"Who are you that I should trust in you? Perhaps you men to slay me".
"I am a friend and ally to you," the unseen voice said. "You may call me Fistandantilus, though I am only his remnant. A small part of my consciousness imbues your spellbook, put there to help it find the hands of new wizards so that our Art may grow even long after my death. You are a unique, talented person. From your example, others of your kind may come and learn the craft, making it greater still. That is the mission of the Orders and will of the three Moons, which they have forgotten. Prove them wrong and you will set them back on the righteous path."
"I assure you that you could climb into any real dragon," Ladonna said, smiling. "Though I don't advise it. That lovely ring I gave you would not fare well at all."Thistletorp giggles when Mittens pets him. The dragons were amazing! There was one I could climb into! But, it wasn't a real dragon. I think. I don't think I can climb into all the dragons. Like, the black one.. that one had blood in it, and it's ashes, now. I can't climb into things made of ashes. And, the red dragon was pretty far away. It was in the sky. I can't get up there, yet. He frowns. I don't think.
Well, I wouldn't want to hurt my ring. But, I could climb into a dragon! Woooooooooooow! I should try that sometime! Thistletorp bends down to look Mittens in the eyes upside down. Will you try that with me!? Hunh? Please?! You, me, Jakun! The three of us together climbing into a dragon! That could be fun!
|
mittens looks at his little friend and smiles softly.
"Mittens must kill evil dragons but mittens will see what he can do."
he turns to the wizards holding his medallion of faith before him. When he speaks his voice is different, he still speaks with a childlike wonder but there is a faith like convection as well.
"that was the goddess. Mittens knows it as he knows kiri jolith has always watched him. I am kiri jolith's champion." he struggles to say the last part correctly.
mittens looks at his little friend and smiles softly.
"Mittens must kill evil dragons but mittens will see what he can do."he turns to the wizards holding his medallion of faith before him. When he speaks his voice is different, he still speaks with a childlike wonder but there is a faith like convection as well.
"that was the goddess. Mittens knows it as he knows kiri jolith has always watched him. I am kiri jolith's champion." he struggles to say the last part correctly.
The wizards inclined their heads politely at Mittens' invocation.
"And you are the Sword of Justice are welcome here," Ladonna said smoothly. Par-Salian shifted uneasily in his seat, but nodded his agreement.
"It has been very long since one of your faith came within these walls," the Highmage said. "There has been bad blood between our Orders in the past, but let us leave it sleep."
Jakun listens to this Fistandantilus and pauses considering the two doorways.
"It is not you who wishes to help me but you who wishes to help yourself through me.
If these wizards seek to slay me they shall be in for a surprise.
I will survive on my own or not at all it is the way of the Minotaur! If I survive I shall pass your book to another as I have gleaned from it all I can. Farewell spirit".
That said Jakun casts Bears Endurance and steps through the portal with the mags. By passing the one that the spirit offered, Jakun is ready for a fight!
"Well said," the cold voice said. Its presence faded as Jakun stepped through the archway. Ice and flame lashed at him for an instant. Then Jakun found himself in a plain, unadorned chamber with a vaulted ceiling. White, red, and black doors pierced the opposite wall. Before them stood a great pile of bones, taller than he was.
"Another has come," The numerous skulls in the pile said at once. "We are so tired. Why should we let this one pass? It has a nice skull. A very nice skull"
"You should let this one pass because none before me have come and once I pass through many, many more of my kind shall come. So many that you will no doubt add skulls similar to mine to your collection".
Jakun will begin to inspect the room for a way to the doors but be wary of the skulls responses and movements.
"You should let this one pass because none before me have come and once I pass through many, many more of my kind shall come. So many that you will no doubt add skulls similar to mine to your collection".
"But we have you now," the skulls said together. "Others might or might not come, but you are here for certain. We are eternal; you must eat and drink. We need only wait to have from you all we ask. It is so very long; be reasonable."
The skulls turned as one to follow Jakun's gaze, the pile shifting constantly. It was hard to judge, but he felt confident that they could easily reach each door.
Jakun will cast an Extended Displacement using his Rod.
"My people are not not known for reason but for action..."
Then he will charge at the pile of skulls waiting until the last second to initiate his still active Fly spell "leaping" over the pile and heading for the Red door!
Jakun warded himself and launched forward, his hooves leaving the ground as he few near the skulls. The bones roiled and lashed upward, a dozen skulls passing so near that he felt them brush his fur as he flew. Jakun reached the red door and heard the bones churning behind him, rising up still further. A great tendril massed skulls slammed into the wall just next to the door, where his illusory image stood.
"Lies! the skulls snarled.
And then Jakun was through the door. He found himself in a room evenly divided into red, white, and black sections. Each formed a wedge, the point of it just where he stood. In the white and black sections stood two of himself, each robed to match their section.
"You are attainted," white-robe Jakun said, full of sorrow. "The magic of the black moon will make you into its slave. Turn your back upon it. Abjure it. Cast aside that cursed volume. It will bring weakness to you ere long. That is the way of Nuitari."
"He lies," black-robe Jakun said. "Magic is a thing of beauty and a tool to rehspae the world. It is neither good nor bad. If it were, why would the orders keep their peace so well? He only wants you to join the white robes. His concern is himself, not you."
nope
miss
yup
"You both err".
He turns to the White Robed Jakun, "Minotaur have rage in their hearts, a gift from our Dark God Sargonnas".
He then turns to the Black Robed Jakun, "Minotaur have their hearts full of Honor, a gift from no God that I know of but a trait the Gods of Light have shared with their Knights".
Jakun steps on the Red section, "Minotaur, like humans are creatures of the balance. Ever at war internally but never letting either side, too blind to the strengths of the other side, win.
What is so damn special about this book that it should feature so prominently in MY Test! This Fistandantilus is dead, his time is passed.
I have shown my Mastery of Magic have I not? Test me as you will but stop speaking to me of this long dead spirit, I tire of it". jakun growls.
Jakun, knowing he has drawn the few spells he needs or wants from the book takes it and tosses it back through the portal from whence he came. He pauses waiting to see what will happen based on the decision he has made...
The two Jakuns bowed and disappeared. Jakun stepped forward and found himself in a new chamber, facing himself just as he now stood. When he moved, the other Jakun moved the same, but reversed. Like an image in a mirror. Together they occupied a narrow, low corridor.
Is there a door past this Jakun or is it too dark for him to see?
"Stand aside or join with me that we may pass beyond and claim what has been sought for so long. The Art is everything and yet nothing without true companions at one's side.
At least that is how I always interpreted Magius' sacrifice for Huma and Kaz..."
Is there a door past this Jakun or is it too dark for him to see?
"Stand aside or join with me that we may pass beyond and claim what has been sought for so long. The Art is everything and yet nothing without true companions at one's side.
At least that is how I always interpreted Magius' sacrifice for Huma and Kaz..."
Jakun's other self said the words just as he did, their voices melding together.
Jakun will chuckle and head towards the door walking, not flying.
Jakun will chuckle and head towards the door walking, not flying.
Jakun, both of him, walked forward. They met in the middle of the corridor, each blocking the other's way.
Jakun will turn around and try to walk backwards towards the door.
Jakun will turn around and try to walk backwards towards the door.
Jakun and Jakun both turned their backs and walked forward. He felt a moment of disorientation and then stood in a dark, large room with many thronelike chairs. Par-Salian, Justarius, and Ladonna greeted him with smiles. His traveling companions stood to one side.
"It is my honor to welcome you to our Order, Wizard Jakun," Par-Salian said.
Jakun blinks at the temporary disorientation and looks around the room, he looks down to see what color Robes he is wearing or if he is wearing the clothes that he entered the Test in.
At Par-Salian's words he bows to the Council, "I thank you Master of the Tower". He then pats the book in his pack with an odd look on his face.
He frowns then turns to his Companions and smiles addressing the Council, "If I am here in this Hall now, I take it that my Companions have informed the Council of the troubles we have faced?"
Jakun blinks at the temporary disorientation and looks around the room, he looks down to see what color Robes he is wearing or if he is wearing the clothes that he entered the Test in.
Jakun was wearing the clothes he entered the test in.
"It is tradition for initiates to receive their robes by the hands of the Master of their order,"[]/b] Justarius said. He made a complicated gesture and Jakun's clothes came to life, smoothing into robes and turning red.
At Par-Salian's words he bows to the Council, [b]"I thank you Master of the Tower". He then pats the book in his pack with an odd look on his face.
He frowns but speaks, "If I am here in this Hall now, I take it that my Companions have informed the Council of the troubles we have faced?"
"We are fully apprised of your exploits," Par-Salian said. He gave Jakun a tired, regretful look.
"Your friends have been most informative," Ladonna said. "You have had a very eventful time. We would offer you every hospitality, but the Revered Daughter has impressed upon us the urgency of your errand and we understand that any time here at all is a special trial for Caitlyn." She gave Caitlyn a respectful nod.
"You must not wait on formalities. If you wish to be off, you may part from us directly. But know that Wayreth always has a place for you, Jakun."
"As it does for all Wizards," Justarius intoned.
Jakun holds back tears as his Robes turn Red, "A life long dream to wear the Robes of Magius friend to Kaz the hero and Huma the Knight.
I was hoping for a day or two to study here on combat tactics against Dragons and perhaps access to new spells.
What aid will you give us in these troubling times? These Dragon and their Spawn, if that is what they are, threaten all things."
The Revered Daughter will give the minotaur a smile of congratulations.
Thank you Head of the Conclave and Masters of the Orders. I hope that this time, the Church and the Wizards of High Sorcery will get along better than in the days of the Lightbearer.
At her companions Should be off to the lands of my father?
Almost too eagerly, Caitlyn said, "Yes!", before adding sheepishly, "Er, that is after Jackun has finished his test."
Looking away from the Majo, she thought 'Please be OK Jackun! I can't bear it if somebody else I cared for was maimed in that barbaric test of theirs.'
I was hoping for a day or two to study here on combat tactics against Dragons and perhaps access to new spells.
"You are welcome to stay as long as you wish," Ladonna said. "Our libraries and laboratories are open to you. Though I do ask you to consider your companions and their interests. It is far too easy to become lost in our Art and neglect our personal obligations."
"Ladonna speaks the truth," Par-Salian said. "What passes between you and your friends is your own business, but do not allow it to slip from your mind unwittingly."
What aid will you give us in these troubling times? These Dragon and their Spawn, if that is what they are, threaten all things."[/b]
"It is not the Order's custom to become part of the wars of the world. What a Wizard does there, he does on his own," Justarius said.
Thistletorp perks up from where he was looking inside a vase. Explore!? We can explore?!
Thistletorp perks up from where he was looking inside a vase. Explore!? We can explore?!
"It may not be safe for you, small one," Ladonna said. "We all take great care in our researches, but we are accustomed to making things safe only for Wizards. You may not know the signs of danger when you see them."
Caitlyn was very glad to see that Jackun had survived seemingly unscathed and gave him a proper bearhug - hard enough to hurt before suddenly remembering where she was. Releasing him and stepping backwards she sheepishly says, "Er, I'm glad you made it. Mariel said something about visiting the elves, should we set out tomorrow?"
From my understanding from my father's people, the Forest of Wayreth could leave us very close to the forests of Qualinesti. Master of the Conclave, do you have any Solamnic or elven wizards here at the Tower?
From my understanding from my father's people, the Forest of Wayreth could leave us very close to the forests of Qualinesti. Master of the Conclave, do you have any Solamnic or elven wizards here at the Tower?
"Wayreth has its own ways," Par-Salian said. "It may leave you where you wish, or may not. It often defers to members of the Order, but not always."
"There are few of us from the Solamnic Kingdoms," Justarius said. "And fewer still who care to go back. If I can oblige you without compromising my studies, I am at your disposal, Revered Daughter."
"Don't mind Justarius. He's always so busy," Ladonna said. "If you're bound for Qualinesti then I'm afraid we can't be of any help at all. There is an elf among us, but he would not be welcome there."
mittens nods at the wizard's words and looks at thistle.
"Mittens will keep you company little friend
Yippee!!! You, Jakun, and Me! Great! We'll explore the whole tower! And find all sorts of neat places and things! I bet we'll end up on the Moon again! That'll be soo much fun! I wonder if they'll throw me a party and make me king again. That was fun!
Justarius the Red, do you know the political situation of Solamnia, are the knights aware of the dragons return? Are they mobalizing for war? she inquires.
Justarius the Red, do you know the political situation of Solamnia, are the knights aware of the dragons return? Are they mobalizing for war? she inquires.
"I have heard no such tidings, though I have not been in Palanthus for many months," Justarius said. "I left the kingdoms at peace."
"You are welcome to stay as long as you wish," Ladonna said. "Our libraries and laboratories are open to you. Though I do ask you to consider your companions and their interests. It is far too easy to become lost in our Art and neglect our personal obligations."
"What passes between you and your friends is your own business, but do not allow it to slip from your mind unwittingly."
"It is not the Order's custom to become part of the wars of the world. What a Wizard does there, he does on his own," Justarius said.
"My friends, I think it behooves us to stay for at least a few days and study what we can find on Dragons here in the Library of the Tower. No elf live has a living memory of Dragons and when we arrive in Qualinesti we may not be so welcomed...".
Jakun smiles at Caitlyn's hug, "I told you all would be well my dear. I am no mere calf, I know myself".
"Yes Thistle, I am sure the Wizards would not be at all worried about unfettered access to you. I jest, you must be on your best behavior else you turned into a mouse on accident in a tower full of cat familiars!"
Finally Jakun turns back to the council, "You must keep your own Counsel on what is to be done I suppose. The last time there were Dragons, Takhisis the Dark Queen strode Krynn. The leader of her armies then was Galen Dracos, a renegade wizard. A foe to the world as well as our Order. We Wizards are a part of the world, not apart from it. It took the sacrifice of Huma and Magius,a member of our Order, to stop them.
If the Gods of Light have returned then it is likely the Gods of Darkness have returned as well. No Gods besides those who nurture our Order are allies to us, I am not so foolish to believe that but if we aid the people of this world now in a dark hour perhaps we can win their trust and make the world a place that we can live in instead of hide away from.
Thus, any advice you have for me and my fellows would be welcome".
Thank you for that information.
Finally Jakun turns back to the council, "You must keep your own Counsel on what is to be done I suppose. The last time there were Dragons, Takhisis the Dark Queen strode Krynn. The leader of her armies then was Galen Dracos, a renegade wizard. A foe to the world as well as our Order. We Wizards are a part of the world, not apart from it. It took the sacrifice of Huma and Magius,a member of our Order, to stop them.
If the Gods of Light have returned then it is likely the Gods of Darkness have returned as well. No Gods besides those who nurture our Order are allies to us, I am not so foolish to believe that but if we aid the people of this world now in a dark hour perhaps we can win their trust and make the world a place that we can live in instead of hide away from.
Thus, any advice you have for me and my fellows would be welcome".
"Such decisions are made by the Order, not by you," Justarius said. "If the Balance requires, we shall act."
"He's not at all wrong, Justarius. If the Dark Queen has returned then it will be as it once was. The Order will stand against her, as it was then," Ladonna said.
Listening to the heads of the three orders, Caitlyn can't help but think, 'Par-Salian was old last time I was here, but now he seems positively ancient. Perhaps he's mellowed. Justarius on the other hand seems sour, what is his problem? Maybe he doesn't like the change that must surely be coming - I sense we shall find scant aid from him. Oh and Ladonna she hasn't changed one little bit, likable, charming, devious. Lets not forget who Nuitari is.'
She keeps her council to herself however and attempts to keep a neutral, slightly bored expression.
Thistletorp's eyes turn wide as saucers, and his mouth splits into a massive grin! I could be a mouse?! I've never been a mouse before! What turns me into a mouse?! Wait, no, don't tell me, I want to find it out myself!
Autumn Harvest 27, Day 15
Jakun has his few days to study spells, research dragons, and converse with the wizards. The others have the run of the foretower and grounds, as Justarius promised. Ladonna makes several polite social calls to see to their comfort and once Par-Salian inquired after their needs, but whatever wizards occupied Wayreth at the time remained unseen to any save Jakun.
At last, the minotaur felt ready to depart and the Companions set off past the gates and through the enchanted forest. Between one step and the next, they passed from the thick woods into an unfamiliar river bank. The rushing water named it the White-rage surely enough. Only feet away a new forest began, aspen and pine stretching high above. Their scent filled the air. But the happy springtime of Wayreth had passed and the slight chill of autumn returned.
Commencing into the forest, the Companions passed only a quarter of an hour before the sound of dozens of footsteps rose all about. A dozen elves, armed with bows and swords, rush suddenly to envelop them. Realizing they'd been seen, one elf raised a hand. He was tall, handsome, and cold-eyed. The elf called out.
"Halt! You tresspass in Qualinesti! Let us speak before it comes to bloodshed." His Abanasinian was careful and formal.
Perc:
darkvision
low-light vision
damn
In Qualanesti Greetings, I am Mariel Uth Kaladar, daughter of Tranthan of the Qualanesti
Diplomacy
In Qualanesti Greetings, I am Mariel Uth Kaladar, daughter of Tranthan of the Qualanesti
Diplomacy
1d20+16
"And why do you bring these others to the Elvenhome? Their kind are not welcome here," the elf replied in the same tongue.
We have pressing new, which would perhaps the Speaker of the Suns would be interested in learning about. she says holding on to her medallion of faith, hoping, praying that Paladine give her the proper words.
We have pressing new, which would perhaps the Speaker of the Suns would be interested in learning about. she says holding on to her medallion of faith, hoping, praying that Paladine give her the proper words.
"Easy enough to say, but-" the elf stopped when he saw the medallion of faith. "What is that and how have you come to it?"
This, she says showing the elf the medallion of faith of Paladine, is a Medallion of Faith of E'li, the Valiant Warrior, the Platinum Dragon. I am his cleric and the Father of Light responds, once again to the prayers of his people.
Although the magi had been hospitable, all things considered, Caitlin was glad to leave Wayreth. When they stepped out of the enchanted forest it was as if an enormous weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The next quarter bell or found Caitlin enjoying a stroll through the aspen woods, even if they were being followed.
The ambush when it happened was performed with reasonable professionalism, the elven squad moving with practiced coordination and natural grace although. Still she had seen it coming which wasn't supposed to happen.
When the elf spoke, she replied in passable Qualinosti, "Indeed. We bring momentous news from old Xak Tsorath by way of Wayreth. Your leaders will wish to hear of it."
This, she says showing the elf the medallion of faith of Paladine, is a Medallion of Faith of E'li, the Valiant Warrior, the Platinum Dragon. I am his cleric and the Father of Light responds, once again to the prayers of his people.
"In the company of two minotaurs? Not likely. The sign of Beloved E'li is the oak tree, not that. Tell me why I should not slay you for your blasphemy."