those for whom our refuge is meant, I cannot give you the freedom of the Tower. You will be provided for in the Foretower," Justarius gestured to the nearest of the towers, the one with the doors.
With visible effort, the wizard turned himself and began toward the open doors. He had a pronounced limp. Justarius continued as he walked.
"And you may roam the grounds, but you may not go further into the towers. At the points of the outer walls, you will find three further towers. These are sacred to the brother gods of our Order. It is their will that they remain open to all who come within these walls, but in going you fall in the light of the Moons. Know that anything you do within will be marked."
Justarius reached a the Foretower and led the companions into that, but for its lack of adornment, would serve fit for a palace. Silver and crimson runes decorated the walls, giving way here and there to conspicuously empty spaces. A broad archway led further into the tower and graceful stairs curved up to either side, embracing the chamber.
"You will find your chambers there," Justarius said, indicating a short hallway slipping off to one side beneath the curving stairways.
"With regard to your request to see the Master of the Conclave, I fear Par-Salian is occupied with great matters of concern to our Order. It is unlikely he will find time to see you," the red-robe told Mariel.
"The Highmage will make an exception," said a handsome woman well into middle age. She wore robes of black silk. Like Justarius, she simply appeared as though she had always been there. "I sense that these travelers bring more than wild rumors. Par-Salian's works will stand the interruption."
Her eyes fell on Caitlyn. "I did not expect to see you again," she said. "Once again you have my condolences, what poor consolation they can offer. But I feel honored to see the strength it must require to bring you."
"Jakun," Justarius said, "I have the honor to present to you Ladonna, Mistress of the Black Robes. She is one of the finest workers of our Art that I have ever had the distinct pleasure to know."
"You flatter me," Ladonna said, smiling all the while. "Please, continue."
Justarius laughed.
Our audience will be with the Master of the White Robes. she says firmly and politely.
Woooooooooow! Thistletorp darts forward hand extended to both Justarius and Ladonna. Hiya! I'm Thistletorp Babblebrook! Pleased to meetcha! Are you guys really wizards? We found a dragon that wasn't really a dragon, it was a muppet! It was levers and pulleys and a big horn to talk to. Then, we met another dragon, but this one wasn't actually a muppet it was a real dragon! And it didn't have levers or pulleys at all. Well, I don't think it did. I couldn't climb in to be sure, but it DID breathe acid on us, and the muppet didn't do that. Perhaps it could've though, if we gone it the opportunity. Now, we'll never know. The black dragon was very mean and hurt my friends, but we beat it, and then we saw a red dragon destroying our home.. And do you know how to keep cabbages from wandering? They're very sneaky and not at all good things. Oh and I found this in my pocket, I think it wants to belong to you. he reaches into his pocket and returns a spell pouch to Justarious and a ring to Ladonna. Why did the forest appear different to all of us? Is that something only that first can do? Or, is it something all forests can do? Because, I've often thought trees are sneaky like cabbages. Especially palm trees. Never trust a tree that doesn't have branches, I always say.
"It is a pleasure to meet one so talented in the Art Mistress Ladonna".
Jakun turns to Mariel, "I believe our audience should be with all three of the Heads of the Orders. As you are both here now, can we all meet with Par-Salian to discuss what is happening in the world at large? Mistress Ladonna is correct, I and my companions have seen Dragons and True Healing with our own eyes, there are no wild rumors but world shattering events!
Once my Test is complete, assuming that I live of course, I will need to return to the world and I should like the input of all of you to determine what to do next".
He pauses, "A demonstration if you do not believe perhaps is in order yes?"
Jakun draws his dagger and slices open his own hand, "Mariel, if you would please aid me?"
The half-elf looks uncertainly at the two mages before her, especially the Black. She hesitates.
Jakun smiles at Mariel, "Here the Order does not war, perhaps outside of these walls but here and now, all will be well. Go ahead, this uh, hurt more than I expected it to".
The half-elf will grab the minotaur's hand and begin to pray
Father of Light, illumine this place with your healing love. E'li, Valiant Warrior, beloved Paladine, hear my prayer if it be in your most holy and gracious will. The medallion glows and she smiles as she feels her god with her, even in the Tower of High Sorcery.
CLW
Jakun flexes his hand, "Thank you Mariel. Remember, as the Disks of Mishakal state, the Gods of Magic are Old Gods as well. The Orders never stopped revering them".
He shows his hand to Lashonna and Justarius, "Now you too bear witness".
Yes, but some here worship the gods of darkness. she says. As is written in the Disks of Mishakel, Evil feeds upon itself. she says simply.
Caitlyn was unmoved by Justarius the red's apparent snub, perhaps she truly was beneath notice. That would make things easier all things considered although it was too much to hope for that Par-Salian had forgotten her. A meeting would be awkward...
A little later Ladonna strode in. Just as before she found herself wanting to like Ladonna despite the black robes. The woman undeniably had a way with words, even if was certain she was being manipulated! Caitlyn didn't trust herself to say anything, briefly met Ladonna's eyes, nodded once and studied the floor. These where powerful mages, she didn't want to ruin anything for Jackun with a careless word.
Woooooooooow! Thistletorp darts forward hand extended to both Justarius and Ladonna. Hiya! I'm Thistletorp Babblebrook! Pleased to meetcha! Are you guys really wizards? We found a dragon that wasn't really a dragon, it was a muppet! It was levers and pulleys and a big horn to talk to. Then, we met another dragon, but this one wasn't actually a muppet it was a real dragon! And it didn't have levers or pulleys at all. Well, I don't think it did. I couldn't climb in to be sure, but it DID breathe acid on us, and the muppet didn't do that. Perhaps it could've though, if we gone it the opportunity. Now, we'll never know. The black dragon was very mean and hurt my friends, but we beat it, and then we saw a red dragon destroying our home.. And do you know how to keep cabbages from wandering? They're very sneaky and not at all good things. Oh and I found this in my pocket, I think it wants to belong to you. he reaches into his pocket and returns a spell pouch to Justarious and a ring to Ladonna. Why did the forest appear different to all of us? Is that something only that first can do? Or, is it something all forests can do? Because, I've often thought trees are sneaky like cabbages. Especially palm trees. Never trust a tree that doesn't have branches, I always say.
Justarius quietly fumed at having his spell components returned to him. Ladonna laughed and produced a ring in the shape of two vines coiled together, with tiny flecks of gemstone for flowers. She put it in Thistletorp's hand.
"Thank you, Small One!" she said, smiling. "I am always misplacing that ring. It is very precious to me and I sorely miss it each time. Take this other as my gift for its safe return."
Justarius was taken aback when Jakun cut himself, on the edge of speaking before Mariel supplied the gods' healing. He and Ladonna both watched with great interest.
"The gifts of the brother gods are many," the red robe mage said. "But it is the way of things that we are denied the art of closing wounds."
"There are curative necromancies, gifts of the Moon's Shadow," Ladonna said. "But paying tithes for His secrets is also in the nature of things. A balance must remain."
Yes, but some here worship the gods of darkness. she says. As is written in the Disks of Mishakel, Evil feeds upon itself. she says simply.
Ladonna inclined her head respectfully. After a moment's consideration, she spoke:
"Revered Daughter, you have my oath on my Art, the Invisible Eye to witness it, that so long as you remain within these three walls the lives and well-being of you and your friends are inviolate. No harm will come to any of you by the hand of a Wizard of my order, excepting only any who brave our Test and only while within the Testing."
"You might say, if you wish, that by swearing I have turned upon mine own. My god is the son of Dark Queen and Dark Vengeance, but families are often at odds. My faith, and Nuitari's, is bound to the Art itself and transcends these philosophical disagreements. It is a thing greater than us all, which has brought Jakun here. You must forgive the presumption, but I think it not so different from the strength and honor that you see in him and Tallen for all they are the sons of a race often called evil."
"But I could go on for hours; I rarely have the pleasure to discuss theology. You have come for a reason, and we are poor hosts to delay seeing to your comfort for so long. You must allow me to show you your rooms. Justarius and I will speak to Par-Salian and I am sure you will have the audience you deserve very shortly."
Thank you, Ladonna of the Black Robes. I was raised among my father's people in Qualanesti in addition to my time in my grandfather's home in Solamnia. From my father's house I was taught to respect mages of the White Robes.
[ooc] She doenst have a Raistlin to fall in love with, yet, lol {/ooc]
Justarius quietly fumed at having his spell components returned to him. Ladonna laughed and produced a ring in the shape of two vines coiled together, with tiny flecks of gemstone for flowers. She put it in Thistletorp's hand.
"Thank you, Small One!" she said, smiling. "I am always misplacing that ring. It is very precious to me and I sorely miss it each time. Take this other as my gift for its safe return."
Wow! Thank you Ladonna! He smiles and examined the ring. You should keep a better eye one your things! They like to run off, you know. Especially rings! They're just slipping and fallin and dropping off fingers and falling into other people's fingers or pockets. Or even the ground, sometimes, but that's because they miss pockets and fingers when they're falling, or because they're tired of being on a finger and they want a change of pace. I think it's very cheeky of them.
He grins and puts the ring on. I'll make sure this stays put!
Perhaps we might one day discuss theology as I study more about the gods of light from the Disks of Quen Illumini
Perhaps we might one day discuss theology as I study more about the gods of light from the Disks of Quen Illumini
"I look forward to it," Ladonna said. True to her word, the Mistress of the Black Robes showed the companions to their quarters. The rooms were very comfortable, each scrupulously clean and home to a pair of quite soft beds, nightstands, and fine paintings depicting woodland scenes.
"You will find food on the nightstand at the proper times. The ewers will never lack for water," she explained. "As Justarius said, you are free to roam the grounds. Please don't let anything you see or hear disturb you too much. On occasion an experiment or Test will briefly leak into the surroundings, but you are no in danger."
With that, Ladonna politely excused herself.
When the Companions are alone Jakun turns to Thistle, "May I see that ring my friend? U can tell you if it is magical". He points to the ring Ladonna just gave to him.
Cast Detect Magic
Thistletorp looks down at his ring and holds it back. But.. it's my ... pressssscioussssss. He smiles and plucks the ring off his finger and hands it over to Jakun. Just kidding! I saw that in a mummer's play once in Gwyned, and it just seemed so funny! I mean, a Kender being obsessed with things! Ridiculous! He bends over in peels of laughter.
Thistletorp looks down at his ring and holds it back. But.. it's my ... pressssscioussssss. He smiles and plucks the ring off his finger and hands it over to Jakun. Just kidding! I saw that in a mummer's play once in Gwyned, and it just seemed so funny! I mean, a Kender being obsessed with things! Ridiculous! He bends over in peels of laughter.
Jakun detected no magic upon the ring.
The half-elf will spend time reading the disks of Mishakel, and if possible will take her own notes, attempting to use this bit of Scripture to begin noting information for sermons and homilies.
Feeling rather out of her depth and very uncomfortable at the prospect of meeting Par-Salian again, Caitlyn shrinks in on herself and counts the floor tiles. Better that than think of Justin! Perhaps she didn't need to be here at all, besides it was obvious the mages regarded everyone except Jackun as a nuisance best banished to the guest quarters... Maybe it would be best if she slipped out and got some sleep, well assuming she could sleep in this infernal place!
What color Robes did your brother win?
The Wizard hands the ring back to Thistle, "I was hoping she had given you something of great value, I suppose a sign of friendship from one of the most powerful Wizards of our time is in and of itself worth a great deal".
Jakun snorts when he sees Caitlyn's body language and approaches her.
"Caitlyn, I am sorry to cause you so much consternation by coming here. You are a long time friend of Gavin, a childhood friend of mine now lost to reborn evil, do you wish to talk? I have time, I am ready for my trials. Have been for some time. Nothing distracts me from this purpose. For the moment anyway".