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Story Hour
Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
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<blockquote data-quote="Goonalan" data-source="post: 6043372" data-attributes="member: 16069"><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px">KOTS Part 4c: Decisions.</span></p><p></p><p>The 23rd day of the third month of the year 2012, after sleep, after food, after healing, after rest, after the funeral- then comes the argument.</p><p></p><p>“We should investigate further.” Douvern states.</p><p>“We?” Sigur harrumphs.</p><p>“You’re not going anywhere dad.” Jimmy finishes.</p><p></p><p>Douvern looks crestfallen, and yet...</p><p></p><p>“We're taking you home- to mom. The next caravan out of here.” Jimmy adds.</p><p>Douvern bangs his tankard down on the table, rises and heads off to the bar.</p><p></p><p>Silence, then...</p><p></p><p>Gokan grunts and shakes his head.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy gets the feeling he's being... somethinged, mocked maybe.</p><p>“What?” The halfling snaps at the half-orc.</p><p></p><p>Gokan rubs his chin.</p><p>“Dad's right.”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy exhales loudly leans hard back in his chair, exhales again- louder still.</p><p></p><p>“Oh and you know best?” The halfling states leaning forward and staring at Gokan.</p><p></p><p>The half-orc shrugs.</p><p>“Dad's right.”</p><p>It’s as simple as that- or so it seems to Gokan.</p><p></p><p>Sigur drains the last of his tankard, looks over at Douvern at the bar- his friend appears suddenly to have grown old- very old, and... he knows it. The dwarf looks down at the spider's web of straps and bandages which cover his chest. I know how you feel, Sigur thinks.</p><p></p><p>“We should send him back. On the next caravan. Like you said.” Sigur states.</p><p>“Then what? Investigate? Us?” Jimmy does little to hide the sarcasm in his voice.</p><p>“Yes.” Sigur and Gokan chorus back.</p><p>The halfling goes to speak- thinks better of it, he closes his mouth.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy stares at his father, at the bar.</p><p></p><p>Gokan and Sigur follow his gaze.</p><p></p><p>Outside it’s raining, although the market is in full swing.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy gets up and wanders over to the window, wipes a pane of glass with his sleeve and then stares out.</p><p></p><p>Eventually the halfling turns back to his companions, he’s smiling, “he's still stood there.” Jimmy declares.</p><p>Sigur rumbles- laughter, he chokes briefly and coughs loudly all the while holding his chest, the dwarf's eyes water a little.</p><p></p><p>Gokan doesn't know quite where to look, the half-orc grins, makes a strange-strangled noise, a shivering hissing sound, then puffs out his cheeks and desperately tries not to laugh out loud.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy bends double, his tears sting as he is overcome by lilting giggles.</p><p></p><p>“He's still stood there.” The halfling repeats, when he can, and slip-slides on to the floor, clutching at his sides.</p><p></p><p>Out in the market place, in the driving rain, Hal stands- waiting, patiently.</p><p></p><p>The metal man has been trying, and repeatedly failing, to purchase a 'long weight' for the last three-and-a-half hours. Hal is however, as always, determined.</p><p></p><p>The 24th day of the third month of the year 2012, and the adventurers are still at the Inn. Although decisions have been made, in many ways it has been an odd day.</p><p></p><p>It all started very early, before anybody, and in particular the night guard at the Winterhaven gate, was ready...</p><p></p><p>“I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut...” </p><p></p><p>The armed and armoured dragonborn tuts, and rattles the gate - again. It's the third time he's repeated his speech in the last fifteen minutes, and still no-one comes. </p><p></p><p>Tantalus stands outside the gates of Winterhaven, which are firmly shut- it being only a few minutes after sunrise. In the rain- that fine rain which seems not to penetrate clothing, but on closer inspection has in fact soaked you to the skin.</p><p></p><p>The dragonborn rests his head on the gate, and sighs.</p><p></p><p>It continues to rain, somewhere beyond the walls of Winterhaven a cock crows.</p><p></p><p>“I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of...” </p><p>CLUNK! Tantalus looks up, a badly dressed guardsman yawns and looks down on him leaning over the battlements above. “What?” The guardsman casually asks.</p><p>“I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant...” </p><p>“Yeah. Got that. What d'you want?” The guardsman asks and yawns again.</p><p>“I wish to enter; I bear important communications from High Priest Nedveid Allastor...”</p><p>“Who?” The guard spits on his hand, removes his helmet, and proceeds to slick his bed-head hair down.</p><p>“High Priest Nedveid Allastor Fortunata...” Tantalus tries again, and once more fails to conclude his speech.</p><p>“We open in thirty minutes...” The guardsman suddenly moves off, out of sight.</p><p></p><p>Tantalus looks confused, the dragonborn has lead a sheltered life, surrounded for most of it by his fellow adherents- Tantalus was born in to the service of Bahamut. He is used to order, bound by rules, tradition and faith.</p><p></p><p>“Hello...” Tantalus tries again.</p><p></p><p>Silence.</p><p></p><p>“Hello...” And again.</p><p></p><p>Silence.</p><p></p><p>“I said 'Hello'” Tantalus adjusts the volume, from loud to very loud.</p><p></p><p>A sound, the guardsman appears once more, leans his folded arms on the battlements and yawns again, and eventually asks, “what?”</p><p>“I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of...” Tantalus gabbles in a rush.</p><p>“We open in the thirty minutes, I told you- don't make me come down there...” The guard warns and looks cock-eyed at the dragonborn. The guard goes to move away.</p><p></p><p>“You are not fit to wear the uniform, you rude and irritating little man.” Tantalus states, and stares up at the guardsman. “Now open this gate or I will be forced to open it myself.”</p><p></p><p>The guardsman goes through a dozen emotions very quickly, the first and most prominent of which is good old 'anger'.</p><p></p><p>“Go on then. Open the gate.” The guard finally states when he has mastered his thoughts.</p><p></p><p>Before the guard can finish his sentence Tantalus takes a step back, breathes in, and then breathes out- with devastating effect. Bolts of lightning fizz and crackle- spat from the dragonborn's maw, they smash in to the gate. Wood splinters and shatters, the damage is superficial but the effect is instant…</p><p></p><p>“Why you, dirty...” The rest of the guard's words are lost as the human scurries out of sight. Moments later from the other side of the gate comes the sound of fast approaching footsteps, followed by more sounds, a great mechanism being unlocked or else...</p><p></p><p>THUNK!</p><p></p><p>The next bit happens very quickly. A crack of light appears in the centre of the gate, Tantalus slams in to the gate with all his might- the newly unlatched gate in turn slams in to the human guardsman standing directly behind it.</p><p></p><p>The guardsman slumps to the cobbled stone floor, and does not stir.</p><p></p><p>The next bit is a little more leisurely, Tantalus slips in to Winterhaven- pushes the gate shut, reapplies the latch and then drags the guardsman's unconscious body out of the rain.</p><p></p><p>The dragonborn looks around, spots the Inn, and marches over to it.</p><p></p><p>The door to the hostel is shut.</p><p></p><p>“I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut... ” The dragonborn states, and then trails off, “... forget it.”</p><p></p><p>He plonks himself down on the front step of the Inn, fetches out a pipe, wraps his cloak around him and on his third attempt lights the briar. It’s going to be a long day- the dragonborn decides.</p><p></p><p>Several hours later, after a brief visit to the authorities, an argument with an upstart young human Lord, and a series of humble apologies Tantalus finds himself at last in the right place, upstairs in Wrafton’s Inn. </p><p></p><p>Seated around a tastefully decorated living room, belonging to Serena Wrafton- owner of the Inn, are Jimmy, Sigur, Hal, Gokan, Douvern, Rond and Lord Padraig; standing before them is… Tantalus, of course.</p><p></p><p>The dragonborn tries again.</p><p></p><p>“I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut...” </p><p>“What?” Jimmy stares.</p><p>The dragonborn replies, slowly- “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut...” </p><p>“Never mind that, get on with it.” Douvern waves his hand impatiently.</p><p>“I was sent here by High Priest…” Tantalus trails off for a moment, and then plunges on, “I was sent here by my order, to root out the evil cultists who have infected this region. My masters fear that some event is about to take place here that will have far-reaching consequences; I have been sent to guide you brave adventurers in to the depths of the Shadow Keep. There we will risk all to turn the tide, to battle unholy abominations in order to bring an end to the terror that broods there.” Tantalus finishes his dramatic speech.</p><p>“Abom…” Gokan wonders.</p><p>“Did he say Tantalus?” Jimmy asks still uncertain.</p><p>Sigur grins, Hal doesn’t even blink- just stares straight ahead.</p><p>Lord Padraig and Rond look worried, Douvern beats them all to the next line.</p><p>“Why turn up now?”</p><p>“My comrade, Hedda, has fallen- yes?”</p><p>Douvern nods.</p><p>“My master was monitoring her progress, he sent me… as a replacement.” Tantalus finishes.</p><p></p><p>The room falls silent for a moment.</p><p></p><p>The moment stretches.</p><p></p><p>“What cultists? There are no cultists around here.” Lord Padraig starts with a question and ends with a statement.</p><p>“My Lord the cultists are within the Keep, foul creatures- goblins mostly, although we believe a number of undead are also present. The leader of the cult is alas unknown to us, and yet he lurks there- within the shattered remains of the Keep, we are certain.”</p><p>“This is nonsense…” Padraig splutters, Rond looks less sure.</p><p></p><p>The silence returns, for a while.</p><p></p><p>Eventually Sigur fetches from a pouch at his belt a bunch of papers, the dwarf grunts and then proffers them to Tantalus.</p><p></p><p>While the dragonborn reads, Sigur speaks- “they’re orders, to the Kobolds, actually to the kobolds’ leader- Irontooth, the goblin, the one that we told you about- the one who slew Hedda.” Sigur looks suddenly sick.</p><p></p><p>“They’re all signed with a ‘K’. They could be from the Keep, I reckon they’re from somewhere close by. They’re orders for attacks on caravans, and in particular on adventurers, in fact anyone wanting to get to Winterhaven.”</p><p>“I didn’t…” Lord Padriag starts, “let me see those…” The young Lord is passed the papers.</p><p></p><p>Sigur goes on, “when we fought the gnome and the humans, when we rescued you my friend”, Sigur nods at Douvern, the old man smiles back, “a spectral figure appeared- a human, he ordered the gnome to attack us.”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy, Hal and Gokan nod.</p><p></p><p>Sigur has more, “the gnome was told by the spectral figure that he would be visited by goblins…” The dwarf leaves it there.</p><p></p><p>Gokan nods then grunts. “We should at least find out.” The half-orc states.</p><p></p><p>“That’s what Hedda meant…” Jimmy whispers, to stares, he elaborates, “before she died, Hedda said something about the Keep… and cultists.”</p><p></p><p>The silence returns.</p><p></p><p>Hal suddenly stands, “I am unsure of the veracity of your statements”, Hal addresses Tantalus, the dragonborn nods- while Jimmy looks confused and mouths the word ‘veracity’. Hal continues, “but I fear there is some semblance of truth- I think it behoves us to venture in to this place and reconnoitre the locale.”</p><p></p><p>It’s Gokan’s turn to look confused- the Halfling and the half-orc share questioning glances and shrugs.</p><p></p><p>Sigur shakes his head, grumbles, and translates, “the metal man reckons we should pay a visit on this ‘K’- kick his backside.”</p><p></p><p>Hal nods.</p><p></p><p>Jimmy and Gokan nod too.</p><p></p><p>Douvern looks concerned.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly the dragonborn draws his longsword, which leads to a flurry of activity; Tantalus however swiftly kneels, bows his head and prays, aloud.</p><p></p><p>“Lord Bahamut, protector of the innocent, I swear this day to lead these stalwart adventurers…”</p><p>Jimmy looks at Gokan, the Halfling points at himself- the half-orc nods his head, Jimmy grins and mimes laughter.</p><p>“… in to the hellish depths of the foul construction known as Shadow Keep. I will lead them valiantly to victory against the abominations that lurk there- I will not turn from the light oh Lord…”</p><p>Jimmy makes circling movements at the side of his head.</p><p>“… I swear this Lord, with my heart, with my soul, with my blood- for I am Tantalus Oron…”</p><p>“Got it- Tonka.” Jimmy shouts, the dragonborn looks up. “What?”</p><p>“Tonka- Tantalus-whatsit-whatsit-whatsit-whatsit. Your name- Tonka.” Jimmy looks around the room, encounters only grins.</p><p></p><p>Sigur breaks the spell. “Come on then… Tonka. Get done with your praying, we’re going to the Keep tomorrow. And you.” The dwarf motions towards Douvern. “You’re going home- to Gerda.”</p><p>Douvern bows his head, but says nothing.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Tonka]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px">Tonka, Male Dragonborn Inspiring Warlord Level 1</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px">Played by Stu</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080408415/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8080408415_bff8b9a2c6.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>And so on the 25th day, of the third month of the year 2012 the adventurers, after teary farewells to Douvern, set out for the Keep, led by Tonka- whose grin is a mile wide.</p><p></p><p>Before heading out they of course spend a little time and money in town- replenishing supplies, finding out what they can, and making ready for the trials ahead.</p><p></p><p>They procure two healing drafts from Sister Lenora at the church of Avandra.</p><p></p><p>They visit briefly with a local sage by the name of Valthruin who, for an extortionate amount of money, tells the tale of the Keep- centuries old, a bastion of the old Nerath empire. The fortress fell to internal strife over a century ago when the master of the Keep- Lord Keegan, ran amok and slew his family and many of his men. The Keep's salvation came in the form of the terrible Lord's deputy, whose name is alas lost to history. The unnamed hero, it is said, rallied the men left alive and contrived to corner Lord Keegan in the catacombs of the Keep. They trapped him there, collapsing the exits, entombing forever their former Lord. The Keep was soon after abandoned- considered cursed and haunted, even before the great wars and the fall of the Nerath empire.</p><p></p><p>They also learn a little more from Douvern, before the old man heads back to Fallcrest on the weekly trade caravan. It seems the mirror Agrid the gnome and his men found at the burial site is an heirloom of the Keegan family. Although certainly not a possession of Lord Keegan, it is a child’s trinket.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers put two and two together- 'K' for Keegan, entombed in the catacombs of the Keep- it looks increasingly like Tonka knows what he is talking about.</p><p></p><p>The journey is easily accomplished in only three hours, directions having been obtained from Rond, Lord Padraig's man.</p><p></p><p>The Keep, when they see it, is disappointing- an ancient ruin, overgrown by brambles, thistles and long grasses. </p><p></p><p>Tonka backs away a little, whispers his new colleagues over, crouched a hundred or so yards from the haphazard piles of broken stone, the dragonborn begins his speech- “I suggest a diamond formation, I am unfamiliar with your individual strengths and weaknesses…”</p><p></p><p>Jimmy looks at the faces of his companions- Hal seems to be listening, Gokan already looks confused, while Sigur looks… irritated.</p><p></p><p>Tonka continues “… we need to consider our spacing when it comes to close quarters, that’s where a good tactical deployment will serve us best. We nee…” The dragonborn suddenly draws to a halt; having taken account of his compatriots’ confused looks- perhaps he needs to simplify…</p><p></p><p>“Jimmy, when it comes to fighting where will you position yourself?” Tonka asks plainly.</p><p>The Halfling draws the vicious magical dagger the wyrmpriest left behind, “behind you.” Jimmy states and grins as the blade catches the light.</p><p></p><p>[sblock=Jimmy Hoofenburger]</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px">Jimmy Hoofenburger, Male Halfling Trickster Rogue Level 1</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px">Played by Dan</span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"></span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080401060/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8080401060_42f156af71.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 15px">Now with +1 Vicious Dagger</span></p><p></p><p></p><p>[/sblock]</p><p></p><p>Gokan nods once, and moves forward at a crouch, towards the ruins of the Keep.</p><p></p><p>“Where’s he…” Tonka begins.</p><p>“Shut up or I will burn you.” Sigur states without a flicker of emotion.</p><p></p><p>Five minutes later the half-orc returns, and leads the group quickly and quietly through the tall grass to a set of stairs leading down in to the darkness.</p><p></p><p>“Wh…” Tonka starts, but is silenced instantly by a duo of menacing stares- courtesy of Gokan and Jimmy, and a rabbit punch to the gut- courtesy of Sigur. Hal all the while watches the stairs. </p><p></p><p>Jimmy grins, fingers the edge of his blade briefly, and then heads down in to the shadows...</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045379275/" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8045379275_2ef3a483b7_o.png" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Goonalan, post: 6043372, member: 16069"] [CENTER][SIZE="5"]KOTS Part 4c: Decisions.[/SIZE][/CENTER] The 23rd day of the third month of the year 2012, after sleep, after food, after healing, after rest, after the funeral- then comes the argument. “We should investigate further.” Douvern states. “We?” Sigur harrumphs. “You’re not going anywhere dad.” Jimmy finishes. Douvern looks crestfallen, and yet... “We're taking you home- to mom. The next caravan out of here.” Jimmy adds. Douvern bangs his tankard down on the table, rises and heads off to the bar. Silence, then... Gokan grunts and shakes his head. Jimmy gets the feeling he's being... somethinged, mocked maybe. “What?” The halfling snaps at the half-orc. Gokan rubs his chin. “Dad's right.” Jimmy exhales loudly leans hard back in his chair, exhales again- louder still. “Oh and you know best?” The halfling states leaning forward and staring at Gokan. The half-orc shrugs. “Dad's right.” It’s as simple as that- or so it seems to Gokan. Sigur drains the last of his tankard, looks over at Douvern at the bar- his friend appears suddenly to have grown old- very old, and... he knows it. The dwarf looks down at the spider's web of straps and bandages which cover his chest. I know how you feel, Sigur thinks. “We should send him back. On the next caravan. Like you said.” Sigur states. “Then what? Investigate? Us?” Jimmy does little to hide the sarcasm in his voice. “Yes.” Sigur and Gokan chorus back. The halfling goes to speak- thinks better of it, he closes his mouth. Jimmy stares at his father, at the bar. Gokan and Sigur follow his gaze. Outside it’s raining, although the market is in full swing. Jimmy gets up and wanders over to the window, wipes a pane of glass with his sleeve and then stares out. Eventually the halfling turns back to his companions, he’s smiling, “he's still stood there.” Jimmy declares. Sigur rumbles- laughter, he chokes briefly and coughs loudly all the while holding his chest, the dwarf's eyes water a little. Gokan doesn't know quite where to look, the half-orc grins, makes a strange-strangled noise, a shivering hissing sound, then puffs out his cheeks and desperately tries not to laugh out loud. Jimmy bends double, his tears sting as he is overcome by lilting giggles. “He's still stood there.” The halfling repeats, when he can, and slip-slides on to the floor, clutching at his sides. Out in the market place, in the driving rain, Hal stands- waiting, patiently. The metal man has been trying, and repeatedly failing, to purchase a 'long weight' for the last three-and-a-half hours. Hal is however, as always, determined. The 24th day of the third month of the year 2012, and the adventurers are still at the Inn. Although decisions have been made, in many ways it has been an odd day. It all started very early, before anybody, and in particular the night guard at the Winterhaven gate, was ready... “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut...” The armed and armoured dragonborn tuts, and rattles the gate - again. It's the third time he's repeated his speech in the last fifteen minutes, and still no-one comes. Tantalus stands outside the gates of Winterhaven, which are firmly shut- it being only a few minutes after sunrise. In the rain- that fine rain which seems not to penetrate clothing, but on closer inspection has in fact soaked you to the skin. The dragonborn rests his head on the gate, and sighs. It continues to rain, somewhere beyond the walls of Winterhaven a cock crows. “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of...” CLUNK! Tantalus looks up, a badly dressed guardsman yawns and looks down on him leaning over the battlements above. “What?” The guardsman casually asks. “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant...” “Yeah. Got that. What d'you want?” The guardsman asks and yawns again. “I wish to enter; I bear important communications from High Priest Nedveid Allastor...” “Who?” The guard spits on his hand, removes his helmet, and proceeds to slick his bed-head hair down. “High Priest Nedveid Allastor Fortunata...” Tantalus tries again, and once more fails to conclude his speech. “We open in thirty minutes...” The guardsman suddenly moves off, out of sight. Tantalus looks confused, the dragonborn has lead a sheltered life, surrounded for most of it by his fellow adherents- Tantalus was born in to the service of Bahamut. He is used to order, bound by rules, tradition and faith. “Hello...” Tantalus tries again. Silence. “Hello...” And again. Silence. “I said 'Hello'” Tantalus adjusts the volume, from loud to very loud. A sound, the guardsman appears once more, leans his folded arms on the battlements and yawns again, and eventually asks, “what?” “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of...” Tantalus gabbles in a rush. “We open in the thirty minutes, I told you- don't make me come down there...” The guard warns and looks cock-eyed at the dragonborn. The guard goes to move away. “You are not fit to wear the uniform, you rude and irritating little man.” Tantalus states, and stares up at the guardsman. “Now open this gate or I will be forced to open it myself.” The guardsman goes through a dozen emotions very quickly, the first and most prominent of which is good old 'anger'. “Go on then. Open the gate.” The guard finally states when he has mastered his thoughts. Before the guard can finish his sentence Tantalus takes a step back, breathes in, and then breathes out- with devastating effect. Bolts of lightning fizz and crackle- spat from the dragonborn's maw, they smash in to the gate. Wood splinters and shatters, the damage is superficial but the effect is instant… “Why you, dirty...” The rest of the guard's words are lost as the human scurries out of sight. Moments later from the other side of the gate comes the sound of fast approaching footsteps, followed by more sounds, a great mechanism being unlocked or else... THUNK! The next bit happens very quickly. A crack of light appears in the centre of the gate, Tantalus slams in to the gate with all his might- the newly unlatched gate in turn slams in to the human guardsman standing directly behind it. The guardsman slumps to the cobbled stone floor, and does not stir. The next bit is a little more leisurely, Tantalus slips in to Winterhaven- pushes the gate shut, reapplies the latch and then drags the guardsman's unconscious body out of the rain. The dragonborn looks around, spots the Inn, and marches over to it. The door to the hostel is shut. “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut... ” The dragonborn states, and then trails off, “... forget it.” He plonks himself down on the front step of the Inn, fetches out a pipe, wraps his cloak around him and on his third attempt lights the briar. It’s going to be a long day- the dragonborn decides. Several hours later, after a brief visit to the authorities, an argument with an upstart young human Lord, and a series of humble apologies Tantalus finds himself at last in the right place, upstairs in Wrafton’s Inn. Seated around a tastefully decorated living room, belonging to Serena Wrafton- owner of the Inn, are Jimmy, Sigur, Hal, Gokan, Douvern, Rond and Lord Padraig; standing before them is… Tantalus, of course. The dragonborn tries again. “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut...” “What?” Jimmy stares. The dragonborn replies, slowly- “I am Tantalus Orontor Ne-an Koriolis Arbon, second lieutenant of the holy order of the Knights of Bahamut...” “Never mind that, get on with it.” Douvern waves his hand impatiently. “I was sent here by High Priest…” Tantalus trails off for a moment, and then plunges on, “I was sent here by my order, to root out the evil cultists who have infected this region. My masters fear that some event is about to take place here that will have far-reaching consequences; I have been sent to guide you brave adventurers in to the depths of the Shadow Keep. There we will risk all to turn the tide, to battle unholy abominations in order to bring an end to the terror that broods there.” Tantalus finishes his dramatic speech. “Abom…” Gokan wonders. “Did he say Tantalus?” Jimmy asks still uncertain. Sigur grins, Hal doesn’t even blink- just stares straight ahead. Lord Padraig and Rond look worried, Douvern beats them all to the next line. “Why turn up now?” “My comrade, Hedda, has fallen- yes?” Douvern nods. “My master was monitoring her progress, he sent me… as a replacement.” Tantalus finishes. The room falls silent for a moment. The moment stretches. “What cultists? There are no cultists around here.” Lord Padraig starts with a question and ends with a statement. “My Lord the cultists are within the Keep, foul creatures- goblins mostly, although we believe a number of undead are also present. The leader of the cult is alas unknown to us, and yet he lurks there- within the shattered remains of the Keep, we are certain.” “This is nonsense…” Padraig splutters, Rond looks less sure. The silence returns, for a while. Eventually Sigur fetches from a pouch at his belt a bunch of papers, the dwarf grunts and then proffers them to Tantalus. While the dragonborn reads, Sigur speaks- “they’re orders, to the Kobolds, actually to the kobolds’ leader- Irontooth, the goblin, the one that we told you about- the one who slew Hedda.” Sigur looks suddenly sick. “They’re all signed with a ‘K’. They could be from the Keep, I reckon they’re from somewhere close by. They’re orders for attacks on caravans, and in particular on adventurers, in fact anyone wanting to get to Winterhaven.” “I didn’t…” Lord Padriag starts, “let me see those…” The young Lord is passed the papers. Sigur goes on, “when we fought the gnome and the humans, when we rescued you my friend”, Sigur nods at Douvern, the old man smiles back, “a spectral figure appeared- a human, he ordered the gnome to attack us.” Jimmy, Hal and Gokan nod. Sigur has more, “the gnome was told by the spectral figure that he would be visited by goblins…” The dwarf leaves it there. Gokan nods then grunts. “We should at least find out.” The half-orc states. “That’s what Hedda meant…” Jimmy whispers, to stares, he elaborates, “before she died, Hedda said something about the Keep… and cultists.” The silence returns. Hal suddenly stands, “I am unsure of the veracity of your statements”, Hal addresses Tantalus, the dragonborn nods- while Jimmy looks confused and mouths the word ‘veracity’. Hal continues, “but I fear there is some semblance of truth- I think it behoves us to venture in to this place and reconnoitre the locale.” It’s Gokan’s turn to look confused- the Halfling and the half-orc share questioning glances and shrugs. Sigur shakes his head, grumbles, and translates, “the metal man reckons we should pay a visit on this ‘K’- kick his backside.” Hal nods. Jimmy and Gokan nod too. Douvern looks concerned. Suddenly the dragonborn draws his longsword, which leads to a flurry of activity; Tantalus however swiftly kneels, bows his head and prays, aloud. “Lord Bahamut, protector of the innocent, I swear this day to lead these stalwart adventurers…” Jimmy looks at Gokan, the Halfling points at himself- the half-orc nods his head, Jimmy grins and mimes laughter. “… in to the hellish depths of the foul construction known as Shadow Keep. I will lead them valiantly to victory against the abominations that lurk there- I will not turn from the light oh Lord…” Jimmy makes circling movements at the side of his head. “… I swear this Lord, with my heart, with my soul, with my blood- for I am Tantalus Oron…” “Got it- Tonka.” Jimmy shouts, the dragonborn looks up. “What?” “Tonka- Tantalus-whatsit-whatsit-whatsit-whatsit. Your name- Tonka.” Jimmy looks around the room, encounters only grins. Sigur breaks the spell. “Come on then… Tonka. Get done with your praying, we’re going to the Keep tomorrow. And you.” The dwarf motions towards Douvern. “You’re going home- to Gerda.” Douvern bows his head, but says nothing. [sblock=Tonka] [CENTER][SIZE="4"]Tonka, Male Dragonborn Inspiring Warlord Level 1[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"]Played by Stu[/SIZE] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080408415/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8080408415_bff8b9a2c6.jpg[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/sblock] And so on the 25th day, of the third month of the year 2012 the adventurers, after teary farewells to Douvern, set out for the Keep, led by Tonka- whose grin is a mile wide. Before heading out they of course spend a little time and money in town- replenishing supplies, finding out what they can, and making ready for the trials ahead. They procure two healing drafts from Sister Lenora at the church of Avandra. They visit briefly with a local sage by the name of Valthruin who, for an extortionate amount of money, tells the tale of the Keep- centuries old, a bastion of the old Nerath empire. The fortress fell to internal strife over a century ago when the master of the Keep- Lord Keegan, ran amok and slew his family and many of his men. The Keep's salvation came in the form of the terrible Lord's deputy, whose name is alas lost to history. The unnamed hero, it is said, rallied the men left alive and contrived to corner Lord Keegan in the catacombs of the Keep. They trapped him there, collapsing the exits, entombing forever their former Lord. The Keep was soon after abandoned- considered cursed and haunted, even before the great wars and the fall of the Nerath empire. They also learn a little more from Douvern, before the old man heads back to Fallcrest on the weekly trade caravan. It seems the mirror Agrid the gnome and his men found at the burial site is an heirloom of the Keegan family. Although certainly not a possession of Lord Keegan, it is a child’s trinket. The adventurers put two and two together- 'K' for Keegan, entombed in the catacombs of the Keep- it looks increasingly like Tonka knows what he is talking about. The journey is easily accomplished in only three hours, directions having been obtained from Rond, Lord Padraig's man. The Keep, when they see it, is disappointing- an ancient ruin, overgrown by brambles, thistles and long grasses. Tonka backs away a little, whispers his new colleagues over, crouched a hundred or so yards from the haphazard piles of broken stone, the dragonborn begins his speech- “I suggest a diamond formation, I am unfamiliar with your individual strengths and weaknesses…” Jimmy looks at the faces of his companions- Hal seems to be listening, Gokan already looks confused, while Sigur looks… irritated. Tonka continues “… we need to consider our spacing when it comes to close quarters, that’s where a good tactical deployment will serve us best. We nee…” The dragonborn suddenly draws to a halt; having taken account of his compatriots’ confused looks- perhaps he needs to simplify… “Jimmy, when it comes to fighting where will you position yourself?” Tonka asks plainly. The Halfling draws the vicious magical dagger the wyrmpriest left behind, “behind you.” Jimmy states and grins as the blade catches the light. [sblock=Jimmy Hoofenburger] [CENTER][SIZE="4"]Jimmy Hoofenburger, Male Halfling Trickster Rogue Level 1[/SIZE] [SIZE="4"]Played by Dan [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8080401060/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8080401060_42f156af71.jpg[/img][/url] Now with +1 Vicious Dagger[/SIZE][/CENTER][SIZE="4"][/SIZE] [/sblock] Gokan nods once, and moves forward at a crouch, towards the ruins of the Keep. “Where’s he…” Tonka begins. “Shut up or I will burn you.” Sigur states without a flicker of emotion. Five minutes later the half-orc returns, and leads the group quickly and quietly through the tall grass to a set of stairs leading down in to the darkness. “Wh…” Tonka starts, but is silenced instantly by a duo of menacing stares- courtesy of Gokan and Jimmy, and a rabbit punch to the gut- courtesy of Sigur. Hal all the while watches the stairs. Jimmy grins, fingers the edge of his blade briefly, and then heads down in to the shadows... [CENTER][url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/40504969@N08/8045379275/][img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/8045379275_2ef3a483b7_o.png[/img][/url][/CENTER] [/QUOTE]
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Hard Core Adventurers- KOTS 20.06 The Cathedral of Shadows
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