Characters Timeline Begins
4715 Chaid DiViri makes First expedition into the Emerald Spire.
Her last Expedition was in 4717 and she hasnt been heard from since. Shes a local legend among the Hellknights.
4716 The name Klarkosh, a Numerian Wizard, begins to be heard of in rumors regarding the Spire
4720 Investigations of the spire grind to a halt as several bands of adventurers are decimated. Survivors all say the same name---Karkosh
Abadius 4721 A Hellknight Patrol chase a Bandit Gang 'The Splinters of Echo Wood' into The Emerald Spire. They do not follow. Their leader a Priestess named Tarrin Dars has a bounty on her.
Pharast 4721 New kinds of undead start harrying farms around Fort Inevitable and Thornkeep, and the Echo Wood. Abernard Royst starts advising something big is going on in The Spire, as his wards stopping scrying are being brushed aside. Mysterious Portals in Spire Glen begin to disgorge monsters that move throughout the area, capturing travelers and dragging them back to the Spire.
At Roysts request, High Mother Sarise Dremagne Divines something regarding an Emblem of a Crown above a Skull...referring to it obviously as The Crowned Skull and begins researching its meaning. It is connected to The Spire.
Discussion within the Hellknights begins regarding an Expedition to The Spire. Late Pharast Corwin MacDugal arrives in Fort Inevitable. He moves in with Abernard Royst.
Early Desnus Two Wizards "Tiawesk and Jharun" from The Goldenfire Tower in Thornkeep arrive, with a band of followers, to take up the call to invetigate the Spire. They have not been heard from since.
Mid-Desnus Corwin MacDugal begins recruitment of 'his team'.
5th Erastus, He meets with his Team in The Julliver Arms
6th Erastus The Expedition begins.
It was a warm spring day as Corwin made his way from Abernard's home towards his meeting with the prospects hed found to go into the spire.
His hood was off his head as he walked down Lord Varden way past the Citadel. The black armored knights standing in front of it an ominous presence to the heavy hand of law in Fort Inevitable. Between this as a base of operations vs Thornkeep, with its rough and tumble, lawless atmosphere...a total opposite to this oppressive atmosphere. However it was nice to know that the you could sleep easy at night and you'd be less likely to be accosted day to day.
He paused and watched a Yellow bird with a particularly striking red and green bill pulling at a small seed stuck in between two rocks. The struggle of life ever present.
He continued thinking of his prospects. Whod have thought hed find a real member of the organization here coming to investigate the ruins on his own...so a knowledgeable Pathfinder, a priest with a penchant for drink who was down on his luck, A dwarven Paladin come to investigate the spire on his own he said, because 'its awake' was the cryptic phrase he used. A Wolfmane Battlerager and a Grippli Expert with herbs both come to end the threat the spire poses to their homeland...the Echo Wood. An Adept from The Goldenfire Tower in Thornkeep, following up on the missing expedition with their two prominent wizards., and Nycholas. An odd one that, serving two opposing forces. First he was an Armiger in the ranks of the Order of the Pike...but he was being taught by Abernard. Two toally different philosphies...it would be interesting to see which he went to.
He saw the Julliver Arms to his left and turned towards it. He had paid for rooms for everyone, so they only had to walk downstairs.
Opening the door, his eyes quickly adjusted to the inferior light and he looked around picking a large table in the main room and moved to sit at it. Telling the pretty waitress to open a tab for food and drink and sat at the head of the table. He pulled the satchel he had carried and sat it down on the table. Then he waited. He knew he was early...he wanted to see them as they entered and what their actions were. He had to make sure. He didnt want to send a group to their deaths...it would just make it harder to find another one.
He thought today is Erastus 5th..tomorrow they will set out. But first they had a few things to do. One...get to know each other.
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The doors of the Julliver Arms open to see a fresh-faced young man with short brown hair and a bulging backpack on his back. As the young Pathfinder entered, his backpack made a potted plan t wobble by the door. Arcanus Julum turned quickly to correct the wobble, then enter fully.
Looking around, the young bard located the infamous Corwin MacDugal sitting at the head of the table, who motions him over.
"Hello, Mr. MacDugal", the young man said as he grew closer to the table, to stick out his hand for a handshake. "I'm Arcanus Julum. Nice to meet you."
a slight smile played across the face of The Pathfinder outcast.
Youre nothing if not polite Arcanus. And please lose the formality. Just Corwin. Im glad youre the first. You'll have to share with me any thoughts you have with working with or for, however you prefer to look at it, me. Im sure you've heard some tales about me. Some are true. some are embellished...and some are outright fabrications...as youd probably expect.
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Arcanus sits down after taking off his backpack. Then looks around the room warily. "I realize that some times in order for Pathfinders to bring lost knowledge back to the learned, some occasional lapses in judgment and morality are needed, in certain cases", the young bard states. "I just didn't think I'd be working with one of your..'clout' so early in my career. If The Decemvirate know of this meeting, they appear to be giving it a wide birth. Or setting one or both of us into a trap."
That brought a laugh out of Corwin. Ha!. Those stiff necked jerks. They allow...is that the right word? ...maybe ignore is better, my doings. But more than a few of their backers know where my allegiances lie. Even when others doubted during that horrible mess with Vahlo Huovar, thinking Id side with him because of my ancestrage, I showed them my interest is in the side of good. I just dont like all the constraints is all. Trap? naw. I wouldnt worry bout that. Theyve turned a blind eye to the Spire for far too long to have any interest in it now.
Well theres never any guarantee. But its the same thought process that goes into why the Pathfinders send teams of disparate individuals with a variety of skills to figure things out when theres an issue. 1 or 2, like those two wizards or a handful of like minded like the hell knights, dont bring a variety of ides and thoughts to the table. We have a wide variety of skills and backgrounds. here. Theres more likely a better chance to think outside the box and 'problem solve'...more capabilities to bring to bear.
He nods. Theres 7 of you. What made you interested in the Spire?
Edeldhur paused for a few moments on the outside of the Julliver Arms and took a deep breath, mentally reviewing his packed gear and memorized spells. Everything was in order - he was as prepared as his knowledge and funding allowed. With a nod, he opened the door and entered.
Anyone seeing the young (by elf standards) wizard entering the room might not immediately associate him to the Arcane arts - he wore a simple and worn attire, clearly geared for travelling and exploration, a full backpack, and a long sword at his waist. His heritage might not be clear either at first sight - dark brown hair and eyes, tanned skin and a square firmly set jaw are not common elvish traces.
He noticed Corwin already seated at one table with another man so he approached with light steps, and nodded at them both - "Well met"
Corwin grinned as The Elf Wizard approached. Arcanus this is Edeldhur. and vice versa./ Welcome to our table...get to know each other.
Having arrived on the outskirts of Fort Inevitable the evening before, Ratel, set up his small tent and made camp on the western side of Misty lake, near enough to Kettlefoot's mill to be considered on the halfling's property, but far enough away to not disturb him or his business. Ratel wasn't sure if Rooip would join him at the camp or not. He knew the odd little fellow had agreed to help the pathfinder as well, but the Grippli had his own ways.
Having spent the early part of the day hunting, Ratel returned to the camp to see if Rooip had arrived. Not finding his friend, he ate a late lunch and broke camp. Packing his gear, MacDugal had said something about rooms at the Julliver Arms, it seemed like a waste of money to Ratel, but he wasn't going to tell the pathfinder that.
Realizing it was about time, Ratel crossed the small creek, waiving to Kettlefoot's people he headed towards the Mosswater Gate. Having come through the gate many times in the last five years, he was not surprised to see Maralictor Wirt and her Hellknights. Nor was he surprised by the barrage of questions. Smiling, he answered the questions openly and honestly. It didn't cost anything to be polite. Nodding politely to the Maralictor as they dismissed him.
He smiled as he moved up the road. He found the black armor complimented her white hair and bright eyes, it was a strangely attractive look. He shrugs to himself, as he heads up 'Juliver Way' him and Maralictor Wirt? Stranger things had happened, he had heard stories of demons and celestials falling in love, but him and Wirt? Chuckling as he passed the 'Gate market' he gathered his thoughts for the task at hand. approach the door of the Inn.
Opening the heavy oak door, the sun fading in the west cast it's glow into the large common room shining on the Clean stone floor. Reedbank already had one of the staff lighting the sconces on the wall and a small fire in the Inns large stone hearth. It was the middle of summer, but there was something inviting about a fire in the hearth. Ratel took a moment to admire the great room, the Juliver Arms was the finest Inn he had ever been in, much finer than anything in Thornkeep.
The large Kellid, walks through the greatroom, head and shoulders above most of the humans, he thick long brown hair clean and neatly braided. A heavy pack over his scalemail, his Bardiche in one hand, his heavy fur cloak in the other. Seeing MacDugal sitting at the head of a large table, Ratel notices the thin young man in studded leathers already seated and a dark haired elf just taking a seat. Walking up to the table, he nods, "Good to see you again. MacDugal." He moves to the side of the table where his back would be to the wall, nodding to the other two men. "Good evening gentlemen I am called Ratel Dier." He smiles, "I trust you are joining us on this mad adventure?"
Resting his fur cloak on the nearest chair, he leans his polearm against the wall, then drops his pack nearby. Pulling the chair out, he pauses, then looks under the table. Shaking his head as he sits, "So has Rooip shown up Yet?" Looking to the others, he holds his large scared hand about two feet above the table. "He's a grippli, about this tall. He's supposed to be joining us."
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He leans his polearm against the wall, then drops his pack nearby. Pulling the chair out, he pauses, then looks under the table. Shaking his head as he sits, "So has Rooip shown up Yet?" Looking to the others, he holds his large scared hand about two feet above the table. "He's a grippli, about this tall. He's supposed to be joining us."
The young man eyes brighten a bit when talk of a grippli will be joining their number. "A grippli, you say. Interesting."
Arthdane shook his head and read the message the urchin had given him again: Please meet me at the the Julliver Arms for dinner. I've got a proposition for you, Corwin Macdugal. He thought to himself "Well, it's better than washing dishes for my supper".
Thankfully, Fort Inevitable was a pretty small town, and it only took 10 minutes to find the place. He handed his mule off to the groom, and realized he was going to have to find a someplace else to sleep tonight, this place was way out of his budget. Making sure his gear was neat enough not to get thrown out, he made his way into what had to be the best inn in town...
Inside, the taproom was busy, but there was only one bunch that could possibly have a proposition for him (everyone else was clearly wealthy merchants, as opposed to the four at the table in the corner). There were chairs for eight at the table, and enough weapons showing that they had to be mercenaries of some sort.
He walked up to the table, using his lonspear as a staff, and asked with a charming grin "I'm looking for a feller called Corwin MacDugal, he sent me a note saying he had a proposition for me and was buying dinner..."
Corwin was sitting back enjoying the group talking and then The Cleric of Caidean came up. He stood and extended his hand as he spoke.
Ahh Arthdane, welcome welcome. Glad you decided to show. Im Corwin MacDugal. Around the table...The studious one is Arcanus, The Serious one is Edeldhur, The Tall one is Ratel...Guys this is Arthdane. We only lack Baerlon, hes a dwarf. Nycholas, he thinks hes a Hellknight, but his heart isnt in it. and our dimnutive friend Rooip Hes a Grippli...if youre not fmiliar with them..they are 'frog folk'
Arthdane shakes Corwin's hand and turns to the table, saying "Hail and well met! Let us break bread together, and let Corwin tell us of his proposition.". He takes a seat at the table and gestures to attract one of the serving girls.
"So what's on the menu this evening lass?"
From his looks, you most likely would never place Edeldhur as an elf from Kyonin. However... You do notice a simple brooch dangling from a simple cord around his neck - depicting the well known crystal wrapped in thorns symbol of the Elven kingdom. This one is slightly different though, with a pair of crossed swords above it.
"Well met Ratel" - the elf nodded as the massive human sat down.
"Hail and well met! Let us break bread together, and let Corwin tell us of his proposition.". He takes a seat at the table and gestures to attract one of the serving girls.
"Hello and well met Arthdane" - Edeldhur chuckled a bit at being introduced as the serious one, his attention perking up as there is talk about eating and drinking.
Baerlon made his way to the entrance to the Julliver Arms the way he did most things: Directly and with purpose. Upon reaching the infamous Fort Inevitable, the dwarf had settled matters with the dark-armored guards at the gates with as little fuss as possible. Sticking to the law doesn't mean you're well intended. And those two had less good will than most. Bah.
Though his thoughts of the Hellnights were less than generous, his mood was actually quite good. He was finally here, ready to begin his quest into the depths of the 'Spire. Ready to see what fate had in store for him.
Opening the heavy wooden door to the inn, Baerlon pauses a moment just inside to let his eyes adjust, and then moves across the commons to the table where he sees Corwin holding court.
Clad in relatively new scalemail, the broad-shouldered paladin does his best to navigate the room without bumping into anyone, either with his body, his shield, or with the massive axe securely sheathed across his back.
Arriving at the table, the paladin nods at MacDugal and then at each of the others as he speaks in an incredibly deep voice, "I am Baerlon Ironblood, my presence was requested, and I am here to delve into the Spire. When do we leave?"
Nycholas Hyll wakes from his afternoon nap in his room at the Julliver Arms the pathfinder had rented for him. Rolling over in bed, he opens his eyes and is greeted by the sight of the large pile of equipment and plate armor he had purchased a few days before. Near enough nine-hundred gold worth of things dropped haphazardly in one corner of the room. The young man rolls onto his opposite side, lamenting Imariel's absence. As much fun as it would have been to have his fiancée stay with him at the fancy inn, she did not know he had been put up by the pathfinder, Corwin. Or that he was planning on going into the Emerald Spire. Or that his parents had sent him nine-hundred gold as a betrothal gift. Or that he was supposed to use that gold to get himself and Imariel out of the River Kingdoms. Or that he had spent that gold on armor and weapons. Rolling onto his back, he sighs and stares up at the ceiling. She would find out eventually, he supposed. Fort Inevitable was not a sprawling metropolis; she would find out soon. He was hoping that he would make it into and out of the Spire with something to show for it before she discovers his questionable use of the gold which, by rights, was just as much hers as his. Then he could justify his reckless spending. Or maybe he would die in the spire and not have to face her wrath... She was a powerful sorceress and best not riled. But if he is to leave the River Kingdoms with her, this was his last chance to explore the spire, to see what secrets it holds, and maybe even find out what happened to Signifer DiViri, the woman who had starting teaching him swordsmanship when he was practically still a child.
It took several minutes for Nycholas to work up the willpower to get out of the large, comfy bed. He had never stayed at the Julliver Arms before, though it was his parents inn of choice when they visited. Eventually he makes it to a sitting position at the edge of the bed and pulls on his calf-length leather boots. He was supposed to meet with Corwin and others for dinner and to discuss the expedition and if he didn't get up soon there would likely be no dinner left!
Nycholas loudly descends the stairs into the common room of the inn eager more for dinner than the meeting with the pathfinder. Besides his boots, he wears simple brown linen breaches and a lynch blue gambeson trimmed in leather. His copper brown hair is short and unstyled, practical and boring. His eyes are pale blue. His features are soft and boyish, almost androgynous, and give him the appearance of being younger - though not by much - than he really is. He carries himself with typical teenage confidence, almost careless in his self-assuredness.
Seeing Corwin MacDugal, Nycholas makes for the table, dropping heavily into a chair. "Hey, Corwin. I am starving!" Focused on his task of attracting the attention of one of the serving staff, he seems oblivious to the presence of the other men at the table.
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Like most Gripplis, Rooip has no real sense of time, or urgency, so it should come as no surprise when he failed to arrive at Ratel’s camp on time. Disappointed in missing the Kellid, Rooip quickened his pace, hoping to catch up with his friend. As he walked to the Fort he thought, Friend, what a weird words tall folk use to describe relationships.
Confused by the arrangement of the streets, it takes Rooip a few minutes to get his bearings, but he eventually finds the Julliver Arms, after passing it by twice. At the doorway he pauses a second, trying to muster his courage, and takes a deep breath before he opens the door. As always the first thing he notices is the smell, no matter how many times he enters a human structure Rooip is always taken aback by the odor. This place is no different it reeks of smoke, cooked meat, and unwashed bodies.
Trying to ignore the aroma of the place the grippli glances around the room and notices Ratel and the one known as MacDugal sitting around a table with some others. As quickly as his tiny legs will carry him Rooip made his way to the table and pronounces with a croak like voice, ”MacDougal.” Without waiting for an answer the diminutive frog-like-man worms his way under the table and squirms his body into a chair next to Ratel. The grippli looks up to the giant of a man with what might be a smile, ”Friend, is sorry he was late.”
Corwin smiles and nods at Rooip. He had run into both he and Ratel in the forest together. He had particularly gone looking for a Wolfmane Barbarian, thinking one would be good for the expedition. and had been lucky to find the pair...and Ratel had magic in his veins as well.
Well this is our group. Food will be coming shortly. Rooip, I have told them to cater to your tastes so Im sure you will find something you will enjoy when they bring it. Ask the waitress for whatever you wish to drink. Ive rented rooms for the night for you all so you can stay near each other.
that out of the way he paused before opening up his satchel. He pulled out a 6"long cylindrical object with a 2inch wide top and bottom though the center cylinder was only an inch wide. on the top and bottom was a single rune, that he showed the group.. He sat it down on one of the ends on the table. It was made of a bright green gemlike glass.
I took this off a clockwork minotaur in Numeria, near the Torch. It took me some time to figure out its source. Here. The Emerald Spire. The Mechanical monster had come through a gate that opened up at the base of the hill going up to the Torch. I had been there investigating the Numerian otherworldy tech that have started to be used by foes across the continent. What it was doing, and why it came there, I do not know. But one thing for certain, if someone can use the unique properties of the Spire to open gates where ever they want...this could prove disastrous for all.
He paused as the waitress brought plates of food and drinks.
after taking a pull on his draught, he looked at the others as they mentally digested what hed said.
So I put that investigation on hold and came here. Finding out that gates have been opening in Spire Glen depositing creatures who then went on to kidnap folks and drag them and anything they had back to the spire I knew this wasnt anything that could take long to search about. Fortunately my good friend Abernard Royst, a wizard of no small ability here, had already been pushing for investigations. The first officially sanctioned group was a pair of Wizards from Goldenfire Tower in Thornkeep, and a few followers. Its been several weeks since they left, and theres been no indication that anything good has happened to them So I began searching for a group that would help. I sent a letter requesting help from Highhelm in The Five Kings Mountains, for one of their Dwarven Representatives. And to The Goldenfire Tower for someone to be sent here. Thats why Edeldhur and Baerlon are here. I stumbled on Arcanus a few days ago, but the rest of you I sought out. Though Royst suggested you Nycholas.
He paused and took a few bites of his stew. It was quite good.
Then he added. Make no mistake. This is highly dangerous. Theres no telling what you'll find there. How deep it goes. Or whats going on there. The only two Things I have found out that are important are first, a Bandit Clan, The Splinters of Echo Wood, have been chased into the Spire, and there are signs that their activities have not stopped. Their leader is a Priestess of a foul diety. Secondly a Numerian Wizard named Klarkosh came to the Spire a few years back...His study...Constructs. He looked around the table...
The pay isnt good, except what you find...with which you will have to share with The Hellknights if you liquidate assets here, if you dont you will have to worry about the underworld of Thornkeep taking all of it should they find out about it, if you liquidate it there.....The danger is high...what you will gain no doubt about it, should you live...is fame and glory. and experience...and knowledge......oh and finally youwill have done a great service to the world, if what I suspect is anywhere close to a reality....questions?
Nodding to Edeldhur as he takes his seat. ”Well met Edeldhur.” Turning as Arcanus asks his question. Seeing the young man’s eyes brighten, Ratel smiles a wide smile, his cheeks pinken and his green eyes glisten. "Yes Rooip!" Ratel pauses for a moment, he would love to tell the young Arcanus about the Sun-Bask tribe in the marshlands and how they met dealing with the spider. But, Rooip's story is Rooip's to tell, so Ratel just nodded Seeing the smallish cleric approach he uses it as a chance to change the subject.
Watching and listening as MacDugal introduces the team. Ratel chuckles when he is introduced as the tall one. He nods to Arthdane, "A pleasure Arthdane." He nods in agreement at 'breaking bread' and tells the cleric. "Whatever it is, it will be good. Julliver Arms is the finest inn in town."
Watching the dwarf approach, Ratel raises an eyebrow, a Dwarf and an Elf. MacDugal was right, the group was eclectic even without a Grippli. Returning the dwarf’s nod, he chuckling at Ironblood's directness, Ratel looks to MadDugal to answer, after all it was his party.
Seeing the young man descending the stairs approaching them, Ratel is suprised. With his androgynous features, the blue gambeson and linen breaches the boy looked more like a merchant than an adventurer. But when he dropped into a chair at the table announcing his hunger, Ratel decided he must be Nycholas the lad who wanted to be a Hellknight. Bad business that, Ratel hoped the boy would change his mind.
Hearing Rooip's croaking voice before he saw his diminutive friend, Ratel started looking around as the Grippli climbed in the chair beside him. Smiling at the term 'friend,' Ratel responded. "Not to worry, your timing couldn't have been more perfect."
Watching as MacDugal pulled out the bright green cylindrical object. Having eaten a late lunch and more interested in the pathfinders story, Ratel tells the waitress, "Um, whatever the special of the day is, and a small ale. I want to keep my head." Then returns his attention to tale. 'A mechanical minotaur opening a gate in Torch, from the spire? How very interesting.'
Stopping to nod to the waitress, he arranges his plate, sipping the small ale. Making eye contact with MacDugal, a tither as the pathfinder continued. 'Ah so the wizards were from Goldenfire tower, I had heard that,' Raising an eyebrow when he heard that Royst specifically recommended Nycholas.
Mirroring MacDugal, Ratel also took a bite of the stew. 'Hmmm, not bad, needs a little more salt and they should have let the bone cook longer so it got more flavor from the marrow.' Realizing their host had started speaking again. Ratel mindlessly ate the stew as he listened.
Nodding when MacDugal mentioned the Bandit Clan, Ratel had heard that as well and Klarkosh was an even older story. Some say the constructs still 'lived' others said they were like statues. But he was right. all of Echo Wood could be dangerous, but especially the 'Spire.'
Chuckling when MacDugal said the pay wasn't good, he watches the others reactions when 'fame and glory' is mention. When the Pathfinder pauses for questions, Ratel looks around the table. "Having spend a lot of time in Thornkeep, don't let MacDugal scare you. Their just a different type of bad." Looking back to their host he asks. "One question, are you going with us?"
As MacDugal tells his tale, Baerlon Ironblood, Representative of Highhelm, quietly whispers to the tavern maid for an ale and stew and then takes a seat. The dwarf then frowns more than scowls as the former pathfinder speaks, but his gaze and focus is intense.
"I am not here to be paid. Rather, I am here to investigate these portals as well as the vaults below the Spire. The danger is obvious, but of no import. This I would see done." Baerlon's voice is deep but surprisingly pleasant, and there is no question of his conviction when he speaks.
The dwarf takes a long swig of his ale when it comes, sets the cup down, and then smiles and adds, "That said, I am not above taking a share of recovered wealth to make sure we can resupply ourselves. I am proud, but I am not stupid."
In his greeting to the newcomers, Arcanus leans over to Edeldhur. "Any news of import from Kyonin?" The bard whispers.
"It has been a few years since I left my forest homeland" - Edeldhur replied with a nod - "I imagine it has not changed much, as is custom of elven nature - have you ever visited?"
The wizard greeted each one of the others as they arrived, and then enjoyed his meal and wine in silence, but two things clearly caught his attention - the rune and the grippli.
"Will we be starting our investigations in Spire Glen?" - the elf replied when they were asked for questions.
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In his greeting to the newcomers, Arcanus leans over to Edeldhur. "Any news of import from Kyonin?" The bard whispers."It has been a few years since I left my forest homeland" - Edeldhur replied with a nod - "I imagine it has not changed much, as is custom of elven nature - have you ever visited?"
The young bard chuckled over the growing din. "Sadly no."
"Are humans even allowed within the border?"
Corwin looked at the group as questions came in. First he answered...
No I am not coming with you. I will be doing research and working on things related to your expedition though. We will be talking each tie you return and I will facilitate out of area purchases for you. Once you head out you will be on your own until you return.
First thing you'll be doing is going to see the Hellknights to get a warrant so you can act as deputies of the court regarding bandits and such. Thats so you stay within the limits of the law. It allows them to keep control of vigilantes. Additionally Each time you return you have to declare you findings to them and have over 30% of the take to them. Not doing so put you firmly against the Law in Fort Inevitable.
Tomorrow you may begin your investigation wherever you wish, though at some point you will be travelling the 6 miles to Spire Glen.
Arthdane eats voraciously. The stew is much better than his own cooking... After seconds, he asks "This proposal sounds a deed that Cayden Cailen would be impressed with. That said I'm not so fond of hellknights to be wanting to hand over 30% of my hard earnings off the top... This is the river kingdoms, and I'm not a local, but it's my understanding that there's no shortage of lords that could give us a charter."
within a reasonable distance...theres only Thornkeep...and here. Of course you could go further afield and spend weeks travelling to and from. That creates its own problems You could find yourself clearing and reclearing and reclearing and never make much headway... In My opinion, the only answer is to eather liquidate assets here or Thornkeep. One you pay one form of tax...the other a different one. Though there are ways to insure that payout is minimal. With creativity.
Raising an eyebrow at Arthdane's objection, Ratel listens to MacDugal's explanation. Adding, "Without the deputy warrant the Hellknights would track us down for vigilantism." chuckling, "And I doubt the Hellknights would even recognize the authority of these so called lords. Spreading his hands. "While I loathe the Hellknights methods, the spire is six mile from Fort Inevitable and the Citadel casts a long shadow."
He looks at the pathfinder, "I would be interested in learning how to make the payment minimal. Would you recommend selling some items in Thornkeep or possibly just hiding items we intend to use later and then gather them when we return to the Spire?"
The grippli nods in agreement with Ratel's remark about Rooip not being late. Rooip sits and listens intently to the conversations going on around him while he munches down the bowl of fruit he was provided. He takes special note of those conversations that concern treasure or wealth he wonders, Is this what the beginning of the shiny metal sickness looks like?
"A warrant would seem prudent and reasonable. But 30%?" Baerlon pauses, more for effect than actual objection. "I suppose we'll have to make do...and without subterfuge if at all possible. I am certain they have come to expect as much from adventurers and treasure hunters...and will be watching for it."
Another pause, then the dwarf's says in his baritone voice, "A question: Do they get to choose from "loot" we retrieve or will we be allowed to sell items and offer them equal value in coin or gems? I've known merchants in Highhelm who barter in this manner."
The young bard chuckled over the growing din. "Sadly no."
"Are humans even allowed within the border?"
"Things have been changing" - Edeldhur smiled at the question - "Queen Telandia's views are not as isolationist as many others, and slowly the borders of Kyonin are becoming more permeable to the entrance of those with a non-elven ascendance. So... I guess the answer to your question would be yes, but definitely with some restrictions" - he added.
"Would you happen to recognize that rune by any chance?" - the wizard pointed at the rune on the cylindrical object presented by Corwin, as he retrieved a sheet of paper, and some writing implements from his pack.
He did listen to the discussion about the draconian percentage demanded by the Hellknights, but did not offer an opinion.
Gesturing towards the bowl of fruit that was set out for Rooip, Ratel points to the bowl with his wooden spoon, "The fruit is sweet, but no protein. Your still a growing Rooip, you need protein."
Turning to Arcanus as he observes the green stick; sipping his small ale Ratel asks, "A number four?" Looking from the young man to the older pathfinder. "What on earth is it used for?"
Taking a bite of the stew, Ratel, still confused by the particulars of the 'payment' for the warrant. He swallows the bite of stew looking from MacDugal to Baerlon, nodding in agreement. "Yes, is it thirty percent of everything we liquidate? Or is it thirty percent of everything we take out of the 'spire' whether we intend to sell it or not?"
Corwin said I purchased 1 for myself when I first got to town. It specifically says you have to turn over 30% of the coin, goods, and property confiscated from lawbreakers or enemies of the Citadel.
”Rooip had much protein earlier, two beetles and a grasshopper,” the grippli assured the barbarian. Trying to follow the conversation he asks innocently, ”Why do friends not want to give the 30 percents?”
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Nodding as Rooip explained what he at earlier, Ratel nodded, "Good, I myself had a pair of coneys cooked over my camp fire earlier today."
Listening carefully to MacDugals, "That's quite a tax, but at least doesn't indicate the quality of goods given or kept."
Turning to Rooip, Ratel considers the question trying to think of it in terms that wouldn't involve too much economics. "Imagine if you caught the two beetles and the grasshopper near Mister Kettlefoot's Mill, and he told you that you had to give him one of the three bugs. And that from now on, you would have to give him one out of every three bugs to be able to hunt bugs near his mill." He pauses for a moment, "It's sort of like that. The 'Spire' is close enough to Fort Inevitable for the hellknights to consider it in their back yard, so to speak. So they want one out of three of whatever anyone finds, or at least whatever anyone finds that they think is valuable, no matter who finds it."
He shrugs, "And if folks don't pay their breaking 'the law' and if folks don't buy a warrant their breaking the law."He looks to MacDugal. "Is that about right?" Taking another sip of his ale. "So tomorrow morning we go buy a warrant. So how much is one and do we all have to purchase one, or can the group purchase one?"
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Turning to Rooip, Ratel considers the question trying to think of it in terms that wouldn't involve too much economics. "Imagine if you caught the two beetles and the grasshopper near Mister Kettlefoot's Mill, and he told you that you had to give him one of the three bugs. And that from now on, you would have to give him one out of every three bugs to be able to hunt bugs near his mill." He pauses for a moment, "It's sort of like that. The 'Spire' is close enough to Fort Inevitable for the hellknights to consider it in their back yard, so to speak. So they want one out of three of whatever anyone finds, or at least whatever anyone finds that they think is valuable, no matter who finds it."
Listening to Ratel's explaination, Arcanus reluctantly nods. "He's essential right, Mr. Rooip. Think you understand?"
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Rooip scratched his head in thought, ”But Mr. Kettlefoot doesn’t even like bugs for eating…. I guess if he was a hungered Rooip would share his bugs with Kettlefoot .”
Corwin smiles at Rooip. Exactly! then he says Its 50 gold for a warrant, and you can list the entire group on it.
The grippli claps his hands together excitedly, ”Good, Rooip’s name should be on the 30 percents warrant.” Hopefule, he looks around the table to his companions.
"Well aren't you just adorable?" Nycholas says when he finally looks up from his stew and sees Roopip. "You'd better be careful. Some of the girls 'round here would eat you up." He warns the tiny frog person. The talk of taxes and warrants immediately bores the young man. He knew all about the stupid taxes having trained with Hellknights, but he was not an ardent supporter of the organization. Their martial prowess and ability to complete the somatic components of spells in heavy armor was about as far as his interest in Hellknights went. He takes the 'unicorn horn' from their host and looks it over.
"It is the Azlanti number 4." Arcanus comments.
"Ok, understood" - Edeldhur makes a note in one of his sheets of paper, as well as a side scribble about the 30% Tax they are expected to pay.
Rasing an eyebrow at the cost, Ratel started doing division in his head to calculate his percentage. He had thought he was joining this venture to make money not spend it. If he had seven gold coins to run together he probably wouldn't be here. Pausing, he admitted to himself that wasn't entirely true, he did want to protect his people and have the story to tell.
Chuckling at Nycholas' response to seeing Rooip, Ratel quickly interjects, "Don't worry Rooip, He doesn't mean the woman would actually eat you. 'Eat you up' is slang that means they would find you adorable."
Clearing his throat, as he looked around the table "fifty gold for a warrant, you can't just list us on yours?" He lowers his voice returning his gaze to MacDugal, "Um MacDugal, instead of spending coin on this fancy Inn, can I use the portion for my room to pay for my part?"
"A 30% tax and 50 gold up front, thieving Hellknights" thinks Arthdane, and then his thoughts turn to a more immediate problem "I can't pay my share of that up front, any more than I could set myself up as a brewer here.". Hearing Ratel's proposal to MacDugal, "Well, I'd been planning on camping tonight anyways", he promptly pipes up "If that's an option, I'd take you up on it as well."
Hyll picks up the strange green gem/glass odd looking baton? candle stand? 4-5" long. 1" cylinder with 2 ends 2" around flat on the ends with the odd rune...the number 4 in Azlanti. The glass? was extremely smooth. but warm to the touch.
Corwin remarked Ive detected it for magic. its not enchanted, but seems to be inherently magical ...like it could hold an enchantment. That being said it does hold a faint conjuration aura.
Edeldhur thinks and the number 4 for the Azlanti held no special meaning.
Then he turned to Ratel and said Unfortunately I cant add you to mine. The names have to be added at the time of purchase. However I am prepared to provide the money for the warrant, and a small amount to aid in your outfitting the expedition should you need some supplies before venturing off.