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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 1550255" data-attributes="member: 143">Yeah, I just couldn't bring myself to kill him off permanently... not yet, anyway.  <img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/laugh.png"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing    :lol:" data-shortname=":lol:" />   Stat-wise, he still manages to hold his own, despite the fact that the raise dead cost him the level he'd gained in the course of "Zenith Trajectory". In today's episode, we learn more of the plot of "The Demonskar Legacy":* * * * * Chapter 141“A cloud of anger and mistrust hangs over our city.  There is something happening here, a shadow that deepens with each coming day...”Jenya Urikas, High Priest of Helm in Cauldron, turned back to face the companions gathered in the forepart of the chapel dedicated to her deity.  At this time of day, with the last rays of the setting sun slanting through the narrow windows high along the walls, the place was empty save for the priestess and her guests.  “I’m sorry, I have grown maudlin in my advancing years.”  The priestess forced a smile.  Jenya’s curly brown-and-gray hair framed a face that will still rather youthful, but it was clear that the responsibilities of her new position, gained following the murder of Sarcem Delasharn, had taken their toll on her.  A number of her friends and colleagues had died in recent months, their lives spent facing the myriad troubles that confronted the town. “The mayor has announced that the new taxes will not be collected for three months,” Zenna said.  That news, still spreading through the city, had taken the edge off some of the tension following that afternoon’s riot, but there was still an understandable sense of anger and fear that roiled just beneath the surface in Cauldron.“That’s of little concern to the families of the men and women who lost their lives in the square today,” Arun said.  “True,” Jenya said.  “I have already spoken to the heads of the other churches, about starting a collection for those who lost loved ones.”  She shifted her gaze to Arun.  “From what I have heard, the number of dead would have been higher, but for a pair of dwarves clad in resplendent mail, who remained in the square, tending the wounded, defying the Guard.”“What of Maavu, and Alec Tercival?” Mole asked.  The priestess sighed.  “Alec and I were close friends.  We served as initiates together, back at a time when both of us were younger and full of the vigor and idealism that drives the inexperienced.  He’s a good man, but this challenge... it is unlike him.”“The buzz about the city is that the mayor has declared the challenge null and void, that Alec is under the influence of ‘outside forces’.”“I have not seen him in some time, and grow concerned,” Jenya admitted.  “Whatever has happened to him, it seems he has gotten embroiled in the heart of the politics that grip our troubled city.”“He’s a nobleman, isn’t he?” Mole asked.  “From what I’ve heard, only a member of the leading families can even offer this sort of challenge, according to the city Charter.”Jenya nodded.  “The Tercival name was once revered as belonging to one of the great clans of Cauldron’s history,” she said.  “Unfortunately for Alec, he came along at a time when his house was facing serious reversals, and his father ended up losing his ancestral estate in the settlement of various debts that the family had incurred.  After his father’s death, Alec took service to the Church, but one of his prime motivations has always been to rebuilt the pride and repute of his name.”“What of Maavu?” Arun asked. “Maavu Arlintal is a member of an organization that calls itself ‘the Chisel’.  They were initially organized a long time ago in the town of Redgorge, to the south.  Their members are skilled craftsmen and merchants who often possess other talents as well; their founder, I believe, was a powerful wizard.”“And what is this group’s agenda?” Arun asked. “I cannot say, for certain.  The Chisel has historically been an organization shrouded in secrecy, conducting their activities behind closed doors.  Only a few of their members are even publicly known.  I do know that they have been critical of the city’s current administration, however, and it is likely they were the instigators of today’s protest.”“Well, it seems that if we want more information, we shall have to go make a visit... after all, we were invited,” Zenna said.  “Very well,” Arun said.  “If it will help us identify the source of the darkness growing in this town, so that we can uncloak and eradicate it.”“I will send Morgan with you, as my representative,” Jenya said.Zenna’s expression betrayed her feelings, and Mole said, “No offense, Jenya, but I think we’d be better off without that windbag.”“I know he can be... difficult...,” Jenya said, “but he’s a skilled warrior and priest, and despite his rough exterior, he’s true of heart.  You may need his aid.”Arun regarded the priestess intently.  “Is there something else you would share with us, lass?”Jenya had the grace to flush slightly.  “I... yes, I am sorry.  In times such as these, my instinct is to keep my secrets close, but you are friends, and true ones.”She turned back to the altar at the end of the chapel atop a low dais, a broad slab of gray marble covered with a pristine cloth of white linen.  Atop it, attached to the wall behind the altar, was a box fashioned of dressed stone reinforced with bands of polished steel.  Around it burned six white candles in sconces set into the wall, above which hung a standard in blue and gray cloth depicting the upraised gauntlet that was the symbol of Helm’s order. She placed her hand upon the box, but did not open it.  “This contains the Star of Justice, the most holy relic of our church.”“I remember,” Zenna said.  “A holy mace, with the power to cast the divination spell, as I recall.”The priestess nodded.  “When I heard of this challenge, I invoked its power to learn of Alec’s fate.”“And what did you learn?” Alec asked. Jenya hugged her arms close to her body, and looked up into empty space.  When she spoke, her words were thick with the memory of her communion with her patron. "Late on the path of justice,Trapped between glass and stone,He weeps where many can see him,But he can see only himself."“What does it mean?” Mole asked.“These sorts of divine revelations are usually cryptic,” Zenna said.  “Remember the rhyme we learned when we were seeking the lost children.”“Ah, yes,” Mole said.  “Yeah, that was a puzzler, but I guess it all made sense in hindsight.”“I do not know either,” Jenya said.  “But I think it is clear that Alec is in great danger.  Whatever you can do to find him...”“We are already in your debt, Jenya,” Arun said.  “We will do what we can.”  “Well, when we be hittin’ the road?” Hodge queried.  “An’ what about the elf, he comin’?”“Dannel will not be joining us,” Zenna said.  The others looked at her curiously, but she ignored the questions in their eyes.  “And if you feel that... Morgan’s presence is necessary, then he may accompany us.  There is little sense in delaying,” she went on.  “We may as well set out in the morning.”“We’ll need to secure horses, and supplies,” Mole pointed out. “The church can assist with that,” Jenya said.  “We have a relationship with one of the teamsters’ guilds, and frequently lease mounts for our various needs.”“Hodge and I’ll get the gear we need,” Arun said. “Very well.  I will send Morgan to the Morkoth—you are still staying there, yes?—tomorrow morning.”“Fine,” Zenna said, already turning to leave.  The others, surprised at her brusqueness, said their goodbyes to Jenya, before following her out into the courtyard and the street beyond. In their distraction, and the gathering shadows of the evening, none of them noticed the cloaked figure who intently watched their going from the depths of a nearby alley.</blockquote>

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