DM Kim d20=16 Tuesday December 12th, 2000 9:27:33 PM
"I have a map of the city," Herold announces. He unrolls it before those riding in the first carriage. (Go to http://members.aol.com/thejericho/pcitymap.html to see the map. By clicking on different sections of the map, you can see the details).
"As you were sleeping or resting on this, our last leg of our journey, we have traversed the third plateau. This area is cultivated for the enjoyment of the rulers and inhabitants of the Capital of New Elenna: Plateau City. As you may be aware," Herold continues in a 'guided tour' voice, "This center of civilization is nicknamed 'The City of Adventurers' and is the home of 'The Dragons' - a loose guild of adventuring groups of high level and influence.
"We will be entering, as is appropriate to your vocations, through the 'Quest Gate.' Ah - here we are now."
Bolderhusk and Fipps ride forward, speak with the guards at the city entrance. One of the guards motions with his hand, and the carriages start to move forward through the open gates.
An officer steps up onto the running board above the steps to the doorway, hanging on to the brass bars. "Welcome to Plateau City, Ladies, Gentlemen. Captain Ebenezer, at your service. I'll accompany you to the High Lord Mayor's Castle."
Herold speaks, "For those of you in the second car," and he takes a lens-shaped glass, blows a white powder over the surface of the map, moves his right hand in a complex pattern, and says, "lux sit - lux transit." He then sneezes. "All right, you back there - look up at the ceiling - and - do you see a map there?"
Indeed, those in the back do see a map - the same one those in front now observe.
"Don't only focus on the map, but look out the windows, too. Here at the entryway are a few merchants shops seeling supplies - Grub and Chub on the right - or should I say starboard for those facing the rear? - and 'The Last Adventure on your left. Through that street to the right is Magic Square, angling to the right is Warrior's Lane and here as we pass Duncan's Travel Agency we come to Adventurer's Square. I won't detail the names of all the shops, such as Jazz's Comfortable Emporium, Slade's Blades - oh - there is The Red Wyrm Inn - formerly the Red Dragon Inn - formerly - oh, we're passing by the White Dragon Mansion, and are coming to the Circus Quarter. 'Quarter' doesn't really mean 'one-fourth' here - it just is how we designate - oh, this is the Gold Dragon Trail, Kat's Familiars, Bard Street over there - and we're bypassing that and Minotaur Road to go down Centaur Street."
Herold sticks his head out the carriage window. "Driver, why are we going this way? It would have been faster to go by the Red Wyrm, near the end of Adventure's End, and over the bridge to... Oh, that's right, we would have had to go through Gladiator's Park. Never mind."
He brings his head back inside. "And - my, we are moving briskly this morning. Good to have Bolderhusk and the Fipps clearing the way before us. Now we are in Guild Square, with the Merchant Guild House before us... I say - shouldn't we be going right?" he calls to the driver.
The driver answers, "You talk, I'll drive."
Herold's tour continues... (DM Kim) Tuesday December 12th, 2000 9:42:29 PM
Herold further describes Merchant Street, Fouchard's Run, Kerracle's Temple, Lender's Lane, Arrow's Shot, and Riverside Road.
"Thank the gods we didn't try to pass through Merchant Square at THIS time of day," Herold says. Bypassing a statue near another bridge, the carriages wend their way up Market Street, by the Constabulary Castle, past Flair Trail, back to Riverside Road, then, to the right.
"Ah, at last. Cutlass Street - and the High Lord Mayor's Castle!" the bard exclaims. "All right, everybody out!"
Sunblaze Wednesday December 13th, 2000 12:11:06 AM
Sunblaze speaks out to Fipps "What is Gladiator Park? A fighting arena? And also the 'Dragons' what are they, and should we be aware that we are on their territory? Sorry 'bout all these questions but I live my life on knowledge, and without it I shall not be much help here." Sunblaze gets up and watches all the streets pass by, and when they reach the High Lord Mayor's Castle Sunblaze steps out and then holds the door for everyone else.
Sedar Wednesday December 13th, 2000 12:53:40 AM
Impressed with the magical maps, the mage/thief, Sedar, listens with interest as the Herold continues his verbal rampage.
Rond Wednesday December 13th, 2000 9:05:55 AM
Rond listens intently to all the descriptions. While the move along, he also tries to see everything that he can.
Arien Wednesday December 13th, 2000 4:21:43 PM
Memorizing the names of the streets and their locations for later use, Arien pays attention to what Herold says, ignoring the rest.
Arrisa Thursday December 14th, 2000 9:51:11 PM
Arrisa woke up as it was announced they should get out. The elven ranger let out a yawn and then picked up both staffs, her old one and the new one. Exiting the carriage, she blinked in the sun, letting her eyes readjust. She brushed herself down, knocking some of the mud off her clothing and looked around herself. Seeing the familiar buildings of a city, she shuddered. "I hate cities. I hope our stay will not be long..."
Sunblaze Thursday December 14th, 2000 10:03:29 PM
Sunblaze laughs at the comment of hating cities. "Well, I have hated certain cities and certain people, but never something in general." Sunblaze stares at this new building. "Wow, when do we go in?"
Damocles Friday December 15th, 2000 5:51:09 PM
"I'm still horribly confused as to why we're here? Does anyone else know?" The pilgrim is becoming a bit irritated... "So many people to aid, so little time... I could be healing the poor." He sighs... "Ah well, such is the fate set out for me."
Kim OOC Saturday December 16th, 2000 12:58:18 PM
Sorry gang. I got sick this week - and still had a bunch of work to drag myself through. I apologize for the lack of posts this week. I will post later today... but first I get to lay the carpet.
[*cough* *cough*]
Draax Saturday December 16th, 2000 3:12:27 PM
Draax wakes up and looks over at Damocles. "I think we are here because we were summoned for some reason. I think I heard something about honoring us or maybe they want a favor from us. But to tell you the truth I do not have a clue why we are really here. I guess we will find out when we they tell us. We might as well enjoy ourselves until then." Draax smiles as he gets himself prepared to see the city.
Fipps to Sunblaze (DM Kim) Sunday December 17th, 2000 1:39:06 AM
Fipps answers Sunblaze. "Gladiator Park is..." he appears to be ready to say something snide, but then sighs, and says, "It's what it sounds like. There's a large arena there, a stadium, and sometimes they stage fights, or circuses." Then he snorts as Sunblaze asks about the 'Dragons.' "They are hoity-toity groups of adventurers who think the world should bow and scrape at their feet. I could care less whether they're aware we are here. The city is not just their territory." He mutters something under his breath.
Bill Troublefinder d100=33 d100=46 Sunday December 17th, 2000 1:45:56 AM
"Damocles, Draax is right," Bill says. "And we're supposed to meet his honor, the High Lord Mayor. He's called Sturdavent, I think. Anyway, he's supposed to be a good guy, from what I've heard. Hey - maybe he can let you know if there are some people who need your help, some, Damocles," he suggests helpfully. Before leaving the carriage, Bill stocks up on a bit of extra food from under the seat, placing it into his bag. Then he hops down. The wave of dizziness he experienced the night before seems to have past, and he joins the group, ready to go in.
At the entrance to the castle (DM Kim) Sunday December 17th, 2000 2:37:44 AM
Captain Ebenezer, the officer who stepped up onto the carriage at the Quest Gate states, "We shall return shortly." As he and Bolderhusk approach, a uniformed man opens one of two large doors for the paladin and the captain to enter.
Once all are out, the drivers turn the carriages, and take them back the way they came, having no problem with the turn in the huge courtyard before the one hundred foot wide entrance.
The very high ceilinged open-air courtyard is not deserted. On the contrary, there are scores of people lined up in an area off to the left, standing behind brocaded ropes, apparently waiting for a chance to go in. Off to the far right, ornate plush carpeting, couches, comfortable chairs, and small tables sit a few well dressed individuals and small groups. A normal-sized door opens near them, and servers bring drinks and small snacks to those waiting there. To the mid-right, and closer to the main building entrance, there are dozens of desks, and men and women, mainly humans, but including a couple of half elves, a female dwarf, and a gnome - all dressed as clerks, or secretaries, running hither and thither, or heavily concentrating on stacks of documents, or writing. One man glances at documents handed to him and, with a large metal stamp, brushes blue ink on, blots it on a sponge, then brings the stamp to bear in the lower left side of each parchment. Occasionally a document is carried to one of the people in line, or to one of the dignitaries seated to the right. Sometimes the individual receiving the document enters the castle, sometimes the person leaves. Some appear satisfied, even pleased. Less frequently, a frown is noted.
Also noteworthy is that the temperature within the courtyard is warmer than the general city temperature this morning. A comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celcius) is maintained. Despite the large numbers of people, the sound is not overwhelming.
Sunblaze Sunday December 17th, 2000 2:38:01 AM
Sunblaze sees Bill get some extra food. "Good idea my friend..." Sunblaze does as Bill and fills her pack full to the brim with foodstuffs.
Herold (DM Kim) Sunday December 17th, 2000 3:05:29 AM
"If you'd like, you can take a seat over there," Herold indicates the area with plush carpet. "The servers will provide you with whatever beverages you request, and something to eat if you'd like. It's hard to say how long we'll have to wait, as we have arrived earlier than was expected."
He adds something to Fipps' response to Sunblaze. "The Golden Arena also is where other large events are held. The biennial City Championships, in which a number of athletic contests are held, is quite popular. Who can run fastest, jump highest, that type of thing. And the sports are divided into natural, specialist, magic-free, or magic-augmented, and the like. Every opposite year is the Youth City Championships - geared for encouraging the children of the city to excel in various endeavors. Oh, and religious orders will sometimes schedule special services in the arena. The Bards College night - held once a month - is an enormous draw. Music, plays, historical recitations - many quite popular. I, *ahem*, received one time a standing ovation for my song-poem, 'Into the night.'" Having revealed that, Herold blushes lightly.
"Very well, here, this is a good place to sit." Herold indicates a place with a few couches and chairs placed around a couple of adjacent low tables.
Server (DM Kim) Sunday December 17th, 2000 3:33:00 AM
A server takes the party's orders, and drinks and snacks are brought quickly.
Bill Troublefinder Sunday December 17th, 2000 5:18:07 AM
"Root beer and strawberries, please," requests Bill of the waiter. He sits on the arm of a couch, swinging his legs and looking around at this interesting collection of people and purposeful activity.
Sunblaze Sunday December 17th, 2000 9:41:09 AM
Sunblaze looks in amazement at this place of wonder. She has never been invited into one of these buildings before... Imagine her in a castle... wow. Sunblaze sees the wait standing there and speaks as if distracted by the magnificence of this building. "I'll have... A glass of... well anything really... and could I have some grapes?" Sunblaze watches in amazement at the speed of the workers.
Quick Service (DM Kim) Sunday December 17th, 2000 11:44:55 PM
Sunblaze receives large purple grapes, and a yellow-pink frothy cool drink in a tall clear glass. "One Glider for you, dear lady: Banana, egg, half a pinch of salt, milk, cream, sweet berries, nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon, chilled." Bill gets his root beer and strawberries. Warm biscuits on a plate are provided for all, with dishes of different flavored jams. A cheerful, slender middle-aged woman stands nearby awaiting further requests. Meanwhile, a young man - actually a half-elf, pushes a cart nearby, a cart labeled 'hot morning beverages.' It is two hours since the sun rose.
Draax Monday December 18th, 2000 1:08:02 AM
Draax takes a sit at the table with the others. He looks over at Bill's root beer and decides to have one himself. "I will have a root beer and, hmm what else do I want? Oh, give me some strawberries and cream." He smiles and adds a last item to his order. "And a steak if you have one."
Rond Monday December 18th, 2000 3:21:33 AM
"Water is just fine by me". Rond will look around at all the activity, as he slowly devours the biscuts.
At your service (DM Kim) Monday December 18th, 2000 11:39:12 AM
Draax' and Rond's orders are brought out. "Breakfast steak cubes," the waiter says. One-inch cubes of steak, each with a toothpick, and a dish of a sweet and spicy meat sauce for dipping is provided Draax, along with a linen cloth for catching dribbles.
Arien Monday December 18th, 2000 7:13:55 PM
Taking a seat at the table Arien waits for the server. "I'll have something Elvish, anything really."
Sedar the Silent Monday December 18th, 2000 10:41:46 PM
Waking up from a daze. The Mage joins in breakfast. Ordering a variety of fruits and some tea. (apologies for missing a few posts. Things are busy)
Scattered voices (DM Kim) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 1:22:59 AM
Snippets of conversation are overheard in the courtyard: "Gold Dragons are going off again this morning. Going to save the ..." "... price of coca going up after part of crop burned by ..." "Another cup please. How long must I wait?" "I know you're going to receive the grant. Claros said he heard it himself after talking with the tailor of the cousin of ..." "Don't be preposterous! Such presumption! Let me tell you what really came down when Horsace ..." A breaking female voice sobs, "My sweet Yulia is gone, is gone. She is gone, and no one can bring her back..." A male voice speaks words of comfort. "There, there, Yasmina, we will petition His Lordship. If anyone..." "So, this one - with the eyepatch - he says, ha, ha! He says, - oh, you shoulda been there. 'Captain, the hole is gone!' Ah - hahahahaha! Oh, really you had to be there. Then the gimpy one - oh, I can't stand it! hahaha..." "Third form is missing. It was here a moment ago. Have you seen gnome Daoud since..." "... do something to clean up that quarter, someone's going to have his head, no matter how firmly attached it may seem."
Captain Ebenezer (DM Kim) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 1:39:28 AM
The officer who joined the carriages by the Quest Gate strides out of one of the two large doors at the main entrance, looks around momentarily, then approaches the party. "Good ladies, good sirs, Seneschal Rezdek awaits you within. Good fortune, your wait has been even shorter than anticipated. The seneschal will direct you to the meeting with His Lordship at the earliest opportunity. Ask him questions, if you wish, about what you might expect." The captain salutes the group, shakes Herold's hand, and marches out the courtyard.
Waiter (DM Kim) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 1:46:18 AM
Arien receives a small loaf of delicious Lembas, a few thin slices leaning at the end, but most of the baby loaf intact. Sedar receives some sliced fruit - mango, melons, rare pineapple, tart apple, and a few segments of grapefruit. He is given a medium-sized cup of green tea. The waiter, noting that the party is being summoned, says, "Take what you'd like. We'll get the dishes later, wherever you leave them in the castle."
Herald Herold (DM Kim) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 2:04:18 AM
The bard claps his hands together. "Wonderful. Thank you, Captain!" He turns to the party. "So, are you ready? Oh, Bill - on your chin, something red," he says, touching his own chin on the left side. " - there, you got it. And Arrisa, oh, my." His eye fixes on the stains on her clothing, but he evidently decides to say no more. "We won't want to keep the seneschal waiting. Oh, he is in charge of the castle. Very organized man, he is. Watch your step around him. It's wise to stay on his good side. Shall we go?" He threads his way to the path leading to the doors.
Seneschal Rezdek (DM Kim) Tuesday December 19th, 2000 2:12:51 AM
Both doors are pushed open outwards into the courtyard for the party to enter. Ten foot long, twenty feet high walls are on the right and left inside the entrance, with small holes at varying heights evident. Some holes are evident in the ceiling twenty feet above. Standing another ten feet beyond the walls is a tall man, five inches shy of seven feet. He wears a broad belt over classily understated gray and maroon robes which cover evidentally a fine physique. A long sword hangs from a belt off his left hip. One might guess his age in the mid forties, with a few wisps of gray highlighting the sides of his otherwise dark brown medium-length hair. With a slight bow, he says, "Welcome to the castle of the High Lord Mayor. My name is Rezdek. I am the steward of this castle. I hear you come from Windhorn Hamlet at His Lordship's summons. May I have your names and titles, please?" His hazel eyes observe those before him with an air of attentive dignity.
Damocles Tuesday December 19th, 2000 3:55:16 PM
"I am Damocles, pilgrim of Alemi... And I merely come from there by circumstance, having only recently fallen in with this group." He bows as a sign of fealty before stepping back, pondering whether what he just said was appropriate for the circumstance.
Bill Troublefinder Tuesday December 19th, 2000 8:13:43 PM
The hobbit introduces himself. "I am Bill, Bill Troublefinder, sir." He executes a bow, with his right hand open, palm against his stomach, and his left hand open, back of the hand against his back. When his brief, formal bow ends, he adds, "I am a citizen of Windhorn Hamlet, but hold no titles. Never asked about titles before, sir. I just usually, uh, throw darts, and other things. I mean, I do other things, too. You are a very tall gentleman, Mr. Rezdek."
Bill steps back so his other friends can introduce themselves. He looks around the entryway to see what it looks like, and where doors are, and if there is anyone else there.
Sedar the First Tuesday December 19th, 2000 10:11:11 PM
As Bill T finishes. The mage steps forward. "Sedar Lagerman, currently of Windhorn. An adventurer with Wardd's graces. Thank you and well met Rezdek"
Sunblaze Of ElfWood Tuesday December 19th, 2000 10:17:41 PM
Sunblaze steps forward in an almost angelic way, "I am Sunblaze The Bard and Mage. I am from Elfwood. I am now with the Windhorn Hamlet group. Well Met Dear Friend, Rezdek. I hope this is going to be a pleasent meeting so that I may share a few of my songs with you." Sunblaze smiles at this man, and at her new friend Bill.
Draax Tuesday December 19th, 2000 10:22:40 PM
Draax steps forward. "Well met sir, Andraaxius Slowblade at your service, I hold no titles and Windhorn is the only place I call home." Draax steps back and makes room for the others to introduce themselves.
Herold (DM Kim) Wednesday December 20th, 2000 2:37:17 AM
"Also, Seneschal Rezdek, allow me to introduce to you Arien Silverbow, talented with shortbow and magic both." Turning to the next elf, the bard smoothly continues, "Arrisa Fairwind, a ranger who makes her home in the woods;" then indicating the tall human, "and Ronderiadshel, or Rond, as he prefers, a ranger who, according to the priest of Wardd in Windhorn Hamlet, has been with the group since its first foray against ... well, since its first foray."
Seneschal Rezdek (DM Kim) Wednesday December 20th, 2000 2:50:19 AM
Rezdek raises an eyebrow when Herold takes over the task of introducing the three who have not yet spoken for themselves. "Is the sound of your voice so beloved that you could not grant these last three leave to speak on their own behalf, bard?"
Harold smiles with self deprecation, and shrugs his shoulders.
"Very well. Come, follow me. And let me counsel you," Rezdek says, not giving a backward glance as he leads the way. "If the Lord of this castle asks you to speak, it is good to let him hear your thoughts through your own voice." The seneschal leads the party through a number of corridors, doors, and stairways.
Herold sighs lightly as he follows.
Rich tapestries, oil paintings, statues, and other works of art and architecture are evident along the paths the group walks. Some people whom the party passes nod with respect to Rezdek. One older man with puffy gray sideburns pointedly ignores him. Farther on, a boy, perhaps four, pulls on the distinguished seneschal's gray robes, and asks, "Where is my mum?" Rezdek kneels to the boy's level, whispers something in his ear, and sends the boy on his way with a swift - yet gentle - pat on his bottom. The boy laughs, and scampers down the hallway, turning left.
At last, a large, ornate door is there. "The next room is a cloakroom. You may feel free to leave any wraps. You may leave your weapons, if you choose. I am told you may keep what you wish with you, so do not feel under compulsion. It is for your comfort, that is all. If you would like to vest yourselves in more formal attire, that can quickly be arranged. In fifteen minutes, His Lordship should be ready to meet with you." Rezdek opens the door. Once all have passed into the cloakroom, he excuses himself. "I shall return at the appointed time."
[OOC - DM Kim] Wednesday December 20th, 2000 2:58:29 AM
[200 extra experience points to everyone who posted on the 19th, and 150 more to each person who posted following Herold's post on the 17th (2:05am) through the 18th. As Woody Allen once said, "90% of life is just showing up." As we are not at the moment fighting monsters, the DM shall be attentive to the measure of role playing as we enter this political center. How does your character stand? What does her face tell others? How does he choose his words? What emotions are displayed, or suppressed? Step sharp and lively, lads and lassies!]
The cloakroom & Herold (DM Kim) Wednesday December 20th, 2000 3:37:28 AM
The cloakroom beyond is staffed by two men on the right, and two women on the left. Overrobes in many sizes and styles are offered to those who wish them.
Herold asks for a medium blue overrobe. "Friends from Windhorn, if you have questions, please ask. I know some are nervous when meeting with princes, and mayors and such. But know that His Lordship has a reputation for fairness, and wisdom, and justice. Which means that good people generally like him, but scoundrels don't always feel the same way." He laughs, perhaps a little nervously.
"Name a color and style, if you wish a robe, and it's likely they'll have it," Herold asserts.
Rond Wednesday December 20th, 2000 8:36:55 AM
"Do most people take the time to dress up, when they visit his Lordship? Because if it is the proper thing to do, then I shall do so." If Rond is told it is the proper thing to do, then he's looking at either shades of green, or shades of earth brown.
Damocles Wednesday December 20th, 2000 5:25:04 PM
"The vestments of my god shall show the respect I have for proper authority." states Damocles, gesturing to the tabard he wears over his chain mail. "If you deign this is not appropriate... " the priest sighs, as he has become prone to do. "Then I shall see if you have the proper accoutrements for a monk of the stature that I formerly held."
Sunblaze d20=2 Wednesday December 20th, 2000 7:37:41 PM
Sunblaze listens as she is asked if she wishes her weapons to be gone with and then speaks in a calm voice, although her insides are flaring. "I would not part with anything of mine, for any situation where I am in unknown territory. I am sorry if this offends anyone but it is what I am doing." Sunblaze is shocked that they would even ask such a thing of her, but she realizes that it is perhaps because they wish to be kept safe, and also that they know of her not.
Sunblaze looks in amazement at all of the robes and garments. "I have never seen such colors in my life. Chosing one is going to be a difficult task, even for me." Sunblaze feels the many clothes, and then looks for one with many colors apon it. "Do you perhaps have one with many of these beatuiful and eloquent colors." Sunblaze feels like a kid in a weapon shop, and it shows on her face, watching as the others pick and choose. "Have any of you ever seen such beauty... other than me of course..." Sunblaze laughs, still looking at all of the robes. Sunblaze slowly not to be seen drops her sleeve to the ground and if anyone sees it a small snake slithers out.
DM: Sunblaze uses her telepathic link with Trent and tells him to stay by her and go ahead a little bit, to see what is there in case of danger. (Roll is dex check to see if I can do it without being seen.)
Bill Troublefinder Thursday December 21st, 2000 3:34:30 AM
"How 'bout something swirly?" Bill asks. He is handed what looks like a paisley design, in blues, greens, yellows, and reds. "Whoa - look at this, guys!"
DM Kim Thursday December 21st, 2000 3:51:58 AM
Not five minutes after he left you, Rezdek is back. "His Lordship's last appointment concluded earlier than expected. Please, come with me. Again, additional vestments are optional, you may come as you are."
Sunblaze dropped Trent just seconds before Rezdek showed up, so hasn't had much chance yet to scope ahead - although the little viper does see a crack under the door on the other side of the cloak room he certainly would be capable of slithering under, given another minute or so.
Rezdek holds open the door. Three of the four attendants encourage the party to hurry. The fourth comments, "Yes - his lawrdship will luuuve this robe on you, pretty elf." The speaker is a red-cheeked corpulant woman who just handed Sunblaze a red robe with a golden globe that appears to shoot forth rays across the rich fabric. Indeed, it appears striking.
Harold ensures he is the last to leave the cloakroom.
Down the hallway bedecked with paintings historical, past a few doorways, the group comes to a pair of double doors at the end. Rezdek knocks once. Ten seconds later, the rich twin doors open, seemingly of their own accord.
DM Kim Thursday December 21st, 2000 4:11:08 AM
Through the doors a rich woven rug can be seen, with complex patterns that play within the design. If given more than a quick glance, one would almost think that the patterns dance.
A man wearing simply, but expertly, cut clothing sits at a desk, signing a document. He places it in a drawer, shuts the drawer, and stands as the party enters.
"Your Lordship, High Lord Mayor, the adventurers of Windhorn Hamlet, as you requested," Seneschal Rezdek announces. He sweeps his arm from the party toward the man with steel blue eyes who now stands beside the desk. The seneschal bows, steps out the room, and closes the doors behind the group. Herold remains within the room with the adventurers, and Sturdavent.
Sturdavent Thursday December 21st, 2000 4:26:53 AM
The man looks over the nine in the room with an appraising eye. "So, I am led to understand that some of you recently endured an attack on your village, some conflicts in the sea, and both gains and losses." He meets each person's eyes in turn. "On behalf of the city, and of New Ehlenna, I thank your for your efforts." Gratitude shows in his eyes. He looks away for a moment, as though to recall something.
Sturdavent sits on his desk. "And, I would like to know more of what they were. The matters of Mengor - his tomb, the medallion, his body, and the Sons of Dread, I am brought up to date, I believe," he says, nodding in Herold's direction. Herold returns his nod.
"But please, tell me of what occurred after the sea devils appeared, and of your undersea encounters, and of the dragons... We have some time before the Council meets, and I am interested in every detail. Oh, first, let me be sure I have your names straight." He correctly gives the name and some aspect of each person's character or accomplishments. "Very well, what can you tell me of what transpired once your Ceremony of Renewal was disrupted?" He listens carefully as people speak.
Sunblaze d20=1 Thursday December 21st, 2000 5:30:02 AM
Sunblaze watches puzzled completely at what this man is talking about she just looks around and watches for danger, but is still abashed at this 'palace' of sorts. Sunblaze then slowly talks with Trent in her head and says 'My friend if you wish to go then please do, but if not you may come back... but be careful. I wouldn't wanna lose you, you cost too much to revive!" Then Sunblaze brings her attention away from Trent and to the drawer where that paper he was signing was, and looks to see if any part of it is hanging out.(Wis Check Works.)
Rond Thursday December 21st, 2000 8:34:05 AM
Rond divests himself of his weapons. As he begins wondering about to change, or not to change, Rezdek returns. When it is announced that the party will be seen, Rond grabs an overcoat (or cloak, just something) with earth browns in it to go with the leather armor.
Once in his Lordship's office, Rond looks around. Once his Lordship asks for the story Rond says, "There's really not much to tell. We happened to get a hint that there might be trouble at the beach. We hurried there, and found the Sahuaguin on an ambush attempt. That was thwarted, with the town's help."
Trent the Viper (DM Kim) Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:09:09 AM
Trent definitely wants to come back to the elf as people start leaving the room. Sunblaze's serpentine familiar slithers back into her sleeve before she leaves the cloakroom.
Sturdavent (DM Kim) Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:12:17 AM
"So," the man smiles after Rond speaks, "you wish to give me only the revised version?" His face grows more serious. "Understand that we have some information from other sources. A few weeks ago, some sea elves reported coming in contact with a group from Windhorn Hamlet walking under the sea, pursuing sahuagin. One of our sages also speaks of some temporal stretching in your area. That is, the flow of time was altered, somehow. He is researching this further." He crosses his ankles as he leans against the table. "There is also the matter of this colorful fellow," and he nods towards the paisley-clad Bill, "showing up less than a fortnight ago at the Red Wyrm Inn, and asking that a message be delivered to me, and to the Gold Dragons. Can any of you shed any light on this matter?"
Bill Troublefinder Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:38:18 AM
"Um, sir, your Lordship, sir, we were instructed not to reveal details of what happened to the people in Windhorn Hamlet, because they would not understand it, maybe." Bill then asks, "If we tell you what happened, you're not going to tell them, are you?"
Sturdavent (DM Kim) Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:44:21 AM
The Mayor nods his head thoughtfully. "I can understand the wisdom of such a request," he answers the halfling. "There are two people, possibly three, there who have the ... capacity to deal with such burdensome knowledge. You have my word that I will limit disclosure of whatever is shared in this room to very few people. You request discretion. Discretion I offer you."
Sunblaze's curiosity about papers (DM Kim) Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:55:18 AM
Sunblaze sees that the drawer is properly closed. There are other documents in two stacks on his desk.
Damocles Thursday December 21st, 2000 2:29:35 PM
"Well, I only know of what happened after the inn...That it took me far less time to respond to Bill's summons than it should have is of some note, I should say." "Moreover, the crisis of which Bill spoke when he arrived in the inn... Well... I suppose that it was true, but I saw no evidence of crisis when I arrived in the small town... it was all very odd.
Sedar the Ring Giver Thursday December 21st, 2000 6:28:49 PM
Waiting for an opening the mage finally chimes in. With deep concern in his voice, Sedar speaks his mind. "Well my dear mayor. You ask how things started, but I think we are more concerned how things ended. As you have heard through your sources. Mordeaus was there. And at the last he was given what he so desperately wanted... He now possesses a Ring of some great power. I think still now of that fateful choice I made. Although, that is now the past. I really never understood what it was. I am wondering if perhaps you could shed some light on the subject."
Sedar left his weapons and other belongings in the cloakroom, donning a rich deep blue colored robe when the time came to meet the prince.
Sunblaze Thursday December 21st, 2000 7:23:06 PM
Sunblaze watches, and listens as the story unravels. Picking up all the parts to keep in her head for later use.
Sunblaze talks with Trent in her mind speaking softly. 'What is it you saw young friend...a cat?' Sunblaze is slowly getting tired of standing here listening to some prince speak about something which isn't even interesting.
Draax Thursday December 21st, 2000 11:48:30 PM
With the choice of whether to take his weapons or leave them. Draax keeps his weapons with him. He follows the others into the room and not being any good at telling stories, he lets the others give details of their adventures. Feeling that he should at least add something, Draax is about to speak just as Sedar ask the question about the ring. Draax closes his mouth and waits to hear the answer to the question that has been on his mind for a while.
Sturdavent (DM Kim) Friday December 22nd, 2000 1:41:32 AM
"Won't someone relate how you came to possess the ring?" prompts the High Lord Mayor.
Arien Friday December 22nd, 2000 2:01:06 AM
Hearing the question Arien takes the chance to break in. "On our quest to return the head we came across a temple of Sekola. During the course of time, after we had secured the head we were attacked by several of the Sea Devils along with some strange glowing creature. As we attacked the creature its glow diminished until it vanished completely, I did not see the creature that was revealed when the glowing faded but perhaps one of my friends may remember. Anyway, the ring was retrieved from the body of the glowing creature before we had to escape the temple which started crumbling upon its death."
Rond Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:22:20 AM
"Well, at the original Ceremony, it was interrupted by the real Sahuagin attack. The town wasn't ready for the attack, and the head was stolen into the sea. We decided to recover the head for the town. Prior to leaving town, I had this dream about some kind of battle, which we later found out, was godly in nature. In the dream, a tall Giant (I believe Atomos), was battling a shark like being. At the end of the dream, he seemed to plead with me about releasing him from some kind of imprisonment. There were others in the group that had this dream also. But we didn't know where to find him.
"Shortly after we entered the water to chase the Sea Devils, we were met by a bunch of Under Sea elves. They had followed the Sahuagin to this island that was roughly South of the town. Following the map, we came upon a cave, that, lo and behold, there was Atomos. He pleaded us to find the shark and bring the shark's heart to him, to break him free, or something to that effect.
"We come to said island, where we find some kind of temple to this shark being. We go into the temple, get attacked by Sahuagin, defeat them, find this statue, get a hammer. Fight some more Sahuagin, when we find the head. I almost die, when the head does something, but I was almost dead, and I'm not sure what the head did. We were bringing the head back, when we got attacked by the Ring wielder and his crew. We defeated them.
"We stopped by Atomos' cave, freed him, and came back to the Hamlet with the head. When we got to the Hamlet, nearly everyone was dead. It looked like it was one thing that they all died from. While doing this, someone comes whistling down the path towards us. As mentioned by Arien, this person comes to the party, and basically says, 'Give me the ring, and I'll spare your lives.' We debate about, but before the debate is finished, Sedar gives him the ring. Things change, everyone at the Hamlet is alive. We're told to beware the beach, and we discover we're back at the attack. We stop the attack, and everything else you pretty much know."
Bill Troublefinder d20=16 Friday December 22nd, 2000 12:12:36 PM
Bill thinks Arien and Rond do a good job telling the story. As they speak, Bill interjects, "Uh-huh." "Yep." "That's right." As Rond concludes, Bill pipes up.
"Oh, Mr. Mayor Studavent, sir, the creature that Arien mentioned. You know, glowing? Well, it was like it was surrounded by water. At first, it was real big. Then the more it got attacked, the smaller it got, just like Arien said. I hit it right in the head with my thrown sword," and here Bill, perhaps ill advisedly, in his excitement draws his sword, caught up in the moment of the retelling. He holds it by the blade, with the point hovering a fraction of an inch from the spot between his eyebrows, "right here! And it like shimmered, and shrunk down a little, instead of dying. My sword just flew right through it, with no blood or anything on it." He resheathes his sword as he continues explaining. "But it summoned a huge water creature, that went around hitting people and knocking them around. It even squished at least one of the sea devils! But I noticed the watery glowboy - that's what we called him, was Glowboy - was holding something round and shiney in his hand, like he was concentrating on it. Oh, and people got very afraid of Glowboy, too, and some of them kept on running away, then coming back, and running away again.
"Anyhow, toward the end, with everybody hitting Glowboy, my sword hit its wrist, and I saw this ring fall out of its hand. I caught it just before it fell into the water. It felt real powerful, kinda. So, don't ask me why, maybe I just wanted to be sure it didn't get away, I suppose. But, I swallowed the ring.
"But as it went down my throat, it started to grow! And it got stuck! Like, halfway down my chest. Well, I could still breathe a little, but these little bubbles were coming out of my mouth.
"Meanwhile, the temple starts to crumble away, and K'isst falls down, and I try to carry her out, but she's bigger than I am, so it was kinda hard, so Rond and Draax dragged her out. K'isst is my friend, and she's a noble troglodyte, you know, part elf, too. Anyway, we all get outside, not squished as the Temple of Sekola goes down. Then, like she was crazy or something, K'isst starts sticking her hand down my mouth, then turns me around, and squeezes my chest. Felt like I was gonna explode, or somethin'! So, I gotta get away, and so I pop over about ten feet away." Bill demonstrates by teleporting several feet away from where he was standing.
Bill Troublefinder Friday December 22nd, 2000 12:52:00 PM
"Hi," Bill waves. "I'm over here. So, when I pop away, the ring stays behind, and makes a big hole in my chest," and with his thumb and index finger he makes a circle about three quarters of an inch across, holding it up to his chest. He looks down at the spot.
"So, blood is pouring out, and I faint, I guess. Well, somebody helps me out. Was that you, Draax? Well, I wake up later, and we're running away from the island with more sea devils chasing us, and K'isst is carrying me in her arms." Bill blushes.
"I find out later that Arrisa picked up the ring. I started calling it the Ring of Water. But what happens, I think, is that she has a ring that she gets from Galahad, one of our friends whom the sea devils killed," and the halfling looks sad as he remembers Galahad.
He shakes his head, "Well, she had put the Ring of Water in her belt pouch. And Galahad's ring - it was for water breathing, and maybe something else, I don't really know. But his ring was golden, and the Ring of Water from Glowboy was silvery. Well, Arrisa's ring starts going back and forth in color from gold to silver to gold, but finally settles in at silvery. And there's a hole in Arrisa's pouch. We figure that the Ring of Water somehow joined itself up with Galahad's ring, and probably added some of its power to itself. Does that make sense?
"Well, back in Windhorn Hamlet, it's like Rond said. Everybody dead, with black tongues and such. Then this tall gaunt pasty white man with bloodshot eyes comes sauntering into town whistling happily away, and we don't like his attitude. So we tell him to go away. But he doesn't, and he wants the Ring of Water. We tell him 'No!' - but he doesn't give up. And he tells us if we just give him the Ring - it's like, he's acting like it's no big thing, just a bauble, but you can see he really really wants it. And he calls himself Marteaus, and the Dark Lord. But he says he'll bring our town back to life, but we figure he means he'll turn everybody into undead. But he says, no, they won't be undead, exactly. We still don't trust him. This goes on for a few hours, and we leave him down by the Sentinel, but tell him we'll let him know. He says we have until noon. Was it noon? But a couple of hours, anyway, to think it over. But if we don't give it to him, we're all gonna die!
"We try to figure out how to keep the ring from him. But he can read our minds, and talk to us in our heads, and threatens and cajoles us. I try to teleport with the Ring to the Red Wyrm Inn. It was on my fingertip. So I end up at the Inn, and my fingertip and the Ring stay at the crumbled Temple of Wardd in Windhorn, just after K'isst attacks Marteaus himself!
"Well, from what my friends tell me, it turns out Sedar gets the Ring. And Marteaus, who won't walk into Wardd's temple, still is talking and wearing my friends down. Finally, figuring out there's really nothing else we can do, Sedar tosses the Ring to Marteaus. So Mr. Dark Lord laughs, then disappears.
"Everything starts going funny right about then. Funny weird, not funny ha-ha. Turns out K'isst had died, she told me later. And Arrisa had disappeared somewhere, but she still hasn't told us where, or what happened to her, so it must be a secret. And I'm at the Inn, just getting some people to help us out, and I feel somebody or something tugging me back to Windhorn. And 'Ware the water,' a voice warns me. Now I don't know who brought me back, or spoke those words in my mind. But I'd like to thank whoever that was.
"Time had gone backwards in Windhorn Hamlet. It was the morning of the Sentinel Ceremony. The mayor, and the priests, and everybody from around were there. The Sahuagin attacked again, just like before, but we were ready for them, and fought the invisible ones, and a few militia people died, but the Head was saved this time."
Bill pauses. "Oh, the dragons. I forgot to tell you, your Lordship, that the first time, a whole bunch of dragons came in after the sea devils stole the head the first time. And most just flew inland, but a few stayed, and fought our people. Blackbirds were eating the carcass of a big black dragon when we got back to town. But the second time, after the ceremony, a whole bunch of dragons were flying, just like they were gonna invade all over again, but it was like they bumped into an invisible wall, or somethin'."
"Well, the people head back to town after a bit, and we stay at the beach, just talking. We met Damocles there. All of a sudden, this marble carving of eight people moves up on to the beach. It's our friends! Well, a statue of them, anyhow. Everybody who died defending Windhorn Hamlet from the sea devils, including Borbo Pastna, and Brother Branze Bones, and Galahad, and Ahkum, the priest, and four of the militia men. Kinda looking out toward the island of the Sahuagin, like they were sayin' to the sea devils, 'Oh yeah, I dare you to try THAT again!' And the giant Atomos left us a note with the statue, and a big box he gave us earlier but we left behind with the crabmen."
"Okay, those are the main things, I think," Bill concludes.
Sunblaze Friday December 22nd, 2000 5:26:24 PM
Sunblaze watches Bill, and listens in awe. She starts to stare at the Halfling, but he finishes speaking before she is seen.
"Sorry if my speaking seems rude, but I wish to say something. I believe you are dealing with gods, and not minor ones, but very powerful ones, like Domi. I have only once in all my travels heard of 'Time Travel', and I didn't believe it."
Arrisa Friday December 22nd, 2000 7:22:37 PM
(OOC: Sorry I haven't replied sooner. I've had work, University work and computer problems :( )
IC: Arrisa quietly followed the others. When asked what she would like to drink and eat, Arrisa happily settled for water. She completely disregarded any looks at her concerning her stained clothing or even slightly tattered hair. She didn't care for civilisation, and it showed in the way she carried herself and the manner in which she conducted herself.
As they are led into the cloak room to pick a robe, Arrisa looked for the most simple one she could find. "I'd like a simple robe in the colors of the forest. That will be fine for me." Once she has received it, Arrisa put the robe on and kept all of her equipment with her, not that she had much. From here, she continued to follow the others, still remaining exceptionally quiet...
Cloak for Arrisa (DM Kim) Friday December 22nd, 2000 7:56:16 PM
Arrisa is given a robe with multiple images of leaves, layered with many shades of green. Oak, maple, birch, plus a few brown or dark tan pinecones. The lines of the robe are simple. The hooded robe obviously would help the wearer blend in to a late spring to early autumn forest. It has two inner pockets, one up by the left chest, and one down by the right hip.
Sunblaze Friday December 22nd, 2000 7:59:08 PM
Sunblaze starts to bore with this talk and explores the pockets of her robe, trying to see what the previous owners left inside it. All the while admiring the wonderful colors, and the material.
Sturdavent (DM Kim) Friday December 22nd, 2000 8:47:12 PM
"Thank you," the High Lord Mayor says simply. He walks over to look at a map of New Ehlenna on one of the walls in his octagonal office, stepping around the throne that stands before the map. His finger reaches out to touch Dragon Bay, and that portion of the map enlarges. Windhorn Hamlet is there, and out in the bay are the two islands the adventurers stopped at - where the crabmen live, and where the Temple of Sekola stood. "Right there?"
He walks back over to the desk. "That helps fill in the gaps. The ring you found had been discovered by another group of adventurers, then subsequently taken by sahuagin some time ago. Sedar, sages call the artifact you recovered the Water Ring of Ascension. One of four, or maybe five, rings created eons ago by the fay. I tell you all this because you deserve to know, having found it, and having attempted to keep it from the one called the Dark Lord.
"It is said that the one who possesses all the rings can ascend to godhood. There is little doubt that the whistling man desires such. He was Gargul's creation, but has broken with the Lord of the Dead."
Sturdavent sits on his desk, moving a stack of papers aside. "Friends - if I may presume to consider you such, for you are certainly friends of this kingdom - the governmental Council meets in an hour. They wish to question you about what happened. Now, as citizens of New Ehlenna, and as brave and honorable adventurers, you are entitled to speak your mind freely.
"There are some very good and wise members of the Council. There are some who are not good. There are some who are not wise. One is said to have taken up recently with the worship of the Dark Lord, though he has publically denied it." The expression on Sturdavent's face, and the tone of his voice, clearly show that he doubts the denial.
"When you explore unknown dungeons, I have no doubt but that you walk with care, senses alert to danger." Sturdavent gets off the desk, and walks around. He opens a drawer, lifts out a blue stone. He places his ring into an indentation in the stone, then speaks. "Petty? Come." As he holds the stone, the blue of the stone is reflected strongly in his light blue eyes, which earlier seemed more steely gray.
Petty & Sturdavent (DM Kim) Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:05:59 PM
A few moments after the High Lord Mayor speaks, another door opens, and a high elf steps forth. He looks toward Sturdavent. "Yes, your Lordship?"
"Petty, these are the adventurers from Windhorn Hamlet you have heard about. What do you think?" Sturdavent asks him.
Petty turns to look at the band standing in the Mayor's office for about a minute. He returns his attention then to the Mayor. "They say true."
Sturdavent smiles and says, "I wish them to be suitably rewarded for their courageous work for New Ehlenna. Would you draw up the documents? Double the amount we had previously discussed. Have them ready by the end of the Council session."
"As you wish, your Lordship. Your Lordship recalls my appointment elsewhere this afternoon?" Petty asks.
"Of course. Good luck on that one. Thank you, Petty."
The high elf walks out the door.
The mayor now states, "I can grant you another few minutes, after which I must prepare for the session. That was Petty, my secretary." He then asks, "Have you any questions, or requests, before the meeting begins?"
Damocles Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:15:34 PM
"Lord Mayor... If I may momentarily interrupt you. It's just that... well, why are we here again? People speak of talking to the council and telling them who we are..." Damocles pauses for a moment, deep in thought. "But it seems that you already know who we are, or what we did. It's that... if you previously discussed a sum of money for us then didn't you know what we did already? And can you give us some idea of why we're summoned here?" The priest sighs. "Not that I mean, by any case, to be of disrespect to you. There's just so many questions still up in the air."
Sunblaze Friday December 22nd, 2000 9:41:39 PM
Sunblaze comes out of her trance, and starts to watch. She sees the ring on the man's finger and guesses it to have summoning magic in it. "I would like to ask of something. First of all, if these 4 or perhaps 5 rings were to get close to each other, then what would happen? Do you wish for us to destroy it if we happen to find one? Or shall we bring it to you? I know that many would use the rings themselves, and few people can be trusted. So if I happen to find one, I will do all within my power to destroy it. For evil is harvested within the ascension to godlike powers. I know that it might not be the best choice, for if we could find the power, magic and might in them we could use them for good, but evil will show its face. I know that it will." Sunblaze stops to ponder, but then starts once more.
"I think that I know you are going to ask that we bring them to you. But I fear there is no safety in that. One of us would be overcome with the greed and lust for power that we have all felt before. Some more then others." Sunblaze's eyes show a look of sadness, but only briefly, as she speaks.
"My new friends what do you say about this? Am I wrong for thinking this?" Sunblaze smiles meekly, with a chuckle in her head. Sunblaze then speaks with Trent in her head, 'Trent, please stop it... you're tickling, I know that you are bored, but we shall be out of here soon. I am the one whose feet are tired, not yours. Also, what happened to you in the coatroom, what was it?' Sunblaze moves her sleeve slightly, but not enough to disturb anyone.
Sedar Friday December 22nd, 2000 11:03:40 PM
Awed by the explanation of which 'Ring' was within his hand, the Mage/thief quietly contemplates the magnitude of what may be coming to this world. He snaps out of it when Damocles breaks into a string of questions. Some he thinks very interesting. He awaits the answers quietly.
Draax Saturday December 23rd, 2000 1:36:45 AM
Draax listens as the story unfolds and nods once to Bill as he inquires about somebody helping him. He actually feels relief at hearing what the power of the ring is. To him there will always be gods, some good and some evil. One more good or evil good means nothing to him. He is very pleased that they will be rewarded again for their actions. And equally pleased at Damocles for bringing the question why are we here. The question that keeps going through his mind is what do they want from us or us to do.
Draax takes a deep breath and speak his mind as instructed. "The information about the ring filled in a lot of questions that was floating around in my head. And I appreciated any reward that you think we deserve for our actions, but I would like to know if filling in the gaps about your knowledge of the invents and rewarding us for our so-called success the only reason that we were summoned here or is there something else that you need of us. I do not mean to offend or suggest anything; it is just that I have never been rewarded by someone that has never asked a task of me. If my statements offend you in any way I do apologize, but it's what was on my mind."
Rond Saturday December 23rd, 2000 5:12:20 PM
"Two points that I can remember from our travels. The under water elves are interested in trade, along with, I think K'isst's people are interested in trade, and maybe some help to get re-established after the attack from the Sons of Dread."
Arien Sunday December 24th, 2000 7:29:36 AM
Concerned mostly over the matter of the reward Arien refrains from potentially offending questions such as, "How much?" and so keeps his silence.
Sturdavent (DM Kim) Tuesday December 26th, 2000 12:54:09 PM
"I generally do not view honest questions as a sign of disrespect, priest Damocles, unless the questions are clearly barbed."
Sturdavent touches the tips of his fingers together, his palms apart, and he looks up toward the ceiling as he speaks. "There are many ways of knowing in the Wold. Why the reward? Because we knew some of what you had accomplished. And, whether you intended it or not, your actions have greatly benefited New Ehlenna, over which I hold a stewardship. Do some harm this land? I must take what steps I may to thwart them. Do others help this land? I choose to do what I am able to encourage and reward them. Of course, my resources are finite, and my knowledge, though broad, does not approach omniscience. Each additional piece of information, each new perspective - especially from participants and eyewitnesses - adds to the whole. You have stopped ... you have kept the dragons from causing lasting harm. You found an artifact, confirmed that fact with the information you have provided today, and resisted turning it over to one whose ways are evil. That he wore down your resistance is regrettable, but, I suppose, understandable."
He touches a corner of his desk. In a matter of seconds a mug seems to take shape, then steam begins to rise from within. The mayor picks it up and drinks it down in one long swallow. "Pardon me, but at times I get a powerful thirst," he says. "Sunblaze Trith, I doubt you have the power to destroy one of these rings, and any attempt to do so would likely bring you much harm. If they were gathered together? The one in possession would gain command of the elements, and of great magics, and knowledge, and power. He would become as a god. You are correct in saying that few can be trusted. And you all might ask yourselves if you as individuals, and as a group, are trustworthy. For I ask that question myself. Now, I do not ask you to answer that question here and now. Words mean little in response to such a question. The heart, eventually, reveals itself in actions."
He sets down the empty mug, which fades away, and walks toward the window. Gazing at the buildings, the trees, the temples beyond, Sturdavent falls silent for a moment. Then he turns back to the party. "Ronderiadshal, regarding the sea elves and the noble troglodytes, I shall advise my minister of trade of the opportunities. Regarding the noble troglodytes, I cannot yet promise much, but will see what can be done. I had thought that the one named K'isst herself would be coming, and had looked forward to meeting with her. One of Donyra's temple had a word for her, I was informed, but will tell no one but K'isst the content of the message."
"Should you come across another of the Rings of Ascension - I have means, I believe, to keep such away from such as the gaunt spectre who took the Water Ring. If you find one, and can get it to me quickly, and choose to do so, I will use these means. But I would be surprised if you find another yourselves."
"One last word regarding the reward I offer: Let me say I consider it an investment. An investment in your nature. I do not oblige you with this reward. But I have something - call it faith, if you will - that you will further benefit this kingdom. Stay alert for opportunities. And enjoy your stay here in Plateau City," he says with a charming smile.
He again comes around the desk, and offers his hand to each adventurer. "I trust you will survive the Council. Many do." He walks to the door, and opens it.
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