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Rel's Faded Glory Campaign (Thank You Old One!)
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<blockquote data-quote="Rel" data-source="post: 133848" data-attributes="member: 99"><p><strong>...right now</strong></p><p></p><p>As the town wall came into view, they could see that guardsmen topped the wall in numbers far greater than was normal. They approached the gate and could see some movement atop the wall. A few moments later, the gates opened slightly and Kyndalyn came out and approached the pair.</p><p></p><p>He walked quickly and had a dour air about him as he walked up and addressed Speaks without preamble, "Speaks, I got your message and I'll listen if you have credible charges against the Inquisitors. I know that you've gotten rough treatment around here lately that you probably don't deserve. But if you intend to simply cause trouble because you are angry, I'll put a stop to it if I can. I may be stupid to put myself between your magic and Capito's but it is my job to keep the peace around here and I intend to do so.</p><p></p><p>Some of the folks around here don't believe the things that are being said about you. They think that you've done a lot of good for the town and that you did the best you could to protect the boys. But if you move openly against the Inquisitors, that remaining goodwill will evaporate before the dew on this grass."</p><p></p><p>Speaks listened to Kyndalyn stoically and replied, "I intend no trouble today. I have come to speak with these 'Inquisitors' as they have asked. But I do not recognize them as having any authority over me and if they attempt to harm or incarcerate me, I will defend myself with powers such as you have not seen before. And I have good reason to believe that they have broken the laws of your town. I guess we'll see then how seriously you take your job."</p><p></p><p>Kyndalyn gave Speaks a long cool stare and then nodded curtly. He turned on his heel and walked quickly back to the gate. He ordered the gate opened and he went inside leaving the gate open behind him. A moment later, the Inquisitors, their guards and Scar stepped outside onto the rocky road.</p><p></p><p>Capito gazed toward Speaks with a look of affable confidence and began to approach. Speaks also strode forward with Raven at his side. The two parties stopped some thirty feet from one another. Capito spoke first, "Greetings, Speaks With Stone. I have very much wanted to meet with you for some time now. I am glad you could come here this morning."</p><p></p><p>Speaks replied coldly, "Have you brought with you that which you have wrongfully taken?"</p><p></p><p>"Well…I received the missive you sent with my men. I'm afraid that whatever you were referring to eludes me. What is it that you think I've 'stolen'?"</p><p></p><p>Speaks' eyes narrowed, "You know full well that I meant the Amulet you took from Scar and the Headband you took from Tadius. I want them back."</p><p></p><p>"Ah, well, that explains why I misunderstood. I'm afraid you have been misinformed. I did not 'steal' either of those items. Both were freely given to me that they may be studied and that their corruption spread no further through the good people of this region." Capito's wan smile never left his lips.</p><p></p><p>Speaks quickly shot back, "If Scar gave you the Amulet, it was not his to give. It belongs to me. As for Tadius' Headband, you expect for me to believe that he gave you such an item freely?"</p><p></p><p>The Inquisitor took on a wounded look, "I did not in any way 'force' Tadius to give up the Headband. I did mention that my mission to recover any such items bearing the symbol depicted on the Headband was given directly by the Archbishop of St. Cuthbert in Oar and that if he refused I would have to report such to the Archbishop. You have long been away from the great city of Oar, but no doubt you've heard that the Archbishop has a great deal of influence. Even in such prosaic matters as…commerce. Upon hearing how displeased the Archbishop would be, Tadius thought better of the matter and decided to hand over the Headband before it could do him any further damage.</p><p></p><p>As for this issue about Scar, I feel I must ask him to speak for himself. Scar, was the Amulet you gave me the property of Speaks With Stone?"</p><p></p><p>Scar hadn't expected to be dragged into the conversation and stumbled over his words a bit, "Er…well, he didn't say he was giving it to me. He just told me to wear it. I would have given it back if he had asked. So…I guess…it still belongs to Speaks."</p><p></p><p>Speaks broke in quickly before Capito had a chance to talk again, "It is still mine and I want it back!"</p><p></p><p>Capito's face took a more serious cast, "You seem very…possessive of the Amulet. I admit that it seems to still be your property and I shall return it to you if you so choose. But first, have you any idea of the Evil this symbol represents?"</p><p></p><p>Speaks shot back, "For someone who has decided that these Amulets are evil, you certainly are anxious to get your hands on them as well. Give me back my property and we can discuss this matter further."</p><p></p><p>"Very well then." Capito reached into a sack at his belt and brought forth the Amulet and handed it over to Speaks. The Inquisitor continued, "I have come to Glynden seeking the source of these Amulets because our High Priests have foretold of the rising of a great force of Evil and Corruption in the Northlands. The portents are vague at this time, as such things are wont to be. But each Priest had a vision of this symbol. Imagine our shock when a pair were spotted in a magical curio shop in our fair city. I was immediately dispatched to investigate this matter and learned that the proprietor of the shop had purchased them from an elven merchant by the name of Tadius Silvanus.</p><p></p><p>Having already talked to Tadius and a number of others, I learned that he got them from you. I've also heard that you recovered them from a band of Orcs that invaded the savage lands west of here while you were aiding the barbarians. Is there anything more you can tell me?"</p><p></p><p>Speaks was a bit more calm now, "We did get them from the Orcs who invaded the lands of the Fodor. We believe that the horde originated from somewhere within the Blackpeaks in a place called The City of Endless Summer. As for 'evil and corruption' rising in the Northlands, I can also tell you that the Darkwood is now home to the walking dead. I have taken up the quest to seek out the source of this unlife and put it to rest. If you truly seek to stamp out the evil that plagues the Northlands, lend your aid to helping me rid the Darkwood of the undead."</p><p></p><p>Capito paused for a moment, "Legend has it that the Darkwood has ever been a place of evil and strife. Still, any effort to smite what corruption lies within that place is a noble deed. Have you considered however that you have been led to your present path by the corrupting power of the Amulet you wear. Our foretellings indicate that the power it represents is extremely subtle and perhaps your present actions somehow further whatever evil ends it seeks. Or perhaps you were led there simply to get you out of the way so that it might reign freely in the regions you try to protect."</p><p></p><p>Recalling the powerful sense of awe he felt when in the presence of Great Root, Speaks replied, "The power I serve in the Darkwood is beyond reproach. It is the very essence of purity, the force of nature. Perhaps it is you who have been led astray by the power of this corruption. Perhaps it desires for you to question my motives and attempt to have me stray from the path I have chosen."</p><p></p><p>Capito's smile returned, "I am forced by my calling to ward myself against such evil deceptions as you suspect I may have fallen under. I can see that you will not be swayed and I cannot say in truth that it would be well if you were.</p><p></p><p>In any event, I cannot come with you to aid your endeavor. I have been charged specifically with learning the origins of these symbols and returning to Oar with that information and I intend to do precisely that. As the Headband that Tadius provided appears to have similar but more powerful magics, I shall return it to our Priests and Sages for study. Perhaps they can uncover more of its secrets.</p><p></p><p>I wish you good fortune in your quest, Speaks With Stone. But, again, I caution you. Be wary of the power of the Amulets you bear and tread carefully on your path. I fear that it may be fraught with dangers that would beguile you to a darker purpose."</p><p></p><p>Speaks inquired, "Shall I take that to mean that our interview is concluded?"</p><p></p><p>The Inquisitor returned, "I do not think that any further knowledge or good is to be had from its continuation. Farewell Speaks With Stone."</p><p></p><p>As the Inquisitors turned to depart, Scar lingered and his eyes darted from one group to the other. Capito gestured for Scar to step aside with him and Scar agreed. The Inquisitor addressed him quietly, "Scar, I know that you have gone to battle and shared adventures with those two. I can see that you wish to go with them and I shall not try to stop you. But I do not speak falsely of the dangers the Church believes are tied to those Amulets and those who wrought them. I implore you not to wear one again.</p><p></p><p>And be on guard against the corruption that may, at this very moment, be gnawing at the soul of Speaks With Stone. I pray that these predictions shall not come to pass, but it is our duty to be vigilant.</p><p></p><p>In this matter, you shall be the Eyes and the Ears and the Hand of the Church. Do you understand?"</p><p></p><p>Scar's reply was short, "I will do what is necessary."</p><p></p><p>Capito nodded. Scar turned and rejoined his companions.</p><p></p><p>The day was young and they had all the supplies they could need so the trio set out straightaway. They turned their backs to the town of Glynden and headed toward the heart of the Darkwood.</p><p></p><p><strong>NEXT: Journey into Darkness</strong></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Rel, post: 133848, member: 99"] [B]...right now[/B] As the town wall came into view, they could see that guardsmen topped the wall in numbers far greater than was normal. They approached the gate and could see some movement atop the wall. A few moments later, the gates opened slightly and Kyndalyn came out and approached the pair. He walked quickly and had a dour air about him as he walked up and addressed Speaks without preamble, "Speaks, I got your message and I'll listen if you have credible charges against the Inquisitors. I know that you've gotten rough treatment around here lately that you probably don't deserve. But if you intend to simply cause trouble because you are angry, I'll put a stop to it if I can. I may be stupid to put myself between your magic and Capito's but it is my job to keep the peace around here and I intend to do so. Some of the folks around here don't believe the things that are being said about you. They think that you've done a lot of good for the town and that you did the best you could to protect the boys. But if you move openly against the Inquisitors, that remaining goodwill will evaporate before the dew on this grass." Speaks listened to Kyndalyn stoically and replied, "I intend no trouble today. I have come to speak with these 'Inquisitors' as they have asked. But I do not recognize them as having any authority over me and if they attempt to harm or incarcerate me, I will defend myself with powers such as you have not seen before. And I have good reason to believe that they have broken the laws of your town. I guess we'll see then how seriously you take your job." Kyndalyn gave Speaks a long cool stare and then nodded curtly. He turned on his heel and walked quickly back to the gate. He ordered the gate opened and he went inside leaving the gate open behind him. A moment later, the Inquisitors, their guards and Scar stepped outside onto the rocky road. Capito gazed toward Speaks with a look of affable confidence and began to approach. Speaks also strode forward with Raven at his side. The two parties stopped some thirty feet from one another. Capito spoke first, "Greetings, Speaks With Stone. I have very much wanted to meet with you for some time now. I am glad you could come here this morning." Speaks replied coldly, "Have you brought with you that which you have wrongfully taken?" "Well…I received the missive you sent with my men. I'm afraid that whatever you were referring to eludes me. What is it that you think I've 'stolen'?" Speaks' eyes narrowed, "You know full well that I meant the Amulet you took from Scar and the Headband you took from Tadius. I want them back." "Ah, well, that explains why I misunderstood. I'm afraid you have been misinformed. I did not 'steal' either of those items. Both were freely given to me that they may be studied and that their corruption spread no further through the good people of this region." Capito's wan smile never left his lips. Speaks quickly shot back, "If Scar gave you the Amulet, it was not his to give. It belongs to me. As for Tadius' Headband, you expect for me to believe that he gave you such an item freely?" The Inquisitor took on a wounded look, "I did not in any way 'force' Tadius to give up the Headband. I did mention that my mission to recover any such items bearing the symbol depicted on the Headband was given directly by the Archbishop of St. Cuthbert in Oar and that if he refused I would have to report such to the Archbishop. You have long been away from the great city of Oar, but no doubt you've heard that the Archbishop has a great deal of influence. Even in such prosaic matters as…commerce. Upon hearing how displeased the Archbishop would be, Tadius thought better of the matter and decided to hand over the Headband before it could do him any further damage. As for this issue about Scar, I feel I must ask him to speak for himself. Scar, was the Amulet you gave me the property of Speaks With Stone?" Scar hadn't expected to be dragged into the conversation and stumbled over his words a bit, "Er…well, he didn't say he was giving it to me. He just told me to wear it. I would have given it back if he had asked. So…I guess…it still belongs to Speaks." Speaks broke in quickly before Capito had a chance to talk again, "It is still mine and I want it back!" Capito's face took a more serious cast, "You seem very…possessive of the Amulet. I admit that it seems to still be your property and I shall return it to you if you so choose. But first, have you any idea of the Evil this symbol represents?" Speaks shot back, "For someone who has decided that these Amulets are evil, you certainly are anxious to get your hands on them as well. Give me back my property and we can discuss this matter further." "Very well then." Capito reached into a sack at his belt and brought forth the Amulet and handed it over to Speaks. The Inquisitor continued, "I have come to Glynden seeking the source of these Amulets because our High Priests have foretold of the rising of a great force of Evil and Corruption in the Northlands. The portents are vague at this time, as such things are wont to be. But each Priest had a vision of this symbol. Imagine our shock when a pair were spotted in a magical curio shop in our fair city. I was immediately dispatched to investigate this matter and learned that the proprietor of the shop had purchased them from an elven merchant by the name of Tadius Silvanus. Having already talked to Tadius and a number of others, I learned that he got them from you. I've also heard that you recovered them from a band of Orcs that invaded the savage lands west of here while you were aiding the barbarians. Is there anything more you can tell me?" Speaks was a bit more calm now, "We did get them from the Orcs who invaded the lands of the Fodor. We believe that the horde originated from somewhere within the Blackpeaks in a place called The City of Endless Summer. As for 'evil and corruption' rising in the Northlands, I can also tell you that the Darkwood is now home to the walking dead. I have taken up the quest to seek out the source of this unlife and put it to rest. If you truly seek to stamp out the evil that plagues the Northlands, lend your aid to helping me rid the Darkwood of the undead." Capito paused for a moment, "Legend has it that the Darkwood has ever been a place of evil and strife. Still, any effort to smite what corruption lies within that place is a noble deed. Have you considered however that you have been led to your present path by the corrupting power of the Amulet you wear. Our foretellings indicate that the power it represents is extremely subtle and perhaps your present actions somehow further whatever evil ends it seeks. Or perhaps you were led there simply to get you out of the way so that it might reign freely in the regions you try to protect." Recalling the powerful sense of awe he felt when in the presence of Great Root, Speaks replied, "The power I serve in the Darkwood is beyond reproach. It is the very essence of purity, the force of nature. Perhaps it is you who have been led astray by the power of this corruption. Perhaps it desires for you to question my motives and attempt to have me stray from the path I have chosen." Capito's smile returned, "I am forced by my calling to ward myself against such evil deceptions as you suspect I may have fallen under. I can see that you will not be swayed and I cannot say in truth that it would be well if you were. In any event, I cannot come with you to aid your endeavor. I have been charged specifically with learning the origins of these symbols and returning to Oar with that information and I intend to do precisely that. As the Headband that Tadius provided appears to have similar but more powerful magics, I shall return it to our Priests and Sages for study. Perhaps they can uncover more of its secrets. I wish you good fortune in your quest, Speaks With Stone. But, again, I caution you. Be wary of the power of the Amulets you bear and tread carefully on your path. I fear that it may be fraught with dangers that would beguile you to a darker purpose." Speaks inquired, "Shall I take that to mean that our interview is concluded?" The Inquisitor returned, "I do not think that any further knowledge or good is to be had from its continuation. Farewell Speaks With Stone." As the Inquisitors turned to depart, Scar lingered and his eyes darted from one group to the other. Capito gestured for Scar to step aside with him and Scar agreed. The Inquisitor addressed him quietly, "Scar, I know that you have gone to battle and shared adventures with those two. I can see that you wish to go with them and I shall not try to stop you. But I do not speak falsely of the dangers the Church believes are tied to those Amulets and those who wrought them. I implore you not to wear one again. And be on guard against the corruption that may, at this very moment, be gnawing at the soul of Speaks With Stone. I pray that these predictions shall not come to pass, but it is our duty to be vigilant. In this matter, you shall be the Eyes and the Ears and the Hand of the Church. Do you understand?" Scar's reply was short, "I will do what is necessary." Capito nodded. Scar turned and rejoined his companions. The day was young and they had all the supplies they could need so the trio set out straightaway. They turned their backs to the town of Glynden and headed toward the heart of the Darkwood. [B]NEXT: Journey into Darkness[/B] [/QUOTE]
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