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<blockquote data-quote="Galfridus" data-source="post: 6947" data-attributes="member: 119"><p><strong>Exeunt Magehaven</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Magehaven, November 7, LE 653</strong></p><p></p><p>Congratulations and celebrations abound after the tourney, but Thorald notices many wary glances. For the remainder of his time there, the strength of his ability - and it's clear uniqueness from any kind of magic practiced in the village -- stands between him and the villagers - save for Selphyra, who is sad that he must depart. Even his parents seem relieved that he will be leaving. </p><p></p><p>That departure is delayed for nearly two months, as Mystarion learns spell after spell, carefully scribing each into his tomes. The wizards of Magehaven seem happy to provide the elf with whatever spells he seeks - <em>Fireball, Fly</em> - so long as they are "common" spells. They do insist on taking payment for the scribing supplies he uses, but their prices are quite fair, even generous. Needless to say, Mystarion is rather pleased.</p><p></p><p>Jonetello gives numerous well-attended performances, finishing each song to deafening applause. Several weeks into his stay, the grateful villagers present the minstrel with a gift: the <em>Lute of Whispers</em>, an instrument which plays magically sweet and beautiful notes, and allows the performer to murmur messages which will be unheard by all save the intended recipient. </p><p></p><p>In between performances, however, Jonetello begins to be disturbed by a series of strange dreams and waking visions. Many of these share common elements: stars moving against darkness; flickers of silent lightning against the crumbling walls of an impossibly tall, forboding castle; a gray, serene fog that settles over the world, dulling all sound; a field of dead grass crumbling in a hot wind. None of the wizards will discuss his condition. At last, Thorald recognizes what is happening: Jonetello is manifesting powers of the mind, of the same kind as Thorald's. Hypothesizing that Thorald's powers might have brought Jonetello's to the surface, they begin to experiment. Before long, Jonetello has learned to accelerate his movement, to create an invisible armor around himself, and to see in the dark.</p><p></p><p>Leilen continues his attempts to study the book of Albreth, but is turned down time and again. Eventually, one of the wizards informs him that all research has ceased. The village council fears that delving too deep into the prophecies could involve Magehaven, or could bring more visitors from the outside. Until they can divine the reason for the book's discovery (for clearly there is a purpose at work), the book will be safeguarded but kept from all eyes. </p><p></p><p>Eventually, the group begins to plan their departure. After several discussions, the consensus is to travel to the county of Loxham in Rellenor, in order to fight the necromancer as well as continue research into the Order of Ardinor. The village council offers to <em>Teleport</em> the party (and horses) to a remote location in Loxham. Kanavin, who will be remaining in Magehaven, thanks the party for their help in finding him sanctuary. He gives Jonetello several thousand gold pieces, to be delivered to those fighting to restore the Loxhams to power. "I will not remain in hiding forever," he says. "If you find evidence of my father's innocence, or anything else of note, send word and I will come." </p><p></p><p><strong>Loxham, January 5, LE 654</strong></p><p></p><p>The party arrives via <em>Teleport</em> in southwest Loxham, in foot-deep snow on the slopes of the Green Hills. After bidding farewell to the wizards who brought them, they spend several days slogging through the snow to reach the county capital of Leston. The guards at the town gate seem more concerned with staying out of the bitter wind than with getting names or destinations, and the party quickly seeks out the warmth and comfort of a tavern. </p><p></p><p>Jonetello quickly discovers that much has happened since he was last in Loxham - in fact, he learns that Loxham no longer exists. At midwinter court just a few weeks ago, King Camonix renamed the county Wassan, formally removing the Loxham title and heritage. Alexander Stonecroft, minstrel and former companion of the Count, has been named Archbaron of Wassan, lower in rank than (and answering to) Count Blaumere, but high enough to be considered a ruling noble. However, military matters concerning the necromancer Malefice and Loxham insurgents are under the jurisdiction of a Knight Commander of Wassan, answering directly to Count Blaumere. Pierre de Blaumere, the Count's cousin, was sworn into this position a few short weeks ago, and already there is grumbling about the dictates of Blaumere being enforced on the people of Wassan. Unsurprisingly, the Archbaron's best efforts to ease life for the people of Wassan have been foiled by the Blaumeres, who insist on increased taxation to pay for "protection" against Malefice and the Loxham rebels. People are happy that Alexander is in charge, but unhappy that he still answers to a Blaumere. </p><p></p><p>The party also hears of a strange merchant who has taken up residence in Leston; a man with a strange color-name, "Pink" or something similar. According to tales told by many taverngoers, this man appeared suddenly in early winter, claiming to be a trader from eastern Rellenor. However, his manner, clothing, and speech were not at all Rellenorian, and he seemed to know little of Rellenor (though he claimed to know quite a bit). He has been actively pursuing trade arrangements for the spring; everyone's best guess is that he is a merchant from some distant land. </p><p></p><p>Jonetello visits a tavern and plays his masterpiece song using his new lute: a subtle parody of the oppression in Loxham, telling of a Count "Bloodmoor" who abandons his people out of sheer cowardice. The song is well received, although Jonetello is not sure if his intended message was conveyed. He leaves hastily, hoping that he will not be remembered (forgetting, apparently, the rarity of magical instruments). He seeks out members of the Loxham resistance, but no one at any of the meeting places responds to his signals. He hears that the resistance raided a Blaumere supply camp recently, and reasons that everyone has gone to ground.</p><p></p><p>There are also plenty of stories to hear about Malefice. After the keep at Littlewater was cleansed (by Kalenthas and his companions), a small garrison of Blaumeres occupied the keep, but were driven out several days later by the ghost of Terdessen Loxham. A few weeks after that, southern Moonvale was plagued by a new type of undead creature: tall, robed figures bearing scythes who assaulted village after village, harvesting the souls of innocent villagers before vanishing into the night. They defeated a force of Blaumere soldiers sent after them and continued to ravage the countryside for another two months, when suddenly they disappeared. This only encouraged the Knight Commander, Pierre de Blaumere, to keep his forces south of the river, although the Archbaron has been tireless in his efforts to move northward and free northern Wassan.</p><p></p><p>The party decides to continue their research of Malefice and the Order of Ardinor. The best place for this, they decide, is the Order of the Iris in eastern Rellenor. They pay a hefty toll to a Blaumere vessel and take an icy passage across Drelmist Lake to the city of Merelin, arriving three days later. From there, a snowy path winds past Mount Etienne to the Fortress of the Iris, where the group is welcomed and congratulated for their efforts in saving Kanavin Loxham.</p><p></p><p><strong>Fortress of the Iris - January 12, LE 654</strong></p><p></p><p>Thorald spends several days researching Ardinor, finding nothing; until one day, a scrap of paper falls from the pages of a tome. On it, Thorald reads the account of a traveler who journeyed to the fortress of the Order of Ardinor, keeping detailed notes on his route. Some of the landmarks are ancient, but the route clearly began on the ancient East-West road that runs through Sygwerdan's lands today. The traveler spent many days moving eastward, toward the capital of the fallen Tataiafar Empire, before turning north into high mountains and the Valley of the Crescent. The journey is clearly a lengthy one, and the lands it leads to are today wild and perilous. Even Sygwerdan, it is said, does not venture there.</p><p></p><p>Thorald also spends some time looking into the history of Malefice. According to accounts scribed by the Order of Iris, undead creatures acting with organization and planning began to trouble northern Loxham in the year 647; however, these attacks did not grow significant until 648, when a far northern patrol was slain by zombies. In May of 649, less than a year after Count Loxham's execution, whole villages were slain and/or captured by undead and Nashar (night goblins) in the name of the necromancer Malefice; this is the first known mention of this necromancer's name. From this time onward, the forces of Malefice conducted a persistent campaign clearly designed to capture territory from Loxham, a strategy which has for the most part succeeded. Malefice occupied several castles, including the keep at Littlewater formerly occupied by Terdessen Loxham (who was slain along with his wife Anne by Malefice), using these as staging points for his assaults. The troops of Count Blaumere made several attacks, but have been unable to sustain any victories.</p><p></p><p><strong>Merelin, January 15 LE 654</strong></p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Jonetello and Leilen travel back to Merelin. Jonetello, in disguise, performs his song <em>a cappela</em> in several different locations, drawing a large audience each time. He even overhears several groups of people discussing the song's meaning and implications. He also hears stories about a familiar-looking bard in Leston with a magic lute who played a similar song a few days ago... He also hears more tales about the strange merchant in Leston. This "Pink" is the cause for some concern; the locals are worried that he might be buying out some valuable contracts in the months before the first spring caravans begin to roll. </p><p></p><p>Leilen takes the Prophecies of Midnight to the church of Pelor, hoping to receive some further insight into their meaning. The high priest is rather doubtful at first...</p><p></p><p>"New prophecies from Albreth? Of course they are, lad. Let's see...well, you wrote them well, I must say. Ink's dry, too." </p><p></p><p>Leilen persists, however, and a few truth spells later, the priest is convinced. He delivers the following divination:</p><p></p><p><em>"Soul, Spirit, Mind, Power: these prophecies speak of many things."</em></p><p></p><p>Clearly troubled by Pelor's seeming acceptance of these prophecies as the real thing, the priest asks for and receives permission to copy the verses for further contemplation.</p><p></p><p>The party decides they have learned all they can, and return via another icy journey to Leston. </p><p></p><p><strong>Leston, January 20 LE 254</strong></p><p></p><p>Jonetello meets with Ben, a member of the River (a network of farmers and craftsmen supporting the Loxham resistance). Jonetello gives him the gold sent by Kanavin and, more importantly, word that Kanavin is safe and planning his return. The man is overjoyed, and thankful for the funds. With Alexander Stonecroft now in charge, many people have been quitting the fight, feeling that the new Archbaron will do a better job battling the Blaumeres than they ever could. </p><p></p><p>The party decides to assault the necromancer, or at least to see what he is up to. A few days later, they leave for Littlewater, hoping to see what has become of the keep there. The journey takes several days.</p><p></p><p><strong>Littlewater, February 3, LE 654</strong></p><p></p><p>After spending the night in the abandoned village of Littlewater, the party travels along the snow-covered road leading to Littlewater keep. They see no signs of passage since the last snowstorm, either on the road or in the fields that line the road to either side. After a couple hours of travel, they top the ridge that stands between village and keep, giving them their first view of the fortress of Littlewater. The drawbridge is up and there are no immediate signs of activity. As they approach, a narrow column of smoke can be seen rising from the northwest tower (behind and to the left of the main gatehouse, which faces south); otherwise, the keep lies silent, shrouded in snow. The party sends Elbyn, <em>Invisible</em>, to scout. He circles the keep slowly, hearing a sound of metal against stone from the northwest tower, and some strange growling noises from the courtyard. The moat is dry, but thick brambles make direct approach difficult without being seen. Nevertheless, he considers approaching the postern door set into the northwest tower, but decides against it. As he passes the southeast tower, an alarm bell rings out - Elbryn looks back at the footprints he is leaving in the snow and decides it is time to return to the party. After a few minutes of discussion, they decide on a rapid assault. </p><p></p><p>Thorald, also <em>Invisible</em>, approaches and pushes through the brambly moat. Swiftly, he climbs the wall near the gatehouse to lower the drawbridge and let the party enter. Before he can gain entry, however, the nearby tower door slams open and a troll rushes onto the wall, sniffing its way steadily toward him. Thorald climbs the gatehouse and descends the outer wall, abandoning any hope of opening the drawbridge. From outside, the others launch a barrage of spells and missile attacks against the troll, but merely seem to annoy it (although Ravenfield's <em>Wand of Tasha's Hideous Laughter</em> keeps it occupied for a while - you haven't seen hideous laughter until you've seen an amused troll). Elbryn climbs the wall, but is surprised by a second troll which climbs the ladder inside the tower and approaches, trapping him on the wall between the tower and gatehouse, one troll on each side. He jumps, and is clawed as he leaps, to avoid being trapped, landing in a heap at the base of the outer wall.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Galfridus, post: 6947, member: 119"] [b]Exeunt Magehaven[/b] [b]Magehaven, November 7, LE 653[/b] Congratulations and celebrations abound after the tourney, but Thorald notices many wary glances. For the remainder of his time there, the strength of his ability - and it's clear uniqueness from any kind of magic practiced in the village -- stands between him and the villagers - save for Selphyra, who is sad that he must depart. Even his parents seem relieved that he will be leaving. That departure is delayed for nearly two months, as Mystarion learns spell after spell, carefully scribing each into his tomes. The wizards of Magehaven seem happy to provide the elf with whatever spells he seeks - [i]Fireball, Fly[/i] - so long as they are "common" spells. They do insist on taking payment for the scribing supplies he uses, but their prices are quite fair, even generous. Needless to say, Mystarion is rather pleased. Jonetello gives numerous well-attended performances, finishing each song to deafening applause. Several weeks into his stay, the grateful villagers present the minstrel with a gift: the [i]Lute of Whispers[/i], an instrument which plays magically sweet and beautiful notes, and allows the performer to murmur messages which will be unheard by all save the intended recipient. In between performances, however, Jonetello begins to be disturbed by a series of strange dreams and waking visions. Many of these share common elements: stars moving against darkness; flickers of silent lightning against the crumbling walls of an impossibly tall, forboding castle; a gray, serene fog that settles over the world, dulling all sound; a field of dead grass crumbling in a hot wind. None of the wizards will discuss his condition. At last, Thorald recognizes what is happening: Jonetello is manifesting powers of the mind, of the same kind as Thorald's. Hypothesizing that Thorald's powers might have brought Jonetello's to the surface, they begin to experiment. Before long, Jonetello has learned to accelerate his movement, to create an invisible armor around himself, and to see in the dark. Leilen continues his attempts to study the book of Albreth, but is turned down time and again. Eventually, one of the wizards informs him that all research has ceased. The village council fears that delving too deep into the prophecies could involve Magehaven, or could bring more visitors from the outside. Until they can divine the reason for the book's discovery (for clearly there is a purpose at work), the book will be safeguarded but kept from all eyes. Eventually, the group begins to plan their departure. After several discussions, the consensus is to travel to the county of Loxham in Rellenor, in order to fight the necromancer as well as continue research into the Order of Ardinor. The village council offers to [i]Teleport[/i] the party (and horses) to a remote location in Loxham. Kanavin, who will be remaining in Magehaven, thanks the party for their help in finding him sanctuary. He gives Jonetello several thousand gold pieces, to be delivered to those fighting to restore the Loxhams to power. "I will not remain in hiding forever," he says. "If you find evidence of my father's innocence, or anything else of note, send word and I will come." [b]Loxham, January 5, LE 654[/b] The party arrives via [i]Teleport[/i] in southwest Loxham, in foot-deep snow on the slopes of the Green Hills. After bidding farewell to the wizards who brought them, they spend several days slogging through the snow to reach the county capital of Leston. The guards at the town gate seem more concerned with staying out of the bitter wind than with getting names or destinations, and the party quickly seeks out the warmth and comfort of a tavern. Jonetello quickly discovers that much has happened since he was last in Loxham - in fact, he learns that Loxham no longer exists. At midwinter court just a few weeks ago, King Camonix renamed the county Wassan, formally removing the Loxham title and heritage. Alexander Stonecroft, minstrel and former companion of the Count, has been named Archbaron of Wassan, lower in rank than (and answering to) Count Blaumere, but high enough to be considered a ruling noble. However, military matters concerning the necromancer Malefice and Loxham insurgents are under the jurisdiction of a Knight Commander of Wassan, answering directly to Count Blaumere. Pierre de Blaumere, the Count's cousin, was sworn into this position a few short weeks ago, and already there is grumbling about the dictates of Blaumere being enforced on the people of Wassan. Unsurprisingly, the Archbaron's best efforts to ease life for the people of Wassan have been foiled by the Blaumeres, who insist on increased taxation to pay for "protection" against Malefice and the Loxham rebels. People are happy that Alexander is in charge, but unhappy that he still answers to a Blaumere. The party also hears of a strange merchant who has taken up residence in Leston; a man with a strange color-name, "Pink" or something similar. According to tales told by many taverngoers, this man appeared suddenly in early winter, claiming to be a trader from eastern Rellenor. However, his manner, clothing, and speech were not at all Rellenorian, and he seemed to know little of Rellenor (though he claimed to know quite a bit). He has been actively pursuing trade arrangements for the spring; everyone's best guess is that he is a merchant from some distant land. Jonetello visits a tavern and plays his masterpiece song using his new lute: a subtle parody of the oppression in Loxham, telling of a Count "Bloodmoor" who abandons his people out of sheer cowardice. The song is well received, although Jonetello is not sure if his intended message was conveyed. He leaves hastily, hoping that he will not be remembered (forgetting, apparently, the rarity of magical instruments). He seeks out members of the Loxham resistance, but no one at any of the meeting places responds to his signals. He hears that the resistance raided a Blaumere supply camp recently, and reasons that everyone has gone to ground. There are also plenty of stories to hear about Malefice. After the keep at Littlewater was cleansed (by Kalenthas and his companions), a small garrison of Blaumeres occupied the keep, but were driven out several days later by the ghost of Terdessen Loxham. A few weeks after that, southern Moonvale was plagued by a new type of undead creature: tall, robed figures bearing scythes who assaulted village after village, harvesting the souls of innocent villagers before vanishing into the night. They defeated a force of Blaumere soldiers sent after them and continued to ravage the countryside for another two months, when suddenly they disappeared. This only encouraged the Knight Commander, Pierre de Blaumere, to keep his forces south of the river, although the Archbaron has been tireless in his efforts to move northward and free northern Wassan. The party decides to continue their research of Malefice and the Order of Ardinor. The best place for this, they decide, is the Order of the Iris in eastern Rellenor. They pay a hefty toll to a Blaumere vessel and take an icy passage across Drelmist Lake to the city of Merelin, arriving three days later. From there, a snowy path winds past Mount Etienne to the Fortress of the Iris, where the group is welcomed and congratulated for their efforts in saving Kanavin Loxham. [b]Fortress of the Iris - January 12, LE 654[/b] Thorald spends several days researching Ardinor, finding nothing; until one day, a scrap of paper falls from the pages of a tome. On it, Thorald reads the account of a traveler who journeyed to the fortress of the Order of Ardinor, keeping detailed notes on his route. Some of the landmarks are ancient, but the route clearly began on the ancient East-West road that runs through Sygwerdan's lands today. The traveler spent many days moving eastward, toward the capital of the fallen Tataiafar Empire, before turning north into high mountains and the Valley of the Crescent. The journey is clearly a lengthy one, and the lands it leads to are today wild and perilous. Even Sygwerdan, it is said, does not venture there. Thorald also spends some time looking into the history of Malefice. According to accounts scribed by the Order of Iris, undead creatures acting with organization and planning began to trouble northern Loxham in the year 647; however, these attacks did not grow significant until 648, when a far northern patrol was slain by zombies. In May of 649, less than a year after Count Loxham's execution, whole villages were slain and/or captured by undead and Nashar (night goblins) in the name of the necromancer Malefice; this is the first known mention of this necromancer's name. From this time onward, the forces of Malefice conducted a persistent campaign clearly designed to capture territory from Loxham, a strategy which has for the most part succeeded. Malefice occupied several castles, including the keep at Littlewater formerly occupied by Terdessen Loxham (who was slain along with his wife Anne by Malefice), using these as staging points for his assaults. The troops of Count Blaumere made several attacks, but have been unable to sustain any victories. [b]Merelin, January 15 LE 654[/b] Meanwhile, Jonetello and Leilen travel back to Merelin. Jonetello, in disguise, performs his song [i]a cappela[/i] in several different locations, drawing a large audience each time. He even overhears several groups of people discussing the song's meaning and implications. He also hears stories about a familiar-looking bard in Leston with a magic lute who played a similar song a few days ago... He also hears more tales about the strange merchant in Leston. This "Pink" is the cause for some concern; the locals are worried that he might be buying out some valuable contracts in the months before the first spring caravans begin to roll. Leilen takes the Prophecies of Midnight to the church of Pelor, hoping to receive some further insight into their meaning. The high priest is rather doubtful at first... "New prophecies from Albreth? Of course they are, lad. Let's see...well, you wrote them well, I must say. Ink's dry, too." Leilen persists, however, and a few truth spells later, the priest is convinced. He delivers the following divination: [i]"Soul, Spirit, Mind, Power: these prophecies speak of many things."[/i] Clearly troubled by Pelor's seeming acceptance of these prophecies as the real thing, the priest asks for and receives permission to copy the verses for further contemplation. The party decides they have learned all they can, and return via another icy journey to Leston. [b]Leston, January 20 LE 254[/b] Jonetello meets with Ben, a member of the River (a network of farmers and craftsmen supporting the Loxham resistance). Jonetello gives him the gold sent by Kanavin and, more importantly, word that Kanavin is safe and planning his return. The man is overjoyed, and thankful for the funds. With Alexander Stonecroft now in charge, many people have been quitting the fight, feeling that the new Archbaron will do a better job battling the Blaumeres than they ever could. The party decides to assault the necromancer, or at least to see what he is up to. A few days later, they leave for Littlewater, hoping to see what has become of the keep there. The journey takes several days. [b]Littlewater, February 3, LE 654[/b] After spending the night in the abandoned village of Littlewater, the party travels along the snow-covered road leading to Littlewater keep. They see no signs of passage since the last snowstorm, either on the road or in the fields that line the road to either side. After a couple hours of travel, they top the ridge that stands between village and keep, giving them their first view of the fortress of Littlewater. The drawbridge is up and there are no immediate signs of activity. As they approach, a narrow column of smoke can be seen rising from the northwest tower (behind and to the left of the main gatehouse, which faces south); otherwise, the keep lies silent, shrouded in snow. The party sends Elbyn, [i]Invisible[/i], to scout. He circles the keep slowly, hearing a sound of metal against stone from the northwest tower, and some strange growling noises from the courtyard. The moat is dry, but thick brambles make direct approach difficult without being seen. Nevertheless, he considers approaching the postern door set into the northwest tower, but decides against it. As he passes the southeast tower, an alarm bell rings out - Elbryn looks back at the footprints he is leaving in the snow and decides it is time to return to the party. After a few minutes of discussion, they decide on a rapid assault. Thorald, also [i]Invisible[/i], approaches and pushes through the brambly moat. Swiftly, he climbs the wall near the gatehouse to lower the drawbridge and let the party enter. Before he can gain entry, however, the nearby tower door slams open and a troll rushes onto the wall, sniffing its way steadily toward him. Thorald climbs the gatehouse and descends the outer wall, abandoning any hope of opening the drawbridge. From outside, the others launch a barrage of spells and missile attacks against the troll, but merely seem to annoy it (although Ravenfield's [i]Wand of Tasha's Hideous Laughter[/i] keeps it occupied for a while - you haven't seen hideous laughter until you've seen an amused troll). Elbryn climbs the wall, but is surprised by a second troll which climbs the ladder inside the tower and approaches, trapping him on the wall between the tower and gatehouse, one troll on each side. He jumps, and is clawed as he leaps, to avoid being trapped, landing in a heap at the base of the outer wall. [/QUOTE]
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