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Story Hour
From the Diary of Doorag Marzipan
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<blockquote data-quote="cthulhu42" data-source="post: 6585710" data-attributes="member: 6792361"><p>Flktme 10</p><p></p><p> I awoke early this morning, my breath freezing in the air. It was a cold chore to</p><p>rise and go about my morning rituals, but the promise of some resolution to our </p><p>present legal situation was a great motivator, and I hastened to memorize my spells.</p><p>As I scanned them and committed my choices to memory I wondered if this would</p><p>be the last time I’d ever do this. I couldn’t imagine being locked away from books </p><p>and learning and magic, and the thought filled me with dread. I pushed the notion</p><p>from my mind and concentrated on spells that would be useful in case things went</p><p>wrong and I had a chance to use them. </p><p></p><p> Hap, Griff, Taigel and Mardath rose as I was halfway through my spell ritual, and</p><p>they prepared a sparse breakfast of rations. The wind was beginning to pick up, and</p><p>I kept waiting for Griff to announce the coming of another blizzard, but he never </p><p>did. </p><p></p><p> Packed up and ready to move, I gathered them all around me. As we formed a</p><p>chain, I noticed a look on Griff’s face unlike any I’d seen before. He was nervous! </p><p>Almost frightened. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were squeezed shut. He</p><p>gripped Happy’s hand so hard she winced a little. I knew that he had never been</p><p>terribly comfortable with magic, but apparently, the idea of teleporting was </p><p>particularly unsettling to him. I stifled a small chuckle and did not make him wait.</p><p>The words rolled easily from my lips, and we went from the tundra to our inn room</p><p>in less than a second. </p><p></p><p> Griff released Hap’s hand and paced back a step, checking his limbs to make sure</p><p>they were all still there.</p><p></p><p> “Alright,” I said, “I suppose there’s no time like the present. Griff, I want you to </p><p>look after my gear. For the love of everything holy and a bottle of wine, please be</p><p>careful with it!” I handed him my haversack, loaded with my books and magical</p><p>items, as well as this journal. </p><p></p><p> I turned to Happy. “Hap, I need you to take care of something even more precious</p><p>than my things. You like animals, so I know you’ll keep a good eye on him.” </p><p></p><p> “I should really be going with you!” Ambros squeaked at me as I handed him to </p><p>Hap. “This is insane! I absolutely demand that you take me with you!” My poor</p><p>familiar was beside himself, and Happy looked none too sure either.</p><p></p><p> “How do I take care of a rat?” She asked, unsure. </p><p></p><p> “He’ll take care of himself for the most part.” I assured her. “He’s as intelligent as</p><p>most humans, if not more so. Just give him a bite and some water when you eat, and</p><p>he’ll be fine. And you, Ambros,” I looked at my rat sternly, “Will be on your best </p><p>behavior for Happy!”</p><p></p><p> “Master, you simply cannot leave me here!” He stretched forward from Hap’s</p><p>hands, squeaking furiously. His emotion resounded in my head, and I shared his </p><p>heartbreak at having to separate. I wondered again if this might not be the last time</p><p>I’d ever see him. </p><p></p><p> He was still demanding to accompany me as I left the room, shutting the door</p><p>behind me. I could still hear him in my mind even as I put distance between us, and </p><p>I finally had to shush him and tune him out. </p><p></p><p> I arrived at the jail shortly, and the guard did not even wait for me to ask; he</p><p>disappeared into the building, and returned shortly with the Magistrate, who nodded </p><p>solemnly at me and led me in. He took me to the same room we had occupied</p><p>before and shut the door behind us.</p><p></p><p> “I assume you’ve been able to speak with Losom?” I asked. </p><p></p><p> “I have.” He said.</p><p></p><p> “And?”</p><p></p><p> “Well, he was understandably shaken by the ordeal, but he has rebounded with his </p><p>usual good cheer. He was also gratified to find that nothing of value was stolen</p><p>from his home. He has given his statement, and also remembers your explanation</p><p>during his incarceration, though he admits to being a little foggy. I have relayed it </p><p>for you again, in detail as I understand it. His disposition remains uncharitable</p><p>towards you and your crew, though that should hardly come as a surprise.”</p><p></p><p> I sighed and nodded. </p><p></p><p> “With regard to your proposition,” The magistrate continued, “I am prepared to</p><p>tentatively agree, though I dislike the idea of allowing others to shirk their fair share</p><p>of accountability. I retain the right to view them as unsavory characters, should </p><p>testimony reveal them as such, and they would hereby be subject to exile from</p><p>Latona, or any other penalty I see fit. However, the bulk of the blame will be laid</p><p>about your shoulders, and you will answer in full for the charges levied against you. </p><p>Is that acceptable.”</p><p></p><p> “I suppose that’s as good as it’s going to get.” I said.</p><p></p><p> “Yes. I’m afraid it is, though I would assure you that I am no fool, Mr. Marzipan. </p><p>I understand who you are, and I have some idea of the power you wield. I realize</p><p>the sacrifice you are making here, and I know full well that you do not have to do</p><p>this. I will consider this when making my judgment, and, on my honor and the </p><p>honor of my family, I will give you a fair trial.”</p><p></p><p> I nodded slowly. “Very well then. Show me my cell.”</p><p> </p><p> The magistrate rose and left the room, and I could hear him speaking with the </p><p>guards. “Let nothing happen to this halfling.” He warned them. They came to get</p><p>me, and I was led into the depths of the building to a row of simple cells. They</p><p>ushered me into a cell directly across from Taklinn and locked the door with a </p><p>devastating ‘click’. To my surprise, they had not fastened the anti-magic manacles</p><p>to my wrists, and it made me feel slightly better to know that I could still teleport</p><p>out of there should I wish to. </p><p></p><p> “Doorag!” Taklinn grinned at me from his cell. “What are you doing here?”</p><p></p><p> “Exorcising my right to be stupid!” I snapped.</p><p></p><p> He laughed, and Scylla rose from her cell floor next to Taklinn’s and waved to me </p><p>glumly. She still wore her manacles.</p><p></p><p> I explained the entire situation to Taklinn and his face grew serious. “You have</p><p>done a most honorable thing.” He said. “I admit, I did not think you had it in you.” </p><p></p><p> “Yeah, well, I’m probably not doing it for the reasons you think.” I replied dryly. </p><p></p><p> “Be that as it may, I’m still proud of you, and glad to have you here.” </p><p></p><p> “And we may not have to worry about the guard I downed!” Scylla added. “He’s </p><p>dropping the charges against us!”</p><p></p><p> “Really?” I said, skeptically, arching an eyebrow at her.</p><p> </p><p> “Yes.” Taklinn answered for her. “She’s been a busy girl in here. She managed to </p><p>bat her eyes at the jailor a few times and he fetched that guard; his name is Marken.</p><p>She’s bribed him.”</p><p></p><p> “Oh, that’s swell!” I said sarcastically. </p><p></p><p> “Bribe is such a harsh word,” She pouted, “I’m just trying to make sure Marken</p><p>and his family are cared for! He has, after all, been dropped from the employ of </p><p>Losom. I simply offered him a small stipend to get him through these trying times,</p><p>and he was wise enough to see that as long as I am locked up I have no way of</p><p>getting his gold.” </p><p></p><p> “850 pieces of it.” Taklinn chuckled. </p><p></p><p> “I’m surprised you haven’t turned her in.” I shot at Taklinn.</p><p></p><p> “That’s between her and the guard” He answered easily. “If someone asks me </p><p>about it, I won’t lie. But I see no reason to offer the information up voluntarily.”</p><p></p><p> I sighed and closed my eyes, dreaming of better times. I remembered the way we</p><p>had met, how we had become a crew, and how we had toiled against Melesandre. </p><p>But most of all I thought of Caribdis. How I missed him. I had to laugh to myself.</p><p>For all his chaotic ways, it was not until after his death that we had managed to get</p><p>ourselves into such a fix! How ironic that we were now embroiled in a situation that </p><p>simply reeked of Caribdis. It was as if our bard’s hands were still busy from beyond </p><p>the grave. </p><p></p><p> I dozed for awhile, but awoke with a start. The sound of Ambros’ worried voice </p><p>filled my head and I snapped to attention and I groaned when he relayed his</p><p>message. </p><p></p><p> “They’re going to see Losom!” </p><p></p><p> Ambros was agitated, of that there could be no doubt. His high pitched shrill</p><p>echoed in my mind as he repeated, “Master! Happy and Griff have arranged a </p><p>meeting with Losom! I couldn’t stop them, and now they’re getting ready to go to</p><p>him!”</p><p></p><p> “Well don’t let them!” I exclaimed aloud. Taklinn and Scylla looked up at me. </p><p></p><p> “Don’t let who do what?” Taklinn asked, but I ignored him, focusing my</p><p>concentration inward to assess the full extent of my high strung familiars emotion. </p><p></p><p> “How?” Ambros wailed. </p><p></p><p> “Stand in front of the door!” I thought back to him, “Don’t let them leave!”</p><p></p><p> “Umm, ok.” Ambros replied. He sounded a bit unsure, and well he should have</p><p>been, for the next message he relayed to me was that Hap had simply picked him up </p><p>and deposited him into a belt pouch before she and Griff left the room.</p><p></p><p> “Doorag, what’s going on?” Taklinn asked me again, but I held up my hand to</p><p>shush him, concentrating on Ambros. </p><p></p><p> “Just stay low and keep your ears open.” I sighed to him. “Keep me updated.”</p><p></p><p> Twenty minutes later Ambros let me know that Griff and Happy had entered a</p><p>tavern called the Tricky Trap. They were led into a back room by a dour faced gent </p><p>of dubious disposition who closed the door behind them. Inside, seated on a rather</p><p>regal chair, was Losom the Large, looking none the worse for wear from his recent</p><p>capture and release. </p><p></p><p> Ambros relayed the conversation to me as it unfolded. Happy began with yet</p><p>another heartfelt apology and an oblique invitation to Losom as to the possibilities</p><p>with which they might somehow make amends. They spoke for several minutes, </p><p>and Losom seemed more and more intrigued with the idea that he might have, at his</p><p>disposal, a very powerful group of individuals. At last he laid an offer on the table</p><p>which Hap and Griff both readily accepted. This acceptance put Ambros in a </p><p>positively fevered state, and I groaned again when he explained it to me. </p><p></p><p> “Doorag!” Taklinn demanded, “What is it?”</p><p></p><p> “What do you know about hydras?” I finally asked him. </p><p></p><p> “Hydras? Why?”</p><p></p><p> I did not bother explaining it to him just then, preferring to let our dwarf stew for</p><p>a bit. He would know only too soon, I guessed. I mulled over the arrangement to</p><p>myself for a few moments, and realized that it might not turn out so bad after all. </p><p></p><p> Losom had explained to them that he was getting set to open a tavern in Latona</p><p>that he wished to decorate with a hydra theme. It would be called, appropriately </p><p>enough, The Hydra, and the crowning touch would be an array of stuffed hydra</p><p>heads mounted around the inside of the tap room. It just so happened that he knew</p><p>of the location of a hydra lair not thirty miles from Latona. He offered to drop all </p><p>charges against us if we would agree to bring him back the hydra’s heads. Hap and</p><p>Griff had accepted on all our behalf’s, and though that was a bit presumptuous, I</p><p>considered that I would much rather battle a many headed reptile than the law. A </p><p>simple fight was preferable to a lifetime of imprisonment, and I hoped that perhaps</p><p>the daring duo had actually accomplished something worthwhile with this</p><p>harebrained scheme. </p><p></p><p> Later that evening the magistrate came to visit us. He told us that our trial was set</p><p>for the following day. I made myself as comfortable as possible on the hard wooden</p><p>bench and ran over my arguments for the hundredth time in my head. I resolved to </p><p>get a good nights rest, for I would need to be as sharp as I could be come the</p><p>morning. </p><p> </p><p></p><p> Flktme 11</p><p> </p><p> Taklinn, Scylla, and I were led into the airy room that served as the cities court at</p><p>near noon. The three of us were seated on hard chairs behind a no nonsense wooden</p><p>table well away from the handful of spectators who had come to witness our trial. </p><p>Among them I noticed Happy and Griff, doing their best to be inconspicuous.</p><p>Happy was almost getting away with it, but there was no missing the tall figure of</p><p>Griff, festooned with daggers and a new sword. He leaned back in his seat and </p><p>looked generally dangerous. I noticed the guardsmen glance at him nervously</p><p>several times, but none made a move to apprehend him. I also saw the black nose of</p><p>Ambros peeking from under Hap’s protective hand as well, and it did my heart </p><p>good to see him again.</p><p></p><p> There would be no solicitors. We had not been offered one, and it did not appear</p><p>that there would be a representative for Latona other than the magistrate, who was </p><p>already seated behind a raised desk, shuffling papers and sharpening his pen. That</p><p>suited me fine, as I knew this would be a simple matter of confession and</p><p>sentencing. </p><p></p><p> The magistrate cleared his throat and called for order with a dismissive wave of</p><p>his hand. The onlookers settled down as he got underway.</p><p></p><p> “We shall dispense with opening remarks. The accused have been most </p><p>forthcoming with their confessions, and each appears to corroborate their respective</p><p>stories. The charges that have been put forth are kidnapping and attempted murder.</p><p>We will begin by setting straight the events of Flocktime 8. I would ask that </p><p>Taklinn please relate his memory of that evening.”</p><p></p><p> Taklinn rose and solemnly nodded at the court as he began his tale. He told of our</p><p>having come to Latona as a stop over on our way to the dragon, Acessiwall. At the </p><p>mention of the wurm's name, several members of the audience gasped and</p><p>murmured amongst themselves until the magistrate called for silence. Taklinn went</p><p>on to explain about Hap and Griff and their dragon information hunt, the midnight </p><p>visit by the assassin, Hap’s subsequent visit to Losom, my return from Havilah, our</p><p>half-baked plan to extract information from Losom, and finished with his surrender</p><p>to the authorities. </p><p></p><p> “More than that, yer honor,” He said, “I can’t tell you. I wasn’t there when they</p><p>captured Losom. As a matter of fact, I never saw him that night.”</p><p></p><p> “Perhaps Mr. Marzipan can fill in the gaps for us?” The magistrate invited,</p><p>looking at me. </p><p></p><p> I picked up Taklinn’s story, telling of my disastrous ‘charm person’ spell, the</p><p>scuffle with Losom’s bodyguards, my teleporting to his room and subsequent ‘hold </p><p>monster/feeblemind/invisibility’ casting. I told of my having ordered Griff to take</p><p>Losom to our inn with him, and also of my search of Losom’s house.</p><p></p><p> “And what did you find, Mr. Marzipan?” The magistrate interrupted. </p><p></p><p> “Some gold, some books, but no evidence to link him to the assassination</p><p>attempt." I replied honestly.</p><p></p><p> He bid me continue, and I told of our night with Losom in the ‘rope trick’, then </p><p>my visit to Taklinn the following day, and finally, my return of Losom to the</p><p>authorities. The rest was pretty much all public record. </p><p></p><p> The magistrate turned to Taklinn. “You mention your cohorts in this crime, one </p><p>Happy Lavina and Griffin Dorjan. Are these people in our court today?”</p><p></p><p> Taklinn nodded slowly and pointed them out. Happy looked as if she would like</p><p>to melt into her seat, while Griff stared back at the magistrate defiantly. </p><p></p><p> “Mr. Dorjan, let it be understood that no criminal charges have been levied upon</p><p>you. The court is to understand that you were simply an accomplice to this crime,</p><p>and that all charges against you are to be dropped in exchange for the testimony of </p><p>Mr. Marzipan. The same holds true for Miss. Lavina. We would ask you to give</p><p>your testimony, however, in an effort to make certain that we have the story</p><p>straight. Now than, do you have anything to add to the testimony thus far?” </p><p></p><p> “No.” Griff answered curtly.</p><p></p><p> “And would you say that the testimony we have heard is accurate?”</p><p></p><p> “Sure, I guess so.” </p><p></p><p> “You guess so, Mr. Dorjan?”</p><p></p><p> “It sounds about right.” Griff slouched sullenly, apparently unwilling to give the</p><p>magistrate any more than was absolutely necessary. </p><p></p><p> “And you, Miss. Lavina,” The magistrate continued, “Have you anything to add?”</p><p></p><p> Happy was equally evasive, and she was obviously ill at ease in the presence of so</p><p>many guardsmen, not to mention the judicial process in motion before her. She </p><p>shifted uncomfortably as she confirmed our story.</p><p></p><p> Finally it was Scylla’s turn. She turned up the charm and soon had every male</p><p>heart in the audience in her pocket. She was almost unbearably alluring, and her </p><p>innocent pout and air of contrition changed many a mind, I’m sure. She told what</p><p>she knew, and it solidified our story.</p><p></p><p> “Very well,” The magistrate said, making several notes in his book. “The victims </p><p>of these crimes have declined to be interviewed by the court, the reason for which</p><p>we shall address presently. The defendants have declared an admission of guilt, and</p><p>under normal circumstances there would be the mere matter of sentencing to </p><p>address. Decorum states that the defendants may make a statement at this point,</p><p>either to defend themselves, or to simply speak their minds. Taklinn, you may</p><p>address the court.” </p><p></p><p> Taklinn rose from his chair, and his deep baritone filled the room. “Yer honor,</p><p>while it is true that I am associated with these folk and did accompany them to the</p><p>door of Losom’s house, I would like to assert my innocence!” </p><p></p><p> I stared at him, thunderstruck. What the hell was he talking about? </p><p></p><p> “Yer honor,” He continued, “The only intention I ever had in going to the bards</p><p>house was to ask him a few questions. As soon as I realized what was going on, I </p><p>laid down my arms and did my best to see that no further laws were broken. It was I</p><p>who called upon the city guard, and it was I who pulled the bodyguard back from</p><p>death. As I see it, I have broken no law, and therefore wish to have my name fully </p><p>cleared of all wrong doing.”</p><p></p><p> My jaw hung slack as I listened to him, but he was already back in his seat and</p><p>the magistrate was calling my name. I stood, trying to collect my thoughts.</p><p>“Lordship,” I began, “I can but agree with Taklinn. I am still prepared to accept the </p><p>full responsibility for the actions of my crew, as well as Scylla. They were</p><p>following my lead. Taklinn cannot be held accountable for laws that he did not </p><p>break, and I would second his request for exoneration.” While I was still</p><p>flabbergasted that Taklinn had done such an about face, I did agree with him.</p><p></p><p> I took my seat again and Scylla rose. </p><p></p><p> “Your honor,” She said, with a bat of her eyes, “I just want to express how deeply</p><p>sorry I am for these unfortunate events. This was a matter of impetuousness on all</p><p>of our parts, and of inexperience on mine. If I could take it back I would, and I can </p><p>only pray that you’ll find it in your heart to have mercy upon all of us.”</p><p></p><p> The magistrate, apparently one of the few men in the rooms unmoved by Scylla’s</p><p>charms, cleared his throat again and asked if anyone else had anything to add. The </p><p>room remained silent, and he went on. “I have conducted this trial according to</p><p>normal procedures largely to satisfy my own curiosity and to hear a public</p><p>admission of guilt from the defendants. However, there are unusual circumstances </p><p>surrounding this case, not the least of which is the fact that the court has been</p><p>informed that outside arrangements have been made between the victims of these</p><p>crimes and the defendants whereby all charges shall be dropped in exchanged for </p><p>services preformed by the defendants for the victims. This is an entirely legal option</p><p>open to the victims, and as such, the court has no choice but to dismiss the</p><p>outstanding case against the defendants.” </p><p></p><p> I was thunderstruck again! Apparently bribery was an accepted cog in the wheel</p><p>of justice in Latona. Happy, Griff and Scylla’s propositions had paid off, and we</p><p>were off the hook! </p><p></p><p> Or so I thought.</p><p> </p><p> “However,” The magistrate foraged ahead, “It is clear to me that the laws that</p><p>govern Latona have indeed been broken, and that the defendants, as well as their </p><p>entourage, however well intentioned, did present a threat to the safety and well</p><p>being of the citizens who live here. As such, the court is well within it’s right to</p><p>press charges independently of a plaintiff, especially given the voluntary </p><p>confessions of the accused. I have weighed the evidence carefully, and have spoken</p><p>with the defendants at length. In many ways they have been most forthcoming, and</p><p>the court understands full well that they are here of their own volition. It is my </p><p>belief that the defendants pose no further threat to Latona, yet their complete</p><p>absolution would be a slap in the face of simple justice everywhere, not to mention</p><p>that it would serve as no example or deterrent to others who would seek to </p><p>circumvent the law. With that understanding, I find the lot of you, Doorag, Taklinn,</p><p>Happy, Griffin and Scylla guilty as charged. Your sentence is exile from the city of</p><p>Latona for a period of one year from tomorrow, with the exception of any dealings </p><p>they may have that directly involve the completion of their tasks for the victims.</p><p>This court is adjourned.” </p><p></p><p> The magistrate made to gather his papers and get up. I was in utter amazement. I </p><p>was only too happy to agree not to set foot in Latona again ever, let alone for a year.</p><p>I felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders, and a broad</p><p>grin spread across my face. I saw the same on Scylla’s as the guards came to unlock </p><p>her manacles.</p><p></p><p> But Taklinn was having none of it. “Wait!” He thundered, bringing the room to a</p><p>stand still. “You find me guilty? Of what! I will not have my name tarnished for the </p><p>sake of setting an example! Tell me my crimes! I have committed none, and I</p><p>demand to be released from the stain that a verdict of guilt carries with it!”</p><p></p><p> The magistrate sat back down. “Taklinn, you did tell the court that you were </p><p>aware that Mr. Marzipan intended to charm Losom, did you not?”</p><p></p><p> “I did! But As soon as I understood that he had actually done so I…”</p><p></p><p> “A change of heart midway through a crime does not exonerate you, Taklinn. You</p><p>have been found guilty of conspiracy, plain and simple.” </p><p></p><p> Taklinn’s face clouded, and I wondered again what he was thinking. Where he</p><p>had once been so eager to wallow in his guilt, he now seemed bound and </p><p>determined to profess his absolute innocence, even if it meant denying what I</p><p>considered an extremely lenient sentence. </p><p></p><p> “This is a matter of honor! My name will already be sullied in Havilah once your </p><p>report arrives there!”</p><p></p><p> “Actually,” The magistrate said, “That report has not yet been sent. I had decided</p><p>to wait for the results of this trial. At this time I see no point in sending it.” </p><p></p><p> But Taklinn would not be placated. “I have been found guilty for the crimes of my</p><p>companions?” He raged, “What sort of nonsense is this? Would you seek out a mans</p><p>family if he commits a crime?” </p><p></p><p> The magistrate looked at Taklinn without humor. “It has been known to happen.”</p><p>He said, flatly. </p><p></p><p> Taklinn stood dumb for a full minute, and I saw the realization dawn on him that </p><p>Latona was, indeed, not Havilah. Certain rules did not apply here. Things</p><p>were done differently, and it was as simple as that. He opened his mouth to say</p><p>something but no words came. At last, he shoved his chair from the table and </p><p>stormed toward the door, shouldering past spectators and guards, demanding his</p><p>gear.</p><p></p><p> Several minutes later, when all of their belongings had been returned to Taklinn </p><p>and Scylla, we gathered on the street. As Griff handed me by haversack and Hap set</p><p>Ambros on my shoulder, I glanced at Taklinn with a wry smile. </p><p></p><p> “He did have a point with the whole conspiracy thing!” </p><p></p><p> Our dwarf was not amused.</p><p></p><p></p><p> Flktme 12 </p><p></p><p> “A hydra?” Taklinn exclaimed over his breakfast on our last legal day in the city</p><p>of Latona. Happy and Griff had just explained their deal with Losom to him, and he </p><p>scowled deeply. “This is getting ridiculous! Every time I turn around I’m beholdin’</p><p>to someone else. First I’m beholdin’ to those that gave me my arm back, and now</p><p>I’m beholdin’ to a gnome. What next?” </p><p></p><p> “Oh cheer up,” Happy smiled at Taklinn, “At least you're out of jail and we can</p><p>finally get back to the task at hand. We’ve taken on worse than a hydra.” She</p><p>looked at me, a little unsure, “Haven’t we, Doorag?” </p><p></p><p> “Well,” I replied over a sip of tea, “Hydra’s are not to be trifled with, though I</p><p>dare say I’d rather deal with one of them than another rhemorez.” Griff nodded</p><p>dourly. “This one that Losom is sending us against is more than likely a </p><p>‘Cryohydra’, which is a cold dwelling version of the beast. From what I’ve studied,</p><p>we can expect a many headed reptilian creature that is fast, tough, and can</p><p>regenerate. It will have a breath weapon, if I’m not mistaken, made all the more </p><p>dangerous by the fact that each of it’s heads will be able to use it. Fortunately, they</p><p>aren’t too bright. I’d say average animal intelligence, which gives us a distinct</p><p>advantage. Also, hydra’s have no innate spell resistance, and they’re weak against </p><p>mind affecting magic’s.”</p><p></p><p> “Sounds like a good hunt!” Mardath grinned wolfishly. </p><p></p><p> “Right.” Griff said. “We’ve got our map from Losom; it looks like the lair is only </p><p>about thirty miles from here. I say we get busy and go after the thing as soon as</p><p>possible. No point in screwing around.”</p><p></p><p> Happy groaned. “More trudging through the snow!” Brightening a little, she </p><p>looked at me, “Unless Doorag can teleport us all there!”</p><p></p><p> “Forget it!” Griff declared. “I don’t like that teleporting stuff. I’d rather walk</p><p>through a hundred miles of snow than go through that again!” </p><p></p><p> “Pish posh, Griff!” I chided him, “It’s perfectly safe! Well, it’s more or less safe.</p><p>Kind of.” </p><p></p><p> Taklinn cut in. “I may have an alternate means of travel. While I was in jail I</p><p>made aware of a few other spells that I have neglected, one of which is ‘wind walk’.</p><p>I can’t take us all, but I could get myself and three more there in only a few </p><p>minutes; and there’s no chance of it going wrong like with Doorag’s port spell.”</p><p></p><p> “How does it work?” Griff asked, suspiciously.</p><p></p><p> “Much as the name implies.” Taklinn answered through a mouthful of bacon. </p><p>“It’ll turn me and three others into gaseous form and we’ll be able to let the wind</p><p>fly us to where we want to go much faster than on foot. We’ll never leave this</p><p>plane; you’ll be able to see and hear everything around you; and we’ll be able to </p><p>follow the map.”</p><p></p><p> “And when you get there I can scry you and teleport the rest of us to your</p><p>location!” I added. </p><p></p><p> Griff still grumbled over the idea, but was quickly outvoted. The idea of tromping</p><p>across the tundra had little appeal, and the rest of us were only too eager to</p><p>circumvent such dangerous travel if at all possible. It was decided that Taklinn </p><p>would take Griff, Hap and Mardath to a location outside the lair, and I would follow</p><p>him with Taigel and Scylla. </p><p></p><p> After breakfast we shouldered our gear and made ready. From within our room </p><p>Taklinn cast his first ‘wind walk’, and I watched with interest as he and his</p><p>passengers appeared to dissipate into a cloudy substance. In a flash, they were</p><p>whisked out the window, riding a current of air produced by Taklinn. We watched </p><p>as they rose into the sky and quickly disappeared from our view. </p><p></p><p> I gave them the five minutes that Taklinn had told me they would need before</p><p>using my crystal ball to scry them. In no time I found Griff, standing securely on a </p><p>snow bank. I quickly scanned his area, held out my hands to Taigel and Scylla, and</p><p>cast.</p><p></p><p> We popped into a vast field of empty snow with our party nowhere to be seen. I </p><p>just had time to say, “Whoops!’ and feel a bolt of pain wrack through my body</p><p>before we were off again. We were deposited in yet another stretch of tundra, and I</p><p>saw the grimaces of pain on the faces of Taigel and Scylla that mirrored my own </p><p>before we spontaneously teleported again. The third time I managed to muster</p><p>control of the spell and stopped it’s effect. We were once again on a barren field of</p><p>ice and snow, and I could tell that we had all suffered internal injuries from the </p><p>teleporting mishap. </p><p></p><p> Taigel looked quite confused and sore. Scylla gave me a seething glare. What the</p><p>hell was that all about?” She asked coolly. </p><p> </p><p> “Well, it’s not an exact science.” I shrugged. “It was bound to happen sooner or</p><p>later. Now let me just try that again…”</p><p></p><p> “Wait!” Scylla cried, but I was already casting, and before she had even finished </p><p>the word we were standing safely beside Griff, Happy, Mardath and Taklinn. Scylla</p><p>glared at me some more.</p><p></p><p> “Are you three okay?” Happy asked, noticing our obvious pain. I sighed and </p><p>explained, and Taklinn was kind enough to see to our wounds while Griff pointed in</p><p>triumph.</p><p></p><p> “Ha! I knew it!” He crowed. </p><p></p><p> When we were healed at last and Griff was through with his gloat, we made our</p><p>way to the crest of a dune of snow and beheld a view of pristine white. Some two</p><p>hundred yards away we could just make out the entrance of a dark cave.</p><p></p><p> “That should be the lair.” Griff said.</p><p></p><p> “Very well, let’s get into shelter and formulate a plan.” I said, and quickly cast a</p><p>‘rope trick’ which we all climbed into. </p><p></p><p> The rest of the day was spent in hashing out a plan of attack. I reasoned that we</p><p>needed more information, perhaps a layout of the caves interior, and to that end I </p><p>cast a spell that I have had for some time but have never gotten around to using.</p><p>‘Ocular Orb’ is a weird and somewhat grotesque spell in which my right eye is</p><p>pushed forward and out of my head by a replacement that grows behind it. It takes </p><p>about an hour to accomplish the whole procedure, and I noted with some</p><p>amusement the effect it had on the rest of my party. Happy’s jaw looked as if it</p><p>would hit the floor as my eye bulged from my head and finally dropped into my </p><p>waiting palm. I blinked my new eye and held up my now detached orb, still trailing</p><p>ganglia and nerve endings. I practiced a bit with it, switching my vision from the</p><p>eyes in my head to the one in my hand several times. Interesting. </p><p></p><p> During the casting of the spell Scylla had wondered aloud if it might not be a</p><p>good plan to somehow lure the hydra from it’s lair with bait. Taking this idea and</p><p>running with it, Griff and Mardath went on a short hunting expedition. I was a little </p><p>concerned for them being out on the tundra alone, but they were gone before I could</p><p>nag them, so there was nothing to be done short of interrupting my spell and going to</p><p>find them. Fortunately they returned several hours later dragging the head of a </p><p>juvenile mastodon. Despite my reservations, I agreed that it would make fine bait.</p><p></p><p> I carried my ‘eye’ gingerly out of the rope trick and flew, invisibly, to the lair.</p><p>Once I was sure that no hydra would come charging out, I landed and gently set the </p><p>eye on the snow. At my mental prodding, it began a slow process of dragging itself</p><p>forward into the cave. I wished it a silent good luck, and returned to our shelter.</p><p></p><p> It was near dark by this time, and I cast a second rope trick that would last </p><p>throughout the night. The crew huddled around me as I focused my vision through</p><p>the ‘ocular orb’. The eye traveled painfully slow, inching along on it’s ganglia</p><p>through the cold, dark cave. I cast a ‘darkvision’ on myself to let me see, and </p><p>watched as the cave revealed itself to me.</p><p></p><p> It cut into the hill some sixty feet or so before making an abrupt left turn and</p><p>widening into an airy cavern. I urged the eye onward, cautiously, for I knew that </p><p>hydras possessed a keen sense of smell, and that should the eye be discovered by</p><p>the beast and destroyed, I would be stunned and blinded for several minutes. </p><p></p><p> Closer and closer the eye crept, until at last, at the edge of my vision, I made out a </p><p>hulking mass of reptilian flesh rising and falling with the breath of slumber. From</p><p>one end I could make out a tail; from the other, a tangle of necks and heads with</p><p>distinctly draconic appearance. The thing was frightful even in sleep, and I told the </p><p>crew so. </p><p></p><p> We debated out options for awhile and finally decided to wait for the morning.</p><p>This would allow Taklinn and I to be full of spells specifically geared to deal with </p><p>the creature. I had recently learned ‘protection from energy’ which I believed would</p><p>be invaluable against the hydra’s frost breath weapon. I also wanted to try another</p><p>new spell. It was a summoning dweomer, and I reasoned that we would be able to </p><p>use all the help we could get. </p><p></p><p> I am to bed now. The eye still watches and the hydra still slumbers. In the</p><p>morning we shall hopefully slay it and repay our debt to Losom.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="cthulhu42, post: 6585710, member: 6792361"] Flktme 10 I awoke early this morning, my breath freezing in the air. It was a cold chore to rise and go about my morning rituals, but the promise of some resolution to our present legal situation was a great motivator, and I hastened to memorize my spells. As I scanned them and committed my choices to memory I wondered if this would be the last time I’d ever do this. I couldn’t imagine being locked away from books and learning and magic, and the thought filled me with dread. I pushed the notion from my mind and concentrated on spells that would be useful in case things went wrong and I had a chance to use them. Hap, Griff, Taigel and Mardath rose as I was halfway through my spell ritual, and they prepared a sparse breakfast of rations. The wind was beginning to pick up, and I kept waiting for Griff to announce the coming of another blizzard, but he never did. Packed up and ready to move, I gathered them all around me. As we formed a chain, I noticed a look on Griff’s face unlike any I’d seen before. He was nervous! Almost frightened. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were squeezed shut. He gripped Happy’s hand so hard she winced a little. I knew that he had never been terribly comfortable with magic, but apparently, the idea of teleporting was particularly unsettling to him. I stifled a small chuckle and did not make him wait. The words rolled easily from my lips, and we went from the tundra to our inn room in less than a second. Griff released Hap’s hand and paced back a step, checking his limbs to make sure they were all still there. “Alright,” I said, “I suppose there’s no time like the present. Griff, I want you to look after my gear. For the love of everything holy and a bottle of wine, please be careful with it!” I handed him my haversack, loaded with my books and magical items, as well as this journal. I turned to Happy. “Hap, I need you to take care of something even more precious than my things. You like animals, so I know you’ll keep a good eye on him.” “I should really be going with you!” Ambros squeaked at me as I handed him to Hap. “This is insane! I absolutely demand that you take me with you!” My poor familiar was beside himself, and Happy looked none too sure either. “How do I take care of a rat?” She asked, unsure. “He’ll take care of himself for the most part.” I assured her. “He’s as intelligent as most humans, if not more so. Just give him a bite and some water when you eat, and he’ll be fine. And you, Ambros,” I looked at my rat sternly, “Will be on your best behavior for Happy!” “Master, you simply cannot leave me here!” He stretched forward from Hap’s hands, squeaking furiously. His emotion resounded in my head, and I shared his heartbreak at having to separate. I wondered again if this might not be the last time I’d ever see him. He was still demanding to accompany me as I left the room, shutting the door behind me. I could still hear him in my mind even as I put distance between us, and I finally had to shush him and tune him out. I arrived at the jail shortly, and the guard did not even wait for me to ask; he disappeared into the building, and returned shortly with the Magistrate, who nodded solemnly at me and led me in. He took me to the same room we had occupied before and shut the door behind us. “I assume you’ve been able to speak with Losom?” I asked. “I have.” He said. “And?” “Well, he was understandably shaken by the ordeal, but he has rebounded with his usual good cheer. He was also gratified to find that nothing of value was stolen from his home. He has given his statement, and also remembers your explanation during his incarceration, though he admits to being a little foggy. I have relayed it for you again, in detail as I understand it. His disposition remains uncharitable towards you and your crew, though that should hardly come as a surprise.” I sighed and nodded. “With regard to your proposition,” The magistrate continued, “I am prepared to tentatively agree, though I dislike the idea of allowing others to shirk their fair share of accountability. I retain the right to view them as unsavory characters, should testimony reveal them as such, and they would hereby be subject to exile from Latona, or any other penalty I see fit. However, the bulk of the blame will be laid about your shoulders, and you will answer in full for the charges levied against you. Is that acceptable.” “I suppose that’s as good as it’s going to get.” I said. “Yes. I’m afraid it is, though I would assure you that I am no fool, Mr. Marzipan. I understand who you are, and I have some idea of the power you wield. I realize the sacrifice you are making here, and I know full well that you do not have to do this. I will consider this when making my judgment, and, on my honor and the honor of my family, I will give you a fair trial.” I nodded slowly. “Very well then. Show me my cell.” The magistrate rose and left the room, and I could hear him speaking with the guards. “Let nothing happen to this halfling.” He warned them. They came to get me, and I was led into the depths of the building to a row of simple cells. They ushered me into a cell directly across from Taklinn and locked the door with a devastating ‘click’. To my surprise, they had not fastened the anti-magic manacles to my wrists, and it made me feel slightly better to know that I could still teleport out of there should I wish to. “Doorag!” Taklinn grinned at me from his cell. “What are you doing here?” “Exorcising my right to be stupid!” I snapped. He laughed, and Scylla rose from her cell floor next to Taklinn’s and waved to me glumly. She still wore her manacles. I explained the entire situation to Taklinn and his face grew serious. “You have done a most honorable thing.” He said. “I admit, I did not think you had it in you.” “Yeah, well, I’m probably not doing it for the reasons you think.” I replied dryly. “Be that as it may, I’m still proud of you, and glad to have you here.” “And we may not have to worry about the guard I downed!” Scylla added. “He’s dropping the charges against us!” “Really?” I said, skeptically, arching an eyebrow at her. “Yes.” Taklinn answered for her. “She’s been a busy girl in here. She managed to bat her eyes at the jailor a few times and he fetched that guard; his name is Marken. She’s bribed him.” “Oh, that’s swell!” I said sarcastically. “Bribe is such a harsh word,” She pouted, “I’m just trying to make sure Marken and his family are cared for! He has, after all, been dropped from the employ of Losom. I simply offered him a small stipend to get him through these trying times, and he was wise enough to see that as long as I am locked up I have no way of getting his gold.” “850 pieces of it.” Taklinn chuckled. “I’m surprised you haven’t turned her in.” I shot at Taklinn. “That’s between her and the guard” He answered easily. “If someone asks me about it, I won’t lie. But I see no reason to offer the information up voluntarily.” I sighed and closed my eyes, dreaming of better times. I remembered the way we had met, how we had become a crew, and how we had toiled against Melesandre. But most of all I thought of Caribdis. How I missed him. I had to laugh to myself. For all his chaotic ways, it was not until after his death that we had managed to get ourselves into such a fix! How ironic that we were now embroiled in a situation that simply reeked of Caribdis. It was as if our bard’s hands were still busy from beyond the grave. I dozed for awhile, but awoke with a start. The sound of Ambros’ worried voice filled my head and I snapped to attention and I groaned when he relayed his message. “They’re going to see Losom!” Ambros was agitated, of that there could be no doubt. His high pitched shrill echoed in my mind as he repeated, “Master! Happy and Griff have arranged a meeting with Losom! I couldn’t stop them, and now they’re getting ready to go to him!” “Well don’t let them!” I exclaimed aloud. Taklinn and Scylla looked up at me. “Don’t let who do what?” Taklinn asked, but I ignored him, focusing my concentration inward to assess the full extent of my high strung familiars emotion. “How?” Ambros wailed. “Stand in front of the door!” I thought back to him, “Don’t let them leave!” “Umm, ok.” Ambros replied. He sounded a bit unsure, and well he should have been, for the next message he relayed to me was that Hap had simply picked him up and deposited him into a belt pouch before she and Griff left the room. “Doorag, what’s going on?” Taklinn asked me again, but I held up my hand to shush him, concentrating on Ambros. “Just stay low and keep your ears open.” I sighed to him. “Keep me updated.” Twenty minutes later Ambros let me know that Griff and Happy had entered a tavern called the Tricky Trap. They were led into a back room by a dour faced gent of dubious disposition who closed the door behind them. Inside, seated on a rather regal chair, was Losom the Large, looking none the worse for wear from his recent capture and release. Ambros relayed the conversation to me as it unfolded. Happy began with yet another heartfelt apology and an oblique invitation to Losom as to the possibilities with which they might somehow make amends. They spoke for several minutes, and Losom seemed more and more intrigued with the idea that he might have, at his disposal, a very powerful group of individuals. At last he laid an offer on the table which Hap and Griff both readily accepted. This acceptance put Ambros in a positively fevered state, and I groaned again when he explained it to me. “Doorag!” Taklinn demanded, “What is it?” “What do you know about hydras?” I finally asked him. “Hydras? Why?” I did not bother explaining it to him just then, preferring to let our dwarf stew for a bit. He would know only too soon, I guessed. I mulled over the arrangement to myself for a few moments, and realized that it might not turn out so bad after all. Losom had explained to them that he was getting set to open a tavern in Latona that he wished to decorate with a hydra theme. It would be called, appropriately enough, The Hydra, and the crowning touch would be an array of stuffed hydra heads mounted around the inside of the tap room. It just so happened that he knew of the location of a hydra lair not thirty miles from Latona. He offered to drop all charges against us if we would agree to bring him back the hydra’s heads. Hap and Griff had accepted on all our behalf’s, and though that was a bit presumptuous, I considered that I would much rather battle a many headed reptile than the law. A simple fight was preferable to a lifetime of imprisonment, and I hoped that perhaps the daring duo had actually accomplished something worthwhile with this harebrained scheme. Later that evening the magistrate came to visit us. He told us that our trial was set for the following day. I made myself as comfortable as possible on the hard wooden bench and ran over my arguments for the hundredth time in my head. I resolved to get a good nights rest, for I would need to be as sharp as I could be come the morning. Flktme 11 Taklinn, Scylla, and I were led into the airy room that served as the cities court at near noon. The three of us were seated on hard chairs behind a no nonsense wooden table well away from the handful of spectators who had come to witness our trial. Among them I noticed Happy and Griff, doing their best to be inconspicuous. Happy was almost getting away with it, but there was no missing the tall figure of Griff, festooned with daggers and a new sword. He leaned back in his seat and looked generally dangerous. I noticed the guardsmen glance at him nervously several times, but none made a move to apprehend him. I also saw the black nose of Ambros peeking from under Hap’s protective hand as well, and it did my heart good to see him again. There would be no solicitors. We had not been offered one, and it did not appear that there would be a representative for Latona other than the magistrate, who was already seated behind a raised desk, shuffling papers and sharpening his pen. That suited me fine, as I knew this would be a simple matter of confession and sentencing. The magistrate cleared his throat and called for order with a dismissive wave of his hand. The onlookers settled down as he got underway. “We shall dispense with opening remarks. The accused have been most forthcoming with their confessions, and each appears to corroborate their respective stories. The charges that have been put forth are kidnapping and attempted murder. We will begin by setting straight the events of Flocktime 8. I would ask that Taklinn please relate his memory of that evening.” Taklinn rose and solemnly nodded at the court as he began his tale. He told of our having come to Latona as a stop over on our way to the dragon, Acessiwall. At the mention of the wurm's name, several members of the audience gasped and murmured amongst themselves until the magistrate called for silence. Taklinn went on to explain about Hap and Griff and their dragon information hunt, the midnight visit by the assassin, Hap’s subsequent visit to Losom, my return from Havilah, our half-baked plan to extract information from Losom, and finished with his surrender to the authorities. “More than that, yer honor,” He said, “I can’t tell you. I wasn’t there when they captured Losom. As a matter of fact, I never saw him that night.” “Perhaps Mr. Marzipan can fill in the gaps for us?” The magistrate invited, looking at me. I picked up Taklinn’s story, telling of my disastrous ‘charm person’ spell, the scuffle with Losom’s bodyguards, my teleporting to his room and subsequent ‘hold monster/feeblemind/invisibility’ casting. I told of my having ordered Griff to take Losom to our inn with him, and also of my search of Losom’s house. “And what did you find, Mr. Marzipan?” The magistrate interrupted. “Some gold, some books, but no evidence to link him to the assassination attempt." I replied honestly. He bid me continue, and I told of our night with Losom in the ‘rope trick’, then my visit to Taklinn the following day, and finally, my return of Losom to the authorities. The rest was pretty much all public record. The magistrate turned to Taklinn. “You mention your cohorts in this crime, one Happy Lavina and Griffin Dorjan. Are these people in our court today?” Taklinn nodded slowly and pointed them out. Happy looked as if she would like to melt into her seat, while Griff stared back at the magistrate defiantly. “Mr. Dorjan, let it be understood that no criminal charges have been levied upon you. The court is to understand that you were simply an accomplice to this crime, and that all charges against you are to be dropped in exchange for the testimony of Mr. Marzipan. The same holds true for Miss. Lavina. We would ask you to give your testimony, however, in an effort to make certain that we have the story straight. Now than, do you have anything to add to the testimony thus far?” “No.” Griff answered curtly. “And would you say that the testimony we have heard is accurate?” “Sure, I guess so.” “You guess so, Mr. Dorjan?” “It sounds about right.” Griff slouched sullenly, apparently unwilling to give the magistrate any more than was absolutely necessary. “And you, Miss. Lavina,” The magistrate continued, “Have you anything to add?” Happy was equally evasive, and she was obviously ill at ease in the presence of so many guardsmen, not to mention the judicial process in motion before her. She shifted uncomfortably as she confirmed our story. Finally it was Scylla’s turn. She turned up the charm and soon had every male heart in the audience in her pocket. She was almost unbearably alluring, and her innocent pout and air of contrition changed many a mind, I’m sure. She told what she knew, and it solidified our story. “Very well,” The magistrate said, making several notes in his book. “The victims of these crimes have declined to be interviewed by the court, the reason for which we shall address presently. The defendants have declared an admission of guilt, and under normal circumstances there would be the mere matter of sentencing to address. Decorum states that the defendants may make a statement at this point, either to defend themselves, or to simply speak their minds. Taklinn, you may address the court.” Taklinn rose from his chair, and his deep baritone filled the room. “Yer honor, while it is true that I am associated with these folk and did accompany them to the door of Losom’s house, I would like to assert my innocence!” I stared at him, thunderstruck. What the hell was he talking about? “Yer honor,” He continued, “The only intention I ever had in going to the bards house was to ask him a few questions. As soon as I realized what was going on, I laid down my arms and did my best to see that no further laws were broken. It was I who called upon the city guard, and it was I who pulled the bodyguard back from death. As I see it, I have broken no law, and therefore wish to have my name fully cleared of all wrong doing.” My jaw hung slack as I listened to him, but he was already back in his seat and the magistrate was calling my name. I stood, trying to collect my thoughts. “Lordship,” I began, “I can but agree with Taklinn. I am still prepared to accept the full responsibility for the actions of my crew, as well as Scylla. They were following my lead. Taklinn cannot be held accountable for laws that he did not break, and I would second his request for exoneration.” While I was still flabbergasted that Taklinn had done such an about face, I did agree with him. I took my seat again and Scylla rose. “Your honor,” She said, with a bat of her eyes, “I just want to express how deeply sorry I am for these unfortunate events. This was a matter of impetuousness on all of our parts, and of inexperience on mine. If I could take it back I would, and I can only pray that you’ll find it in your heart to have mercy upon all of us.” The magistrate, apparently one of the few men in the rooms unmoved by Scylla’s charms, cleared his throat again and asked if anyone else had anything to add. The room remained silent, and he went on. “I have conducted this trial according to normal procedures largely to satisfy my own curiosity and to hear a public admission of guilt from the defendants. However, there are unusual circumstances surrounding this case, not the least of which is the fact that the court has been informed that outside arrangements have been made between the victims of these crimes and the defendants whereby all charges shall be dropped in exchanged for services preformed by the defendants for the victims. This is an entirely legal option open to the victims, and as such, the court has no choice but to dismiss the outstanding case against the defendants.” I was thunderstruck again! Apparently bribery was an accepted cog in the wheel of justice in Latona. Happy, Griff and Scylla’s propositions had paid off, and we were off the hook! Or so I thought. “However,” The magistrate foraged ahead, “It is clear to me that the laws that govern Latona have indeed been broken, and that the defendants, as well as their entourage, however well intentioned, did present a threat to the safety and well being of the citizens who live here. As such, the court is well within it’s right to press charges independently of a plaintiff, especially given the voluntary confessions of the accused. I have weighed the evidence carefully, and have spoken with the defendants at length. In many ways they have been most forthcoming, and the court understands full well that they are here of their own volition. It is my belief that the defendants pose no further threat to Latona, yet their complete absolution would be a slap in the face of simple justice everywhere, not to mention that it would serve as no example or deterrent to others who would seek to circumvent the law. With that understanding, I find the lot of you, Doorag, Taklinn, Happy, Griffin and Scylla guilty as charged. Your sentence is exile from the city of Latona for a period of one year from tomorrow, with the exception of any dealings they may have that directly involve the completion of their tasks for the victims. This court is adjourned.” The magistrate made to gather his papers and get up. I was in utter amazement. I was only too happy to agree not to set foot in Latona again ever, let alone for a year. I felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders, and a broad grin spread across my face. I saw the same on Scylla’s as the guards came to unlock her manacles. But Taklinn was having none of it. “Wait!” He thundered, bringing the room to a stand still. “You find me guilty? Of what! I will not have my name tarnished for the sake of setting an example! Tell me my crimes! I have committed none, and I demand to be released from the stain that a verdict of guilt carries with it!” The magistrate sat back down. “Taklinn, you did tell the court that you were aware that Mr. Marzipan intended to charm Losom, did you not?” “I did! But As soon as I understood that he had actually done so I…” “A change of heart midway through a crime does not exonerate you, Taklinn. You have been found guilty of conspiracy, plain and simple.” Taklinn’s face clouded, and I wondered again what he was thinking. Where he had once been so eager to wallow in his guilt, he now seemed bound and determined to profess his absolute innocence, even if it meant denying what I considered an extremely lenient sentence. “This is a matter of honor! My name will already be sullied in Havilah once your report arrives there!” “Actually,” The magistrate said, “That report has not yet been sent. I had decided to wait for the results of this trial. At this time I see no point in sending it.” But Taklinn would not be placated. “I have been found guilty for the crimes of my companions?” He raged, “What sort of nonsense is this? Would you seek out a mans family if he commits a crime?” The magistrate looked at Taklinn without humor. “It has been known to happen.” He said, flatly. Taklinn stood dumb for a full minute, and I saw the realization dawn on him that Latona was, indeed, not Havilah. Certain rules did not apply here. Things were done differently, and it was as simple as that. He opened his mouth to say something but no words came. At last, he shoved his chair from the table and stormed toward the door, shouldering past spectators and guards, demanding his gear. Several minutes later, when all of their belongings had been returned to Taklinn and Scylla, we gathered on the street. As Griff handed me by haversack and Hap set Ambros on my shoulder, I glanced at Taklinn with a wry smile. “He did have a point with the whole conspiracy thing!” Our dwarf was not amused. Flktme 12 “A hydra?” Taklinn exclaimed over his breakfast on our last legal day in the city of Latona. Happy and Griff had just explained their deal with Losom to him, and he scowled deeply. “This is getting ridiculous! Every time I turn around I’m beholdin’ to someone else. First I’m beholdin’ to those that gave me my arm back, and now I’m beholdin’ to a gnome. What next?” “Oh cheer up,” Happy smiled at Taklinn, “At least you're out of jail and we can finally get back to the task at hand. We’ve taken on worse than a hydra.” She looked at me, a little unsure, “Haven’t we, Doorag?” “Well,” I replied over a sip of tea, “Hydra’s are not to be trifled with, though I dare say I’d rather deal with one of them than another rhemorez.” Griff nodded dourly. “This one that Losom is sending us against is more than likely a ‘Cryohydra’, which is a cold dwelling version of the beast. From what I’ve studied, we can expect a many headed reptilian creature that is fast, tough, and can regenerate. It will have a breath weapon, if I’m not mistaken, made all the more dangerous by the fact that each of it’s heads will be able to use it. Fortunately, they aren’t too bright. I’d say average animal intelligence, which gives us a distinct advantage. Also, hydra’s have no innate spell resistance, and they’re weak against mind affecting magic’s.” “Sounds like a good hunt!” Mardath grinned wolfishly. “Right.” Griff said. “We’ve got our map from Losom; it looks like the lair is only about thirty miles from here. I say we get busy and go after the thing as soon as possible. No point in screwing around.” Happy groaned. “More trudging through the snow!” Brightening a little, she looked at me, “Unless Doorag can teleport us all there!” “Forget it!” Griff declared. “I don’t like that teleporting stuff. I’d rather walk through a hundred miles of snow than go through that again!” “Pish posh, Griff!” I chided him, “It’s perfectly safe! Well, it’s more or less safe. Kind of.” Taklinn cut in. “I may have an alternate means of travel. While I was in jail I made aware of a few other spells that I have neglected, one of which is ‘wind walk’. I can’t take us all, but I could get myself and three more there in only a few minutes; and there’s no chance of it going wrong like with Doorag’s port spell.” “How does it work?” Griff asked, suspiciously. “Much as the name implies.” Taklinn answered through a mouthful of bacon. “It’ll turn me and three others into gaseous form and we’ll be able to let the wind fly us to where we want to go much faster than on foot. We’ll never leave this plane; you’ll be able to see and hear everything around you; and we’ll be able to follow the map.” “And when you get there I can scry you and teleport the rest of us to your location!” I added. Griff still grumbled over the idea, but was quickly outvoted. The idea of tromping across the tundra had little appeal, and the rest of us were only too eager to circumvent such dangerous travel if at all possible. It was decided that Taklinn would take Griff, Hap and Mardath to a location outside the lair, and I would follow him with Taigel and Scylla. After breakfast we shouldered our gear and made ready. From within our room Taklinn cast his first ‘wind walk’, and I watched with interest as he and his passengers appeared to dissipate into a cloudy substance. In a flash, they were whisked out the window, riding a current of air produced by Taklinn. We watched as they rose into the sky and quickly disappeared from our view. I gave them the five minutes that Taklinn had told me they would need before using my crystal ball to scry them. In no time I found Griff, standing securely on a snow bank. I quickly scanned his area, held out my hands to Taigel and Scylla, and cast. We popped into a vast field of empty snow with our party nowhere to be seen. I just had time to say, “Whoops!’ and feel a bolt of pain wrack through my body before we were off again. We were deposited in yet another stretch of tundra, and I saw the grimaces of pain on the faces of Taigel and Scylla that mirrored my own before we spontaneously teleported again. The third time I managed to muster control of the spell and stopped it’s effect. We were once again on a barren field of ice and snow, and I could tell that we had all suffered internal injuries from the teleporting mishap. Taigel looked quite confused and sore. Scylla gave me a seething glare. What the hell was that all about?” She asked coolly. “Well, it’s not an exact science.” I shrugged. “It was bound to happen sooner or later. Now let me just try that again…” “Wait!” Scylla cried, but I was already casting, and before she had even finished the word we were standing safely beside Griff, Happy, Mardath and Taklinn. Scylla glared at me some more. “Are you three okay?” Happy asked, noticing our obvious pain. I sighed and explained, and Taklinn was kind enough to see to our wounds while Griff pointed in triumph. “Ha! I knew it!” He crowed. When we were healed at last and Griff was through with his gloat, we made our way to the crest of a dune of snow and beheld a view of pristine white. Some two hundred yards away we could just make out the entrance of a dark cave. “That should be the lair.” Griff said. “Very well, let’s get into shelter and formulate a plan.” I said, and quickly cast a ‘rope trick’ which we all climbed into. The rest of the day was spent in hashing out a plan of attack. I reasoned that we needed more information, perhaps a layout of the caves interior, and to that end I cast a spell that I have had for some time but have never gotten around to using. ‘Ocular Orb’ is a weird and somewhat grotesque spell in which my right eye is pushed forward and out of my head by a replacement that grows behind it. It takes about an hour to accomplish the whole procedure, and I noted with some amusement the effect it had on the rest of my party. Happy’s jaw looked as if it would hit the floor as my eye bulged from my head and finally dropped into my waiting palm. I blinked my new eye and held up my now detached orb, still trailing ganglia and nerve endings. I practiced a bit with it, switching my vision from the eyes in my head to the one in my hand several times. Interesting. During the casting of the spell Scylla had wondered aloud if it might not be a good plan to somehow lure the hydra from it’s lair with bait. Taking this idea and running with it, Griff and Mardath went on a short hunting expedition. I was a little concerned for them being out on the tundra alone, but they were gone before I could nag them, so there was nothing to be done short of interrupting my spell and going to find them. Fortunately they returned several hours later dragging the head of a juvenile mastodon. Despite my reservations, I agreed that it would make fine bait. I carried my ‘eye’ gingerly out of the rope trick and flew, invisibly, to the lair. Once I was sure that no hydra would come charging out, I landed and gently set the eye on the snow. At my mental prodding, it began a slow process of dragging itself forward into the cave. I wished it a silent good luck, and returned to our shelter. It was near dark by this time, and I cast a second rope trick that would last throughout the night. The crew huddled around me as I focused my vision through the ‘ocular orb’. The eye traveled painfully slow, inching along on it’s ganglia through the cold, dark cave. I cast a ‘darkvision’ on myself to let me see, and watched as the cave revealed itself to me. It cut into the hill some sixty feet or so before making an abrupt left turn and widening into an airy cavern. I urged the eye onward, cautiously, for I knew that hydras possessed a keen sense of smell, and that should the eye be discovered by the beast and destroyed, I would be stunned and blinded for several minutes. Closer and closer the eye crept, until at last, at the edge of my vision, I made out a hulking mass of reptilian flesh rising and falling with the breath of slumber. From one end I could make out a tail; from the other, a tangle of necks and heads with distinctly draconic appearance. The thing was frightful even in sleep, and I told the crew so. We debated out options for awhile and finally decided to wait for the morning. This would allow Taklinn and I to be full of spells specifically geared to deal with the creature. I had recently learned ‘protection from energy’ which I believed would be invaluable against the hydra’s frost breath weapon. I also wanted to try another new spell. It was a summoning dweomer, and I reasoned that we would be able to use all the help we could get. I am to bed now. The eye still watches and the hydra still slumbers. In the morning we shall hopefully slay it and repay our debt to Losom. [/QUOTE]
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From the Diary of Doorag Marzipan
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