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The Blackgate Chronicles (Updated 11/15/21)
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<blockquote data-quote="Hjorimir" data-source="post: 8454427" data-attributes="member: 5745"><p><strong>The Blackgate Chronicles</strong></p><p><strong>Session 3, Part 1 – We are agreed…</strong></p><p><strong>Starday, 7th of Gozran, 817</strong></p><p></p><p>Lemarc was waiting for ‘somebody better’ to arrive as he stood vigil over the now unconscious man when he spied something through the far side of the bush. Near a tree there was a propped-up shelter of some kind. A rough tent, in the loosest of terms. <em>I think this poor fella was just running for his home. Oops!</em></p><p></p><p>Lemarc looked around to make sure it was clear before he shouldered the man and carried him to his home. He lay the man down comfortably and checked his pulse to make sure he’d survive. Satisfied, he snuck back past the bush line and made his way back towards the Hollow’s Hole inn. A few people stared at him in the distance with scrutinizing looks on their faces. Lemarc did the only thing he could do in that situation…</p><p></p><p>“Oh, yes, botany!” he exclaimed as he strode by Rhynn’s tree of choice, felt up the bark, nodded to himself in satisfaction and then proceeded to return to the inn.</p><p></p><p>“Well,” the rogue said to his friends, “that could have gone better! But rest assured, the man lives and is sleeping like a baby in his home, such as it is. Rhynn, thank you for your botany help!”</p><p></p><p>“Should we be concerned about this man?” T’bidi asked. “He heard everything we said.”</p><p></p><p>The innkeeper shook his head. “I care for this man. Feed him and give him drink when I can. I’ll take care of it. Please, do not harm him further. Just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time I can assure you.”</p><p></p><p>“In my defense, he did try to stab me,” Lemarc said defensively, omitting the fact that the man was armed only with an old dinner fork.</p><p></p><p>With that, the group departed the inn and made their way eastward in town to seek out the Thegn’s great house.</p><p></p><p>Along the way, seeing the unconscious man in his ramshackle home, T’bidi walked over and placed a single gold coin in the palm of his hand. “Rest now,” she said. “We mean you no further harm.”</p><p></p><p>~</p><p></p><p>Rhynn noted that the great house was something of a mix between local architecture and the longhouses found further north. <em>This village was probably settled by the Northmen long ago…or conquered.</em></p><p></p><p>A trio of sullen looking warriors lingered nearby. They watched the party as they approached, but none moved to challenge them. Beyond, sitting in a high-backed chair upon the porch, loomed Thegn Kestos of Black Hollow. He was a muscle-bound man of dark hair and long beard. His eyes were tired, yet still held a spark of pride within. His right hand gently rested upon a fine spear that leaned against his chair.</p><p></p><p>Shepherd Thawn remained quiet as the thegn took his time to look upon them. <em>He’s evaluating us. Why do his eyes linger so upon Rhynn? Lust? No, but there’s something there.</em></p><p></p><p>“See?” he said to his men. “The river woman was right.” One of the men nodded but said nothing.</p><p></p><p>“You were expecting us?” T’bidi said.</p><p></p><p>The thegn waved her question off. “Why have you come travelers? I suspect to take a stab at our famous dungeon, but I’ll have your telling of it. Give me your tale.”</p><p></p><p>Thawn shook his head and looked at Lemarc. “Tell him why we have come.”</p><p></p><p>The thief nodded and perked up. “Ah yes, actually no. We’ve come looking for a man called Bushar. An associate of mine told me of a map the man possesses. We wish to buy it from him and be on our way.”</p><p></p><p>Rhynn noted a slight bemused look in the thegn’s eyes at Lemarc’s words.</p><p></p><p>Kestos stood. “Come inside and we can discuss such things,” he said before turning his back upon the party and ducking past the large, open doors.</p><p></p><p>Within, the great house of the thegn was something of a mess. It looked large enough to house a good many men and probably did at one time. The long tables were dirty, and dishes were piled here and there. Kestos pushed a pile around, fished up a drinking horn, and filled it with mead from a small cask. He gestured toward the cask, inviting the party to have some, and then sat down in a large chair at the end of room. His ‘throne’ presumably.</p><p></p><p>“So, Bushar?” Lemarc said breaking the silence.</p><p></p><p>The thegn nodded and was quiet a moment as he composed his thoughts. “Bushar lives here, it is true,” he started. “But his home now lies empty.”</p><p></p><p>“Do you know where’s run off to?” the rogue asked.</p><p></p><p>Kestos nodded. “I know where he is, more or less,” he answered. “And I’d be willing to tell you, but in exchange for a service you shall do for me.”</p><p></p><p>“What service?” Halloran asked.</p><p></p><p>“I need you to bring me two heads,” the thegn explained.</p><p></p><p>“I do not do murder,” Thawn said.</p><p></p><p>“And if it isn’t murder? If it’s justice?” T’bidi asked the ranger before arching an eyebrow at Kestos hoping for an explanation.</p><p></p><p>The thegn nodded. “The first head I need belongs to Cormac, who was once my húskarl before he betrayed me and the people of Black Hollow.”</p><p></p><p>“And the other?” T’bidi pressed.</p><p></p><p>“Naragei,” Kestos stopped to spit. “The she-devil who ensorcelled Cormac and is taking my people to serve in her Night Queen’s Covenant. Put them both in the dirt and bring me their heads so that I may put them on poles!”</p><p></p><p>“Would you not prefer to do this yourself?” Rhynn asked. “For your honor?”</p><p></p><p>Kestos was nodding at the wizard’s words. “Yes, of course, I would slake my thirst for vengeance upon them if I could…” the words lingered off as the man struggled with his desire for violence. “But” he said at last, “a good thegn thinks first of his people before his own desires. I have lost many of my men already to this growing cult and I have few left to protect my people.”</p><p></p><p>He stood up and held forth his fine spear. “Do this for me and I will give unto you my spear. It is enchanted, which I suspect adventurers such as yourself would find useful. Also, the man you seek, Bushar, is with this cult. He was taken. I know not his fate, but it’s where you want to go anyway.”</p><p></p><p>“I am not worthy of such a gift, thegn,” T’bidi said looking at the spear.</p><p></p><p>“It is not a gift,” Kestos said. “It is payment. Payment for services. Rid me of this cursed cult!”</p><p></p><p>“We are familiar with this cult,” Rhynn said. “We came upon a man of your village named Pran, who they killed.”</p><p></p><p>Kestos spat. “Then they have taken his key.”</p><p></p><p>“I wouldn’t say that,” T’bidi replied. “As it happens, we came into Pran’s possessions.”</p><p></p><p>The thegn’s disposition brightened at this news. “If rumor is true, it’s mate lies with Naragei. Bring me her head and the key is yours.” He turned to the thief. “Surely, your lust for treasure must be satisfied. Think of what may be for the taking in caves below.”</p><p></p><p>“Why is that dungeon so important?” T’bidi asked.</p><p></p><p>“It is said that an ancient treasure lies within,” Kestos said. “A thing from the World that Came Before. For all of my life people have tried to open its door. No shovel or pickaxe can penetrate its walls. It is said that the magic of the lost sorcerer-kings protects it.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, whatever it is, we cannot let the covenant take it,” T’bidi said eliciting nods from her companions.</p><p></p><p>“So it is agreed?” Kestos pressed. “Bring me my heads and you will have my spear, the key, your map.”</p><p></p><p>“How many?” Rhynn asked. “How many men does Naragei command?”</p><p></p><p>The thegn sighed as he sat back down. “I cannot say with any confidence. Who can say how many have chosen service over sacrifice?”</p><p></p><p>“If there are those who can be saved, they will be saved,” T’bidi replied.</p><p></p><p>“Your wayward sheep will be returned to you,” Thawn promised.</p><p></p><p>“One last thing,” Kestos said. “I cannot support you publicly. The risk to my people is too great for me to make a move against Naragei and fail.”</p><p></p><p>T’bidi locked eyes with the thegn and nodded firmly. “We are agreed.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes,” Rhynn answered. “I kind of want to kill things now.”</p><p></p><p>The thegn then directed them towards Pran’s abandoned home and that of the village river woman if they wanted to investigate anything for themselves in town. He explained that there was a trail beyond Pran’s house that led into the woods and made its way northeast to a cave where the covenant had been excavating for some time.</p><p></p><p>~</p><p></p><p>Lemarc stood at an open window – largely because its shudders had been torn off – at the back of Pran’s house. The front door didn’t fare any better. Two things were quickly obvious to the thief. One, some serious ransacking of the house had taken place. Two, people died inside. The telltale sign of wet work was seen in the sprays of blood, now dark brown stains, about the place. He sighed and clambered through the window. <em>The thegn said we could look after all.</em></p><p></p><p>Inside, he saw that furniture had pulled apart piece by piece. “Looking for the key no doubt,” Lemarc said quietly to himself. In a back room he found a small, overturned bed and large stain of blood. Nearby, scratched into the wood of one of the humble room’s posts, the mark of the dark crown. The covenant’s calling card as it were.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]146506[/ATTACH]</p><p></p><p>“Thawn,” Lemarc called to his companions outside. The ranger appeared in the doorway soon after. “What do you make of this.”</p><p></p><p>The shepherd sighed and shook his head before stepping into the room and squatting down to get a better look. He frowned as he said, “This death…meant to last. It was done to cause as much pain as possible.”</p><p></p><p>The two exchanged a grim look before Lemarc nodded in understanding.</p><p></p><p>Outside, the others waited. T’bidi spotted an old woman and young girl to the west. They stuck out because the girl was looking directly at the dark-skinned fighter and pointing down, towards the entrance of Black Hollows infamous dungeon.</p><p></p><p>Thawn and Lemarc reappeared. “There’s time left in the day to find the trail,” the ranger said.</p><p></p><p>“A moment please,” T’bidi replied and walked off towards the pair of villagers. The others followed.</p><p></p><p>As T’bidi approached, the young girl stepped forward. The old woman with her moved to pull her back but stopped short as the girl spoke. “You must pass through the light to find what you seek,” the young girl offered mysteriously.</p><p></p><p>Then, the old woman did pull her back and the pair retreated into the humble home. It was only once they were gone that the party realized the girl’s eyes were a milky white.</p><p></p><p><em>Is she blind? </em>T’bidi wondered.</p><p></p><p>~</p><p></p><p>It had taken Thawn a bit longer than he had originally anticipated to find the trail that Kestos had spoken of. The party followed the trail through the waning hours of the day. The ranger noted the rut of cart and wagon wheels that had transformed what was once a meager game trail into something much wider. <em>This must be the path the covenant is using. The thegn mentioned that they were excavating out here.</em></p><p></p><p>The sun was low and the shadows of the trees long when Thawn started looking for a place to camp. He ended up finding a perfect spot, away from the trail, hidden by a rise, but with a nearby spot to keep watch on the road throughout the night. [Go-go natural 20 on the Survival check.]</p><p></p><p>As the others set-up camp, Thawn retreated to the woods for a spell before returning with a large hare, which he tossed to Halloran who made busy with the cleaning and preparing of the evening’s dinner.</p><p></p><p>Near the center of the camp, where the party huddled about the fire thinking grim thoughts about the covenant and the bloody path they’ve left in their wake, Rhynn was busying herself with a ritual casting. From her component satchel, she produced a small bell, something a child might play with and a short wrapping of silver wire. She then hung the bell from the wire and tied it to a low overhanging branch as she softly spoke repeated words of power. After a short while she smiled satisfied. “There, the <em>alarm</em> is set.”</p><p></p><p>The night passed quietly.</p><p></p><p>~</p><p></p><p><strong>Sunday, 8th of Gozran, 817</strong></p><p></p><p>The group was breaking their fast around the morning fire, each lost in their thoughts when T’bidi spoke up.</p><p></p><p>“Rhynn,” she said, “can you explain what we might face? I mean, the demon…” she stopped short, the words hanging heavy in the air.</p><p></p><p>The wizard sniffled a bit, her nose a touch runny in the cold. “It’s something they shouldn’t know how to do. Nobody should really. I’m sorry that I know as much about it as I do.”</p><p></p><p>“Could you summon such a thing?” Lemarc asked.</p><p></p><p>“No,” the wizard said then wrinkled her forehead. “Well, maybe. But it would be at great cost.”</p><p></p><p>“Cost?” T’bidi prodded.</p><p></p><p>Rhynn nodded. “I don’t have the raw power myself to summon something so powerful and I suspect neither do they. They’ve undoubtedly paid for the missing power with lives sacrificed. It’s an old ritual from <em>the World that Came Before</em>,” she explained.</p><p></p><p>Rhynn looked up and saw the others hanging on her every word. So, she continued. “It is said that there once was a great wizard, Prezhor of Oqinn…”</p><p></p><p>“Oqinn?” Thawn said. “I’ve never heard of such a place.”</p><p></p><p>“Lost in antiquity,” Rhynn explained. “Anyway, Prezhor and his wife, Rhamari, were great practitioners of wizardry.”</p><p></p><p>“Wizardry? Sorcery? Is there a difference?” T’bidi asked.</p><p></p><p>Rhynn nodded. “Yes. That difference is understanding. Sorcerers inherit their power, but wizards study it.”</p><p></p><p>“So, wizards are more powerful because they know more,” Lemarc offered.</p><p></p><p>Rhynn wrinkled her nose. “Yes and no. Wizards know much, of course, but magic comes freely to sorcerers and that allows them to do things wizards cannot. So, anyway, it is said that Rhamari attempted to summon something from <em>the World Beyond</em>, but something went wrong, and she was <em>taken. </em>For many long years Prezhor studied her work, her notes, her study and attempted to bring her back.”</p><p></p><p>“I’m guessing it worked,” the thief said.</p><p></p><p>“No,” the wizard replied shaking her head. “All he managed was to bring forth the demon that had taken Rhamari. The demon, said to be a man with a skin as black as coal and wielding a sword shaped like flame, told Prezhor that he would spare the foolish wizard and return his wife. In exchange, he need only share his knowledge of the summoning ritual with any who would ask.”</p><p></p><p>“So…” T’bidi stared.</p><p></p><p>“Yes, quite so,” Rhynn replied. “His wife was returned, but news of his summoning ritual spread…and here we are today still paying for it.”</p><p></p><p>Rhynn could see the dread on the faces of her companions.</p><p></p><p>“The <em>good </em>news, I think, is that they probably used up most of their available <em>offerings</em> to summon the demon to look for the Pran’s…Lemarc’s key.”</p><p></p><p>The thief paled a touch.</p><p></p><p>“Which means that we probably won’t see such with them any time soon.”</p><p></p><p>Lemarc gave a weak smile. “That’s good,” he said, trying to convince himself of his safety.</p><p></p><p>Halloran tossed the last of his drink on the fire and stood up. “Let’s be to it then.”</p><p></p><p>They continued on their way.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Hjorimir, post: 8454427, member: 5745"] [B]The Blackgate Chronicles Session 3, Part 1 – We are agreed… Starday, 7th of Gozran, 817[/B] Lemarc was waiting for ‘somebody better’ to arrive as he stood vigil over the now unconscious man when he spied something through the far side of the bush. Near a tree there was a propped-up shelter of some kind. A rough tent, in the loosest of terms. [I]I think this poor fella was just running for his home. Oops![/I] Lemarc looked around to make sure it was clear before he shouldered the man and carried him to his home. He lay the man down comfortably and checked his pulse to make sure he’d survive. Satisfied, he snuck back past the bush line and made his way back towards the Hollow’s Hole inn. A few people stared at him in the distance with scrutinizing looks on their faces. Lemarc did the only thing he could do in that situation… “Oh, yes, botany!” he exclaimed as he strode by Rhynn’s tree of choice, felt up the bark, nodded to himself in satisfaction and then proceeded to return to the inn. “Well,” the rogue said to his friends, “that could have gone better! But rest assured, the man lives and is sleeping like a baby in his home, such as it is. Rhynn, thank you for your botany help!” “Should we be concerned about this man?” T’bidi asked. “He heard everything we said.” The innkeeper shook his head. “I care for this man. Feed him and give him drink when I can. I’ll take care of it. Please, do not harm him further. Just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time I can assure you.” “In my defense, he did try to stab me,” Lemarc said defensively, omitting the fact that the man was armed only with an old dinner fork. With that, the group departed the inn and made their way eastward in town to seek out the Thegn’s great house. Along the way, seeing the unconscious man in his ramshackle home, T’bidi walked over and placed a single gold coin in the palm of his hand. “Rest now,” she said. “We mean you no further harm.” ~ Rhynn noted that the great house was something of a mix between local architecture and the longhouses found further north. [I]This village was probably settled by the Northmen long ago…or conquered.[/I] A trio of sullen looking warriors lingered nearby. They watched the party as they approached, but none moved to challenge them. Beyond, sitting in a high-backed chair upon the porch, loomed Thegn Kestos of Black Hollow. He was a muscle-bound man of dark hair and long beard. His eyes were tired, yet still held a spark of pride within. His right hand gently rested upon a fine spear that leaned against his chair. Shepherd Thawn remained quiet as the thegn took his time to look upon them. [I]He’s evaluating us. Why do his eyes linger so upon Rhynn? Lust? No, but there’s something there.[/I] “See?” he said to his men. “The river woman was right.” One of the men nodded but said nothing. “You were expecting us?” T’bidi said. The thegn waved her question off. “Why have you come travelers? I suspect to take a stab at our famous dungeon, but I’ll have your telling of it. Give me your tale.” Thawn shook his head and looked at Lemarc. “Tell him why we have come.” The thief nodded and perked up. “Ah yes, actually no. We’ve come looking for a man called Bushar. An associate of mine told me of a map the man possesses. We wish to buy it from him and be on our way.” Rhynn noted a slight bemused look in the thegn’s eyes at Lemarc’s words. Kestos stood. “Come inside and we can discuss such things,” he said before turning his back upon the party and ducking past the large, open doors. Within, the great house of the thegn was something of a mess. It looked large enough to house a good many men and probably did at one time. The long tables were dirty, and dishes were piled here and there. Kestos pushed a pile around, fished up a drinking horn, and filled it with mead from a small cask. He gestured toward the cask, inviting the party to have some, and then sat down in a large chair at the end of room. His ‘throne’ presumably. “So, Bushar?” Lemarc said breaking the silence. The thegn nodded and was quiet a moment as he composed his thoughts. “Bushar lives here, it is true,” he started. “But his home now lies empty.” “Do you know where’s run off to?” the rogue asked. Kestos nodded. “I know where he is, more or less,” he answered. “And I’d be willing to tell you, but in exchange for a service you shall do for me.” “What service?” Halloran asked. “I need you to bring me two heads,” the thegn explained. “I do not do murder,” Thawn said. “And if it isn’t murder? If it’s justice?” T’bidi asked the ranger before arching an eyebrow at Kestos hoping for an explanation. The thegn nodded. “The first head I need belongs to Cormac, who was once my húskarl before he betrayed me and the people of Black Hollow.” “And the other?” T’bidi pressed. “Naragei,” Kestos stopped to spit. “The she-devil who ensorcelled Cormac and is taking my people to serve in her Night Queen’s Covenant. Put them both in the dirt and bring me their heads so that I may put them on poles!” “Would you not prefer to do this yourself?” Rhynn asked. “For your honor?” Kestos was nodding at the wizard’s words. “Yes, of course, I would slake my thirst for vengeance upon them if I could…” the words lingered off as the man struggled with his desire for violence. “But” he said at last, “a good thegn thinks first of his people before his own desires. I have lost many of my men already to this growing cult and I have few left to protect my people.” He stood up and held forth his fine spear. “Do this for me and I will give unto you my spear. It is enchanted, which I suspect adventurers such as yourself would find useful. Also, the man you seek, Bushar, is with this cult. He was taken. I know not his fate, but it’s where you want to go anyway.” “I am not worthy of such a gift, thegn,” T’bidi said looking at the spear. “It is not a gift,” Kestos said. “It is payment. Payment for services. Rid me of this cursed cult!” “We are familiar with this cult,” Rhynn said. “We came upon a man of your village named Pran, who they killed.” Kestos spat. “Then they have taken his key.” “I wouldn’t say that,” T’bidi replied. “As it happens, we came into Pran’s possessions.” The thegn’s disposition brightened at this news. “If rumor is true, it’s mate lies with Naragei. Bring me her head and the key is yours.” He turned to the thief. “Surely, your lust for treasure must be satisfied. Think of what may be for the taking in caves below.” “Why is that dungeon so important?” T’bidi asked. “It is said that an ancient treasure lies within,” Kestos said. “A thing from the World that Came Before. For all of my life people have tried to open its door. No shovel or pickaxe can penetrate its walls. It is said that the magic of the lost sorcerer-kings protects it.” “Well, whatever it is, we cannot let the covenant take it,” T’bidi said eliciting nods from her companions. “So it is agreed?” Kestos pressed. “Bring me my heads and you will have my spear, the key, your map.” “How many?” Rhynn asked. “How many men does Naragei command?” The thegn sighed as he sat back down. “I cannot say with any confidence. Who can say how many have chosen service over sacrifice?” “If there are those who can be saved, they will be saved,” T’bidi replied. “Your wayward sheep will be returned to you,” Thawn promised. “One last thing,” Kestos said. “I cannot support you publicly. The risk to my people is too great for me to make a move against Naragei and fail.” T’bidi locked eyes with the thegn and nodded firmly. “We are agreed.” “Yes,” Rhynn answered. “I kind of want to kill things now.” The thegn then directed them towards Pran’s abandoned home and that of the village river woman if they wanted to investigate anything for themselves in town. He explained that there was a trail beyond Pran’s house that led into the woods and made its way northeast to a cave where the covenant had been excavating for some time. ~ Lemarc stood at an open window – largely because its shudders had been torn off – at the back of Pran’s house. The front door didn’t fare any better. Two things were quickly obvious to the thief. One, some serious ransacking of the house had taken place. Two, people died inside. The telltale sign of wet work was seen in the sprays of blood, now dark brown stains, about the place. He sighed and clambered through the window. [I]The thegn said we could look after all.[/I] Inside, he saw that furniture had pulled apart piece by piece. “Looking for the key no doubt,” Lemarc said quietly to himself. In a back room he found a small, overturned bed and large stain of blood. Nearby, scratched into the wood of one of the humble room’s posts, the mark of the dark crown. The covenant’s calling card as it were. [ATTACH type="full" width="164px"]146506[/ATTACH] “Thawn,” Lemarc called to his companions outside. The ranger appeared in the doorway soon after. “What do you make of this.” The shepherd sighed and shook his head before stepping into the room and squatting down to get a better look. He frowned as he said, “This death…meant to last. It was done to cause as much pain as possible.” The two exchanged a grim look before Lemarc nodded in understanding. Outside, the others waited. T’bidi spotted an old woman and young girl to the west. They stuck out because the girl was looking directly at the dark-skinned fighter and pointing down, towards the entrance of Black Hollows infamous dungeon. Thawn and Lemarc reappeared. “There’s time left in the day to find the trail,” the ranger said. “A moment please,” T’bidi replied and walked off towards the pair of villagers. The others followed. As T’bidi approached, the young girl stepped forward. The old woman with her moved to pull her back but stopped short as the girl spoke. “You must pass through the light to find what you seek,” the young girl offered mysteriously. Then, the old woman did pull her back and the pair retreated into the humble home. It was only once they were gone that the party realized the girl’s eyes were a milky white. [I]Is she blind? [/I]T’bidi wondered. ~ It had taken Thawn a bit longer than he had originally anticipated to find the trail that Kestos had spoken of. The party followed the trail through the waning hours of the day. The ranger noted the rut of cart and wagon wheels that had transformed what was once a meager game trail into something much wider. [I]This must be the path the covenant is using. The thegn mentioned that they were excavating out here.[/I] The sun was low and the shadows of the trees long when Thawn started looking for a place to camp. He ended up finding a perfect spot, away from the trail, hidden by a rise, but with a nearby spot to keep watch on the road throughout the night. [Go-go natural 20 on the Survival check.] As the others set-up camp, Thawn retreated to the woods for a spell before returning with a large hare, which he tossed to Halloran who made busy with the cleaning and preparing of the evening’s dinner. Near the center of the camp, where the party huddled about the fire thinking grim thoughts about the covenant and the bloody path they’ve left in their wake, Rhynn was busying herself with a ritual casting. From her component satchel, she produced a small bell, something a child might play with and a short wrapping of silver wire. She then hung the bell from the wire and tied it to a low overhanging branch as she softly spoke repeated words of power. After a short while she smiled satisfied. “There, the [I]alarm[/I] is set.” The night passed quietly. ~ [B]Sunday, 8th of Gozran, 817[/B] The group was breaking their fast around the morning fire, each lost in their thoughts when T’bidi spoke up. “Rhynn,” she said, “can you explain what we might face? I mean, the demon…” she stopped short, the words hanging heavy in the air. The wizard sniffled a bit, her nose a touch runny in the cold. “It’s something they shouldn’t know how to do. Nobody should really. I’m sorry that I know as much about it as I do.” “Could you summon such a thing?” Lemarc asked. “No,” the wizard said then wrinkled her forehead. “Well, maybe. But it would be at great cost.” “Cost?” T’bidi prodded. Rhynn nodded. “I don’t have the raw power myself to summon something so powerful and I suspect neither do they. They’ve undoubtedly paid for the missing power with lives sacrificed. It’s an old ritual from [I]the World that Came Before[/I],” she explained. Rhynn looked up and saw the others hanging on her every word. So, she continued. “It is said that there once was a great wizard, Prezhor of Oqinn…” “Oqinn?” Thawn said. “I’ve never heard of such a place.” “Lost in antiquity,” Rhynn explained. “Anyway, Prezhor and his wife, Rhamari, were great practitioners of wizardry.” “Wizardry? Sorcery? Is there a difference?” T’bidi asked. Rhynn nodded. “Yes. That difference is understanding. Sorcerers inherit their power, but wizards study it.” “So, wizards are more powerful because they know more,” Lemarc offered. Rhynn wrinkled her nose. “Yes and no. Wizards know much, of course, but magic comes freely to sorcerers and that allows them to do things wizards cannot. So, anyway, it is said that Rhamari attempted to summon something from [I]the World Beyond[/I], but something went wrong, and she was [I]taken. [/I]For many long years Prezhor studied her work, her notes, her study and attempted to bring her back.” “I’m guessing it worked,” the thief said. “No,” the wizard replied shaking her head. “All he managed was to bring forth the demon that had taken Rhamari. The demon, said to be a man with a skin as black as coal and wielding a sword shaped like flame, told Prezhor that he would spare the foolish wizard and return his wife. In exchange, he need only share his knowledge of the summoning ritual with any who would ask.” “So…” T’bidi stared. “Yes, quite so,” Rhynn replied. “His wife was returned, but news of his summoning ritual spread…and here we are today still paying for it.” Rhynn could see the dread on the faces of her companions. “The [I]good [/I]news, I think, is that they probably used up most of their available [I]offerings[/I] to summon the demon to look for the Pran’s…Lemarc’s key.” The thief paled a touch. “Which means that we probably won’t see such with them any time soon.” Lemarc gave a weak smile. “That’s good,” he said, trying to convince himself of his safety. Halloran tossed the last of his drink on the fire and stood up. “Let’s be to it then.” They continued on their way. [/QUOTE]
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The Blackgate Chronicles (Updated 11/15/21)
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