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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: 3905914" data-attributes="member: 198"><p>And more material handled between sessions...</p><p></p><p>* * * * * * * * * *</p><p></p><p>Nameless explains, “I have most of the answers we sought. I was able to strike a bargain with one of the Great Old Ones. There was a price, but at least it is a price only I will have to pay. The gate – or more precisely, seed – is, alas, real. But we do have some time, though I do not know exactly how much, before the seed takes hold and is fully formed. I was given some clues as to where we might find it, but not an exact location. Fortunately, it does not appear that it will form in Sharn. The most likely location is in the Mournland, be that for weal or woe. Hopefully the effects of the Mournland will impede its growth. However, we will likely have to kill a daelkyr lord, possibly two, if we hope to seal the gate. We will need holy weapons to slay them. Gareth at least has such, and the rest of you we will have to procure weapons with the enchantment. We should do so promptly.”</p><p></p><p>He continues, “I was also able to obtain the information we need to hunt down Emrena the Red and destroy her permanently. I feel we should strike as soon as possible. We can’t afford any more interruptions like the one she sprang on us. It won’t be simple though, since her phylactery is apparently in some sort of an undead dragon. Located on the island of Farlnen, in the Lhazaar Principalities.”</p><p></p><p>“The Principalities?” asks Luna, perking up at the mention of Ryger’s land.</p><p></p><p>Gareth gives her a dirty look and moves up to help Nameless to his feet. “A dracolich? I had once heard a rumor that members of the Emerald Claw had tried to recover a dragon skeleton from the ancient graveyards of Q’barra and raise it as a dracolich. But there was never any recorded sighting of one.”</p><p></p><p>Nameless corrects him, “I didn’t say it was a dracolich. All I learned was that it is undead. As for news and rumors, the most recent mention, I believe, of a dragon in that area was a case of a blue dragon settling in the north-eastern Mror Holds nearly a century ago. It disappeared within a couple of years of its first appearance.” He rubs at his forehead. “I feel sore.”</p><p> </p><p>Gareth says, “I think the creature that you sold your soul to has also marked your forehead.” He points Nameless to a mirror. While the alienist examines the mark, Gareth sighs and then says, “While it may only affect you, I am not happy that your soul has been sold to something. Or about what you brought back with you. But I’ll say this – you have done an amazing thing and sacrificed a lot for us, Nameless.”</p><p></p><p>Nameless looks at him with mild surprise, absent-mindedly rubbing the mark, and says, “I am starting to suspect that the Fates regard me as a child’s dress-up doll, but you misunderstand me, Gareth. It is not my soul that was payment – that holds no value to the Great Old Ones – but my mortality and identity. Or perhaps I simply surprised and amused it, at least apparently enough to give me some aid. But it was my rash actions that unleashed the seed. I should have been more careful with the lich. And so I must do what I can.”</p><p></p><p>Korm looks at Six. “Gareth just thanked Nameless and Nameless just said he was rash about something. Does this strike you as wrong, somehow?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” says Six. “Clearly we sent Nameless and got something else back. And Gareth suffered mental damage after being hugged by that creature.”</p><p></p><p>Gareth waves a hand dismissively and continues, “But back to business. I agree we should find and destroy Emrena the Red. As for the holy weapons, we can get scrolls to enchant weapons with such abilities.” He looks at Luna. “You will have to use a weapon, other than your claws, for this enchantment to work. Maybe a huge club, by turning into a creature that can wield it – like an ape.”</p><p></p><p>“Yeah, whatever,” says Luna. “We can decide when we need to. So are we going to the Principalities, then? Then I’ll need a new dress.”</p><p></p><p>Ignoring her, Gareth states, “Well, here is the proposed plan: One – We notify all necessary parties of the news. Two – We acquire items to take on a lich and a dracolich – maybe getting the help of Cedric. Three – Destroy said lich and dracolich. And four – try to find this daelkyr lord, destroy it and the seed.” Looking around at the group, he asks, “Does anyone disagree or have a different suggestion?”</p><p></p><p>“I suggest we not go running around telling everyone until…,” begins Six, but is interrupted by a knock on the door. He opens it to reveal Fett’s curious face. “Flim Turen, that reporter from the Korranberg Chronicle, has showed up. Said he heard about the trouble last night. Of course, I’m guessing all of Upper Tavick’s has.”</p><p></p><p>Gareth says, “I’ll cover this. Luna, please make sure that Nameless is completely restored and back to full health. He may require some extra special care and treatment that you can provide, so please give him your undivided attention.” <em>And stay in here.</em> </p><p></p><p>He walks up the stairs to find Flim waiting in the sitting room. “Hello, Flim. How are you? Have a seat. You have questions, I am sure.”</p><p></p><p>“Hello,” says Flim. “I heard – and saw, considering the state of your door – that you had some trouble last night. Care to tell me about it?”</p><p></p><p>“Sure. Where to begin...?” After a little thought, Gareth embarks on a quick coverage of what happened. When he gets to the battle, he says, “Nameless was killed in the battle. Can we go off-the-record?”</p><p></p><p>Flim’s eyes get big at the news and he starts scribbling furiously, before stopping at the question. “Umm, sure – but you can’t expect me to not mention that he was killed. I’m sorry about it, but that’s big news. But can you guys try to bring him back? And what’s the off the record thing?”</p><p></p><p>Looking Flim squarely in the face, Gareth shakes his head. “Before I go on, off the record means off the record. If there is information you think you have to print, then I will not go further, and our relationship will have to end.”</p><p></p><p>Flim grins. “Relationship will have to end? What are you getting so serious about? Remember, you guys also get some serious cachet out of how much coverage the Chronicle gives you. And it’s a newspaper. An attack in the middle of the night in Upper Tavick’s will get covered, whether it’s you guys or anyone else, and if I don’t cover it someone else will. And he’ll get a good deal of info even if you don't talk to him. So you’re much better off talking to me and having me keep as much as I can out of the paper. Remember, I’ve done that before for you. In short, the attack will be covered, whether you want it to be or not. But some of the details I can leave out. Is that fair enough?”</p><p></p><p>“The topic at hand is extremely serious, Flim, and I was not saying the first part of the conversation should remain off-the-record. If I wanted that off the record I would not have mentioned anything. It is the next part – after Nameless died, that needs to remain totally off the record. Let me know if you can agree to that before I tell you more.”</p><p></p><p>“Sure. That should be possible.”</p><p></p><p>After thinking for a moment, Gareth says, “I hate to be a lawyer about this. But I need a definitive answer. Will you keep what I am about to say off the record, or will you not?”</p><p></p><p>Flim rolls his eyes. “Hating it sure isn’t stopping you. And yes, I’ll keep what you tell me now off the record. Sheesh!”</p><p></p><p>Ignoring Flim’s eye rolling, Gareth explains, “Nameless is not dead. As far as the world is concerned, he needs to remain dead. I am telling you this because I want to keep an honest relationship with you. Emrena wanted revenge against Nameless, and we need to kill her. She will try again if she thinks Nameless is alive – so the world has to think he is dead.”</p><p></p><p>“Huh? So you just lied to me about him having died?”</p><p></p><p>Gareth raises an eyebrow. “No. Nameless did die. He is not dead now.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, okay. So you raised him? Or reincarnated, I guess, with Korm and Luna around?” Flim scratches his nose in thought. “Yeah, I could leave that out and say you informed me that Nameless was slain in the attack. When he shows up again eventually, you can always say you raised him then, or whatever you want. So was that what you didn’t want mentioned? Or is there something else?”</p><p></p><p>“That’s it. Simply do not mention he is alive.”</p><p></p><p>“Okay, I won’t mention it. So what are you guys planning to do next? Go after this Emrena?”</p><p></p><p>“Off the record, she’s dead meat. On the record, we have a job to do for a group that wishes to remain anonymous.”</p><p></p><p>“All right.” Flim makes a note and then says, “If that’s all, I'll be off then. Best of luck.”</p><p></p><p>As he is about to depart, Gareth thinks of something. “Ah, actually, one more thing – I need to make a call to all good clerics and paladins for service. Would you be able to do that for me?”</p><p></p><p>“Umm ... what? You want to hire a bunch of people? Sure, we can handle that. Normally we’d charge for advertising, but for you guys, it’s free.”</p><p></p><p>“Hmm – not quite hiring them, no. More like giving them an opportunity to grow. We have many tasks on our plate, things that we do not have time to handle due to larger issues. We are trying to recruit groups and provide them with these jobs. I am looking to ensure these groups have the best possible influence, hence a call to all good clerics and paladins. We will be sending these younger groups on missions we do not have the time to handle, but are still important.”</p><p></p><p>Flim chuckles. “If you're talking adventurers, you’d better tell them you’re hiring. But at least you’ve got a decent rep. That should help. You might want to check at the Clifftop Adventuring Guild too. After all, you’re technically members there still, last I checked. Anyway, what do you want to put in the advertisement?”</p><p></p><p>“Just something basic like ‘Calling qualified adventurers of good moral character to perform tasks for the Guardian Angels.’ The difference between us and the adventuring guilds is that we are not charging fees, expecting cuts, etc. We may require the adventurers to turn over a certain item if it has some special significance to a greater quest – but we would not be asking adventurers to give us their treasure. We just need qualified people to do things we do not have time to.”</p><p></p><p>“No,” Flim clarifies, “What I meant was talking to the Adventurers Guild to see if people there were interested in doing some of this work that you want. At least the Clifftop folk are pretty reliable, unlike the Deathsgate Guild. And for the advertisement, you should add something about where they should contact you. You can’t use this house, since most adventurer-types won’t be allowed into this area. The Deneith guards will stop them well before they get anywhere close.”</p><p></p><p>“Ahh, that’s a good point.” Gareth smiles. “Well, as a first test, they will have to figure out how to get us word they are interested. If an adventurer can’t manage to get a message to us then I really don’t want them working for us.”</p><p></p><p>“Okay. I’ll just mention Sharn as the location and leave it at that. We should be able to get it in the next edition. Is there anything else?” </p><p></p><p>“No, thank you. Have a good day.”</p><p></p><p>After Flim leaves, Gareth heads downstairs to rejoin the others. “Okay, Nameless – the easy part was done. The world thinks you’re dead. Now it’s up to you to stay that way.” He looks around. “So what’s next on the agenda?”</p><p></p><p>“Well, Gurr’khan’s waiting for us,” reminds Luna. “He wasn’t happy to hear you’d be late.” She grins. “He’s <em>really</em> not going to be happy now!”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, we need to speak to him,” says Gareth. “And I need to talk to Lalia. And Cedric, to try to recruit him if he’s free. And I’ve got to put out a <em>sending</em> to my family to warn them. And then I’m going to the Archierophant to let her know we’ll be speaking with the Keeper of the Flame, and why.”</p><p></p><p>Korm sighs. “Maybe we should hold off on the running around and screaming about the end of the world…”</p><p></p><p>“And not warn anyone?” says Gareth. “That doesn’t make sense...”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, but we should do a little more checking,” puts in Nameless, “Before…”</p><p></p><p>“Wait – so am I going to see Ryger again or not?” asks Luna. “And when?”</p><p></p><p>Six looks around silently, as his companions begin to talk and argue at once. After a few seconds, he turns and heads for the door. As he steps out, Korm notices and asks, “Hey, Six – where are you going?”</p><p></p><p>“Down to the Cogs with our guards, to turn over the dead warforged to Six.”</p><p></p><p>“Aren’t you going to come with us?”</p><p></p><p>“No, I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll meet up with you afterwards.” <em>And I’ll be the saner for it.</em></p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Six departs with Block and 142, the two remaining guards. His company makes transportation of the two warforged corpses easier, since he puts them in the <em>portable hole</em>, so that they do not need to obtain aid and carry them openly. With his presence, it is easy to leave Upper Tavick’s Landing through one of the checkpoints that House Deneith maintains at all entrances and exits to the ward, though whispers from some of the guards about the previous night’s events follow them. Once the three warforged have descended to Middle Tavick’s, Six disguises himself to resemble another warforged. His two companions do not comment on the change, stolidly plodding their way towards the lower levels of Sharn.</p><p></p><p>The trio descend until among the lower wards and then pass down into the Cogs, quickly blending in with the other warforged, whose numbers are highest here below the ground. Block leads the way to the Pool of Onatar’s Tears. Passing the magical pool of cool, crystal-blue water that sits untouched within a larger pool of blazing lava, they head for the small building near the pool and the forge built next to it. When Block knocks, the door is quickly opened by a warforged wearing a toolbelt and a leather apron, whom Six recognizes as Smith. “Ah, Block,” says the priest of Onatar, “I have not seen you in a long time. Come in. How can I help you? And who is this?”</p><p></p><p>Six drops his disguise after entering the building, surprising Smith. And even more so when he extracts the two warforged corpses from the extradimensional space. “Block said you would dispose of their bodies,” he says. “I’m here to observe the proceedings, if you don’t mind.” </p><p></p><p>“Certainly,” says Smith, “But first, what happened to them?” There is a deep sorrow in his metallic voice, as he indicates the dead warforged.</p><p></p><p>Six explains what happened, leaving out any mention of Nameless’ death or of the Xoriat-seed. Smith listens intently, only saying, “I see,” at the end of the narration. Then he leads Six and the two other warforged through the building, until they reach a small door at the rear. Passing through it, the four emerge into an area that cannot be seen from the outside of the building. Apparently the structure was built so that its rear blocked off a large indentation in the wall of the surrounding cavern, and that is where they now stand. </p><p></p><p>This area has been cleared of rubble and the ground is dotted with small mounds. Next to each mound rests an object, usually a weapon or a tool. “This is our ‘graveyard,’” Smith says. With the aid of Six and the others, he inters the two corpses in shallow graves, but not before scraping a certain amount of metal off their heads. “That will be melted down and used in the filigree work that some at the Red Hammer Inn do,” he explains, “So that their matter becomes part of those who remain.” After burying the dead, Smith puts a small mound above each and rests one of their weapons beside each mound.</p><p></p><p>When he leads the others back into the building, Six says, “If you have the time, I have some questions.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” says Smith. “What do you want to know?”</p><p></p><p>“Firstly, Smith – in your activities, have you noticed any strange things. People having visions or weird encounters?”</p><p></p><p>Though Smith’s metal face cannot show surprise or confusion, his posture implies the emotions. “I’m not sure what you mean. What did you have in mind?”</p><p></p><p>Six shrugs mechanically. “I’m not sure myself. We’ve had a few strange encounters and I was wondering if you had noticed anything weird recently.”</p><p></p><p>“Not really,” says Smith. “But if I notice anything I will let you know. Was there anything else?”</p><p></p><p>“Yes. Do you know anyone with docents? I am interested if any docents discovered have information about warforged history. And also if docents can teach the wielder or learn more skills. I know that no one has been able to create them, and I am looking for some way for this to be done.” <em>And to find a way to build warforged, but I’m not quite ready to share yet.</em></p><p></p><p>Smith’s tone says he is trying to make sense of Six’s questions and not having much luck. “There are only a few warforged in Sharn with docents, usually ones who visited Xen’drik. And none with information about warforged history, that I know of. I also don’t know of any that learn new skills or how one may create them. I have heard rumors that House Cannith has schema, also from Xen’drik, which allow creation of docents, but thus far they are only rumors.”</p><p></p><p>“I have another question. In your circle, do you know what may have happened to the Lord of Blades? The rumor, that he had a creation forge, is unlikely. But stranger things happen.” Six thinks of some of the things he has seen and experienced. “And walk about and talk to people.”</p><p></p><p>Smith clearly decides to just answer questions without asking any right now. “I believe that he was slain by the Blades of Arakhain, as Houses Cannith and Deneith reported. There were certainly warforged with unusual additions that had been sent here by the Lord of Blades, who were killing other warforged in the Cogs. The Blades of Arakhain slew them, but whether they were built by him or not I cannot say. The Blades, at least, were quite certain that he had a functional forge.”</p><p></p><p><em>Interesting!</em> “Are there any remains of the attacking warforged the Lord of Blades sent?”</p><p></p><p>“A number were slain by the Blades and the remainder by forces from the Cannith Forgehold. After the battles, House Cannith took away the bodies for study. I believe Tarya d’Cannith was the one in charge of the matter. The Blades said they were unusually powerful, which must be true since some of the Blades were captured by them during the fight, and they were generally considered the most powerful adventurers in Sharn before you and your companions arrived. Only a second attack by those who escaped, aided by the captured Blades, forced them to flee, and the Cannith forces killed the survivors. I believe they took the bodies back to the Forgehold for study.”</p><p></p><p><em>Damn! That means I’m not getting to see them</em>, thinks Six, remembering what he has been told of the Forgehold, which is located in the Cogs and generally considered the primary Cannith building, even more important than the central enclave in Dragon Towers. It is where they store their most valuable items, where the primary discoveries and inventions are made, and is generally regarded as the most secure building (or series of buildings) in Sharn. <em>And interesting coincidence. Tarya was in charge of the meeting I had at the Cannith enclave.</em></p><p></p><p>While Six is considering the information, Smith continues, “I did see – and bury – the body of one that the Blades had encountered months earlier. At the time they did not know he had been sent by the Lord of Blades. Unfortunately, after killing him they removed his hands and head. Adventurers, even the well-meaning ones, can be overly hasty and cruel sometimes.” There’s a little disapproval in Smith’s voice. “They cast the body into the tunnels leading to the Cogs and it was later recovered and brought to me. They told me later that the head had fang-like teeth and the hands had metal claws at the ends of the fingers. There was also a tube attached to one arm which emitted a fiery blast. I believe the Blades gave the head, the hands and tube to House Cannith for study and in exchange for some equipment.” </p><p></p><p><em>Wait – what?!</em> From the description of the warforged which the Blades cast into the Cogs, Six realizes it was the headless and handless warforged corpse which landed next to him and the other Angels during their first trip into the Cogs. All of 7 months ago*. Though he has no spine, Six feels what would be the equivalent of a crawling up it. <em>That’s really a bit much of a coincidence! I wonder if something is manipulating us, like the rakshasa did.</em></p><p></p><p>“Thank you,” Six says slowly. “That is very helpful. I am also looking for any reforged that may be in Sharn. You know, the warforged who try to emulate humans and lose their nature as constructs.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, I know of them,” says Smith, mild distaste in his tone. “There are only a few, very few, in Sharn. Maybe two or three.”</p><p></p><p>“I would like to speak to one. I wish to know if dragonmarks have ever appeared on any of them.”</p><p></p><p>“Huh?” Smith’s confusion is palpable. “Warforged cannot develop dragonmarks. I thought you knew that.”</p><p></p><p>“I know that’s supposed to be the case,” says Six. “I was curious to know if there were any exceptions.”</p><p></p><p>“Not that I know of. And it’s very unlikely that I wouldn’t know if it happened. I’m quite sure it is impossible.”</p><p></p><p>“Thank you,” says Six. “That will be all.” He takes his leave and heads out the door, disguising himself again before doing so. As he proceeds back to the towers of Sharn, he wonders what the others have been doing in his absence. </p><p></p><p>And exactly what he will have to do to find a way to build new warforged, as he has been considering for months now.</p><p></p><p>* * *</p><p></p><p>Gurr’khan sits cross-legged, elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlaced and head in his hands. He rocks back and forth slightly, muttering a stream of orcish phrases. His tone is soft, but venomous. It doesn’t take any knowledge of the language to work out that he is swearing. </p><p></p><p>Luna looks at him, at the others, and back to Gurr’khan. Then she says, sounding half concerned and half amused, “Guys – I think we broke him!”</p><p></p><p></p><p>* And 65 sessions ago, or 2 years in real time. The plot hook does not sleep, he waits!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="shilsen, post: 3905914, member: 198"] And more material handled between sessions... * * * * * * * * * * Nameless explains, “I have most of the answers we sought. I was able to strike a bargain with one of the Great Old Ones. There was a price, but at least it is a price only I will have to pay. The gate – or more precisely, seed – is, alas, real. But we do have some time, though I do not know exactly how much, before the seed takes hold and is fully formed. I was given some clues as to where we might find it, but not an exact location. Fortunately, it does not appear that it will form in Sharn. The most likely location is in the Mournland, be that for weal or woe. Hopefully the effects of the Mournland will impede its growth. However, we will likely have to kill a daelkyr lord, possibly two, if we hope to seal the gate. We will need holy weapons to slay them. Gareth at least has such, and the rest of you we will have to procure weapons with the enchantment. We should do so promptly.” He continues, “I was also able to obtain the information we need to hunt down Emrena the Red and destroy her permanently. I feel we should strike as soon as possible. We can’t afford any more interruptions like the one she sprang on us. It won’t be simple though, since her phylactery is apparently in some sort of an undead dragon. Located on the island of Farlnen, in the Lhazaar Principalities.” “The Principalities?” asks Luna, perking up at the mention of Ryger’s land. Gareth gives her a dirty look and moves up to help Nameless to his feet. “A dracolich? I had once heard a rumor that members of the Emerald Claw had tried to recover a dragon skeleton from the ancient graveyards of Q’barra and raise it as a dracolich. But there was never any recorded sighting of one.” Nameless corrects him, “I didn’t say it was a dracolich. All I learned was that it is undead. As for news and rumors, the most recent mention, I believe, of a dragon in that area was a case of a blue dragon settling in the north-eastern Mror Holds nearly a century ago. It disappeared within a couple of years of its first appearance.” He rubs at his forehead. “I feel sore.” Gareth says, “I think the creature that you sold your soul to has also marked your forehead.” He points Nameless to a mirror. While the alienist examines the mark, Gareth sighs and then says, “While it may only affect you, I am not happy that your soul has been sold to something. Or about what you brought back with you. But I’ll say this – you have done an amazing thing and sacrificed a lot for us, Nameless.” Nameless looks at him with mild surprise, absent-mindedly rubbing the mark, and says, “I am starting to suspect that the Fates regard me as a child’s dress-up doll, but you misunderstand me, Gareth. It is not my soul that was payment – that holds no value to the Great Old Ones – but my mortality and identity. Or perhaps I simply surprised and amused it, at least apparently enough to give me some aid. But it was my rash actions that unleashed the seed. I should have been more careful with the lich. And so I must do what I can.” Korm looks at Six. “Gareth just thanked Nameless and Nameless just said he was rash about something. Does this strike you as wrong, somehow?” “Yes,” says Six. “Clearly we sent Nameless and got something else back. And Gareth suffered mental damage after being hugged by that creature.” Gareth waves a hand dismissively and continues, “But back to business. I agree we should find and destroy Emrena the Red. As for the holy weapons, we can get scrolls to enchant weapons with such abilities.” He looks at Luna. “You will have to use a weapon, other than your claws, for this enchantment to work. Maybe a huge club, by turning into a creature that can wield it – like an ape.” “Yeah, whatever,” says Luna. “We can decide when we need to. So are we going to the Principalities, then? Then I’ll need a new dress.” Ignoring her, Gareth states, “Well, here is the proposed plan: One – We notify all necessary parties of the news. Two – We acquire items to take on a lich and a dracolich – maybe getting the help of Cedric. Three – Destroy said lich and dracolich. And four – try to find this daelkyr lord, destroy it and the seed.” Looking around at the group, he asks, “Does anyone disagree or have a different suggestion?” “I suggest we not go running around telling everyone until…,” begins Six, but is interrupted by a knock on the door. He opens it to reveal Fett’s curious face. “Flim Turen, that reporter from the Korranberg Chronicle, has showed up. Said he heard about the trouble last night. Of course, I’m guessing all of Upper Tavick’s has.” Gareth says, “I’ll cover this. Luna, please make sure that Nameless is completely restored and back to full health. He may require some extra special care and treatment that you can provide, so please give him your undivided attention.” [i]And stay in here.[/i] He walks up the stairs to find Flim waiting in the sitting room. “Hello, Flim. How are you? Have a seat. You have questions, I am sure.” “Hello,” says Flim. “I heard – and saw, considering the state of your door – that you had some trouble last night. Care to tell me about it?” “Sure. Where to begin...?” After a little thought, Gareth embarks on a quick coverage of what happened. When he gets to the battle, he says, “Nameless was killed in the battle. Can we go off-the-record?” Flim’s eyes get big at the news and he starts scribbling furiously, before stopping at the question. “Umm, sure – but you can’t expect me to not mention that he was killed. I’m sorry about it, but that’s big news. But can you guys try to bring him back? And what’s the off the record thing?” Looking Flim squarely in the face, Gareth shakes his head. “Before I go on, off the record means off the record. If there is information you think you have to print, then I will not go further, and our relationship will have to end.” Flim grins. “Relationship will have to end? What are you getting so serious about? Remember, you guys also get some serious cachet out of how much coverage the Chronicle gives you. And it’s a newspaper. An attack in the middle of the night in Upper Tavick’s will get covered, whether it’s you guys or anyone else, and if I don’t cover it someone else will. And he’ll get a good deal of info even if you don't talk to him. So you’re much better off talking to me and having me keep as much as I can out of the paper. Remember, I’ve done that before for you. In short, the attack will be covered, whether you want it to be or not. But some of the details I can leave out. Is that fair enough?” “The topic at hand is extremely serious, Flim, and I was not saying the first part of the conversation should remain off-the-record. If I wanted that off the record I would not have mentioned anything. It is the next part – after Nameless died, that needs to remain totally off the record. Let me know if you can agree to that before I tell you more.” “Sure. That should be possible.” After thinking for a moment, Gareth says, “I hate to be a lawyer about this. But I need a definitive answer. Will you keep what I am about to say off the record, or will you not?” Flim rolls his eyes. “Hating it sure isn’t stopping you. And yes, I’ll keep what you tell me now off the record. Sheesh!” Ignoring Flim’s eye rolling, Gareth explains, “Nameless is not dead. As far as the world is concerned, he needs to remain dead. I am telling you this because I want to keep an honest relationship with you. Emrena wanted revenge against Nameless, and we need to kill her. She will try again if she thinks Nameless is alive – so the world has to think he is dead.” “Huh? So you just lied to me about him having died?” Gareth raises an eyebrow. “No. Nameless did die. He is not dead now.” “Oh, okay. So you raised him? Or reincarnated, I guess, with Korm and Luna around?” Flim scratches his nose in thought. “Yeah, I could leave that out and say you informed me that Nameless was slain in the attack. When he shows up again eventually, you can always say you raised him then, or whatever you want. So was that what you didn’t want mentioned? Or is there something else?” “That’s it. Simply do not mention he is alive.” “Okay, I won’t mention it. So what are you guys planning to do next? Go after this Emrena?” “Off the record, she’s dead meat. On the record, we have a job to do for a group that wishes to remain anonymous.” “All right.” Flim makes a note and then says, “If that’s all, I'll be off then. Best of luck.” As he is about to depart, Gareth thinks of something. “Ah, actually, one more thing – I need to make a call to all good clerics and paladins for service. Would you be able to do that for me?” “Umm ... what? You want to hire a bunch of people? Sure, we can handle that. Normally we’d charge for advertising, but for you guys, it’s free.” “Hmm – not quite hiring them, no. More like giving them an opportunity to grow. We have many tasks on our plate, things that we do not have time to handle due to larger issues. We are trying to recruit groups and provide them with these jobs. I am looking to ensure these groups have the best possible influence, hence a call to all good clerics and paladins. We will be sending these younger groups on missions we do not have the time to handle, but are still important.” Flim chuckles. “If you're talking adventurers, you’d better tell them you’re hiring. But at least you’ve got a decent rep. That should help. You might want to check at the Clifftop Adventuring Guild too. After all, you’re technically members there still, last I checked. Anyway, what do you want to put in the advertisement?” “Just something basic like ‘Calling qualified adventurers of good moral character to perform tasks for the Guardian Angels.’ The difference between us and the adventuring guilds is that we are not charging fees, expecting cuts, etc. We may require the adventurers to turn over a certain item if it has some special significance to a greater quest – but we would not be asking adventurers to give us their treasure. We just need qualified people to do things we do not have time to.” “No,” Flim clarifies, “What I meant was talking to the Adventurers Guild to see if people there were interested in doing some of this work that you want. At least the Clifftop folk are pretty reliable, unlike the Deathsgate Guild. And for the advertisement, you should add something about where they should contact you. You can’t use this house, since most adventurer-types won’t be allowed into this area. The Deneith guards will stop them well before they get anywhere close.” “Ahh, that’s a good point.” Gareth smiles. “Well, as a first test, they will have to figure out how to get us word they are interested. If an adventurer can’t manage to get a message to us then I really don’t want them working for us.” “Okay. I’ll just mention Sharn as the location and leave it at that. We should be able to get it in the next edition. Is there anything else?” “No, thank you. Have a good day.” After Flim leaves, Gareth heads downstairs to rejoin the others. “Okay, Nameless – the easy part was done. The world thinks you’re dead. Now it’s up to you to stay that way.” He looks around. “So what’s next on the agenda?” “Well, Gurr’khan’s waiting for us,” reminds Luna. “He wasn’t happy to hear you’d be late.” She grins. “He’s [i]really[/i] not going to be happy now!” “Yes, we need to speak to him,” says Gareth. “And I need to talk to Lalia. And Cedric, to try to recruit him if he’s free. And I’ve got to put out a [i]sending[/i] to my family to warn them. And then I’m going to the Archierophant to let her know we’ll be speaking with the Keeper of the Flame, and why.” Korm sighs. “Maybe we should hold off on the running around and screaming about the end of the world…” “And not warn anyone?” says Gareth. “That doesn’t make sense...” “Yes, but we should do a little more checking,” puts in Nameless, “Before…” “Wait – so am I going to see Ryger again or not?” asks Luna. “And when?” Six looks around silently, as his companions begin to talk and argue at once. After a few seconds, he turns and heads for the door. As he steps out, Korm notices and asks, “Hey, Six – where are you going?” “Down to the Cogs with our guards, to turn over the dead warforged to Six.” “Aren’t you going to come with us?” “No, I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ll meet up with you afterwards.” [i]And I’ll be the saner for it.[/i] * * * Six departs with Block and 142, the two remaining guards. His company makes transportation of the two warforged corpses easier, since he puts them in the [i]portable hole[/i], so that they do not need to obtain aid and carry them openly. With his presence, it is easy to leave Upper Tavick’s Landing through one of the checkpoints that House Deneith maintains at all entrances and exits to the ward, though whispers from some of the guards about the previous night’s events follow them. Once the three warforged have descended to Middle Tavick’s, Six disguises himself to resemble another warforged. His two companions do not comment on the change, stolidly plodding their way towards the lower levels of Sharn. The trio descend until among the lower wards and then pass down into the Cogs, quickly blending in with the other warforged, whose numbers are highest here below the ground. Block leads the way to the Pool of Onatar’s Tears. Passing the magical pool of cool, crystal-blue water that sits untouched within a larger pool of blazing lava, they head for the small building near the pool and the forge built next to it. When Block knocks, the door is quickly opened by a warforged wearing a toolbelt and a leather apron, whom Six recognizes as Smith. “Ah, Block,” says the priest of Onatar, “I have not seen you in a long time. Come in. How can I help you? And who is this?” Six drops his disguise after entering the building, surprising Smith. And even more so when he extracts the two warforged corpses from the extradimensional space. “Block said you would dispose of their bodies,” he says. “I’m here to observe the proceedings, if you don’t mind.” “Certainly,” says Smith, “But first, what happened to them?” There is a deep sorrow in his metallic voice, as he indicates the dead warforged. Six explains what happened, leaving out any mention of Nameless’ death or of the Xoriat-seed. Smith listens intently, only saying, “I see,” at the end of the narration. Then he leads Six and the two other warforged through the building, until they reach a small door at the rear. Passing through it, the four emerge into an area that cannot be seen from the outside of the building. Apparently the structure was built so that its rear blocked off a large indentation in the wall of the surrounding cavern, and that is where they now stand. This area has been cleared of rubble and the ground is dotted with small mounds. Next to each mound rests an object, usually a weapon or a tool. “This is our ‘graveyard,’” Smith says. With the aid of Six and the others, he inters the two corpses in shallow graves, but not before scraping a certain amount of metal off their heads. “That will be melted down and used in the filigree work that some at the Red Hammer Inn do,” he explains, “So that their matter becomes part of those who remain.” After burying the dead, Smith puts a small mound above each and rests one of their weapons beside each mound. When he leads the others back into the building, Six says, “If you have the time, I have some questions.” “Yes,” says Smith. “What do you want to know?” “Firstly, Smith – in your activities, have you noticed any strange things. People having visions or weird encounters?” Though Smith’s metal face cannot show surprise or confusion, his posture implies the emotions. “I’m not sure what you mean. What did you have in mind?” Six shrugs mechanically. “I’m not sure myself. We’ve had a few strange encounters and I was wondering if you had noticed anything weird recently.” “Not really,” says Smith. “But if I notice anything I will let you know. Was there anything else?” “Yes. Do you know anyone with docents? I am interested if any docents discovered have information about warforged history. And also if docents can teach the wielder or learn more skills. I know that no one has been able to create them, and I am looking for some way for this to be done.” [i]And to find a way to build warforged, but I’m not quite ready to share yet.[/i] Smith’s tone says he is trying to make sense of Six’s questions and not having much luck. “There are only a few warforged in Sharn with docents, usually ones who visited Xen’drik. And none with information about warforged history, that I know of. I also don’t know of any that learn new skills or how one may create them. I have heard rumors that House Cannith has schema, also from Xen’drik, which allow creation of docents, but thus far they are only rumors.” “I have another question. In your circle, do you know what may have happened to the Lord of Blades? The rumor, that he had a creation forge, is unlikely. But stranger things happen.” Six thinks of some of the things he has seen and experienced. “And walk about and talk to people.” Smith clearly decides to just answer questions without asking any right now. “I believe that he was slain by the Blades of Arakhain, as Houses Cannith and Deneith reported. There were certainly warforged with unusual additions that had been sent here by the Lord of Blades, who were killing other warforged in the Cogs. The Blades of Arakhain slew them, but whether they were built by him or not I cannot say. The Blades, at least, were quite certain that he had a functional forge.” [i]Interesting![/i] “Are there any remains of the attacking warforged the Lord of Blades sent?” “A number were slain by the Blades and the remainder by forces from the Cannith Forgehold. After the battles, House Cannith took away the bodies for study. I believe Tarya d’Cannith was the one in charge of the matter. The Blades said they were unusually powerful, which must be true since some of the Blades were captured by them during the fight, and they were generally considered the most powerful adventurers in Sharn before you and your companions arrived. Only a second attack by those who escaped, aided by the captured Blades, forced them to flee, and the Cannith forces killed the survivors. I believe they took the bodies back to the Forgehold for study.” [i]Damn! That means I’m not getting to see them[/i], thinks Six, remembering what he has been told of the Forgehold, which is located in the Cogs and generally considered the primary Cannith building, even more important than the central enclave in Dragon Towers. It is where they store their most valuable items, where the primary discoveries and inventions are made, and is generally regarded as the most secure building (or series of buildings) in Sharn. [i]And interesting coincidence. Tarya was in charge of the meeting I had at the Cannith enclave.[/i] While Six is considering the information, Smith continues, “I did see – and bury – the body of one that the Blades had encountered months earlier. At the time they did not know he had been sent by the Lord of Blades. Unfortunately, after killing him they removed his hands and head. Adventurers, even the well-meaning ones, can be overly hasty and cruel sometimes.” There’s a little disapproval in Smith’s voice. “They cast the body into the tunnels leading to the Cogs and it was later recovered and brought to me. They told me later that the head had fang-like teeth and the hands had metal claws at the ends of the fingers. There was also a tube attached to one arm which emitted a fiery blast. I believe the Blades gave the head, the hands and tube to House Cannith for study and in exchange for some equipment.” [i]Wait – what?![/i] From the description of the warforged which the Blades cast into the Cogs, Six realizes it was the headless and handless warforged corpse which landed next to him and the other Angels during their first trip into the Cogs. All of 7 months ago*. Though he has no spine, Six feels what would be the equivalent of a crawling up it. [i]That’s really a bit much of a coincidence! I wonder if something is manipulating us, like the rakshasa did.[/i] “Thank you,” Six says slowly. “That is very helpful. I am also looking for any reforged that may be in Sharn. You know, the warforged who try to emulate humans and lose their nature as constructs.” “Yes, I know of them,” says Smith, mild distaste in his tone. “There are only a few, very few, in Sharn. Maybe two or three.” “I would like to speak to one. I wish to know if dragonmarks have ever appeared on any of them.” “Huh?” Smith’s confusion is palpable. “Warforged cannot develop dragonmarks. I thought you knew that.” “I know that’s supposed to be the case,” says Six. “I was curious to know if there were any exceptions.” “Not that I know of. And it’s very unlikely that I wouldn’t know if it happened. I’m quite sure it is impossible.” “Thank you,” says Six. “That will be all.” He takes his leave and heads out the door, disguising himself again before doing so. As he proceeds back to the towers of Sharn, he wonders what the others have been doing in his absence. And exactly what he will have to do to find a way to build new warforged, as he has been considering for months now. * * * Gurr’khan sits cross-legged, elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlaced and head in his hands. He rocks back and forth slightly, muttering a stream of orcish phrases. His tone is soft, but venomous. It doesn’t take any knowledge of the language to work out that he is swearing. Luna looks at him, at the others, and back to Gurr’khan. Then she says, sounding half concerned and half amused, “Guys – I think we broke him!” * And 65 sessions ago, or 2 years in real time. The plot hook does not sleep, he waits! [/QUOTE]
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Shilsen's Eberron SH (Finished - The Last Word : 9/20/15)
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