Kals' day postponed
Subject Loot
When Salix returns to the city from his 4 day Druid ritual, he will seek out Quarion to find out what is next required of him. He would do this immediately, and before taking any relaxation time.
Depending on what he finds out about their next adventure, if horse travel is going to be a big part of it, he might suggest that Harp get the warhorse, and might even offer his share of the booty to help do that.
(OOC- Is there anything Salix can do regarding armor? I know he has to stick to leather. Can he get his upgraded? Are there multiple degrees of quality for leather armor? I imagine leather improved with magic would be quite expensive, and I don't know how Salix would feel about using it if it weren't divine magic that improved it.)
From: Mark
Subject Loot
Well Salix and Surin can go about town seeing what is available.
Masterwork leather armor is easily gotten but it does not improve your AC any.
As far as I am concerned, since he already uses an amulet of natural armor, the druids do not have anything against arcane magic, it is a part of nature, even if most MU abuse it, in their opinion. He could always try and find a better amulet.
One of the draw backs of being a Druid.
I will look into what might be available and what it might cost.
From: Karl
Subject Loot
Oh, I'm fine with the drawbacks. I really like playing Salix. I just want to make sure I understand all the options so I can play him right.
I don't imagine Salix will want to "upgrade" the amulet considering it's his only link to his mother.
From: Mark
Subject Kal's turn
Sorry but I am not going to be able to get Kal's turn done today.
I am just finishing up clearing off my desk for my vacation next week and there is no way I can get a proper turn done before I have to leave.
I am also playing a in person PnP D&D game tonight from 7-12 so I can not do it then. Shatra will probably go up to 4th level tonight.
I will try and get a turn out tomorrow afternoon.
I still have not heard who wants what. Or if they want to sell it.
From: Josh
Subject Loot
Kal wants the bracers, and will take his share of gold or gems. If someone's short on gold for something they need, Kal will help them out.
From: Mark
Subject Loot
For the bracers to be of any good to you you would have to get rid of your armor.
Now he can still want the bracers if he wants, even if he can not use them. He can want them as his part of the loot.
Does he want both sets?
Kal's day and some say goodbye
Subject Kal's day
Ah, I forgot that you can only use them without armor. I'm drunk right now so I can't really think straight, but Kal would be interested in either the +1 chain or the amulet.
I'll send out a more coherent email when tommorow when i'm sober.
From: Mark
Subject Kal's day
As Fal and Kal head off to their rooms they make arrangements for meals to be brought to their rooms. At Harp's and Ran's request the two magic users had been assigned a small suite of rooms, normally used for visiting dignitaries. It has two bed rooms and a large study with a huge desk and a private bath. The two talk about how they are going to go about learning the three new spells they have. The work out a schedule and turn in for the night. It is going to be a busy week.
The next morning, after a full breakfast the two get to work. Both magic users casts his read magic cantrip and start reading the spell each has picked for the day. Fal is doing Identify and Kal is doing Detect Thoughts. With the assistance of the cantrip each easily understands the spell and they get down to studying the details of each. The day seems to fly by. At the end of the day both are sure that they know how his spell works.(Fal Spellcraft DC 16, 10+11=21, success, Kal, Spellcraft DC 17, 11+10+21, success.) The next day Kal and Fal set to copying the new spells into their spell books. Again this is a long and tedious process, but not hard.
On the third day Fal starts the day by identifying two of the magic items that they have. The chain shirt has a minor enchantment of protection(Chain shirt +1) and the amulet helps with unarmed attacks (Amulet of Mighty Fist, +1). Fal and Kal then start the process all over again, this time with Kal trying to learn the Identify spell and Fal trying to learn the Darkvision spell. The next two days follow much like the first two, with both magic users deciphering the spells, figuring out how they work and writing them into their spell books. At the start of the fifth day Kal takes his turn at using the identify spell and determining that the two sets of bracers offer a little protection to those with no armor. (Bracers of armor +1).
The fifth and sixth day is again spent in studying and learning new spells. Fal tries Detect Thoughts and Kal learns Darkvision. After much hard work both wizards have been able to learn all three spells. The cost has been high(500gp for each MU plus 4 pearls for the identifies. Party treasure is down 1000gp and 4 pearls.)
After the six grueling days Kal and Fal sleep. They sleep for a whole day and a half. When they finally wake at noon on the 8th day the send the page to call their friends to a meeting.
At the meeting Kal and Ral inform every one of the qualities of the items. Surin heads out to see his contacts for the equipment to see what it might be worth. At dinner that night he reports back to the party. "First I want you to understand that in this town things are pretty set. I might be able to wheel and deal a bit but we have all been summoned to a meeting with Quarion and Angelwing tomorrow at noon so we do not have much time to get the best deal. I can get about 625gp for the chain shirt. I can get about 500gp each for set of the bracers. The amulet is by far the most valuable to certain people. I was able to get an estimate of 3000gp for that.
"To sum up, we have the 6 remaining pearls, that total 600gp, we have the cash of 2288 minus the 1000gp Fal and Kal used for the materials in the spell work, which leaves a balance of 1288. The gear we have not sold is worth about 4,625. How do we want to split it? Harp has already taken the two sets of armor and those would have brought in about 1500gp. He also took the morning star. Ran took the sword and the crossbow. What do we do with the rest?
Cai, Bel and Fal knock on the table for everyone's attention. When they are all looking that way Bel speaks up. "We three have something to tell the party. We have been thinking about what happened the past couple of weeks, and Cai and I cannot leave a goblin group out there like that. We two, and Fal, are going to head back there and wipe out that village. Fal and already increased his knowledge of magic. He would like 2 pearls and he would call himself even with the party. Cai and I would both like just a share of the treasure, preferably in gems, since they are easy to carry. We would like 500gp worth of gems each and each of us would like one of the elixirs of Fire breath. Does that strike every one as fair?
The other party members look around, a bit stunned at the announcement of the trios impending departure. Of course they all knew that they had been just doing a favor for Quarion, but they had been through so much. They could tell, however, that the three were resolute in forging their own path. Looking at the others Ran nods. "Take what you think is fair and good journeys to you. If we every meet again I would be honored to travel with you again." The treasure is divided up and the goodbyes are made. Cai, Bel and Fal then take their leave and head off on their own adventure.
OODM: Ok there is cash equal to 288gp plus the gear. Who gets what and what gets sold.
Kal voices an opinion
Subject Loot
Kal will take the chain shirt if it's ok with everyone else. He'll have a set of masterwork studded leather left over, if anyone wants it it's up for grabs, otherwise he'll sell it.
Kal suggests we hang onto the amulet and try to trade it to those adventurers we ran into on the road -- it's small and worth alot, better to keep it as a magical item then the gold value. Possibly the same for the bracers.
Loot and Harp's parentage
Subject Loot
Harp will ask for nothing more than the armor and the morningstar. He feels a bit guilty at having taken so much but still feels that he was the most likely candidate for the plate armor.
From: Josh
Subject Loot
Kal was going to convert to a fighter until you took that armor away from him, you bastard.
From: Porter
Subject Loot
Literally! :p
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but Harp is going to break yours.
It's clobbering time.
From: Derek
Subejct: Harp
I think it would actually be more disturbing if a half-orc were not illegitimate.
From: Kevin
Subject Harp
True, but we all know how sensitive Harp is. He is probably in his little cell crying himself to sleep to images of carnage and mayhem.
Welcome to the game.
From: Randy
Subject Loot
Ran doesn't comment too much on the remaining treasure. He isn't too concerned as his needs are met for the time being.
"Perhaps we should hold off on selling anything or dividing things up further until we know what is needed of us next. We may want to purchase some equipment that will benefit the entire party rather than our individual needs. If there is anything anyone needs in particular, I am sure we can arrange it."
From: Kevin
Subject Loot
Once Harp gets what he wants, he will agree to not spending anything else. LOL.
Harp is just like a big teenager - it is all about him.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
I just got back from 7 hours out in 95 degree heat and high humidity. I have to do the same from 10-5 tomorrow. I will be surprised if I get anything out before Wednesday. Ask Kevin, Jake and Jason how the weather has been here in Dayton
I might do something tonight if I feel better after a bath and a relaxing dinner with my wife at our favorite resteraunt.
More on the loot
Subject Loot
Is the masterwork studded leather any better than what Salix is already wearing? (And can he wear "studded" leather at all?)
From: Kevin
Subject Loot
Mark, I am going to guess that other than the already expressed interests, the rest of us are going to go along with Randy's suggestion. It might be usefull if you were to restate what it is exactly that we have left along with what it is worth. There was some confusion from some of the earlier lists.
I know, I know, just giving you more work to do.
Questions answered and a Prophecy read
Subject Turn
Ok guys, I have to leave for dinner and a night on the town in Cincy in an hour and forty five minutes, so I thought I would start writing the next turn. We are going to be getting back mid morning tomorrow so I will write some more than.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
As far as I can tell druids can not use studded leather armor.
Also Josh, the chain shirt has a max DEX bonus of +4. So you would get a net bonus of +1 over you current total. However your Spell failure would go up by 5%.
Studed leather +3AC and a +5 AC DEX bonus for a total of +8.
+1 Chain shirt +5 AC abd a +4 DEX bonus for a total of +9.
Let me know .
From: Mark
Subject The Prophecy
The remaining party member talk amongst themselves about the departure of their companions. Several minutes pass before a page shows up and hands Ran a note. He spends a few minutes looking it over before calling for the other members attention. "Some of you may already know this, but Angelwing has called a meeting for us tomorrow at mid morning, at the third bell after dawn. He does not say what it is about but my guess is that he will tells us more about the man from the vision we all shared." The others nod. "I think we should call it a night so that we can be prepared for tomorrow. Of course you do not answer to me so do as you will." With out any more comment he heads off to his own room to turn in for the night.
The others stay for a bit longer, discussing what they should do with the stuff they still had. (288 gold, 4 100gp pearls, 2 sets Bracers of Armor +1, 1 Amulet of Mighty Fist +1, 1 +1 chain shirt) Kal keeps making his bid for the chain shirt. The others discuss what to the with the gear and decided to see what happens tomorrow morning before making a final decision.
Every one is up with the sun ready for the new day. By the time the third bell has rung all of the companions have shown up at the same meeting room where they were given their first mission all those weeks before. There are several other people in the room with Quarion and Angelwing already. One is a dwarf in vestments of a cleric of Heironeous. He is just over 4' in height and looks solidly built with brown hair, brown eyes and deeply tanned skin. There is a human in wizards cloaks who is just under 6' in height. He has dark brown hair and brown eyes, but his skin is pale. It does not, however, have the usual pallor that many associate with those who spend all their time in doors.
There are also two other people present in the room. When Harp sees the one man he snaps a salute that is so sharp and crisp it looks like he will break his arm doing it. The man returns the salute with a casual gesture, obviously a superior officer returning the salute of a much more minor person. The other man is another cleric, but this one almost has the look of a librarian, pale skin, dark circles under the eyes and hair that looks like it had never seen the working side of a brush or comb.
When every one is in the room and seated Angelwing calls the meeting to order. "First I would like to thank my good friend Ran for saving my betrothed from possible death or worse. There are no words to express my gratitude. Whatever is in my power, all you need do is ask and it is yours." Angelwing pulls out his sword and holding it hilt up says "This I swear on my sword, the symbol of the power of Heironeous." Angelwing then sheaths the sword and continues on. "I would also like to thank all of you who helped, even those of you who were not part of the party originally sent out." He nods at Kal. "I know that three members of your original party have decided to go their own way but they too have my thanks and the thanks of the Order."
Angelwing spends the next few minutes filling the party in on what had been learned from the Githyanki captive, which turns out to be not much. He fills them in on Rochelle's condition, which is fine. When he is done with these pleasantries he is ready to get down to the heart of why he called this meeting.
"First, let me introduce Torkhis Goodheart, my commander. He is a Knight/Colonel in the order. And this is Orlpar Caludra, a brother of the order." He indicates the bookish cleric. Goodheart stands and takes Angelwing's place at the head of the table. "The quest you have completed will not only strengthen Schon's relations with Mnuhl, but it is also the first step in the fulfillment of a prophecy which has been in our order for over three thousand years."
"When the dark lord Mesodar the Cruel was finally defeated in that ancient time, after a four hundred year reign, with his dying breath he cursed the young city of Gorn and all of it's future allies. He foretold a day when the city would lie in ruin, along with the other good cities of the north, under the iron fist of a conquerer of his own descent. Our particular order was founded on the spot by righteous men of old, to find and slay any with the slightest chance of being of Mesodar's lineage."
"We thought we were successful, at first. But then, just fifty years ago, your grand sire, young master Corron, saw the first signs of the words of the Dark one coming true. The entire order was in a panic, and hunters were sent out to begin the search anew, but we all knew it was futile."
"However, it seems that Heironeous didn't want our order shamed with this failure yet. Orlpar, while on one of his many delvings into the libraries of the sacred order, unearthed a prophecy seen by Mesodar's bane, the great Bresied Valorshield himself. This is the first verse." Torkhis now motions to Orlpar, who stands and begins to recite from an old musty scroll:
"In the future, long after we have passed from this world,
in the time of the coming of the dark one's heir
there shall be a time in which the world must take sides.
One nation shall prepare to turn the tide
but on which side, I can't be sure.
A marriage there must be
twixt Angelspawn and nobility.
But the evil one will take her away
to a land where nothing good will brew.
No men with knowledge of the import of their acts
can try the pass to bring her back.
Through servants of the enemy
And witless louts of enmity.
And on the foretold wedding day
I shall come and greet and unto them gift a key.
Of these defenders of the truth
I know little
and this is is all I see:
A half-blood man of the church
A Servant of Storms
A goodly rogue
A Paladin's Son
An elven mage
A sorcerous woodsman
An archer quick
And a fallen Guard.
But those are just the first."
OODM: OK that is all for today. If you guys want to do any discussion about what you have learned or if there are any questions for Angelwing or Goodheart let me know.
The prophecy Cont
Subject Turn
Ok I guess no one wants to say anything so I will write up some more tonight.
Just to remind everyone that there will be no turns, probably Sun-Wed of next week. I will be away with my youngest at Cub Scout Camp.
From: Mark
Subject Last Turn
I am just checking since I got response from any one about what I wrote yesterday. You all did get the turn, right?
From: Karl
Subject Turn
I haven't seen anything.
From: Mark
Subject Turn
OK I thought I sent this out yesterday. I got it through the mailing list.
I am sending it to the group mailing list as well as each of your addresses by themselves. This means you should get it twice, once from me and once from the mailing list.
Please let me know if you do not get it twice.
See yesterday's archive for the entry.
From: Kevin
Subject Turns
Mark, I got it, but not until late Thursday.
I also got your two following sendings.
From: Mark
Subject The prophecy Cont
Goodheart looks around the room, seeing the stunned faces of the party members. "You see what this means?" We even tested part of the prophecy. We did not know who was being referred to and sent you out knowing that there were not enough people to fulfill it. And it was still fulfilled. The guardsman Alatyr must have been the Fallen Guard mentioned. Now I will tell you this."
"On the morrow, Anglewing will marry Rochelle. Usually we would wait longer but we all feel it is imperative that we do what we can to help the prophecy. We feel that at the wedding somehow Bresied Valorshield will make an appearance, even though he has been dead for centuries. We will get a "Key" that will allow us to defeat the great evil that arises. We think that the man you all saw in your dream that night was a powerful servant of the evil one."
"Once we have the "Key" it seems that we will have to find at least one more piece. The prophecy is very long and confused at times. However Brother Orlpar has more for you to hear." He gestures for the cleric to read again. Orlpar clears his throat and starts to speak again.
"I have foretold the saving of the peoples
But still greater matters lie to tell.
To ensue forever the freedom of good
The fragments of my gift be given back
On the highest alter of my god and lord.
Only then will peace be sure.
But beware for fair is fair,
Should evil complete this task afore
The noble thanes of good intent
Forever is this world doomed.
The second piece they must collect
Is in the hands of Lothnar whom I will charge
To protect the most holy shard,
Until once again it is needed."
Anglewing takes up the story at this time. "Lothnar was Valorshield's chief adviser and head magic user. He ran a sort of testing grounds for knights of the order 3000 years ago. Soon after the prophecy had been recorded, Lothnar and his testing grounds "disappeared from the face of the earth. It has been known that the only way into the testing grounds now is through a portal that moves around the world and only stays in one place for a single week before moving on. Using powerful divining magic we have been able to determine the location of the portal for the next 8 weeks. The only one that is close enough for a party to get to is in the mountains of the Wildlands in six weeks, at the head waters of the Rushing River."
Quarion takes over at this point. He brings out a map and hangs it on the wall. "This is the Wildlands. In this land the strong rule the weak and the cruel kill the compassionate. Little towns filled with the most desperate people of humanity are there. The dwarves of the deep mountains maintain some control where they range and that is why we have asked Brother Ragnar to join your party." The ranger gestures to the dwarf and Ragnar stands and bows. "Ragnar is from the mountains of the Wildlands and knows the terrain and the mountain people. Allistair here will also be joining you." He gestures at the human in robes. "He also is from the Wildlands, although he has not been there in years. He will supply the party with it's arcane support."
Goodheart takes his turn next. "This mission will be different than the one you did for Anglewing. This will be a military mission and against my better judgment, I will take Anglewing's advice and am placing Sergeant Harp in charge. Brother Ragnar will be spiritual adviser and Allistair will be his arcane adviser. Being a military man I know how much team work means. I think you 5 worked well as a team and I would ask your help on this mission. You will have the support of the order. You will also have the advantage of the prophecy working in your favor."
Quarion speaks up again. "The plan is for the party to leave on the dawn tide the morning after next. They will take a ship to the port town of Arlest. You will meet an acquaintance of mine by the name of Mund at the Three Shackles Inn. I have already sent word to him and he expects you in two weeks. He is from the area where you need to go and he will be your guide. Before you go I will supply a code phrase that you can use to identify yourself to him."
"Does anyone have any questions?"
OODM: OK now is the time to ask questions.
Questions
Subject Questions
Allistair listens attentively to the explanations by Goodheart and Quarion, trying to get up to speed on all that has occured before he came here. He repeats the words of the prophesy in his mind as Brother Orlpar reads. Knowing the exact phrasing of the prophesy could be useful in the future, and if there is one skill that all wizards must posess, it is the ability to quickly and accurately memorize. He didn't fail to notice how other than the promise of a key being provided, there were few guarantees contained in the prophesy. It seemed to him that the eventual outcome could either be a great catastrophe or avert one, and the prophesy would still technically be fulfilled.
During Quarion's explanation of thier contact in Arlest, Allistair's eyes grow wide and his mouth falls agape before he quickly closes it. He must ask about this 'Mund', but he needs to ask some questions about the prophesy first.
Allistair raises a finger and directs a question to Goodheart. "This prophecy that we are working from, is it widely known, either within or without the order? In other words, although the enemy's identity seems to as yet be unknown to us, is it a reasonable possibility that this enemy also knows the details of the prophesy? Or even worse, could there be a corresponding prophesy among the evil followers of Heironious' enemy that might contain details and instructions that we are ignorant to? If any of this is so, I think we can reasonably assume that this enemy will be equally capable of divining the location of the portal that we are seeking. Even if the prophesy is not well known, even within the order, I feel it would be prudent to be prepared for the worst."
"Also, are there any additional clues as to what this key is? Or what these pieces or shards are? Was there perhaps some artifact of Bresied Valorshield that was lost or destroyed in the battle with Mesodar?"
From: Karl
Subject Questions
Salix ponders the prophecy. "A servant of Storms", well that could certainly refer to himself, seeing as he was here so far from The Order at the command of Stormfather Acer. But Salix had always been a little skeptical of prophecy. Complex visions of the future and especially that couched in flowery poetry were almost non-existent for followers of Obad-Hai. Members of The Order were much more likely to seek knowledge of the future from the trends of the present and past, which they gathered through observation of the heavens and the natural world beneath.
In this way, it seemed to Salix, Obad-Hai showed greater trust in his servants, expecting them to learn his ways and his will on their own and teaching them to focus on the tasks at hand. "Prophecy" among the followers of other Gods by comparison seemed almost as common as songs sung in a tavern. And more often than not they were vague enough to apply to anything. Still, he had to admit the first part of the prophecy at hand seemed to fit their former group remarkably well. . .
"Does anyone have any questions?" Quarion asks the group.
Salix stands. "Master Quarion, if I understand correctly, we are to journey to the location of this 'portal' in the wildlands. Once we get there, what is it, exactly, that we are to do?"
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
Mark, good write up. I am going to be swamped in the office today, so I will try to write up something tonight.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
"It is not widely known, even within the order. Anglewing knew but he is a unique situation. Normally only the Knight/Marshall of the order and the head librarian know of the prophecy. It has been that way for centuries. That all changed a few years ago when we realized that the prophecy might have started to come true. Orlpar and the Knight/Marshall are still the only two who have seen the entire propehcy."
"I would find it unlikely, although not impossible, that our enemy would know anything at all about our prophecy. We have heard nothing about an opposing prophecy, but that is not surprising as well. I would hope that they would not be able to enter or survive the testing grounds, but that is just a guess. If they do know of the testing grounds and where the portal will be it is more likely that they will just try and keep us from using the portal, delay is as good as victory for them."
"We do not know what the key is. I think we will find out at the wedding tomorrow."
From: Mark
Subject Questions
"Is it not clear? When you get to the portal you are to enter the portal and defeat the testing grounds. Or at least that is what I would think. Much might have changed in 3000 years."
From: Karl
Subject Questions
Is it not clear? Salix thinks to himself. When is prophecy *ever* clear? Things mean what they say only except when they don't. Is it not clear? Does he suddenly think Salix a dolt? He tries not to let his impatience show.
"Is there any hint as to the nature of this 'testing ground'? Might we know in what way we will be tested or how this test is to be defeated?" He bites his tongue but nonetheless continues, "Forgive me, sir, of course I am at your service and am pleased to be serving under Sergeant Harp, but my Order has always been leery of 'prophecy' and the manipulations it invites, thus my training is to question and observe."
A part of him longs to continue, longs to point out that Quarion, himself, alluded to the "whole" prophecy, which his superiors have some unknown reason to withhold at this time. But he thinks better of it. Best to quit while he has merely defended his own integrity. Best not to express things which might be taken as impertinence if not outright offensiveness. One never knew with certainty what things the followers of other gods might label "blasphemy".
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
OOC: Death to the unbeliever. Lets trot out the Inquisition. Maybe a quick burning before the wedding?
I am glad Harp only has normal intelligence. It allows me the chance to say "Whatever" and sound in character.
From: Derek
Subject Questions
OOC: I would like to see the entire prophesy too, but you've got to give Mike time to write the dang thing. I'm guessing the prophesy will slowly be revealed to us one bit at a time, when 'the time is right', or 'when we are ready'. ;)
From: Jason
Subject Questions
Referring to this part...
Anglewing takes up the story at this time. "Lothnar was Valorshield's chief adviser and head magic user. He ran a sort of testing grounds for knights of the order 3000 years ago. Soon after the prophecy had been recorded, Lothnar and his testing grounds "disappeared from the face of the earth.
Ragnar, believing Quarion may have misunderstood Salix's question (and also quit curious himself) adresses Angelwing and asks, "In what manner did Lothnar test the knights of his day? Are there any stories indicating what this test was? It may have changed since then, of course, but it may help us to prepare."
From: Karl
Subject Questions
OOC-which plays right into Salix's theory that "prophesy" is just as often a tool used by mortals to manipulate others as it is communication from a divine being.
Druids of Salix's Order aren't big on prophesy. They watch the earth, the stars, the weather, and the natural world and learn their patterns. In that way they can predict some things, but Obad-Hai isn't an "It shall come to pass in the last days. . . " kind of god. He's more a "set in motion and give the occasional tweak" kind of god. At least that's how Salix understands him. Mark can correct me if I'm wreaking any havoc in his world's pantheon.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
Not at all. If Obad-Hai did anything with prophecy it would be some type of natural prophecy, like "When this mountain falls" etc. It would probably use natural things.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
Anglewing responds "Since it has been 3000 years even the little we do know is confused with the distance of time. First, know this, Valorshield was the founder of our order, but he was himself a member of a different order. We think that the testing grounds were used by this previous order. People attempting to prove themselves would enter. Our guess is that the results would determine how they were treated when they left."
"We do know that Lothnar was a very powerfull magic user as well as cleric. He was one of the most powerfull of the time, second only to Mesodar."
From: Randy
Subject Questions
Responding primarily to these statements:
"A marriage there must be
twixt Angelspawn and nobility.
But the evil one will take her away
to a land where nothing good will brew."
"Orlpar and the Knight/Marshall are still the only two who have seen the entire propehcy."
"We do not know what the key is. I think we will find out at the wedding tomorrow."
"How can we allow the marriage to go forward when the prophecy clearly states that Rochelle will be taken?" Ran clearly is seething with anger as he asks this question.
"How can you, Heronin, put her in such danger? We have saved her only to turn her over to the enemy?" Ran shakes his head as he glares at the members of the order before him. "I cannot agree with putting her in such a situation."
"And another thing," Ran adds, "you can trust us to do your tasks but not to hear the whole prophecy? We are the ones risking our lives. Don't we at least have the right to know what we are getting into?" Ran looks impatiently to Heronin. The glare still strong on his face. "And what will the rest of the order be doing while we are off doing its bidding?"
Ran feels guilty for expressing such anger. He didn't realize how much negativity he had built up towards the order over the last several years. He longs to do what his father would expect, and yet he still feels that the order may be playing a game with his life. He also realizes that he still feels strongly attached to Rochelle. How can Heronin not see that by marrying her he is playing into the dark side of the prophecy?
From: Karl
Subject Questions
"I had thought that was referring to her initial abduction" Salix says aloud, but to no one in particular. "But as has already been made clear, the ambiguities of prophecy are hardly my area of expertise."
He looks to Angelwing to see how he will respond to Ran's question, increasingly beginning to wonder why he was here. It was hard to see The Order's role in this, except insofar as they wished to assist an allied nation. Still, the Stormfather (and thus The Order) had assigned him the task of assisting in this quest. On the other hand, they had assigned this task to *him*, specifically. Surely they expected him to use his own skills and intellect to guide himself and would not want him to anything contrary to the good of The Order or its precepts. It might just prove to be that he is there to guard the interests of Obad-Hai as much as to lend a hand to His allies. Salix would have to be alert.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
Angelwing looks a bit stunned at Ran's tone. He nods at Salix's comments. "We interpreted the passage that way as well. The marriage must take place so that we can learn more about the key."
"We trust you. Ran, I trust you, but Salix has a point. Prophecies are know to be incomplete and misleading at times. We do not understand all that the prophecy says or means and the Order has been studying it for years. This second section is one of the most clear. The rest is shrouded in veiled references and vague terms."
"We have another reason. If, somehow, our enemy finds out that we are following a prophecy, we feel that they will try and find out more about it. Orlpar and I are safe here. The Chapter House has protections on it. It can not be scried on, it can not be listened in on, it can not be teleported into. Rochelle is safe here. If you or one of your companions knew the whole prophecy, even if you did not understand it, and were captured, our enemy could pull that information out of you."
"I understand your concern for me and for Rochelle, my friend, but we both have a part to play in this."
From: Josh
Subject Questions
Kal, who has been quiet the entire time, quietly speaks up at this point:
"Does she know what her part entails? Has she consented to it? I am an outsider here, but you will not have my assistance unless we are assured that Rochelle is not being used as a lure against her will."
From: Kevin
Subject Questions
Harp sits in his chair stupefied. Him, in charge, in command? Why, he had just been promoted. He had done well as a second in command, but did that make him ready to lead? And lead this group? A small company of soldiers of the Order maybe, but this group was more experienced in almost every way. This was almost too much to believe, and to bear. What if he failed - the whole world of good destroyed because of his incompetence!!!! Why wasn't the Knight Captain leading this adventure. He was getting married, of course, but since when had marriage stopped a paladin of the Order from completing a mision.
The Prophecy. He had heard of such things, but according to his superiors, he was not involved in one. The fact that they had not told him prior to going meant nothing to him. Harp was used to following orders (well, more or less) and he would have gone on the earlier mission had he been told of the Prophecy or not. And now, to continue on. With him as the leade. Before he accepted, Harp decides, I should talk to the Knight/Captain.
As Harp comes back to paying attention to the discussion around him, he hears Salix and Ran voice some concerns, but from different points of view. Salix is obviously somewhat skeptical about the whole Prophecy - natural, since he was not a follower of Heironious. Harp had come to know Salix well enough that he knew that his questions did not show a lack of heart, simply a understanding coming from a different place. He was pretty sure that when it came down to it, Salix would be there with the group.
Ran, however, surprised Harp. His anger seemed more personal, as if this quest was aimed at him directly. Harp thought that with Heronin's long time friendship with Ran that Ran would be the first one to volunteer for this quest. But instead, here he was, fighting and arguing against it. Maybe he did not know Ran as well as he thought.
Harp will let some discussion proceed, listen to the questions and concerns of the group. When the time seems right, he will speak his mind.
"My friends, for that is how I think of you, this issue of a Prophecy is beyond me. I have been given an order by those I serve, and I will undertake this journey to the best of my ability, either by myself or with companions I have come to know and trust. I know that this is hard for many of you to understand and accept - I hardly understand it. But I do know that the members of this Order stand only for good, and that if they ask me to do this deed, even if it mean my death in the end, then I will undertake it. I have never know the Knights of this Order to be false; harsh, maybe (said with a slight glance at the Captain and the Colonel) but never false. They have extended their compassion and acceptance to one even such as me, and I in turn will give my life to help the Order in this quest."
With this, Harp will return to silence, awaiting a time to speak with the Knight/Captain alone, if possible.
From: Mark
Subject Questions
"Lure against her will?" Angelwing almost stutters in barely controled anger. "We in the order do not force any one to do something against their will, unless they have sworn vows of obedience. She has not, yet. As far as we can tell she has no further purpose in the prophecy other than to be a time marker. Her marriage to me will be what starts the completion of the prophecy. The key will be revealed and her danger will be over."
"If you doubt her resolve, be there at the ceremony tomorrow. In the chaple where it will be held, no untruth can be uttered, no falsehood spoken. You will see for yourselves." With that the big man stomps out of the room, leaving the others looking at each other.
Ran's Concerns
Subject Ran's concerns
"You won't be alone," Salix replies. "You have my loyalty and assistance in every way that does not conflict with my obligations to The Order. I only want to understand our quest as best as possible to better ensure our success." With that he sits quietly awaiting further information or orders to move out.
From: Kevin
Subject Ran's concerns
Harp looks at Salix, nods, and smiles slightly. He had been right. Salix was truly a friend. Hopefully, Salix's words of commitment would sway any others that might have doubts in their hearts. Whille the Knight/Colonel mgiht be sending "advisors" along with Harp, his bond with Salix would mean much in his coming trials. Harp had come to value the Druids counsel and advice. He seemed very worldly to Harp, and Harp was going to rely on that judgement in the coming task.
From: Mark
Subject Ran's concerns
There is an uncomfortable silence with the departure of Angelwing. Goodheart looks from Quarion to Harp, not sure what to do. Taking a deep breath, he speaks. " Other than Harp, Allistair and Ragner, you can all decided wether to go or not. Take the rest of the day, talk to each other, consult your feelings. Decide what gear you might need. The wedding is scheduled to be held tomorrow at the third morning bell in the main chaple. You are all invited."
The Paladin leaves the room and the seven party members sit at the table looking at each other.
OODM: As I have said before, I will be gone Sunday till Wednesday night. I have set it up so that all of you, except Porter(sorry Porter), can discuss what they want and why they are or are not going. IF you have any questions that need to be answered by me or an NPC I will take care of it when I get back.