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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 7998198" data-attributes="member: 6971069">The Limits of the Dead - 5/25/2020 No one likes being told ‘You cannot do this.’  It took the Harmonium five hundred years to learn that, and only after the Lady of Pain kicked them out of Sigil.  But like it or not, we have limits.  Some overcome them, some are consumed by them.  And others, find alternative ways. The last one is the most interesting, if not the most dangerous.   I sat there awkwardly as I watched the different reactions of my friends.  Beepu’s mouth opened and closed several times in confusion, unable to render his thoughts into words.  Daneath looked stricken; the look of pain and confusion on his face as the fate of his father was revealed.  Iesa on the other hand, looked somewhere between anger and disappointment; like someone else had beaten him to the punch.“Dead,” Daneath said simply in disbelief.“So, he was a zombie following Pachook?” Iesa said and turned to look at Beepu accusingly.“Wait,” Daneath caught Iesa’s tone and also turned to look at the gnome.  “What did Pachook do to him?”Beepu sat up in surprise.  “What?!? I do not believe my father would reanimate yours and…haul him around like luggage!”Melandrach raised his hand, silencing the three.  After waiting a moment, he continued:“Umbra was not a simple undead creature; he spoke, if but little.  He was no servant to Pachook, his will was his own.  But despite his attempts to conceal it, it was clear he was no longer among the living.”I thought a moment and realized there was an explanation.  While I wouldn’t have called myself an expert on the undead, Kelemvor was always very specific about destroying them when found…usually.  I remembered my mentor mentioning that some undead, like the ghosts in Flint Rock could be laid to rest by addressing their unfulfilled needs that trapped them.  But it was another case he warned me about; where the will of an individual would not allow themselves to pass beyond, instead letting bitterness and hate hold them to a task not yet done.“He was a revenant, wasn’t he?” I asked the king, looking at him squarely in the eyes.Melandrach nodded.  “I believe that is indeed was the case, but he did not speak on what drove him, or why.”“How long ago was it since they both passed through here?” I continued.“It has been almost two years since I saw them both,” Melandrach said simply.Over a year ago.  I took a sip of the wine I held, but barely tasted it thinking, as Beepu spoke up again.  “See?  I told you Pachook had nothing to do with it,” he said smiling.  Then he frowned and looked at me.  “I think right?”I slowly shook my head and explained.  “No.  A revenant is a…undead thing that seeks out…its murderers.”  Iesa took a sharp intake of breath and looked at Daneath, who sat there frowning listening to me.  “They usually just head straight for them…but sometimes they will…ask for help. Especially against ones they…cannot defeat alone,” I said quietly.“So…he needed Pachook’s help.  He was killed by the Kershak’s people, and Pachook was building something.  Perhaps a way to seek revenge?” Iesa said.“Maybe,” I said and took another sip.  “But he was running out of time.”Daneath head turned to look at me, “What do you mean?”“A revenant is created by a strong will of revenge,” I said trying to be delicate about the subject.  “But it can’t hold off the call to the Fugue forever.  It either kills its murder or murderers…or it fades away in bitter anger.”Deneath nodded and asked the question, “How long does it have?”“A year.  No more.” I said looking at him sadly.  “If he hasn’t killed his murderer yet, he’s…already gone.”“He must have succeeded!” Iesa declared.  “That means the Kershak is probably is dead already—”“—No.” I interrupted. “The Kershak may not have done it; it could have been that halfling, Paradros or someone else.  But he’s gone by now,” I said looking down, not wanting to look at either brother.“So, then the only one who can clear this up, may be my father,” Beepu said quietly.“I am afraid so,” Melandrach said.  “I sincerely hope that he left you a message or clue in the things he left for you.  I truly hope that nothing has befallen Pachook.”“It may take me some time…reading my father’s notes was never easy,” Beepu said concerned.“Of course, I understand,” Melandrach said.  “Now, that your father’s wishes have been delivered to you, it is time to deliver mine.”  We all turned our heads to look at the elf who sat there regarding us with a smile.  “You have all done a great service for my people and my kingdom.  You are, welcome to stay here my realm until you are ready to leave.”“Um…thank you,” Daneath said looking at Iesa and Beepu.  “I don’t know how long we can—”“—long enough for the armor I have commissioned to be ready I hope,” Melandrach said with a smile.“Armor?”  Daneath asked.“Yes.   A fine suit of mithral, to do battle against your foes.  I do think you should be as prepared as one can be.”“Wow…that’s…I’m honored,” Daneath stammered.“And as for you Iesa, it seems that your archery could be improved with a bow worthy of your stature,” the elf continued.  “One carved from the the yew trees found deep in the forest here.”Iesa’s eyes grew wide for a moment and then his head started to nod vigorously.    “Yes…sure…please…thank you,”Melandrach turned to Beepu smiling, “I foresee that your father’s writings will keep you busy, but as one who is skilled with the Weave, our libraries and lessons on spells are open to you, as is any knowledge that can assist you on your quest to find Pachook.”Beepu nodded once saying, “That would be more than acceptable.  A good-sized room for research as well if possible.”Melendrach gave a small laugh, “Of course; all your chambers should be more than adequate.”  He then turned to me and looked at me with curiosity."Ha-celas I admit to being somewhat at a loss on what I can provide for you.  So, I put it to you…what would you ask of us?”I sat there and thought a moment.  Things ran through my mind, but one stood out:I wanted to go home.I didn’t know if he could provide that, but as I thought about it, I was torn.  It seemed that I wasn’t done; I still felt that nagging guilt within me that I still owed Beepu, Iesa and Daneath.  But as I thought about it I realized, that selfishly I wanted something else.Here I was in the middle of a kingdom of elves and I wanted to experience it.  The closest I had ever been to any since my visit to the Gilded Hall in Arborea.  But there, we stayed away from the elven lands, though the spires and the pennant were visible from the highest part of the Hall; only the elves were welcome in Arvandor.   But Sigil had few elves, and I knew little of their culture, their history, and only scattered bits of language.“I…would like to learn more about the elves if I could.  So, to study and learn about your ways…would be an honor,” I said with humility.He laughed again, “It will be weeks until the armor is ready, and so your request is easy to grant to all of you.  Tutors in our language can be found here and can help you expand your knowledge of the Tel’Quessir.   Surely there is something else?”My mind raced to come up with something.  Anything.  Put on the spot I was uncertain on what would be appropriate, when suddenly I thought about the tool the Apocrypha described.“There is one thing.  Some worked materials of iron or steel to help me…create something.  But,” and I shook my head as I said the words.  “It depends on if I can find something that was…described to me.”“I am certain that we can help you in this matter,” Melandrach said with a smile.  “Finally, with your coming to the heart of the realm, we also have planned two events.  First a service to remember those that have fallen, and a celebration of your victory within a tenday from now.   But now, your chambers are being prepared and you shall be escorted to them soon.  Please indulge yourself in our gardens and paths here while they are prepared.  I must however take my leave and address other matters.”Melandrach stood and, we all clambered to our feet and politely nodded.  As he started to walk away with an attendant, I called out to him.“I’m…I’m sorry, I do have a…small request,” I said timidly.Melandrach turned and looked at me bemused and waited.“I know you offered…tutors in your language.   Would it be possible to have a guide as well?”“A guide?  I do not understand,” Melandrach said puzzled.“Well,” I started awkwardly. “Someone that can help me…understand the social rules and culture.   Beyond the language.  Someone that can show me the Tel’Quessir as they are, not as a dusty book might say they are.” I finished feeling almost guilty for being so bold and asking.But Melandrach nodded approvingly, “Yes…I see.  You wish to drink at the depths of the well, with someone to assist you.   I…I think I have an idea.  Please wait by the pools here, and I will see what can be done Myrai."I bowed my head respectfully, and Melandrach returned the gesture and again made his way out of the room, leaving us to ourselves.“What was that about?” Iesa asked.“It is what I asked.  A guide so I can learn more about the elves themselves,” I said shrugging.“Elven armor,” Daneath said with awe.  “But I would have thought they would have a lot of that here,”“They probably do Daneath.  But not in your size.” Beepu observed, looking the man up and down.Daneath conceded, “Well…that’s probably true.”“Especially with a reinforced codpiece,” Iesa said with a grin.“Yeah with a…hey wait!” Daneath looked at Iesa with annoyance.  “At least you might be able to hit with a bow now.”“I doubt they could make me a worse shot than you,” Iesa said with a smile.  “An elven bow…wow.”“Well…the knowledge they have would have been lost to you two,” Beepu commented.  “I just will need to plan my time so I can absorb it all.  But what was it you were looking for Myrai?”“Oh…it was something called a corundum.” I said throwing my arms up.“What?  The one I gave you is not of use?” Beepu said surprised.“Huh?  Wait…what’s a—” I started.“It is the proper term for certain gemstones,” Beepu started.  “Notably rubies and sapphires.  I think that hobgoblin booyagh had one which I told Iesa to—"“You didn’t say it was a gem!” Iesa said in surprise.  “I thought it was some cheap crystal.”“It was a sapphire specifically, but unlike most it wasn’t blue, but more of a violet; most likely because of the magical energy it was exposed to.”  Beepu said exasperated.   “And because of that exposure, they tend to be interesting.”Frowning, Iesa asked “So why didn’t you keep it?”“Because it wasn’t interesting to me.  But…” Beepu shrugged “Myrai might have a use for it.  Otherwise, it isn’t the best cut of corundum.”Iesa shook his head, “Well I guess it doesn’t matter.  We’re going to be here a week or two—”“Not quite,” Daneath said patting Iesa on the back.  “More like months.”“Months?” Iesa said surprised.“Armor isn’t quick to make if we are waiting for it.” Daneath pointed out.“And I will say, the brief glance I had at the notes and writings and based on the time it took in Waterdeep...months is likely going to be right.  Something tells me there was a reason to go to Silverymoon, and it was not to go home.”“Why is that?” I asked.“My mother is still there, and she has not seen my father at all.  Not at least since we left Waterdeep.  So, if he did go there, he either did not stop to say hello, or he was rushing elsewhere.  Either way, his notes will have the answers I am certain.”“You always wanted to be around elves, right Iesa?” I said with a smirk.Iesa gave me a wolfish smile.  “I suppose you are right there.  Do you suppose…?”I shrugged, “Honestly, I would say smile and listen.  I don’t know anything about elven culture, but I do know that people like to talk about things that interest them.”Iesa nodded to himself thoughtfully and said nothing.At that moment, a pair of elves arrived and tilted their heads in a slight bow towards us.“Son of Pachook, we have prepared a chamber for you that your father frequently used.  It is near our lyceum so you will not be far from any knowledge that we can share with you. If you would follow me,” One said smiling and waited expectantly.Beepu nodded in approval.  “I will see you later tonight…maybe?”“I doubt we will see you until the events,” Daneath said with a grin.  “Something about books and diagrams make you forget the time,”“Ah…well.  Right.  Come Foggle,” and Beepu picked up the small chest and walked, quickly following the elf.The second attendant smiled, “Sons of Umbra, your chambers are ready near the practice halls.  If you would follow me,” and the humans looked at each other and clasped each other on the backs and strode following the attendant.“See you later Myr,” Iesa said.  “I can’t wait to see how the elves do things…” and their voices trailed off in as they followed their guide.I sighed a moment and looked around the rotunda where I was, and I spied a short set of steps that led to a pathway into the gardens.  I picked up my pack, discarded by my seat and followed it.The garden was not a manicured affair but was wild.  Flowers and vines from trees gave the air a heavy sweet scent.  In the center was a fountain, where water cascaded from a stacked set of shallow bowls, set off-center from each other, so the water flowed around a central pillar as it dropped from bowl to bowl before emptying into the pool at the bottom.  The sun was overhead and lit the flowers and the leaves around me into a kaleidoscope of color.  It had all the familiar aesthetics of the Civic Festhall’s galleries, but without the need for structure.  It was a wild tangle of plants and shrubs, and vines curled around columns that surrounded the pool.I sat on the stone edge of the pool and sighed at the wonder.  Smiling, I let my hand trail across the surface of the water, causing ripples to scatter. Of all the places I had been so far here on Toril, this was the most peaceful and serene place I had ever been.  Waterdeep was a grand city, if smaller than Sigil, but it was that, a noisy city.  The small towns of Yartar, Daggerford, Secomber, and even Triboar had a rustic charm with their own rhythms of doing things, but they weren’t quiet, just less noisy.  And even the solitude you could find with the great deep ruins in the forest or the tombs at Flint Rock, while quiet, didn’t give me the ease I felt in this place right now.I closed my eyes and thought that it would be nice to experience things at a slower pace; a peaceful one.  To take my time and learn, and forget about, bargains and violence and the twisted emotions I had wrapped up in all of that.I was so enraptured that I didn’t realize that I was being quietly observed.Session Notes:This is the planned beginning of a second long downtime, that would last over three months of game time.  As such there were a number of rolled events that had a story attached to them which is what is going to follow.Most of the games I have played since, didn't really have down time; just a moving from place to place.  Which is great for some campaigns, but I did appreciate the options gf doing some of the things on the side.</blockquote>

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