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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Look_a_Unicorn" data-source="post: 892257" data-attributes="member: 11886">Session Played on 5/4/2003, Part 1The Feacal Material Strikes the Rotating Air Displacers New Characters:Arrold (Human Male Mage/Rogue/Arcane Trickster) Played by ChunkyArrold should have been amongst the same group of Alumni from the Academy Magicka as Malachi, however many accumulated minor infringements, primarily as a result of jokes played on fellow students or teachers, resulted in Arrold being dismissed from the Academy on the grounds of “A soul not suited to the dedication needed to master serious Arcane Arts”.After bidding his friends goodbye, he then began to jaunt around the Planes- however he unwisely “borrowed” an item of some importance from a Succubus who tracked him down & made him her servant. It took Arrold a long time, two years in fact, to discover a means of breaking the magical compulsion bonding him to the Succubus- but break the bonds he did, and studies he had conducted in secret allowed him to master the arts necessary to bond her to HIS will.Returning to the Prime after his long enforced servitude, he left the Succubus to pursue certain goals while he took one of her minions, a Quasit, along as his new familiar. The Quasit, Geeh, allowed him to keep in regular contact with the Succubus. Once on the Prime he found a job advertising what seemed to be easy, quick cash- a Lord Malachi of Brightstone needed explorers to investigate an area on the fringes of civilisation & report back any dangers in the area, a snip for someone with Arrold’s talents…. More importantly if he played his cards right he might get a chance at this Lord Malachi’s treasury as well….Lia Nailo (Half-Elf Female Druid) Played by NerindaLia helped Teame, Umgar and Bes to fight a group of Githyanki who were torturing a group of villagers on the Plane of Isgard, and then agreed to accompany them further as the same group of Githyanki recently defeated had already devastated the area that was originally her charge.As the ill-fated plane-shifting back to the Prime & into the Ocean, took place, Lia was able to change her form into that of a whale & thus not drown, but could do little as Teame & Umgar plunged swiftly into the depths, dragged down by their armour. Swimming in what she hoped was the right direction, Lia eventually came across land & a nearby village was able to give her directions to Nharden Keep. However the villagers had never heard of “Brightstone Keep” that Teame and Umgar had detailed as the home of their friends.Luckily, at Nharden Keep Lia was able to get directions to Brightstone. (“Head on that road leading South love, you’ll get there eventually. Brightstone is the Keep that watches over Marikest.”)Previously: Deeper expeditions into the strange underground region carved beneath Tara’s Keep have been dogged by traps, geological perils, ambushes and monstrous defenders. It is revealed how woefully short of adventuring equipment the party currently is. And after all that, the progress of the mighty adventurers was thwarted by a mere physical barrier.Back onboard the Arma, Malachi researches what is necessary to heal the wounds inflicted on his companions by the powerful Clay Golem. As the tip of his Diviner’s Staff casts a pale light against his old student’s tome on Construct Lore, it becomes apparent that the wounds will only be closed by very powerful healing magic. “Lorren, back in Marikest has the awesome power to raise the dead from their graves, alive and not gibbering on about “braaiiiinnns.” Surely these wounds will not be beyond his piety” Malachi told his suffering companions.Coincidentally the word brain was also currently passing through Arrold’s mind, in the context of “Where are these guardsmen’s brains” as he explained himself to the gate guard for the second time “Yes, I’m here to speak to the Lord of Brightstone. A notice in Onrek said he was after scouts and…”“Ahhhh” The light dawned upon the Guard’s face, “Sorry, it’s just that the Lord has already returned, trailing an army of giant men too, can you believe it!! They’re just outside Marikest now.” An impatient glint in Arrold’s eye caused the guard to get back on track. “Well, the scouts came back already you see. Leastways, some of them did. And Lord Malachi returned just yesterday.”“Well where’s he gone and how long will it take, how many days travel is it to this Tara’s Keep?”With a slight stiffening of displeasure the guard angrily responded to the insulting tone in Arrold’s manner “Lord Malachi’s ordered that flying ship to take him on some kind of rescue mission to Tara’s Keep. He always has been a bit daft like that.”“Well who is in charge with Lord Malachi gone?” Arrold managed to ask with a degree more civility.“Why that would be the Lord Ugman usua..” was all the guard managed to get out before Arrold interrupted with “Well then, may I speak to Lord Ugman?”Closing his still open mouth the guard sucked in his breath before responding “Usually it would be no because Lord Ugman is quite happy sticking to proper fighting & training, not messing around with anything red-tapey, thank you very much. This time it’s no because he’s gone off on some quest or something. I think he was getting a bit irritable being cooped up. After all he hasn’t had anyone to fight since the Battle of Marikest.”This time Arrold interrupted the guard by holding up a gold coin in front of his face “Look, I’d love to hear you yap on all day, but instead, I’ll give you this if you take me to whoever it is that can get me in touch with Lord Malachi. Nod if you understand and agree.” Slowly the guard nodded, and then much faster took the offered coin. A curt reply of “I’ll take you to the Seneschal, my Lord” was far more satisfactory to Arrold then a history lesson from a guard with abominably bad breath.A few minutes later the guard had discreetly attracted the attention of a harried looking Dwarf in very fine garments. Fine garments by dwarfish standards that is, meaning that the metal was of very high grade indeed.“Seneschal Maros, I have a visitor by the name of Arrold who has business with Lord Malachi”. With a nod from Maros the guard saluted & headed back down the corridor to his post. Maros had meanwhile discreetly looked over the stranger with a critical eye. “Very well then, if you would like to accompany me, for the trivial cost of 20 gold you may use one of our communication stones. The fee is both to offset their cost, and to prevent you disturbing Lord Malachi with trivialities.” Maros’ broad grin indicated that it would probably also assist in purchasing a suit of mithral chain at some later date.As the Arma rose into the sky once more, with orders to ascertain if any Frost Giants had been shadowing the path of the Ugarri, Malachi, Ull & Sir Mandrake bid farewell to Teame. With a final farewell the giant warrior began to stride off towards his people at their temporary encampment outside Marikest.Malachi led Sir Mandrake & Ull through Marikest towards the recently expanded Temple of Pelor, home to the kindly cleric Lorren. Malachi was gratified to notice that although some children running after the intriguing sight, trying to match their giant strides, the Ugarri refugees seemed to have found a degree of acceptance amongst the people of Marikest.  There did however still appear to be some mixed reactions to the few insectoid Klackons who had begun to explore the human society in the lands above their underground Empire.The acolyte standing outside the door to the Temple eyed the battered group with some concern, but his greeting was filled with respect and good humour as he informed them “Another acolyte has already gone to inform Lorren of your arrival, Lord Malachi. He will also be aware that you would have injured companions. We found out via the excited children gossip network a good 5 minutes ago.”Malachi thanked the acolyte with a small smile and entered the temple antechamber, beautifully adorned with symbols of Pelor’s radiance. Shortly thereafter the aged cleric Lorren strode in with a wide smile for the group. The smile diminished somewhat once he viewed the condition that the warrior’s were in but with calm efficiency asked what he could do to help.“Good Lorren, the magicks available to us have not the strength to heal these wounds. They require the most potent healing that the Gods provide to we mortals. Are these magicks that you can perform?”“Ahhhh it saddens me that I cannot help you. I have not yet received such grace. However I think the temple vault may contain such powerful spells. Please wait here.” The aging cleric quickly left the room as acolytes brought the party watered wine & indicated that they should sit while they waited Lorren’s return. After a few minutes Lorren returned, clutching a dusty scroll case. He seemed somewhat hesitant as he approached the party.“My Lord Malachi, I have located two scrolls that will perform the healing required- however they are the only such scrolls that we possess.”“Good Lorren, it would be my pleasure to provide you with twice as much gold as you need to replace these scrolls!”With a grateful nod, Lorren unfurled the fine vellum. As he began to speak in deep tones, light beamed through the stained glass windows over Sir Mandrake & Ull, until it was far too bright to look at directly. Suddenly the light dimmed, then died … and the grievous wounds that had been plaguing the warriors were gone as though they had never existed.Lorren was left with both a writ to recover the gold from Malachi’s chest and the profuse thanks of the party. After spending some time chatting to the townsfolk of Marikest, the group then returned to the Arma & continued on to Brightstone.Pocketing the small pouch tossed to him by Arrold, Maros turned to a shelf with a number of objects & picked up a small rock. “What message would you like to convey, good Sir?”Before Arrold could respond a guard stepped in, saluted then announced “The watch has spotted the Arma approaching from the direction of Marikest, Seneschal.”Maros cheerfully replaced the stone on the shelf and indicated that Arrold should follow him “It would appear that you have the opportunity to speak to Lord Malachi without need of the stone. Allow me to take you to him.”Quashing the urge to regain his gold by making use of his small pouch-cutting knife, Arrold follows the Seneschal into Brightstone’s feasting hall, which apparently serves double duty as Malachi’s meeting room. Arrold has only to wait a short time before a small cluster of people entered the room, messengers being drawn into the swirl and then rocketing out again at a frenzied pace. Two heavily armoured warriors, one in strange purple plate-mail covered in arcane runes, seem amused by all the activity centred around their bearded companion in blood and travel-stained robes. Maros, standing slightly apart from the swirl waits for the flow of orders erupting from the Mage’s mouth to dry up, and then discreetly coughs to attract his attention.“My Lord, this is the visitor Arrold, who desires a meeting with you.”A surprisingly youthful grin split the Mage’s face, lightening his grave features considerably. “Arrold, old friend! We haven’t seen each other in…. six years now?”Arrold looks puzzled as the unknown Lord extends a hand in greeting.“Ummm, my Lord…it’s…good to see you…again?” Arrold uncertainly replied.Malachi’s smile diminished slightly in disappointment “Arrold, it’s me. Malachi. Surely you haven’t forgotten the Academy already. Or perhaps you’ve been enchanted by a spell that effects your memory…” The Mage then stared intently at Arrold, as though he could dispel any such magicks with a mere gaze.The intent gaze reminded Arrold of someone from the Academy Magicka…a friend in fact, constantly directing that same gaze at one dusty text or another.“Malachi… as in Book-Nose Malachi?! You’re a Lord now? By Olidammara, of course I didn’t recognise you. The stories I had heard made me think of The Lords of Brightstone as great Heroes, and to be completely honest I had pictured you as more of the incredibly well qualified librarian type. It … took me a while to place your face under that beard too” said Arrold with good humour. “It is truly good to see you again! I’ve been wanting to tell you for ages how impressed I was when I heard of how you thwacked old Korugan!”Malachi face turned slightly away as he replied in a distant tone “I thought that all who knew of that had been spell-bound to prevent them speaking of it with anyone but Council members?”Arrold’s eyes darted imperceptibly to the left “An acquaintance of mine let it slip in a period of indiscretion.” he grinned with easy humour.“Never mind… that. They are not the most pleasant of memories in any case. Although, you must then also know what he was doing? Summoning demons? I had to stop him, surely you would agree” the calm manner with which this is spoken nearly hides the beseeching need in Malachi’s eyes.Aware of a topic that would always lead into far safer waters, Arrold begins with a sincere agreement, before asking “And is that not the Sceptre of Ve'arteal, one of the relics on which you based the research for your Graduating Exhibit”?Malachi grinned and said, “Why else did you think I chose to work beneath Master Korugan? It was to get a chance to study the Artefact up close… and since then, in action.” Malachi grinned as he patted the weapon.“It is indeed a pleasure to see you again Arrold, but I am most curious as to why you came to Brightstone in the first place, given that you couldn’t have been coming to see me.” Malachi politely inquired.“Ahhhh, I have only recently returned to the Prime, and needed some fast cash. I read about the need for scouts & thought I’d come along and volunteer. Maybe earn a bit extra by actually taking out the monsters rather than just finding them” winked Arrold.“Well to date the job of protecting this area from threats has fallen on the shoulders of those that are either Lords of Brightstone or on their way to becoming one. And as far as “something extra”, you would be receiving an equal share of any acquired treasure. I may even be able to make a few items for you.” The serious look on Malachi’s face lightens slightly as he raises an eyebrow to add, “It would be an honour to share your company once again, as long as you have not continued your habit of irritating pranks…” Arrold begins regaling Malachi with a few tales of pranks played, and by the time dinner is served Malachi is holding his sides for fear they will split.As the servants bought out the evening meal, Malachi remembered his duties and introduced Arrold to his other two companions, Ull & Sir Mandrake. While Mandrake welcomes the newcomer, Ull remains slightly distant, wary of travelling with yet another magic user.Feeling a gnawing on his boot, Arrold looks down to see Squeak going to work on the tough leather. He is about to…nudge… the animal away with his boot when he hears Malachi laughing at him. “You remember my companion Squeak, surely? He says he’ll leave your boot alone if you let whoever it is he smells in your pocket out to play with him”With a grin, Arrold pulls a squirrel out of his side pocket & the two animals begin to chase each other around the room. “I didn’t think weasels lived this long Malachi?”“Well no, not normally. But after I found out how to bond a familiar to aid me, well Squeak seemed the natural choice. He’s been with me ever since, and hardly looks a day older” Malachi smiled fondly at his scampering companion.“And your squirrel, how did you come by him?”“Ahhhh, Geeh was a gift from an acquaintance” Arrold replied evasively.The conversation was interrupted as a guard strode up to the group, saluted and announced that another visitor had arrived at Brightstone’s guards.“And the name of this visitor” inquired MalachiThe guard paled slightly as he realised that he hadn’t even thought to ask, “Sorry my Lord, I’m not sure. I was a bit taken aback when she appeared in front of me.”“Appeared? She was invisible before then?”“Well no my Lord, she was a bird.”“A bird. Hmmmm. Well check her for weapons & spell components then send her in.”The guard hurried out, quickly returning with a slim Elven lady clad in what looked to be sections of timber, joined by leather & horn.The elven lady smiled pleasantly and introduced herself to the seated companions. “Good evening my Lords, I am Lia Nailo. I have come to ask you, the friends of my most recent companions, for assistance.”Each of the party members greeted her & introduced themselves in turn before Sir Mandrake confidently asserted, “Fear not, good Lady. I am always willing to assist a damsel in need.”Having heard of how she had changed from bird-form, Ull was not so quick to trust appearances “If she is truly in need, then of course we shall help. But first, my Lady, who are these companions that you call our friends.”The blush that Sir Mandrake had caused to bloom in her cheeks faded somewhat as Lia Nailo turned to Ull and replied, slightly stiffly “I was referring to Bes, Umgar and Teame. They had mentioned Brightstone Keep as the home of friends of theirs. But if my presence here is a nuisance to you, then I shall depart.”Malachi sought to break the tension as Ull & Lia eyed each other “Oh yes! How foolish of me to have forgotten. You are the companion that Teame spoke of, the one who joined them in the village where they fought the Githyanki, correct? Please, join us for dinner and tell us what assistance you seek.”Breaking eye contact with Ull, Lia turned to Malachi and gave him a gracious nod before seating herself. As a servant brought out food & wine to the newly arrived Elf, Lia slowly began to speak “I am sorry to bear such ill tidings, but I must first inform you that Umgar & Teame have drowned. I tried to save them, but their armour dragged them into the depths too quickly for me to follow.”Lia’s words did not have the devastating impact she had anticipated. Although an element of sadness crossed the features of Malachi, there was only understanding in his voice as he leant forward and softly spoke “We already had received words of these tiding from Teame. He returned by the power of some unknown being, and has gone to seek absolution from his God amongst his people. He told us of your efforts to rescue him & Umgar, for which I think you.”As Lia opened her mouth in disbelief and started to speak, Malachi anticipated her question “I’m sorry, but no. We have not yet heard from him. It would seem that whatever creature saved Teame had no interest in Umgar.”“Well. I see… will you drink with me? To Umgar’s memory” spoke Lia, as she raised her glass high.The group all drank to the lost companion. Those who had never met Umgar still had great respect for the Warrior-Cleric, due to their companions’ tales of his courage and heart.After a quiet moment, Sir Mandrake remembered his Knightly obligations. Turning to Lia he quietly asked, “My Lady, if there is no more news perhaps you will be so kind as tell us in what manner we may assist you?”Looking around at the expectant faces, Lia heaved a sigh and replied, “I began to travel with Umgar, Teame & Bes as my home & friends on Isgard had all been wiped out by those Githyanki murderers. Now I am on a foreign Plane, with no friends & no place to call home. While I have many powers at my disposal, I know not which cause to wield them in.”After waiting for the chorus of “Never fear my Lady” “You may accompany us!” and other such sentiments to be echoed around the table, Malachi spoke up “This is happy circumstance indeed, my Lady. I have been seeking a Druid to take up residence around Marikest- or indeed in Brightstone itself, if that is your wish. Although I know little of non-arcane magicks, by all reports your ilk have many powers which could be put to good use in ensuring the comfort and prosperity of this land.”“What powers were you referring to, my Lord?”“Well, stopping vile weather destroying the town’s crops, keeping wild beasts away from the town, preventing plagues & diseases. That kind of thing.”“While such abilities have indeed been granted to me, they cannot be made use of lightly, or for the wrong cause.”“Well, I do not think you will ever have cause to disagree with the requests I foresee being asked of you, but even so, if you agree to help us, you shall have complete autonomy over whether or not you grant the requests we ask of you.”With a smile Lia acquiesced “Such an offer is most respectfully made. I will happily accept your offer of home & companionship. In return I will offer use of my powers to help your people… when such use does not conflict with my own views. And although I will gladly dine at your table, it is indeed my preference to sleep in the Mother’s care.”With that same youthful grin, Malachi raises his glass and toasts “To new & old friends both. May Vuk smile upon us all!”The remainder of the dinner was a pleasant affair as each party member relaxed with the assistance of fine food, excellent wine & pleasant company. As the delicate pastries that were the final course were consumed, Malachi attracted the gathered companies attention. “This has been a most pleasant evening, but I must now tell you of some recent events as you will each need to make a decision on whether or not you accompany me tomorrow morning.” The group listened carefully as Malachi explained his plans to link the Council’s charge to open a pass from North to South, the magical creation of Tara’s Keep and the role of the Ugarri in guarding the pass. Continuing, Malachi told of Marcus’s return without his companions and what the group has thus far encountered in their forays into Tara’s Keep. Finally Malachi explains his plans to rescue any prisoners “I believe I know Reg well enough to be able to locate him by scrying. If he is still alive, and I can find him, my mirror will allow me study the area that Reg is being held in. Once I know the area well enough then I can simply teleport us all in to his location, we free him and any other prisoners there and then we return to Brightstone. On the following day we return, and with the prisoners safe we can root out whoever has created the catacombs beneath Tara’s Keep and they will not be able to use the prisoner’s safety against us.”“A reasonable plan, although heavily reliant on magic. What I’m concerned about is if they have more of those clay guards, it wasn’t easy taking it out with my fists!” Ull exclaimed.“I will be able to help you with the teleport, Malachi. I’ve learned a few new tricks over the years” interjected Arrold “but what I really need is a weapon of some kind, if we’re going into an iffy situation.”Lia & Mandrake had no problems with the plan, although Lia decreed that if trouble arose, she would stay with the prisoners to ensure their safety.“In the morning I will take those who need additional equipment to Brightstone’s armoury. And I am more concerned with the creator of the Clay Golem, rather than the Golem itself.”“Yeah, the only reason your not concerned is because you didn’t have to face the damn thing!” Ull interjected“Hardly fair Ull. I am fully aware of how powerful such creations are. What I am concerned of is that only a very powerful individual could make such guardians. Now if there is nothing else, I will leave you for the evening, as I have many studies to attend to.”Arrold, realising he may never have as good an opportunity to unveil an unpleasant surprise decided that it would be far better if it was discovered now, rather than in a more volatile situation.Arrold whistled to Geeh, and as the squirrel jumped up on the table in front of him, he cleared his throat “Ummm, everyone.” Once he had the full group’s attention he continued by saying “There is something I should probably show you now, but I don’t think you’ll like it.”That said, Arrold sent a telepathic command to Geeh, and the familiar changed back into it’s true form- the twisted body of a Quasit.The response was electrifying. While Lia & Sir Mandrake looked on with only a degree of apprehension and curiosity respectively, Ull’s chair toppled backwards as he sprang out of his chair and drew his purple edged blade in one swift motion. Malachi’s chair rocketed backwards as well, as the Mage rose with one hand levelled at the small demon, his fingers crackling with potent magicks.As Arrold moved to protect his familiar, Ull managed to turn his blow so it carved the table’s wood rather than Arrold’s flesh. As he drew his sword back, ready to strike again, Ull bellowed “Do you know what that thing is! It is demon-spawn! Seek not to protect it, Mage”“YOU FOOL! You bring a demon beneath my roof, have you lost your senses!” Malachi’s face was red with rageAt this, Sir Mandrake also stands & draws his weapon, though seems unsure as to who he should be using it on. Lia rises and calmly begins to say “Wait, put your weapons away. I’m sure Arrold…” before she is cut off by Arrold “Wait, don’t hurt Geeh. Yes, I know it’s a demon but it’s under my control, just let me expl…” who was in turn cut off by Malachi’s cold voice threatening “Explain quickly then… friend.”Arrold attempts to defuse the situation his announcement had caused by earnestly explaining “When I was travelling the planes I got trapped by a Succubus, forced to do her labour for nigh on two years. But I found a way of breaking her hold on me, then bound her in turn. This Quasit is how I ensure she is still under my sway.”Ull spat & responded “Foolish Mage! Demons are not bound to their word! It is devils that will abide by a compact. Demons promise one thing and then do the other.” Arrold began to glare, before remembering he probably shouldn’t provoke the Holy Warrior “I know that. The Succubus is magically bound, not contractually. She has had to carry out my wishes precisely. She would have killed me first chance she got if she was allowed to do so.”Malachi snorted contemptuously at this “Ull is right. Arrold, you are a fool. I don’t care if the hell-spawn is bound to your will or not. We both passed the same courses on Onrekian law, you know that any dabbling in the black arts means your death. You are doubly a fool as you have already shown that you are aware I turned in my own Master for that very reason! Do you think I will be any more forgiving of your trespass!! Those who conspire with demons become tainted by demons.”Arrold, slipping into habitual boredom by Malachi’s lecturing tone, notices Geeh surreptitiously trying to grab hold of a fork with his agile tail. A stern mental command stops the Quasit before it can continue it’s undoubtedly malicious action.Arrold, adopting his most pleading look, spreads his arms wide and explains, “You’re right, I did do the same courses. But remember, the law only condemns summoning demons, this one accompanied me, I did not summon it!! As to being tainted, well what can I do to convince you I am under no demon’s thrall?”Malachi hesitates a moment before firmly responding, “You cannot. This is what WILL happen. That thing is banished from Brightstone & all the lands we protect. If I see it again in this realm I will destroy it. You, Arrold, will stay under the supervision of the group until we are certain you are not under any demon’s thrall.Ull, turning his innate ability to detect evil on Arrold, addresses Malachi and says “I can’t detect anything actively evil in his soul at the moment, but I think it’s too risky. What will stop him murdering us all in our beds, in a demon does control him?”Malachi gives a grim smile before saying “We will have to look into measures to prevent just that. But Ull, please do me a small favour.” Ull raises an eyebrow “After dinner, please show Arrold the way to his room. It is the one coming off yours.”With a satisfied nod, Ull agrees to the “small favour”. Arrold, looking relieved, clears his throat and interjects in a quiet voice “Thank you for the chance to prove myself.”With a final sweeping gaze that meets the eyes of all present in turn, Malachi announces “Good night everyone. Make your way to my room as the rooster crows on the morrow” before turning & striding out of the room. Each group member then makes their way to their own beds, reflecting on the night’s discussion.Edit: Auto-censor smilied out "As the co....ck crows on the morrow. Damn context insensitiveness!"</blockquote>

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