Our Intrepid Band of Heroes
Jaik - Darren, CG Tiefling Male Rogue 11
Hesseroph - Sebastion Andovar, CG Male Human Paladin of Hoar 12 (BoHM variant), and Aerofax, CG Winged Half-Celestial Dire Mare (paladin's mount)
KaintheSeeker - Lyssia Darkwing, CG Sanctified Frey’ri Ranger 4/Fighter 4
Jarval - Nessa Caoilfhionn (pronounced NES-a KEE-lin), NG Female Aasimar Arcane Disciple 11
djrdjmsqrd - Sir Staeven Myleron, The Phoenix Knight, NG Human Fighter 5/Annointed Knight 7
Lichtenhart - Saint Norin, "Dawnkeeper", LG Male Human Saint / Monk 10
doghead - Sylinda Heartmantle , CG Human Female Ascetic Druid 5/Swanmay 7, with Aeric, (Exalted Companion: Male Celestial Awakened Hawk) and Bellona (Cohort: Female Unicorn)
Inactive Players
GoodKingJayIII - formerly Sir Staeven Myleron
Velenne - formerly Saint Norin
Salthorae - formerly Sylinda Heartmantle
Halivar - formerly Sebastion Andovar
Out Of Character Thread
Rouge's Gallery Thread
Ok, ladies and gentlemen, we'll be starting now. All OOC information that you need to tell me put at the end of your post in bracket like this:
[OOC: Diplomacy +10 to try to calm him down]
Of course the role-playing version of that would be further up the post, but if you need any rolls made, just make me aware of them.
Also, please put your race, class, character name, and whatnot in the title of your posts so everyone doesn't have to keep running to the Rogue's Gallery to figure our who everyone is.
Thoughts go in italics, speaking in "quotes," and actions go in *asterisks.* If you wish to use different colors for thoughts and speech, you may, but it must be light enough for me to read.
Occasionally I'll be making use of the spoiler tags. If you see a blank spot in a paragraph or something, like this
, please don't highlight it until you read the end of the post and get my recommendations as to who is supposed to read it.
I'm using the Faerunian calendar, except with 7-day weeks.
And now, on to the story:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over four weeks ago each of you received a letter from Orshallan, the High Righteousness of the Invincible, the high priest of Heironeous. Each knows him to a greater or lesser extent. For some he is only an acquaintance, others a colleague of long standing. But regardless he is a powerful and influential figure, both in religion and in politics. The letter was sealed with his personal stamp and arrived by bonded messenger.
Orshallan is not yet in Andeluvay, though it is beginning of the fourth week of Highsun. His second, Galdaron Exile, says that he's been communicating with Orshallan on a regular basis and he expects him back by the end of the week. For those that live in Andeluvay or have arrived before now, he has been taking down your names.
All of you would know the following bits of history and rumors:
Years ago the Yillinda, wife and Queen of King Xargo, was struck down by a magical poison, yet did not die. She remains in a kind of eternal sleep, and Xargo remains faithful to her. Because of this, there is no royal heir. This much is public knowledge. Rumors fly as to who did it and why the most potent magic or prayers cannot restore the Queen to true life. Since her poisoning, King Xargo has withdrawn from nearly all public appearances, only appearing at the most necessary and sacred public functions. When she was "alive," Queen Yillinda was a champion of the poor, while King Xargo handled the nobles. The strangest rumors circulate about the fact that Kind Xargo has had visions from his comatose wife, requesting that he form an order of knights dedicated to her, to carry out her wishes.Along with these rumors of these new "Yillindan Knights," have been a rash of vigilante-style justice on the streets. The City Watch officially suspects the church of Hoar (an outlawed faith).
Amongst the religious side of things are clashes amongst the clergy, as the laws concerning necromancy are up for debate again. All of the good faiths are against the laws, but are opposed by the churches of Siamorphe, Wee Jas, Talona, and Boccob. Boccob and Wee Jas' churches are backed by both the Mage's Guild and the Gravecrawler's Guild (who are responsible for animating bodies of executed law-breakers for public service), both powerful guilds with backing by many noble families as well as powerful wizards. Talona's church is usually responsible for supplying the poisons used in execution (it's more difficult to reanimate a beheaded or hung body), and would hate to their markets dwindle. And Siamorphe's church claims that the necromantic laws help keep order by warding off some law-breakers. They are, of course, backed by a large portion of the noble houses. Both sets of churches are at odds, while the neutral faiths simply fight to keep from falling asleep in council.
On general religious information, the following faiths are outlawed: Nerull, Vecna, Hextor, Grummsh, Loviatar, Olidammara, Hoar (due to vigilantism), and Ghaunadaur (due to its worshippers being rampant destructive forces most of the time). Talona's church is legal because their ability to diagnose and cure diseases and poisons better than Pelor's church. Beshaba's faith is allowed because no one ever mentions her sister, Tymora, without her.
~~~
Andeluvay is the largest city in Low'verok, a nexus of over a two dozen portals, and a center for all religions. Even those faiths that are outlawed have a strong presence here, to the dismay of the City Watch. The capital is a city of extremes, holding the King's palace and houses of the high noble lords, the central temples, and the Nexus Hall (where the portals are) as well as shockingly decadent districts of unsavory vices (Firelight Walk) and industrial areas of grinding poverty (Dragon's Breath Hollow, or simply The Hollow).
A place of a great deal of trade, much of it interplanar, the city has a great deal of inns, taverns, trading halls, and markets. There's a place for every kind of purse, so sleeping on the streets is not tolerated aside from the most destitute of beggars. However, if one is lacking coin, there are several charity houses that one can go to for a pallet of straw, a bowl of soup, a bit of healing, and some spiritual guidance. The charity houses are mostly run by the church of Pelor, though Alnaria's faith has three that only care for beggar children, in addition to their usual orphanages. Several of the other good faiths have charity houses too, though several are joint endeavors.
Andeluvay is also very unique in the fact that is actually straddles the Tonver River. The King's Palace is literally built right over it, held up with great pillars that rise over a hundred feet into the air, held up with both mortar and magic. The massive pillars are, in fact, hollow, and part of the palace lies underneath the river as well as above it.
There are over a dozen bridges that span the Tonver River, from an old wooden foot bridge, to various stone bridges of differing ages and styles. One bridge seems to be made of a silvery metal and appears as insubstantial as a spider web, though it is, in actuality, the strongest of all the bridges. Known as the Royal Favor, or simply the Royal, only nobles may pass over this bridge, and it is guarded at all times by members of the royal guard. All of the bridges charge some kind of toll, from a few coppers to a silver, depending on the area, traffic, and size of the bridge.
A place so rich in magic and riches of the planes also has great centers of learning. The Darcandis Wizard Academy is the most prestigious in Low'verok, and stands near the temple of Boccob. Exclusive, rich, and powerful, this academy has been producing excellent wizards for over three hundred years. To claim that one is from the Darcandis school is a mark of social superiority. Most court wizards have attended the Darcandis academy. Also in the city is Varland's School of Magic, a small academy specializing in transmutation, Libri Falyarrow, a school run elves for those interested in elven wizardry, and Ekzerikal's Worlds of Wonder, a gnome-run academy specializing in illusion magic. Also the main academy for those who learn from the Mage's Guild is here, and is the largest school of magic in Low'verok.
There are several great libraries here, run by clerics of Oghma, Boccob, Siamorphe, as well as other scholars. The Hall of Knowledge is the largest library, containing tomes covering hundreds if not thousands of subjects. For a fee of a few coppers, one can browse books for hours. For a bit more, one can have the help of skilled scholars in searching for certain types of books. It takes much more to look at the books of magic, which are in a section of the library known as The Well, guarded by warriors sworn to Boccob.
The Hall of Records is part of the temple of Siamorphe, a place where the bloodlines of all nobles are recorded, including what bastard children they've managed to locate and record. A fee of a few silver will allow one to peruse these books. The Hall of the Dead is part of the temple of Kelemvor, with records of the fallen added daily so that prayers might be said for them. Extensive graveyards and catacombs characterize the temple of the Lord of the Dead.
Every church has their high temples here, as the High Priest or Priestess of each religion has a say on the King's Council. The temple district, known as the Godswalk, contains the splendid temples, each decorated in their own very unique way. The air here smells of incense, and sounds of chanting can be heard at all hours of the day.
Sebastian, you've managed to get your usual lodgings at the The Imperial Wyvern inn and tavern for the modest price of one gold a night, plus supper. Aerofax drew a great deal of attention in the stables from newcomers, but the stablehands know both of you, and give Aerofax a stall without a door, so he can come and go as he likes. The Wyvern is a good place to pick up rumors about clergy, as the laymen and priests of Kord favor the place for its nightly wrestling matches and excellent ale.
Lyssia, the current Beauty [High Priestess] of Sune is Ollia Estar, a young, red-haired woman of exquisite beauty and boundless compassion. Nearly every day she conducts a wedding ceremony, sometimes four or five in the course of a day, some elaborate affairs, some simple exchanges of vows. Many people come from all over Low'verok to be married in Sune's high temple. One of the less elaborate affairs is getting over now, and a smiling man and woman in elaborate garb leave the temple, their laughter ringing in the streets. Ollia stands just outside the temple doors, waving good-bye to them.
Norrin, there is no real courtyard in the temple of Heironeous, or at least none that one could stay in, but Galdaron Exile will offer you a simple, cell-like room favored by the few religious ascetic of Heironeous' faith. Galdaron can also direct Saint Norrin to Honor's Shield, Heironeous' charity house in the Hollow, if he wishes to help there.
Dalabrac is also staying at the Imperial Wyvern, directed there by Torvald Kadaris, Strong Son [High Priest] of Kord soon after his arrival in Andeluvay. The half-celestial's large frame makes him a favorite at the wrestling matches, should he decide to participate.
Darren, the Dancing Phoenix seems the best place to be for you to spend the night. A music and dancing hall run by the churches of Milil and Liira, it seems to attract a young crowd. A few beds can even be had here, for a small price. Those whose purses need lightening haven't often shown up here, but a few forays outside the Godswalk will allow you to find those to "help" you "redistribute" their necessary and ill-gotten wealth. However, your presence at the Phoenix seems to stop other thieves from practicing their trade, for which the priests are subtly grateful.
Nessa, you haven't been too terribly busy today, as your last mediation (between two rival merchant factions wanting to trade to the City of Brass) went so well you've been given a bit of a break.
It is twilight on Firstday, during the fourth week of Highsun. What are you doing tonight?
Jaik - Darren, CG Tiefling Male Rogue 11
Hesseroph - Sebastion Andovar, CG Male Human Paladin of Hoar 12 (BoHM variant), and Aerofax, CG Winged Half-Celestial Dire Mare (paladin's mount)
KaintheSeeker - Lyssia Darkwing, CG Sanctified Frey’ri Ranger 4/Fighter 4
Jarval - Nessa Caoilfhionn (pronounced NES-a KEE-lin), NG Female Aasimar Arcane Disciple 11
djrdjmsqrd - Sir Staeven Myleron, The Phoenix Knight, NG Human Fighter 5/Annointed Knight 7
Lichtenhart - Saint Norin, "Dawnkeeper", LG Male Human Saint / Monk 10
doghead - Sylinda Heartmantle , CG Human Female Ascetic Druid 5/Swanmay 7, with Aeric, (Exalted Companion: Male Celestial Awakened Hawk) and Bellona (Cohort: Female Unicorn)
Inactive Players
GoodKingJayIII - formerly Sir Staeven Myleron
Velenne - formerly Saint Norin
Salthorae - formerly Sylinda Heartmantle
Halivar - formerly Sebastion Andovar
Out Of Character Thread
Rouge's Gallery Thread
Ok, ladies and gentlemen, we'll be starting now. All OOC information that you need to tell me put at the end of your post in bracket like this:
[OOC: Diplomacy +10 to try to calm him down]
Of course the role-playing version of that would be further up the post, but if you need any rolls made, just make me aware of them.
Also, please put your race, class, character name, and whatnot in the title of your posts so everyone doesn't have to keep running to the Rogue's Gallery to figure our who everyone is.
Thoughts go in italics, speaking in "quotes," and actions go in *asterisks.* If you wish to use different colors for thoughts and speech, you may, but it must be light enough for me to read.
Occasionally I'll be making use of the spoiler tags. If you see a blank spot in a paragraph or something, like this
this is an example of spoiler text
I'm using the Faerunian calendar, except with 7-day weeks.
And now, on to the story:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over four weeks ago each of you received a letter from Orshallan, the High Righteousness of the Invincible, the high priest of Heironeous. Each knows him to a greater or lesser extent. For some he is only an acquaintance, others a colleague of long standing. But regardless he is a powerful and influential figure, both in religion and in politics. The letter was sealed with his personal stamp and arrived by bonded messenger.
To my fellow Guardian of the Light,
I write to you now to ask you a most important favor, one that may be fraught with peril, yet will serve to advance the cause of light. This quest would require the utmost finesse and care, and thus I feel I can entrust it to you and others I have requested.
My own people in the church of Heironeous have an overabundance of zeal, I'm afraid, for a mission of this sort. They are skilled, brave, true, and faithful, but usually use the most direct method, which is not needed now.
My words are vague, but I dare not entrust this quest to paper and ink. I ask you to come to Andeluvay at the end of Highsun [8th month of the year] if you will hear me out.
I tell you truly, this is a matter of the utmost importance.
May the Invincible Guard You,
Orshallan
High Righteousness of the Invincible
Orshallan is not yet in Andeluvay, though it is beginning of the fourth week of Highsun. His second, Galdaron Exile, says that he's been communicating with Orshallan on a regular basis and he expects him back by the end of the week. For those that live in Andeluvay or have arrived before now, he has been taking down your names.
All of you would know the following bits of history and rumors:
Years ago the Yillinda, wife and Queen of King Xargo, was struck down by a magical poison, yet did not die. She remains in a kind of eternal sleep, and Xargo remains faithful to her. Because of this, there is no royal heir. This much is public knowledge. Rumors fly as to who did it and why the most potent magic or prayers cannot restore the Queen to true life. Since her poisoning, King Xargo has withdrawn from nearly all public appearances, only appearing at the most necessary and sacred public functions. When she was "alive," Queen Yillinda was a champion of the poor, while King Xargo handled the nobles. The strangest rumors circulate about the fact that Kind Xargo has had visions from his comatose wife, requesting that he form an order of knights dedicated to her, to carry out her wishes.Along with these rumors of these new "Yillindan Knights," have been a rash of vigilante-style justice on the streets. The City Watch officially suspects the church of Hoar (an outlawed faith).
Amongst the religious side of things are clashes amongst the clergy, as the laws concerning necromancy are up for debate again. All of the good faiths are against the laws, but are opposed by the churches of Siamorphe, Wee Jas, Talona, and Boccob. Boccob and Wee Jas' churches are backed by both the Mage's Guild and the Gravecrawler's Guild (who are responsible for animating bodies of executed law-breakers for public service), both powerful guilds with backing by many noble families as well as powerful wizards. Talona's church is usually responsible for supplying the poisons used in execution (it's more difficult to reanimate a beheaded or hung body), and would hate to their markets dwindle. And Siamorphe's church claims that the necromantic laws help keep order by warding off some law-breakers. They are, of course, backed by a large portion of the noble houses. Both sets of churches are at odds, while the neutral faiths simply fight to keep from falling asleep in council.
On general religious information, the following faiths are outlawed: Nerull, Vecna, Hextor, Grummsh, Loviatar, Olidammara, Hoar (due to vigilantism), and Ghaunadaur (due to its worshippers being rampant destructive forces most of the time). Talona's church is legal because their ability to diagnose and cure diseases and poisons better than Pelor's church. Beshaba's faith is allowed because no one ever mentions her sister, Tymora, without her.
~~~
Andeluvay is the largest city in Low'verok, a nexus of over a two dozen portals, and a center for all religions. Even those faiths that are outlawed have a strong presence here, to the dismay of the City Watch. The capital is a city of extremes, holding the King's palace and houses of the high noble lords, the central temples, and the Nexus Hall (where the portals are) as well as shockingly decadent districts of unsavory vices (Firelight Walk) and industrial areas of grinding poverty (Dragon's Breath Hollow, or simply The Hollow).
A place of a great deal of trade, much of it interplanar, the city has a great deal of inns, taverns, trading halls, and markets. There's a place for every kind of purse, so sleeping on the streets is not tolerated aside from the most destitute of beggars. However, if one is lacking coin, there are several charity houses that one can go to for a pallet of straw, a bowl of soup, a bit of healing, and some spiritual guidance. The charity houses are mostly run by the church of Pelor, though Alnaria's faith has three that only care for beggar children, in addition to their usual orphanages. Several of the other good faiths have charity houses too, though several are joint endeavors.
Andeluvay is also very unique in the fact that is actually straddles the Tonver River. The King's Palace is literally built right over it, held up with great pillars that rise over a hundred feet into the air, held up with both mortar and magic. The massive pillars are, in fact, hollow, and part of the palace lies underneath the river as well as above it.
There are over a dozen bridges that span the Tonver River, from an old wooden foot bridge, to various stone bridges of differing ages and styles. One bridge seems to be made of a silvery metal and appears as insubstantial as a spider web, though it is, in actuality, the strongest of all the bridges. Known as the Royal Favor, or simply the Royal, only nobles may pass over this bridge, and it is guarded at all times by members of the royal guard. All of the bridges charge some kind of toll, from a few coppers to a silver, depending on the area, traffic, and size of the bridge.
A place so rich in magic and riches of the planes also has great centers of learning. The Darcandis Wizard Academy is the most prestigious in Low'verok, and stands near the temple of Boccob. Exclusive, rich, and powerful, this academy has been producing excellent wizards for over three hundred years. To claim that one is from the Darcandis school is a mark of social superiority. Most court wizards have attended the Darcandis academy. Also in the city is Varland's School of Magic, a small academy specializing in transmutation, Libri Falyarrow, a school run elves for those interested in elven wizardry, and Ekzerikal's Worlds of Wonder, a gnome-run academy specializing in illusion magic. Also the main academy for those who learn from the Mage's Guild is here, and is the largest school of magic in Low'verok.
There are several great libraries here, run by clerics of Oghma, Boccob, Siamorphe, as well as other scholars. The Hall of Knowledge is the largest library, containing tomes covering hundreds if not thousands of subjects. For a fee of a few coppers, one can browse books for hours. For a bit more, one can have the help of skilled scholars in searching for certain types of books. It takes much more to look at the books of magic, which are in a section of the library known as The Well, guarded by warriors sworn to Boccob.
The Hall of Records is part of the temple of Siamorphe, a place where the bloodlines of all nobles are recorded, including what bastard children they've managed to locate and record. A fee of a few silver will allow one to peruse these books. The Hall of the Dead is part of the temple of Kelemvor, with records of the fallen added daily so that prayers might be said for them. Extensive graveyards and catacombs characterize the temple of the Lord of the Dead.
Every church has their high temples here, as the High Priest or Priestess of each religion has a say on the King's Council. The temple district, known as the Godswalk, contains the splendid temples, each decorated in their own very unique way. The air here smells of incense, and sounds of chanting can be heard at all hours of the day.
Sebastian, you've managed to get your usual lodgings at the The Imperial Wyvern inn and tavern for the modest price of one gold a night, plus supper. Aerofax drew a great deal of attention in the stables from newcomers, but the stablehands know both of you, and give Aerofax a stall without a door, so he can come and go as he likes. The Wyvern is a good place to pick up rumors about clergy, as the laymen and priests of Kord favor the place for its nightly wrestling matches and excellent ale.
Lyssia, the current Beauty [High Priestess] of Sune is Ollia Estar, a young, red-haired woman of exquisite beauty and boundless compassion. Nearly every day she conducts a wedding ceremony, sometimes four or five in the course of a day, some elaborate affairs, some simple exchanges of vows. Many people come from all over Low'verok to be married in Sune's high temple. One of the less elaborate affairs is getting over now, and a smiling man and woman in elaborate garb leave the temple, their laughter ringing in the streets. Ollia stands just outside the temple doors, waving good-bye to them.
Norrin, there is no real courtyard in the temple of Heironeous, or at least none that one could stay in, but Galdaron Exile will offer you a simple, cell-like room favored by the few religious ascetic of Heironeous' faith. Galdaron can also direct Saint Norrin to Honor's Shield, Heironeous' charity house in the Hollow, if he wishes to help there.
Dalabrac is also staying at the Imperial Wyvern, directed there by Torvald Kadaris, Strong Son [High Priest] of Kord soon after his arrival in Andeluvay. The half-celestial's large frame makes him a favorite at the wrestling matches, should he decide to participate.
Darren, the Dancing Phoenix seems the best place to be for you to spend the night. A music and dancing hall run by the churches of Milil and Liira, it seems to attract a young crowd. A few beds can even be had here, for a small price. Those whose purses need lightening haven't often shown up here, but a few forays outside the Godswalk will allow you to find those to "help" you "redistribute" their necessary and ill-gotten wealth. However, your presence at the Phoenix seems to stop other thieves from practicing their trade, for which the priests are subtly grateful.
Nessa, you haven't been too terribly busy today, as your last mediation (between two rival merchant factions wanting to trade to the City of Brass) went so well you've been given a bit of a break.
It is twilight on Firstday, during the fourth week of Highsun. What are you doing tonight?
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