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Story Hour
Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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<blockquote data-quote="sniffles" data-source="post: 2253784" data-attributes="member: 30035"><p><strong>The Saga Continues...</strong></p><p></p><p>@Spider Jerusalem;</p><p>Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll continue to enjoy the story as it progresses. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> </p><p> </p><p>Here are a few more installments: <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Among the Cloven Mountains</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">We rested for the remainder of the day after our unpleasant meeting with the Red Wizard and his followers. Everyone seemed subdued, for I think that some of the young humans were still dismayed at having to take lives in the struggle with Nethimil</span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">’</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s servants. I have begun to sense that Covenant is perhaps not as forthcoming as one might wish; not that he dissembles, for I think that is not in his nature, but that he dislikes admitting that all may not be well. I remarked on this to the dwarf, as he has traveled longest in Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s company but for Liadan. I fear that the young human lady may be too awed by Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s presence to admit of any shortcomings in him. Rock agreed with me, I think, but does not seem much concerned by Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s overly optimistic attitude.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">The remainder of the day passed without incident and we rested comfortably during the night. This morning we were startled by the appearance of a trail of green smoke that rapidly approached our camp with a sinuous motion like a snake. Some of our more experienced members seemed concerned, though Covenant was not. When the smoke trail had come very near it resolved itself into an older human man clad in long robes and a tall pointed hat. This was Gadron, the wizard whose arrival we awaited. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">He brought with him an object referred to as a glowstone, a thick and heavy disk of amber that did indeed glow from within. It is apparently a magical artifact of some considerable power. Covenant plans to trade this to the dragon in exchange for the Gauntlet of Dawn. This prospect did not appear to please Gadron, who expressed a desire to keep the glowstone himself and offer the dragon some other item from his own personal collection. When the mages discussed how powerful this glowstone is, Phaele spoke up and asked if it was wise to give an abyssal dragon an object of such power that the dragon might put to ill use. Though Havin seemed to think it unlikely that the dragon would misuse the object, Gadron appeared to find this a valid concern and asked to speak privately with Covenant. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">They talked for some little while, eventually inviting Jastra to join their conversation. Though I tried to ignore them, I saw that the conversation did become heated at one point. Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s normally cheerful mood darkened somewhat. He then asked for all of his old companions to join him and requested that the rest of us return to the ruins and seek the reason the Red Wizard had come to that site. This request I found a bit disappointing, for it seemed yet another example of Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s desire to present only the favorable side of his affairs to us. Phaele was quite angry with him, I think. As we prepared to ride off, Covenant approached our group and made apology for sending us away. He explained that his church has forbidden him to speak of certain matters. This went a long way toward assuaging my own doubts, and I think soothed Phaele'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s ire as well.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">We rode back to the ruins a bit apprehensively, having only the day before been engaged in deadly combat in that place. In our effort to see what about the place might have attracted a Thayan wizard, we intended to first examine the ancient temple. Liadan and Fallon went ahead to make certain the ruin was safe to explore. While they climbed up the slope the rest of us noticed that the graves we had dug on the previous morning for Nethimil'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s slain servants had been disturbed. Rock heard some noise nearby and went to investigate. We had seen signs that goblins had been about the area, and the dwarf soon found that they had been disturbing the graves. When several goblins swarmed up to attack Rock, Erim suddenly cast some spell in that direction. It seemed to cause a number of goblins to fall to the ground </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> but it also caused the dwarf to collapse as well.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">I had little time to reflect on this, for more goblins appeared. I meant to rush to the dwarf'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s aid, but was drawn aside when I saw that Liadan was being attacked by an orc that had appeared from another part of the ruins. The orc struck her but she withstood his blow and I was able to catch him from behind as he tried to flee. Then several more orcs appeared and I was occupied in helping Liadan and Fallon to battle them. Fallon was also wounded but Corellon smiled on me and spared me from harm. </span></span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">When the group of orcs had been slain I ran back to where Rock had fallen and fought several goblins. I did not see much of what the others did, but all of them were hurt. The goblins that had fallen to Erim'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s magic began to rouse themselves, as did the dwarf. We struck the goblins down swiftly. When Rock was able to get to his feet again he seemed most angry, and to my amazement he struck a blow with his fist at the young wizard from Evermeet! It is fortunate indeed for Erim that the dwarf did not mean to kill him. I am not quite certain why Rock behaved in this manner, but I have little knowledge of dwarves.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">We determined that it would now be wise to return to our camp down the mountain and meet with our friends. Liadan was able to use the power of her god to heal several of the others'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> wounds, but we were all wearied and we knew that another wave of goblins would likely be too much for us. As we made to mount our horses and depart, however, a piece of ground collapsed near to where Erim and Sandrue stood. Sandrue was scarcely able to keep from falling into the resulting pit. Erim tumbled in but by some magic was able to float lightly to the ground. At the bottom of the strange pit we could see an unusual amount of light. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">A New Companion</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">It has been a very strange day. Erim fell into a pit that opened before us as we prepared to depart the ruins and return to our companions. Sandrue very nearly fell in as well, though I was able to help him back to solid ground. It seemed that the pit contained some glowing runes upon its walls, though I could not see this for myself. In the moments after Erim'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s sudden descent, we were surprised by the arrival of a young woman on horseback. She did not appear to wish us any harm, though she carried a weapon of very strange design, an axe-like blade set vertically at either end of a long pole. I have never seen its like before. While Sandrue and Liadan spoke with this newcomer, Erim appeared to have discovered some subterranean ruins.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">When Erim did not immediately make to climb up, Sandrue suggested that Liadan should aid him. She clambered down into the pit at once. Thinking that she would tie a rope about Erim'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s waist to draw him up, I took charge of Shadowcast and began to back her away from the pit to pull them up. But it seemed that the young mage had other thoughts than getting out of the pit at once. While we waited for him to finish his examination of the underground structures, we learned that the new arrival was called Nekaya. She seems to be partly of elven blood, and comes from the distant land of Mulhorand. She claimed to be seeking the fire priest who had been in Nethimil'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s retinue. She told us that the priest had slain her master. We did not have time to explain to her the previous day'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s events, but she was much interested when Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s name was mentioned. Her master was evidently a friend to Covenant and had intended to meet him elsewhere. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">After some little while Erim was persuaded to come up out of the pit and Liadan with him. He had observed some strange doors </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> or perhaps a cupboard, I am not certain </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> that he found intriguing. Sandrue hazarded a guess that this might have been what Nethimil sought among the ruins. We agreed that Nekaya should accompany us back to our camp and tell Covenant of her master'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s sad demise. On the ride back we explained to her how Nethimil'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s folk had battled our companions, and that Covenant himself had slain the fire priest she sought. She had vowed vengeance upon the priest, and now wished to express her gratitude to Covenant.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">We found that in our absence our companions had finished their discussion and broken camp. Gadron had vanished. When we arrived we were told that Covenant wished to leave at once. He welcomed Nekaya and greeted the news of her master'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s death with sorrow. I am not certain if he was surprised or disconcerted when she pledged her allegiance to him. Rock did not appear to care, but I suspect that Liadan will be disturbed by this development. When some in our group wondered why we must leave so quickly, Havin expressed his desire to speak with us all. Covenant agreed with him, and so we gathered to hear what they would say.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">It was explained that time is short for completion of Covenant'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s mission. He still intends to meet with the dragon and attempt to trade the glowstone for the gauntlet he seeks. But my wife and her friends seem more dour in their outlook now. Jastra has made a divination that proclaims, </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">"</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">By this quest the chorus will fall silent</span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">"</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">. Long ago some person of power told my wife and her friends that they are like a chorus, best when all work together. They all appear to believe that this prophecy means one or all of them will die in their current quest. I hazarded to remark that perhaps the prophecy only means that the chorus will cease to sing together, but none seemed to find this thought heartening.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">The mood has grown much more somber among us, particularly since Covenant has forbidden those of us newer to this adventuring life to accompany the others to the dragon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s lair. I think that Phaele and Liadan especially were very angry with this. They argued that we too are part of the chorus now. Rock had not said much since he struck Erim, but he now spoke up and made a worthy point that a chorus must have a conductor who tells each member when to sing, and Covenant is ours. I do not think this assuaged the frustrations of some of the others, but I agree with him.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Sandrue then surprised our other companions by calling all of our group aside. Covenant has offered us the choice of remaining in a nearby town or camping near the dragon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s lair. We have discussed this and chosen not to wait in town. As I told the others, the waiting is not so strange for me as it must be for them, but this time I will have companionship during the wait.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">It will take us four days to reach our destination. Covenant wishes to move swiftly. Though I try to recall my own thoughts on the prophecy'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s true meaning </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> who can ever understand fully such things? </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> I find that the oppressive weather and the mood of my companions has begun to weigh upon me. I have always known that one day my Erendis might not return. It is much more difficult to face knowing that I might be close by and unable to help. I must be patient and trust in Lord Corellon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s mercy. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Farewells and Departures</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Our journey to meet with the abyssal dragon continues at a somewhat hurried pace. Jastra has divined that we have four days to complete this portion of our quest. Though Covenant maintains his usual cheerful demeanor, I have observed that he is less talkative than before. This could be said of our entire group in truth. The weather continues to be oppressive and we have all grown tense with anticipation </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> and not a little fear, I think.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">So eager is Covenant to proceed without delay that when we came to a river that flowed too rapidly to swim the horses across, my wife expended a portion of Corellon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s magic to allow all the mounts to stride across the surface of the water as if it were earth. I must confess I am impressed by the power that she is granted by Corellon Larethian. She has little occasion to display such divine blessings when we are at home in Evereska.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">It seems that though most of us have accepted that we shall await our companions while they seek audience with the dragon, Fallon argues with Garret that he should be allowed to continue to the dragon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s lair. I have not heard their words, but there is a certain tension in Fallon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s manner that suggests to me he is not willing to remain behind.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Our companions have begun to prepare themselves for greater danger than we have faced on our journey here. Havin now bears a sword, and Jastra has armed herself with both sword and bow. It is strange to see them armed. If they do not believe their spells to be sufficient weapons, then this dragon is truly more fearful than I had imagined. As we ride, Havin tells us that the nearest town is called Camber, and gives some rough directions. Perhaps it is as well to be prepared for any eventuality. Without the spells of conjuring food and drink that my wife can call upon, the remainder of our party will run out of supplies in a short while. I doubt that many of us are good at hunting, other than the dwarf, who seems to have some knowledge of survival in the wilderness.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">In the late afternoon of the third day we make camp. Jastra has detected magical wards that she believes to indicate the presence of the dragon. Garret has found a campsite that had been used in the recent past by unknown travelers. I wonder who else would come here. Our companions at first intended to depart at once, but Covenant decided that a meal together would be pleasant, particularly since our meals during the rest of the trip have been brief and simple. Rather than conjure foodstuffs from the air, Havin has volunteered to prepare a meal. Our companions have taken up most of the duties of setting camp. My wife and I remain close to one another, speaking only of inconsequential things.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">After the meal it is time for our friends to depart on their mission. Rock has said farewell to everyone as if he expects never to see them again. Perhaps that is a dwarven trait. I attempt to act as I would at any time that Erendis prepares to depart from me. It is difficult now. This is very different from our partings in the past. I try to convince myself that the prophecy is not as dark as my friends believe. To my surprise she has given me a sword that she says is especially effective against goblin-kind. I will hold it for her until she returns and use it to protect my friends if need be. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">To occupy ourselves for the remainder of the evening we have practiced with our weapons and determined a schedule of watches for the night, as these mountains may be infested with goblins. The watches must be longer because there are fewer of us to watch. I meditated during the first watch, preparing for my time to watch with Rock during the middle portion of the night. After I had said my prayers to Corellon I went to check on the horses </span></span>[font=@Arial Unicode MS]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">–</span></span>[/font]<span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"> our companions did not take their mounts to the dragon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s lair, so we have quite a number of animals to look after. Nekaya had volunteered to watch with Fallon during that period. She came to me to tell me that Fallon had gone off into the darkness, telling her to wait, and that he had not returned. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">After we had waited some little while longer to see if he would reappear and had not heard or seen anything, I awakened Rock and told him what had occurred. We decided to search in the direction in which our friends had departed, hoping that perhaps Fallon had followed them. It is very difficult to look for any signs of his passage in the oppressive darkness of this mountainous land. We do not wish to stray too far from our camp. Rock'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s vision is keen, but we found little to tell us if Fallon had passed this way. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">It does not seem wise to go roaming about in the darkness, so we have waited until sunrise to search again. Sandrue and Phaele, who are especially quiet since the departure of our other companions, have volunteered to watch the camp while the rest of us search. This time we will seek in the direction in which Fallon departed the camp. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Some way from the camp, after seeing a few signs that may or may not have been left by Fallon, Erim has detected something magical ahead. He suspects it may be the ward that Jastra warned of. We do not wish to risk crossing it, having no knowledge of what effect it may have. We have approached it cautiously, hoping to find Fallon there. Nekaya has found a boot print and hand print on a rock that seem very likely to have been made by Fallon. But we have seen no other sign of him since discovering these marks. He has either passed the ward or gone on so far ahead that we have no chance to catch up with him.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">Rock is furious with Fallon for deserting us in the dark of the night. At first the rest of us thought that perhaps some ill had befallen him, but now it appears most probable that he did desert us deliberately. I have come to think that Fallon is a very foolhardy young man.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">This day has been very quiet. Covenant had remarked that he thought our friends would return by this morning, but we have not seen them and none of us are surprised by this. There has been no sign of Fallon. I have taken some time to familiarize myself with the sword my wife gave to me, and Liadan and I have grazed the horses. We have decided to take it in turns to prepare meals for ourselves. Liadan and Nekaya did well enough at the noon meal, but Rock'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s effort to make the evening meal was rather disappointing. I hope that we will not have to rely on our own cooking skills for long.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">This night we have determined that due to Fallon'</span></span><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">s disappearance we must handle our watches differently. Because some of us need not sleep, we will overlap our watches with those of the humans. This means that Erim and I must maintain our vigilance longer than we have done in the past. I hope that the young wizard is up to the task. </span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00">It is my turn to watch with Rock and Nekaya. Something is watching us.</span></span></p><p> <span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12px"><span style="color: #ffff00"></span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="sniffles, post: 2253784, member: 30035"] [b]The Saga Continues...[/b] @Spider Jerusalem; Thanks for stopping by! I hope you'll continue to enjoy the story as it progresses. :) Here are a few more installments: [size=3][color=#ffff00] Among the Cloven Mountains We rested for the remainder of the day after our unpleasant meeting with the Red Wizard and his followers. Everyone seemed subdued, for I think that some of the young humans were still dismayed at having to take lives in the struggle with Nethimil[/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]’[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00]s servants. I have begun to sense that Covenant is perhaps not as forthcoming as one might wish; not that he dissembles, for I think that is not in his nature, but that he dislikes admitting that all may not be well. I remarked on this to the dwarf, as he has traveled longest in Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s company but for Liadan. I fear that the young human lady may be too awed by Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s presence to admit of any shortcomings in him. Rock agreed with me, I think, but does not seem much concerned by Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s overly optimistic attitude. The remainder of the day passed without incident and we rested comfortably during the night. This morning we were startled by the appearance of a trail of green smoke that rapidly approached our camp with a sinuous motion like a snake. Some of our more experienced members seemed concerned, though Covenant was not. When the smoke trail had come very near it resolved itself into an older human man clad in long robes and a tall pointed hat. This was Gadron, the wizard whose arrival we awaited. He brought with him an object referred to as a glowstone, a thick and heavy disk of amber that did indeed glow from within. It is apparently a magical artifact of some considerable power. Covenant plans to trade this to the dragon in exchange for the Gauntlet of Dawn. This prospect did not appear to please Gadron, who expressed a desire to keep the glowstone himself and offer the dragon some other item from his own personal collection. When the mages discussed how powerful this glowstone is, Phaele spoke up and asked if it was wise to give an abyssal dragon an object of such power that the dragon might put to ill use. Though Havin seemed to think it unlikely that the dragon would misuse the object, Gadron appeared to find this a valid concern and asked to speak privately with Covenant. They talked for some little while, eventually inviting Jastra to join their conversation. Though I tried to ignore them, I saw that the conversation did become heated at one point. Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s normally cheerful mood darkened somewhat. He then asked for all of his old companions to join him and requested that the rest of us return to the ruins and seek the reason the Red Wizard had come to that site. This request I found a bit disappointing, for it seemed yet another example of Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s desire to present only the favorable side of his affairs to us. Phaele was quite angry with him, I think. As we prepared to ride off, Covenant approached our group and made apology for sending us away. He explained that his church has forbidden him to speak of certain matters. This went a long way toward assuaging my own doubts, and I think soothed Phaele'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s ire as well. We rode back to the ruins a bit apprehensively, having only the day before been engaged in deadly combat in that place. In our effort to see what about the place might have attracted a Thayan wizard, we intended to first examine the ancient temple. Liadan and Fallon went ahead to make certain the ruin was safe to explore. While they climbed up the slope the rest of us noticed that the graves we had dug on the previous morning for Nethimil'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s slain servants had been disturbed. Rock heard some noise nearby and went to investigate. We had seen signs that goblins had been about the area, and the dwarf soon found that they had been disturbing the graves. When several goblins swarmed up to attack Rock, Erim suddenly cast some spell in that direction. It seemed to cause a number of goblins to fall to the ground [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] but it also caused the dwarf to collapse as well. I had little time to reflect on this, for more goblins appeared. I meant to rush to the dwarf'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s aid, but was drawn aside when I saw that Liadan was being attacked by an orc that had appeared from another part of the ruins. The orc struck her but she withstood his blow and I was able to catch him from behind as he tried to flee. Then several more orcs appeared and I was occupied in helping Liadan and Fallon to battle them. Fallon was also wounded but Corellon smiled on me and spared me from harm. [/color][/size] [size=3][color=#ffff00][/color][/size] [size=3][color=#ffff00]When the group of orcs had been slain I ran back to where Rock had fallen and fought several goblins. I did not see much of what the others did, but all of them were hurt. The goblins that had fallen to Erim'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s magic began to rouse themselves, as did the dwarf. We struck the goblins down swiftly. When Rock was able to get to his feet again he seemed most angry, and to my amazement he struck a blow with his fist at the young wizard from Evermeet! It is fortunate indeed for Erim that the dwarf did not mean to kill him. I am not quite certain why Rock behaved in this manner, but I have little knowledge of dwarves. We determined that it would now be wise to return to our camp down the mountain and meet with our friends. Liadan was able to use the power of her god to heal several of the others'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00] wounds, but we were all wearied and we knew that another wave of goblins would likely be too much for us. As we made to mount our horses and depart, however, a piece of ground collapsed near to where Erim and Sandrue stood. Sandrue was scarcely able to keep from falling into the resulting pit. Erim tumbled in but by some magic was able to float lightly to the ground. At the bottom of the strange pit we could see an unusual amount of light. A New Companion It has been a very strange day. Erim fell into a pit that opened before us as we prepared to depart the ruins and return to our companions. Sandrue very nearly fell in as well, though I was able to help him back to solid ground. It seemed that the pit contained some glowing runes upon its walls, though I could not see this for myself. In the moments after Erim'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s sudden descent, we were surprised by the arrival of a young woman on horseback. She did not appear to wish us any harm, though she carried a weapon of very strange design, an axe-like blade set vertically at either end of a long pole. I have never seen its like before. While Sandrue and Liadan spoke with this newcomer, Erim appeared to have discovered some subterranean ruins. When Erim did not immediately make to climb up, Sandrue suggested that Liadan should aid him. She clambered down into the pit at once. Thinking that she would tie a rope about Erim'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s waist to draw him up, I took charge of Shadowcast and began to back her away from the pit to pull them up. But it seemed that the young mage had other thoughts than getting out of the pit at once. While we waited for him to finish his examination of the underground structures, we learned that the new arrival was called Nekaya. She seems to be partly of elven blood, and comes from the distant land of Mulhorand. She claimed to be seeking the fire priest who had been in Nethimil'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s retinue. She told us that the priest had slain her master. We did not have time to explain to her the previous day'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s events, but she was much interested when Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s name was mentioned. Her master was evidently a friend to Covenant and had intended to meet him elsewhere. After some little while Erim was persuaded to come up out of the pit and Liadan with him. He had observed some strange doors [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] or perhaps a cupboard, I am not certain [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] that he found intriguing. Sandrue hazarded a guess that this might have been what Nethimil sought among the ruins. We agreed that Nekaya should accompany us back to our camp and tell Covenant of her master'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s sad demise. On the ride back we explained to her how Nethimil'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s folk had battled our companions, and that Covenant himself had slain the fire priest she sought. She had vowed vengeance upon the priest, and now wished to express her gratitude to Covenant. We found that in our absence our companions had finished their discussion and broken camp. Gadron had vanished. When we arrived we were told that Covenant wished to leave at once. He welcomed Nekaya and greeted the news of her master'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s death with sorrow. I am not certain if he was surprised or disconcerted when she pledged her allegiance to him. Rock did not appear to care, but I suspect that Liadan will be disturbed by this development. When some in our group wondered why we must leave so quickly, Havin expressed his desire to speak with us all. Covenant agreed with him, and so we gathered to hear what they would say. It was explained that time is short for completion of Covenant'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s mission. He still intends to meet with the dragon and attempt to trade the glowstone for the gauntlet he seeks. But my wife and her friends seem more dour in their outlook now. Jastra has made a divination that proclaims, [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]"[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00]By this quest the chorus will fall silent[/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]"[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00]. Long ago some person of power told my wife and her friends that they are like a chorus, best when all work together. They all appear to believe that this prophecy means one or all of them will die in their current quest. I hazarded to remark that perhaps the prophecy only means that the chorus will cease to sing together, but none seemed to find this thought heartening. The mood has grown much more somber among us, particularly since Covenant has forbidden those of us newer to this adventuring life to accompany the others to the dragon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s lair. I think that Phaele and Liadan especially were very angry with this. They argued that we too are part of the chorus now. Rock had not said much since he struck Erim, but he now spoke up and made a worthy point that a chorus must have a conductor who tells each member when to sing, and Covenant is ours. I do not think this assuaged the frustrations of some of the others, but I agree with him. Sandrue then surprised our other companions by calling all of our group aside. Covenant has offered us the choice of remaining in a nearby town or camping near the dragon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s lair. We have discussed this and chosen not to wait in town. As I told the others, the waiting is not so strange for me as it must be for them, but this time I will have companionship during the wait. It will take us four days to reach our destination. Covenant wishes to move swiftly. Though I try to recall my own thoughts on the prophecy'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s true meaning [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] who can ever understand fully such things? [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] I find that the oppressive weather and the mood of my companions has begun to weigh upon me. I have always known that one day my Erendis might not return. It is much more difficult to face knowing that I might be close by and unable to help. I must be patient and trust in Lord Corellon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s mercy. Farewells and Departures Our journey to meet with the abyssal dragon continues at a somewhat hurried pace. Jastra has divined that we have four days to complete this portion of our quest. Though Covenant maintains his usual cheerful demeanor, I have observed that he is less talkative than before. This could be said of our entire group in truth. The weather continues to be oppressive and we have all grown tense with anticipation [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] and not a little fear, I think.[/color][/size] [size=3][color=#ffff00] So eager is Covenant to proceed without delay that when we came to a river that flowed too rapidly to swim the horses across, my wife expended a portion of Corellon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s magic to allow all the mounts to stride across the surface of the water as if it were earth. I must confess I am impressed by the power that she is granted by Corellon Larethian. She has little occasion to display such divine blessings when we are at home in Evereska. It seems that though most of us have accepted that we shall await our companions while they seek audience with the dragon, Fallon argues with Garret that he should be allowed to continue to the dragon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s lair. I have not heard their words, but there is a certain tension in Fallon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s manner that suggests to me he is not willing to remain behind. Our companions have begun to prepare themselves for greater danger than we have faced on our journey here. Havin now bears a sword, and Jastra has armed herself with both sword and bow. It is strange to see them armed. If they do not believe their spells to be sufficient weapons, then this dragon is truly more fearful than I had imagined. As we ride, Havin tells us that the nearest town is called Camber, and gives some rough directions. Perhaps it is as well to be prepared for any eventuality. Without the spells of conjuring food and drink that my wife can call upon, the remainder of our party will run out of supplies in a short while. I doubt that many of us are good at hunting, other than the dwarf, who seems to have some knowledge of survival in the wilderness. In the late afternoon of the third day we make camp. Jastra has detected magical wards that she believes to indicate the presence of the dragon. Garret has found a campsite that had been used in the recent past by unknown travelers. I wonder who else would come here. Our companions at first intended to depart at once, but Covenant decided that a meal together would be pleasant, particularly since our meals during the rest of the trip have been brief and simple. Rather than conjure foodstuffs from the air, Havin has volunteered to prepare a meal. Our companions have taken up most of the duties of setting camp. My wife and I remain close to one another, speaking only of inconsequential things. After the meal it is time for our friends to depart on their mission. Rock has said farewell to everyone as if he expects never to see them again. Perhaps that is a dwarven trait. I attempt to act as I would at any time that Erendis prepares to depart from me. It is difficult now. This is very different from our partings in the past. I try to convince myself that the prophecy is not as dark as my friends believe. To my surprise she has given me a sword that she says is especially effective against goblin-kind. I will hold it for her until she returns and use it to protect my friends if need be. To occupy ourselves for the remainder of the evening we have practiced with our weapons and determined a schedule of watches for the night, as these mountains may be infested with goblins. The watches must be longer because there are fewer of us to watch. I meditated during the first watch, preparing for my time to watch with Rock during the middle portion of the night. After I had said my prayers to Corellon I went to check on the horses [/color][/size][font=@Arial Unicode MS][size=3][color=#ffff00]–[/color][/size][/font][size=3][color=#ffff00] our companions did not take their mounts to the dragon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s lair, so we have quite a number of animals to look after. Nekaya had volunteered to watch with Fallon during that period. She came to me to tell me that Fallon had gone off into the darkness, telling her to wait, and that he had not returned. After we had waited some little while longer to see if he would reappear and had not heard or seen anything, I awakened Rock and told him what had occurred. We decided to search in the direction in which our friends had departed, hoping that perhaps Fallon had followed them. It is very difficult to look for any signs of his passage in the oppressive darkness of this mountainous land. We do not wish to stray too far from our camp. Rock'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s vision is keen, but we found little to tell us if Fallon had passed this way. It does not seem wise to go roaming about in the darkness, so we have waited until sunrise to search again. Sandrue and Phaele, who are especially quiet since the departure of our other companions, have volunteered to watch the camp while the rest of us search. This time we will seek in the direction in which Fallon departed the camp. Some way from the camp, after seeing a few signs that may or may not have been left by Fallon, Erim has detected something magical ahead. He suspects it may be the ward that Jastra warned of. We do not wish to risk crossing it, having no knowledge of what effect it may have. We have approached it cautiously, hoping to find Fallon there. Nekaya has found a boot print and hand print on a rock that seem very likely to have been made by Fallon. But we have seen no other sign of him since discovering these marks. He has either passed the ward or gone on so far ahead that we have no chance to catch up with him. Rock is furious with Fallon for deserting us in the dark of the night. At first the rest of us thought that perhaps some ill had befallen him, but now it appears most probable that he did desert us deliberately. I have come to think that Fallon is a very foolhardy young man. This day has been very quiet. Covenant had remarked that he thought our friends would return by this morning, but we have not seen them and none of us are surprised by this. There has been no sign of Fallon. I have taken some time to familiarize myself with the sword my wife gave to me, and Liadan and I have grazed the horses. We have decided to take it in turns to prepare meals for ourselves. Liadan and Nekaya did well enough at the noon meal, but Rock'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s effort to make the evening meal was rather disappointing. I hope that we will not have to rely on our own cooking skills for long. This night we have determined that due to Fallon'[/color][/size][size=3][color=#ffff00]s disappearance we must handle our watches differently. Because some of us need not sleep, we will overlap our watches with those of the humans. This means that Erim and I must maintain our vigilance longer than we have done in the past. I hope that the young wizard is up to the task. It is my turn to watch with Rock and Nekaya. Something is watching us. [/color][/size] [/QUOTE]
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Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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