Faelyn walks up to the counter where Jenna is standing. I would like to add a scroll of mage armor. He pulls out his quill. Preoccupied...yes...I guess I am. I met a fellow mage at the High Clerist Tower. He was heading to the Tower of High Sorcery to take his test. Me and some others escorted him to the tower. I ran into Dalamar... Faelyn trails off not sure what he should and shouldn't say.
Go ahead and make a spellcraft check.
Tell me more of this mageling. My Lord Dalamar did indeed mention that you had come to the Tower and that you thought, he, Master of the Tower of High Sorcery of Palanthus, and Master of the Black Robes and one of the favored of Nuitari, was your passenger pigeon. What preoccupies you?
Faelyn smirks at her comments about Dalamar. It is probably nothing. I heard voices while in the presence of the "Master of the Black Robes". Faelyn makes sure to repeat one of the names Jenna used for him. They were unintelligible. He looks up into Jenna's eyes and they quickly looks back down to avoid getting lost in them. Focus on scribing Faelyn. It is something I have never experienced before.
Voices? Perhaps you should travel to the Temple of Paladine and ask one of the Miskakites to see what ailes you. Tell me apprentice, if you had the choice to take your Test today and were given the opportunity to chose the color of robes you would wear, which would you wear?
I think that is high enough to scribe it isn't it?
I would choose the red robes like you and your father. It does concern me that I would be banished from my homeland and my people, but I was never wanted there anyway. Faelyn smiles as he appears to be progressing well with his scribing. You taught me well master. This is much easier than the last time you worked with me. He continues scribing. Why do you ask?
It is merely an inquiry. Tell me of this young mage that you accompanied to the Tower.
He was a nobleman by the name of Kendros. He hid his arcane skill well. I and a few others met him at the High Clerist Tower the day Sturm Brightblade's body was stolen. He accompanied us back to Palanthus until he met Dalamar at the Tower for his test. Faelyn keeps scribing. How is that looking?
Torald went with the others to the tavern to get something to eat and drink. Since the long journey had quickened his appetit.
When Aminah leaves:
Aminah, would it disturb you, if I would join you at your walk to the temple? For some time, I had no opportunity to pray in such a awe-inspiring temple.
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Aminah says, "Certianly good warrior. I will be most honored to show you the grand temple of Paladine. All who hold to the teachings of the Gods are welcome there. It is a grand place indeed Torald, a true monument to the Gods. Never have I seen a place of such beautiful architecture. The temples of my homeland pale in comparison to its grandness."
Chaucer followed Shen to a tavern and grabbed a table in the corner. He accepted a mug of ale from the ranger and asked him, "Shen, tell me about yourself. You seem as though you know these streets well, but also as if you are eager to leave, mind sharing?" Chaucer listened to Shen's response while sipping his ale, taking a deep breath and allowing himself to relax. Faelyn excused himself to visit someone he knew, and Aminah headed off to the temple of Paladine. Before she and Torald left, he said, "I have some business to attend to tonight, I will join you tomorrow for prayers and to pass along our report to the Reverend Daughter. Maybe she can help us figure out what happened as well as what are place in all of this might be."
As he watched the Cleric and knight head off toward the temple, Chaucer got up and inquired of the barkeeper, "Tell me sir, I have heard of many wondrous places in Palanthus, and I wanted to visit one of them, specifically, the Great Library. Can you tell me the easiest way to get there from here? I am from a small town and Palanthus is so much bigger than anything I have ever encountered before" Chaucer says laughing. After getting directions from the barkeeper, he turns back to the table where Shen, Urgosh, and Burpy still sat. He looks at Urgosh and said, "Alright Urgosh, you have spoken of this Kaz the minotaur, how he aided the great Huma Dragonbane in many things. What say you that we go and find some records of his exploits. If any records exist in human lands, it will be at the Great Library in this very city. Would you care to join me? The rest of you are welcome as well." Chaucer smiles at the thought of investigating and uncovering legends that had been forgotten for thousands of years. I might have been manipulated to join this venture, but I am going to make the best of it. I wonder what Father would say if he heard Urgosh's legends of Kaz the Great.
Torald as a paladin of Paladine you would be welcome to stay at the Temple as well.
Jenna replies, So Kendros has finally come to take his Test. This is very interesting. Tell me what you know of the disappearance of the body of Sturm Brightblade. I am sure that the Conclave would want to be appraised of this situation. In fact, I believe that they should be informed.
The barkeep happily gives directions to the Great Library.
As you enter the Great Library of Palanthus, you are welcomed by the lay brothers of the Library. The Aesthetic is bald and is dressed in his grey robes. He askes you what era of history you are interested in learning about.
Faelyn perks up when Jenna mentions that she knows Kendros. Men came in disguised as Tanis and Caramon. The next we knew they were fleeing with the body on a blue dragon! Faelyn reflects for a moment then asks: If you do not mind me asking Master, how do you know Kendros?
As he waits for the answer, he continues to work diligently on scribing.
He would come here from time to time when he was in Palanthus to look for components or to practice writing scrolls. He really is very talented. There are a few mages who would like to have him for their apprentice if he survives the Test.
Did you see all of this at the Tower of the High Clerist?
Faelyn looks up from his writing. I did.
Would you be prepared to offer a report to the Conclave?
It would be a high honor master.
I would be honored to get a guided tour. I've learned several years in a temple of paladine before I was chosen as an squire of the crown. But I've never been in such a big temple as the one of Palanthus.
Chaucer was blown away by the sheer size and enormity of the Great Library. He stood outside in the courtyard for a few moments just trying to take in the monstrous place. But he knew the true wonders of the place weren't on the outside, rather, the inside, and so he tied Juliette to a hitching post, patted her head, and whispered to her, "I don't think they have accommodations for you girl, I will be back soon."
Chaucer enters the library and is greeted by one of the ascetics, asking which time frame he is looking to learn about. "Well, my friend has shared with me a legend of his people, about a minotaur named Kaz, who was, according to their legend, a companion of Huma Dragonbane. I was wondering if the library here had any mention, accounts, or records of this Kaz."
The acolytes at the Temple of Paladine will be very happy to show you around.
The aesthetic will lead you to a very old section of books. Here we have our collection of books on the 3rd Dragon War. He brings out three books. The Legend of Huma, Kaz the Minotaur and Land of the Minotaurs.
This is a synopsis of all 3 works.
Kaz was the last in the long line of his clan's champions, a minotaur that was supposed to raise his clan to new heights. In the Great Arena, Kaz excelled as a combatant and soon managed to get the title of Champion.
It must be noted that during the Third Dragon War the minotaurs were not independent, but slaves to ogres and their Dark Mistress. Kaz was sent to the front lines as a slave-soldier. At first the minotaur fought with glee, but the constant indiscriminate carnage began to wear on him. When an ogre killed the weak and defenseless, something considered without honor by the minotaurs, Kaz rebelled and killed him.
This act branded him a renegade to the armies commanded by Crynus and the forces of the Dark Queen chased him through many lands, until a group of goblins captured him and tied him up.
A young Knight of Solamnia called Huma rescued Kaz and that act, since the minotaur's honor demanded he pay Huma in kind, was the beginning of a great friendship between the knight and the minotaur.
It was in battle that Huma was contacted by his childhood Magius and went to help him. Along came Kaz, and even though he distrusted the mage, helped him when necessary, or when Huma made him. Their travels took them to Ergoth and would eventually result in the discovery of the Dragonlances.
Kaz was one of the riders selected to fly a dragon in combat, a male known as Bolt that shared his temperament and was one of the witnesses of the Dark Queen's Oath, in fact he took the Dragonlance that had pierced Takhisis, allowing her to go free.
After the war, Kaz traveled through the lands looking for a place to fit in, but his past hunted him in the form of a group of minotaurs wanting justice, or so they believed, for the dishonorable way Kaz had killed his ogre commander. This hunt, and the apparent madness of the Knights of Solamnia, whom Kaz had counted as allies, forced him to go to Vingaard Keep and confront the knights.
The trip proved eventful and Kaz was manipulated by an elf, Argaen Ravenshadow, into freeing the sphere of Dracos for the elf, allowing the dead renegade to take over the body of the elf, and once again cast his shadow over all of Krynn. In the end Kaz prevailed against him, only to be forced into a duel of honor against the minotaurs that had been dogging him. From that duel Kaz emerged the victor, and now had a mate, Helati and a follower Helcar. Kaz is the progenitor of the Kazeleti clan of minotaurs
Jenna replies to the Silvanesti, Perhaps you should go immediately to the Master of the Conclave and report your findings.
As the adherents to the faith of Paladine are given their tour another cleric comes to their guide and talks to the guide in a whispered tone. As the cleric leaves the aspirant the aspirant tells the paladin and cleric, Revered Daughter Crysania has asked to see you in her private chambers
Chaucer puts down the book and sits back almost dumbfounded. "Can you believe this? For hundreds of years, we have missed so much detail about one of the greatest human heroes of all time, to the point that, his companion, who did so much good, was completely forgotten about. We humans are certainly a fickle people it would seem, prone to venerate those we want, and forget those those we are uncomfortable with, whether they deserved it or not."
Chaucer was astounded at the accounts of Huma he had read. He had heard the stories of course, but they were nothing like this. As he was heading out of the dustier portions of the library, his head was filled with glorious battles, and his mind saw dragons flying through the sky striking the heart of the Dark Queen herself. A jolt of energy and excitement filled the young warrior. As he neared the exit, he had a thought, one that quickly brought him back to reality. He approached another of the ascetics and asked, "I have one last request, though I am not sure it is something that can be fulfilled. I wanted to find some history on the families of two people. One a young nobleman from Solanthus named Kendros. Another, a young Knight of the Crown named Gerrik Uth Malik. Is that research that can be done here, knowledge that can be learned on these shelves?"
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If you would point us the way, it will be an honor for us to meet the Revered Daughter.
In the mean time Urgosh is enjoying himself along with the kender looking a the grand city.
Burby will be taking Urgosh through places that only a kender dare to tread. :)
To Chaucer, Astinus writes about the life story of all of the people of Krynn, Why these two in particular?
To Torald, the acolyte would be more than happy to lead you to the Revered Daughter.
Jenna replies to the Silvanesti, Perhaps you should go immediately to the Master of the Conclave and report your findings.
Faelyn collects his things and packs his satchel. Aye Master. Thank you for your help. It is always a pleasure. Satisfied with his work on scribing as well as his time with Jenna, Faelyn prepares to leave. He turns back to Jenna on his way out. So you think this Kendros gentleman has potential?
He has great talent. Dalamar himself, as well as my father, have expressed interest in apprenticing him, should he pass the Test.
To Justarius's school.
Chaucer smiles at the aesthetic and replies, "Astinus writes the life story of all on Krynn? I had heard such stories, but I never imagined they were true." For a split second Chaucer grappled with the image of the great Astinus writing his story somewhere in this building even now. It was overwhelming, he shook his head and focused on the question he was asked. "As to those two in particular, they are people I have met in my travels, who I wish I had time to know better, and since I haven't the chance now, my curiosity has gotten the best of me."
Faelyn heads out to Justarius' school.
It would be unfair and unjust to not allow a person who is living to discuss themselves. If they are your friend, perhaps you can simply ask them?
Please prepare your report to Justarius.
As Torald and Aminah are ushered into the private sanctum of the Revered Daughter of Paladine, they are struck by the simplicity of her suite. The furniture is simple and wooden. The refreshments on a table are of simple fare. Water and elven wine as well as finger sandwiches.
The Revered Daughter, loved throughout the lands of Ansalon, is dressed in a simple white robe. Around her neck is the medallion of faith of Paladine. The symbol of the Platinum Dragon, made in the same medal, softly glows with the blessings of the Skyfather. She appears to be very serene and after asking you to join her in a snack, she asks that her attends leave.
Beloved of Paladine, daughter Aminah Mikku of the Khurish lands, acolyte of the Holy One, and Torald Othric of Griffonstone, servant of Paladine, welcome to the center of the faith of our beloved Paladine. Yet, your coming, is not unexpected though it heralds dire news indeed. Please, tell me of the news of the High Clerist Tower .
Chaucer gets irritated by the Ascetics response, but smiles and puts on his best face anyways. "Ideally, of course, that is the case. But as I said, these are two I fear I shall never cross paths with again, and knowing more about them could aid in my understanding of them. But, as I stated earlier, if it is not something that can be done, please, tell me plainly, and I shall go." Chaucer knows he was a bit short at the end, but he couldn't help himself, it's not like what he is doing is wrong, he is just doing a bit of research on two people he has interest in. "That isn't wrong, is it? He thinks to himself.
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Aminah bows respectfully to the Revered Daughter and then looks upon her and says, "Beloved Revered Daughter of Paladine, I must tell you that ill tidings have come upon the holy High Clerist tower. Men in the form of Tanis and Caramon of the Heroes of the Lance deceived their way into the Chamber of Paladine and made off with the body and sword of the fallen hero Strum Brightblade. They then escaped with the aid of a foul Blue Dragon. I refuse to believe that Tanis and Caramon would commit such a crime so I suspect they were evil men disguised by magic. Nevertheless, Paladine saw fit for me to be in the tower at the same time these events transpired and thus it is my duty onto him to investigate this crime and see justice be done upon the perpetrators."
Faelyn arrives at the Justarius' School. Upon arrival, he delivers his report. Greetings Master. I have returned from the High Clerist Tower and have a disturbing report. Faelyn pulls out a parchment explaining what he saw. He gives his teacher a minute to read the report then adds. I was standing next to the one called Kendros when the Blue Dragon swept down and took the men away.
He bows and steps back to await his master's response.
Thank you for your report, Aminak Mikku. Have you anything to add to this paladin and squire of the Crown?
The knowledge that you learn might impact your future, Chaucer Tarsi. The knowledge you asked on the minotaur Kaz is something entirely different. You will not meet the minotaur but information on the knight and the mageling is something that might impact your future and theirs.
This is indeed noteworthy, Faelyn Sindrel. Thank you for sharing this with me, I believe that the Conclave of Wizards, or at least the heads of the White and Black Robes, must know about this. Do you have anything else to add?
I have completed my education at the University as well as my time working at the Great Library. I am not sure where to go from here. Do you have any advice for me to continue my learning? I feel like I could use some real world experience... Faelyn trails off awaiting his master's words.
A practical education is very important, especially to help you to hone and develop your skills. You are not quite ready to take the Test of High Sorcery but since you were a student here you are free to keep your room here when you return to Palanthus.
Thank you Master. Faelyn walks to his room and rests for a few hours then heads back to the Inn to look for the men and woman he traveled with. Maybe the others have found something out.
Faelyn arrives at the Inn and orders a glass of wine. He chooses a table in the corner and studies while he awaits the arrival of one of the companions he met at the High Clerist Tower.
Urgosh and Burby will arrive back at the inn for their next meal.
Faelyn sees the kender and the minotaur arrive back at the inn.
Chaucer listens to the rebuke of the Aesthetic and grows indignant with each passing word. "Thank you for the sermon, but you could have just told me it was off limits like I asked good sir." As he finishes his retort, he realizes what a terrible and horrific tone he has. He takes a deep breath and speaks a bit quieter than before. "Forgive me for my tone, it was insolent to say the least, not something you deserve. My apologies. I appreciate your help." With that, Chaucer turns and walks out of the library head full.
"I can't believe that guy, why did he give me the sermon, it is not like what I was doing was wrong. I was just inquiring about people I would never meet again. He could have just said no." As he unties Juliette, he opts to walk back to the inn where they were staying, maybe the others have had some luck as well. As he does, he begins to share with Juliette the ridiculous response the Aesthetic gave him. "I mean, can you believe it Juliette? He talked to me like what I was doing was wrong. I just asked a question, all I wanted was a bit of information.. " But even as the words came out of his mouth, he realized who they sounded like. Kendros. Who did what he had to do to get out of the Clerist's Tower. In Kendros' mind, he did nothing wrong. Was he really any different? Chaucer began to realize how easy it was to justify his actions. "I must be constantly on guard against myself it seems." Chaucer thinks to himself.
Soon, he arrives back at the inn, and he takes Juliette to the stables. He takes off her saddle and blanket, and spends some time brushing her down, getting her water and making sure she had enough food to last her the night. He pats the side of her head and heads into the inn where he soon spots Faelyn, the minotaur, and the kender, not that it was hard to miss them. As he approaches them, he asks, "So was your day productive?"