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Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
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<blockquote data-quote="sniffles" data-source="post: 3208199" data-attributes="member: 30035"><p><strong>House of the Rising Sun</strong></p><p></p><p>As I stood gazing about me in shock, I realized that I was not alone upon the spire where the godlings had deposited me. The tower was not large enough for its winding stair to accomodate all of our party, but Nekaya and I had arrived on the same tower along with our steeds. The remainder of my friends had each landed separately upon other towers, accompanied by their own mounts. The temple had eight towers in total. As we arrived the faithful were singing a welcome to the dawn, but their voices faltered when they noticed the strange occurrence of our appearance.</p><p></p><p>Many in the courtyard full of worshippers below began to gawk and point at our predicament. I wondered how we would descend from the towers, for horses are not made to climb down stairs, and some of the mounts faced in the wrong direction for descent. Each tower had a small platform near the summit, but such were too small to permit a horse to turn around. </p><p></p><p>As we stood wondering what to do, we found ourselves approached by a number of people. One man rode up to Rock aboard a carpet similar to the one we had employed in our assault on Brimstone Keep. A priest climbed the stair up the tower Nekaya and I occupied and began to speak with Nekaya, who stood lower down the stair than I. I caught a glimpse of a man simply flying without visible support toward Erim's vantage. </p><p></p><p>The flying man must have offered some magic to Erim, for within a few moments both the young mage and his horse had flown down to the courtyard below. The priest with whom Nekaya spoke had descended to seek assistance, and now the flying man approached us. He offered to cast a spell upon both of us and our steeds in return for a few gold coins. Nekaya readily agreed and made at once to pay him. I reflected that had I the ability to aid someone in a similar situation I should not seek remuneration, but I did not reject his offer. </p><p></p><p>Fortunately Pekuah is as wise as a person and I have sufficient command of Aratan that he would step off the stair at my direction, else we should have had to blindfold them to persuade them to step out into space without visible support.</p><p></p><p>In the meanwhile the man with the flying carpet had returned with several companions and a much larger carpet. Rock had been busily paying out lengths of rope from the magical spool and using them to lower all of the equipment carried by Filthy Beast to the ground. With his mount and pack pony relieved of their burdens, he was able to lead them onto the carpet and they were lowered safely to the ground. </p><p></p><p>Once Nekaya and I had reached the courtyard ourselves, Nekaya offered gold to the flying man to go and rescue Liadan. Within a short while all of our party were assembled, though only Pakkin and his wolf had managed to descend the stairs of their own accord.</p><p></p><p>The man on the flying carpet seemed quite fascinated with us as a result of our peculiar arrival at the temple, and insisted that we must dine with him that evening. He introduced himself as Remmao al-Ka. After a but of discussion with the priests, who were also impressed with us, it was determined that we should remain at the temple that night and visit with Remmao on the following evening.</p><p></p><p>It was as we led our horses to the stabling the priests offered that we noticed a singular peculiarity about our mounts: with the exception of Wolf-ogre, Pakkin's mount, all of the steeds were floating a tiny distance above the ground! On closer examination it was discovered that all of the horses now wore golden horseshoes that prevented them from touching the earth. We can only assume that this was a gift from the gods of the solar barge.</p><p></p><p>Those divinities had also given us another gift, in the form of a finely crafted wooden box. Once we had seen to the horses and been shown to accomodations of our own, the box was examined. On a velvet cushion within lay a gold ring marked with symbols of the Mulhorandi gods. A loop of satin ribbon on each side of the cushion indicated that it could be lifted out of the box. But when Rock removed the cushion, he found a second cushion beneath that filled the interior of the box as thoroughly as had the first pillow!</p><p></p><p>In a split in this cushion we observed a golden amulet or talisman that appeared to be attached to a cylinder of some sort. Two more tabs protruded from the sides of this cushion. A third cushion appeared beneath that, this one containing a rod of gray metal. Below that lay a fourth cushion with a gold scarab resting in a depression at its center. </p><p></p><p>The box continued to disgorge more cushions than its exterior seemed capable of containing, for under the scarab we found yet two more. The next held a pair of very finely made leather gloves neatly folded into a slot in the center. The last cushion had two gold cylinders tucked into its depths, which proved to be a pair of bracers when withdrawn. We observed that the bracers sunk deeper into the cushion than seemed possible without some magical aid, and that encouraged us to draw out all of the other items to examine them more closely.</p><p></p><p>The gold ring and scarab were as they appeared, but all of the other items were larger than should have been able to fit into the box. The talisman was in fact the head of a staff that stood my height in length, decorated with a sun symbol. The gray metal object was a short rod of the sort that wizards sometimes employ to contain their spells. Once we had removed all of these items it was discovered that whatever enchantment had permitted them to fit into the box no longer functioned.</p><p></p><p>After examining these items we retired to our rooms to make ourselves presentable and then made our way to a special chamber where the priests had offered to treat our wounds. We had already learned that this temple is a temple of Lathanul, which is the name by which Lathander is called in this part of the world. The priests were most kind and respectful of us, though it was Liadan who used most of Lathander's mercy to cure our hurts.</p><p></p><p>We were introduced to a chief priest called Habbath, who asked us to tell him our story. He was most interested in Liadan, having observed the symbol of Covenant's house that she wears. Thus it was she who took the lead in explaining to him all of the events that have befallen us since we first met Covenant's company in Cormyr. Habbath was aware of Covenant's quest for the Gauntlet of Dawn, but he did not appear to place much weight on it. </p><p></p><p>It was explained to Habbath that our company had sought to visit Calimport in order to learn more of what Covenant intended, so that we might either locate our missing friends or perform some action to aid them in their quest. Habbath then told us that the person most likely to know was Covenant's greatest friend, a man named Osaze Mumbai. He further explained that Mumbai would be difficult to find, but that if we sought another man called Madu el Barake he would likely be able to locate Mumbai. The priest sent out messages to seek this el Barake on our behalf.</p><p></p><p>We then sought the priest's help in determining the use of the items from the box, as well as other enchanted objects that have lately come into our possession. I neglected to mention earlier that Rock, determined to strip her body of anything of value, had simply thrown the sinister woman we had fought aboard the barge across his pack saddle and she had been transported to the temple along with us. She wore a fine suit of plate armor that Liadan had determined to take possession of once she had purified it of any lingering evil.</p><p></p><p>We were told a great deal of news from the rest of the world while we relaxed in the temple. Oddly none of us were the slightest bit weary despite our many hours of battle. Among the items of information we learned, we found that the Shades had fully emerged in Anauroch and were reportedly making war on the Dalelands and Cormyr. Liadan immediately began to prepare to use one of Lathander's blessings to contact her family on the morrow. </p><p></p><p>According to reports, the Shades were also spreading to the west, and rumor held that they might have launched an attack as far away as Waterdeep. I felt concern for my homeland and said prayers to Corellon that Evereska would stand firm against the threat. We also learned that it was fortunate we had passed through Chessenta when we did, for now the neighboring land of Chondath had declared war against Chessenta, seeking to restore its ancient empire. </p><p></p><p>There was also a disheartening report of a 'cleansing' war in Halruua, where they evidently sought to eliminate sorcery in the fear that all sorcery held some evil connection to their ancient enemies. This of course concerned us greatly, as our dear friend Phaele is a sorcerer by nature and has only just returned to her homeland. We must use the magic book Erim carries to contact Sandrue in Arrabar and see if he can reach her. </p><p></p><p>Also of concern to us was news that a magical plague had struck the people of Amn to the north of Calimshan, and as a result the citizens of Amn have turned against all use of magic. We have not made any definite plans to travel to Amn, but that is where we last heard of our former companion Fallon Nightstar, and we had entertained thoughts of seeking him in person to learn why he left us and how he returned to his native land. </p><p></p><p>Once the wizards had been summoned to examine the items from the box - which they did free of cost to us, as those items had been given us by a god closely associated with Lathander - we distributed those items among ourselves. I find myself in possession of the gold ring, which allows one great freedom of movement such that one cannot be held. It is unfortunate we did not have such an object when Nekaya and Rock met the huge creature on the barge that pinned Nekaya to its body.</p><p></p><p>I have also been given care of Brimstone, as my friends feel it is best suited to my skills. It occurs to me that I may wield it at the same time that I wield my Cormyrian blade. I will not be as effective with a longsword in my off hand as I would be with the shorter blade Nicos gave me, but that loss should be offset by Brimstone's other powers. With practice my ability to wield two longswords should improve. </p><p></p><p>With the gifts the gods have given us we are now well equipped to meet many foes. The staff, which Liadan has taken charge of, is capable of healing many injuries and even of bringing the dead back to life. The enchanted rod can absorb the magical energy of spells. The golden scarab offers arcane protection to the bearer. The gloves give the wearer greater alacrity and grace, and Liadan has taken them also to offset the cumbersome new armor she acquired. The golden bracers give protection to the wearer. I should in some ways have liked them, but the bracers given me by the dwarves are of equal use. </p><p></p><p>Among the other items we acquired prior to our journey on the barge, we found a sword capable of holding spells within it, of greater power than the enchanted blade Erim carried. He has taken charge of the new sword and given the older weapon to Rock, as either Erim or Liadan can still store spells in the blade and anyone who wields it can release the spells with the proper command. </p><p></p><p>I do not know why I am enumerating all these items in such detail. Perhaps it is to distract my mind from concern over my homeland. I shall say further prayers to Corellon for its safety, even as I pray that soon my beloved Erendis and I will be reunited. </p><p></p><p>___________________________________________</p><p><strong>Quips & Quotes:</strong></p><p></p><p><u>patv</u>: "Is he in disguise?"</p><p><u>Zora</u>: "Well, sure, he's the sun god. He's in de skies."</p><p></p><p><u>Zora </u> (when the golden horseshoes were revealed): "They're Air Harakhty!"</p><p></p><p><u>Devo</u>: "You can borrow Pakkin's pants."</p><p><u>sniffles</u>: "Is he Pakkin pants?"</p><p><u>Devo</u>: "No, he's Pakkin heat. A slow, spreading warmth."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="sniffles, post: 3208199, member: 30035"] [b]House of the Rising Sun[/b] As I stood gazing about me in shock, I realized that I was not alone upon the spire where the godlings had deposited me. The tower was not large enough for its winding stair to accomodate all of our party, but Nekaya and I had arrived on the same tower along with our steeds. The remainder of my friends had each landed separately upon other towers, accompanied by their own mounts. The temple had eight towers in total. As we arrived the faithful were singing a welcome to the dawn, but their voices faltered when they noticed the strange occurrence of our appearance. Many in the courtyard full of worshippers below began to gawk and point at our predicament. I wondered how we would descend from the towers, for horses are not made to climb down stairs, and some of the mounts faced in the wrong direction for descent. Each tower had a small platform near the summit, but such were too small to permit a horse to turn around. As we stood wondering what to do, we found ourselves approached by a number of people. One man rode up to Rock aboard a carpet similar to the one we had employed in our assault on Brimstone Keep. A priest climbed the stair up the tower Nekaya and I occupied and began to speak with Nekaya, who stood lower down the stair than I. I caught a glimpse of a man simply flying without visible support toward Erim's vantage. The flying man must have offered some magic to Erim, for within a few moments both the young mage and his horse had flown down to the courtyard below. The priest with whom Nekaya spoke had descended to seek assistance, and now the flying man approached us. He offered to cast a spell upon both of us and our steeds in return for a few gold coins. Nekaya readily agreed and made at once to pay him. I reflected that had I the ability to aid someone in a similar situation I should not seek remuneration, but I did not reject his offer. Fortunately Pekuah is as wise as a person and I have sufficient command of Aratan that he would step off the stair at my direction, else we should have had to blindfold them to persuade them to step out into space without visible support. In the meanwhile the man with the flying carpet had returned with several companions and a much larger carpet. Rock had been busily paying out lengths of rope from the magical spool and using them to lower all of the equipment carried by Filthy Beast to the ground. With his mount and pack pony relieved of their burdens, he was able to lead them onto the carpet and they were lowered safely to the ground. Once Nekaya and I had reached the courtyard ourselves, Nekaya offered gold to the flying man to go and rescue Liadan. Within a short while all of our party were assembled, though only Pakkin and his wolf had managed to descend the stairs of their own accord. The man on the flying carpet seemed quite fascinated with us as a result of our peculiar arrival at the temple, and insisted that we must dine with him that evening. He introduced himself as Remmao al-Ka. After a but of discussion with the priests, who were also impressed with us, it was determined that we should remain at the temple that night and visit with Remmao on the following evening. It was as we led our horses to the stabling the priests offered that we noticed a singular peculiarity about our mounts: with the exception of Wolf-ogre, Pakkin's mount, all of the steeds were floating a tiny distance above the ground! On closer examination it was discovered that all of the horses now wore golden horseshoes that prevented them from touching the earth. We can only assume that this was a gift from the gods of the solar barge. Those divinities had also given us another gift, in the form of a finely crafted wooden box. Once we had seen to the horses and been shown to accomodations of our own, the box was examined. On a velvet cushion within lay a gold ring marked with symbols of the Mulhorandi gods. A loop of satin ribbon on each side of the cushion indicated that it could be lifted out of the box. But when Rock removed the cushion, he found a second cushion beneath that filled the interior of the box as thoroughly as had the first pillow! In a split in this cushion we observed a golden amulet or talisman that appeared to be attached to a cylinder of some sort. Two more tabs protruded from the sides of this cushion. A third cushion appeared beneath that, this one containing a rod of gray metal. Below that lay a fourth cushion with a gold scarab resting in a depression at its center. The box continued to disgorge more cushions than its exterior seemed capable of containing, for under the scarab we found yet two more. The next held a pair of very finely made leather gloves neatly folded into a slot in the center. The last cushion had two gold cylinders tucked into its depths, which proved to be a pair of bracers when withdrawn. We observed that the bracers sunk deeper into the cushion than seemed possible without some magical aid, and that encouraged us to draw out all of the other items to examine them more closely. The gold ring and scarab were as they appeared, but all of the other items were larger than should have been able to fit into the box. The talisman was in fact the head of a staff that stood my height in length, decorated with a sun symbol. The gray metal object was a short rod of the sort that wizards sometimes employ to contain their spells. Once we had removed all of these items it was discovered that whatever enchantment had permitted them to fit into the box no longer functioned. After examining these items we retired to our rooms to make ourselves presentable and then made our way to a special chamber where the priests had offered to treat our wounds. We had already learned that this temple is a temple of Lathanul, which is the name by which Lathander is called in this part of the world. The priests were most kind and respectful of us, though it was Liadan who used most of Lathander's mercy to cure our hurts. We were introduced to a chief priest called Habbath, who asked us to tell him our story. He was most interested in Liadan, having observed the symbol of Covenant's house that she wears. Thus it was she who took the lead in explaining to him all of the events that have befallen us since we first met Covenant's company in Cormyr. Habbath was aware of Covenant's quest for the Gauntlet of Dawn, but he did not appear to place much weight on it. It was explained to Habbath that our company had sought to visit Calimport in order to learn more of what Covenant intended, so that we might either locate our missing friends or perform some action to aid them in their quest. Habbath then told us that the person most likely to know was Covenant's greatest friend, a man named Osaze Mumbai. He further explained that Mumbai would be difficult to find, but that if we sought another man called Madu el Barake he would likely be able to locate Mumbai. The priest sent out messages to seek this el Barake on our behalf. We then sought the priest's help in determining the use of the items from the box, as well as other enchanted objects that have lately come into our possession. I neglected to mention earlier that Rock, determined to strip her body of anything of value, had simply thrown the sinister woman we had fought aboard the barge across his pack saddle and she had been transported to the temple along with us. She wore a fine suit of plate armor that Liadan had determined to take possession of once she had purified it of any lingering evil. We were told a great deal of news from the rest of the world while we relaxed in the temple. Oddly none of us were the slightest bit weary despite our many hours of battle. Among the items of information we learned, we found that the Shades had fully emerged in Anauroch and were reportedly making war on the Dalelands and Cormyr. Liadan immediately began to prepare to use one of Lathander's blessings to contact her family on the morrow. According to reports, the Shades were also spreading to the west, and rumor held that they might have launched an attack as far away as Waterdeep. I felt concern for my homeland and said prayers to Corellon that Evereska would stand firm against the threat. We also learned that it was fortunate we had passed through Chessenta when we did, for now the neighboring land of Chondath had declared war against Chessenta, seeking to restore its ancient empire. There was also a disheartening report of a 'cleansing' war in Halruua, where they evidently sought to eliminate sorcery in the fear that all sorcery held some evil connection to their ancient enemies. This of course concerned us greatly, as our dear friend Phaele is a sorcerer by nature and has only just returned to her homeland. We must use the magic book Erim carries to contact Sandrue in Arrabar and see if he can reach her. Also of concern to us was news that a magical plague had struck the people of Amn to the north of Calimshan, and as a result the citizens of Amn have turned against all use of magic. We have not made any definite plans to travel to Amn, but that is where we last heard of our former companion Fallon Nightstar, and we had entertained thoughts of seeking him in person to learn why he left us and how he returned to his native land. Once the wizards had been summoned to examine the items from the box - which they did free of cost to us, as those items had been given us by a god closely associated with Lathander - we distributed those items among ourselves. I find myself in possession of the gold ring, which allows one great freedom of movement such that one cannot be held. It is unfortunate we did not have such an object when Nekaya and Rock met the huge creature on the barge that pinned Nekaya to its body. I have also been given care of Brimstone, as my friends feel it is best suited to my skills. It occurs to me that I may wield it at the same time that I wield my Cormyrian blade. I will not be as effective with a longsword in my off hand as I would be with the shorter blade Nicos gave me, but that loss should be offset by Brimstone's other powers. With practice my ability to wield two longswords should improve. With the gifts the gods have given us we are now well equipped to meet many foes. The staff, which Liadan has taken charge of, is capable of healing many injuries and even of bringing the dead back to life. The enchanted rod can absorb the magical energy of spells. The golden scarab offers arcane protection to the bearer. The gloves give the wearer greater alacrity and grace, and Liadan has taken them also to offset the cumbersome new armor she acquired. The golden bracers give protection to the wearer. I should in some ways have liked them, but the bracers given me by the dwarves are of equal use. Among the other items we acquired prior to our journey on the barge, we found a sword capable of holding spells within it, of greater power than the enchanted blade Erim carried. He has taken charge of the new sword and given the older weapon to Rock, as either Erim or Liadan can still store spells in the blade and anyone who wields it can release the spells with the proper command. I do not know why I am enumerating all these items in such detail. Perhaps it is to distract my mind from concern over my homeland. I shall say further prayers to Corellon for its safety, even as I pray that soon my beloved Erendis and I will be reunited. ___________________________________________ [B]Quips & Quotes:[/B] [U]patv[/U]: "Is he in disguise?" [U]Zora[/U]: "Well, sure, he's the sun god. He's in de skies." [U]Zora [/U] (when the golden horseshoes were revealed): "They're Air Harakhty!" [U]Devo[/U]: "You can borrow Pakkin's pants." [U]sniffles[/U]: "Is he Pakkin pants?" [U]Devo[/U]: "No, he's Pakkin heat. A slow, spreading warmth." [/QUOTE]
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