Xanathons laughter follows you as you make your way around the temple and back through the Ethangarian quarter and out into Rhoona.
You need a friend to help you with what you've found and to help explain what just happened with the skinny but scary priest.
I assume we head back to the tavern and show this to Eric. It may be tied to the curse.
You find Eric, the vagabond, in the familiar tavern and show him your findings.
This looks to be a tapestry map of the border between the Khanates an Rhoona... and this? This mark would roughly match the location of a Shrine to Cretia they have in the mountains. I would say your answer lies here
Ok, then, we should probably make plans to investigate the Shrine, right?
AH! We go to this Shrine and make glorious battle upon the minions of Xanathon the Trickster!
"When I assessed him magically, he seemed to have an aura about him...I do not know what it was, but from what I say, it was protecting him from damage. We need to discover how to overcome this "shield" so we can harm him directly. I will try and research this phenomenon and see if I can find a solution."
Thinking for a moment, Liam has an idea. maybe, we won't have to fight Xanathon. I mean if we can defeat the curse then we, by extension defeat him and his plans. Right? Maybe we should concentrate on the curse.
Liam has that look, like I thinks it sounded like a good idea in his head, but is worried that it came out all wrong.
"When I assessed him magically, he seemed to have an aura about him...I do not know what it was, but from what I say, it was protecting him from damage. We need to discover how to overcome this "shield" so we can harm him directly. I will try and research this phenomenon and see if I can find a solution."
Advantage or
Magnus digs into his memories but can't seem to dig up any direct lore in his arcane training as to the nature of Xanathons protection. Its definitely magical but as to what nature? Rhoona isn't known for its libraries or sages either.
Ok, then, we should probably make plans to investigate the Shrine, right?
Agreed - it would seem that is the best course of action - maybe this shrine is the source of his power. And maybe I can help, says Eric, pulling out a tattered pack. He hands over 5 potions of healing.
So it would be a few days journey to this shrine... when do you intend to set out? Will you need any supplies?
Lima looks at the others, then thinks a bit, maybe we should get a good night's rest here in town. who knows when we will have a comfy bed to sleep in again.
Not that a swordsman like me needs such things but....it really couldn't hurt
Indeed a few ales, some good food and a rest may certainly help our cause.
BEER! Yes Karl Gufstass! You make great sense! Beer is what is needed.
"More information would also not hurt! I know there is something about his protection, but I just cannot remember.....anyway, knowledge about the route and our destination would not go amiss. I will see what I can glean from the resources here in town."
Alas Aukan's desire for beer is to go unsated, without the Dwarves being in town your only access to beer has been cut off (beer tax still being in place) and you are forced to settle for expensive wine or spirits.
Magnus uses his skill at investigation and history to gather what information he can.
In short order, by buying a few drinks for a man who travels between Rhoona and the Khanates he is able to confirm the existence of a small shine set into a cave in the mountains.
Never been in there, the merchant confides, but I had the ill fortune to travel near it once - was accosted by a bunch of Ethangarian guards! They seemed of two minds whether or not to take me in or let me go... lucky for me they let me go.
The route lies will take you about 4 days on horseback, about a week on foot. He warns that a day or two past the border that the area is a wild place and he's heard accounts of people going missing or being attacked by monsters.
Hah! Aukan fears no man nor beast! My Battle Spirit is strong! We will go to this place, and learn how to defeat Xanathon in glorious battle! Aukan boasts, holding up a flagon of wine that he drinks disdainfully.
Karl raises his wineskin with Aukan and salutes the Goliath.
Here! Here!
The next day dawns and you are left to make arrangements for food, supplies and possibly if you are riding (don't forget to ride facing the tail if you are riding within Rhoona, as per the ducal decree). Magnus may have more questions to ask the populace as well.
Karl walks his mount until he gets out of Rhoona, refusing to ride backwards.
Following Karl's example, Magnus also walks his mount out of the town. The past day was a whirlwind of purchasing supplies and speaking to people about the mountain pass and what could be expected along their route.
Investigate:
Learning very little more, Magnus packs his supplies and departs with the others.
Aukan is ready to smash faces and punch people!
Magnus is ready to delve deeper into the mystery of Xanathon!
If we have lost players, then Yes ...lets see if we can get a few more players to join us.
Okay... everyone sit tight for easter.
Have a great holiday - see all of you afterwards!
Aukan does not sit tight! Aukan will drink heavily and pick fights while waiting!
Eric meets with you before your departure.
I think Astrid has moved on to other issues and I think you may need a particular skill set - I know a few people who may be able to help you in investigating the shrine.
Hmmmm...Astrid, moves on without a word to me. I guess she does not view me as quite the friend I do her...
Any help would be great!
Karl raises a glass to Eric.
Can they fight! Aukan demands
"I suppose a few more bodies would not go amiss. Please, introduce us."
Magnus looks to the others, disturbed at the sudden disappearance of Astrid.
Liam is a bit saddened at Astrid's departure. I am sure that she would come around to liking me with a little more time. he says with a sigh.
anyway, who ya got? maybe I can teach em' a thing or two at swordplay. he says with a flourish of his blade.
I have my friend Seneon, the halfling... and possibly another. Meet Seneon!
Seneon bows and waves
"Hello friends, I'm Seneon, nimblest rogue in all the land! So glad Eric considered me! He darts around quickly giving handshakes.
When he shakes everyone's hand he stops and says:
Where should we go first , my companions?
And this here is Elaris - a master of many trades, excellent performer and gifted archer.
I am Karl Gufstass, Acolyte of Frey. Welcome! Can I get you a drink?
At Eric's introduction, the door behind him opens and Elaris enters, taking a few steps into the room before stopping and appraising the group before her.
Eric had mentioned their mission to deliver the Duke from Xanthanon's curse.... a tall tale for someone like her to join and then to tell!
She fixes her gaze on Karl, noting Frey's symbol prominent upon his breast, gives him a slow nod of respect, then "A drink would be most welcome."
She does the same with Magnus, her gaze a bit more interested as she recognizes a brother in the arcane arts, albeit a much 'older' brother in terms of knowledge.
Her gaze falls on Liam, and immediately notes the interest in his return gaze, her lips splitting into a brilliant smile just for him.
She looks skeptically up at Aukan, his head scratching the ceiling, "Oh, I can fight." she answers his loud question she heard through the stone walls.
Then she takes note of Seneon, letting a low chuckle emerge, "And you too, Seneon. I saw you working my crowd the other night at the Petrified Drake! I think you might owe me a percentage!" she exclaims in mock outrage.
Liam at first goes to greet the Halfling, but stops short as Elaris enters, he barely acknowledges the half sized rogue but manages, a haphazard, yeah, ah hi Sen-something, excuse me.
Liam approaches the lovely lady, I am Liam, I count myself among the greatest swordsmen in all of Rhoona, but my skill pales in comparison to you. He is laying it on thick with her, and it is pretty obvious to others, but probably not to him.
He gives a bow to her. perhaps you have heard of my exploits and tales of daring-do?
Karl rolls his eyes at Liam and turns to Seneon.
Well, it appears our swordsman is quite smitten with the lass. Then again, he always is. Can I get you a drink, as well?
Aukan raises his wispy eyebrows at Elaris
He grunts a response These don't look like fighters! Ah, just as well. More glory for AUKAN! the big man boasts.
Seneon turns to Aukan.
Hey!! I'm may be a thief, but I can still fight!
Seneon immediately slaps a hand over his mouth, having revealed his other means of income to everyone.
Magnus looks the girl over, as well as the halfling.
"Well we are happy to have you along. A second person who can manipulate the forces of magic is welcome, even if self-taught. We can certainly use someone with knowledge of locks and traps and such...'
He offers his hand to the halfling, but simply looks at the girl with an unreadable look on his face.