Aeranduil remains quiet as he listens to the others, his keen elven senses tuned to the environment now that the invisible threat has passed.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
You enter Stormreach from the north, passing what appears to be the House Deneith compound to your right. A small canal is crossed via a newly re-cobbled bridge. Barrak leads you through several huge archways that connect various plazas in the city.
In the plaza ahead of you, you see a large outdoor bazaar, full of merchants hawking various wares, while what appears to be an inn lies just past the square.
As you walk through the city, you are somewhat intrigued by the make-up of the citizens -- besides the normal races you normally seen on the mainland, you notice a fair share of goblinoids, orcs, dark elves, even a hill giant.
Those who have been to Stormreach in the past recognize the inn as the Chapterhouse, a joint venture of House Phiarlan and House Ghallanda.
Before you reach the bazaar, Barrak takes a right and approaches an old giant building, surrounded by a stone wall of newer, human construction. Several armed men stand guard at the gate. They immediately notice him and allow him, and the rest of you, to pass unimpeded.
You are lead through the gate, towards the main building in the enclave area, several smaller, human built buildings skirt the large central building. Banners depicting large Dragonne's pour forth from some of the upper windows, draping the large entry-way.
Once under the banners and into the building, you realize that you are in a great hall, built by giants. You would guess it to be roughly 150' long and 60' wide, with the ceiling being at 30' tall. Two row of giant windows line each wall, with enormous skylights illuminating the the hall. Benches, desks and seating areas dot the area -- it appears that this hall serves several functions -- mustering, planning, ops, and training, to say the least.
Currently there is constant activity in the room, with groups of humans and half-orcs coming and going.
Barrak stops briefly,"There," he points to an cordoned off area towards the back left corner of the hall,"Nardon is expecting you, and has prepared the members of House Tharashk that will accompany you into the jungle. They will have all of the details you need before you set out."
"My task is complete, I have found you and delivered you to your destination. Good day, I must now go make my report of the invisible creature at the landing site." He says as he walks off.
You walk over to the back corner and see a grizzled human male eyeing your approach.
"Ah, you must be the mainlanders," he says,"I am Nardon, welcome to Xen'drik -- I will brief you on what is asked of you."
"Please have a seat," he says as he motions towards several seats around a large circular table behind the hanging tarps that cordon off this area.
"I hope you are used to jungle expeditions, and understand the dangers of exploring in the interiors of Xen'drik -- especially of the traveler's curse..."
"As you know, our house has lost several expeditions lately. All of them have been lost in the proximity of the Titan's Teeth -- which is a collection of giant ruins that stretch into the clouds."
"Our last dispatches from the teams have originated somewhere in that region."
"In the past, the giants have not bothered us, as we have not bothered them, but it appears that things have changed. What caused it, we are not aware of, or whether this is the act of a sole band of giants, or a larger alliance."
"Our scouts have noticed an increase in strange looking creatures -- not the normal denizens of Xen'drik, for we've run into all sorts of strange mutations of creatures, like lions in the desert with a camel-like hump on their back, to jungle pumas whose fur looks like patches of leaves."
"But these things look, well, otherwordly and unnatural... They have struck fear into the most hardened of scouts and warriors."
"We have outfitted an group to accompany you, and have secured mounts for all of you that are acclimated to the rigors of Xen'drik jungles."
"It is week long journey towards the Titan's Teeth, give or take a day or two, depending upon the mercy of Xen'drik."
"Once there, we are most concerned with the recovery of bodies of the expedition leaders -- their value to the house is irreplaceable, and we have contracted with Jorasco to bring them back to from the great hunt."
"Do not worry about the transportation of the bodies back, for our house team will take care of that."
"We will be sending along a homing beacon with your group, so that we will know where your group is at all times."
"Extreme caution is to be employed, as you know, giants are formidable foes, when angered."
"They are ready to depart in the morning, and we have arranged lodging for your group at the Chapterhouse, which is just outside of our Enclave."
Voadam
You read this passage in an old book while preparing for the trip to Xen'drik:
The great cataclysm that altered the face of Xen'drik forty thousand years ago had lasting effects on the continent's creaturs. Sites steeped in magic remain to this day, and creatures that live in or near those areas sometimes mutate.
"X" on the map is the House Tharashk enclave (the walled in courtyard).
If you have questions about which some of the numbered areas are, ask -- as some of the group has been in Stormreach before, and should have some knowledge of the place -- but obviously not in-depth knowledge that would come from Knowledge (Local - Stormreach).
"Our scouts have noticed an increase in strange looking creatures -- not the normal denizens of Xen'drik, for we've run into all sorts of strange mutations of creatures, like lions in the desert with a camel-like hump on their back, to jungle pumas whose fur looks like patches of leaves."
"But these things look, well, otherwordly and unnatural... They have struck fear into the most hardened of scouts and warriors."[/color]
"I would like to hear more about these encounters, particularly the specific descriptions of the creatures. While beasts on Xendrik twisted by the high concentration magic areas left by the Great Cataclysm might be described as "unnatural", supernatural fear is often a trait of dragons and extraplanar fiends in my experience. Of course twisted monstrosities such as the mind flayers or the walking dead often provoke dread of a most natural sort and many horrors may have an otherworldly appearance."
As the group moved through the city, Ipshivi ranged about more than a bit, taking curious glances at some of the more exotic sights. She did not stay directly with the group, but kept roving ahead, around, and behind the main party, always in line of sight (for her, anyway)- some of her movements were to allow a clearer understanding of the area and their route, while other moves allowed her to observe whether or not anyone seemed to be paying undue attention to her compatriots. They had already seen one spy, after all- there might be others.
Once they were inside the walled compound, she altered her pace a bit, dropping back behind the group and observing until they went into the building- once they were inside she scampered nimbly and silently up the wall to perch in the corner above Nardon and the others- close enough to hear the briefing, but with a good view of the surroundings as well.
OOC: See the Unseen, Walk Unseen, Spiderwalk and Entropic Warding all active.
Morika had been angered by the loss of the presumed spy, but listened to their erstwhile employer with interest. Unnatural nature, warped magic, giants, and heady fear... quite a combination.
And they care enough about them to bring them back from the dead. That's loyalty above and beyond brotherhood, she thinks in reluctant admiration. She'd only seen one resurrection in her life, and it had been for a very great hero cut down by a devious and honorless assassin. Twice she herself had invoked the powerful resurrection magic to bring back members of her own family, though in forms unlike their previous ones. Such magic was tricky and not always under the caster's complete control, and you had to be so very certain that you needed it to happen...
"Yer pretty clever," Morika grated to Nardon. "Got everything figured out. You got enemies from Khorvaire that might be following us? Somebody was spying on us at t' docks, invisible-like, a sneak and weasel. Sounds like we got more tha' enough t' keep us jumpin' in the jungle, let alone with spies at our back, eh?"
As is typical of the elf, Aeranduil remains quiet. He knew how to hunt giants; they did not worry him. It was all of the other factors and players in this game that he was now learning about which was causing him some concern.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
Sanne was glad of Morika's directness; she had been looking for a more tactful way to bring up that same point. Giants they had known about. Assassins lurking in the shadows were not part of the deal.
He looks over the otherworldly wizard, then begins,"Aye, you are correct about the creatures native to this land -- they can be unnatural as snow in the middle of summer to those from the mainland. After a while down here, you start to accept them -- grow used to seeing the oddities."
He shakes his head while continuing his diatribe.
"But lately, reports of unusual creatures -- by Xen'drik standards -- have become much more commonplace. Hardly an expedition returns without some mention of some monstrosity of a creature that defies all logic."
"No one knows what to think about this."
"We now have to prepare our hunters and scouts, not just against the drow, or the scorpions, the quori, or the giants, but also against things we have no experience with -- it makes my task as the quartermaster insanely difficult. And I think it will be the death of me."
At the mention of the spy at the docks, he narrows his eyes and looks towards the great hall.
"That be news to me," He says, shaking his head,"Barrak had not informed me of such things."
"I will need to have a chat with him and his responsibilities to this enclave."
"For a search and rescue mission, I cannot imagine the need for others to send spies. I will need to meditate upon this tonight."
Morika seemed pleased that Nardon hadn't attempted to prevaricate, even though she knew their guide hadn't informed him about the attack yet. It seemed the best way to provoke a true reaction, and she was glad she had done it.
"Could be that there be those that don't want your people telling what they've seen, on this side of judgement or the second time around. Think o' that. You think about what you want, I'm going to go see what the folk of the forest have to say about things," Morika says, pushing up from the table. She pauses at the doorway. "I'll be back later. After I've gotten some grub."
With that, she'll head out, intending to head towards some of the main routes out of town. She'd like to get at or near said "gates" and ask some of the birds, mice, monkeys, or whatever else might be around if they've "seen" invisible strangers (by scent or blindsense, if she can find a friendly bat). Also, if they've just noticed anything particularly strange about any parties going out or coming in in the last few moons (if they can remember back that far). She'll be using her speak with animals spells once she's found a few likely critters (using wild empathy and some food to gain their trust).
Yoggrith looks past the grizzled human but says to him quietly "What denominations of temple does this city have? I would like to commune with my god for a while if we are not leaving right away."
"I believe that I will check in with the House," She says, clearly meaning Lyrandar, "And then see what they -- and the denizens of this town have to say about our mission. Since the latter is likely to be rather enjoyable -- at least if one enjoys taverns in port towns -- does anyone wish to accompany me?" Sanne asks.
He looks over the otherworldly wizard, then begins,"Aye, you are correct about the creatures native to this land -- they can be unnatural as snow in the middle of summer to those from the mainland. After a while down here, you start to accept them -- grow used to seeing the oddities."
He shakes his head while continuing his diatribe.
"But lately, reports of unusual creatures -- by Xen'drik standards -- have become much more commonplace. Hardly an expedition returns without some mention of some monstrosity of a creature that defies all logic."
"No one knows what to think about this."
Voadam smiles warming to the subject "I have experience dealing with beings from other worlds. I would like to see reports that were made on such encounters, and talk to the men or women who have directly encountered such oddities. I would like to know if these creatures have commonalities or what the points of divergence among them are. I will need more details. Also if you have a house library with lorebooks on the magical aspects, local beasties, and giant and drow politics, I would appreciate being granted access to them. Similiarly, if there are any House sages, loremasters, or jungle guides I would appreciate an introduction and opportunity to speak with them."
"I believe that I will check in with the House," She says, clearly meaning Lyrandar, "And then see what they -- and the denizens of this town have to say about our mission. Since the latter is likely to be rather enjoyable -- at least if one enjoys taverns in port towns -- does anyone wish to accompany me?" Sanne asks.
Voadam flashes Sanne a broad smile "Thank you for the offer, I could use a good mead, but for now I believe I would like to follow up on these issues raised by our employers."
The gruff druid gets up from her seat and walks out of the great hall, mumbling something about talking to some animals.
Morika
You wander around, following one of the larger walkways in the ward, heading generally westward, a large palace (#22 on map), then pass under a giant-sized archway, entering a different ward of the city.
A few minutes later, you clear another building and notice that you see no more giant sized walls or archways anymore -- you can see trees not to far off in the distance. Crossing over a canal, you see large tents off to your left (#2 on map).
At this point, you are outside of the city proper, walking along a road, with the trees and bushes growing more dense.
You are unfamiliar with the flora and fauna of this land, but are able to attract the attention of several small furry creatures, which resemble squirrels, but green, with smooth, scaly skin.
They are delighted when you offer them some tidbits of food and begin to chatter loudly.
"Food! Food! Food!" Is most often heard from them while you ask them questions about what they have seen.
But they are able to convey to you that they see all sizes of humanoids and creatures travelling to and from the city. Rarely do any stop and give them any food.
After you realize that the squirrel-like creatures really don't have anything of interest to talk about besides trees and hoarding nuts for the coming dry season, you set out, off of the main road, hoping to run across something a little more intelligent.
After walking through the jungle for maybe a half hour, you feel some vibrations underfoot -- something large is walking your way.
Moments later, a large hill giant carrying a basket ladened with various greens bursts into view from between two large trees. He nods to you and continues walking -- in the direction of Stormreach. You notice that although he is walking swiftly through the underbrush, he leaves no trail.
Meanwhile, back at the Tharashk Greathall:
"If yer looking for churchs and such, I'd head towards the Keep of the Silver Flame (#3 on map). Stormreach ain't exactly a religious city, but all of 'em are grouped together over there. No matter what, they'll have ya covered."
He then turns to Voadam.
"We're not well stocked with books and such about the local beasties -- our main mission down here is to keep the dragonshards moving back to Khorvaire. But we do have some logs and journals from previous expeditions that I can show you, along with give you a good run-down on whats out in the jungle -- and thinking.
The person to talk to about magical items and such would be Valexa -- she runs an antiquity shop (#1 on map) just west of the bazaar, but short of the palace. We do a good business by selling any odd relics we find to her -- she seems to know a bit about everything down here."
"As for the jungle guides and such -- survival in the jungles and lands of Xen'drik is best accomplished by getting to know the land -- the Traveller's Curse is not just some fairy tale made up to scare mainlanders -- it can get you lost."
Voadam
I'm trying to understand a bit more about your background -- so you came to this planet by the act of a higher power in another realm, so you were, or were not an aasimar wizard before you came to Eberron? i.e. did your race and class change?
At this point, the lithe Lyrander scion stands up and says,"I believe that I will check in with the House," clearly meaning Lyrandar, "And then see what they -- and the denizens of this town have to say about our mission. Since the latter is likely to be rather enjoyable -- at least if one enjoys taverns in port towns -- does anyone wish to accompany me?" Sanne asks.
OOC:
OK, so Morika is in the woods, Voadam is going to sit down with Nardon and go over some local info (Jaxel will stay with Voadam), Yoggrith is going to find the local temple to the Shadow, and Sanne is heading to the Lyrander Enclave.
Looks at the giant's non-existant trail for a moment, and then a candle lights in her head. Hurrying to catch up with him, she speaks in the Druidic tongue, "Hoy there! I be needing to speak with ye!"
"If yer looking for churchs and such, I'd head towards the Keep of the Silver Flame (#3 on map). Stormreach ain't exactly a religious city, but all of 'em are grouped together over there. No matter what, they'll have ya covered."
The halfork rises and nods to the man, then he nods to the rest of his companions. "I will be back here within two hours. If plans are made to leave before then, please send someone for me and I will return."
Yogrrith then turns and makes his way to the Keep Of The Silver Flame.
Looks at the giant's non-existant trail for a moment, and then a candle lights in her head. Hurrying to catch up with him, she speaks in the Druidic tongue, "Hoy there! I be needing to speak with ye!"
Morika
You hurry after the giant, trying to keep him in sight through the dense underbrush. After several tries of hailing him in a normal voice, without success, you give a loud holler,"Hoy there! I be needing to speak with ye!"
The loud footfalls cease momentarily and you hear from up ahead in a low, booming voice,"Ah, 'tis always good ta hear the tongue of nature."
"Now, where ya be, who ya be, and what ya need?"
Yoggrith
You head towards the Keep of the Silver Flame, keeping an eye out for any telltale sign of the Shadow as you enter the new ward.
Rising high into the air before you, the Keep is quite an imposing sight -- the architecture looks much newer than the other buildings you've seen so far. Large banners emblazoned with the flame hang from the numerous buttresses of the keep. You notice several units of flamic guards practicing marching in the afternoon sun.
You circle around the keep, and notice that the old humans words were correct -- various churches and shrines to the various deities have been erected in this area. It appears it is just a matter of time before you locate your own.
Minutes later, you see a small, non-descript building, in the shadow of the keep, upon the entryway you spot a bas-relief that appears to be a rough-shod staff.
You step inside, and see a simple room with several tables and chairs, all of which stand empty, sans one brown robed human, who looks over you with a questioning eye.
After seeing your staff and symbol, the man nods and with a gravelly voice says,"Greetings, brother. How may the Shadow assist you?"
"We're not well stocked with books and such about the local beasties -- our main mission down here is to keep the dragonshards moving back to Khorvaire. But we do have some logs and journals from previous expeditions that I can show you, along with give you a good run-down on whats out in the jungle -- and thinking.
The person to talk to about magical items and such would be Valexa -- she runs an antiquity shop (#1 on map) just west of the bazaar, but short of the palace. We do a good business by selling any odd relics we find to her -- she seems to know a bit about everything down here."
"As for the jungle guides and such -- survival in the jungles and lands of Xen'drik is best accomplished by getting to know the land -- the Traveller's Curse is not just some fairy tale made up to scare mainlanders -- it can get you lost."
[/color]
"Very good, thank you. The more pieces I can see the better I can get a sense of the puzzle. I would like to start with the logs and journals." The wizard will spend time reviewing the House's reports getting a sense of the encounters, and the House's business.
As the group began to split up, Ipshivi thought matters over for a few moments. Then she scampered down from her perch and made her way to Aeranduil's side. "Stay with Sanne, as best you can," she said in a sibilant whisper. "I don't think any of us ought to be wandering alone in unfamiliar ground like this. I'll stay with Yoggrith, and Morika ought to be all right for now- if we can't trust a druid to be alone in the jungle we're in worse shape than I thought..."
OOC: With that said (whether she gets agreement or not), Ipshivi will tag along with Yoggrith to the temple- followers of the Dark Six ought to stick together, after all. She will continue to be all wary and watchful...
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