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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Seravin" data-source="post: 1223980" data-attributes="member: 6783">The Days in CorleanWhere to begin?  That’s a heck of a question.Perhaps at the front gates…The sun wasn’t down yet, but it wasn’t going to be long before darkness overtook the city for another evening.  Fortunately there was no line at the gates of the city as the five friends approached.  They had purchased a wagon in Thurmaster and loaded it with their captured weapons and armor and camping gear.  In the morning they hoped to sell the gear and convert their jewelry and coins to something a bit more manageable.“Anything to declare?”  Asked the gate guard as he looked over the travel worn group.“Like what?”  Asked Kestral, leaning forward a little and giving the guard her full attention.  There was nothing provocative in her movement or her words, just a simple gesture to appear friendly.The guard smiled at the young woman and answered her question good-naturedly.  “Trade goods mostly ma’am.  Wheat, cloth…things like that.”Kestral shook her head.  “We don’t have anything like that.”  She carefully did not mention the half-dozen magical weapons and the suits of magical armor laying in the back of the wagon under their packs.  Nor did she mention the gold and jewels.  After all, he hadn’t asked about those.  Instead she continued on.  “We’re coming up from Thurmaster to do some shopping.”The guard looked over the three men and two women and shrugged.  He’d never been to Thurmaster, but he had heard it was little better than a hole.  It seemed a little odd that anyone in Thurmaster could afford the weapons and armor two of the men wore; they were probably hired mercenaries.  It never occurred to the gate guard to question Kestral’s story though, she was so open and honest that she was obviously trustworthy.He reached to his pouch and pulled out some leather ties.  “The Empire’s laws still apply here on the border – you’ll have to peace-tie those weapons while you walk around with them.”  He looked at each of them in turn.  “You won’t need them while you’re here though so I suggest you leave them at whatever inn you decide to stay at.”Kellron met the guard’s gaze.  “Can you recommend one?”The guard looked Kellron over.  “The Scabbard is popular with the quiet types.  If you don’t mind hanging out with Sarathian officers who are stopping through.”Kellron smiled.  “That would be fine I think.”“You can’t miss it then.  Take this road on through to the Central Square.  The Sword House will be the big temple on your right; it will be flying the dragon standard.  The temple on the left is Latina’s.  The Scabbard will be this side of the Sword House.”  The guard paused and then remembering where they were from added, “Don’t mix it up with the first square you come to, that will be a little market square for the caravans.  You’ll know when you make it to Central Square.”“Thank you.”  Said Kellron as he nodded his thanks.  With that the five friends entered Corlean, a city of twenty four thousand people.The first night was almost uneventful.  Except for the excesses of course.  There’s always the excess.  In addition to the many magical items and the various pieces of jewelry they had recovered, the five had also recovered several thousand lions worth of coins.  After they had found and acquired rooms at the Scabbard, the group decided to do a bit of shopping before it got totally dark.  A random street urchin was more than willing to show them around for a couple coins and that’s when the spending started.Afterwards was the dinner.  Not just any dinner, but an evening meal.  After months of trail rations and watching what they ate at the Hounds and Tail in Thurmaster, only the best meal available for money was acceptable – with wine of course.  For over two weary months the five had traveled back and forth across Haranshire; they deserved their reward.Later that night after the damage was totaled, it turned out that between the five of them they had spent almost five hundred golden lions.  Some of those bottles of wine were expensive. Not bad for five newcomers to the big city who checked in at one of the better inns in town (and got their own private rooms).The new morning brought a flurry of activity.  Jallarzi announced her intention to head to the Library Embassy in town and apply for membership.  Panther waved his hand vaguely and said he was going to take a look about town and see what was up.  Kellron and Ashimar both went to Sword House to meet with the priesthood there.  They hoped that the priests or the commanders would be willing to buy the enchanted arms and armor, only the temples or the city guard would have the coin to afford it.  Kestral decided to go with the two men just to make sure they didn’t just hand over the items as a gesture of ‘good faith’.Jallarzi easily made her way to the southeast corner of the city where the Library stood, acting as an embassy for the Library to the Duke of Corlean, a waypoint for wizards traveling north, and a university for the children of those who could afford it.The main building of the Library (and no matter in which city a person is in, the embassy is always called ‘the Library’) was a square, three-story structure made of gray granite and white marble.  The steps and the area in front of the double darkwood doors were of the exquisite white marble, as well as the wide columns that lined the front area.  The grounds were green and immaculately kept with a polite sign that asked for people to stay off the grass.  Rumor had it that the grass would eat anyone who rude enough to ignore the sign.The side buildings were somewhat smaller, only two-stories tall and made of the same gray granite.  The walkways between the buildings were paved with the same stone as the building and were well worn with use.Taking a deep breath Jallarzi marched herself down the path and went up the marbled stairs to the front door.  Like the Library in Blasingdale, the front doors had a brass doorknocker mounted on them, though the one here was in the shape of a dragon's head, with the actual knocker mounted under the mouth.  The eyes of the brass dragonhead blinked at here as she waited expectantly in front of them.Finally the knocker spoke.  “Yessss?”  It hissed.Jallarzi took another deep breath.  “I would like to speak with somebody in charge.  I’d like to become a member.”The knocker blinked at that.  “Waaaaiiit.”It was only a short wait before the blank brass eyes blinked again, though Jallarzi had the uncomfortable feeling that she was being watched.  “Insssside.  To the left.  Wait there.”With that the two doors started to swing open. Jallarzi nodded smartly and made her way inside, following the directions and found herself in a small, comfortably appointed sitting room.  Oddly, she noted a smell reminiscent of the seaside.  The white-haired sorceress settled herself down to wait.  At least the chairs were comfortable.Eventually an older woman made his way into the sitting room and Jallarzi quickly stood.The dark-haired woman looked over the young half-elf with a critical eye.  “Good morning.  You may call meMaster Wymeah.  I understand you wish to join the Library?” She smiled encouragingly and motioned for Jallarzi to sit as she did the same.  Jallarzi sat and nodded.  “I do.  I’ve gone as far in my studies as I can and I feel that I need access to more formal training methods.”The woman seemed a little taken aback.  “Do you mean to say that you already have some magical training?”Jallarzi nodded.  “I do.”“I see.”  There was a long calculated pause.  “May I ask how you received your training?”Jallarzi paused for a bare moment.  “A wizard named Tauster has helped me most recently.”Master Wymeah leaned back in thought.  “Tauster?”  Suddenly recognition lighted in her eyes.  “Oh yes.  An older wizard with the Library?”Jallarzi nodded.  “That’s right.”Master Wymeah smiled pleasantly.  “I do believe we have lost track of the man.  Do you mind telling me where he now lives?  For our records you understand.”Again Jallarzi paused for a longer moment this time, what she considered is known only to her.  Finally, the young woman spoke.  “Thurmaster.”  She said.Master Wymeah nodded again.  “Oh really?  That’s good.  I’ll make sure our records get updated.  Now then, as for you, let’s see how much he managed to teach you.”Jallarzi easily past the tests in basic arcane knowledge and spellcraft use.  Master Wymeah was impressed with Jallarzi’s knowledge and skill and after a full day of testing agreed to admit the young wizard as a senior apprentice on remote duties (after the tuition fees were paid of course).  Jallarzi spent the next several days getting to know the other apprentices, perusing the library, and learning a few more utilitarian spells – though she was frustrated that the Library wouldn’t give her access to the more advanced battle spells.Additionally, Jallarzi passed on the rumors of the kidnapped spellcasters and what she and her companions had learned in past two months.  Once it was learned that they were going back she was immediately enjoined to continue keeping the Library updated on their progress.For his part, Panther wandered the streets of Corlean, picking up bits of knowledge and rumor and story like a sponge picked up water.  Most excitingly, he learned that the bard known as Imych Thassel was going to be in town shortly.  Panther had heard of the bard in his travels as the most recent winner of the Kerian College semi-annual Hunt; a contest where senior students are sent out into the world to find certain enchanted instruments.  Imych Thassel had won his harp the previous summer. The young half-elf hoped that he would get a chance to hear the bard play.Ashimar, Kellron, and Kestral made their way easily to Sword House, as it was only two streets up from the Scabbard.  After a half a day of dealing with various functionaries and junior priests they managed to gain a ten minute audience with Colonel Beka Megara, the second in command for the Order of the Victorious Dragon.  They audience was gained in no small measure due to Kestral’s verbal skills.Col. Beka Megara was an older woman in her late fifties.  Her hair had originally been black, but was now a uniform steel gray and she filled the red and black uniform of her order like a sword fills a sheath.  A sense of strength radiated from her lean form and dark gray eyes.  She was not a woman to be trifled with.She stood to greet the three friends as they were shown into her office.  “I understand you wish to see me.”  She greeted them politely if disinterestedly.  “You’ll understand that I’m a busy woman though and I can’t spare much time.”  The colonel smiled wryly.  “Despite the good impression that you made upon my orderly.”Kestral and Ashimar looked to Kellron.  “Thank you.  We do understand you’re busy and appreciate the time.  Have you heard about the troubles in Haranshire?”“Bandit trouble, if I recall correctly?”“Almost.  Kidnappers really, who are targeting wizards.”The colonel’s eyes widened just slightly.  “I see. I may have to spare more time than I thought.  Please sit and tell me all you know.”It didn’t take long for Kellron to fill the colonel in on their activities of the summer.  They told the good commander of the goblins living in the hills east of the New Mire and their involvement with the investigation of the kidnapping of Jelenneth.  The colonel’s mouth went tight at the mention of bandits working out of Broken Spire Keep.  Her lips went practically white at the mention of the Treshan priests leading the bandits.“Thank you for this information.  I’m to understand you are heading back to Haranshire?”Kestral saw her chance and nodded.  “We are, but we decided to come to Corlean to inform you folks and to stock up on supplies.”  She paused delicately.  “Also, we managed to salvage some items that we felt the church might find useful.  We are hoping to sell them but thought it would be fair that the church get first crack.”The good colonel found herself liking the irrepressible young woman almost immediately, in spite of herself.  She could recognize a sales pitch when she heard one but the woman really was quite charming.  “Go on.”<dm’s note: I believe Kestral’s player rolled a 19 or 20 on the diplomacy check.>“We have several pieces of armor and some weapons for which we have no use for but are all enchanted in some way, verified by two separate mages I might add.  Would your order have a use for these?”“We just might.  I’ll have a word with my orderly when you leave.  He’ll be able to lead you to stores and they can determine if anything you have would be worthwhile to us.  There’s some trouble brewing up north and it’s likely the additions would be useful.”The colonel looked at all of them.  “The reason I ask if you’re going back to Haranshire is that I would like to see this matter concluded.  The thought of Treshan’s operating within the heart of the Empire is not acceptable.  Unfortunately I do not presently have the manpower to send an adequate force to Haranshire to root them out."  The colonel paused and nodded with respect at the three.  "You folks appear to be doing an excellent job however and I would like you to continue.  In return the church of Sarath can offer you aid as well as possibly buy anything you can salvage.”Kestral let out a slow breath.  This was going better than she had hoped.The colonel continued.  “Now is there anything else?”Kellron and Ashimar both started speaking at once.  They stopped and then looked at each other.  Ashimar nodded to Kellron.  “You first.”Shrugging, the young warrior of Sarath turned back to the older woman.  “As I was introduced, my name is Kellron, I’m a lieutenant in the Order of the Sundering Sword, or at least I was as of about two-hundred years ago.  I ask for help in getting word to my Order.”The room became quiet for a very long moment and all eyes were suddenly centered directly on the paladin in a mixture of disbelief and shock.  In the end it took almost an hour to verify Kellron’s claims.  Fortunately, as second in command of her own order Colonel Megara was able to Commune directly with the Celestial Host which verified Kellron’s claim. Unfortunately the Order of the Sundering Sword had been disbanded at the last battle Kellron had attended.  There were too few survivors of that battle to continue and the Order’s namesake had been lost.  It seemed that Kellron was the last surviving member of his Order. “And what did you want?”  Asked Megara, looking at Ashimar when they were settled back in her office.Ashimar looked about hoping that she was speaking to someone else and then straightened up.  “My life hasn’t been very good.  I grew up in the streets and I wasn’t exactly the best of people.”  He nodded towards Kellron.  “However I’ve seen what good people can do and what they represent and I want to be one of the good guys.”  Ashimar looked at Colonel Megara with complete honesty.  “I think I have a calling to join the church and I would like to join your order.”The colonel’s mouth quirked.  “I…See.”  She considered her words.  “You realize that many people think they have a calling for the priesthood, but not many have the strength to see it through.  The priesthood of Sarath requires a fair amount of discipline.  First and foremost we are a church of soldiers.”The former street rogue nodded.  “I believe I do have a calling and that I have the strength to see it through.”  Ashimar smiled.  “I’ve got good examples.”“That you do.  However I think a test might be in order.”  The colonel considered a moment or two before speaking.  “A test of discipline.  From what I’ve heard today you’ve had a hard life and have learned to depend on yourself.  However in the church we learn to depend upon each other.”  She looked at Kellron.  “Lt. Kellron, it is my intention to elevate you to a captaincy for services done in the name of the faith.  With it comes a knighthood and with a knighthood comes a squire.”  She looked back to Ashimar.  “If you truly think your destiny lies with the church I will appoint you to be Kellron’s squire throughout the next year.  You are free to leave his service at any time, but if you do you will not be accepted into this Order.”Ashimar stood.  “I understand and I accept.”She nodded.  “Good.  I thought you might.  It is my sincere hope that you prove worthy and earn Lt. Kellron’s recommendation.The rest of the week passed mostly uneventfully.  Kellron and Ashimar spent their time at the church and Kestral made her way to the Library district to find sages versed in languages.  Eventually she found a tutor who spoke a smattering of giantish and she managed to convince him to teach her what he could in the few short days she had.All in all, it was a good trip for the young heroes.  Except for their last full day in town.  That day wasn’t so good for Kestral.</blockquote>

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