The sealed scroll tube that was also in the crate contains a single sheet of paper, with some writing on it in a language unfamiliar to most of you.
Draconic:
I have returned Selenial to the world – if you are right, perhaps these heroes will bring an end to the darkness. As we discussed, I have also sent you the tome I acquired from the sage. He called it ‘Karis Kahn’, I recalled our last conversation and knew you would want to see it for yourself. As you requested, I have also sent you the bar my soldiers unearthed in the Wasteland, several years ago. I have never discovered a use for it, however would appreciate its return when you have finished using it.
Be wary of these new heroes, my friend, remember that prophecy can be a seductive master. It can be easy to read momentous meaning into the ordinary, purely because you wish it to be so. There have been many through the centuries who have claimed that the hour of liberation was at hand. I think history has demonstrated fairly forcefully that they were mistaken.
We will speak again soon.
Kellian of the Sea”
Grunthor is able to read and speak Draconic. The note says:
[quote=]”Friend Antius
I have returned Selenial to the world – if you are right, perhaps these heroes will bring an end to the darkness. As we discussed, I have also sent you the tome I acquired from the sage. He called it ‘Karis Kahn’, I recalled our last conversation and knew you would want to see it for yourself. As you requested, I have also sent you the bar my soldiers unearthed in the Wasteland, several years ago. I have never discovered a use for it, however would appreciate its return when you have finished using it.
Be wary of these new heroes, my friend, remember that prophecy can be a seductive master. It can be easy to read momentous meaning into the ordinary, purely because you wish it to be so. There have been many through the centuries who have claimed that the hour of liberation was at hand. I think history has demonstrated fairly forcefully that they were mistaken.
We will speak again soon.
Kellian of the Sea”
"So what are we supposed to do now?"
"Wait, what was that about destiny? I'm sick of being a destined hero." Garret sits there looking annoyed.
"So what are we supposed to do now?"
"Find this Kellian guy? Me, I just want a look at this prophecy thing they keep talking about. There's got to be a way out of this, I mean, I only signed up for this for the money!"
"Wait, what was that about destiny? I'm sick of being a destined hero." Garret sits there looking annoyed.
"So what are we supposed to do now?""Find this Kellian guy? Me, I just want a look at this prophecy thing they keep talking about. There's got to be a way out of this, I mean, I only signed up for this for the money!"
Anyssa raises an eyebrow. "You've got somebody telling you that you're destined to be a hero? Me, I'm usually being told that I'm destined to end badly," she adds with a self-depracating smirk.
"Garret my friend, I think that we are all unsure of our parts in destiny from time to time. Especially, for us at this time as the one who was guiding us has departed to the realms of eternity. We must remain calm and see what destiny has in store for us."
Damandor then says to the group, "The letter written by Antius said that he was going to send us to seek out Pelor's Heart. If that indeed was the next task that he was going to give us, then my suggestion would be to complete that task and then deliver it to Sander's Point as was mentioned in the letter."
Eland racks his brain for any snippet he can remember about Kellian.
"So we are supposed to delve the dungeons of C'erat Mour and deliver a outlawed holy relic to a band of would be insurgents. This sounds like fun!"
"Garret my friend, I think that we are all unsure of our parts in destiny from time to time. Especially, for us at this time as the one who was guiding us has departed to the realms of eternity. We must remain calm and see what destiny has in store for us."
"Oh, that's easy for you to say. Yo don't have to listen to it all the time. 'Don't cut that purse', it says, 'How is he going to feed his family?' I don't care about his family, I just want to feed me! And I can't just ignore it, because sometimes it says good stuff, like 'The guard is coming' or 'That guy's going to stab you.' It's just annoying, is all."
Opening the sealed letter, Eland begins reading to the rest of the group.
As you know, the last doomed baron of that place was rumoured to have discovered Pelor’s Heart.
"Blessed Nature, a god's heart?!? I hope it is only a item the speak of."
"I understand how you feel little friend. I once followed that voice in my head and rescued the son of my clan's leader from certain death. I just couldn't understand why it disgraced him so to be saved. Anyway that is why I'm here in Bastion instead of with my family and clan."
"Am I the only one here who doesn't hear voices in their head?"
"Am I the only one here who doesn't hear voices in their head?"
I haven't heard disembodied voices since I left the Underdark. But most of those were just echoes...
"I usually just have a few more glasses of wine until the voices get bored and go away," Eland says with a rye smile.
More to the point, though, I would like to bring the letters back to the wilted rose and have Ashwyn look at it. Maybe Damandor could have the high priest of his temple examine the book."
The Voices in my head are good. They are my friends.
"Am I the only one here who doesn't hear voices in their head?"
"Anyssa, I don't hear voices either, but do feel that I receive guidance from Corellon from time to time."
"I usually just have a few more glasses of wine until the voices get bored and go away," Eland says with a rye smile.
More to the point, though, I would like to bring the letters back to the wilted rose and have Ashwyn look at it. Maybe Damandor could have the high priest of his temple examine the book."
"Eland, that is an excellent idea. I would be happy to go and discuss this tome with Theriandor. It would also allow me to report to him the fate of Antius and his household."
Garret groans and rests his head in his hands.
Before leaving to discuss the book with Theriandor, Damandor gathers the wounded party members near him. Expending some of his daily positive energy granted to him by Corellon to help further heal his wounded friends.
I will accompany Damandor to his monastery. Leaving my big sword here of course.
None of you have any recollection of any of the names specifically mentioned, although Damandor recognises C'erat as an archaic term for an outlying fort in the Wasteland. Centuries ago, the rulers of Bastion made several attempts to impose order on the wildlands to Bastion's west - C'erat Mour is quite possibly one of the outposts established for that purpose.
It is now midafternoon. Damandor and Grunthor are about to leave for Damandor's temple, taking the book with them. Eland plans on taking the letters for Ashwyn to examine. You currently have a couple more days rations here in the warehouse you have been using as a base of operations. Do Anyssa, Garret, Flint or Ivan have anything they wish to do this afternoon/evening?
Eland will bring the odd metal bar also.
"If any of you fellows would like to accompany me to the Wilted Rose, The first round is on me. A warm meal might be just the thing after a couple of days eating dried meat and bread."
I will go with you comrade Westlocke, thought I have eaten dried meat and hard tack my entire life and it did me no harm . We are still in danger, and I fear you will cause trouble once the drinks start to flow. I wish to be your rule of moderation for this outing. That, and for mutual protection from our foes.
Eland will bring the odd metal bar also.
"If any of you fellows would like to accompany me to the Wilted Rose, The first round is on me. A warm meal might be just the thing after a couple of days eating dried meat and bread."
"Sounds good to me. Er, is anybody staying here? Because we really shouldn't leave that sword just laying around unattended," she says, glancing over at Selenial.
"You know, I could use I nice warm meal. I'll tag along. Flint, you mind staying here to guard the stuff?"
"You know, I could use I nice warm meal. I'll tag along. Flint, you mind staying here to guard the stuff?"
"Not at all, it will give me a chance to rest my weary feet, the taller ones of this group just don't seem to realize we have shorter legs do they?"
Damandor places the book in his backpack and prepares to leave. He walks at a casual pace as to not rush Grunthor and risk worsening his condition. He leads the way to Corellon's temple, not knowing if the barbarian has ever been there before.
As they travel the streets of Bastion, Damandor keeps an eye out for any trouble that may be coning their way.
When they arrive at the temple, Damandor seeks out Theriandor.
Eland stashes the letters, the scrolls, and the metal bar in his pack. With a glint in his eye, he leads his companions out the back of the warehouse. The thought of a warm meal and wine in the back of his mind.
Unlike Damandor, Eland is lost in thought about the letters and scrolls. As is usual for him, he is blissfully unaware of his surroundings. Without thinking, he begins to hum a tune.
Grunthor was a little more awake than Domandor.
Flint, do not fear. We will bring you back something fresh to eat.
Eland stashes the letters, the scrolls, and the metal bar in his pack. With a glint in his eye, he leads his companions out the back of the warehouse. The thought of a warm meal and wine in the back of his mind.
Unlike Damandor, Eland is lost in thought about the letters and scrolls. As is usual for him, he is blissfully unaware of his surroundings. Without thinking, he begins to hum a tune.
"Woops!" Anyssa says, 'tripping' over a loose cobblestone and bumping into Eland, interrupting his song. "How clumsy of me."
As most of you prepare to leave it is mid-to-late afternoon. The sky is overcast, heavy clouds indicating it will almost certainly rain once more tonight. Although cold, the twisted streets of the slums provide decent protection from any wind and at least you can move about without getting wet, for now at least.
Eland, Anyssa, Garret, Ivan:
“Eland, my boy! And the friends you told me about,” he grins, nodding a greeting to the rest of you as he leads you towards a private room at the back of the tavern, talking casually as he moves through the public place. “How did things go? Did you manage to find your way to our friend’s home?”
Nobody pays much attention to you as you cross the room. Although as she moves past, one of the serving girls gives Eland a shy smile, blushing slightly as she hurries past to attend to her duties. When you reach the door at the rear of the tavern, Ashwyn allows you all inside before closing the door. There is a table and several chairs, he takes one chair and indicates for you to sit as his expression grows more serious, looking to Eland for news.
Damandor, Grunthor:
“Damandor, it is good to see you still well,” he begins seriously before turning to Grunthor and bowing slightly. “Welcome to the church of Corellon Lorethian, friend. My name is Theriandor – high priest of our shrine. You serve alongside one of the Protector’s most loyal servants and are welcome here.”
“Damandor, I have grave news,” he continues. “I have learnt more of these cultists you encountered on the docks. From your description of the layered masks they wore, I feel certain they were members of the Veiled Whisper – a dangerous sect, devoted to Vecna, the God of Secrets and utterly ruthless in the pursuit of their goals. They have not been active in Bastion for many years – it was thought that the church of Hextor extinguished all traces of them over forty years ago. Nonetheless, if they have returned and worse if they are seeking something in that crate...you must be wary.”
“Tell me your news,” he says quietly, looking to each of you in turn. “Were you able to find Antius and learn more of the task he has for you?”
Flint:
Monty & Grunthor:
Damandor then relates the events of the previous evening to Theriandor. Detailing everything from their journey to Antius' house and then the battle. He tells of finding Antius, and discovering the bookcase in which the party found the letter, key, potions and coin.
He then tells him about the opening of the crate and what was inside. He provides particular detail on the sword and the book.
Damandor asks, "Master I was able to understand the meaning of the word 'Selenial' written on the sword, but I know nothing more about it then that, do you know anything about a sword named Selenial?
"Eland and I were not able to make much sense of this tome", Damandor says as he pulls it from his pack, "we were also hoping that you could tell us something more old book?
Damandor and Grunthor:
“I’m afraid this is unfamiliar to me,” he announces finally. “I agree that it appears to be a book of history, or perhaps prophecy...Antius was always much more knowledgeable in these matters than I.” Returning to study the tome, he frowns slightly in concentration, reading a few passages at random as he leafs through the pages. Eventually he closes it carefully and returns it to you.
“Study of a book like this would take many days,” he declares. “I’m not sure that I would be any more qualified than your friend Eland. Whoever this Kellian is, they sent ‘Karis Kahn’ to Antius – I would guess it contains prophecy. It has to be said, I have rarely encountered an item of such power. I know a little more of the sword Selenial, although I had always thought it nothing more than a fable.”
“When Pelor was cast down,” he says, “the followers of Hextor believed him utterly defeated – banished from the world forever. There are whispers however that Pelor sowed the seed of his return – the blade Selenial which would one day bring an end to the darkness and allow Pelor’s blessing to shine on the world once more. The stories say that Selenial was spirited away by a golden dragon – Pelor’s steed in his final battle with Hextor. According to the legend, it would remain hidden until claimed by one able to release Pelor and bring his light back to the world. If this blade you have discovered is truly Selenial then it is no surprise that the Veiled Whisper would seek to claim it. Such a treasure is a powerful weapon indeed.” The elderly elf sits on a stone bench, looking more weary than Damandor has ever seen him as he frowns to himself.
“Damandor, I can offer you little comfort,” he concludes, shaking his head sadly. “I fear I have involved you in something far greater and more dangerous than I intended. The way forward is unclear to me. Sadly, it is times like this I would seek Antius’s counsel – a privilege I will never again enjoy. One thing is certain, you must ensure that the Cult of the Veiled Whisper do not obtain the sword. We may not know if it is the genuine blade Pelor has supposedly prepared to pave the way for his return. Nonetheless we know that whatever it is, the followers of Vecna will seek to pervert its power to serve their own ends.”
“Perhaps the next course of action should be to seek out C’erat Mour,” he says finally. “Try to discover this ‘Pelor’s Heart’. What you may do after that I do not know. Whoever Kellian is they were apparently known to Antius and one the dear man counted as a friend – nonetheless I would be wary in revealing what you know to anyone. The Veiled Whisper excel at learning secrets and we know that, if not them, then someone equally ruthless has already murdered in search of what you and your friends now possess.”
Monty, Anyssa, Garrett, and Ivan:
As they settle into the back room Eland begins to unload his pack. "Master Ashwyn, these are my friends Anyssa, Garret, and Ivan," He says with a nod to each in turn. "I am afraid we do not bring good news. Antius is dead, someone got to him before we could. And it appears that he was slain in a ritualistic fashion." Eland then describes the symbols that were left in Antius' library.
"While we were at Antius' manse, we ran into the same group of toughs that had delivered the cargo to us the night before. We bested them and in sparing some of them I think we may have earned a new ally."
"we found the keys to the crate and returned to the warehouse and opened it. These are some of the things we found inside," Eland then indicates the scrolls, letters, and the metal bar. "I am hoping that you can help indentify them."
Eland sits back and lets Ashwyn examine the pieces.
As most of you prepare to leave it is mid-to-late afternoon. The sky is overcast, heavy clouds indicating it will almost certainly rain once more tonight. Although cold, the twisted streets of the slums provide decent protection from any wind and at least you can move about without getting wet, for now at least.
Flint:
** spoiler omitted **
Ivan, not good in social situations, especially with buxum females present, does what he does best; he stands and looks imposing.
Anyssa stumbles and weaves her way into the back room and sits quietly while Eland does the talking.
"Theriandor, once again I thank you for your assistance, and give unto you my sympathy at the loss of your friend. We at least know more than we did before by speaking with you."
"At this time I feel that we should take our leave and return to the others so that we may pass this information on to them. I had felt that our next step should be to seek out Pelor's Heart, and your words have convinced me that Corellon is guiding my actions, thank you Master Theriandor, and good day."
Damandor then readies himself to leave and return to the warehouse.
Damandor: Why don't we stop somewhere to get some fresh food as well and take some back for Flint?
Damandor: Why don't we stop somewhere to get some fresh food as well and take some back for Flint?
"Yes my large friend, we can stop and pick up some fresh food and supplies to take back to the warehouse. If you know of a good place to get what we need, I'll let you lead the way."
Ivan, Eland, Garret, Anyssa:
"Eland, this is terrible news," he says as he accepts the scrolls and letters. "Antius was a good man and a powerful one, as well. If someone was able to murder him as you say - I fear for the safety of you and your friends." The serving girl Eland had spoke to earlier comes in at that point and Ashwyn spends a few moments inspecting the scrolls and letter you have brought him. The food and wine placed on the table is better than most of you are used to, although still the plain fare one would expect in this part of the city.
"Hmm, I remember the name," remarks Ashwyn as the five of you are once more left alone. "Kellian of the Sea...and Sander's Point I have heard of certainly. It's a town on the other side of the Wasteland, right on the coast. I don't know anyone who has actually visited of course, but there used to be news from there back when the warlord still claimed control of the desert."
"Kellian was a wizard. From many years ago," he continues, "if he still lives he must be centuries old. Probably an elf, I guess. Alternatively, of course, someone has taken the name for themselves." he shrugs as he turns his attention to the scrolls.
"These scrolls I can help you with. This is a scroll of protection from evil. The second is locate object and finally, invisibility. You'd better be careful with that last one. The church of Wee Jas don't take kindly on unauthorised possession of such a scroll." shaking his head sadly, he places the papers on the table before him, lost in thought as you eat your meal.
Ivan takes great delight in the food in front of him but passes on the wine. When he feels it proper, he speaks: " I have little head for strategy outside of individual combat. What are our options here? What shall we do?"
Garret positively devours the food, eating like he may not eat the next day. "So, to meet this guy we have to hike across the desert, probably fighting a warlord? That sounds just great, but wait, Bastion's on the ocean, they're on the ocean, why don't we just hop on the next ship over there?", he says between bites.
"Oh, mind if we speak privately after this?", he says to Ashwyn.
Garret, Anyssa, Eland, Ivan:
Garret positively devours the food, eating like he may not eat the next day. "So, to meet this guy we have to hike across the desert, probably fighting a warlord? That sounds just great, but wait, Bastion's on the ocean, they're on the ocean, why don't we just hop on the next ship over there?", he says between bites.
"Oh, mind if we speak privately after this?", he says to Ashwyn.
"I'd be happy to speak with you," replies the innkeeper coming out of his reverie and directing a smile towards Garret. "One thing I should warn you of is that Sander's Point is still regarded as a rebellious outpost by the Warlord and his allies. Finding a boat to take you would be a difficult proposition...although I doubt impossible. After all, this Kellian seemed to be in contact with Antius."
"If you were instead to travel overland - you'd need the proper documents to get you through the city gates and to ensure you werent challenged by patrols beyond the walls. I could probably find a reason to send you for a week or so, however who knows how long you'd need to travel? As for where you may be headed...finding Sander's Point shouldnt be too difficult, provided you can follow the coastline. C'erat Mour on the other hand - I'm afraid I have no idea."
Damandor and Grunthor:
Flint:
Eland tries to hide his glee at the revelation of the conntents of the scrolls. He eats his fill and makes a display of leaving a couple gold coins on the table to pay for the meal.
"I think the overland route may prove the wiser. Asking around for a boat may arouse too much suspicion." He looks around the table to see if his companions are in agreement.
Eland tries to hide his glee at the revelation of the conntents of the scrolls. He eats his fill and makes a display of leaving a couple gold coins on the table to pay for the meal.
"I think the overland route may prove the wiser. Asking around for a boat may arouse too much suspicion." He looks around the table to see if his companions are in agreement.
"I've never been on a boat before. All in all I think I'd rather stay on familiar footing just now, and that means on dry land. Wouldn't want to get trapped on a boat with cultists."
Overland my be more secretive but could be dangerous as well.
"Did anyone bring back information along with the food? Do we know what happend to Antius?"
Damandor greets Flint as he and Grunthor are let into the warehouse. If Flint asks Damandor what they found out, Damandor just replies that the news is somewhat grim, and that he would like to wait until the rest of the party arrives before telling what they have learned.
When the rest of the party arrives, and is settled in he relates the following:
"Grunthor and I have found that Theriandor and those at the Shrine of Corellon are well. Before we were able to tell him of the news of Antius though, he told us that he found out more about the masked attackers that we defeated on the docks the other night."
"They are, or appear to be members of a secret society devoted to Vecna called the Veiled Whisper. They were thought to have been wiped out by the followers of Hextor forty years ago, but some must have survived. Now it looks as if they are after one or more items from the crate, but indicated that most likely the sword Selenial would the item that they would be after."
"Theriandor said that it is likely that it was the Veiled Whisper that killed Antius and his household. If not them, then another group that is even more powerful."
"Theriandor also warned me that the Veiled Whisper are masters at finding out secrets and that we need to be very careful who we talk to in regards with this burden that has now been placed upon us."
"Of the tome he was not able to tell us much more then we already know. Although he thinks that not only is it a book of history, but may also be a book of prophecy. If it is agreeable with everyone, I will spend time when I can studying the book to see if we can gain any information from it. Since we seemed to be destined to follow this path that we have been set upon, perhaps this book can lead us."
"Theriandor has heard of the sword Selenial, though he thought it only legend. It is said that when Pelor was thrown down by Hextor, that unbeknown to his enemies he left behind a talisman that would be the key to his return to the world, and Selenial is that talisman. Theriandor said that if this really is Pelor's sword Selenial, that we must guard it above all else, for in the hands of the Veiled Whisper, or other powerful groups, the power of the sword could be turned to evil."
"Last of all my master said that we should seek out Pelor's Heart, what ever it may be, but after that he knows not what we should do, other then to seek out this Kellian, but he knows nothing of him."
Overland my be more secretive but could be dangerous as well.
Ivan: