Seldarn Empire - Halgo

[arwink]

Roughly 16th of September.

Halgo's sleeping, resting in the small room he's hired in Bellhold while training with the hedge-Magus Erius Methet. He's shocked awake by a loud WHUMP, as though someone had just slapped a heavy book against a giant table. He opens his eyes and looks around his room, then pauses. He's looking around his room, using real sight instead of Darkvision. Whatever's arrived, it's brought it's own light with it.

You look around. The light comes from a small puff of flame that's dancing near the ceiling, shedding dim light. Leaning against the far wall is a chalk-skinned human in dark robes. He's taller than the average man, and you notice his eyes have a golden sheen when they reflect the light. He seems relaxed, unconcerned with attack or Halgo's reaction. He doesn't say anything immediately, just stares at Halgo in curiousity...

 

[Capellan]

Ancestors!

Need a spell. Quick. What might work - Colour Spray?

Wait. Think.

There was no need to wake me. If he meant harm, I'd be dead in my sleep.

I sit up slowly, then very deliberately reach over for my spectacles, taking my time about getting them seated right on my nose.

Once I'm satisfied, I turn to the strange figure and raise my eyebrows.

"Good evening. How can I help you?"

 

[arwink]

The man shakes his head, and you notice there's something vaugely insect-like about the way he moves.

"Ah," he says. His voice is deep and smooth, like you've been dipped in warm mud. "My appologies. I wasn't expecting...well...one of your folk."

He offers you what almost looks like a pleasant grin.

"You *are* Halgo, aren't you? I haven't found myself in the wrong room?"

 

[Capellan]

"Aye. Halgo Torke. Though I'm surprised you've heard of me. Or at least, surprised you've heard of me without hearing what I am."

I stand and pour myself a glass of water from the jug I keep in my room, while gauging my chances of getting to the window, should I need to leave in a hurry.

"Can I offer you a drink, Mister .... ?"

I pause, waiting to see if he offers his name.

 

[arwink]

"Kelpreth," he says. "Just Kelpreth. My people don't believe in titles or honorifics, we simply are who we are. And I think something a little stronger would be pleasant, given the hour"

He reaches forward to touches the jug of water as your pour, a look of intense concentration on his face. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up a little, a sure sign he's casting *something.*

 

[Capellan]

I flinch a little, betraying my tension, but try to cover it by distracting him with a question.

"Your people? And who might they be? I don't recognise your race."

 

[arwink]

He touches the jug, and instantly the smell of honey mead fills the air.

"We're human," Kelpreth explains, "We've just freed ourselves from certain...planar complications. We're now more of a clan than a race. I think we're known as the Ki'rath in this world. I'm an aquaintance of your Mentor, the Sage Padbottom. He thought you might have use of our services, sooner or later. We were finally in a position to track you down."

He gestures for you to pour the mead, then slowly sips his cup.

"Ahh, it's right. One of the few pleasures I miss from this world. Something always goes wrong with the taste when I try it elsewhere. I spent cycles trying to remember where it came from."

He motions for you to drink, reaching into a small pack at his side. He pulls out a small pendant, made of silvery metal and bearing an ornate rune in a circular backing. He holds it towards you.

"For you. You make examine it magically before touching it, of course."

 

[Capellan]

I nod my thanks, and quickly mutter a detect magic cantrip. I study the pendant carefully to see if I can get an idea of the strength and type of magic that has been laid upon it. I also examine the rune, to see if I recognise its significance.

"I would have thought Milo would have mentioned my race ... or perhaps not. It might have been his idea of a joke to let you find out for yourself."

I invoke an aura of protection from evil, not bothering to conceal what it I'm casting, then hold out my hand for the pendant.

I leave my hand far enough short of him that he will have to step forward to give it to me.

Possibly extra-planar, from what he said. This might give a hint whether his claims are true.

 

[arwink]

The pendent detects as minor magic, with a divinatory effect. You also know the term Ki'rath from your early teaching. They're planar merchants, often utilised by mages of various types, but you can't remember much more than that.

"Milo didn't actually tell us that much. Your name came up during a transaction, and he explained you were once his student. We've always had a great deal of respect for Milo's students. Several of them have gone on to great things, and have become very reliable customers."

Kelpreth nods when you cast your protection from evil, and he concentrates once again. The pendent rises from his hand and floats through the air towards you.

"It's our calling card. Through it, we can contact you and, more importantly, you can contact us. Simply hold the pendent and concentrate, and someone shall answer. Perhaps not me, but someone will come, sooner or later. We are procurers of the arcane, the eldritch and the unknown, trading with beings accross a thousand planes. You'll find none better. Be it rare component, rare creatures or unknown magics, there is nothing we cannot find."

There is a slight pause here, and another insect-like crick of the neck. It almost looks like Kelpreth is embarressed.

"Which is partially why I'm here. You see, we're looking for a memory. Specifically, the memory of learning a spell, and we were wondering if you'd care to trade one of yours?"

 

[Capellan]

"My selection of spells is limited ..." I pause.

Wait. Did he just say ... ?

"What do you mean, my 'memoy of learning a spell'? It sounds like you want to copy one of my memories and give it to someone else ... you can do that?"