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Story Hour
Shilsen's Eberron SH (Finished - The Last Word : 9/20/15)
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<blockquote data-quote="shilsen" data-source="post: 2822199" data-attributes="member: 198"><p><strong>Session 26 - Back to Sharn (or "He killed whom?")</strong></p><p></p><p>Gareth Byron Deneith - Human Pal3/Clr2/Exorcist of the Silver Flame3</p><p>Korm'akhan - Orc Drd7/Hexer1 (replacing Corven)</p><p>Luna - Shifter Drd8</p><p>Mithral 6 of 6 - Warforged Ftr2/Scout4/Extreme Explorer2</p><p>Nameless - Human Wiz6/Alienist2</p><p></p><p>Dala returns soon to say that she has sent off a letter to Kidro and expects that they will receive a reply the next day. She also brings the group the second part of their payment, as well as news about things that have been going on in the month and a half that the expedition has been gone. Six also goes and gets some copies of the Korranberg Chronicle to supplement her information.</p><p></p><p>Sharn has apparently been suffering from an epidemic, which began very shortly after the group. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people fell ill, with perhaps scores dying. It seems that the problem was with the water supply, which is also why the fish in Sharn Bay had been dying and becoming sparse (the Angels had heard of this before they left) for a few weeks before the disease hit. Luckily, the epidemic seems to be dying down now. </p><p></p><p>They also hear that Merrix d'Cannith has made a controversial offer to the warforged in Sharn, promising that House Cannith will find jobs for any of them who come to work for it and, if possible, buy out the contracts that many signed immediately after the War, which effectively function as indentured servitude in the Cogs. Merrix apparently addressed the Sharn city council about it, and the council has neither ratified the offer nor have they enacted any legislation against it (which translates to a tacit acceptance). People have had reactions ranging from seeing it as a very humanitarian offer to one that is intended to allow House Cannith to build up a warforged army. People with the latter belief claim that an ongoing fact-finding expedition into the Mournland, organized by Merrix with the aid of Morgrave University and Prince Oargev ir'Wynarn of New Cyre, is only intended to further increase Cannith power. </p><p></p><p>Of less interest to the group is the news of the Race of Eight Winds, the primary annual sporting spectacle in Sharn, having taken place. Dala, on the other hand, is quite excited, the person she bet on having won her a nice sum.</p><p></p><p>In news from other parts of Khorvaire, Queen Aurala has agreed to meet King Boranel in Wroat to further develop ties between Aundair and Breland. In a more unusual diplomatic move, Boranel has signed a treaty with Droaam for the latter to provide aquatic troops to defend Brelish ships, which have recently suffered from attacks by sahuagin and other creatures. "Oh, great!" says Gareth at this piece of news. "Now we'll have sea trolls along officially!"</p><p></p><p>An equally controversial move is Aundair's decision to ask the Church of the Silver Flame to help with a sudden increase in lycanthropic activity in western Aundair. These new lycanthropes are apparently of the 'horrid' variety that some of the druidic faiths breed and some Aundairans accuse the Eldeen Reachers of sending them into Aundair. The Church - and Thrane - have accepted and are sending priests and templars into Aundair to investigate. Nameless says to Luna, "And here we go with another purge!"</p><p></p><p>Karrnath, on the other hand, seems less interested in building bridges with its erstwhile enemies. The Academy of Magical Warfare has opened in Rekkenmark, to a huge uproar in other countries (and from moderates in Karrnath), who claim that it is tantamount to an open preparation for war. Karrnathi representatives, naturally, claim that this Academy is simply a matter of self-defense. Gareth isn't surprised at this news, since he has already read about it in the letters from his family.</p><p></p><p>An unintended piece of support to their claim has emerged from the Mror Holds. For the last few months, House Lyrandar has been working with the Mror clans on a project to build a large tunnel right through the southern mountains, which would make trade between Karrnath, the Mror Holds and the Lhazaar Principalities much easier. A few weeks ago, those working on the tunnel broke through into a huge cavern leading to the depths of Khyber. This cavern promptly disgorged thousands of aberrations, which slaughtered the workers and are now causing significant destruction in the southern Holds, with some having entered eastern Karrnath. In the aftermath of the event, Dulkan of Valshar'rak, the primary planner for the tunnel, was revealed to be a Cultist of the Dragon Below and fled his home in Fairhaven. An embarrassed House Lyrandar has announced a significant reward for information about his whereabouts, while the Mror clans have announced an even larger reward for anyone who can close the cavern. While reading about this story, Nameless remembers something he had seen months ago in Sharn. In a chamber occupied by a group of dolgrims and dolgaunts, he had read scrawls on the wall about a hoped-for attack on the surface world, with references to a tunnel leading from light into dark and releasing the darkness. Not having bothered to translate it for his companions then, he doesn't bring it up now.</p><p></p><p>Besides the news from mainland Khorvaire, the Angels also hear from people in Stormreach about recent events here, such as a small tidal wave hitting the area a couple weeks ago (presumably the one created by the destruction of the island), a sahuagin tribe killing a kraken which was attacking a ship just entering the northernmost Straits of Shargon, and an announcement by House Vadalis of plans to set up hunting expeditions for wealthy clients to Xen'drik.</p><p></p><p>After checking all the news and wrapping up supper, the group slowly heads up to their rooms. While they are doing so, Nameless receives a sending from Trillia, which says, "Trillia here. How are you? Busy with research. Attempting new spell for detecting Xoriat denizens and creations. Finally achieved valences of fifth power. Any news?" </p><p></p><p>Nameless quickly replies, "Congratulations. We fought dragon and daelkyr. Gained insights. Prophecy follows us. Will need to consult you. Need dragonshard info, but secrecy paramount importance."</p><p></p><p>Before retiring, the group discusses what to do with the Key, which they decide is too cumbersome - and risky - to carry around as Nameless has been. They eventually decide to keep it in the Hidden Chest that Corven's wand opens. They activate the wand, place it in there and close it. With no evident effects to the action, they head to bed. Other than Six, who goes back to his usual night-time crafting.</p><p></p><p>Around six hours or so after they put the Key into the extradimensional space, Six notices a strange throbbing (but no pain) where the tattoo on his chest is, along with a very strong desire to be close to the Key. Going to wake his companions, he finds that all of them have awoken with the same effect. Corven tries to open the Hidden Chest, but unfortunately, it is not yet accessible. With no real choice, the Angels go back to bed. Despite the discomfort from the throbbing, they do manage to fall asleep. </p><p></p><p>***</p><p>When they wake from uncomfortable sleep, the throbbing sensation is stronger. This time Corven manages to activate the wand and they quickly remove the Shard. Immediately, the feeling of wanting to be near the Key fades away, and the throbbing does so slowly. Nameless tries putting the Key in his magical haversack, which is also an extradimensional space, and the effect begins again. He quickly removes it and the group discusses what to do. They eventually decide to get a case for the Key and carry it around, later getting one for each of them so that it is difficult for someone to locate and take from them. </p><p></p><p>Shortly after they awake, Arrok stops by to say that he experienced the same feeling as they did at night. Not wanting to wake them in the middle of the night, he put up with it till the morning and came to the inn. Naturally, he is not happy about this development and asks the group to let him know as soon as they work out what all of this means.</p><p></p><p>While he is there, Nameless receives another sending from Trillia, this one sounding very curious about what he said, especially the daelkyr. He explains as much as he can in 25 words and reiterates the need for secrecy.</p><p></p><p>When Arrok leaves, Dala goes with him. She returns with Kidro's reply. She says that once they are back in Sharn, Kidro and she will take care of cataloguing the items that they recovered. While the Angels can retain the magical items they have, Kidro should get to see them, though she doubts he will want any. Lastly, within a couple of days of their return, they will have to talk to people at Morgrave University about the expedition, which is also probably where the story will get into the papers. </p><p></p><p>The rest of the day is spent in making plans and doing some shopping in Stormreach. Gareth writes and sends off letters to his family through the Sivis station. The Angels also experiment a little more with the Key and work out that it is exactly six hours of time in an extradimensional space that triggers the throbbing and strange desire. They also notice that their tattoos are very slightly larger. </p><p></p><p>***</p><p>Early the next morning, the group embarks on the ship back to Sharn. It is the Wave's Bounty, the same ship they came to Xen'drik on, and the captain Syrina d'Lyrandar and her first mate Bly are there to welcome them. Even the reclusive Aereni artificer Daelan makes a quick appearance and then disappears below decks again. Arrok accompanies the group to the ship and takes his leave, saying that he will meet them in Sharn in a week or so, after he has dealt with some work that he needs to.</p><p></p><p>The ship pulls away within an hour and heads north. The adventurers settle back into their shipboard routines. To their partial surprise, the voyage is completely uneventful, or at least uneventful when it comes to creatures trying to (a) board the ship, (b) eat them, (c) both of the above. There are, however, a couple of interesting experiences along the way.</p><p></p><p>Four days into the voyage, Gareth has a strange dream... </p><p></p><p>He finds himself floating in the middle of a featureless expanse, surrounded by gray mist, which resembles what he saw around the island. Some distance in front of him floats Nameless, facing away at an angle. In front of Nameless floats the Key. He reaches forward to grasp it. The Key flares with amber light, which fades quickly. Nameless pulls the shard towards him, doing so in small jerks, as if it were resisting in some way. Finally, he pulls it to his chest. As he does so, he steps back as if something knocked him backwards, but he remains upright, the Key still held where it is. </p><p></p><p>Then he seems to realize that Gareth is there and turns slowly to face him. When he does, Gareth sees that his eyes are completely white, with no variation between pupil and eyeball. They remind him of the eyes of the daelkyr. </p><p></p><p>And then Gareth wakes up. </p><p></p><p>The same night, Nameless is having a remarkably similar dream. In his case...</p><p></p><p>He too finds himself floating in the middle of a featureless expanse, surrounded by gray mist, which resembles what he saw around the island. In front of him floats the Key, and equidistant from it on the opposite side, is a daelkyr. It doesn't speak, but it reaches up with its right hand and grasps the dragonshard, even as Nameless does so. The Key flares with amber light, which fades quickly. The daelkyr pulls on the shard but Nameless' grasp is firm. After a second or two, he pulls the shard closer to himself. The daelkyr's expression doesn't change and it says nothing, but he can feel its anger and frustration. It raises its left hand and Nameless hear the hiss of its whip. The whip lashes out, hitting him on the chest, but it bounces off as if he were made of adamantine. Nameless pulls the shard a little closer. This time, a scowl crosses the daelkyr's face. Its brow furrows in concentration and he feels it attempting to insinuate its will into his. Again, Nameless feels it fail. This time, the daelkyr actually shudders and its form begins to dissipate. So does its grip on the shard and Nameless pulls it closer. As the shard touches his chest, the fading daelkyr lunges forward. As it does so, it changes form, its humanoid shape turning into that of a small dart-like tentacle. The tentacle strikes Nameless square on the forehead, knocking him back a step or two. This time, there is a sharp pain. There is a piercing sensation and he can actually feel the tentacle slide through his forehead into his head. Then the pain fades away. The daelkyr is completely gone and Nameless has the Key safe in his grasp, held tight against his chest.</p><p></p><p>That's when he gets the feeling that someone is watching him. Nameless turns to see a humanoid form half-hidden by the mist. The mist begins to part and then ... he awakes. </p><p></p><p>The next morning, Gareth tells everyone, including Nameless, what he dreamt of. Nameless also explains what it was that he saw. The Angels discuss what it could mean, especially the fact that each was in the other's dreams (which does lead to some ribbing from the others). Gareth theorizes that the daelkyr is still trying to control Nameless. Nameless thinks that might be possible but confidently says that it won't succeed. He also says that he should know more once he has been able to spend some time with Trillia, who has been using sendings daily to learn more about the group's discoveries. Nameless also mentions that they might want to talk to Havakhad, since his people know about the quori and the plane of dreams.</p><p></p><p>In general, the Angels spend a fair amount of time discussing what they will do once back in Sharn. Corven tells the others that he is going to talk to people at the Cyran embassy about what they discovered (he promises not to mention the Key they have) and if possible, head back to the remnants of the island to study its relationship with what happened in Cyre to create the Mournland. This is something that is personally important to him and it is his first priority. He says that he will stay in contact with the rest of the group and thanks all of them for their aid in the time he has spent with them.</p><p></p><p>The only other thing of note as far as the voyage is concerned is that the tattoos continue to grow, until they are nearly four inches in diameter, before stopping. The fact that they have apparently stopped growing only mildly reassures the adventurers, none of whom is happy with their unforeseen venture into body art. Six, with his hat of disguise, manages to keep the one on his chest hidden, but is not any happier about them than the others.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p>Meanwhile...</p><p></p><p>...in a dark room somewhere, lit only by a solitary torch, shadows swirl around a large desk. The room is sparse, with little furniture except for the desk, three comfortable chairs around it, and a series of large bookshelves, which stretch from floor to ceiling.</p><p></p><p>A cloaked figure lounges at the desk, the shadows making his form indistinct, his digits tapping idly on the wood in front of him, rhythmically repeating the same pattern, over and over and over. The woman sitting across from him leans forward and asks, "And you are sure that they will return?"</p><p></p><p>The reply is deep and calm, but with an undertone of amusement. "Yes. They are already on the way."</p><p></p><p>"Very well. But does it really matter? Why them?"</p><p></p><p>"Because they will be perfect for our ... for my purposes. There are many other adventurers in Khorvaire, but these are uniquely suited to the work I have in mind. Much more uniquely than most. Believe me, I've looked."</p><p></p><p>The woman doesn't sound convinced. "What makes them that perfect? That prophecy?"</p><p></p><p>The other person laughs derisively. "Pah! Prophecies are for fools. We can make or mar them as we please."</p><p></p><p>The woman shrugs and says, "If you say so. But what if they will not perform as you wish?"</p><p></p><p>There is a pause and then a short chuckle, rife with anticipation of forthcoming amusement. "Oh, they will perform all right. And if it isn't exactly what I have in mind then I will find another way to use them ... or break them. A tool is always useful, even if sometimes only to hone another tool on."</p><p></p><p>***</p><p>Eleven days after it left Stormreach, and forty-eight days after the expedition left Sharn, the Wave's Bounty pulls into the docks of Grayflood. Six looks up at the cliffs and, above them, the towers of Sharn. With a shake of his head, he says, "Giants, dragons and daelkyr, I can take. But this place is the one that worries me."</p><p></p><p>With wry grins, the others join him in making ready to disembark. The process, as usual, is longer than they'd like. The group has to work through all the various groups checking on customs issues, identification, etc. Even though Dala takes care of most of the paperwork and there are a couple of people from Kidro waiting to help the group, it takes them the better part of an hour to be done. Once they are, Dala takes her leave of the Angels, asking them to stop by Kidro's shop in the evening. </p><p></p><p>After a short discussion, the Angels decide to visit Trillia first, so that Nameless can introduce them to her. They take one of the few skycoaches that comes to the Docks and head to Deathsgate. Trillia's house is a tower apartment a short distance from the Guild of Starlight and Shadows. It is unremarkable on the outside, other than having the Guild's sigil to indicate a member lives there. When Nameless knocks, the door is opened by a middle-aged man, whom he greets as Glauster.</p><p></p><p>He looks a little surprised at the number of people standing outside, but says that the lady has been expecting them and invites the group in. The inside of the apartment doesn't look much like a mage's abode, except for the odd arcane item, as well as a couple of slightly tentacular statues to indicate her interests. Glauster leads the group to a comfortable sitting room and leaves them there.</p><p></p><p>A couple of minutes later, Trillia enters to greet them. She is a pleasant-looking woman who looks to be in her early thirties, with bright green eyes and short blonde hair, a single streak of black running down the middle. Trillia wears comfortable robes as many of the middle-class wear, which again give no indication of her occupation. </p><p></p><p>She greets Nameless warmly and follows suit to the others, as he makes the introductions. "I've heard a good deal about all of you," she says, adding with a broad smile to Gareth, "Especially you!"</p><p></p><p>Settling down comfortably, she asks the group to expand on their experiences, which she already has some idea of due to the sendings to Nameless. He provides a quite detailed coverage, with the others chipping as needed. Trillia asks a number of questions, seeming most interested about the Key. Nameless shows it to her and she asks whether the group would mind if she took some time to study it. Nobody disagrees, though Gareth adds that he would prefer it if at least a couple of them are present throughout. Trillia says she has no problem with that.</p><p></p><p>After hearing the entire story, Trillia admits that she has never heard of an item such as the Key. She has also not heard of dimensional seals in Xen'drik either, but says that it makes sense that the dragons would be involved with it, since supposedly it was a dragon called Vvaraak who trained the Gatekeeper druids, and they are the ones who created the dimensional seals. Nameless says that the group is planning to consult the Gatekeepers in Sharn and asks what she thinks. Trillia says she thinks it is a good idea, since the Gatekeepers are unlikely to spread the information around, which she warns the group to be careful of. After all, they have the first evidence that she has heard of a daelkyr being present in (or rather, near) Xen'drik, and there are more than a few individuals and groups who will be interested in that information.</p><p></p><p>At this point, Gareth mentions that he also wants to talk to the Archierophant about the Key, which promptly turns into another argument with Nameless. Trillia seems amused by the interaction between the two, simply watching until it begins to turn into a shouting match. Then she cuts in to say that the one downside with letting Ythana Morr (who she only knows by reputation) know is that she answers to the institution and hierarchy of the Church of the Silver Flame, so she has less freedom to act as she wishes than someone like Trillia has. Gareth agrees but says that the resources of the Church, which are significantly higher than that of either Trillia or the Gatekeepers, are worth tapping into. Corven then suggests that perhaps Gareth could simply wait for a couple of days, while Trillia studies the Key, before letting Ythana know. Gareth agrees, with the caveat that there should be complete disclosure of anything that is discovered about the Key, and that Nameless, who has been reticent to share his knowledge about using it, should do so too.</p><p></p><p>Nameless agrees and, for the first time, expands on what happened with his use of the Key. He says, "Actually, I don't really know how I activated it. When I saw it I knew what it was, and I knew I would be able to use it, though I didn't know how. And when I touched it, I immediately knew how to activate it. It's not so much conscious knowledge as if it was something I knew and could do automatically, like whistling a tune without thinking about it. Even now, I couldn't activate it by choice."</p><p></p><p>After hearing that explanation, Trillia wonders aloud if the ability has something to do with the dreams Nameless has had. Nameless suddenly suggests that she try the new spell she has developed on him. She looks slightly surprised but then does so. After some seconds of concentration, she says, "Interesting! Unless I am doing something wrong, you are apparently an aberration. A powerful one."</p><p></p><p>Nameless doesn't look particularly surprised, though this sets off another discussion of what it means. Gareth wonder aloud if the contact with the daelkyr and/or the close contact with the Key is changing Nameless in some way. Trillia confirms that Nameless is the only person in the group who appears as an aberration to her spell. With no real explanation at this point, she promises to study the issue further and see what she can discover.</p><p></p><p>Trillia then asks the group to join her for lunch, which they agree to do. During the meal they find her to be a witty and pleasant conversationalist. Gareth, to his partial surprise, finds her actually agreeing with him in a couple of places where Nameless and he disagree, though she does also tease him with a couple of off-color jokes about paladins. One of the primary topics of discussion is the Angels' apparent bond with the Key. Having heard about their reactions to having the Key separated from them by an extradimensional space, Trillia opines that it seems akin to a geas of some kind, compelling them to stay near and protect the Key. None of the Angels seem happy about the idea, especially Luna and Six.</p><p></p><p>Once they are done eating, the group prepares to leave. Nameless asks Trillia if it will be all right for him to stay at her place temporarily, and she says that would be fine. Gareth suggests that it would be safer to have at least one person with Nameless, so Six offers to stay, which Trillia also accepts.</p><p></p><p>After leaving Trillia's home, the group heads to Central Plateau and Carosten Park. Walking into the park, they head for the edge of the plateau, where the small stone building called the Gatehouse is located. When Six knocks on the door, it is opened by the half-orc druid Surr'kal. He looks surprised and says, "I didn't know that you were in town. Come in." As the Angels follow him through the small antechamber, a couple of them notice that he gives Luna a bit of a frosty look. They quickly discover the reason.</p><p></p><p>Surr'kal leads them into a small sitting room, already occupied by the shifter Teln and another figure. This one is a large and heavily muscled half-orc, with a scarred and remarkably ugly visage. He wears no armor and has on a long hooded robe, worn over clothing with tribal markings on it. He also carries an unusual-looking sword strapped to his back. Surr'kal introduces him as Korm'akhan, a druid who came to Sharn a little over a month ago. Luna and he recognize each other, having spent some time together nearly five years ago. Korm'akhan says that he saw Luna's former mentor, Gathaan, in the Eldeen Reaches nearly a few months ago, where he was tending a Gatekeeper observatory.</p><p></p><p>Once Luna and Korm'akhan have finished talking, Surr'kal says, "We could have used your help here recently. Remember the Children of Winter I had said were in the city?" He bestows another look on Luna and adds, "Whom I had asked you to check on?" Luna bristles a bit, thinking of commenting that they have a number of calls on their time and don't take orders, but restrains herself.</p><p></p><p>Surr'kal goes on to explain that the two Children of Winter had apparently created a lair in the Depths and found access to Sharn's water purification chambers. They had been poisoning the water supply with a disease-causing agent, and this was the origin of the recent epidemic. Korm'akhan and the other druids had been helping aid the sick in the poorer areas with magical and mundane healing, when they had met two members of the Church of the Silver Flame (a paladin named Cedric and a templar called Magnus) who were doing the same. The Angels immediately recognize Cedric and Magnus as the pair they had met in the Bloody Giant inn at Stormreach.</p><p></p><p>Korm'akhan, two druids who had come to Sharn with him, Cedric and Magnus managed to track the Children of Winter (a human druid and a shifter warrior) to their lair. After a mighty battle, during which the other two druids and Magnus were slain, they forced the severely wounded Children of Winter to flee. Korm'akhan and Cedric destroyed the poison-creating apparatus and returned to the surface. Thanks to their efforts, the epidemic is now apparently over, though there are still many sick people who will take time to recover. Having caught them up with the news, Surr'kal asks what they can do for the adventurers, though his tone of voice indicates that he might not be too inclined towards helping them in any way.</p><p></p><p>The tone changes quickly as the Angels relate some of their recent adventures, which occurs with constant interrupting questions such as "You killed a dragon?" or "You fought a DAELKYR?!" Once the Angels are done and have shown them the Key, Surr'kal says that this is one of the most fascinating stories he has ever heard. He also admits that he does not know about anything like the Key. After all, he points out, the dimensional seals that keep Xoriat at bay or the daelkyr prisoner were constructed 9,000 years ago. However, some of the greater loremasters among the Gatekeepers might know, and he promises to try to contact some of those outside Sharn. When he hears that the Angels have spoken to Trillia and she will be studying the Key, Surr'kal asks if he could join her. Nameless says that he doubts she would mind.</p><p></p><p>The Angels especially mention the issue of their bond with the Key as something they are concerned about. Teln suggests that since Nameless was able to activate it before, perhaps he could try to use it and remove the bond. Surr'kal looks a little skeptical but Nameless agrees to try. Corven volunteers as a test subject, saying that he is planning to travel back to the island (or its remnants) and study the phenomenon of the mist around it, and that becomes significantly difficult with the bond. </p><p></p><p>Nameless takes the dragonshard in his hands, and as he thinks of removing the bond, once again he seems to know exactly how to activate it. A thick amber beam shoots out to hit Corven in the chest and he feels a draining sensation. To the surprise of everyone present, the beam then splits into two, half of it breaking off to hit Korm'akhan in the chest. The big orc looks surprised as he feels the same sensation. Nameless, though surprised too, continues to concentrate on removing Corven's bond. The amber beams pulse and both Corven and Korm'akahan turn ashen with the strain as the draining sensation intensifies to an incredible degree, making each feel as if he were dying.</p><p></p><p>The beams suddenly wink off, with both of them almost collapsing from weakness when they do. Quick investigation reveals that the tattoo has disappeared from Corven's chest and reappeared on Korm'akhan's (though smaller, like it had originally been on Corven and the others). </p><p></p><p>"Well, that was ... unexpected," says Nameless succinctly. </p><p></p><p>"And painful," says Corven, wiping away sweat from his brow with a shaking hand. "It almost killed me!"* Korm'akhan, who looks even grayer than he originally did, rumbles, "Me too!"**</p><p></p><p>Surr'kal hurriedly says, "I do not think we should try that again! Or at least not right now." </p><p></p><p>Everyone agrees. Nameless adding that when he used the Key, he got the impression that the bonds can only be transferred to another random person within range (though he's not sure what that range is). Korm'akhan is naturally curious about what this bond entails for him and Nameless explains what they know. Even though Corven uses a couple of infusions to partly heal Korm'akhan and himself, the big orc agrees that they shouldn't try to remove his new bond yet, especially since they don't know whom it would attach itself to.</p><p></p><p>When the Angels are taking their leave, Surr'kal asks if they'd be willing to take Korm'akhan with them as added security for the Key. Corven points out that he will be leaving soon*** and the group could use another healer and Teln comments that Korm'akhan is a mighty warrior. The big orc says that he would be happy to accompany the group for the time being and the Angels agree. </p><p></p><p>The group heads towards Menthis Plateau, exchanging information with Korm'akhan as they go. He says that he is trained in a rare branch of druidic ability, lacking Luna's ability to change shape into an actual animal, though he can change his form slightly to gain some natural abilities. He also claims to be a berserker. </p><p></p><p>Gareth is especially interested in his unusually shaped sword, which is made of a dark gray metal. Korm'akhan says, "It was forged from the heart of a fallen star."</p><p></p><p>The group reaches Kidro's shop, Window on Yesterday, to find both Dala and him present. Kidro is very pleased to see them and, after being introduced to Korm'akhan, asks them to tell him everything that happened, even though Dala has already gone over it. </p><p></p><p>Kidro listens with rapt attention to them, asking every once in a while, "And the island blew up?" </p><p></p><p>After they are done, he asks if he could examine the magical items they found. Once he has done so, he says they can keep them and that he will get them a record of legal acquisition, which they will need to retain and use them. Kidro also says that they will need a letter of marque if they want to sell them, and in that case he might be interested.</p><p></p><p>Kidro also tells the Angels that there will be a meeting at Morgrave University two days later, on the 10th, where some of the recovered artifacts will be displayed and they will be expected to talk about their expedition. He says that there will be reporters from the Korranberg Chronicle and the Sharn Inquisitive present, and opines that they will be on the front page of each newspaper once their story is told. </p><p></p><p>Lastly, Kidro provides the adventurers with the last third of their payment via a Kundarak banknote worth 5000 galifars. When he does, Nameless asks Kidro if he knows if the people who were lost on the expedition have families. Kidro says that he is taking care of it by selling some of the minor magical items that the group turned over to Dala and thanks him for his concern. </p><p></p><p>Six pokes Gareth in the ribs and says, "Shouldn't you be the one caring about that?" but Gareth doesn't bother to respond.</p><p></p><p>When the group is leaving, Dala says that she will see them out. When they are outside, she asks if there has been anything strange with the Key. When Nameless asks why, she says that there was a message from Arrok waiting for her at home, which he had sent via the Sivis station the day after they left. It said that his tattoo became warm and began throbbing the day they left with the Key and he got this weird feeling that he should get close to it, just as he (and they) had felt when the Key was in the Hidden Chest. </p><p></p><p>Arrok tried to ignore it but soon began to feel extremely ill. According to the message, he was taking a ship to Sharn early the next day, and he wanted them to make sure not to go anywhere or do anything with the Key. Dala asks where the group's accommodations are, since Arrok will presumably be there the next day and she can bring him to them.</p><p></p><p>This sets off another discussion, since various members of the group want to stay in different places. Finally, they decide that Nameless and Six will put up temporarily with Trillia. Gareth decides to go to the Cathedral of the Cleansing Flame, while Corven says he figures the Esoteric Order of Aureon will be as safe as can be. Korm'akhan says that he would be more comfortable staying at Carosten Park with the other druids and Luna decides to do the same. With that decided, the Angels take their leave of Dala and split up, heading in the various directions they want. </p><p></p><p>When Gareth goes to the Cathedral, he finds (to his mild surprise) Bodo still there, studying at the school run by the Cathedral and now working there as a novice. The reason is quickly explained, since Bodo seems quite excited about the Silver Flame now, mainly because there are all these "cool stories about smiting bad guys" that he's heard and he believes that if he sticks it out long enough he'll eventually learn to use weapons and maybe get armor and a sword. Plus, he says, the food's quite good. </p><p></p><p>***</p><p>The next morning, Gareth has a not-so-welcome visitor in the shape of Flan. He says that Killian has been expecting the Angels back and told him that they returned the previous day. Killian asks if the group can come by and meet him that evening, since he has some news and a proposition for them. Gareth says that he will tell the others and tentatively accepts.</p><p></p><p>Shortly after Flan leaves, Dala stops by with Arrok, who reached Sharn only an hour ago. They accompany Gareth to Trillia's home, where they speak to Nameless, Six and her. Arrok says that he is fine now, the sickness having disappeared a day after he took ship from Stormreach. The tattoo still had a mild warmth to it until he got to within a couple hour's sail from Sharn. He asks them if they have any explanation for it, saying that this is a serious problem for him and they need to help him get rid of this link to the Key. </p><p></p><p>Nameless explains that they may be able to remove it, but it would be very dangerous and would only attach itself to someone else. Trillia reiterates her original theory about the geas, saying that the effects Arrok suffered sound a lot like what one could expect from the spell. She also says that perhaps after studying the Key they may be able to find another way to break the bond. </p><p></p><p>Arrok doesn't seem very reassured, but sees that he has no real option besides patience. He says that he will be staying in Middle Dura and will see them at Morgrave University the next day. Dala and he then leave.</p><p></p><p>Once they are gone, Gareth tells the others (including Luna and Korm'akhan, who have stopped in by then) about the offer from Killian. Some of the others aren't keen on it, especially Six, but they agree to go along. So does Corven, who arrives a little later. The group then disperses again.</p><p></p><p>Gareth stops off at the Deneith enclave, where he finds Lalia very happy to see him back in town. She invites him to join her for an early lunch, during which he tells her about everything that happened on the trip (but omits anything about the Key). Lalia seems to find the story fascinating, saying that it'll probably be all over the newspapers after the talk at Morgrave University. As for herself, she says that she has been doing fine and has mostly been in the city in the interim. Tasra is fine too and both of them may be involved in a case shortly, since there's a possibility that some people are planning to sabotage the meeting between Queen Aurala of Aundair and King Boranel in Wroat. That's usually the kind of thing handled by the Citadel (the elite Brelish forces answering directly to the King, which also have an outpost in Sharn), but they may bring House Deneith in, just in case. She also inquires about Gareth's immediate and future plans, asking if he will he be in the city for long and whether he is planning to join the enclave after all?</p><p></p><p>Gareth replies that he does plan to be in the city for a while now and is interested in joining the enclave. He also offers any help he can about King Boranel and Queen Aurala. Lalia laughs at the latter offer, saying that even though she trusts him, the chances of a Karrnathi paladin being included in security issues for the King of Breland and the Queen of Aundair is only slightly more likely than Sharn being leased to Thrane. She does, however, promise to speak to people at the enclave about Gareth's interest in joining. She then takes her leave, since she is busy with the job that she mentioned.</p><p></p><p>After leaving her, Gareth goes to the High Hope district in Middle Northedge, where he finds Coldflame Keep, the local Silver Flame temple. There he meets Cedric as well as the elderly priest Mazin Tana, who is quite happy to see him. There are only a couple of acolytes, a crippled scribe and eight templars occupying the temple, which was clearly built to house maybe ten times the number and looks like it has fallen on bad times. </p><p></p><p>Cedric confirms that is the case, saying that the Cathedral doesn't send as much money in the direction of the Keep as it could. Gareth and he discuss their recent experiences (during which Cedric mentions fighting the Children of Winter by Korm'akhan's side) while helping care for the remaining patients from the epidemic. The older paladin is very interested in the group's activities. Gareth asks Cedric and Mazin if either of them know about someone who might be an expert on outsiders, especially daelkyr, but that's only an area of partial interest for Cedric and Mazin has no expertise in it. Mazin says that there's nobody specialized in that kind of subject among the Silver Flame worshippers he knows of, not even the Archierophant, and suggests Gareth contact one of the local mage guilds. They both invite Gareth to stop by any time. </p><p></p><p>While leaving the Keep, Gareth notices a strange sight some distance away. There is a thick 12 foot tall densewood pillar in the middle of an open space, which has an old gnome sitting on the top. She seems to be quite comfortable, sitting and chatting with people passing below, and evidently well-known, from the number of people who greet her as they go. </p><p></p><p>Curious, Gareth goes over and greets her. She responds in kind and, during the following conversation, he learns that her name is Daca and she is a worshipper of Boldrei who has been living on top of the pillar for the last 120 years, keeping an eye on the community around her. While standing below her, Gareth feels a sense of calm and peacefulness that he has not elsewhere. </p><p></p><p>Nameless, meanwhile, has been helping Trillia study the Key. This primarily consists of casting spells on it and finding that they have no effect. She also tries her detect aberrations spell on him and has the same result as earlier. </p><p></p><p>Six, having spent some time with the two of them, finally gets bored and decides to take a walk around the city, as he often does. While he does so, he stops to buy a new bow that matches his enhanced strength and also checks on the House Cannith offer that he heard of in Stormreach. The opinions are as varied as he had both heard and expected.</p><p></p><p>Corven visits the Cyran embassy and meets with Tyrala. She is happy to see him back and curious about his absence for so long. He relates some of what happened on the trip and, as he expected, she is especially interested in his news about the similarity between the mist around the island and what he saw around the Mournland. When Corven expresses an interest in leading an expedition back there, she says that she doesn't really have the authority or funds to immediately make that a reality, but she suggests that he visit New Cyre and speak to Prince Oargev himself. Someone of Corven's abilities would be an asset to New Cyre even if he were not now the official head of his house. Corven tentatively agrees, asking her to contact Prince Oargev and let him know what he says.</p><p></p><p>Luna and Korm'akhan mainly remain in Carosten Park sharing stories of their experiences and engaging in some sparring practice. Luna, as is becoming her habit, also spends some time in eagle form, flying around and through the towers of the city.</p><p></p><p>All of them meet at Trillia's home in the evening, before heading down to Firelight and the Lucky Nines casino. On the way, Korm'akhan asks about this person they are going to meet and gets a number of opprobrious comments from the various Angels, with a minor defense from Gareth, based on their lacking proof of Killian's guilt. </p><p></p><p>At the casino, they meet Killian at the same table as usual. After having been introduced to Korm'akhan, he is simultaneously jocular and sarcastic as ever, but is quickly cut off by Six, who says that he needs to get to the point about why they are there before they walk out. </p><p></p><p>Killian then says that he has both news and a proposition. The news is about the gang war that had just erupted when the Angels left town, sparked by their attack on the Daask payroll. Killian says that the Boromars clearly had the best of it, inflicting heavy losses, destroying whatever gains Daask had made in lower and middle Sharn and forcing them back into the Cogs. With the difficulty of attacking Daask in their lair, they were unable to drive Daask out of Sharn, but seriously weakened them. "Now if people like you," says Killian with a mock-admonishing manner, "Had been there to take a hand, maybe they could have been broken and driven out completely."</p><p></p><p>"Not our business," says Six. "Is that your proposition?"</p><p></p><p>Killian looks a trifle irritated but says, "Yes. Would you be interested in helping drive Daask out?"</p><p></p><p>Six immediately says, "No" and the others agree, though Gareth suggests they consider the offer. Killian says that he's a little disappointed, but the Angels should let him know if they change their minds. </p><p></p><p>Then he quickly changes tack, talking about their trip and how much he's looking forward to reading their talk at Morgrave University. Suddenly, he says, "By the way, I hope you are taking care of that Key."</p><p></p><p>Though somewhat surprised his knowledge of it, all of the Angels try to hide their reaction. In fact, nobody even responds to it. Six says that he's had enough, rises and leaves, quickly followed by Luna and then the others, leaving Gareth the only one at the table with Killian. The gnome tries to get some information about of the paladin but fails to do so and Gareth takes his leave a couple minutes after the others did. </p><p></p><p>He finds them waiting for him in the entrance hall, where Nameless asks if he decided to do any work for Killian, since then he'll be working alone. Gareth replied that he didn't and the group departs, splitting up shortly afterwards. </p><p></p><p>***</p><p>The next morning, they reconvene at Morgrave University. Before doing so, for reasons of security, they place the Key in Nameless' bag of holding, figuring that they will remove it as soon as they can, long before it can be a problem for them. The talk is in a large hall in the Dezina Museum of Antiquities. Dala and Kidro are already present, with Arrok expected soon. The reporters from the two newspapers are also there, with the KC one being Flim Turen, the Angels having told Dala to ask specifically for him in view of their previous interaction with him. There are also a large number of professors, students, antiquarians and generally interested people.</p><p></p><p>Shortly after they arrive, it is time to start and the Angels take their places. As they are doing so, the sphinx Flamewind walks in. She waves genially at the group and sits expectantly at the rear of the room. One of the professors present introduces Kidro. He, in turn, does a quick introduction of the people involved and talks a little about the planning for the expedition, before handing over to Dala. She does the majority of the talking, with a few comments from the Angels when asked. </p><p></p><p>Once Dala is done, Kidro opens the floor for questions. As they had been warned, there are a lot of queries, especially about the island exploding. A couple of people 'politely' raise the issue of whether this is a neat way to avoid proving that the expedition actually happened, but Kidro quickly unveils the display of a number of the recovered artifacts. The questions then become a lot more general, at least a few having to do with the issue of the daelkyr, which the majority of the people present only know as a type of planar creature, and that too because they are at the University. </p><p></p><p>After nearly an hour of questions, Kidro announces that the talk is over, promising that more information will be provided through the University and all of the artifacts will soon be on display. The meeting breaks up, with some people leaving and others coming up to talk to Kidro, Dala and the adventurers. Among them is Flamewind, who walks up to say that she's happy to see them all alive and back. Nameless tells her that they did manage to fulfill her prophecy, as she would have noted from their story. Flamewind smiles and says that he might be overestimating how complete it is, inviting them to join her some time to discuss the subject and perhaps answer some questions she might have.</p><p></p><p>As Nameless is agreeing, he is politely interrupted by a serious-looking gnome, who has just entered the hall along with four guards in City Watch uniforms. He says, "Are you the mage known as ... um, Nameless, belonging to the Guild of Starlight and Shadows?"</p><p></p><p>Nameless says, "Yes, I am. Is there a problem?"</p><p></p><p>"I need to speak to you privately, please."</p><p></p><p>A little suspicious, considering their current situation with the Key, Nameless says, "I would prefer to have my companions present."</p><p></p><p>"This cannot wait," says the gnome insistently. "Please come with me."</p><p></p><p>While the others are distracted with other people, Six notices the discussion and comes over. Nameless says, "Just my companion Six, then?"</p><p></p><p>The gnome hesitates for a moment and then says, "Very well. Please - come this way."</p><p></p><p>Nameless and Six accompany the gnome out of the hall and he leads them into the nearest unoccupied room, which is a large classroom. Once they enter, he gestures and two of the guards close and stand in front of the door. </p><p></p><p>"So, what is this about?" asks Nameless.</p><p></p><p>The gnome looks up, quickly produces a wand (which he has evidently been holding concealed within his sleeve), and points it at Nameless. In a significantly more formal voice, he says, "Nameless - I arrest you for the crime of murder. Will you come quietly?"</p><p></p><p>Even as Six goes "What?!", Nameless - though surprised - calmly asks, "Whom am I supposed to have murdered?"</p><p></p><p>"Arrok Doone."</p><p></p><p>"When was I supposed to have killed Arrok?" asks Nameless.</p><p></p><p>"Around 7 pm last night."</p><p></p><p>Six and Nameless exchange glances, and Six says, "That's when we left Trillia's place last night." Nameless turns to the gnome and says, "I have half a dozen witnesses who were with me at the time. In fact, they are outside right now. Can I call them?"</p><p></p><p>"No. We'd prefer to keep this as private as possible. Please come with me. If your friends were with you, their testimony should help your case. I should say, however, that there were also a large number of witnesses to the murder."</p><p></p><p>"And that's proof in a city full of changelings and spellcasters?" says Nameless sarcastically. </p><p></p><p>The gnome's expression gets a little grimmer and he says firmly, "Be that as it may, please come with me. Now."</p><p></p><p>Nameless and Six spend a few seconds trying to persuade the gnome to let them inform the other Angels, to no avail. Six decides on another method and begins to shout loudly, "This is an outrage! You cannot treat us like this!"</p><p></p><p>In the hall outside, Korm'akhan has been standing silently and watching the people mill around and talk. Despite the various voices around him, his keen ears hear Six's raised voice. "I think your friend is in trouble," he tells Luna, who is nearby. Both of them gesture at Gareth and Corven, who are talking to Dala and a professor nearby.</p><p></p><p>The four of them head down the corridor and knock on the door, before Gareth tries to open it. The guards inside promptly try to hold it closed. "Hey - what's going on in there?" asks Gareth.</p><p></p><p>"Nameless is being arrested for murder," calls Six. </p><p></p><p>"What?" says Gareth, shoving the door, which opens slightly before the guards push it closed. "This is Watch business! Please wait outside!" calls the gnome, which everyone ignores. </p><p></p><p>Korm'akhan joins Gareth and with his added bulk and strength, the two guards are easily shoved out of the way, allowing the four adventurers (and Dala, who has followed them) to troop in. The guards look helplessly at the gnome, who looks disgusted but says nothing to them.</p><p></p><p>The next couple of minutes are spent in explanations, with the gnome trying in vain to get the group moving. The other adventurers all vouch for Nameless' whereabouts, and the gnome only says that their testimony will be noted at the Watch House. Gareth asks for identification, and the gnome displays the insignia of the Blackened Book (the branch of the Sharn Watch focused on magical crimes) and identifies himself as Warden Hasal Dalian. </p><p></p><p>Finally, after the situation has been explained to the others, Nameless agrees to go along with Hasal. The next problem occurs as he goes to hand his bag of holding (which holds the Key) to Six.</p><p></p><p>"Excuse me," says Hasal, "But I need to take all of your equipment into custody, in case they're germane to the investigation."</p><p></p><p>Nameless shakes his head and says, "I'm sorry, but the items in here are not mine. They belong to the group."</p><p></p><p>"That's fine. If they aren't relevant they'll be handed over. Please give it to him." Hasal indicates one of the guards.</p><p></p><p>This promptly leads to another disagreement, with the Angels continuing to argue that the items in the bag belong to them and not to Nameless and are irrelevant to the case. The only result, of course, is to clearly make Hasal more and more curious about what the bag contains.</p><p></p><p>It doesn't help, either, when Six says that they've had enough interactions with people who they don't trust. "What if you just take the bag and teleport away? We know many people who can do that!" Hasal's response to that is to raise an eyebrow and comment drily that Six must be mixing with more powerful mages than most in Sharn, in that case. </p><p></p><p>The adventurers vainly try a number of methods to persuade Hasal to let them retain the bag. Nameless even finds himself in the unusual position of asking, "Don't you trust the word of a paladin of the Silver Flame?" when Gareth vouches for him and the contents of the bag. Due to the situation, nobody finds they might otherwise. Hasal responds, "I respect your position, which is why I'm glad you're not the accused. If you were, however, you'd be treated as anyone else. As will your testimony."</p><p></p><p>It's quite obvious that they are at an impasse. Nameless and the others refuse to hand over the bag and Hasal refuses to let Nameless hand the contents over to someone else. Hasal also, of course, lacks the manpower to take Nameless by force with the others present, and is apparently aware of that, having said that he has checked on the group at the Clifftop Adventurers Guild and on Nameless at the Guild of Starlight and Shadows.</p><p></p><p>Finally, Nameless suggests the compromise of getting Lalia d'Deneith to vouch for the group and possibly carry the bag for them. Hasal agrees that the Angels can send someone to contact her, but also sends off one of the guards at the same time, to inform the Watch House of the situation. Luna is the one to go and she leaves the building, transforms into an eagle and flies north. As she does, she sees the guard leave too and hurry off. </p><p></p><p>* Took 10 pts of Con damage during the process, dropping him to 4 Con and 15 hit pts</p><p>** As above</p><p>*** Korm'akhan is Corven's player's new PC</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="shilsen, post: 2822199, member: 198"] [B]Session 26 - Back to Sharn (or "He killed whom?")[/B] Gareth Byron Deneith - Human Pal3/Clr2/Exorcist of the Silver Flame3 Korm'akhan - Orc Drd7/Hexer1 (replacing Corven) Luna - Shifter Drd8 Mithral 6 of 6 - Warforged Ftr2/Scout4/Extreme Explorer2 Nameless - Human Wiz6/Alienist2 Dala returns soon to say that she has sent off a letter to Kidro and expects that they will receive a reply the next day. She also brings the group the second part of their payment, as well as news about things that have been going on in the month and a half that the expedition has been gone. Six also goes and gets some copies of the Korranberg Chronicle to supplement her information. Sharn has apparently been suffering from an epidemic, which began very shortly after the group. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people fell ill, with perhaps scores dying. It seems that the problem was with the water supply, which is also why the fish in Sharn Bay had been dying and becoming sparse (the Angels had heard of this before they left) for a few weeks before the disease hit. Luckily, the epidemic seems to be dying down now. They also hear that Merrix d'Cannith has made a controversial offer to the warforged in Sharn, promising that House Cannith will find jobs for any of them who come to work for it and, if possible, buy out the contracts that many signed immediately after the War, which effectively function as indentured servitude in the Cogs. Merrix apparently addressed the Sharn city council about it, and the council has neither ratified the offer nor have they enacted any legislation against it (which translates to a tacit acceptance). People have had reactions ranging from seeing it as a very humanitarian offer to one that is intended to allow House Cannith to build up a warforged army. People with the latter belief claim that an ongoing fact-finding expedition into the Mournland, organized by Merrix with the aid of Morgrave University and Prince Oargev ir'Wynarn of New Cyre, is only intended to further increase Cannith power. Of less interest to the group is the news of the Race of Eight Winds, the primary annual sporting spectacle in Sharn, having taken place. Dala, on the other hand, is quite excited, the person she bet on having won her a nice sum. In news from other parts of Khorvaire, Queen Aurala has agreed to meet King Boranel in Wroat to further develop ties between Aundair and Breland. In a more unusual diplomatic move, Boranel has signed a treaty with Droaam for the latter to provide aquatic troops to defend Brelish ships, which have recently suffered from attacks by sahuagin and other creatures. "Oh, great!" says Gareth at this piece of news. "Now we'll have sea trolls along officially!" An equally controversial move is Aundair's decision to ask the Church of the Silver Flame to help with a sudden increase in lycanthropic activity in western Aundair. These new lycanthropes are apparently of the 'horrid' variety that some of the druidic faiths breed and some Aundairans accuse the Eldeen Reachers of sending them into Aundair. The Church - and Thrane - have accepted and are sending priests and templars into Aundair to investigate. Nameless says to Luna, "And here we go with another purge!" Karrnath, on the other hand, seems less interested in building bridges with its erstwhile enemies. The Academy of Magical Warfare has opened in Rekkenmark, to a huge uproar in other countries (and from moderates in Karrnath), who claim that it is tantamount to an open preparation for war. Karrnathi representatives, naturally, claim that this Academy is simply a matter of self-defense. Gareth isn't surprised at this news, since he has already read about it in the letters from his family. An unintended piece of support to their claim has emerged from the Mror Holds. For the last few months, House Lyrandar has been working with the Mror clans on a project to build a large tunnel right through the southern mountains, which would make trade between Karrnath, the Mror Holds and the Lhazaar Principalities much easier. A few weeks ago, those working on the tunnel broke through into a huge cavern leading to the depths of Khyber. This cavern promptly disgorged thousands of aberrations, which slaughtered the workers and are now causing significant destruction in the southern Holds, with some having entered eastern Karrnath. In the aftermath of the event, Dulkan of Valshar'rak, the primary planner for the tunnel, was revealed to be a Cultist of the Dragon Below and fled his home in Fairhaven. An embarrassed House Lyrandar has announced a significant reward for information about his whereabouts, while the Mror clans have announced an even larger reward for anyone who can close the cavern. While reading about this story, Nameless remembers something he had seen months ago in Sharn. In a chamber occupied by a group of dolgrims and dolgaunts, he had read scrawls on the wall about a hoped-for attack on the surface world, with references to a tunnel leading from light into dark and releasing the darkness. Not having bothered to translate it for his companions then, he doesn't bring it up now. Besides the news from mainland Khorvaire, the Angels also hear from people in Stormreach about recent events here, such as a small tidal wave hitting the area a couple weeks ago (presumably the one created by the destruction of the island), a sahuagin tribe killing a kraken which was attacking a ship just entering the northernmost Straits of Shargon, and an announcement by House Vadalis of plans to set up hunting expeditions for wealthy clients to Xen'drik. After checking all the news and wrapping up supper, the group slowly heads up to their rooms. While they are doing so, Nameless receives a sending from Trillia, which says, "Trillia here. How are you? Busy with research. Attempting new spell for detecting Xoriat denizens and creations. Finally achieved valences of fifth power. Any news?" Nameless quickly replies, "Congratulations. We fought dragon and daelkyr. Gained insights. Prophecy follows us. Will need to consult you. Need dragonshard info, but secrecy paramount importance." Before retiring, the group discusses what to do with the Key, which they decide is too cumbersome - and risky - to carry around as Nameless has been. They eventually decide to keep it in the Hidden Chest that Corven's wand opens. They activate the wand, place it in there and close it. With no evident effects to the action, they head to bed. Other than Six, who goes back to his usual night-time crafting. Around six hours or so after they put the Key into the extradimensional space, Six notices a strange throbbing (but no pain) where the tattoo on his chest is, along with a very strong desire to be close to the Key. Going to wake his companions, he finds that all of them have awoken with the same effect. Corven tries to open the Hidden Chest, but unfortunately, it is not yet accessible. With no real choice, the Angels go back to bed. Despite the discomfort from the throbbing, they do manage to fall asleep. *** When they wake from uncomfortable sleep, the throbbing sensation is stronger. This time Corven manages to activate the wand and they quickly remove the Shard. Immediately, the feeling of wanting to be near the Key fades away, and the throbbing does so slowly. Nameless tries putting the Key in his magical haversack, which is also an extradimensional space, and the effect begins again. He quickly removes it and the group discusses what to do. They eventually decide to get a case for the Key and carry it around, later getting one for each of them so that it is difficult for someone to locate and take from them. Shortly after they awake, Arrok stops by to say that he experienced the same feeling as they did at night. Not wanting to wake them in the middle of the night, he put up with it till the morning and came to the inn. Naturally, he is not happy about this development and asks the group to let him know as soon as they work out what all of this means. While he is there, Nameless receives another sending from Trillia, this one sounding very curious about what he said, especially the daelkyr. He explains as much as he can in 25 words and reiterates the need for secrecy. When Arrok leaves, Dala goes with him. She returns with Kidro's reply. She says that once they are back in Sharn, Kidro and she will take care of cataloguing the items that they recovered. While the Angels can retain the magical items they have, Kidro should get to see them, though she doubts he will want any. Lastly, within a couple of days of their return, they will have to talk to people at Morgrave University about the expedition, which is also probably where the story will get into the papers. The rest of the day is spent in making plans and doing some shopping in Stormreach. Gareth writes and sends off letters to his family through the Sivis station. The Angels also experiment a little more with the Key and work out that it is exactly six hours of time in an extradimensional space that triggers the throbbing and strange desire. They also notice that their tattoos are very slightly larger. *** Early the next morning, the group embarks on the ship back to Sharn. It is the Wave's Bounty, the same ship they came to Xen'drik on, and the captain Syrina d'Lyrandar and her first mate Bly are there to welcome them. Even the reclusive Aereni artificer Daelan makes a quick appearance and then disappears below decks again. Arrok accompanies the group to the ship and takes his leave, saying that he will meet them in Sharn in a week or so, after he has dealt with some work that he needs to. The ship pulls away within an hour and heads north. The adventurers settle back into their shipboard routines. To their partial surprise, the voyage is completely uneventful, or at least uneventful when it comes to creatures trying to (a) board the ship, (b) eat them, (c) both of the above. There are, however, a couple of interesting experiences along the way. Four days into the voyage, Gareth has a strange dream... He finds himself floating in the middle of a featureless expanse, surrounded by gray mist, which resembles what he saw around the island. Some distance in front of him floats Nameless, facing away at an angle. In front of Nameless floats the Key. He reaches forward to grasp it. The Key flares with amber light, which fades quickly. Nameless pulls the shard towards him, doing so in small jerks, as if it were resisting in some way. Finally, he pulls it to his chest. As he does so, he steps back as if something knocked him backwards, but he remains upright, the Key still held where it is. Then he seems to realize that Gareth is there and turns slowly to face him. When he does, Gareth sees that his eyes are completely white, with no variation between pupil and eyeball. They remind him of the eyes of the daelkyr. And then Gareth wakes up. The same night, Nameless is having a remarkably similar dream. In his case... He too finds himself floating in the middle of a featureless expanse, surrounded by gray mist, which resembles what he saw around the island. In front of him floats the Key, and equidistant from it on the opposite side, is a daelkyr. It doesn't speak, but it reaches up with its right hand and grasps the dragonshard, even as Nameless does so. The Key flares with amber light, which fades quickly. The daelkyr pulls on the shard but Nameless' grasp is firm. After a second or two, he pulls the shard closer to himself. The daelkyr's expression doesn't change and it says nothing, but he can feel its anger and frustration. It raises its left hand and Nameless hear the hiss of its whip. The whip lashes out, hitting him on the chest, but it bounces off as if he were made of adamantine. Nameless pulls the shard a little closer. This time, a scowl crosses the daelkyr's face. Its brow furrows in concentration and he feels it attempting to insinuate its will into his. Again, Nameless feels it fail. This time, the daelkyr actually shudders and its form begins to dissipate. So does its grip on the shard and Nameless pulls it closer. As the shard touches his chest, the fading daelkyr lunges forward. As it does so, it changes form, its humanoid shape turning into that of a small dart-like tentacle. The tentacle strikes Nameless square on the forehead, knocking him back a step or two. This time, there is a sharp pain. There is a piercing sensation and he can actually feel the tentacle slide through his forehead into his head. Then the pain fades away. The daelkyr is completely gone and Nameless has the Key safe in his grasp, held tight against his chest. That's when he gets the feeling that someone is watching him. Nameless turns to see a humanoid form half-hidden by the mist. The mist begins to part and then ... he awakes. The next morning, Gareth tells everyone, including Nameless, what he dreamt of. Nameless also explains what it was that he saw. The Angels discuss what it could mean, especially the fact that each was in the other's dreams (which does lead to some ribbing from the others). Gareth theorizes that the daelkyr is still trying to control Nameless. Nameless thinks that might be possible but confidently says that it won't succeed. He also says that he should know more once he has been able to spend some time with Trillia, who has been using sendings daily to learn more about the group's discoveries. Nameless also mentions that they might want to talk to Havakhad, since his people know about the quori and the plane of dreams. In general, the Angels spend a fair amount of time discussing what they will do once back in Sharn. Corven tells the others that he is going to talk to people at the Cyran embassy about what they discovered (he promises not to mention the Key they have) and if possible, head back to the remnants of the island to study its relationship with what happened in Cyre to create the Mournland. This is something that is personally important to him and it is his first priority. He says that he will stay in contact with the rest of the group and thanks all of them for their aid in the time he has spent with them. The only other thing of note as far as the voyage is concerned is that the tattoos continue to grow, until they are nearly four inches in diameter, before stopping. The fact that they have apparently stopped growing only mildly reassures the adventurers, none of whom is happy with their unforeseen venture into body art. Six, with his hat of disguise, manages to keep the one on his chest hidden, but is not any happier about them than the others. *** Meanwhile... ...in a dark room somewhere, lit only by a solitary torch, shadows swirl around a large desk. The room is sparse, with little furniture except for the desk, three comfortable chairs around it, and a series of large bookshelves, which stretch from floor to ceiling. A cloaked figure lounges at the desk, the shadows making his form indistinct, his digits tapping idly on the wood in front of him, rhythmically repeating the same pattern, over and over and over. The woman sitting across from him leans forward and asks, "And you are sure that they will return?" The reply is deep and calm, but with an undertone of amusement. "Yes. They are already on the way." "Very well. But does it really matter? Why them?" "Because they will be perfect for our ... for my purposes. There are many other adventurers in Khorvaire, but these are uniquely suited to the work I have in mind. Much more uniquely than most. Believe me, I've looked." The woman doesn't sound convinced. "What makes them that perfect? That prophecy?" The other person laughs derisively. "Pah! Prophecies are for fools. We can make or mar them as we please." The woman shrugs and says, "If you say so. But what if they will not perform as you wish?" There is a pause and then a short chuckle, rife with anticipation of forthcoming amusement. "Oh, they will perform all right. And if it isn't exactly what I have in mind then I will find another way to use them ... or break them. A tool is always useful, even if sometimes only to hone another tool on." *** Eleven days after it left Stormreach, and forty-eight days after the expedition left Sharn, the Wave's Bounty pulls into the docks of Grayflood. Six looks up at the cliffs and, above them, the towers of Sharn. With a shake of his head, he says, "Giants, dragons and daelkyr, I can take. But this place is the one that worries me." With wry grins, the others join him in making ready to disembark. The process, as usual, is longer than they'd like. The group has to work through all the various groups checking on customs issues, identification, etc. Even though Dala takes care of most of the paperwork and there are a couple of people from Kidro waiting to help the group, it takes them the better part of an hour to be done. Once they are, Dala takes her leave of the Angels, asking them to stop by Kidro's shop in the evening. After a short discussion, the Angels decide to visit Trillia first, so that Nameless can introduce them to her. They take one of the few skycoaches that comes to the Docks and head to Deathsgate. Trillia's house is a tower apartment a short distance from the Guild of Starlight and Shadows. It is unremarkable on the outside, other than having the Guild's sigil to indicate a member lives there. When Nameless knocks, the door is opened by a middle-aged man, whom he greets as Glauster. He looks a little surprised at the number of people standing outside, but says that the lady has been expecting them and invites the group in. The inside of the apartment doesn't look much like a mage's abode, except for the odd arcane item, as well as a couple of slightly tentacular statues to indicate her interests. Glauster leads the group to a comfortable sitting room and leaves them there. A couple of minutes later, Trillia enters to greet them. She is a pleasant-looking woman who looks to be in her early thirties, with bright green eyes and short blonde hair, a single streak of black running down the middle. Trillia wears comfortable robes as many of the middle-class wear, which again give no indication of her occupation. She greets Nameless warmly and follows suit to the others, as he makes the introductions. "I've heard a good deal about all of you," she says, adding with a broad smile to Gareth, "Especially you!" Settling down comfortably, she asks the group to expand on their experiences, which she already has some idea of due to the sendings to Nameless. He provides a quite detailed coverage, with the others chipping as needed. Trillia asks a number of questions, seeming most interested about the Key. Nameless shows it to her and she asks whether the group would mind if she took some time to study it. Nobody disagrees, though Gareth adds that he would prefer it if at least a couple of them are present throughout. Trillia says she has no problem with that. After hearing the entire story, Trillia admits that she has never heard of an item such as the Key. She has also not heard of dimensional seals in Xen'drik either, but says that it makes sense that the dragons would be involved with it, since supposedly it was a dragon called Vvaraak who trained the Gatekeeper druids, and they are the ones who created the dimensional seals. Nameless says that the group is planning to consult the Gatekeepers in Sharn and asks what she thinks. Trillia says she thinks it is a good idea, since the Gatekeepers are unlikely to spread the information around, which she warns the group to be careful of. After all, they have the first evidence that she has heard of a daelkyr being present in (or rather, near) Xen'drik, and there are more than a few individuals and groups who will be interested in that information. At this point, Gareth mentions that he also wants to talk to the Archierophant about the Key, which promptly turns into another argument with Nameless. Trillia seems amused by the interaction between the two, simply watching until it begins to turn into a shouting match. Then she cuts in to say that the one downside with letting Ythana Morr (who she only knows by reputation) know is that she answers to the institution and hierarchy of the Church of the Silver Flame, so she has less freedom to act as she wishes than someone like Trillia has. Gareth agrees but says that the resources of the Church, which are significantly higher than that of either Trillia or the Gatekeepers, are worth tapping into. Corven then suggests that perhaps Gareth could simply wait for a couple of days, while Trillia studies the Key, before letting Ythana know. Gareth agrees, with the caveat that there should be complete disclosure of anything that is discovered about the Key, and that Nameless, who has been reticent to share his knowledge about using it, should do so too. Nameless agrees and, for the first time, expands on what happened with his use of the Key. He says, "Actually, I don't really know how I activated it. When I saw it I knew what it was, and I knew I would be able to use it, though I didn't know how. And when I touched it, I immediately knew how to activate it. It's not so much conscious knowledge as if it was something I knew and could do automatically, like whistling a tune without thinking about it. Even now, I couldn't activate it by choice." After hearing that explanation, Trillia wonders aloud if the ability has something to do with the dreams Nameless has had. Nameless suddenly suggests that she try the new spell she has developed on him. She looks slightly surprised but then does so. After some seconds of concentration, she says, "Interesting! Unless I am doing something wrong, you are apparently an aberration. A powerful one." Nameless doesn't look particularly surprised, though this sets off another discussion of what it means. Gareth wonder aloud if the contact with the daelkyr and/or the close contact with the Key is changing Nameless in some way. Trillia confirms that Nameless is the only person in the group who appears as an aberration to her spell. With no real explanation at this point, she promises to study the issue further and see what she can discover. Trillia then asks the group to join her for lunch, which they agree to do. During the meal they find her to be a witty and pleasant conversationalist. Gareth, to his partial surprise, finds her actually agreeing with him in a couple of places where Nameless and he disagree, though she does also tease him with a couple of off-color jokes about paladins. One of the primary topics of discussion is the Angels' apparent bond with the Key. Having heard about their reactions to having the Key separated from them by an extradimensional space, Trillia opines that it seems akin to a geas of some kind, compelling them to stay near and protect the Key. None of the Angels seem happy about the idea, especially Luna and Six. Once they are done eating, the group prepares to leave. Nameless asks Trillia if it will be all right for him to stay at her place temporarily, and she says that would be fine. Gareth suggests that it would be safer to have at least one person with Nameless, so Six offers to stay, which Trillia also accepts. After leaving Trillia's home, the group heads to Central Plateau and Carosten Park. Walking into the park, they head for the edge of the plateau, where the small stone building called the Gatehouse is located. When Six knocks on the door, it is opened by the half-orc druid Surr'kal. He looks surprised and says, "I didn't know that you were in town. Come in." As the Angels follow him through the small antechamber, a couple of them notice that he gives Luna a bit of a frosty look. They quickly discover the reason. Surr'kal leads them into a small sitting room, already occupied by the shifter Teln and another figure. This one is a large and heavily muscled half-orc, with a scarred and remarkably ugly visage. He wears no armor and has on a long hooded robe, worn over clothing with tribal markings on it. He also carries an unusual-looking sword strapped to his back. Surr'kal introduces him as Korm'akhan, a druid who came to Sharn a little over a month ago. Luna and he recognize each other, having spent some time together nearly five years ago. Korm'akhan says that he saw Luna's former mentor, Gathaan, in the Eldeen Reaches nearly a few months ago, where he was tending a Gatekeeper observatory. Once Luna and Korm'akhan have finished talking, Surr'kal says, "We could have used your help here recently. Remember the Children of Winter I had said were in the city?" He bestows another look on Luna and adds, "Whom I had asked you to check on?" Luna bristles a bit, thinking of commenting that they have a number of calls on their time and don't take orders, but restrains herself. Surr'kal goes on to explain that the two Children of Winter had apparently created a lair in the Depths and found access to Sharn's water purification chambers. They had been poisoning the water supply with a disease-causing agent, and this was the origin of the recent epidemic. Korm'akhan and the other druids had been helping aid the sick in the poorer areas with magical and mundane healing, when they had met two members of the Church of the Silver Flame (a paladin named Cedric and a templar called Magnus) who were doing the same. The Angels immediately recognize Cedric and Magnus as the pair they had met in the Bloody Giant inn at Stormreach. Korm'akhan, two druids who had come to Sharn with him, Cedric and Magnus managed to track the Children of Winter (a human druid and a shifter warrior) to their lair. After a mighty battle, during which the other two druids and Magnus were slain, they forced the severely wounded Children of Winter to flee. Korm'akhan and Cedric destroyed the poison-creating apparatus and returned to the surface. Thanks to their efforts, the epidemic is now apparently over, though there are still many sick people who will take time to recover. Having caught them up with the news, Surr'kal asks what they can do for the adventurers, though his tone of voice indicates that he might not be too inclined towards helping them in any way. The tone changes quickly as the Angels relate some of their recent adventures, which occurs with constant interrupting questions such as "You killed a dragon?" or "You fought a DAELKYR?!" Once the Angels are done and have shown them the Key, Surr'kal says that this is one of the most fascinating stories he has ever heard. He also admits that he does not know about anything like the Key. After all, he points out, the dimensional seals that keep Xoriat at bay or the daelkyr prisoner were constructed 9,000 years ago. However, some of the greater loremasters among the Gatekeepers might know, and he promises to try to contact some of those outside Sharn. When he hears that the Angels have spoken to Trillia and she will be studying the Key, Surr'kal asks if he could join her. Nameless says that he doubts she would mind. The Angels especially mention the issue of their bond with the Key as something they are concerned about. Teln suggests that since Nameless was able to activate it before, perhaps he could try to use it and remove the bond. Surr'kal looks a little skeptical but Nameless agrees to try. Corven volunteers as a test subject, saying that he is planning to travel back to the island (or its remnants) and study the phenomenon of the mist around it, and that becomes significantly difficult with the bond. Nameless takes the dragonshard in his hands, and as he thinks of removing the bond, once again he seems to know exactly how to activate it. A thick amber beam shoots out to hit Corven in the chest and he feels a draining sensation. To the surprise of everyone present, the beam then splits into two, half of it breaking off to hit Korm'akhan in the chest. The big orc looks surprised as he feels the same sensation. Nameless, though surprised too, continues to concentrate on removing Corven's bond. The amber beams pulse and both Corven and Korm'akahan turn ashen with the strain as the draining sensation intensifies to an incredible degree, making each feel as if he were dying. The beams suddenly wink off, with both of them almost collapsing from weakness when they do. Quick investigation reveals that the tattoo has disappeared from Corven's chest and reappeared on Korm'akhan's (though smaller, like it had originally been on Corven and the others). "Well, that was ... unexpected," says Nameless succinctly. "And painful," says Corven, wiping away sweat from his brow with a shaking hand. "It almost killed me!"* Korm'akhan, who looks even grayer than he originally did, rumbles, "Me too!"** Surr'kal hurriedly says, "I do not think we should try that again! Or at least not right now." Everyone agrees. Nameless adding that when he used the Key, he got the impression that the bonds can only be transferred to another random person within range (though he's not sure what that range is). Korm'akhan is naturally curious about what this bond entails for him and Nameless explains what they know. Even though Corven uses a couple of infusions to partly heal Korm'akhan and himself, the big orc agrees that they shouldn't try to remove his new bond yet, especially since they don't know whom it would attach itself to. When the Angels are taking their leave, Surr'kal asks if they'd be willing to take Korm'akhan with them as added security for the Key. Corven points out that he will be leaving soon*** and the group could use another healer and Teln comments that Korm'akhan is a mighty warrior. The big orc says that he would be happy to accompany the group for the time being and the Angels agree. The group heads towards Menthis Plateau, exchanging information with Korm'akhan as they go. He says that he is trained in a rare branch of druidic ability, lacking Luna's ability to change shape into an actual animal, though he can change his form slightly to gain some natural abilities. He also claims to be a berserker. Gareth is especially interested in his unusually shaped sword, which is made of a dark gray metal. Korm'akhan says, "It was forged from the heart of a fallen star." The group reaches Kidro's shop, Window on Yesterday, to find both Dala and him present. Kidro is very pleased to see them and, after being introduced to Korm'akhan, asks them to tell him everything that happened, even though Dala has already gone over it. Kidro listens with rapt attention to them, asking every once in a while, "And the island blew up?" After they are done, he asks if he could examine the magical items they found. Once he has done so, he says they can keep them and that he will get them a record of legal acquisition, which they will need to retain and use them. Kidro also says that they will need a letter of marque if they want to sell them, and in that case he might be interested. Kidro also tells the Angels that there will be a meeting at Morgrave University two days later, on the 10th, where some of the recovered artifacts will be displayed and they will be expected to talk about their expedition. He says that there will be reporters from the Korranberg Chronicle and the Sharn Inquisitive present, and opines that they will be on the front page of each newspaper once their story is told. Lastly, Kidro provides the adventurers with the last third of their payment via a Kundarak banknote worth 5000 galifars. When he does, Nameless asks Kidro if he knows if the people who were lost on the expedition have families. Kidro says that he is taking care of it by selling some of the minor magical items that the group turned over to Dala and thanks him for his concern. Six pokes Gareth in the ribs and says, "Shouldn't you be the one caring about that?" but Gareth doesn't bother to respond. When the group is leaving, Dala says that she will see them out. When they are outside, she asks if there has been anything strange with the Key. When Nameless asks why, she says that there was a message from Arrok waiting for her at home, which he had sent via the Sivis station the day after they left. It said that his tattoo became warm and began throbbing the day they left with the Key and he got this weird feeling that he should get close to it, just as he (and they) had felt when the Key was in the Hidden Chest. Arrok tried to ignore it but soon began to feel extremely ill. According to the message, he was taking a ship to Sharn early the next day, and he wanted them to make sure not to go anywhere or do anything with the Key. Dala asks where the group's accommodations are, since Arrok will presumably be there the next day and she can bring him to them. This sets off another discussion, since various members of the group want to stay in different places. Finally, they decide that Nameless and Six will put up temporarily with Trillia. Gareth decides to go to the Cathedral of the Cleansing Flame, while Corven says he figures the Esoteric Order of Aureon will be as safe as can be. Korm'akhan says that he would be more comfortable staying at Carosten Park with the other druids and Luna decides to do the same. With that decided, the Angels take their leave of Dala and split up, heading in the various directions they want. When Gareth goes to the Cathedral, he finds (to his mild surprise) Bodo still there, studying at the school run by the Cathedral and now working there as a novice. The reason is quickly explained, since Bodo seems quite excited about the Silver Flame now, mainly because there are all these "cool stories about smiting bad guys" that he's heard and he believes that if he sticks it out long enough he'll eventually learn to use weapons and maybe get armor and a sword. Plus, he says, the food's quite good. *** The next morning, Gareth has a not-so-welcome visitor in the shape of Flan. He says that Killian has been expecting the Angels back and told him that they returned the previous day. Killian asks if the group can come by and meet him that evening, since he has some news and a proposition for them. Gareth says that he will tell the others and tentatively accepts. Shortly after Flan leaves, Dala stops by with Arrok, who reached Sharn only an hour ago. They accompany Gareth to Trillia's home, where they speak to Nameless, Six and her. Arrok says that he is fine now, the sickness having disappeared a day after he took ship from Stormreach. The tattoo still had a mild warmth to it until he got to within a couple hour's sail from Sharn. He asks them if they have any explanation for it, saying that this is a serious problem for him and they need to help him get rid of this link to the Key. Nameless explains that they may be able to remove it, but it would be very dangerous and would only attach itself to someone else. Trillia reiterates her original theory about the geas, saying that the effects Arrok suffered sound a lot like what one could expect from the spell. She also says that perhaps after studying the Key they may be able to find another way to break the bond. Arrok doesn't seem very reassured, but sees that he has no real option besides patience. He says that he will be staying in Middle Dura and will see them at Morgrave University the next day. Dala and he then leave. Once they are gone, Gareth tells the others (including Luna and Korm'akhan, who have stopped in by then) about the offer from Killian. Some of the others aren't keen on it, especially Six, but they agree to go along. So does Corven, who arrives a little later. The group then disperses again. Gareth stops off at the Deneith enclave, where he finds Lalia very happy to see him back in town. She invites him to join her for an early lunch, during which he tells her about everything that happened on the trip (but omits anything about the Key). Lalia seems to find the story fascinating, saying that it'll probably be all over the newspapers after the talk at Morgrave University. As for herself, she says that she has been doing fine and has mostly been in the city in the interim. Tasra is fine too and both of them may be involved in a case shortly, since there's a possibility that some people are planning to sabotage the meeting between Queen Aurala of Aundair and King Boranel in Wroat. That's usually the kind of thing handled by the Citadel (the elite Brelish forces answering directly to the King, which also have an outpost in Sharn), but they may bring House Deneith in, just in case. She also inquires about Gareth's immediate and future plans, asking if he will he be in the city for long and whether he is planning to join the enclave after all? Gareth replies that he does plan to be in the city for a while now and is interested in joining the enclave. He also offers any help he can about King Boranel and Queen Aurala. Lalia laughs at the latter offer, saying that even though she trusts him, the chances of a Karrnathi paladin being included in security issues for the King of Breland and the Queen of Aundair is only slightly more likely than Sharn being leased to Thrane. She does, however, promise to speak to people at the enclave about Gareth's interest in joining. She then takes her leave, since she is busy with the job that she mentioned. After leaving her, Gareth goes to the High Hope district in Middle Northedge, where he finds Coldflame Keep, the local Silver Flame temple. There he meets Cedric as well as the elderly priest Mazin Tana, who is quite happy to see him. There are only a couple of acolytes, a crippled scribe and eight templars occupying the temple, which was clearly built to house maybe ten times the number and looks like it has fallen on bad times. Cedric confirms that is the case, saying that the Cathedral doesn't send as much money in the direction of the Keep as it could. Gareth and he discuss their recent experiences (during which Cedric mentions fighting the Children of Winter by Korm'akhan's side) while helping care for the remaining patients from the epidemic. The older paladin is very interested in the group's activities. Gareth asks Cedric and Mazin if either of them know about someone who might be an expert on outsiders, especially daelkyr, but that's only an area of partial interest for Cedric and Mazin has no expertise in it. Mazin says that there's nobody specialized in that kind of subject among the Silver Flame worshippers he knows of, not even the Archierophant, and suggests Gareth contact one of the local mage guilds. They both invite Gareth to stop by any time. While leaving the Keep, Gareth notices a strange sight some distance away. There is a thick 12 foot tall densewood pillar in the middle of an open space, which has an old gnome sitting on the top. She seems to be quite comfortable, sitting and chatting with people passing below, and evidently well-known, from the number of people who greet her as they go. Curious, Gareth goes over and greets her. She responds in kind and, during the following conversation, he learns that her name is Daca and she is a worshipper of Boldrei who has been living on top of the pillar for the last 120 years, keeping an eye on the community around her. While standing below her, Gareth feels a sense of calm and peacefulness that he has not elsewhere. Nameless, meanwhile, has been helping Trillia study the Key. This primarily consists of casting spells on it and finding that they have no effect. She also tries her detect aberrations spell on him and has the same result as earlier. Six, having spent some time with the two of them, finally gets bored and decides to take a walk around the city, as he often does. While he does so, he stops to buy a new bow that matches his enhanced strength and also checks on the House Cannith offer that he heard of in Stormreach. The opinions are as varied as he had both heard and expected. Corven visits the Cyran embassy and meets with Tyrala. She is happy to see him back and curious about his absence for so long. He relates some of what happened on the trip and, as he expected, she is especially interested in his news about the similarity between the mist around the island and what he saw around the Mournland. When Corven expresses an interest in leading an expedition back there, she says that she doesn't really have the authority or funds to immediately make that a reality, but she suggests that he visit New Cyre and speak to Prince Oargev himself. Someone of Corven's abilities would be an asset to New Cyre even if he were not now the official head of his house. Corven tentatively agrees, asking her to contact Prince Oargev and let him know what he says. Luna and Korm'akhan mainly remain in Carosten Park sharing stories of their experiences and engaging in some sparring practice. Luna, as is becoming her habit, also spends some time in eagle form, flying around and through the towers of the city. All of them meet at Trillia's home in the evening, before heading down to Firelight and the Lucky Nines casino. On the way, Korm'akhan asks about this person they are going to meet and gets a number of opprobrious comments from the various Angels, with a minor defense from Gareth, based on their lacking proof of Killian's guilt. At the casino, they meet Killian at the same table as usual. After having been introduced to Korm'akhan, he is simultaneously jocular and sarcastic as ever, but is quickly cut off by Six, who says that he needs to get to the point about why they are there before they walk out. Killian then says that he has both news and a proposition. The news is about the gang war that had just erupted when the Angels left town, sparked by their attack on the Daask payroll. Killian says that the Boromars clearly had the best of it, inflicting heavy losses, destroying whatever gains Daask had made in lower and middle Sharn and forcing them back into the Cogs. With the difficulty of attacking Daask in their lair, they were unable to drive Daask out of Sharn, but seriously weakened them. "Now if people like you," says Killian with a mock-admonishing manner, "Had been there to take a hand, maybe they could have been broken and driven out completely." "Not our business," says Six. "Is that your proposition?" Killian looks a trifle irritated but says, "Yes. Would you be interested in helping drive Daask out?" Six immediately says, "No" and the others agree, though Gareth suggests they consider the offer. Killian says that he's a little disappointed, but the Angels should let him know if they change their minds. Then he quickly changes tack, talking about their trip and how much he's looking forward to reading their talk at Morgrave University. Suddenly, he says, "By the way, I hope you are taking care of that Key." Though somewhat surprised his knowledge of it, all of the Angels try to hide their reaction. In fact, nobody even responds to it. Six says that he's had enough, rises and leaves, quickly followed by Luna and then the others, leaving Gareth the only one at the table with Killian. The gnome tries to get some information about of the paladin but fails to do so and Gareth takes his leave a couple minutes after the others did. He finds them waiting for him in the entrance hall, where Nameless asks if he decided to do any work for Killian, since then he'll be working alone. Gareth replied that he didn't and the group departs, splitting up shortly afterwards. *** The next morning, they reconvene at Morgrave University. Before doing so, for reasons of security, they place the Key in Nameless' bag of holding, figuring that they will remove it as soon as they can, long before it can be a problem for them. The talk is in a large hall in the Dezina Museum of Antiquities. Dala and Kidro are already present, with Arrok expected soon. The reporters from the two newspapers are also there, with the KC one being Flim Turen, the Angels having told Dala to ask specifically for him in view of their previous interaction with him. There are also a large number of professors, students, antiquarians and generally interested people. Shortly after they arrive, it is time to start and the Angels take their places. As they are doing so, the sphinx Flamewind walks in. She waves genially at the group and sits expectantly at the rear of the room. One of the professors present introduces Kidro. He, in turn, does a quick introduction of the people involved and talks a little about the planning for the expedition, before handing over to Dala. She does the majority of the talking, with a few comments from the Angels when asked. Once Dala is done, Kidro opens the floor for questions. As they had been warned, there are a lot of queries, especially about the island exploding. A couple of people 'politely' raise the issue of whether this is a neat way to avoid proving that the expedition actually happened, but Kidro quickly unveils the display of a number of the recovered artifacts. The questions then become a lot more general, at least a few having to do with the issue of the daelkyr, which the majority of the people present only know as a type of planar creature, and that too because they are at the University. After nearly an hour of questions, Kidro announces that the talk is over, promising that more information will be provided through the University and all of the artifacts will soon be on display. The meeting breaks up, with some people leaving and others coming up to talk to Kidro, Dala and the adventurers. Among them is Flamewind, who walks up to say that she's happy to see them all alive and back. Nameless tells her that they did manage to fulfill her prophecy, as she would have noted from their story. Flamewind smiles and says that he might be overestimating how complete it is, inviting them to join her some time to discuss the subject and perhaps answer some questions she might have. As Nameless is agreeing, he is politely interrupted by a serious-looking gnome, who has just entered the hall along with four guards in City Watch uniforms. He says, "Are you the mage known as ... um, Nameless, belonging to the Guild of Starlight and Shadows?" Nameless says, "Yes, I am. Is there a problem?" "I need to speak to you privately, please." A little suspicious, considering their current situation with the Key, Nameless says, "I would prefer to have my companions present." "This cannot wait," says the gnome insistently. "Please come with me." While the others are distracted with other people, Six notices the discussion and comes over. Nameless says, "Just my companion Six, then?" The gnome hesitates for a moment and then says, "Very well. Please - come this way." Nameless and Six accompany the gnome out of the hall and he leads them into the nearest unoccupied room, which is a large classroom. Once they enter, he gestures and two of the guards close and stand in front of the door. "So, what is this about?" asks Nameless. The gnome looks up, quickly produces a wand (which he has evidently been holding concealed within his sleeve), and points it at Nameless. In a significantly more formal voice, he says, "Nameless - I arrest you for the crime of murder. Will you come quietly?" Even as Six goes "What?!", Nameless - though surprised - calmly asks, "Whom am I supposed to have murdered?" "Arrok Doone." "When was I supposed to have killed Arrok?" asks Nameless. "Around 7 pm last night." Six and Nameless exchange glances, and Six says, "That's when we left Trillia's place last night." Nameless turns to the gnome and says, "I have half a dozen witnesses who were with me at the time. In fact, they are outside right now. Can I call them?" "No. We'd prefer to keep this as private as possible. Please come with me. If your friends were with you, their testimony should help your case. I should say, however, that there were also a large number of witnesses to the murder." "And that's proof in a city full of changelings and spellcasters?" says Nameless sarcastically. The gnome's expression gets a little grimmer and he says firmly, "Be that as it may, please come with me. Now." Nameless and Six spend a few seconds trying to persuade the gnome to let them inform the other Angels, to no avail. Six decides on another method and begins to shout loudly, "This is an outrage! You cannot treat us like this!" In the hall outside, Korm'akhan has been standing silently and watching the people mill around and talk. Despite the various voices around him, his keen ears hear Six's raised voice. "I think your friend is in trouble," he tells Luna, who is nearby. Both of them gesture at Gareth and Corven, who are talking to Dala and a professor nearby. The four of them head down the corridor and knock on the door, before Gareth tries to open it. The guards inside promptly try to hold it closed. "Hey - what's going on in there?" asks Gareth. "Nameless is being arrested for murder," calls Six. "What?" says Gareth, shoving the door, which opens slightly before the guards push it closed. "This is Watch business! Please wait outside!" calls the gnome, which everyone ignores. Korm'akhan joins Gareth and with his added bulk and strength, the two guards are easily shoved out of the way, allowing the four adventurers (and Dala, who has followed them) to troop in. The guards look helplessly at the gnome, who looks disgusted but says nothing to them. The next couple of minutes are spent in explanations, with the gnome trying in vain to get the group moving. The other adventurers all vouch for Nameless' whereabouts, and the gnome only says that their testimony will be noted at the Watch House. Gareth asks for identification, and the gnome displays the insignia of the Blackened Book (the branch of the Sharn Watch focused on magical crimes) and identifies himself as Warden Hasal Dalian. Finally, after the situation has been explained to the others, Nameless agrees to go along with Hasal. The next problem occurs as he goes to hand his bag of holding (which holds the Key) to Six. "Excuse me," says Hasal, "But I need to take all of your equipment into custody, in case they're germane to the investigation." Nameless shakes his head and says, "I'm sorry, but the items in here are not mine. They belong to the group." "That's fine. If they aren't relevant they'll be handed over. Please give it to him." Hasal indicates one of the guards. This promptly leads to another disagreement, with the Angels continuing to argue that the items in the bag belong to them and not to Nameless and are irrelevant to the case. The only result, of course, is to clearly make Hasal more and more curious about what the bag contains. It doesn't help, either, when Six says that they've had enough interactions with people who they don't trust. "What if you just take the bag and teleport away? We know many people who can do that!" Hasal's response to that is to raise an eyebrow and comment drily that Six must be mixing with more powerful mages than most in Sharn, in that case. The adventurers vainly try a number of methods to persuade Hasal to let them retain the bag. Nameless even finds himself in the unusual position of asking, "Don't you trust the word of a paladin of the Silver Flame?" when Gareth vouches for him and the contents of the bag. Due to the situation, nobody finds they might otherwise. Hasal responds, "I respect your position, which is why I'm glad you're not the accused. If you were, however, you'd be treated as anyone else. As will your testimony." It's quite obvious that they are at an impasse. Nameless and the others refuse to hand over the bag and Hasal refuses to let Nameless hand the contents over to someone else. Hasal also, of course, lacks the manpower to take Nameless by force with the others present, and is apparently aware of that, having said that he has checked on the group at the Clifftop Adventurers Guild and on Nameless at the Guild of Starlight and Shadows. Finally, Nameless suggests the compromise of getting Lalia d'Deneith to vouch for the group and possibly carry the bag for them. Hasal agrees that the Angels can send someone to contact her, but also sends off one of the guards at the same time, to inform the Watch House of the situation. Luna is the one to go and she leaves the building, transforms into an eagle and flies north. As she does, she sees the guard leave too and hurry off. * Took 10 pts of Con damage during the process, dropping him to 4 Con and 15 hit pts ** As above *** Korm'akhan is Corven's player's new PC [/QUOTE]
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