Leif's "The Hall of the Rainbow Mage," IC (A) [D&D 3.5]

Leif · 26th May 2009, 05:10 AM

The party have all been sent to check on the Mage Londar Brightrain, who lives in his mansion near the town of Hampton Hill. (You understand Londar's place to be on the other side of Hampton Hill.) You are on the road that leads to Hampton Hill, and you are just beginning to see the pall of smoke that is a hallmark of towns, so you anticipate arriving in Hampton Hill anon.

A - Are there any preparations to be made before your arrival?

B - Will you visit any location(s) in Hampton Hill, and, if so, which one(s)?

C - For a synopsis of the action so far, see post 418 of the OOC thread. There, you'll see that Sister Penora who is the mentor and dear friend of our own Blade of Justice (renau1g), went to Blade with an urgent message, to wit: "My dear friend, Learah Relight, has come to me with a problem -- it seems that her uncle Londar Brightrain, known to many as the Rainbow Mage, is missing. His mansion is near the town of Hampton Hill, scarcely a week's journey from here. I am giving you this charge: Go to Hampton Hill and discover the whereabouts or the final fate of Londar Brightrain. When you have solved the mystery, relate your findings to Learah Relight. She will be found in Hampton Hill at either the Red House Inn or the White Boar Inn. I have taken the liberty of assembling a group of companions to accompany you on this journey. They are: Whin Zacharius Roe, Nilah Jiv'undus, Kumar the Artificer, Vaidun Kale, and Lazarius Ventilius. They are all mighty men of great valor, and I wish you much success!"

Whatsamatter kinem, couldn't you remember that far back? hehe

You don't know what to expect when you get there. All you know is that Londar hasn't been heard from for awhile now. You've never met Londar before and don't know what he looks like, but you know that it would be a near impossibility for anyone to pose as a mage of Londar's power for very long at all. You're not sure just how powerful Londar is, just that he is a formidable mage. You don't know much about Hampton Hill, but I'll tell you that it's: Hampton Hill (Small Town): Conventional, AL N/G, 800 gp limit, Assets 4,000 gp, Population 1153, Mixed (human 89%, halfling 5%, elf 3%, dwarf 1%, gnome 1%, half-elf 1%).

As your reward for undertaking this task, you have each been promised a single magic item of your choice, value not to exceed 21,000 gp.

kinem · 26th May 2009, 05:26 AM

ooc

renau1g · 26th May 2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leif

There, you'll see that Sister Penora who is the mentor and dear friend of our own Blade of Justice (renau1g), went to Blade with an urgent message, to wit: "My dear friend, Learah Relight, has come to me with a problem -- it seems that her uncle Londar Brightrain, known to many as the Rainbow Mage, is missing. His mansion is near the town of Hampton Hill, scarcely a week's journey from here. I am giving you this charge: Go to Hampton Hill and discover the whereabouts or the final fate of Londar Brightrain. When you have solved the mystery, relate your findings to Learah Relight. She will be found in Hampton Hill at either the Red House Inn or the White Boar Inn. I have taken the liberty of assembling a group of companions to accompany you on this journey. They are: Whin Zacharius Roe, Nilah Jiv'undus, Kumar the Artificer, Vaidun Kale, and Lazarius Ventilius. They are all mighty men of great valor, and I wish you much success!"

"It will be my honour Sister Penora, may the Lady of Strategy grant me the foresight to overcome any resistance in my way. I am aware of two of the men you've assembled and know them to be strong allies. My thanks." Blade of Justice replies to his mentor, leaving with a short bow and a smile, hidden beneath his dark red mask.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leif

The party have all been sent to check on the Mage Londar Brightrain, who lives in his mansion near the town of Hampton Hill. (You understand Londar's place to be on the other side of Hampton Hill.) You are on the road that leads to Hampton Hill, and you are just beginning to see the pall of smoke that is a hallmark of towns, so you anticipate arriving in Hampton Hill anon.

A - Are there any preparations to be made before your arrival?

B - Will you visit any location(s) in Hampton Hill, and, if so, which one(s)?

As the party begins to form at their prescribed meeting place not far from town, the human who goes by Blade of Justice, or more simply Blade if the situation warrants a more expediency.

He looks over the assembled adventurers with a cautious eye, stopping his gaze momentarily on each of them. Apparently satisfied with the gathered allies, "Well met, as you're aware, we're here to investigate the disappearance of a mage, Londar Brightrain, also known as the Rainbow Mage. He is a wizard of some reputation so there are a few reasons that I can initially think of as to what has happened to him. One, A force more powerful than him overwhelmed the wizard, taking him prisoner or killing him, for reasons so far unknown. Two, the wizard fell victim to some experiments of his own doing, perhaps bringing something here, although that's unlikely as we aren't hearing any screams, or transporting ihmself elsewhere. My specialty is rooting out hidden evil, so we must take caution if the Red Knight chose to send me here. I suggest we head into town to see what the locals have heard from the mansion, or if they have any additional information on what he might have been working on." the dark-dressed man says.

He is barely five and a half feet tall, the brief portions of his skin you can see under his mask and other protective gear, glows with a soft silver sheen and his eyes are a cool aquamarine colour. Blade of Justice is of slender build, carrying a large wooden shield on his back, made of a unique deep red wood and adorned with a slightly brighter red image of a knight from a chess board. Oddly, he wears sandals despite the apparent lack of protection offered by them although you notice he leaves no footprints, or other signs of his movement behind. A heavily adorned scabbard hangs at his side, the pommel of a sword is visible, a blood-red ruby glistens softly on the pommel of the weapon.

Rhun · 26th May 2009, 05:37 PM

A tall, slender man, his dark skin advertising his Tashaltan heritage, nods at Blade's words. "Yes, we wizards are prone to make enemies, it seems. Those who crave our power." He flashes a wide smile, showing perfect white teeth, and adjusts his expenisve, well tailored vest. "For those who do not know me, I am Vaidun Kale of Waterdeep. Perhaps you've heard of my store? Kale's Fine Wines and Spiritis, at the intersection of the High Road and Trader's Way? No?" The man frowns a bit and continues. "Well, next time any of you are in the city, you should stop in."

"Well, to the business at hand. While we could spend some time in the nearby town to find out if anyone has seen or heard from Brightrain, I recommend we start at the source: His home. If we are unable to find anything there, we can return to town and ask around a bit. Unless one of you has a different way you would like to proceed in this investigation?"

Vaidun Kale

kinem · 26th May 2009, 06:29 PM

The red-haired gnome wears breastplate armor and carries a rapier.

"Well met all. I'm Sam Varso. A bit of a mage myself, my specialties are illusions and charms. I've a good eye for detail, too.

I agree, we might as well start at his home, but we will probably have to ask directions there anyway so it wouldn't hurt to ask a few other questions too."

I don't know if I should trust these guys ... but who could pass up such a lucrative offer?

Sam, not wanting to slow the tallfolk down, conjures himself a shadow phantom steed - his preferred form of transportation, although as a mere shadow creature far more fragile than he would like. The large, horselike 'creature' has a black head and body, gray mane and tail, and smoke-colored, insubstantial hooves that make no sound. It has what seems to be a saddle, bit, and bridle.

ooc

renau1g · 26th May 2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhun

A tall, slender man, his dark skin advertising his Tashaltan heritage, nods at Blade's words. "Yes, we wizards are prone to make enemies, it seems. Those who crave our power." He flashes a wide smile, showing perfect white teeth, and adjusts his expenisve, well tailored vest. "For those who do not know me, I am Vaidun Kale of Waterdeep. Perhaps you've heard of my store? Kale's Fine Wines and Spiritis, at the intersection of the High Road and Trader's Way? No?" The man frowns a bit and continues. "Well, next time any of you are in the city, you should stop in."

"Well, to the business at hand. While we could spend some time in the nearby town to find out if anyone has seen or heard from Brightrain, I recommend we start at the source: His home. If we are unable to find anything there, we can return to town and ask around a bit. Unless one of you has a different way you would like to proceed in this investigation?"

"I am afraid my travels have never taken me so far as Waterdeep. If I find myself there, I will be sure to sample your shop." Blade replies, "I am not sure the way to his home, just the general location. As Sam has said, I think we'll need to ask for directions"

Rhun

At the sight of the shadow steed, Blade turns to the gnome, nodding. "It's good to see some who are accomplished in the arcane arts amongst us. Our investigations will benefit greatly from a pair of intelligent magic-users, I'm sure your skills will show their great value."

Rhun · 26th May 2009, 08:21 PM

OOC for Renau1g

kinem · 27th May 2009, 12:51 AM

Sam grins at the big man (not so big for a human, but still plenty big) who calls himself Blade. "I'm sure we all will play our part."

I just hope we have a decent healer.

Theroc · 27th May 2009, 01:30 AM

Nilah stood off to the side of the others, a cloak covering his hair and obscuring his face, watching quietly as he spoke.

"I am Nilah Jiv'undus... and I am particularly good at foiling mages... and sabotaging their bodies... though I'm pretty good at killing just about anything susceptible to magic..." he made no apologies or worries over his choice of words. Simple and direct. "I suppose that makes me suited to hunt those who might harm a mage... no?" He grinned beneath his cowl, his violet eyes glinting from the light that managed to get beneath his mask. He looked about, almost always alert.

kinem · 27th May 2009, 02:18 AM

"Nilah, knowing that you are on our side makes me feel safer already.

Just remember, we were hired to investigate the disappearance, not to avenge it. We may need for the perpetrators - if there are any - to still be able to talk."

Jemal · 27th May 2009, 04:05 AM

Striding amongst them, his swagger confident, was the Ex-Thayan - Whin Zacharius Roe - Whin, he insisted his travelling companions call him. An imposingly muscular man with long dreadlocks and a hard set face, he wore little - certainly nothing that could be deemed armour. Across his back was slung a greatsword.

Whin shook his head "If any of the townspeople had information, the daughter should have come across it by now. We were told we could find her at one of the Inns, I say we do just that. I doubt we would be here if it were so simple as asking the neighbours where he is. Besides She will no doubt be able to point us in the direction of his home as well."

-Whin Z. Roe-

Rathan · 27th May 2009, 05:02 AM

Cresting over a small rounded hill off the the side of the road lurches a large and rigid looking figure. Its stride was slow but what it lacked in speed if sure looked like it made up for in sure size and brute force. It's eyes shined with a luminescent aqua glow as it's face seemed as stoic as the stone it was carved from. Atop one of it's massive shoulders rode a small gray-skinned elven figure, his garb ornately decorated yet neutral in color set him apart greatly from the figure he lounged upon. The figure quickly slithered down the rock-beasts arm with careful and skilled motion as his feet seemed to dance upon the ground once completely dismounted. The gray elfs raven hair fluttered softly in the mid-days breeze as he looked to the rest assembled with a slight nods to those present.

"I assume I've found the right gathering?" the gray elf uttered softly in a low yet awkwardly refined tone. " I am Lazarius and this here is my... creation.... Gomlar... he's of no threat to you all I assure you.. just... stay out of his way if I give him an order is my only advise.." the elf again spoke with a half curl of his lip this time...

Soon thereafter a rather large onyx raven swooped low and landed on the shoulder of the gray elf and cawed loudly then spoke in the common tongue.... "and I'm Orin... yes Orin..." the bird announced as Laz smirked softly...

Leif · 27th May 2009, 05:15 AM

[OOC: The gang's all here!] You are traveling generally to the South to reach Hampton Hill. For the very last bit of the approach, though, you are heading more to the southwest. The road leads right to the town square, and on the square you see The White Boar Inn. You also see a very large building some distance off the further to the southwest that can only be The Red House Inn. When you reach the town square, you are almost right in front of the Village Hall, and two guards are lounging out front, taking a break.

Theroc · 27th May 2009, 05:23 AM

Nilah moved in a quick yet seemingly unconcerned pace behind Gomlar's massive body, pulling his cowl about his face more closely, obscuring the only hints as to his racial state as he walked. Whin, having traveled with Nilah for a time, would know that Nilah was hoping to avoid any hostilities with the guards, due to suspicions caused by his race.

Drow weren't popular, one had to face it. Especially on the surface.

[OOC: Leif, how bright is it outside atm? Would Nilah be 'dazzled'?]

Leif · 27th May 2009, 05:26 AM

The weather has been touch-and-go all day today and most of yesterday as well. It has hardly actually rained much, but it has been and still is quite overcast, much to Nilah's relief.

Rhun · 27th May 2009, 03:46 PM

Vaidun spends several minutes looking at Whin, wondering if there is some illusion going on. If one discounted the difference in physique, Whin could be his brother. He wondered briefly if the man had some Tashaltan heritage, but then shook his head, deciding that the tasks at hand were of more importance at the moment.

"Ah, that appears to be The White Boar. Let us investigate, to slake both our curiousity and out thirst." The wizard offers his companions a wink and moves to enter the inn.

For Jemal

kinem · 27th May 2009, 03:46 PM

Sam dismounts in front of the White Boar Inn, noting any reaction of the guards to the strange group.

"It might seem intimidating to the locals if such a numerous - and well armed - group as we were to all go inside. Perhaps just the merchant Vaidun and myself? We will ask for Miss Relight, or if she is not there, directions to the mage's house. We will then check out the other inn if need be."

He will head on in if the others seem to agree.

Leif · 27th May 2009, 04:22 PM

Sam is, perhaps, not too disappointed -- One of the guards looks at the other, turns his face to the side, and gestures slightly and briefly with his head toward the group, as if to possibly indicate, Get a load of this bunch, wouldya? But, aside from Sam's possibly overactive imagination, the guards give no tangible sign that they have taken notice of the group. (OOC: Good Beefeaters, aren't they?

) Their gaze does linger on Nilah for a moment, but that is all.

Rathan · 27th May 2009, 04:34 PM

As Laz moves to enter the building he barks an order to his golem.... "Gomlar... stay... guard the entrance... attack only if you are attacked first...." the gray elf uttered loudly with refined voice before entering the building feeling a more relaxed sense of safety now than he had before... something smelled like a trap... he just had to coax the ruse before someone sprung it....

Leif · 27th May 2009, 04:40 PM

As Laz shows the signs of his persistent paranoia, the guards exchange a quick glance, and one of them rolls his eyes.