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Barrow of the Forgotten Story Hour - Complete! 8/13/08
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<blockquote data-quote="Abciximab" data-source="post: 4132766" data-attributes="member: 46017"><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Across the Ocean</strong></p><p></p><p>Wencis looked around him. He stood on the span of massive stone blocks that was the Oceanbridge. The ominous waters of the Sullen Sea were on either side of him at this point. Out across the water he saw a lone isle protruding above the glassy water a half mile or more away, faintly glowing with blue light from a source he could not see. Ahead, a few of the stone blocks were cracked and sat askew. A navigable path yet existed where the corners of the stones came close together. They had seen sections of the bridge had suffered minor erosion but this section seemed to have sustained damage. </p><p></p><p>Tristan examined the crossing. “I don’t like the looks of it. It’s bad enough having water on both sides of us, now we’ll have it pretty much on all sides as we cross this section. I’ll go first, the rest of you be ready for an ambush.”</p><p></p><p>Bootsy loaded his crossbow, “We always expect an ambush.”</p><p></p><p>Sure enough, no sooner had Tristan stepped out onto the first block when the surface of the water rippled and the air grew foul with the stench of rotting fish. Four humanoids hauled themselves from the depths, covered in slimy, bulbous flesh and vestigial fins. Their gaping maws were filled with rows of sharp teeth. Even more horrific, an alien form of writhing tentacles, fishy scales and glowing malevolent eyes rose to the surface about twenty feet from the bridge. </p><p></p><p>Bootsy’s bolt plunked into the water next to the huge aberration. Frankie, Tristan and Wencis all confronted the humanoid creatures, each causing significant injury to the scum. The Soul Spark’s attack killed the one Wencis had wounded. Frankie then felt someone trying to infiltrate his mind, but through force of will was able to resist the intrusion. The humanoid creatures slashed at the heroes but most of the creatures strikes were turned aside by their armor.</p><p></p><p>Celtir fired an arrow at the disgusting fish, his arrow appeared to strike true, but he saw it seemingly pass through the creature and splash into the water. If he hadn’t been paying close attention he could see it would have been easy to miss, but now, having seen what happened, he knew the truth. “The huge fish thing is just an illusion!”</p><p></p><p>A sense of dread fell over the companions as this news sank in. Somewhere around here was an attacker they could not see. </p><p></p><p>Another round of attacks from Frankie, Tristan, Wencis and his Soul Spark left only two of the creatures standing and those creatures were seriously wounded. Bootsy and Celtir fired at the creatures and one more fell back into the water. </p><p></p><p>A final strike by Frankie dropped the last one, the companions turned to see what could be done about the fish. </p><p></p><p>“Run?” suggested Celtir.</p><p></p><p>“Probably a good idea,” said Bootsy. </p><p></p><p>As Frankie turned to leave, Tristan struck at the dwarf with Merthuvial. “What in the abyss are you doing!?” Frankie yelled.</p><p></p><p>“<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />! I bet that fish thing is in his head!” cried Bootsy, as he fired off a spell hoping to daze the paladin. Unsure of what else to do, Celtir fired a spell that burst in a flash of light over the water, hoping to get lucky and hit an invisible creature. </p><p></p><p>Tristan, with a glazed look in his eyes, slashed the Dwarf again. By this time Frankie was bleeding heavily. He backed away from the paladin and Wencis stepped forward to try to defend him. Before he could get between the Dwarf and the paladin, a twisting pattern of subtle, shifting colors filled the air. Frankie was fascinated by the display and stopped moving to admire the colors. Wencis resisted the effects and moved to slap Frankie. Before he could get there Tristan approached and stabbed Frankie yet again, awakening him from his stupor. Bootsy charged past in the opposite direction, drawing an attack from the paladin that left him sorely wounded. </p><p></p><p>“We’ve got to put him down!” yelled Bootsy as he launched a barrage of Magic Missiles at the paladin. The companions focused all their attention on him. A rain of blows and attacks pummeled Tristan from all sides. Finally, Frankie caught him right under the jaw with a massive uppercut with the head of his axe, lifting him right off the ground and knocking him onto his back. Tristan did not get up. </p><p></p><p>Bootsy felt the mental intrusion of the fish inside his mind, “<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> you!” He yelled as he fired a crossbow bolt into the illusory fish. Grabbing their unconscious companion, the heroes moved as quickly as they could away from the area. Behind them the image of the huge fish creature blinked out.</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">----------</p><p></p><p>“Well, at least we shouldn’t have any trouble getting into Pedestal,” Bootsy said with a smile.</p><p></p><p>The companions had made it across the rest of the bridge without incident. They had not revived Tristan, just in case the fish creature could still impose his will over the paladin.</p><p></p><p>“What do you mean?” asked Celtir.</p><p></p><p>Bootsy pointed back to where Frankie and Wencis were dragging the paladin along. “I would think it would be pretty easy to gain entry to an evil city while dragging the body of a paladin. Come to think of it, we may be able to earn a little coin. Come one, come all! Hit the mighty paladin with a stick! Find out if they really do have candy inside!”</p><p></p><p>The others just shook their heads. </p><p></p><p>Celtir took out a healing wand, “Look, we don’t know whether or not we can enter without being accosted and we might need the extra sword. I think we’re far enough away that we can risk waking him.”</p><p></p><p>“All right, but we’re taking his weapons and hog-tying him just in case. I’m not letting him use me to practice his swordsmanship again,” said Frankie.</p><p></p><p>Once the paladin was healed and it was clear he was thinking for himself, the companions untied him. “Sorry friends, I tried to resist, but the creatures will was too strong.”</p><p></p><p>Bootsy just smiled. “That’s all right. We enjoyed beating the <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> out of you.”</p><p></p><p>They were finally in a spot where they could get a good look at Pedestal. The wide sloping base of a massive column was built up with streets, walls and hundreds of elaborate structures. A few glimmered with faint illumination and here and there, lanterns shed green illumination in small pools separated by gulfs of shadow. Portions of the small city were completely collapsed and obviously abandoned, though others showed clear signs of habitation and upkeep. A great wall surrounded the lowest edges of the city and upon that edifice, hundreds of rusty spikes pointed toward the cavern’s high ceiling. Rotting heads adorned scores of the spikes.</p><p></p><p>Up ahead, dark stones sagged over an open gatehouse. The gaping arch revealed a rubble-strewn roadway, a low barricade of piled debris and an ominous cityscape beyond, where shadowed buildings leaned above sloping cobbled lanes illuminated by green light from glowing lanterns. </p><p></p><p>“This must be the South Gate,” observed Wencis.</p><p></p><p>Bootsy shook his head, “How in the Nine Hells does Bruthwol get his wagon in over these piles of rubble? For that matter how does he get his wagon across the Oceanbridge in the condition it’s in?”</p><p></p><p>Celtir started toward the entryway, “If we see him again, you can ask him.”</p><p></p><p>The companions hadn’t taken three steps when a gray, pudgy humanoid that had willowy limbs and flipper-like hands and feet bounds from the shadows, its fishlike head sported bulbous eyes. It carried a spear and a large shield and the smell of rotting fish hung in the air around it. With a gurgling snarl it leapt to attack. </p><p></p><p>It gurgled once again as Bootsy’s bolt pierced his shoulder. It stopped gurgling completely when Frankie’s axe almost bisected the creature. Two more of them emerged from the darkness of the open gatehouse. Wencis and his Soul spark charged forward dropping one of the creatures as Celtir’s arrow pierced the other in the chest. Two more of the creatures behind a low stone wall toward the back of the gatehouse launched javelins but missed their intended targets. Using organized offensive tactics, the companions rapidly mowed through the remaining creatures. </p><p></p><p style="text-align: center">----------</p><p></p><p>Lights of every hue streamed from the windows of the sprawling three-story building. Conversing voices, snippets of song and the clatter of crockery spilled into the street. Odors of exotic tobaccos, yeasty drink and barbecued meat suffused the air. The wall facing the street was a sculpted formation of flowstone, like dozens of drooping hands, apparently built up from water that had fallen from somewhere high above. Here and there, stone faces leered out from the depths.</p><p></p><p>“This has got to be the place,” said Wencis. They had passed few other creatures on the way here. Those creatures had either ignored them or avoided them completely by turning down side streets and disappearing into the darkness.</p><p></p><p>As they entered the Dripstone Inn, conversations dropped as the patrons gave the companions the once over. Few of the faces seemed welcoming and those that did seemed hungry or insane. Dusky Dwarves, wild eyed Derro, slim Drow and stranger creatures sat around the room in lantern lit niches scattered about the large, high ceilinged chamber. A central bar was stuffed with bottles, casks, pipes, vials, cigarillos and less familiar paraphernalia. Cloaked in white linen, a humanoid figure stood behind the bar. A number of servers moved about the room, similarly shrouded. A side door apparently opened into a busy kitchen that was alive with the sounds and scents of cooking. From a great stone chair across the common room, a humanoid figure observed, wrapped in and hooded by a crimson robe that had a complex pattern of eyes on it. Whatever this creature was, the companions felt that little escaped its notice. </p><p></p><p>Once again the companions looked to the paladin with that unasked question.</p><p></p><p>Tristan gave his companions an incredulous look and whispered, “Are you kidding me? I fear that if I try that here my eyes will start to bleed. I think it best we leave that question unanswered and run with the assumption that everyone is. Let us just be cautious.”</p><p></p><p>As conversations around the room resumed, one of the servers motioned the companions over to an empty table. </p><p></p><p>Before they could ask any questions, the server placed a single menu on the table that listed the prices for common goods and services. </p><p></p><p>“Who would we talk to, to arrange accommodations for the night?” asked Celtir.</p><p></p><p>“And what does ‘Other Services May Be Available upon Request’ Mean?” Bootsy asked with a mischievous grin.</p><p></p><p>In response, the silent figure just pointed to the bar. </p><p></p><p>Bootsy handed the creature some coin, “Here’s 15 gold to start a tab.”</p><p></p><p>Wencis looked at the menu doubtfully, “Do I want to know what a ‘Blood Jelly’ is?” </p><p></p><p>Celtir stood, “You guys order dinner while I go arrange the rooms.”</p><p></p><p>Having arranged for the companions to occupy almost the entire second floor of the Inn, Celtir returned. After eating a quick dinner of carefully selected items, he motioned one of the servers over. “If I had some questions I needed answered, who would I talk to?” He asked, already suspecting the answer. The creature pointed to the figure seated in the stone chair. Before he could even ask about how to get an appointment, he saw the figure motion him over.</p><p></p><p>As Celtir approached he tried to get a good look at the figures face, but it was lost in the voluminous fold of his robe. He had a sneaking suspicion that Es Sarch and his minions were all undead though he could not place the type. An odor like thyme mixed with dirt assaulted his nostrils as the figure raised his arm in greeting and spoke with a raspy voice. </p><p></p><p>“Travelers from the sun-poisoned skin of the world, welcome. I am Es Sarch. I deal in information. Thus I know many truths, but not the one that brings you to this fallen city.”</p><p></p><p>Celtir was little confused by his manner of speaking. “I’m sorry. Did you just say you know why we’re here?”</p><p></p><p>Es Sarch’s head tilted slightly, and then he responded slowly and deliberately as if talking to a child, “No. I just said I don’t know why you are here.”</p><p></p><p>A little embarrassed, Celtir felt the need to apologize again, “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you to be direct. We’re used to everything being overly cryptic.” </p><p></p><p>A brief, repeating hissing sound escaped from Es Sarch’s hood. Celtir assumed he was laughing. “We seek a woman…”</p><p></p><p>At this point, Bootsy called from across the room only to be interrupted by Wencis elbowing him in the ribs, “Actually two, if you have an extra! Ooof!”</p><p></p><p>Celtir continued, “Um… A woman named Fadheela. Have you heard of her?”</p><p></p><p>Es Sarch appeared to think for a moment before answering, “Yes I know her. A high ranking individual with the Assassins Guild I believe, a dangerous woman to be sure.”</p><p></p><p>“So, is she a Drow?” </p><p></p><p>“No… To be honest I am not sure what she is, though I suspect she’s a Medusa.”</p><p></p><p>“We have reason to believe she’s associated with a group calling them selves the Vanguard of Sertrous. Do you know anything of this organization?”</p><p></p><p>Es Sarch paused once again before answering. “I know something of what you speak, but to learn more, I will have to expend resources. Thus I propose an alliance. Aid me with a few tasks I’d prefer to be accomplished by those outside Pedestal’s power structure. Upon completion of these tasks, I’ll know more of Fadheela. In your debt for your favors to me, I will deliver that information to you. What say you?”</p><p></p><p>Celtir thought for a moment. “Can you give us some time to consider? My companions and I will have to discuss this privately. Can you give us until… say… tomorrow?”</p><p></p><p>Es Sarch gave a gracious nod, “Take what time you will. The offer shall remain open.”</p><p></p><p>Celtir nodded back, “Thank you for your time.”</p><p></p><p>As he sat back down at the table, he paused as he looked at the plate that was set before him. </p><p></p><p>Bootsy grinned, “We ordered you some Sweetmeat. We thought it would be a confectionary, but apparently around here it’s just a fancy name for pickled brains. Eat up, we don’t want to appear rude.”</p><p></p><p>End of Session 7</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Abciximab, post: 4132766, member: 46017"] [CENTER][B]Across the Ocean[/B][/CENTER] Wencis looked around him. He stood on the span of massive stone blocks that was the Oceanbridge. The ominous waters of the Sullen Sea were on either side of him at this point. Out across the water he saw a lone isle protruding above the glassy water a half mile or more away, faintly glowing with blue light from a source he could not see. Ahead, a few of the stone blocks were cracked and sat askew. A navigable path yet existed where the corners of the stones came close together. They had seen sections of the bridge had suffered minor erosion but this section seemed to have sustained damage. Tristan examined the crossing. “I don’t like the looks of it. It’s bad enough having water on both sides of us, now we’ll have it pretty much on all sides as we cross this section. I’ll go first, the rest of you be ready for an ambush.” Bootsy loaded his crossbow, “We always expect an ambush.” Sure enough, no sooner had Tristan stepped out onto the first block when the surface of the water rippled and the air grew foul with the stench of rotting fish. Four humanoids hauled themselves from the depths, covered in slimy, bulbous flesh and vestigial fins. Their gaping maws were filled with rows of sharp teeth. Even more horrific, an alien form of writhing tentacles, fishy scales and glowing malevolent eyes rose to the surface about twenty feet from the bridge. Bootsy’s bolt plunked into the water next to the huge aberration. Frankie, Tristan and Wencis all confronted the humanoid creatures, each causing significant injury to the scum. The Soul Spark’s attack killed the one Wencis had wounded. Frankie then felt someone trying to infiltrate his mind, but through force of will was able to resist the intrusion. The humanoid creatures slashed at the heroes but most of the creatures strikes were turned aside by their armor. Celtir fired an arrow at the disgusting fish, his arrow appeared to strike true, but he saw it seemingly pass through the creature and splash into the water. If he hadn’t been paying close attention he could see it would have been easy to miss, but now, having seen what happened, he knew the truth. “The huge fish thing is just an illusion!” A sense of dread fell over the companions as this news sank in. Somewhere around here was an attacker they could not see. Another round of attacks from Frankie, Tristan, Wencis and his Soul Spark left only two of the creatures standing and those creatures were seriously wounded. Bootsy and Celtir fired at the creatures and one more fell back into the water. A final strike by Frankie dropped the last one, the companions turned to see what could be done about the fish. “Run?” suggested Celtir. “Probably a good idea,” said Bootsy. As Frankie turned to leave, Tristan struck at the dwarf with Merthuvial. “What in the abyss are you doing!?” Frankie yelled. “:):):):)! I bet that fish thing is in his head!” cried Bootsy, as he fired off a spell hoping to daze the paladin. Unsure of what else to do, Celtir fired a spell that burst in a flash of light over the water, hoping to get lucky and hit an invisible creature. Tristan, with a glazed look in his eyes, slashed the Dwarf again. By this time Frankie was bleeding heavily. He backed away from the paladin and Wencis stepped forward to try to defend him. Before he could get between the Dwarf and the paladin, a twisting pattern of subtle, shifting colors filled the air. Frankie was fascinated by the display and stopped moving to admire the colors. Wencis resisted the effects and moved to slap Frankie. Before he could get there Tristan approached and stabbed Frankie yet again, awakening him from his stupor. Bootsy charged past in the opposite direction, drawing an attack from the paladin that left him sorely wounded. “We’ve got to put him down!” yelled Bootsy as he launched a barrage of Magic Missiles at the paladin. The companions focused all their attention on him. A rain of blows and attacks pummeled Tristan from all sides. Finally, Frankie caught him right under the jaw with a massive uppercut with the head of his axe, lifting him right off the ground and knocking him onto his back. Tristan did not get up. Bootsy felt the mental intrusion of the fish inside his mind, “:):):):) you!” He yelled as he fired a crossbow bolt into the illusory fish. Grabbing their unconscious companion, the heroes moved as quickly as they could away from the area. Behind them the image of the huge fish creature blinked out. [CENTER]----------[/CENTER] “Well, at least we shouldn’t have any trouble getting into Pedestal,” Bootsy said with a smile. The companions had made it across the rest of the bridge without incident. They had not revived Tristan, just in case the fish creature could still impose his will over the paladin. “What do you mean?” asked Celtir. Bootsy pointed back to where Frankie and Wencis were dragging the paladin along. “I would think it would be pretty easy to gain entry to an evil city while dragging the body of a paladin. Come to think of it, we may be able to earn a little coin. Come one, come all! Hit the mighty paladin with a stick! Find out if they really do have candy inside!” The others just shook their heads. Celtir took out a healing wand, “Look, we don’t know whether or not we can enter without being accosted and we might need the extra sword. I think we’re far enough away that we can risk waking him.” “All right, but we’re taking his weapons and hog-tying him just in case. I’m not letting him use me to practice his swordsmanship again,” said Frankie. Once the paladin was healed and it was clear he was thinking for himself, the companions untied him. “Sorry friends, I tried to resist, but the creatures will was too strong.” Bootsy just smiled. “That’s all right. We enjoyed beating the :):):):) out of you.” They were finally in a spot where they could get a good look at Pedestal. The wide sloping base of a massive column was built up with streets, walls and hundreds of elaborate structures. A few glimmered with faint illumination and here and there, lanterns shed green illumination in small pools separated by gulfs of shadow. Portions of the small city were completely collapsed and obviously abandoned, though others showed clear signs of habitation and upkeep. A great wall surrounded the lowest edges of the city and upon that edifice, hundreds of rusty spikes pointed toward the cavern’s high ceiling. Rotting heads adorned scores of the spikes. Up ahead, dark stones sagged over an open gatehouse. The gaping arch revealed a rubble-strewn roadway, a low barricade of piled debris and an ominous cityscape beyond, where shadowed buildings leaned above sloping cobbled lanes illuminated by green light from glowing lanterns. “This must be the South Gate,” observed Wencis. Bootsy shook his head, “How in the Nine Hells does Bruthwol get his wagon in over these piles of rubble? For that matter how does he get his wagon across the Oceanbridge in the condition it’s in?” Celtir started toward the entryway, “If we see him again, you can ask him.” The companions hadn’t taken three steps when a gray, pudgy humanoid that had willowy limbs and flipper-like hands and feet bounds from the shadows, its fishlike head sported bulbous eyes. It carried a spear and a large shield and the smell of rotting fish hung in the air around it. With a gurgling snarl it leapt to attack. It gurgled once again as Bootsy’s bolt pierced his shoulder. It stopped gurgling completely when Frankie’s axe almost bisected the creature. Two more of them emerged from the darkness of the open gatehouse. Wencis and his Soul spark charged forward dropping one of the creatures as Celtir’s arrow pierced the other in the chest. Two more of the creatures behind a low stone wall toward the back of the gatehouse launched javelins but missed their intended targets. Using organized offensive tactics, the companions rapidly mowed through the remaining creatures. [CENTER]----------[/CENTER] Lights of every hue streamed from the windows of the sprawling three-story building. Conversing voices, snippets of song and the clatter of crockery spilled into the street. Odors of exotic tobaccos, yeasty drink and barbecued meat suffused the air. The wall facing the street was a sculpted formation of flowstone, like dozens of drooping hands, apparently built up from water that had fallen from somewhere high above. Here and there, stone faces leered out from the depths. “This has got to be the place,” said Wencis. They had passed few other creatures on the way here. Those creatures had either ignored them or avoided them completely by turning down side streets and disappearing into the darkness. As they entered the Dripstone Inn, conversations dropped as the patrons gave the companions the once over. Few of the faces seemed welcoming and those that did seemed hungry or insane. Dusky Dwarves, wild eyed Derro, slim Drow and stranger creatures sat around the room in lantern lit niches scattered about the large, high ceilinged chamber. A central bar was stuffed with bottles, casks, pipes, vials, cigarillos and less familiar paraphernalia. Cloaked in white linen, a humanoid figure stood behind the bar. A number of servers moved about the room, similarly shrouded. A side door apparently opened into a busy kitchen that was alive with the sounds and scents of cooking. From a great stone chair across the common room, a humanoid figure observed, wrapped in and hooded by a crimson robe that had a complex pattern of eyes on it. Whatever this creature was, the companions felt that little escaped its notice. Once again the companions looked to the paladin with that unasked question. Tristan gave his companions an incredulous look and whispered, “Are you kidding me? I fear that if I try that here my eyes will start to bleed. I think it best we leave that question unanswered and run with the assumption that everyone is. Let us just be cautious.” As conversations around the room resumed, one of the servers motioned the companions over to an empty table. Before they could ask any questions, the server placed a single menu on the table that listed the prices for common goods and services. “Who would we talk to, to arrange accommodations for the night?” asked Celtir. “And what does ‘Other Services May Be Available upon Request’ Mean?” Bootsy asked with a mischievous grin. In response, the silent figure just pointed to the bar. Bootsy handed the creature some coin, “Here’s 15 gold to start a tab.” Wencis looked at the menu doubtfully, “Do I want to know what a ‘Blood Jelly’ is?” Celtir stood, “You guys order dinner while I go arrange the rooms.” Having arranged for the companions to occupy almost the entire second floor of the Inn, Celtir returned. After eating a quick dinner of carefully selected items, he motioned one of the servers over. “If I had some questions I needed answered, who would I talk to?” He asked, already suspecting the answer. The creature pointed to the figure seated in the stone chair. Before he could even ask about how to get an appointment, he saw the figure motion him over. As Celtir approached he tried to get a good look at the figures face, but it was lost in the voluminous fold of his robe. He had a sneaking suspicion that Es Sarch and his minions were all undead though he could not place the type. An odor like thyme mixed with dirt assaulted his nostrils as the figure raised his arm in greeting and spoke with a raspy voice. “Travelers from the sun-poisoned skin of the world, welcome. I am Es Sarch. I deal in information. Thus I know many truths, but not the one that brings you to this fallen city.” Celtir was little confused by his manner of speaking. “I’m sorry. Did you just say you know why we’re here?” Es Sarch’s head tilted slightly, and then he responded slowly and deliberately as if talking to a child, “No. I just said I don’t know why you are here.” A little embarrassed, Celtir felt the need to apologize again, “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you to be direct. We’re used to everything being overly cryptic.” A brief, repeating hissing sound escaped from Es Sarch’s hood. Celtir assumed he was laughing. “We seek a woman…” At this point, Bootsy called from across the room only to be interrupted by Wencis elbowing him in the ribs, “Actually two, if you have an extra! Ooof!” Celtir continued, “Um… A woman named Fadheela. Have you heard of her?” Es Sarch appeared to think for a moment before answering, “Yes I know her. A high ranking individual with the Assassins Guild I believe, a dangerous woman to be sure.” “So, is she a Drow?” “No… To be honest I am not sure what she is, though I suspect she’s a Medusa.” “We have reason to believe she’s associated with a group calling them selves the Vanguard of Sertrous. Do you know anything of this organization?” Es Sarch paused once again before answering. “I know something of what you speak, but to learn more, I will have to expend resources. Thus I propose an alliance. Aid me with a few tasks I’d prefer to be accomplished by those outside Pedestal’s power structure. Upon completion of these tasks, I’ll know more of Fadheela. In your debt for your favors to me, I will deliver that information to you. What say you?” Celtir thought for a moment. “Can you give us some time to consider? My companions and I will have to discuss this privately. Can you give us until… say… tomorrow?” Es Sarch gave a gracious nod, “Take what time you will. The offer shall remain open.” Celtir nodded back, “Thank you for your time.” As he sat back down at the table, he paused as he looked at the plate that was set before him. Bootsy grinned, “We ordered you some Sweetmeat. We thought it would be a confectionary, but apparently around here it’s just a fancy name for pickled brains. Eat up, we don’t want to appear rude.” End of Session 7 [/QUOTE]
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