Rhun's Greyhawk ALPHA Campaign (tToEE) - PART III

[Boddynock]

Ragnok has a look of horror on his face. He stands, silent but clearly agitated, as Burne speaks. When the Lord Mage falls silent, though, he can't help but blurt out his distress.

"Damn! And I thought I'd seen the last of that accursed gem! Well, whoever picks up the next one had better be prepared. Those things are nasty."

[Thanee]

“Then we must find the missing parts of this key. The question remains, whether it would be better to carry this one with us, or leave it here to return with the other pieces, so we do not risk to have it fall into the temple's hands once again. Without it, they cannot assemble the key either.”

[Legildur]

Jurt strokes his goattee as he ponders the poem and thir dilemma. "It would be a trivial matter for a well resourced organisation to track our movements to here," he starts. "Assume for the moment that they know we now know their plans. They could anticipate that we have placed the fire gem somewhere safe - and the most obvious safe place would be with Lord Burne here. Which puts him in danger."

"Nay, I say we take it with us."

[Leif]

"I think it is without question that we should bring each of the components of the key to Lord Burne for safekeeping, as we discover them. We cannot risk having them together in our possession, for what if we meet our doom as we are exploring? Then all of the pieces that we have found would fall back into evil hands, and they would no longer be scattered, but gathered together and waiting to be used to further the evil aims of the temple."

[Rhun]

Burne shakes his head as he listens to Trevor's thoughts. "Nay, my friend. I think that would be a poor idea. While my tower is defensible, it is open to infiltration. Perhaps the Temple even has servants among my guards. It would be difficult to keep it safe here."

[Leif]

"Then, Kurt, perhaps your temple would be willing to hold the items for us, pending the completion of our task? And, Lord Burne, how would the Temple's agents ever even discover the role that you were playing in our plan? I certainly would not tell them!"

[Rhun]

OOC: There is not a Temple to Hieroneous in town. I think Leif must be referring to the Church of St. Cuthbert?

[Leif]

OOC: Trevor jus' don't know nuthin' 'bout no temples! He does figure that the cleric HAS a a patron deity, but he doesn't even remember who that is.

[Rhun]

Lord Burne looks at Trevor, a bit of a glare evident in his eyes. "I do not know how widely placed the Temple's agents are. Do you? For all I know one of you serves the Temple, and reports everything back to their masters."

He turns his head back to regard the rest of the group. "Based on what has happened thus far, I am taking you all at your word, and on the actions I have seen. But I have not been charged by the Crown to bring down the forces of evil. I believe that task was given to you. I will do what I can to help, but I cannot risk direct confrontation with their forces; it would do the innocent folk of Hommlet no kindness should the Temple decide to retaliate."

[Leif]

Suitably chagrined, and firmly put in his place, Trevor blushes, lowers his head and studies his bootlaces.

[Rhun]

OOC: No worries, Leifyboy...Trevor wasn't actually charged with any tasks by the Crown either; but the rest of the group was. Hee hee.

[Leif]

OOC: But Trevor wants so badly to be accepted by the group that is the only family/friends that he has, that he gladly holds himself to the standards and tasks required of them, whether the king knows it or not.

[stonegod]

I can think of no more secure place than upon our persons, for only death shall take it.

[Rhun]

Lord Burne nods and strokes his beard. "Indeed, the knight is correct. You have proven your skill and valor, and among you have the abilities to ensure this stone's safety, as well as find the others. I urge caution though. We all saw what that single stone did to Ragnok. Once the Key is assembled, I can only imagine that the urge to use it will be much greater."

[Leif]

"I wish that I had your degree of self-confidence, Coraine," says Trevor.

[Boddynock]

Ragnok clears his throat before speaking.

"Ah, Lord Burne ... how do we protect ourselves from the effects of the gems while we're carrying them? Speaking from experience, it's not much fun to be in thrall to them!"

[Rhun]

"A difficult question to answer, Master Ragnok," says Burne, still stroking his beard. "I would suggest that you don't touch the gems, or this 'golden orb' unless you absolutely have to. And I would suggest in those circumstances that only those of you that are strongest of will attempt that undertaking." The wizards nods his head in Kurt's direction. "Brother Kurt, for example, has already shown great resilience to the stone's influence."

[Legildur]

"I could carry it," Kurt offers, his mind set now that Lord Burne has raised the risk to the local people of Hommlet should the gem remain in the village. "The box Lord Burne has kindly given us will protect me."

ooc: can the box hold more than one "gem"? Or do we need extra boxes?

[Rhun]

Lord Burne nods at Kurt. "Yes, the box should be a great aid in warding off the effects of the gemstones. It should hold all four gemstones."

[Leif]

"Good! I'm glad we have an answer to our dilemma. I recommend that these accursed gems be kept as far away from me as possible. Wisom has never exactly been my strong suit." Trevor looks genuinely.... well, not frightened, exactly, but concerned, at least.