Catching up ...
Covering Days 3 - 6 of the Festival.
Brother Oceas spent quite a bit of time speaking with Janek. Overall, the Bard's opinion is that if you want to be legends, whether famous or infamous, you need to find something noteworthy to do. His job is to be sure everyone with potential is aware that they may offend his Lady if they do not pursue their potential Turning your back to her is your decision to make. If you do, he won't see you again unless you are near other potential legends. But, if you do not wish to turn your back to her, you must not squander your opportunities.
Oceas also asked about legendary stories. There wsa quite a bit of information about Greerson's Glory. Janek also mentioned the story of the Elves. I will probably just post that up. There are other stories as well. Janek tells lots of stories, usually accompaning himself with his lute. I will probably use this as an opportunity to tell some stories through Janek (In Seagate, I had imagined Carnath serving this role, though he has very little else in common with Janek.) In the meantime, we will handwave that time as being filled, with information trickling out as I post it.
The important thing about Janek is that you met him. Any other interaction you have with him will be driven by you guys!
Li spent a few days trying to find somebody that can explain the crystal he received from Sketos. After a couple of days looking around, he finally found a grizzled old wizard with pale eyes and a balding pate. The hair he does have is long, stringy and white. He is clean shaven with jowls droopy with age. He wears white robes with a pale green trim. He has a large silver colored amulet, rings on his fingers and the edge of bracers can been seen on his skinny forearms. He rests himself on a wild oak staff with small crystals inset all along it. In the bald area on top of his head can be seen a dark red mark that reminds you of a claw print. Almost as if he has been branded on the top of his head.
There is no question in Li's mind that he has finally found Norlak the Ancient, Sage of the Tomtil hills.
(As Janek would say, Norlak is best known for surviving a confrontation with a Fallen Angel of Fire that had decided to blackmail the city of Enosh Tarn to cede rulership to it. The city refused and the Fallen Angel started killing every third child in retaliation. Norlak, and his companions, heard of the situation and teleported into the city as the Fallen Angel made it's way toward an orphanage. Making their stand in front of the terrified, helpless orphans, they destroyed the Fallen Angel, but not before the Fallen Angel destroyed Norlak's companions and tried to crush the wizard's head in it's vicelike grip. Speaking arcane words of power, Norlak finished off the Fallen Angel and turned to the devastation of the city. Tossing a pouch of coins to the only guardsman that hadn't fled, he left instructions to rebuild the orphanage first and teleported away.) Norlak, watches Li approach, his eyes scanning the potential Samurai. When Li is close enough, Norlak speaks, his voice is a bit reedy with age.
"Ah yes, yes, of course. The young man that has been asking for somebody to tell him about a crystal these last few days. I'm not sure why any of these fine ladies or gentlemen couldn't look at the rock themselves. For some reason, they all seem to think I am an expert. I assure you though, I am not."
Norlak takes out a small pair of crystal spectacles and slides them onto his nose. He then studies Li's face.
"Oh, I see, you are the one called Li, are you not? Very well then, let me see this stone of yours. Yes, yes, there is a small fee." A handful of coins disappears into his robes before he looks at the small crystal.
"Hmm, very interesting. There is definitely an aura about it. It is rather small though. Hmm. Let me see, there is definitely nothing of the Arcane to it. Nor is there any Divine spark within it. That leaves one of the midn disciplines I guess. Now, mind you that I am not an expert on such things, but this little crystal has some sort of touch with either Psychic Disciplines, or with Psionic Disciplines. Of course, there are some that think they are the same thing. They are mistaken! The two disciplines are different and should be respected in their own right. Hmm, now look here, I don't have much experience in this, but I think the crystal has some sort of Psionic trigger. Possibly it's just a command word, but more likely a thought. I say Psionic because the auras of Psychic items tend to be a bit more robust. Not more powerful, mind you, it's just a subtle difference in how the aura looks. Much like the difference between two fine wines, there will be subtle differences you can look for. I think there is something already within this crystal, but I don't know for sure. If you want an expert to look at it, I would suggest a little excursion up into the mountains. Seek out a Thurgon crystal master by the name of Sketos."
Li tells Norlak that Sketos is the one that gave him the crystal. And, while Sketos was honorable and hospitable, he would not explain the crystal to Li. Norlak closes his eyes in deep thought for a few moments. Without opening his eyes, he says.
"Humph, grumpy old Thurgon eh? Well, I have a bit of respect for Sketos and if he gave it to you, there is surely a way that you will be able to use it." Then, opening his eyes, he gestures toward Li. "Have a care young man. There are big events in the world that you can get caught up in. It is best if you do so willingly. I am not for this world much longer, but I am proud of what I have accomplished. If you can get to the end of your life and say the same, I think that is worthwhile. Been nice meeting you."
With that, Norlak shambles off into the crowd.
