Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is LIVE! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
pogre's story hour Zandyrium -episode 66- (5/10/2006) A short update.
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="pogre" data-source="post: 2359782" data-attributes="member: 6588"><p>Zandyrium</p><p>Episode 52</p><p></p><p>Heinrich and Thoren led the way down the cavern passage that came to a fork. Following the northerly passage, the group could see a long dark hallway before them with corpses on the ground seemingly covered by canvas or dark cloth.</p><p></p><p>“There’s not been a lot of traffic through here,” Githraldul announced.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers inched forward and could see the corpses looked quite old and appeared to be covered in a fine brown fur. “That’s odd,” Ginny commented, “I wonder what kind of creatures these were.” She bent down to take a closer look.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t touch ‘em lass,” Wassabe warned.</p><p></p><p>“They were Giants and ogres and the like,” Morguhn commented. “The brown fur is some kind of fungi I suspect.”</p><p></p><p>“We need to leave this hallway,” Heinrich warned, “Some of you are becoming very cold.” The cleric of Seigphorus had said a prayer earlier that allowed him to keep track of the adventurers’ well being.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers backed out of the hall. Several members of the group now realized they were chilled to the bone.</p><p></p><p>“Look,” Morguhn pointed back down the hall, “See how the brown fur has expanded and grown. It’s like it was feeding off of our spirits.”</p><p></p><p>“I would have felt that,” Justinius countered. “More like it was feeding off of our body heat.”</p><p></p><p>“In any case, I vote for the other direction,” Ginny said.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, in Zandyrium at the Emperor’s Council meeting…</p><p></p><p>“Quiet now!” Lord Heliophos bellowed crashing a gavel down for attention. The room’s hubbub lulled for a moment. “Master Auspice Cavins of the Young Trading House would like the floor.”</p><p></p><p>All eyes in the chamber turned to the portly Cavins who struggled to stand up and adjusted his fine robes before addressing the council. Cavins was the current head of the Merchants’ Guild and was rumored to have the Assassins’ Guild on retainer. Whether the rumor was true or not did not matter, it still served Cavins’s purposes. “Gentlefolk and esteemed council members it seems fortune and Ventus have smiled down upon bright Zandyrium this day. A new light has shown itself to the city to lead it out of this dark night to a new dawn. A couple of weeks ago the Merchants’ Guild heard from an ancient house we had thought was all but gone, the House of Pulanti.”</p><p></p><p>A murmur went through the crowd at the mention of the Pulanti family. The Pulantis were indeed an ancient house in the city controlling some of the most desirable trading monopolies. However, in recent years their trading interests had been sadly disregarded, their warehouses were decrepit and falling down, and no representative of their house had made it to a Merchant Guild’s meeting in at least a couple of decades. Some in the guild even questioned whether the Pulantis were still alive.</p><p></p><p>Cavins smiled at the whispering council members and held his hand up to ask for their attention again. “He has returned from his studies abroad and wishes to raise up the city to her former glory. We in the Merchants’ Guild feel this is the man for the job of Vizier, the man to lead our young prince or princess into a glorious tenure as Emperor or Empress. I present to you – Cosimo Pulanti.”</p><p></p><p>A young man, perhaps in his mid twenties stood before the assembly. He was tall and dressed impeccably in a fine suit and rich robes. His features were sharp, but manly and handsome. He stood tall, with an air of dignity and his regal bearing did much to draw everyone’s attention to him. He smiled with warmth at the gawking council members and then took a deep bow before them.</p><p></p><p>“I am honored to meet you,” the young man said. “I am Cosimo Pulanti and I would like to return my family and our city to glory. My father, Giovanni, has been so ill for so many years and sadly, I had no knowledge of this while I was away at school. But now I have returned and there is an opportunity to serve my beautiful home city and my family. I most humbly appeal to this learned council for this appointment.”</p><p></p><p>“Did you know of this?” Lord Heliophos grumbled to Bishop Polariate in a low voice.</p><p></p><p>“No my lord,” came the bishop’s whispered reply. “I did not even know there was a Cosimo Pulanti. Do you think Lord Krovon knew?”</p><p></p><p>“Apparently so,” Lord Heliophos nodded his head back in the direction of Cosimo Pulanti. Lord Krovon was shaking hands with young Cosimo as were many other leading nobles.</p><p></p><p>“Does he have enough votes to pull this off?” Bishop Polariate whispered to Lord Heliophos.</p><p></p><p>“It may be a done deal from the looks of it,” Heliophos admitted.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The adventurers worked their way down the passageway until it opened into another Frost Giants’ barracks. The four Frost Giants turned to face the adventurers. </p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.pogre.com/5201_four_frost_giants.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.pogre.com/5201_four_frost_giants_th.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>Arcane fire danced from Mercutio and Morguhn’s fingertips and ripped through the giants. The group’s swords and missiles finished the job the arcane spells had begun. The last giant made a mad dash to escape, but quick-witted Wassabe dashed over and shot the giant down with his crossbow.</p><p></p><p>“Ho! Good shooting Wassabe!” Ginny called out.</p><p></p><p>“That was nothing Lass,” Wassabe replied, “Get in my roll tonight and…”</p><p></p><p>“Enough,” Heinrich interrupted, “Let’s us proceed down the passage that giant was fleeing down.”</p><p></p><p>The group continued down the passage and found themselves in another guard post area with even more Frost Giants.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.pogre.com/5202_eight_frost_giants.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.pogre.com/5202_eight_frost_giants_th.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>The fighting was fast and furious with the casters’ spells taking a terrible toll on the giants again. One of the giants managed to scramble out of the cavern, but the rest met with arcane fire and cold steel deaths.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers quickly pursued the escaped giant hoping to catch him or have him lead them to the jarl’s lair. Rounding the passage corner the adventurers found the fire giant and two-dozen ogres!</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>“I know your father, Giovanni, Master Pulanti,” Lord Krovon stated. “You have his eyes.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you Lord Krovon,” Cosimo replied. “I must say you probably know my father better than I. I have been gone for these last few years and alas my father is not even well enough to speak now.”</p><p></p><p>“We should make this official,” Auspice Cavins stated merrily, “I move we vote on the nominee, Master Cosimo Pulanti.”</p><p></p><p>“Hold a moment Master Cavins,” Lord Heliophos interrupted, “Many of us do not even know this young man. I can see the dye is cast, but I wish to make this a unanimous vote of confidence.”</p><p></p><p>“Lord Heliophos is out of order!” Cavins retorted, “I have moved for a vote.”</p><p></p><p>“No, no, by all means ask any questions,” Cosimo Pulanti replied, “Lord Heliophos is wise to harbor doubts and I wish to put his mind at ease.”</p><p></p><p>“I have a question if I may,” Bishop said standing.</p><p></p><p>“Please Bishop Polariate,” Pulanti replied.</p><p></p><p>The Bishop paused, he was most impressed the young man seemed to know all of the council members names already. “Master Pulanti, if you seek to revive your family fortunes would not your energies be best directed towards the Pulanti Trading House?”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed Bishop, I will be putting our trading interests back on course. Sadly, our fleet is down to four ships and our monopolies are greatly neglected. However, I have taken many steps to return our trading house to its former glory. First, I have returned two monopolies to the guild to avoid an appearance of impropriety should this august body select me as Vizier. Second, I have revamped our sailing schedules to better serve the community with the commodity monopolies we have retained. Third, I have purchased two new dhao ships to increase our trading fleet. Finally, I have hired a trusted manager to oversee the daily operations of the house.”</p><p></p><p>“The passing of monopolies certainly explains the Merchants’ Guild’s sudden support,” Lord Heliophos remarked caustically.</p><p></p><p>“Unanimity is desirable, but hardly necessary,” Master Cavins said, “I have moved for a vote.”</p><p></p><p>“And you shall have it,” Heliophos quipped angrily. “The role of the Vizier is clear: He is to guide and educate our young heir and to take advice from this council or face removal.”</p><p></p><p>“I understand the role completely,” Cosimo Pulanti replied.</p><p></p><p>“The voting pot will be passed. Those in favor drop whites, those opposed drop blacks,” Heliophos instructed. The plinking of marbles into the ceramic voting pot could soon be heard.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The frost giant smiled at the adventurers at the turn of events. He stood ready for battle with the crowd of ogres around him.</p><p></p><p>Justinius stepped to the front and dropped a heavy bag of coins before the ogres. “The first one to kill the frost giant gets 4,000 gold!”</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.pogre.com/5203_justinius_offer.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.pogre.com/5203_justinius_offer_th.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></a></p><p></p><p>There was a pause in the room; a moment of decision, and then an ogre club came smashing down on the back of the giant’s leg. The frost giant whirled around to find the source of the treachery. More blows reigned down on the giant from behind as a frenzied mutiny broke out.</p><p></p><p>The adventurers watched in bemused amazement with the sole exception of Ginny who buried a pair of arrows in the giant’s neck. The ogres did not take long and the betrayed giant was soon nothing but splattered blood and pulp. One of the ogres walked forward and grabbed the reward Justinius had offered.</p><p></p><p>“Take it friend, you earned it,” Justinius remarked.</p><p></p><p>“Are we leaving or getting that gold back?” Wassabe said under his breath.</p><p></p><p>“It was a fair bargain,” Justinius began, “We should retire.”</p><p></p><p>The adventurers worked their way back to the guard chamber.</p><p></p><p>“Now I really do need to rest and meditate,” Mercutio stated. “I am nearly out of spells.”</p><p></p><p>“We need to press on for the reasons we all agreed upon earlier,” Wassabe warned.</p><p></p><p>“Earlier, we were not nearly as depleted,” Justinius argued, “We must retire.”</p><p></p><p>Wassabe argued for a short time more but it became obvious he was in the minority. The group <em>teleported</em> back to Verkorenvalt. </p><p></p><p>Dar tried to gently explain to the dwarves in Verkorenvalt that the group had to rest after facing and killing over 30 frost giants and a dozen yetis. The truth was though he was disappointed too, he had a <em>feeling</em> that Loremaster Grimsson would pay a price for their rest this night.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>The voting pot was shattered and it was clear a count would not be necessary as the white marbles spilled out overwhelming the dozen or so black ones.</p><p></p><p>“Cosimo Pulanti is our new Vizier!” Merchants’ Guildmaster Auspice Cavins announced loudly. A cheer rose from the room in response and Cosimo Pulanti stood and bowed to the assembly. Pulanti began moving through the crowd pressing flesh and talking to the various council members.</p><p></p><p>“Why do I have a sense that is the last true vote this council will make for some time?” Lord Heliophos whispered to Bishop Polariate.</p><p></p><p>“Do not lose hope Lord Heliophos. Give the man a chance. We have time.”</p><p></p><p>As Pulanti neared Bishop Polariate and Lord Heliophos both men shook his hand and exchanged greetings with the young Vizier. Pulanti wore a dark pin with his familial coat of arms stamped in it. Heliophos’s eyes were glued to a quarter of the heraldry portraying a perched raven as he shook the young Pulanti’s ice-cold hand. He pulled his hand back quickly.</p><p></p><p>“I’m so sorry my hands are cold Lord Heliophos, it happens when I am nervous,” Cosimo smiled reassuringly.</p><p></p><p>Heliophos returned his smile, but he could not counter the feeling of <em>dread</em> the encounter had brought him.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p></p><p>Captain Isomara counted shares out to his men and endured their grumbling at the small take. He was not happy either; turbulent politics and turbulent weather were two of a captain’s worst enemies. This time though a whirlpool seemed to be the main problem.</p><p></p><p>Isomara tried to make contact with the masters of the Fortune Trading House, but learned they were not about. He had given the 900 gold that was the merchant house’s share to Rothlor the ranger as they had instructed him earlier. He knew they would be disappointed like his own men, but that was not the bad news. He told Rothlor of the whirlpool in the current.</p><p></p><p>“And you think it was of sorcery?” Rothlor asked.</p><p></p><p>“Of this, I have no doubt my friend,” Captain Isomara replied. “The sky was blue as it gets and the sea was calm until we were within a league of it.”</p><p></p><p>“For what purpose would these whirlpools be formed?” Rothlor asked.</p><p></p><p>“That’s the question mate,” Captain Isomara admitted. “Let us dive down to the wharfs and spin yarns with the other salts.”</p><p></p><p>The pair moved through the wharf taverns casting for information and soon learned others had encountered the whirlpool Captain Isomara had narrowly escaped. A few believed the whirlpool had captured a small ship or two, but what was worse there were reports of other whirlpools in other prevailing currents.</p><p></p><p>“When do you ship out again Captain?” Rothlor asked.</p><p></p><p>“Five days,” Isomara answered. “At least I have a contract on the southern Thraegian Coast for some lumber this time. That will take some of the chance out of this journey.”</p><p></p><p>“What of the whirlpool?” Rothlor asked.</p><p></p><p>“Not a problem on the way down,” Isomara answered. “The current is northerly, we go to the open to use the main winds on the trip down. If it’s still there though, it will slow down our return.”</p><p></p><p>“The mystery of these whirlpools deepens,” Rothlor remarked. “The four or five we heard mentioned all affected main currents heading towards Zandyrium.”</p><p></p><p>“Not so odd,” Captain Isomara replied, “That’s the port we’re in – only natural that’s the reports we’d get.”</p><p></p><p>“I suppose you’re right,” Rothlor admitted, “Still I am anxious to hear what Wassabe and the others make of this.”</p><p></p><p>To be continued…</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="pogre, post: 2359782, member: 6588"] Zandyrium Episode 52 Heinrich and Thoren led the way down the cavern passage that came to a fork. Following the northerly passage, the group could see a long dark hallway before them with corpses on the ground seemingly covered by canvas or dark cloth. “There’s not been a lot of traffic through here,” Githraldul announced. The adventurers inched forward and could see the corpses looked quite old and appeared to be covered in a fine brown fur. “That’s odd,” Ginny commented, “I wonder what kind of creatures these were.” She bent down to take a closer look. “Don’t touch ‘em lass,” Wassabe warned. “They were Giants and ogres and the like,” Morguhn commented. “The brown fur is some kind of fungi I suspect.” “We need to leave this hallway,” Heinrich warned, “Some of you are becoming very cold.” The cleric of Seigphorus had said a prayer earlier that allowed him to keep track of the adventurers’ well being. The adventurers backed out of the hall. Several members of the group now realized they were chilled to the bone. “Look,” Morguhn pointed back down the hall, “See how the brown fur has expanded and grown. It’s like it was feeding off of our spirits.” “I would have felt that,” Justinius countered. “More like it was feeding off of our body heat.” “In any case, I vote for the other direction,” Ginny said. ***** Meanwhile, in Zandyrium at the Emperor’s Council meeting… “Quiet now!” Lord Heliophos bellowed crashing a gavel down for attention. The room’s hubbub lulled for a moment. “Master Auspice Cavins of the Young Trading House would like the floor.” All eyes in the chamber turned to the portly Cavins who struggled to stand up and adjusted his fine robes before addressing the council. Cavins was the current head of the Merchants’ Guild and was rumored to have the Assassins’ Guild on retainer. Whether the rumor was true or not did not matter, it still served Cavins’s purposes. “Gentlefolk and esteemed council members it seems fortune and Ventus have smiled down upon bright Zandyrium this day. A new light has shown itself to the city to lead it out of this dark night to a new dawn. A couple of weeks ago the Merchants’ Guild heard from an ancient house we had thought was all but gone, the House of Pulanti.” A murmur went through the crowd at the mention of the Pulanti family. The Pulantis were indeed an ancient house in the city controlling some of the most desirable trading monopolies. However, in recent years their trading interests had been sadly disregarded, their warehouses were decrepit and falling down, and no representative of their house had made it to a Merchant Guild’s meeting in at least a couple of decades. Some in the guild even questioned whether the Pulantis were still alive. Cavins smiled at the whispering council members and held his hand up to ask for their attention again. “He has returned from his studies abroad and wishes to raise up the city to her former glory. We in the Merchants’ Guild feel this is the man for the job of Vizier, the man to lead our young prince or princess into a glorious tenure as Emperor or Empress. I present to you – Cosimo Pulanti.” A young man, perhaps in his mid twenties stood before the assembly. He was tall and dressed impeccably in a fine suit and rich robes. His features were sharp, but manly and handsome. He stood tall, with an air of dignity and his regal bearing did much to draw everyone’s attention to him. He smiled with warmth at the gawking council members and then took a deep bow before them. “I am honored to meet you,” the young man said. “I am Cosimo Pulanti and I would like to return my family and our city to glory. My father, Giovanni, has been so ill for so many years and sadly, I had no knowledge of this while I was away at school. But now I have returned and there is an opportunity to serve my beautiful home city and my family. I most humbly appeal to this learned council for this appointment.” “Did you know of this?” Lord Heliophos grumbled to Bishop Polariate in a low voice. “No my lord,” came the bishop’s whispered reply. “I did not even know there was a Cosimo Pulanti. Do you think Lord Krovon knew?” “Apparently so,” Lord Heliophos nodded his head back in the direction of Cosimo Pulanti. Lord Krovon was shaking hands with young Cosimo as were many other leading nobles. “Does he have enough votes to pull this off?” Bishop Polariate whispered to Lord Heliophos. “It may be a done deal from the looks of it,” Heliophos admitted. ***** The adventurers worked their way down the passageway until it opened into another Frost Giants’ barracks. The four Frost Giants turned to face the adventurers. [URL=http://www.pogre.com/5201_four_frost_giants.jpg][IMG]http://www.pogre.com/5201_four_frost_giants_th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Arcane fire danced from Mercutio and Morguhn’s fingertips and ripped through the giants. The group’s swords and missiles finished the job the arcane spells had begun. The last giant made a mad dash to escape, but quick-witted Wassabe dashed over and shot the giant down with his crossbow. “Ho! Good shooting Wassabe!” Ginny called out. “That was nothing Lass,” Wassabe replied, “Get in my roll tonight and…” “Enough,” Heinrich interrupted, “Let’s us proceed down the passage that giant was fleeing down.” The group continued down the passage and found themselves in another guard post area with even more Frost Giants. [URL=http://www.pogre.com/5202_eight_frost_giants.jpg][IMG]http://www.pogre.com/5202_eight_frost_giants_th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The fighting was fast and furious with the casters’ spells taking a terrible toll on the giants again. One of the giants managed to scramble out of the cavern, but the rest met with arcane fire and cold steel deaths. The adventurers quickly pursued the escaped giant hoping to catch him or have him lead them to the jarl’s lair. Rounding the passage corner the adventurers found the fire giant and two-dozen ogres! ***** “I know your father, Giovanni, Master Pulanti,” Lord Krovon stated. “You have his eyes.” “Thank you Lord Krovon,” Cosimo replied. “I must say you probably know my father better than I. I have been gone for these last few years and alas my father is not even well enough to speak now.” “We should make this official,” Auspice Cavins stated merrily, “I move we vote on the nominee, Master Cosimo Pulanti.” “Hold a moment Master Cavins,” Lord Heliophos interrupted, “Many of us do not even know this young man. I can see the dye is cast, but I wish to make this a unanimous vote of confidence.” “Lord Heliophos is out of order!” Cavins retorted, “I have moved for a vote.” “No, no, by all means ask any questions,” Cosimo Pulanti replied, “Lord Heliophos is wise to harbor doubts and I wish to put his mind at ease.” “I have a question if I may,” Bishop said standing. “Please Bishop Polariate,” Pulanti replied. The Bishop paused, he was most impressed the young man seemed to know all of the council members names already. “Master Pulanti, if you seek to revive your family fortunes would not your energies be best directed towards the Pulanti Trading House?” “Indeed Bishop, I will be putting our trading interests back on course. Sadly, our fleet is down to four ships and our monopolies are greatly neglected. However, I have taken many steps to return our trading house to its former glory. First, I have returned two monopolies to the guild to avoid an appearance of impropriety should this august body select me as Vizier. Second, I have revamped our sailing schedules to better serve the community with the commodity monopolies we have retained. Third, I have purchased two new dhao ships to increase our trading fleet. Finally, I have hired a trusted manager to oversee the daily operations of the house.” “The passing of monopolies certainly explains the Merchants’ Guild’s sudden support,” Lord Heliophos remarked caustically. “Unanimity is desirable, but hardly necessary,” Master Cavins said, “I have moved for a vote.” “And you shall have it,” Heliophos quipped angrily. “The role of the Vizier is clear: He is to guide and educate our young heir and to take advice from this council or face removal.” “I understand the role completely,” Cosimo Pulanti replied. “The voting pot will be passed. Those in favor drop whites, those opposed drop blacks,” Heliophos instructed. The plinking of marbles into the ceramic voting pot could soon be heard. ***** The frost giant smiled at the adventurers at the turn of events. He stood ready for battle with the crowd of ogres around him. Justinius stepped to the front and dropped a heavy bag of coins before the ogres. “The first one to kill the frost giant gets 4,000 gold!” [URL=http://www.pogre.com/5203_justinius_offer.jpg][IMG]http://www.pogre.com/5203_justinius_offer_th.jpg[/IMG][/URL] There was a pause in the room; a moment of decision, and then an ogre club came smashing down on the back of the giant’s leg. The frost giant whirled around to find the source of the treachery. More blows reigned down on the giant from behind as a frenzied mutiny broke out. The adventurers watched in bemused amazement with the sole exception of Ginny who buried a pair of arrows in the giant’s neck. The ogres did not take long and the betrayed giant was soon nothing but splattered blood and pulp. One of the ogres walked forward and grabbed the reward Justinius had offered. “Take it friend, you earned it,” Justinius remarked. “Are we leaving or getting that gold back?” Wassabe said under his breath. “It was a fair bargain,” Justinius began, “We should retire.” The adventurers worked their way back to the guard chamber. “Now I really do need to rest and meditate,” Mercutio stated. “I am nearly out of spells.” “We need to press on for the reasons we all agreed upon earlier,” Wassabe warned. “Earlier, we were not nearly as depleted,” Justinius argued, “We must retire.” Wassabe argued for a short time more but it became obvious he was in the minority. The group [I]teleported[/I] back to Verkorenvalt. Dar tried to gently explain to the dwarves in Verkorenvalt that the group had to rest after facing and killing over 30 frost giants and a dozen yetis. The truth was though he was disappointed too, he had a [I]feeling[/I] that Loremaster Grimsson would pay a price for their rest this night. ***** The voting pot was shattered and it was clear a count would not be necessary as the white marbles spilled out overwhelming the dozen or so black ones. “Cosimo Pulanti is our new Vizier!” Merchants’ Guildmaster Auspice Cavins announced loudly. A cheer rose from the room in response and Cosimo Pulanti stood and bowed to the assembly. Pulanti began moving through the crowd pressing flesh and talking to the various council members. “Why do I have a sense that is the last true vote this council will make for some time?” Lord Heliophos whispered to Bishop Polariate. “Do not lose hope Lord Heliophos. Give the man a chance. We have time.” As Pulanti neared Bishop Polariate and Lord Heliophos both men shook his hand and exchanged greetings with the young Vizier. Pulanti wore a dark pin with his familial coat of arms stamped in it. Heliophos’s eyes were glued to a quarter of the heraldry portraying a perched raven as he shook the young Pulanti’s ice-cold hand. He pulled his hand back quickly. “I’m so sorry my hands are cold Lord Heliophos, it happens when I am nervous,” Cosimo smiled reassuringly. Heliophos returned his smile, but he could not counter the feeling of [I]dread[/I] the encounter had brought him. ***** Captain Isomara counted shares out to his men and endured their grumbling at the small take. He was not happy either; turbulent politics and turbulent weather were two of a captain’s worst enemies. This time though a whirlpool seemed to be the main problem. Isomara tried to make contact with the masters of the Fortune Trading House, but learned they were not about. He had given the 900 gold that was the merchant house’s share to Rothlor the ranger as they had instructed him earlier. He knew they would be disappointed like his own men, but that was not the bad news. He told Rothlor of the whirlpool in the current. “And you think it was of sorcery?” Rothlor asked. “Of this, I have no doubt my friend,” Captain Isomara replied. “The sky was blue as it gets and the sea was calm until we were within a league of it.” “For what purpose would these whirlpools be formed?” Rothlor asked. “That’s the question mate,” Captain Isomara admitted. “Let us dive down to the wharfs and spin yarns with the other salts.” The pair moved through the wharf taverns casting for information and soon learned others had encountered the whirlpool Captain Isomara had narrowly escaped. A few believed the whirlpool had captured a small ship or two, but what was worse there were reports of other whirlpools in other prevailing currents. “When do you ship out again Captain?” Rothlor asked. “Five days,” Isomara answered. “At least I have a contract on the southern Thraegian Coast for some lumber this time. That will take some of the chance out of this journey.” “What of the whirlpool?” Rothlor asked. “Not a problem on the way down,” Isomara answered. “The current is northerly, we go to the open to use the main winds on the trip down. If it’s still there though, it will slow down our return.” “The mystery of these whirlpools deepens,” Rothlor remarked. “The four or five we heard mentioned all affected main currents heading towards Zandyrium.” “Not so odd,” Captain Isomara replied, “That’s the port we’re in – only natural that’s the reports we’d get.” “I suppose you’re right,” Rothlor admitted, “Still I am anxious to hear what Wassabe and the others make of this.” To be continued… [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
pogre's story hour Zandyrium -episode 66- (5/10/2006) A short update.
Top