So if i understood correctly we are to travel to the place where this possible dark knights live: Storm Keep and asses their existence and numbers? If we see anything will that be enough proof for the wizard and the other knights? asked Urgosh
Unfortunatly, Storm's Keep, from what we have been able to discern, there is no way to get to Storm's Keep other than by dragonback. Lord Ariakan's mother, the sea goddess. Zeboim, keeps all ships away unless she wants them to approach. Besides, clerics of Paladine and Knights of Solamnia would stand out like a black robed wizard in the Temple of Paladine. No, your quest is to see if there is any indication that they have a prescence here on Ansalon.
Do we have a lead to start somewhere or we just roam the continent hopping luck will provide?
Faelyn sits as he listens to the white robed man. After thought, he responds. Up until this point, I have not rejected my homeland. It has rejected me. I have forces inside that I do not understand tugging me in many directions. I do love my people, but others like Justarius have mentored and protected me since my arrival in Palanthus... Faelyn continues to look down toward the ground as he speaks. What part of magic do the white robes hold dear? My red robed friends believe in balance of good and evil...that both are needed in the world to maintain balance... Faelyn looks up as he finishes. I am eager to learn the ways of each moon before I am administered the test. Can you enlighten me on your ways?
Chaucer wakes after what can only be described as a fitful night's sleep. The reprimand from Dalamar still fresh in his mind, the dreams, as well as the events of last night leave him mentally fatigued, but at the some time, physically ready to move on. He gets up and he dresses in the same practiced routine. Breeches, linen shirt, riding boots first. Armor is put on, followed by the belts and straps necessary to keep it in place. Finally his war hammer goes to his belt where it is within easy ready if he needs it. He picks up his pack, about to grab his shield when he spies the bag of clothes that Dalamar brought to his room last night. "What should I do with that?" Not knowing what to do, he takes the bag and puts it in his backpack to deal with another time. He slips the straps of his pack around his shoulders and grabs his shield by one of its handles. He turns and leaves the room without a look back.
As he leaves, the aroma of breakfast is already quite strong, and his stomach begins to growl and his mouth begins to water. He puts his pack and his shield down by his seat and fills his plate, not once, not twice, but goes back a third time. He tried remembering when he had seen this much food, but couldn't place his finger on it, to be certain it had been awhile. When he was certain he could eat no more, he grabbed some of the more portable items, an apple or two, a couple of strips of bacon, and put them in his belt pouch. To no one in particular he said, "Never know where your next meal will come from." Soon after, he was summoned, to a meeting. As he walked into the room, he noted that his traveling companions were here as well. They weren't alone though, before them also stood the Reverend Daughter, Lady Crysania. Chaucer bowed to the Lady deeply, and moved to one side to listen to what she had to tell them.
To say he was shocked was an understatement. He knew that yesterday, when he chose to stay at the tower, it was a possibility that they could be chosen, but it was such a small possibility that it was almost impossible to him. He thought for sure that others would be chosen, champions of good, paragons of truth and of justice, men and women with experience on the battlefield, and with wisdom for when they faced their enemy elsewhere. But he, Chaucer Tarsi, and his companions were chosen, this just doesn't seem right. That same voice of doubt and uncertainty begin to rise in his mind, but Chaucer chose this time, instead of allowing it to cloud his vision, he would instead, not give heed to its voice.
"Reverend Daughter, I am shocked that Paladine himself would have something planned for us, but as you have said, obedience is as much about being faithful in the small things as the large ones, so in this task, whether I feel worthy of it or not, I will go and do what I have been asked to do." He pauses before continuing, "But I am left wondering where do we start? What is the plan, do we seek to watch it from afar, do we seek to gain entry to its ranks? Looking at my companions, I think some of us could have success in that endeavor, but others of us," He says looking at Aminah and Torald especially, "might be a bit harder to explain. What words of wisdom and of guidance do you have that can help us in this task?"
** spoiler omitted **
Solinari is indeed the God of Good Magic. We White Robes are concerned with abjuration (or protective magic) & divination ; those are the provinces of White Robed Mages. We excel in these schools. We seek the Truth that the Red Robes try to hide though illusion and dispel the confusion that the Black Robes can bring through their mental manipulations.
That being said, young one, you have never been declared a dark elf. You are the one who left the safety of the Kingdom of Silvanesti. Do you not know that we are the oldest practioners of the Art of High Sorcery. Human mages might have more fame but were it not for your people there would be no high sorcery?
Investigate any leads you might get about these Dark Knights. I am sure that the faithful of Paladine would not be welcomed for as I understand, their dark clerics and dark wizards can read thoughts. They would who you are before you were able to get close to them. Traitors are not welcome in their ranks. You might be following whispers and rumors but it is imperative that we get as much information as we can.
As she is speaking, a cleric of Paladine walks in and whispers to something to her.
Great Paladine, NO! This cannot be. Alhana Starbreeze and Porthios Kanan have been declared dark elves by the elven people and Gilthas Kanan has been declared Speak of the Sun of the Qualanesti. This is madness.
Looking at you she says, I need some time to process this. Please think over what I have asked. Perhaps to begin in Solace where Sara Dunstan, a defector of the Knights of Takhisis is staying would be helpful/
Go ahead and level to 2nd. If anyone is interested in leveling in inquisitor it might add something to what you guys are trying to do.
|
Aminah listens intently to the conversations and hears the suggestion about sanction from the Reverend Daughter. She thinks for a moment and replies.
"Solace, the town in Abanasinia? While that could be an interesting lead to follow up I worry that a journey there would use valuable time best spent searching other locales. If these Dark Knights indeed seek to start another war they will need an army and there is no greater ally to the forces of evil than the Nerekans. Perhaps we should perhaps investigate the fallen city of Neraka for answers."
If there is a known defector then Solace is really the place to begin. As we have no information on what they do in order to identify to each other or what they look like
Faelyn listens intently. I have learned much from Justarius and his daughter, but I can not lie. I have longed to know my past. To understand where I came from and who I am. He looks off distantly thinking about his childhood. and to know my father...
He returns his gaze to the white robed elf. I will ponder these things. Thank you for visiting me. How may I get in touch with you again in the future?
|
|
She looks to the Minotaur "Well if the group thinks that path is best then I shall not object. I just worry we're traveling somewhere away from where the true threat lies. I doubt Abanasinia will be the first target for a Dark Knight attack. If anyone would populate the ranks of the Dark Knights it would be the Nerekans."
** spoiler omitted **
The Master of the Conclave and his daughter are both talented. However, they are not the masters that we of Silvanesti are. You may contact me only if you wear the robes of white.
Which ever way the group decides to go, you need to make a decision and make it soon. We will have a wizard transport you where you need to go
** spoiler omitted **The Master of the Conclave and his daughter are both talented. However, they are not the masters that we of Silvanesti are. You may contact me only if you wear the robes of white.
Will I have time to discuss my conversation with the white robes with Justarius before we leave?
Sure.
After the the white robes leave, Faelyn goes to speak to Justarius. He knocks lightly on his door. When he opens it, Faelyn bows respectfully. Pardon my interruption master. I would like to speak to you if you have time. I was approached by members of the white robes. They asked me about my training and plans. I am confused as to the direction I should take...
What is it that confuses me, Faelyn Sindrel?
What is it that confuses me, Faelyn Sindrel?
We of the Red Robes treasure free will above all things. Whatever Robes your Test determines that you take is up to you and the Test. There is no betrayal at all, at least from the perspective of the Red Robes. Had you a different colored robe Master it might be a different story. Does this help Faeyln, to dispel your confusion?
Chaucer listens as more bad news comes into the tower. "What in the world is happening? No... that is too big for you Chaucer, focus on the task at hand, be faithful in the little things." Turning toward Aminah, he says, "I think I would side with Urgosh on this one Aminah. If there is someone who knows about these Dark Knights, that is a better lead than following a speculation, no matter how well-founded that speculation might be."
Turning towards the Reverend Daughter, he says, "Will we be going back to Palanthas and then head to Solace on our own? Or will the wizards transport us directly to Solace? My one request is if we are not going to Palanthas, that Juliette be brought to wherever I might be going. This could be dangerous, and I have trained many hours with her as my companion. We work better as a team."
-----------------
We of the Red Robes treasure free will above all things. Whatever Robes your Test determines that you take is up to you and the Test. There is no betrayal at all, at least from the perspective of the Red Robes. Had you a different colored robe Master it might be a different story. Does this help Faeyln, to dispel your confusion?
Ok, Faelyn. How are you going to respond to Crysania's request as well as the news that Alhana Starbreeze is now a dark elf?
Chaucer, I am not sure that the wizards will teleport a horse to Solace but be rest assured the Temple will take good care of her.
The next morning you are awakened with the smells of a wonderful banquet. There are breads and jams, roast pork and venision. There is fresh fruit and the smell of bacon and eggs. Fresh apple cider and water are also in jugs while chilled milk is available.
After eating you are brought into a small suite where the Revered Daughter of Paladine sits, accompanied by the White Robed wizard.
Good morning my dear friends. I trust that your rest was recreational and rejuvenating? Last night I spent the night in vigil and in prayer waiting for the dawn and Paladine to hear my prayers and offer guidiance. In supplication and with tears I asked for his noble guidance, and this morning, at the dawn, he answered. In the vision granted to me, the Platinum Father appeared not in his guise of the Valiant Warrior or the Platinum Dragon. Rather, he appeared in the guise of Fizban the Fabulous. In the vision the Platinum Dragon showed me each of you who have been chosen by the gods of light and neautrality to find out what you can about these Dark Knights.
Please understand that there is much risk involved. None can know of your mission. You must investigate in a most prudent fashion these knights. For some it may cost your life and for others your very souls. If you chose this, please know that I will be the only person to effectively know who you are. However, my involvement can never be known. Do you have any questions for me?
Faelyn enjoys maybe his last fine meal in quite a while. When he finishes and is brought into the suite, he nods at the white robed wizard. He listens intently to the Revered Daughter and his eyes widen at her claim that Palandine would chose an outcast like him. We thank you for your trust my lady. We will endeavor to do well.
Moments later the Revered daughter is shocked to hear that Alhana Starbreeze and Porthios Kanan have been declared dark elves. Much has happened. Those we have trusted the most have seemingly done acts of evil. First the heroes of the lance and now Alhana? Nothing is as it seems. We must make haste to find out what we are dealing with. He turns to his allies. Solace is it?
"Solace seems to be the best option, the only definable lead that we have at the very least. We should be off soon, but I must admit, going there with out my horse is going to make me feel on edge and a bit vulnerable."
I am sure you can get one with our spoil chaucer. As for myself i am ready to go
|
|
"Very well Chaucer. We shall head onto Solace and meet with this individual and hopefully get some useful intelligence on the enemy we face. It would be interesting to see the town where the Heroes of the Lance first set forth on their journey to save the world. I am ready to depart when the rest of you are ready."
On the subject of Alhana and Porthios she knows little on elven affairs as the Silvanesti Elves have been quite distant from the Khur only occasionally engaging in trade with the desert nation. She looks to Faelyn and asks "Who is this Alhana and Porthios? I am afraid I know little of the elves as the Silvanesti rarely visit the lands of Khur despite being our neighbors to the south. Did they commit some kind of crime that made them be marked with this "Dark Elf" title?"
Since there are so many of us choosing Solace, I will associate myself to the majority.
Torald, and Aminah, since I can ask this of them as the Chosen Prophet of Paladine, I need your vows, under holy obedience, Aminah, and by the Code and the Measure, Torald, that you will speak to no one of your mission, or of what you find, unless it be to communicate it with me.
|
|
"I swear an oath of holy obedience to the divine Paladine and the Holy Order of the Stars that I shall speak to no one of the mission or what is found on the mission except to you Reverend Mother. I shall travel forth from here and find the truth of this evil upon the land and aid in the cause to bring it to an end."
I accept your vow.
And so we are to face the Dark Queen again.
Not only the evil of the Dark Queen, Urgosh, but the evil in the hearts of the mortal races that attract people to her.
Chaucer looks around at the group and says, "Though not bound under the Code and Measure yet, if ever, or by a holy order from Paladine, I will also give me word, on my honor and my faith in all that is good, that I will keep this mission secret from any but you Reverend Daughter."
He stands up, as he kneeled the moment he begin to give his own vow, and said to his companions, "Well ladies and gentle persons, it seems as though we are bound together for a bit longer. If only my horse were here our number would be complete," he says, not hiding the look that he gives to the wizard standing near by. "But if there is nothing else to be done here, I suggest that we be off, the sooner we get to Solace, the sooner we can find out what this Sara Dunston can tell us."
---------------------
Had I the power Chaucer, I would make sure you steed accompanied us. It would add to the success of our mission for sure. Faelyn does his best to help sell the idea.
--> +2
I, Torald Othric of Griffonstone, Knight of the Crown and servant of Paladine hereby swear to speak to no one about our mission or the cognitions excepting your highness.
Go forth my friends. Find out what you can about these Dark Knights. In the end you may discover more about yourselves than about them, but such is the will of Paladine. Sifat! The Platinum Dragon bless and accompany you. May the gods of good and the grey be with you. May the 3 Cousins watch your rest.
With that the White Robed wizards begins his encantations and there is a flash of light...
Dang muttered the minotaur
As Chaucer listens to the Reverend Daughter's blessing, and then the wizard's incantation beginning to flow, he reached back and draw his spiked shield. No need to draw his weapon yet, but to walk in unprepared, wherever they were going, was just poor planning. "Here we go" Chaucer thinks.
As the flash of light consumes his vision, it is gone just as quickly. Shaking his head as if clearing out cobwebs, Chaucer looks around.
Waiting for clear vision, Torald lowers his fauchard and concentrates on his hearing.
As your vision clears you find yourself in a clearing outside of a small town nestled in the vallenwoods. Smoke drifts up from chimneys and you can hear little children laughing and playing off in the distance. The trail before you leads to the town of Solace which you recognize beacause it is built in the vallenwoods. You can see some remains of burning damage, probably caused by the red dragon, Ember or another of the Red Dragon in the Army that razed Solace during the War of the Lance. Yet the town feels cozy.
So this is how getting zapped away feels like. Well then Onward toward the Inn and some answers said the big man waiting so long for the others to recuperate before marching forward
As you tredge towards and up to the Inn of the Last Home, the inhabitants of Solace cannot but stare at such at motley crew. A few even run inside at the sight of the minotaur. The local constable walks up to the group [b] We will have no trouble here. Am I clear? [b] he says looking at the minotaur.
As you walk up the steps to the Inn of the Last Home you are greeted with silence as the usually loud and boisterous crowd, to a person stops to gawk as the minotaur enters the Inn. One of the serving maids even drops a full tray on the floor breaking everything. A few gully dwarves come out from Reorx knows where to clean the mess by eating and slurping.
No no trouble for the moment sheriff he replied before entering the inn.
Once there Urgosh will try to find a nice table by the fire. Something big enough for him and the party.
once the table found: Excuse me, sorry, passing trough, sorry, watch your step he says squizzing toward his goal.
In the corner of the inn, the sound of the laughter of kender can be heard as well as, almosst in a chorus, MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
You are greeted by the inn keep, Caramon Majere and his wife, Tika Waylan Majere.
Please come, sit. Refresh yourselves. A friend said to be on the lookout for you and so we have rooms prepared.