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Shilsen's Eberron SH (Finished - The Last Word : 9/20/15)
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<blockquote data-quote="shilsen" data-source="post: 2872046" data-attributes="member: 198"><p><strong>Time for a Road Trip</strong></p><p></p><p>Gareth Byron Deneith - Human Pal3/Clr2/Exorcist of the Silver Flame4</p><p>Korm'akhan - Orc Drd7/Hexer2</p><p>Luna - Shifter Drd9</p><p>Mithral 6 of 6 - Warforged Ftr4/Scout5 (retroactive level change)</p><p>Nameless - Human Wiz6/Alienist3</p><p></p><p>Shortly after Talleon leaves, an elderly orc carrying a gnarled staff steps out of the bark of a large tree near the Gatehouse. He walks up to the Angels, who recognize him as Gurr'khan, and gives them a nod. Then turning to Surr'kal, he says gruffly, "So - what's the big emergency?"</p><p></p><p>The group settles down on the lawn-like area outside the Gatehouse, and Nameless casts a <em>private sanctum</em> spell to protect them from mundane or magical eavesdropping. Surr'kal then proceeds to explain all of the details about the adventurers' experiences with the Key. The Angels fill in with details as needed.</p><p></p><p>Gurr'khan listens quietly for the most part, other than for the odd question or comment. When Surr'kal is done, he explains that they need more information than is available to them here, and he thought that Gurr'khan could help, since he is the only Gatekeeper in Breland capable of traveling instantly to the Shadow Marches or the Eldeen Reaches. </p><p></p><p>Gurr'khan thinks about it for a while and then asks, indicating the Angels around him, "Do you trust them with it?" </p><p></p><p>Surr'kal looks a little surprised, whether at the bluntness or the question itself. "Umm ... I ... yes, I do trust them."</p><p></p><p>Gurr'khan says, "Good. Then I'll respect your judgement and not take it from them," with no trace of humor. He then adds, "I am no loremaster, but I can think of a couple of people who might know more about this - or at least tell me of someone who might. Saala Torrn in the Marches. And Koruun, in the Reaches." </p><p></p><p>Korm, who is meeting the older Gatekeeper for the first time and has been watching him carefully, says, "I know of Koruun. And I've met Saala once. She is a wise woman."</p><p></p><p>"Yes," says Gurr'khan, and continues, "I'll stay here tonight and leave tomorrow. I would have gone traveling sooner or later, and this is as good an excuse as any other. It'll take me a week or so to meet and speak to both and then return, I think. I can't take you all with me, and that's not necessary right now anyway."</p><p></p><p>"I can <em>teleport</em> us up to 900 miles, if needed," says Nameless. </p><p></p><p>"That wouldn't even get us to the Marches, but it'll be a helpful option for the future. I think you may have to do some traveling to get answers. Speaking of which, I have some more questions." </p><p></p><p>Gurr'khan spends some more time with the group asking about details of their time in Sharn with the Key, taking especial interest in Arrok's murder and the links between the Key and the adventurers.</p><p></p><p>Afterwards, the group heads to Trillia's home. After they tell her that the job for the Citadel is now completed, she begins to discuss plans for the expedition to Yarkuun Draal. </p><p></p><p>Trillia says that she wants to leave two days later, on the morning of the 24th. While the adventurers were in Xen'drik, she paid a small group of explorers to travel near Yarkuun Draal and scried them, so that she can <em>teleport</em> there. With a spell to shrink the four Angels besides Six, she can take all of them with her. The location is about a dozen miles from Yarkuun Draal, from which they will travel to about two miles from the city and spend the night there, so that both Nameless and she have a place they are familiar enough with to <em>teleport</em> to when needed. </p><p></p><p>Trillia emphasizes that this will be a very dangerous expedition and she wants to be as safe as they can be. If the group gets into a bad situation, Nameless should get as many people out and back to her place in Sharn and she will do the same. The aim is not to clean out Yarkuun Draal, since that would not be possible without a large army, if at all. </p><p></p><p>Luna, getting a little bored with the discussion, yawns and says, "So why are we going to this place?"</p><p></p><p>Trillia, who's got used to the mercurial druidess, grins and says, "Different reasons, I suppose. For myself, and presumably for Nameless, it's about knowledge. We study the creations of the daelkyr and the influences of Xoriat. For Six, it's a chance to get out of the city and avoid dealing with gnomes. Korm gets to practice fighting the aberrations that the Gatekeepers oppose. Gareth gets to smite evil creatures and bring the light of the Flame into a dark place." Trillia grins broadly and says, "And you, my dear, get to kick ass without taking names and drop <em>flame strike</em>s without having to worry about collateral damage."</p><p></p><p>Luna grins back. "I'm in. Let's go. Now." </p><p></p><p>Trillia laughs and continues. "Also, considering that Yarkuun Draal was supposedly one of the finest cities of the Dhakaani empire, eve after all this time I'm sure there are historical artifacts that might be of value, not to mention magical items. If my theory about there being a dimensional seal is correct, the chances are that there are powerful aberrations in the area trying to affect it, and they're sure to have magical possessions of their own. As well as retaining original Dhakaani items, I presume. So there's a good chance you'll be getting a lot richer too. I'm obtaining a letter of marque tomorrow that will let us retain or sell Dhakaani items we recover."</p><p></p><p>"Better and better," says Luna. "I have a big list of things I'd like to pick up at some point."</p><p></p><p>Trillia then turns to Nameless. "Are you planning to take that Key with you? If I'm right about the dimensional seal and if that thing can unlock any dimensional seal, if any aberration there finds out you have it, we'll end up as far more important targets than we already will be."</p><p></p><p>"We don't have too many options," says Nameless. He taps the adamantine-bound case in which he now carries the Key. "And it's about as safe here as anywhere else. Plus it can't really be detected magically, which helps."</p><p></p><p>"How about trying to use that Key again?" interrupts Luna.</p><p></p><p>"What do you mean?"</p><p></p><p>"I mean - why don't you try experimenting with it? Like see if you can use it to control or destroy aberrations or find some other powers it has."</p><p></p><p>"I'm ... not really sure that's a good idea. Especially since I really can't control it or predict what the result will be."</p><p></p><p>"Okay. Just a suggestion." <em>Wuss!</em></p><p></p><p>"However," says Nameless, turning to Trillia, "I'd like to attempt a contact another plane regarding Arrok's murder. And, as you know, if that goes wrong then it might delay the trip a bit."</p><p></p><p>"Hmm. You really want to risk it?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes. I think it's worth the attempt."</p><p></p><p>"Fine. It's your call."</p><p></p><p>Nameless explains a little about the <em>contact other plane</em> dweomer to the others, especially the fact that the strain it will put on him might affect his ability to use magic for a while. After the explanation and having discussed what he might ask, the group goes to Trillia's spellcasting sanctum. </p><p></p><p>There, Nameless prepares himself, casts a couple of preparatory spells to further protect himself, and then speaks the tongue-twisting words of the spell. Each of the ten syllables takes an entire minute of concentration to pronounce. Once he has pronounced the last one, Nameless feels his consciousness expanding, the mental sensation being accompanied by a physical pressure inside his head. The pressure increases to near unbearable proportions, but he grits his teeth and, after a couple of seconds when he feels he might succumb*, the pressure disappears.</p><p></p><p>A strange illusory web appears before Nameless, pulsing with light. He realizes that he is in temporary contact with a vast reservoir of cosmic knowledge, with every glowing mote on the web consisting of a piece of information. Then he hears a voice in his head, which says simply, "Ask."</p><p></p><p>Nameless says, both aloud and in his mind, "Have we met the murderer of Arrok?"</p><p></p><p>There is a pause and then the web reorients itself, a single speck on one strand glowing more brightly as the answer comes, "Yes."</p><p></p><p>Even as Nameless is about to ask another question, he hears - and vaguely sees, though the glowing web monopolizes his vision, overlaying the reality in the room around him - Luna. "They dropped the charges against you, right? So why do we give a damn about Arrok's murder?"</p><p></p><p>Nameless can't help rolling his eyes, even as he struggles to retain his concentration. Unusually for him, he is relieved to hear Gareth speak. "Because Arrok's murderer is probably interested in the Key and might want to kill us, so we need to find out about him."</p><p></p><p>Speaking quietly and trying not to lose concentration, Nameless adds, "And because I promised to protect Arrok."</p><p></p><p>"Too late now for that, isn't it?" continues Luna.</p><p></p><p>Nameless sighs and ignores her. Aloud, he asks, "Is Arrok's murderer a member of the Closed Circle?"</p><p></p><p>Again, the web reorients and the answer comes, "No." There is a pause and then it continues, "But he is near where the Closed Circle was."</p><p></p><p>"Yeah, okay," continues the irrepressible Luna. "Ask it if he's Killian. Or a gnome."</p><p></p><p><em>Oh my bloody gods that I do not worship!</em>"Gareth!" says Nameless urgently, "Please talk to her about something ... anything ... before she ruins the spell."</p><p></p><p>Gareth grins at Nameless' irritation and then says, "So, Luna - let me tell you about the Silver Flame."</p><p></p><p>Luna promptly feigns rolling over and beginning to snore, but she does stop interrupting Nameless. The alienist continues, "Did we meet Arrok's murderer before leaving for Xen'drik?"</p><p></p><p>This time, the answer is quicker. "Yes. And after."</p><p></p><p>With only one question left, Nameless thinks for a moment and then asks, "Is Arrok's murderer male or female?"</p><p></p><p>There is a long pause and then the answer. "Male. Though he does not need to appear so."</p><p></p><p>With that, the web quickly spirals in on itself and fades away, leaving Nameless with spots in front of his eyes and the beginnings of a headache. </p><p></p><p>"Didn't seem that helpful," comments Luna on the way out. Gareth and Nameless exchange glances, for once in agreement.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p>Gurr'khan leaves the next morning, gruffly warning the group to keep themselves and the Key safe, before he steps into the tree and disappears.</p><p></p><p>Later, Kitan stops by the Park to speak to Nameless, or Edgar Thorn, as he calls him. The discussion isn't any more pleasurable for him than the previous one, since it's quite (and quickly) clear that Nameless - though remaining polite - isn't really interested in finding out about his past.</p><p></p><p>"But don't you want to find out who you are?" asks a clearly confused Kitan.</p><p></p><p>"I know who I am. I'm Nameless. And this," he indicates the rock, "Is Edgar."</p><p></p><p>"But what about your past? Where you came from?"</p><p></p><p>"My past is irrelevant. All that matters is the future. And that I will craft."</p><p></p><p>Gareth, who has recently developed greater powers through his link with the Silver Flame, concentrates silently on trying to <em>detect thoughts</em>. Completely unnoticed by Kitan, the paladin is now able to read his surface thoughts. The overriding emotion he picks up is one of confusion, layered into thoughts that flit through Kitan's mind, such as "But why doesn't he care?", "How could he have forgotten everything?" and "What the hell is it with him and the damn rock?!" One fleeting thought that is particularly interesting for Gareth is, "Should I tell him about his parents?" </p><p></p><p>It's quite clear to Gareth that Kitan is exactly who he says he is, so he looks at Nameless and gives a quick nod and tries to convey facially that Kitan is telling the truth. </p><p></p><p>Nameless stares back at him for a moment and then says, "Are you constipated, Gareth?"</p><p></p><p>As Gareth sighs, Luna steps in, speaking to Kitan. "Did Edgar have a twin or a relative who looked a lot like him? I'm just wondering if Nameless looking like him is a coincidence."</p><p></p><p>"I don't think so. The resemblance is ... well, it's not just a resemblance. He looks exactly the same. And remember the birthmark?"</p><p></p><p>"Yes, that's true. So what happened to his family?"</p><p></p><p>Kitan hesitates, throwing a look at Nameless, and then says, "His parents - Teros and Pomela - both died on the Day of Mourning. I'm sorry." </p><p></p><p>When he mentions the names, Nameless has a momentary feeling of familiarity, like one does when hearing a name one recognizes but cannot place. His expression, however, doesn't change, remaining at the level of polite interest.</p><p></p><p>Kitan stares at Nameless, clearly expecting more of a reaction. Realizing that it isn't forthcoming, Luna quickly distracts Kitan with more questions, and Kitan says some more about Edgar. He says that Edgar was the son of wealthy farmers and had some minor magical ability, which is why he had joined a special forces unit in the military. </p><p></p><p>After a few more minutes, Kitan says, "I have to leave now. Perhaps I will come by again later. If that is all right?"</p><p></p><p>"Certainly," says Nameless urbanely. <em>Can't you take a hint</em>?</p><p></p><p>As Kitan leaves, Luna says, "I don't think he'll be back in a hurry." She looks at Nameless. "You really don't want to know about your past? Assuming it is your past, that is."</p><p></p><p>"No," says Nameless shortly. He taps his forehead. "All I need to remember is here."</p><p></p><p>***</p><p>Later in the day, the group checks the Korranberg Chronicle, as usual. The main article this time takes up not just the front page but has a number of offshoots dominating the bulk of the paper. It is about the supposed destruction of the Lord of Blades. The article says a fact-finding mission to the Mournland (which was sponsored by House Cannith, guarded by Deneith mercenaries, and included experts from Morgrave University) encountered proof of his existence and information about his location. </p><p></p><p>Baron Merrix d'Cannith, who spoke to the KC about the events, says that he was persuaded to arrange an attack on the Lord of Blades' camp by the well-known Brelish adventuring group, the Blades of Arakhain, whom the Angels knew of and had met in passing during the Brightblade celebrations. The Blades had encountered the Lord of Blades on an earlier expedition into the Mournland and were part of this one. Merrix says that they persuaded him that it was for the good of all Khorvaire that the Lord of Blades be eliminated, and he allowed the Blades to lead a force of Deneith mercenaries and Cannith artificers against his camp. </p><p></p><p>The Lord of Blades was slain during the battle and his forces scattered. Sadly, the Blades were slain as well. Merrix declined to discuss their deaths, other than to say that they had gallantly sacrificed their lives to keep Khorvaire safe from a great danger, or to reveal anything about the location of the Lord of Blades' camp, saying that he was discussing it with members of Parliament and the Court and that it was a matter of national security.</p><p></p><p>As they travel around town while making their preparations for the trip, the Angels find that the subject is a very hot topic for discussion. Opinions range from those who believe that it's all true and are very relieved at the news to those who think Merrix eliminated the warforged messiah for his own benefit to those who think it is a complete fabrication. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, there are a fair number who are vocal with their opinion that this is more proof of warforged as a species being a danger to the people of Khorvaire and that they should be constrained in some way, instead of being allowed to wander freely and treated as equals. Nobody is stupid enough to voice this to Six, but he does at one point get a couple of stones thrown at him by a bunch of children, who chant "Monster! Monster! Go to the Mournland!" and then run off. Six simply watches them go, reminding himself how stupid people can be and being a little relieved that Luna isn't with him when it happens.</p><p></p><p>***</p><p>The next morning, after having made the last of their preparations and completed a hearty breakfast, the group prepares to depart from Trillia's house. When they are all ready, Trillia casts a spell that <em>reduce</em>s Nameless, Gareth, Luna and Korm to half their size. Having used it, she has them all clasp hands and then puts a hand on Nameless' shoulder, before casting <em>teleport</em>. </p><p></p><p>The adventurers feel a momentary sense of dislocation, as if the ground had fallen away under their feet. And then they are standing on a dusty, rocky plain, next to a small oasis of trees around a pool of water. </p><p></p><p>"Ladies and gentlemen," says Trillia, looking around with a look of satisfaction on her face, "Welcome to the Siln Highlands."</p><p></p><p></p><p>* Nameless blew the save and had to use an action pt to prevent his Int dropping to 8 for the next 5 weeks</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="shilsen, post: 2872046, member: 198"] [B]Time for a Road Trip[/B] Gareth Byron Deneith - Human Pal3/Clr2/Exorcist of the Silver Flame4 Korm'akhan - Orc Drd7/Hexer2 Luna - Shifter Drd9 Mithral 6 of 6 - Warforged Ftr4/Scout5 (retroactive level change) Nameless - Human Wiz6/Alienist3 Shortly after Talleon leaves, an elderly orc carrying a gnarled staff steps out of the bark of a large tree near the Gatehouse. He walks up to the Angels, who recognize him as Gurr'khan, and gives them a nod. Then turning to Surr'kal, he says gruffly, "So - what's the big emergency?" The group settles down on the lawn-like area outside the Gatehouse, and Nameless casts a [I]private sanctum[/I] spell to protect them from mundane or magical eavesdropping. Surr'kal then proceeds to explain all of the details about the adventurers' experiences with the Key. The Angels fill in with details as needed. Gurr'khan listens quietly for the most part, other than for the odd question or comment. When Surr'kal is done, he explains that they need more information than is available to them here, and he thought that Gurr'khan could help, since he is the only Gatekeeper in Breland capable of traveling instantly to the Shadow Marches or the Eldeen Reaches. Gurr'khan thinks about it for a while and then asks, indicating the Angels around him, "Do you trust them with it?" Surr'kal looks a little surprised, whether at the bluntness or the question itself. "Umm ... I ... yes, I do trust them." Gurr'khan says, "Good. Then I'll respect your judgement and not take it from them," with no trace of humor. He then adds, "I am no loremaster, but I can think of a couple of people who might know more about this - or at least tell me of someone who might. Saala Torrn in the Marches. And Koruun, in the Reaches." Korm, who is meeting the older Gatekeeper for the first time and has been watching him carefully, says, "I know of Koruun. And I've met Saala once. She is a wise woman." "Yes," says Gurr'khan, and continues, "I'll stay here tonight and leave tomorrow. I would have gone traveling sooner or later, and this is as good an excuse as any other. It'll take me a week or so to meet and speak to both and then return, I think. I can't take you all with me, and that's not necessary right now anyway." "I can [I]teleport[/I] us up to 900 miles, if needed," says Nameless. "That wouldn't even get us to the Marches, but it'll be a helpful option for the future. I think you may have to do some traveling to get answers. Speaking of which, I have some more questions." Gurr'khan spends some more time with the group asking about details of their time in Sharn with the Key, taking especial interest in Arrok's murder and the links between the Key and the adventurers. Afterwards, the group heads to Trillia's home. After they tell her that the job for the Citadel is now completed, she begins to discuss plans for the expedition to Yarkuun Draal. Trillia says that she wants to leave two days later, on the morning of the 24th. While the adventurers were in Xen'drik, she paid a small group of explorers to travel near Yarkuun Draal and scried them, so that she can [I]teleport[/I] there. With a spell to shrink the four Angels besides Six, she can take all of them with her. The location is about a dozen miles from Yarkuun Draal, from which they will travel to about two miles from the city and spend the night there, so that both Nameless and she have a place they are familiar enough with to [I]teleport[/I] to when needed. Trillia emphasizes that this will be a very dangerous expedition and she wants to be as safe as they can be. If the group gets into a bad situation, Nameless should get as many people out and back to her place in Sharn and she will do the same. The aim is not to clean out Yarkuun Draal, since that would not be possible without a large army, if at all. Luna, getting a little bored with the discussion, yawns and says, "So why are we going to this place?" Trillia, who's got used to the mercurial druidess, grins and says, "Different reasons, I suppose. For myself, and presumably for Nameless, it's about knowledge. We study the creations of the daelkyr and the influences of Xoriat. For Six, it's a chance to get out of the city and avoid dealing with gnomes. Korm gets to practice fighting the aberrations that the Gatekeepers oppose. Gareth gets to smite evil creatures and bring the light of the Flame into a dark place." Trillia grins broadly and says, "And you, my dear, get to kick ass without taking names and drop [I]flame strike[/I]s without having to worry about collateral damage." Luna grins back. "I'm in. Let's go. Now." Trillia laughs and continues. "Also, considering that Yarkuun Draal was supposedly one of the finest cities of the Dhakaani empire, eve after all this time I'm sure there are historical artifacts that might be of value, not to mention magical items. If my theory about there being a dimensional seal is correct, the chances are that there are powerful aberrations in the area trying to affect it, and they're sure to have magical possessions of their own. As well as retaining original Dhakaani items, I presume. So there's a good chance you'll be getting a lot richer too. I'm obtaining a letter of marque tomorrow that will let us retain or sell Dhakaani items we recover." "Better and better," says Luna. "I have a big list of things I'd like to pick up at some point." Trillia then turns to Nameless. "Are you planning to take that Key with you? If I'm right about the dimensional seal and if that thing can unlock any dimensional seal, if any aberration there finds out you have it, we'll end up as far more important targets than we already will be." "We don't have too many options," says Nameless. He taps the adamantine-bound case in which he now carries the Key. "And it's about as safe here as anywhere else. Plus it can't really be detected magically, which helps." "How about trying to use that Key again?" interrupts Luna. "What do you mean?" "I mean - why don't you try experimenting with it? Like see if you can use it to control or destroy aberrations or find some other powers it has." "I'm ... not really sure that's a good idea. Especially since I really can't control it or predict what the result will be." "Okay. Just a suggestion." [I]Wuss![/I] "However," says Nameless, turning to Trillia, "I'd like to attempt a contact another plane regarding Arrok's murder. And, as you know, if that goes wrong then it might delay the trip a bit." "Hmm. You really want to risk it?" "Yes. I think it's worth the attempt." "Fine. It's your call." Nameless explains a little about the [I]contact other plane[/I] dweomer to the others, especially the fact that the strain it will put on him might affect his ability to use magic for a while. After the explanation and having discussed what he might ask, the group goes to Trillia's spellcasting sanctum. There, Nameless prepares himself, casts a couple of preparatory spells to further protect himself, and then speaks the tongue-twisting words of the spell. Each of the ten syllables takes an entire minute of concentration to pronounce. Once he has pronounced the last one, Nameless feels his consciousness expanding, the mental sensation being accompanied by a physical pressure inside his head. The pressure increases to near unbearable proportions, but he grits his teeth and, after a couple of seconds when he feels he might succumb*, the pressure disappears. A strange illusory web appears before Nameless, pulsing with light. He realizes that he is in temporary contact with a vast reservoir of cosmic knowledge, with every glowing mote on the web consisting of a piece of information. Then he hears a voice in his head, which says simply, "Ask." Nameless says, both aloud and in his mind, "Have we met the murderer of Arrok?" There is a pause and then the web reorients itself, a single speck on one strand glowing more brightly as the answer comes, "Yes." Even as Nameless is about to ask another question, he hears - and vaguely sees, though the glowing web monopolizes his vision, overlaying the reality in the room around him - Luna. "They dropped the charges against you, right? So why do we give a damn about Arrok's murder?" Nameless can't help rolling his eyes, even as he struggles to retain his concentration. Unusually for him, he is relieved to hear Gareth speak. "Because Arrok's murderer is probably interested in the Key and might want to kill us, so we need to find out about him." Speaking quietly and trying not to lose concentration, Nameless adds, "And because I promised to protect Arrok." "Too late now for that, isn't it?" continues Luna. Nameless sighs and ignores her. Aloud, he asks, "Is Arrok's murderer a member of the Closed Circle?" Again, the web reorients and the answer comes, "No." There is a pause and then it continues, "But he is near where the Closed Circle was." "Yeah, okay," continues the irrepressible Luna. "Ask it if he's Killian. Or a gnome." [I]Oh my bloody gods that I do not worship![/I]"Gareth!" says Nameless urgently, "Please talk to her about something ... anything ... before she ruins the spell." Gareth grins at Nameless' irritation and then says, "So, Luna - let me tell you about the Silver Flame." Luna promptly feigns rolling over and beginning to snore, but she does stop interrupting Nameless. The alienist continues, "Did we meet Arrok's murderer before leaving for Xen'drik?" This time, the answer is quicker. "Yes. And after." With only one question left, Nameless thinks for a moment and then asks, "Is Arrok's murderer male or female?" There is a long pause and then the answer. "Male. Though he does not need to appear so." With that, the web quickly spirals in on itself and fades away, leaving Nameless with spots in front of his eyes and the beginnings of a headache. "Didn't seem that helpful," comments Luna on the way out. Gareth and Nameless exchange glances, for once in agreement. *** Gurr'khan leaves the next morning, gruffly warning the group to keep themselves and the Key safe, before he steps into the tree and disappears. Later, Kitan stops by the Park to speak to Nameless, or Edgar Thorn, as he calls him. The discussion isn't any more pleasurable for him than the previous one, since it's quite (and quickly) clear that Nameless - though remaining polite - isn't really interested in finding out about his past. "But don't you want to find out who you are?" asks a clearly confused Kitan. "I know who I am. I'm Nameless. And this," he indicates the rock, "Is Edgar." "But what about your past? Where you came from?" "My past is irrelevant. All that matters is the future. And that I will craft." Gareth, who has recently developed greater powers through his link with the Silver Flame, concentrates silently on trying to [I]detect thoughts[/I]. Completely unnoticed by Kitan, the paladin is now able to read his surface thoughts. The overriding emotion he picks up is one of confusion, layered into thoughts that flit through Kitan's mind, such as "But why doesn't he care?", "How could he have forgotten everything?" and "What the hell is it with him and the damn rock?!" One fleeting thought that is particularly interesting for Gareth is, "Should I tell him about his parents?" It's quite clear to Gareth that Kitan is exactly who he says he is, so he looks at Nameless and gives a quick nod and tries to convey facially that Kitan is telling the truth. Nameless stares back at him for a moment and then says, "Are you constipated, Gareth?" As Gareth sighs, Luna steps in, speaking to Kitan. "Did Edgar have a twin or a relative who looked a lot like him? I'm just wondering if Nameless looking like him is a coincidence." "I don't think so. The resemblance is ... well, it's not just a resemblance. He looks exactly the same. And remember the birthmark?" "Yes, that's true. So what happened to his family?" Kitan hesitates, throwing a look at Nameless, and then says, "His parents - Teros and Pomela - both died on the Day of Mourning. I'm sorry." When he mentions the names, Nameless has a momentary feeling of familiarity, like one does when hearing a name one recognizes but cannot place. His expression, however, doesn't change, remaining at the level of polite interest. Kitan stares at Nameless, clearly expecting more of a reaction. Realizing that it isn't forthcoming, Luna quickly distracts Kitan with more questions, and Kitan says some more about Edgar. He says that Edgar was the son of wealthy farmers and had some minor magical ability, which is why he had joined a special forces unit in the military. After a few more minutes, Kitan says, "I have to leave now. Perhaps I will come by again later. If that is all right?" "Certainly," says Nameless urbanely. [I]Can't you take a hint[/I]? As Kitan leaves, Luna says, "I don't think he'll be back in a hurry." She looks at Nameless. "You really don't want to know about your past? Assuming it is your past, that is." "No," says Nameless shortly. He taps his forehead. "All I need to remember is here." *** Later in the day, the group checks the Korranberg Chronicle, as usual. The main article this time takes up not just the front page but has a number of offshoots dominating the bulk of the paper. It is about the supposed destruction of the Lord of Blades. The article says a fact-finding mission to the Mournland (which was sponsored by House Cannith, guarded by Deneith mercenaries, and included experts from Morgrave University) encountered proof of his existence and information about his location. Baron Merrix d'Cannith, who spoke to the KC about the events, says that he was persuaded to arrange an attack on the Lord of Blades' camp by the well-known Brelish adventuring group, the Blades of Arakhain, whom the Angels knew of and had met in passing during the Brightblade celebrations. The Blades had encountered the Lord of Blades on an earlier expedition into the Mournland and were part of this one. Merrix says that they persuaded him that it was for the good of all Khorvaire that the Lord of Blades be eliminated, and he allowed the Blades to lead a force of Deneith mercenaries and Cannith artificers against his camp. The Lord of Blades was slain during the battle and his forces scattered. Sadly, the Blades were slain as well. Merrix declined to discuss their deaths, other than to say that they had gallantly sacrificed their lives to keep Khorvaire safe from a great danger, or to reveal anything about the location of the Lord of Blades' camp, saying that he was discussing it with members of Parliament and the Court and that it was a matter of national security. As they travel around town while making their preparations for the trip, the Angels find that the subject is a very hot topic for discussion. Opinions range from those who believe that it's all true and are very relieved at the news to those who think Merrix eliminated the warforged messiah for his own benefit to those who think it is a complete fabrication. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, there are a fair number who are vocal with their opinion that this is more proof of warforged as a species being a danger to the people of Khorvaire and that they should be constrained in some way, instead of being allowed to wander freely and treated as equals. Nobody is stupid enough to voice this to Six, but he does at one point get a couple of stones thrown at him by a bunch of children, who chant "Monster! Monster! Go to the Mournland!" and then run off. Six simply watches them go, reminding himself how stupid people can be and being a little relieved that Luna isn't with him when it happens. *** The next morning, after having made the last of their preparations and completed a hearty breakfast, the group prepares to depart from Trillia's house. When they are all ready, Trillia casts a spell that [I]reduce[/I]s Nameless, Gareth, Luna and Korm to half their size. Having used it, she has them all clasp hands and then puts a hand on Nameless' shoulder, before casting [I]teleport[/I]. The adventurers feel a momentary sense of dislocation, as if the ground had fallen away under their feet. And then they are standing on a dusty, rocky plain, next to a small oasis of trees around a pool of water. "Ladies and gentlemen," says Trillia, looking around with a look of satisfaction on her face, "Welcome to the Siln Highlands." * Nameless blew the save and had to use an action pt to prevent his Int dropping to 8 for the next 5 weeks [/QUOTE]
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