The Ingaran Adventures
Episode 34
“Anathek Dar”
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Alexander: The Gauntlet of Athena
Zografos: An Ingaran painter going under the
name of Domnhall
Issic: Half Human, Half Gold Dragon Warrior
India: A gypsy Bard/Shadow Dancer
Phaidon: A local Tamer of the Beasts
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The Time: Summer, Nemed 25
The Place: Alisander – A very large city, the largest in
all of Inzeladun, Alisander has a population of 120,000 persons. Although Lamapacher
does not have a capital, this city is the definite hub of Lamapacher's commerce
and power. Situated on the shores of the Alisander River, this town has a history
that dates back to the Fourth Age. Founded by King Alisander, a hero of the
Fourth Age, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Alisander. Alisander existed
as a separate nation until it was conquered by Lord Komaaks and absorbed into
his fledging nation Lamapacher. The city is currently ruled by Baron Nadam,
Champion of Vale. The city is well known for its cheese. It also exports manufactured
goods, weapons, armor, ancient artifacts looted from the massive dungeons and
tunnels that crisscross beneath the city to untold depths. The city-state extends
out 50 miles from the city center in all directions, making Alisander one of
the largest states in Lamapacher. Like much of Lamapacher, slavery is illegal,
and many escaped slaves from Drychtnoth and Ingara make their way here.
Flower had left. Phaidon was not pleased
by that development when India told him.
"I promised to protect her," Phaidon said.
"She needs to go. She'll be fine," India assured him. She
sat down on the bed as Phaidon circled the room like a hawk seeking a mouse
in a field. "She'll be fine," India repeated. "Neria will protect
her."
"Neria? Flower is with Neria?"
"No, but…"
"But? But? I have heard of this Neria, and if she comes down from
her haunted mountains, you can be sure the people of Lamapacher will suffer.
She is a demon, a real elf. And I don't want Flower being the unwitting cause
of a war between Lamapacher and Neria." Phaidon stood up. "I will
go find her."
"No!" said India. "No. You would not find her anyway.
Nor will any human. Elfland is a real place, and…"
"And we are nowhere near it!" said Phaidon.
"No. It is always nearby, lurking in the shadows. But we cannot
see it. Flower is there, and you, as great a tracker you are, cannot follow
her there."
Zografos, having checked out some of the property in town they now had
ownership of, bought some art supplies at a small place near the palace. He
walked into his room. The maid was in the room cleaning it up. She smiled
when the Ingaran artist closed the door behind him.
"I bought some paints and canvases," said Zografos. "Tonight
I will paint you. You may choose the outfit." She smiled and walked across
the room toward him.
"Do you know anything about a person called Ćndryal?" Zografos
asked. He knew that the best way to get information was to ask the servants.
She said, "Legends speak of Ćndryal using unhallowed rites and wild
orgiastic prayers and blasphemies that are answered by imps and demons. She
frightens me. She is second only to Iss'ul in the modern horrors that seem
to walk this ancient city."
Zografos took out a bronze knife and handed it to the maid. "Use
it for your protection. Wear it under your dress. Just showing this weapon
will possibly save you if you run into any of these demons." The maid
took the knife and slowly lifted her skirt, showing off her shapely legs. She
slid the knife into a leather band that encircled one thigh, a band that also
had a little leather pouch on it.
Zografos sat on the bed and the maid knelt down in front of him. She rested
her hand on his thigh. "Can you get me a map of this city?" he asked.
She nodded and lazily moved her hand up and down his thigh, saying, "That
shouldn't be too hard."
Zografos wondered how flexible the maid was. Her hand continued its back
and forth movement over his thigh. Each time she moved up, she moved closer
to his confined penis. Zografos decided to find out how flexible she was.
"Stand up," he ordered. She stood.
"Take off your clothes," he ordered. She smiled and started
unlacing her blouse.
Issic sat in the Library of Antiquities with stacks of books placed around
him. Lavinia, the somewhat deformed, unattractive, elderly librarian, had brought
him great odorous books, most of which were falling to pieces with age and worm-holes.
The disjointed scraps of ancient lore were difficult to read, tales that seemed
obsolete and ridiculous because they contradicted known history. The books
came down from very old times. Evidence seemed to indicate that a lot of these
books dated back many thousands of years, or were copied from other hideously
ancient tomes that had long since crumbled into dust.
Issic found that the librarian, Lavinia, was a virtual font of obsolete
and wild knowledge and singular fancies, for much of what she claimed to be
true simply could not be. Still, she had unlocked the all but forgotten rooms
where forbidden lore, lore ordered by Alisander the Founder and Grindill to
be locked up forever, was kept. The lore within that secret room was what was
piled on the tables around him. The books were riddled with discrepancies,
duplications, and ambiguities that puzzled him, but he kept on.
He heard an annoying squeaking. Looking up from the pages that reeked
with an unidentifiable stench, he noticed that Lavinia was struggling with a
cart. On the cart sat a huge volume, one that was bound in ancient iron. She
said, in a feeble voice, "I thought this one may have some answers for
you." Issic stood up to help her. He glanced at the title. His eyes
widened in surprise and a grin lit his draconic features and he lifted the heavy
tome from the cart. It was the hideous Nan Curunir of shadow-haunted
legend.
Zografos ordered the young lady-in-waiting to stretch and pose for him.
She touched her toes and stretched as hard as she could in all sorts of poses
and positions. Zografos sat on the bed, nude, as she performed for him. He
would occasionally reach out to touch her, and his fingers encountered bare
flesh. It didn't matter where he touched her – the shoulder, the arm, the back
– he was glad she was there.
She turned and twisted, stretching as Zografos commanded. His eyes were
drawn to the tuft of brown hair between her legs. She bent over in front of
him, and he let his fingers glide over her buttocks. For a time he teased the
pouting lips of her sex. She was already moist within and as his fingers parted
the inner lips and touched her swollen bud, she sighed pleasurably. He stimulated
her quickly, intent on pleasing her, but wanting it to be over as soon as possible.
The young maid responded quickly, her belly and loins rolling rhythmically to
press against his fingers, two of which were now embedded inside her. She spread
her legs as far apart as they could go and Zografos put the palm of his other
hand flat on her bare belly to squeeze in time with his rubbing movements.
Zografos, staring at her face framed by her two wide-spread legs, saw her eyes
bulge, her mouth gape open, and then she was panting hoarsely in her ecstatic
release.
When she was finished, Zografos pushed her onto the bed and grabbed hold
of her ankles. He spread her legs wide and slid himself into her as hard as
he could. He continued to push her legs apart, until she was practically doing
the splits. She panted and screamed as he pushed into her. He pulled out of
her, leaving her breathless and wondering. He held up a finger to signal patience.
Taking out some rope, he pushed her legs down and apart again, until she was
as wide open as she could be, and he tied her legs to the bed frame in that
position. He tied her arms to the other end of the bed. Then he mounted her
again.
After he had completed the act, and he untied her, she smiled and asked
if she could tie him up next time.
"We will see. It will depend on how well I like the clothes you
choose for your first portrait and the pose you choose." He dressed and
left the room, heading for the throne room.
Alexander walked down the long corridors of the palace. Lord Nadam had
summoned him. Alexander left word with the servants on to find his companions
and have them sent to the throne room. He knew India and Phaidon were in their
room, and Zografos was in his room with a maid. Issic was in the Library of
Antiquities. He had no idea where Flower was. India told him she had left.
As he walked past the tapestries of the Hall of History, Alexander thought
about the psi-gate Phaidon had told him about. He passed the ornate door to
the Library of History, then passed the weirdly decorated door to the Library
of Antiquities. He did not go in. His mind was somewhere else. Besides, a
servant would summon Issic in short order.
Why had Yam ibn Saud pulled his army away? It did not make sense. Where
would the army go? Because of the defeat at Deenent, the conquest of western
Lamapacher was crumbling. Ta'akrinat, to the north, was still too heavily defended.
Alexander passed by several people in the halls. Servants ignored him,
but the nobles always stopped him, wanting to meet the "holy man"
who saved the city. Alexander was not entirely comfortable with this role,
but felt compelled to be friendly; after all, he was the only representative
of Athena for a thousand miles. After shaking hands with the fiftieth person,
he passed through a corridor of huge statues. The statues towered over him,
reaching heights of 15 feet or more. The hallway was long, and the statues,
made to look like men and women in grotesque poses of horror and pain, seemed
to be reaching out for one another, never able to touch the other statues, but
ever trying. He shivered.
Leaning against one of the statues he was surprised to see a female elf.
She was beautiful. Dressed in a long gown that somehow managed to convey a
natural sense of beauty instead of an artificial one, she smiled at the cleric.
Her strange eyes twinkled in the torchlight, for the hall had no windows. Her
alien gaze made Alexander feel naked. Even his long association with Flower
hadn't desensitized the uncomfortable feelings that came with those ancient
eyes. The name Yithilla came to mind. He remembered hearing that an elf named
Yithilla did actually live in the palace, an emissary of that fearsome figure
known only as Neria Bladesinger. Alexander figured the elf must be that emissary.
He quickly moved on past the elf.
Alexander strode down the Hall of Apocalypse to the colossal doors of
the Throne Room. Alexander composed himself, giving his name to the pages that
stood in front of the carved, iron-bound valves of the doorway. The pages opened
the door and announced the arrival of Lord Alexander Maximus, the Gauntlet of
Athena. Immediately, there was a cessation of noise, as the entire room of
nobles and sycophants, leeches who drained the population of wealth and power,
stopped their conversations to stare at the young man who, according to rumor,
sent Yam ibn Saud's army on its way.
Alexander Maximus ignored the stares as he walked down the blue carpet
to the throne that squatted high on the dais at the head of the room. The stares
made the Ingaran uncomfortable, but he did not show it. Alexander recognized
the diplomat from Ta'akrinat, the second largest city in Lamapacher, and the
three diplomats from Drychtnoth. He had met them earlier in one of the halls.
He wondered how they got here before him. He bowed before Lord Nadam and said,
"You summoned me, sir?"
Lord Nadam, dressed in full royal regalia, stood and said, "Yes.
An envoy from the Azraelites is here and has asked to speak to you."
The silence around them was unnerving. No one wanted to miss a word spoken
by this young man who wielded the power of the gods.
Alexander licked his lips and fought down the nervousness the silence
created. "What is his name?"
"Diplomat Sukato," said Lord Nadam. "Will you speak to
him?"
"I suppose I will see him; I have no idea what he would want though."
Issic, Phaidon, and India were announced into the throne room. Whispers
could be heard when the trio walked in. Issic was used to this and ignored
it easily. Phaidon was a little unnerved by it. India blushed despite herself.
She probably could have handled the attention better if she were dressed in
her usual gypsy garb, but she was dressed in a beautiful gown of rich fabric.
Her hair had been done up by servants and her body scrubbed a bright, soft pink
in the baths. Her gown was a deep green color and she looked like a princess
in it.
Lord Nadam smiled slightly when he saw Alexander's companions enter.
He returned his attention to the young Ingaran. "In public or in private?"
"Did this Azraelite say which he would prefer?"
"No. He made it very plain that your preference was his."
"I would prefer private then, of course, any of my friends or you,
if you wish, Lord, may be there."
Nadam said, "I would, but I have other matters that require my attention."
He motioned to a side door for Alexander's use. Alexander nodded and walked
toward that door.
Issic walked around the room listening for a conversation that might grab
his interest. He heard a lot of people talking about Yam ibn Saud's retreat
and the power of Athena. All sorts of people come up to shake the half-dragon's
hand and ask for his blessing. Issic pretty much ignored the attempts to shake
his hand, keeping his hands on his sword hilt or at his side.
Phaidon asked, "Are you going in with Alexander, India?"
India disengaged herself from the crowds and followed Alexander into the
side chamber, dragging Phaidon by the hand in behind her. Alexander paused
before opening the door, opening his mind to receive the thoughts of others.
He opened the door.
Inside the chamber sat a man in a blue silk gown. He was Oriental. He
stood and bowed at the waist. Alexander stared at him and could tell that the
man sat alone. No one was invisible around him, nor shape-changed into a piece
of furniture. Nor was anyone watching from secret panels in the walls.
Issic pushed his way through the crowd to follow Alexander. He shut the
door behind him.
The Oriental remained bowed until Alexander bowed. He concentrated his
mind and could tell the Oriental had a strong mind, one of genius.
"I am told you wanted to see me?" said Alexander.
"Yes, if you are the one called Alexander, who is known as Athena's
Armored Hand Glove."
"I am Alexander."
"I am Sukato, diplomat of Kensushuki, who is called Yam ibn Saud."
"And why does a man of the Son of Saud seek me?" asked Alexander.
He became aware of the diplomat's surface thoughts. The Oriental was impressed
by Alexander's bearing and was surprised at his youth.
The Oriental spoke with a strong accent, and hesitancy in his voice betrayed
his discomfort speaking Ingaran. "I come from the court of General Al-Nasim,
ruler de facto of Ingara. Both Kensushuki, who is Yam ibn Saud, and General
Al-Nasim, who is Kozad Jardak the Third, desire peace with Athena's representative,
and with the peoples of Ingara. Once Kensushuki, who is Yam ibn Saud, heard
you were in Alisander, the shining gem of the West, from Al-Nasim, the armies
were ordered to pull away from here. Our people in Ingara and your people as
well, are not prospering in peace, but are prospering only in conflict. We
desire there to be peace."
"And why do you think that I can grant you peace?" asked Alexander.
He heard Issic rearrange his wings. Glancing at the Half-Dragon, Alexander
was aware that Issic was preparing himself to attack the second that diplomat
did anything suspicious.
The diplomat said, "Because the people idolize you. Because you
represent the power of the gods to them. Kensushuki, who is Yam ibn Saud, wants
to support the priesthood of Athena, and promote her power to the people. He
wants to show that Athena supports his rule, and he wants a real king for Ingara."
"Does he want a Real King for Ingara if that King is not him?"
"He wants General Al-Nasim to be that king. Kensushuki, who is Yam
ibn Saud, asks that you return to Ingara to officiate at the ceremony, and to
crown Al-Nasim king of Ingara. Kensushuki, who is Yam ibn Saud, believes this
will show the support of Athena, and will bring peace to Ingara, and unification.
Of course, I do not expect an answer now. I merely wanted to open the discussion
frankly and without reservation."
"Kosj sthyr," mumbled Issic under his breath. He was
not impressed with this little man. Sukato bowed again and said to Alexander,
"If you have questions now or later, I am at your disposal."
Alexander shook his head and said, "Go and tell Kensushuki, who is
Yam ibn Saud, that I will return to Ingara after I am not needed here.
That in the Temple of Athena there I will pray and ask Athena what is required
of Kensushuki for him to receive the blessing of Athena. Tell him that while
I am Athena's voice, she is the one that has to decide he is the king, not I.
Tell him that I will bring a grand army with me to be his if he is chosen."
"As you wish. But in your absence, perhaps you have not heard of
the uprisings in Ingara in the name of Athena. Many men are dying, on both sides.
Kensushuki, who is Yam ibn Saud, and Al-Madhiri, who is the conqueror of Ingara,
wish that there no longer be 'sides', only a unified people."
"Tell the people of Ingara that they are to be peaceful. And they
are to use this peace to make themselves ready for Athena's decision."
"Surely you, in your wisdom and in the wisdom of Athena, can see
the advantage of this. Intaba is coming, and Al-Madhiri wishes to present a
unified force to repel that barbaric horde. I will tell them, but it would have
more force coming from you. Even this last week, your temple has captured and
put to the sword fifty officials under Al-Nasim, officials who did no crime
but to be Saudian."
"Tonight the high priest of Athena will stop this and will tell the
people of Ingara that you are coming with a message from me. When you return,
this will add force to your message."
Sukato bowed. "Thank you. Truly you hold the wisdom of Athena in
your grasp, for you shine as one who is enlightened and blessed."
"I want only that which Athena wants."
Issic was not convinced. He growled, "So you are wanting to unify
Ingara the same way you wanted to 'unify' Alisander?"
The emissary said, "Al-Nasim is not the person who surrounded Alisander.
Kensushuki, who is Yam ibn Saud, has executed those men, for they served themselves,
not the Son of Saud."
Alexander said, "Sukato, as you are traveling back into Ingara, you
should tell all you come across of my return to Ingara; tell them to follow
you so that they might see the next king of Ingara crowned." The emissary
bowed to Alexander and said, "It shall be as you say." Alexander
bowed back.
Suddenly a cacophony of bells sounded and all sorts of commotion started
ringing across the entire city. Horns were blowing, and the entire throne room,
which they could hear from the other side of the door, was thrown into a loud
commotion. Phaidon ran to the window and saw people were running in the streets,
hiding. Soldiers were mounting the walls and towers, blowing their horns.
Issic opened the door and looked into the throne room. Lord Nadam had
taken his throne and ordered the throne room to be cleared and his advisors
to be summoned. The Lamapachan lord raged at the three Drychtnothian ambassadors,
ordering them to remain.
The emissary prepared to leave out the back door. Issic whirled around
and said, "Don't let him go yet, Alexander!"
"Why, Issic?" asked Alexander. Sukato paused at the door to
see if he was still needed by the half-dragon.
A page came up to the partially opened door and knocked on it. Issic
impatiently opened it fully. The page started when he saw Issic, but composed
himself rapidly. "L-l-lord Nadam wants the Gauntlet of Athena with him.
An army approaches."
"Under what standard?" asked Alexander.
"Th-th-the Red Eye of Olanigan. A D-d-drychtnothian army."
"What did you want to ask Sukato, Issic?" asked Alexander. Sukato
waited patiently by the back door. Issic glanced out into the throne room.
Nadam was standing on his throne, shouting orders to his generals and captains.
With the door open they could hear him plainly. He was a little panicked.
Issic strode rapidly across the council room and grabbed the emissary.
The emissary's eyes widened when Issic grabs him. He looked at Alexander in
alarm. "It could be one of Saud's since he said that he is the son of Saud.
I do not want to ask anything. I think he might be a spy."
"Or it could be Solomon," said Alexander. He could read that
Issic thought this whole affair with the diplomat was a trick to make Alexander
let down his guard, and that Saud would now resume the attack. Alexander turned
his mind back to Sukato, who was thinking, "By the Gods of Sakura! I am
here under a flag of truce! These people are barbarians!"
Alexander said, "We are not Barbarians! Issic, this man is here under
a flag of truce and I am sure he is not a spy." Alexander heard Lord Nadam
shout at the page, "Well, is Lord Alexander coming in here or not?"
The page, standing at the door and watching the half-dragon threaten an
important diplomat, winced and looked at Alexander fearfully, his whole body
shaking. Alexander could easily read the page's thoughts. Even the page knew
that an attack on one of Yam ibn Saud's diplomats would be considered an attack
on Yam ibn Saud himself. The page feared the coming of someone called Iss'ul.
Alexander had a duty, though. He went out and bowed before Lord Nadam.
Lord Nadam said, "My scouts say that a HUGE army is coming. One
three times the size of Saud's damnable army. I need some advice from your goddess,
if you don't mind." He waved his hand at the three Drychtnothian ambassadors.
"This trio claims to know nothing!"
"Athena's knowledge is yours, Lord Nadam." Alexander closed
his eyes and he felt Athena's comforting presence. He asked her who was leading
the army outside the city. In his mind, he saw a scarred battle warrior leading
the army. He heard Athena whisper, "Anathek Dar, the Rebel of Drychtnoth,
arrives, and Olanigan's power he derives."
Issic walked out of the council chamber with the Oriental emissary in
tow. "You will either be safest here, if you are not behind this, or you
will die if you are behind this." Sukato was aghast at this treatment.
Again Alexander became aware of the word Iss'ul, and it was not a word
whispered to him by Athena. It was a word screamed in the mind of Sukato.
Zografos entered into the throne room at this time. India cringed. She
wanted to ram her shadow sword into his heart. Indeed, her hand went to the
hilt of her sword. Alexander saw the image, again, of Zografos turning into
a wolf and he felt her anger. He shut down the power. He needed his full attention
at this time. He thought about Anathek. The name sounded familiar. He recalled
something about the man trying to unify Drychtnoth. Tactically, he was fast.
He struck, and then was out of sight before anyone knew he was there. Anathek
used magic openly, in complete defiance of the Warlords. His primary tactics
were speed and misinformation. He remembered some talk he heard in Nyandar.
Rumor had it that Anathek Dar had taken out three armies of Sheens. From what
he had heard, Anathek fought against Saud, Isaxar the Vile, and the illithids.
Alexander said, "We must mount our defense quickly. Anathek, the
Rebel of Drychtnoth, leads the army." Immediately upon hearing the name,
the three ambassadors from Drychtnoth looked at each other in alarm. This was
not in the plan they were told about. Lord Nadam did not notice the glances;
neither did Alexander.
Lord Nadam said, "An army of that size, though. I don't know how
long the city can stand." Lord Nadam remembered the ambassadors from Drychtnoth.
He impatiently ordered them to leave the throne room and to confine themselves
in their suites until such time as the danger was passed.
"I think I know of a way to break their morale," said Zografos.
He wondered why Issic was holding a small Oriental man hostage.
"Then lets go kill the head of the army and watch the rest disperse,"
growled the half-dragon, tempted to just kill the squirming diplomat.
Lord Nadam said, "I was thinking of sending a diplomat." He
looked at Alexander. "Do you suggest immediate violence against this man
and his army?"
Alexander shook his head. "Send a message that you are willing to
trade information for your city's safety. Tell him you know of illithids in
Drychtnoth and tell him you will give him information concerning this in return
for your city's safety."
Issic wondered, "Why would they start a fight in the middle of unconquered
territory?"
Zografos was astonished by the assumptions Alexander and Issic were making.
"Do we know he plans to attack the city?"
"No, we don't," said Nadam.
Alexander agreed. "They might be here to defeat the armies of Saud
that were here."
Lord Nadam summoned his diplomats. The oriental held by Issic volunteered
to go out to this Drychtnothian. Surely the Drychtnothians would be no less
barbaric than these Lamapachans.
Issic squeezed the neck of the Oriental tighter. "I do not trust
this 'emissary.' He may be part of this."
Alexander said, "I think it is ok to send him if Lord Nadam wants
to."
Lord Nadam said, "I would not. He works for someone else and does
not have my interests at heart." Nadam's diplomats arrived into the throne
room, and they all started talking at once. Lord Nadam motioned for silence
and started asking them one at a time for advice. Then Alexander interrupted,
saying, "May I speak Lord Nadam?"
Lord Nadam said, "Of course, Lord Alexander."
"Send your most experienced diplomat. Tell him if this rebel wants
war then offer information for the city's safety; that will give us more time
to plan a defense if one is needed. If he does not want battle, then have the
diplomat invite the Rebel to the banquet that you were planning to celebrate
the defeat of the Saudians."
While Alexander was talking, Zografos inspected the diplomats carefully.
One of the female diplomats noticed the attention and winked at the artist.
Zografos winked back.
Lord Nadam nodded and left with the diplomats into a conference room.
A half hour later, Lord Nadam opened the chamber door and re-entered the
throne room, alone. He sat down on his throne. Issic stood at the window.
He could see the front lines of the army on the horizon. It was a larger army
than he had ever seen. Red battle-flags and pennants seemed to be flying everywhere
over that line. He saw motion at the distant front gates of Alisander and saw
the diplomats riding horses toward the army. The riders disappeared over the
horizon, swallowed up by the army.
Alexander cautiously approached Lord Nadam. "Lord, would there happen
to be an elder altar in the city?"
"Aye, there would be. Shall I send for a guide?"
"Only if the Rebel does not want peace."
The sounds of thousands of panicked and terrified screams from the city
below rang out again. Issic flew up out of the window to gain a better vantage.
When he flew out he saw why everyone was screaming. The sun had changed color.
It was now blood red. Dark red light streamed out over the city, and the clouds
took on the aspect of blood clots. The jet streams were illuminated, looking
like rivers of blood streaking over the city. The people of Alisander cried
out in terror and fear.
Alexander said, "Issic, I need you to come with me. We are going
to have to do what we did at Deenent again." He looked around and noticed
Issic was gone. Then he saw the red sky. Lord Nadam stood up. "Olanigan
is here," he said simply. Issic's golden form was silhouetted against
this red background and the half-dragon cried out, "Parlor tricks!"
Alexander swallowed and said, "Yes, Lord Nadam. It looks like I will
need that guide." The Ingaran went to the window and cried out to Issic
to return.
Thunder rumbled, and it shook the ground. But it was not thunder. It
was that entire army making one single footstep movement closer to the city,
moving in unison. The people started crying out for Nadam and the Gauntlet to
save them.
Issic saw that the diplomats had disappeared inside of a large red tent
that was erected quickly. Someone on the streets pointed out Issic, and the
people started to calm down. They took Issic as a sign that Alexander was in
control of the city, that Athena would protect them. Issic, not realizing this,
flew back to the palace. He closed in his wings tight and dove through the
open window of the throne room, spreading them out to catch the air and land
softly on the polished marble floor.
When he vanished into the palace, the people wailed again, crying out
that Olanigan had chased Athena's champion from the air.
"Lord Nadam," said Alexander, "send a message to the whole
city. Everyone not fighting is to go outside the temple of Athena and pray for
victory."
Lord Nadam said, "I will try." He summoned a page and gave
the page a message to give to the criers.
"What is it that you intend to do?" asked Issic.
"I intend to summon the Hand like at Deenent," said Alexander.
Phaidon asked, "Shouldn't we at least wait to see if the diplomats
come back?"
"We are but the sky does not turn red in front of an army if no battle
is going to take place."
"Parlor tricks, I tell you," growled Issic. He was putting
on a brave front, but certain passages he had read in the Library of Antiquities
came unbidden to his mind, and caused him some discomfort. "Though those
warlords do have some nasty tricks," he added.
One diplomat was seen racing back to the city. Phaidon pointed this out
to the others. She was riding as hard and as fast as her horse allowed. Indeed,
it looked like she was riding it so hard that the horse would likely die when
it reached the city.
"We better go to that altar, just in case," said Alexander.
"They won't be able to break the city's defenses that quickly,"
said Issic. Lord Nadam summoned a guide for Alexander.
"What about the Guardians of Alisander?" asked Issic.
Lord Nadam said, "That takes time and sacrifices, Lord Dragon."
"So does the conquering of a city."
At the city gates, the diplomat jumped off of her horse and got on another
and rode as fast as she could through the city streets toward the palace. Her
diplomatic robes fluttered madly in the wind in her extreme haste.
While they waited for the diplomat, a young girl arrived. She was dusky
skinned, obviously foreign. She knelt before Lord Nadam. Lord Nadam pointed
her to Alexander. "Khasmaphet," he said, "Alexander needs you
to lead him to one of the elder altars. Until he says otherwise, you are to
guide him and serve him." The Khemian girl nodded. She turned around
and oriented herself, kneeling then before Alexander. For a brief second Alexander
wondered if she were blind, but then decided against it. Then the doors to
the court exploded open as the diplomat rode into the throne room on her horse,
driving the guide out of his mind.
The diplomat, not even bothering to be announced, rode up to the throne
and dismounted in front of Lord Nadam. She stumbled into a kneeling position.
Zografos took a mental picture of this moment for a future painting.
"What is the news?" asked Alexander.
The diplomat said, "The Revered One, Lord General Anathek, said he
would speak to you, Lord Nadam, and he awaits you in his tents. He guarantees
safe passage, and will not speak to your diplomats."
Lord Nadam raised his eyebrows and glanced at Alexander. "Any advice?"
"Misinformation is this guy's strong suit," warned Issic. Zografos
shook his head thinking that Nadam leaving the city was foolish.
Lord Nadam said to the diplomat, "Who travels with this Anathek?"
She said, "He travels with a pair of Warlords, and several generals."
"What else did the rebel say?" asked Alexander.
"He said he is here for the greater good of Drychtnoth, and insists
that the Gauntlet of Athena, whom he respects as a Revered One, walk with Nadam."
Issic growled, "He is the visitor. Let him come see you and request
an audience if he wishes to see you."
"I tend to agree, Lord Dragon," said Nadam.
Alexander said, "Tell him that if he pulls his army back two miles
from the city, then you will meet with him in a lone tent where his army is
now. Tell him that you may each bring one guard and one adviser but no one else.
I will come with you as either if you wish."
Issic disagreed. "Tell the red one that it would be a dishonor to
not allow you to be the host when he comes to visit."
"I am getting dual advice," said Nadam.
Alexander said, "Issic's idea is sound; tell your diplomat to tell
him such. If he still refuses, then the diplomat can offer my suggestion."
Zografos thought the advise was not quite right.
Lord Nadam decided. "I will go to him. I would like you to accompany
me, Lord Alexander, as an advisor. I would like Phaidon to come as a guard.
Lord Dragon, I would like you to fly above and give the people morale, and to
watch." Lord Nadam rose. He told the diplomat to tell Anathek to move
his army, and to expect his arrival once the army was backed off.
Phaidon said, "I would be honored. What of my partners?" He
motioned to the panthers.
Lord Nadam scowled. "Bring them. They can sense treachery faster
than a human."
Issic still disagreed. "As you wish, Though I think he would respect
the strength of home territory more."
The armies were soon backed off two miles, and the skies lightened and
brightened back to normal. The sun, however, was setting, and still seemed to
cast red shadows across the land, though those were natural shades of red.
Alexander mounted his horse. "Issic, if you see us coming back in
a rush, have this guide take you to the elder altar and we will meet you there."
He indicated Khasmaphet. Khasmaphet bowed to the dragon. Issic's reptilian
eyes narrowed. She did not make a normal reaction to him still. He wondered
if she were blind. He shrugged and launched himself, flying over the city.
The people cried out upon seeing him, satisfied that Athena was once again protecting
the city. The sun reflected the gold in his scales beautifully. India gave
Phaidon a kiss, then, as soon as they rode out of sight, hurried off.
And so, Lord Nadam, Phaidon, and Alexander rode out to meet Anathek, the
Revered One of Olanigan. As a shadow, Zografos followed, unseen by the others.
He followed along to protect the Ring and Finger of Vulthois that Alexander
carried.
India ran into her room at the palace. She quickly looked around, making
sure no servants lurked about. Seeing none, she stripped off her richly appointed
green gown, quickly peeling off each of the cumbersome layers until she was
nude. The buxom daughter of Larbius searched for her Tarot cards. Finding
them, she pulled the heavy drapes over the large windows of the room. She lit
a couple of curious candles, setting them in the middle of the floor. The black
candles burned intensely, the light writhing as if alive. She knelt down on
the floor. Her black torrent of hair poured down her nude back like a waterfall
of liquid midnight as she quickly attained the inner control for effective divination.
She mumbled a strange incantation, a formula that was ancient when it was set
down in certain powerful tomes centuries ago.
Then, in obedience to the dreadful formula she hissed, one of the moving,
wriggling shadows separated from the others and took a manlike form. India
smiled. "Tomas," she whispered. "Go to the room of Zografos,
and find out its secrets, and bring me something of his, even if it be a hair
left on his bed." The horrible shadow bowed its head, and then merged
back with the shadows.
India lit another candle and, still kneeling, took out her cards. She
laid out three of them in a pattern resembling a staircase leading upward.
She laid down the Ace of Wands first, visualizing the early stages of her plan.
Then she laid out the Chariot, visualizing the events she wanted to pass as
though they were passing in an orderly fashion. Finally, she laid out the Eight
of Wands at the top of the stair pattern, visualizing her desires accelerating
toward their ultimate goal. She said, "I call upon the power that is within
me! I call upon those wide-ranging powers which are at work in the multiverse
around me! I charge these powers that my desire be fulfilled. Forces are set
in motion! Circumstances are shaped! Actions are made to happen! Events are
brought about! Deeds are accomplished! All is resolved in my favor! The momentum
which I have built continues to build rapidly, and all that I wish is attained!
So be it!"
Of their own accord the candles went dark. She leaned back on her heels
and relit one of them. The shadow returned. It handed her a hair from Zografos.
India smiled. "Thank you, Tomas," she said, and dismissed him to
the darkness.
Lord Nadam, Alexander, and Phaidon approached the tent, followed in secret
by Zografos, who was a shadow. Outside the tent stood the rest of Lord Nadam's
diplomatic corps, and the two Warlords. The Warlords were dressed in red half-plate
and red capes and cloaks. The Warlords, commanders in their own rights, nodded
when Lord Nadam and his advisors arrived, and they offered to escort the trio
into the tent. Lord Nadam paused briefly to make sure his diplomats were unharmed.
They seemed to have been treated well, and they did not have looks of fear.
Relieved that a trap had not been set, Lord Nadam allowed the Warlords to escort
him, Alexander, and Phaidon into the tent.
Inside the tent, the pair of warlords took positions on either side of
a powerful looking man that stood on the far side of an old altar. The man
was introduced as Anathek Dar. He was 5'7", but seemed much taller, taller
than even Issic. He was the man Alexander had seen in his vision. Anathek's
face was scarred with battle wounds, and his eyes carried the glint of horrors
seen and dismissed. His hair was streaked with premature grey strands from the
weight of responsibility he carried. Alexander, for a moment, wondered if this
would be what he would look like with time. Anathek wore half plate armor emblazoned
with the red eye of Olanigan. An altar was his table, a stone altar carved with
the ancient language of Angust, the dark words telling of honors for Olanigan
Hob, the Ruler of War. The altar looked older than mankind and radiates power,
but the man seemed to radiate even more power than that eldritch stone. He had
the look of a man who did not care if he killed or if he made peace. His only
concern was Victory. They could not even tell how old he was. He had so many
wrinkles from worry and care, and so many scars, that his age was impossible
to see.
Issic flew toward the camp and circled above the tent. Several of Anathek's
generals worried at this, for they were led to believe only Nadam and two others
would be approaching the tent.
Inside the tent, Phaidon stood beside Lord Nadam, his panthers on either
side of him. He folded his arms across his chest.
Anathek Dar said, "Greetings, Lord Nadam, King of Alisander, Champion
of Vale." The Revered One, with a Drychtnothian gesture of honor, gave
a slight bow. "Greetings, Alexander Maximus, Revered One of Athena."
He gave Alexander a warrior's salute. Anathek did not know who the other was,
so he gave Phaidon an honorable nod reserved for warriors of unknown power.
Lord Nadam bowed back, and Alexander returned the salute. Zografos, a
shadow, watched the warlords intently. Anathek Dar did not interest him nearly
so much as those two impressive figures that flanked the Revered One. He had
heard many tales of the fearsome Warlords of Drychtnoth. With a shock Zografos
noticed one of the Warlords carried the secret sign of Tenebrion. He did not
expect that. He wondered if that Warlord truly worshipped Tenebrion, or if
it was a trophy from a vanquished foe.
Anathek Dar said, "I come as a 'Brother in Arms' and Olanigan's blood
comes with me. Olanigan the Bloody sent to me a vision, the details scattered
in red clouds, and I come to help, and my army with me. I ask for me and all
here that follow the Great God Olanigan the Wise entrance into your 'Gem of
the West.'"
Lord Nadam asked, "Brother in what fight?"
"The details were unclear. But I know the evil rests here, ready
for blood, with tentacles of hate and hunger. Illithids, I believe, is the term
in your language."
Lord Nadam said, "I am uncomfortable with your army, but you and
your retinue are welcome. Why are you here? Perhaps Lord Alexander can help."
Alexander said, "Yes, I have heard of your battles with Sheens."
Anathek smiled. "A grand battle it was! Olanigan the Warrior saw
to our success and strength that day! I come today, though, for knowledge. I
come to help in the trouble that brews here. I come to finally meet the champion
of great Athena, and to honor the Champion of the Vale."
Lord Nadam asked, "Alexander? Didn't you come here because of an
illithid plot?"
"Yes, I did. Athena wishes all of Inzeladun to be free of the
creatures."
Lord Nadam said to Anathek, "I have given the authority to Alexander
to rid the city of illithids, so it is with him you should speak. You may consider
his words on that subject to be authoritative."
Anathek Dar bowed again to Lord Nadam, then to Alexander.
Alexander said, "Your help in the war with the Illithids is welcome.
However I don't believe that the plot in this city is best solved with an army.
You and your guards may help us inside the city while your army guards the city
from the armies of Saud."
Anathek Dar spat when he heard the name of Saud, as did the two Warlords.
While they talked, Zografos kept an eye on the Warlord with the symbol
of Tenebrion. Then he saw the Warlord's shadow move. Zografos tapped on the
Warlord's shadow. The Warlord noticed Zografos at this time, but managed to
keep his composure. Then Zografos saw it. A baby shadow dragon, nearly five
feet long, coiled around the Warlord beneath his robes and cloaks.
Outside of the tent, Issic, hovering above, pulled out his sword and slashed
it in front of him in mock battle. Lord Nadam's diplomats, standing outside
the tent, and the generals of Anathek's armies, two miles back, watching with
spy-glasses, watched and wondered what the half-dragon was up to, making sure
he was not attacking.
In Alisander, India had dressed herself in her gypsy clothing, and made
her way out of the palace. She raced down dark allies as the sun set. A rogue
saw her running, and sought to waylay her, but her shadow-sword lashed out like
a cobra striking and he fell against a wall, blood pouring out of a slash in
his arm. She ran toward the outer rim of the city, to the dark sections that
lived against the great outer walls of Alisander. The colors of the buildings
took on a dismal aspect, cold and murky, even though this section of town seemed
more orderly than the richer portion near the palace.
She passed around several patrols of city guard, who were looking out
for anyone who might be taking advantage of the unknown situation outside the
city walls to engage in a little looting. Running through the endless downtown
streets she came upon an ascending avenue of century-worn steps, sagging porches,
and dark cupolas. There were dingy street signs that meant nothing to her,
and she noted the strange, dark faces of the drifting crowds, and the foreign
signs over curious shops in brown, centuries old buildings.
Now and then a battered temple façade or crumbling spire came into sight,
but never the blackened pile she sought. She knew there wasn't any point in
asking any of the citizens or shop-keepers of this area of town. She saw the
large, haunting Temple of Ilsensine as she crossed one unnamed square, a grim,
titan bulk whose identity was beyond dispute. She shuddered and moved on.
Then suddenly a black spire stood out against the red twilight sky on
her left, above the rows and tiers of brown roofs lining the tangled alleys.
She plunged toward it through the squalid, cobblestone paved lines.
The vacant temple was in a state of great decrepitude. Some of the high
buttresses had fallen, but the dark windows remained unbroken. The massive
doors were also intact and tightly closed. Desolation and decay hung above
the place, and she felt the touch of something sinister.
The sun finally set as she made her way along the overgrown path that
led from the rusty iron fence around the property to those dark doors.
After the terms had been settled, Anathek Dar was pleased, very impressed
with both Alexander and Lord Nadam. Anathek stood and said, "Olanigan
the Potent knows your name and deeds. Now may I learn as much." He saluted
Alexander once more, and told one of his Warlords that he was ready to travel
to the city.
The Warlord said, "I will have your Warhorse ready, Revered One."
He left and saw Issic hovering over the tent, swishing his sword about. The
light of the three moons glinted from Issic's golden scales. The Warlord lifted
an eyebrow, then went to fetch Anathek Dar's warhorses. Issic saw the Warlord,
so he dove toward him, then pulled up and away.
The Warlord walked two miles to the army encampment under the light of
the three moons, watching Issic warily.
India made her way furtively back to the palace, trembling with emotion.
She slipped unseen passed the preoccupied guards. Returning to her room, she
sat on the bed and cried.
Drying her tears after a time, she undressed, taking off her gypsy garb.
She put on a red gown that she thought would be suitable for Lord Nadam's court.
The Warlord returned with Anathek Dar's Warhorse, and a pair of mounts
for himself and the other Warlord. Anathek turned toward his warhorse without
so much as a gesture to the Warlord, and awaited Alexander and Nadam to go before
him. The horse was a red-haired Indorian Warhorse, dressed in red plate barding.
A heavy warhorse, it was of an excellent breed, probably the finest warhorse
Alexander or Phaidon had ever seen. The scalps of Anathek's enemies decorated
the ornate armor of the horse, which was intricately decorated with images of
war and of Olanigan Hob, its helmet sporting dual horns that were scraped and
scratched with obvious use. The horse was by far larger and taller than any
of Lord Nadam's horses, which were as ponies to it. And with each step, the
horse left a trail of blood.
Anathek Dar gave a quick word with his Warlord, and, with an indistinct
hand gesture, he kicked the horse to a starting hop towards the city. He said
to Alexander, "Fear not, my general's are quite skilled in the five holy
virtues of war; they will keep the city safe from…" and he spit instead
of saying Saud's name. The Warlords spat at the same time.
The six of them rode toward the city, followed by Lord Nadam's diplomatic
corps. Issic flew above them. The little shadow dragon left the Warlord and
joined Zografos in Lord Nadam's shadow. Anathek and the warlords traded a trifling
look at the scrubbed clean outer walls of the city. A light scoff under Anathek's
breath betrayed his disdain at the city's lack of defensive strategy. He quoted
from the Holy Text of Olanigan, "The Great God Olanigan the Fearsome said:
Do not keep the outer walls clean, this is to defend against the invisible
wall-crawler. Discourage all wall- climbers."
Lord Nadam ordered the gates open. As they rode through the gates, Alexander
leaned toward Lord Nadam and said, "I must stop at the temple of Athena.
I will meet the rest of you at the castle." Lord Nadam nodded and rode
on.
Phaidon kicked his horse toward Alexander's, followed closely by his panthers.
"May I accompany you, Alexander?"
"Yes, Phaidon."
When a stretch of night-cast shadow crossed Lord Nadam's path, Zografos
and the dragon left Nadam's shadow. Out of sight of men, Zografos solidified,
becoming mortal again. The dragon also took a physical shape.
"Greetings shadow-blessed, I am Domnhall. What is your name?"
"I am Sjachrenthisj," said the dragon. Its voice was surprisingly
feminine.
"How did you come by a Warlord?"
"I asked to be brought here. I wanted to see Alisander."
"Ah, anything in particular you wanted to see?" Is the dragon
male or female?
"The Ring and Finger of Vulthois. I heard it was here."
"I was wondering if you could help me. There are two other shadow
dragons in the city. Could you help me locate them?"
"I guess. What is wrong with me?"
"There is nothing wrong with you! You are absolutely magnificent!
I had just assumed that you traveled with the Warlord. I apologize."
"I travel with whom I please. I accept your apology. Humans so
often make erroneous assumptions."
"You are quite right. The Ring and Finger do happen
to be in the city and possibly the skein of Tenebrion as well."
"Interesting."
"If it is no offence may I ask how old you are?"
"Old enough to play."
"Can you take a human form?"
"I am 18 years old. Not yet."
Zografos thought that was too bad. "What do you think of mindflayers?"
"Rather dislike them, actually."
"That is good. I am my companions are hunting some that are in the
city. Would you be interested in helping me and/or us?"
"Yes."
Vast crowds surrounded the entire temple of Athena when Alexander and
Phaidon rode into the square. Alexander dismounted and mounted the steps of
the temple and said, "Athena has heard your prayers and turned the hearts
of the on-coming army. They now fight in your defense against the Saudians.
Do not forget Athena and she will not forget YOU!"
The people cheered in response to the enthusiastic speech.
Alexander continued. "Go home and sleep well tonight. The city is
protected by Athena!"
After more cheering, the crowds dispersed, all saying praises to Alexander
and to Athena.
Alexander and Phaidon went into the temple and knelt at the altar. He
cast sending to Crimeus and said, "Publicly tell the people of Ingara
to stop the violence against the Saudians; tell them I am coming back to crown
a new king for Ingara. Prepare the people for a final uprising. Everything Sukato
will say is true but misinterpreted."
From far off Ingara, Crimeus responded in Alexander's mind, "As you
will, Gauntlet. Although any violence is started by the Saudians."
Alexander thought back, "I pray that I will always know Athena's
will so that I may carry it out."
Alexander and Phaidon rode toward the palace, listening to the cheers
and praises of the population as they rode. Often they were stopped by the
crowds, who wanted nothing more than to touch the heroes of Athena. Phaidon's
panthers were nervous, but Phaidon kept them in check.
Back at the palace, Issic went in search of Sukato. When the Oriental
diplomat of Yam ibn Saud was not found, Issic growled and returned to the Library
of Antiquities. He smiled at Lavinia, and the ancient crone shuffled off to
the forbidden section kept under lock and key to give the half-dragon access
again to the ancient and worm-eaten tomes of Inzeladun's past.
As he sat down at the table, Issic reflected on his past. He had been
sent to Inzeladun for a reason, and that reason was starting to make more and
more sense to him now. He was becoming convinced that history had lied about
a great many things.
Anathek Dar and his Warlords were given a suite of room in the palace,
decorated in Drychtnothian fashion. Anathek had a servant send for the Drychtnothian
ambassadors that lived here. They had some new duties.
In his chambers, Lord Nadam hit the wall in his spacious quarters. He
roared in anger and collapsed to the floor. He was losing control. Frustration
welled up within him. He couldn't believe it. He was feeling the blood-lust
again. He could not feel the Silver Tree touching him, saving him, anymore.
He did not want to go back to the way he was, but the whole time he was in that
tent, he wanted to drink the life from Alexander and Anathek Dar, to taste the
blood of those touched by the gods. What was going on?
Everything around him was changing.
The gods, were they becoming more active? He knew Grindill was again up to
something horrible, but he could not figure out what it was. His past came
unbidden to his mind, his past with Grindill… and his past from before.
The Lord of Alisander scrambled unsteadily to his great oaken desk and
pulled out some sheets of parchment. With shaking hands, he dipped a quill
into the ink that sat on the corner of the desk and he began to write. He wrote:
Samadhi,
I am losing control. You know what I mean. I need help. If you cannot restore
control to me, or simply even control me, then I need you to end it. Forever.
Nadam
Nadam neatly folded the document and
sealed it with wax. He thought about summoning Khasmaphet. She could get the
document to Samadhi quickly, but no. He had given her to Alexander. Perhaps
Ordiss Ool. No. It had to Khasmaphet. Alexander doesn't need the elder alters
anymore. He would not need Khasmaphet. He pulled the cord on the wall next
to the desk. His door opened slowly and Ordiss Ool walked in, his eyes cold.
Lord Nadam handed Ordiss Ool the letter. "Take this to Khasmaphet and
tell her to take it to Samadhi at Itsitlawikanah."
Ordiss Ool nodded and took the sealed parchment. The servant left the
room, closing the door behind him. In the hallway, Ordiss Ool broke the seal
on the letter and opened it. A cold smile split his face. He crumpled up the
letter and ate it, a piece at a time, savoring the taste of the ink on the parchment,
savoring the curse that would soon overtake Lord Nadam. No one betrayed the
Saudians lightly, and Ordiss Ool would make sure Lord Nadam learned that.
In the dark Temple of Ilsensine, Absterator was troubled. His spies in
the Court of Lord Nadam confirmed the rumors that the Saviors of Drychtnoth
and Ingara were here, the ones known as Alexander and Issic. They had slain
an Elder Brain. And with the arrival of Anathek Dar, who had defeated an army
of Sheens not long ago, Absterator was sure of his conclusions. They were here
because they suspected an illithid presence in the city.
Absterator knew that the city would be doomed in two more days, unless
those bothersome saviors, mere thralls in rebellion, messed the plans
up. Could mere humans stop the plans set forth by Grindill?
Absterator slid into one of the weird blocks of stone that served the
illithids as chairs in the Temple of Ilsensine. The mind flayer's long, mauve
fingers slid across the table to a heavily bound tome that sat there. It drew
the massive book closer and opened the covers. His facial tentacles slid across
the revealed pages and it read the words of Grindill, the promises made to the
Elder Brain Absterator served, an Elder Brain that was amongst the oldest and
most powerful of its kind, one that had the memories not only of the earliest
times of Grindill, but also the memories from before.
The characters each received 500 exp.
Lavinia, Librarian of Antiquities, Female Human Expert 20: CR 19, medium
humanoid (5' tall); HD 20d6-40+3; hp 33; initiative: - 1 (Dex); Spd 20 ft.;
AC 9 (flatfooted 9, touch 9); Attack +12/+7/+2 (1d3-3 unarmed strike); AL LN;
SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +19; Str 4, Dex 8, Con 4, Int 26, Wis 20, Cha 16.
Skills: Appraise +31, Decipher Script +33, Gather Information +29,
Profession (Librarian) +28, Knowledge (Arcana) +33, Knowledge (Religion) +31,
Knowledge (History) +35, Knowledge (Folk Legends) +31, Search +31, Spellcraft
+33, Listen +16, Move Silently +10, Intimidate +14, Knowledge (Astrology) +19,
Knowledge (Geography) +19.
Feats: Iron Will, Toughness, Blood of the Old Ones, Philosopher
And Historian, Skill Focus (Knowledge [history]), Skill Focus (Knowledge [Arcana]),
Skill Focus (Decipher Script), Skill Focus (Gather Information).
Notes: She is one of two 20th level experts in the
city of Alisander. She is 108 years old.
Sukato, diplomat of Yam ibn Saud, Male Human Aristocrat 13: CR 12, medium
humanoid (5'4" tall); HD 13d8-13; hp 45; Initiative: +2 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.;
AC 12 (flatfooted 10, touch 13); Attack +9/+4 (1d3 unarmed strike*); AL LN;
SV Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +11; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 9, Int 18, Wis 17, Cha 16.
Skills: Appraise +20, Bluff +21, Diplomacy +24, Gather Information
+19, Intimidate +19, Read Lips +20, Sense Motive +21, Spot +19, Innuendo +19
Feats: Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Skill Focus (Bluff), Skill Focus
(Sense Motive), Cool Head, Improved Unarmed Strike, Fists of Iron (*+1d4 damage
6/day with unarmed strike)
Alderni Whatley, Lady-in-Waiting (maid) assigned to the Hero's Wing of the
Palace, Female Human Commoner 1: CR -, medium humanoid (4'11" tall);
HD 1d4+2; hp 4; Initiative: +4 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (flatfooted 10, touch
14); Attack +0 (1d3 unarmed strike); AL CG; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will -1; Str
10, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 11.
Skills: Profession (maid) +6, Spot +5, Craft (embroidery) +4
Feats: Skill Focus (Profession), Skill Focus (Spot)
Sjachrenthisj, Young Female Shadow Dragon: CR 5, small dragon; HD 10d12+10;
hp 75; Initiative: +4 (Imp. Init.); Spd 80 ft, fly 150 ft. (average); AC 24
(flatfooted 24, touch 11); Attack +12 (1d6+1 bite) and +7/+7 (1d4 claw/claw)
or Breath Weapon (20 ft. Cone, 1 negative level, DC 18); SR 15; Special Qualities:
Energy drain immunity, Shadow Blend; AL CE; SV Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +10; Str
13, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 16, Wis 16, Cha 17.
Skills: Listen +13, Spot +13, Search +13, Bluff +13, Appraise +13,
Knowledge (Arcana) +13, Concentration +11, Diplomacy +8, Escape Artist +5, Scry
+13
Feats: Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Initiative
Kadelth, Male Human Sorcerer
5/Warlord 6: CR 11, medium humanoid; HD 5d4+6d8+11; hp 50; Initiative:
+1 (Dex); Spd 20; AC 17 (flatfooted 16, Touch 11); Attack +13/+7 (1d10+5 warsword);
Special Qualities: Defiling, Strategy +2, Armor Casting; AL LN; SV Fort +4,
Ref +4, Will +10; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 18.
Skills: Alchemy +10, Concentration +9, Craft (weaponsmithing) +10,
Knowledge (Arcana) +10, Knowledge (Heraldry) +5, Spellcraft +7, Intimidation
+20, Sense Motive +8, Spot +6, Knowledge (History-battles) +8
Feats: Combat Casting, Concentration, Quick Draw, Iron Will, Leadership,
Skill Focus (Intimidation)
Equipment: +1 Breastplate of Light Fortification (25% arcane spell
failure), +3 warsword
Spells per day: 6/7/5 Knows the Following Spells: Flare, Light,
Daze, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Comprehend Languages, Magic
Missile, Cause Fear, Chill Touch, Flaming Sphere, Bull's Strength.
Sunulth, Male Human Sorcerer
3/Warlord 7: CR 10, medium humanoid; HD 3d4+7d8+20; hp 59; Initiative:
+3 (Dex); Spd 20; AC 18 (flatfooted 16, Touch 13); Attack +10/+5 (1d10+2 warsword)
or +11/+6 (1d4 temp Con + 1d4 temp Str damage Rod of Withering {permanent
damage on a crit}); Special Qualities: Defiling, Strategy +2, Armor Casting;
AL LN; SV Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +7; Str 14, Dex 16, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 14,
Cha 18.
Skills: Alchemy +9, Concentration +8, Knowledge (Arcana) +9, Knowledge
(Heraldry) +6, Spellcraft +12, Knowledge (History-battles) +9, Intimidation
+17, Sense Motive +15, Spot +15
Feats: Combat Casting, Concentration, Quick Draw, Leadership, Mounted
Combat, Combat Reflexes
Equipment: +1 Breastplate of Light Fortification (12% arcane spell
failure), Rod of Withering
Spells per day: 6/6 Knows the Following Spells: Dancing Lights,
Daze, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Charm Person, Magic Missile,
Hypnotism.
Khasmaphet, Female Human Seer
9: CR 9, medium humanoid; HD 9d4+18; hp 40; Initiative: +1 (Dex);
Spd 30; AC 11 (flatfooted 10, touch 11); Attack +5 (1d4+2 Jambiya); AL LG; SV
Fort +6, Ref +5, Will +12; Str 12, Dex 12, Con 15, Int 15, Wis 20; Cha 14.
Skills: Concentration +14, Gather Information +14, Intuit Direction
+16, Knowledge (psionics) +7, Listen +16, Psicraft +14, Remote View +14, Sense
Motive +11
Feats: Mental Adversary, Extend Power, Persistent Power, Psionic
Focus, Disarm Mind
Equipment: Jambiya, Psionic Tattoo (body adjustment), Power
Stone (Astral Construct IV), Cloak of Resistance +1, crystal capacitor
[3], crystal mask of mind armor
Psicrystal: Observant
Psionic Combat Modes: ego whip, empty mind, intellect fortress,
mind thrust, thought shield, metal barrier, psychic crush, mind blast, id insinuation.
Psionics: 61 points per day. Powers Known: Detect Psionics,
Inkling, Know Direction, Daze, Missive, Distract, Know Location, Object Reading,
Identify, Combat Precognition, Sensitivity to Psychic Impressions, Detect Thoughts,
Clairaudiance/Clairvoyance, Remote Viewing, Undead Sense, White Fire, Divination,
Anchored Navigation.
Notes: Khasmaphet is a Khemian, and is totally blind, unable to
see except through the use of psionics or magic.
Ordiss Ool… [Information suppressed by Grindill/Yam ibn Saud]
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