Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="sniffles" data-source="post: 3770178" data-attributes="member: 30035"><p><strong>An Unexpected Outcome</strong></p><p></p><p><strong><em>Note: I've started recording these sessions instead of keeping handwritten notes. It seems this has caused my character journal to become much more detailed!</em></strong> <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /> </p><p>___________________________</p><p></p><p>My thoughts turned aside from concerns over moral issues as Re-Horakhty's fiery barque rose over the City of Brass on the following day. Liadan spend the morning praying fervently to Lathander, arming herself with his blessings against the might of the efreet captain she would duel. I had said my own prayers for her safety to Corellon at moonrise.</p><p></p><p>When the sun stood high overhead we made our way from Halashahn's quarters to the Court of Sunless Souls. The palace grounds were more populous than on the previous day. It seemed that word of Kamaree's challenge had spread, for many of his folk roamed about, staring openly at our little band as we passed them by. We did not return their stares, not wishing to be waylaid in our progress toward the courtyard. </p><p></p><p>Halashahn had not been able to accompany us, fearing that his presence might undermine the delicate negotiations he undertook, but he had courteously sent one of his aides to accompany us. This may have assisted us in proceeding through the palace grounds without impediment.</p><p></p><p>As we neared our destination, we saw that innumerable efreeti-kind were flying above the courtyard. Other creatures of fiery nature had also made their presence known. One such approached us near the courtyard entrance, a being with the torso of a man clad in metallic garments and a serpentine tail. We had fought with one of his ilk on our way toward the city. Standing near him was like unto entering a fiery forge. </p><p></p><p>This creature, a salamander from the Plane of Fire so I am told, bowed courteously to Liadan and greeted her in a hissing voice like water cast on a white-hot bar of iron. He remarked to her that his master - presumably the envoy from the Plane of Fire who had come to hire the services of the Caliph's army - was most interested in the outcome of her combat. He then wished her an interesting fight. To this Liadan replied, "Some might consider that a curse." The salamander answered, "And some might not," then bowed and sinuously withdrew.</p><p></p><p>Kamaree awaited Liadan impatiently within the courtyard. He was arrayed for battle in finely crafted armor and wielded a handsome if somewhat ostentatious sword. Halashahn had told us that this sword had a reputation for slaying Kamaree's enemies, and also that the efreet captain was known to prefer hand-to-hand combat rather than using his innate ability to fly to attack his enemies at range. </p><p></p><p>He attempted to push Liadan into combat at once, trying to goad her with his disdainful attitude. He continued to insist that she must 'pay' for dishonoring his family by blinding his brother, and ignored her words when she again attempted to convince him that she had merely bested his sibling in equal combat. But she would not be perturbed by his aggression. She calmly stepped to one side and began to summon Lathander's blessings to herself, murmuring prayers over her mace and shield. </p><p></p><p>Though she had permitted Erim to ward her against the extreme heat on route to the courtyard, she had asked him to dismiss the spell's effect and to examine her for any hostile magics before entering the area. She did not rise to Kamaree's baiting but continued to concentrate on her connection to her deity. Kamaree stood close by and stared intently at her, trying to determine what effects Lathander's blessings were extending to her.</p><p></p><p>At that moment I think that Baran, Nekaya-Re and myself all realized at once that Kamaree had an advantage in that he had not yet declared his readiness to proceed. He could continue to delay the beginning of the duel, thus causing Liadan's spells to lose their effectiveness. Nekaya-Re quickly remarked on this to Liadan, and then turned to Kamaree and asked him if he was ready to begin. The efreet disregarded her words and addressed himself to Liadan.</p><p></p><p>Nekaya-Re then demanded again to know whether Kamaree was ready, to which he responded, "The next time I hear your tongue wag, woman, it will be as my slave!" Nekaya-Re laughed, and I nearly did so myself. Liadan then pressed him to declare whether he was ready. He seemed irritated by her awareness of his attempted subterfuge. At last he stated that if she would come to the center of the courtyard, she might complete her divine preparations and then three breaths later they would employ potions, after which the duel would begin.</p><p></p><p>Liadan had been overshadowed by the efreet's not-inconsiderable stature, but she now enlarged herself so that while she was not of equal height to Kamaree, he at least did not tower over her. Her mace and shield glowed with an energy I can only describe as positive. In her shining armor she was nearly as bright as the fiery beings that looked on. </p><p></p><p>When she had completed her preparations, Kamaree then drew two potions from his belt pouch. They did not resemble the type of potion Halashahn had described as commonly used by duelists here. Liadan did not consume any potions of her own. She was already equipped with all of the magical accessories we could provide her, including two enchanted stones circling her head, one of her own and one courtesy of Nekaya-Re, and my ring that would permit her to avoid being grappled should Kamaree attempt to pinion her.</p><p></p><p>Once both potions had been consumed, Kamaree announced that he was ready and Liadan replied in kind. Kamaree lunged toward Liadan, brandishing his ornate blade. But Liadan was the swifter of the two. She surrounded herself with the warm brilliance of Lathander's aura, then sent a blast of radiance at the efreet that visibly wounded him.</p><p></p><p>Kamaree then produced another vial of liquid and splashed it on Liadan. I saw no visible effect, and the efreet appeared dismayed that nothing obvious had occurred. Liadan then surged forward, swinging her mace. It met the efreet's flesh with a bright flash of Lathander's radiance. Kamaree was staggered by the force of her blow. </p><p></p><p>Kamaree rose up from the ground slightly and struck Liadan with his scimitar, but his first blow failed to meet her. His next attacks did not miss their mark, however. He was obviously a skilled warrior. Flares of flame accompanied his strikes, though the flames seemed to wash over Liadan without scorching her. Kamaree's expression turned to a scowl.</p><p></p><p>Liadan plied her mace again twice more and followed by slamming her shield against her foe. This time her weapons did not flare with light, but lightning sparked from her shield. Kamaree was obviously dismayed by having failed to adequately assess the strength of his opponent. He drew back from Liadan, and stated, "I forfeit. Do you accept?"</p><p></p><p>Liadan accepted his forfeit, and the efreet swep rapidly out of the courtyard, rushing past Liadan to reach the gate. I pressed myself back against the wall, seeing no good to antagonizing him by blocking his path as he exited. I had little doubt that he would send his underlings against us in an attempt to regain the honor he perceived that he had lost. </p><p></p><p>The other efreeti watching above let a collective gasp of startlement at his defeat. More efreeti appeared still to be arriving, having expected the contest to continue for a greater period of time. There was a great sense of confusion.</p><p></p><p>Liadan reduced her size to its normal proportion and received congratulations from Halashahn's aide, who also appeared quite impressed by her victory. He invited us to return to the ambassador's quarters for refreshments, though Halashahn might be unable to attend us for some time. As we departed, he assured us that Kamaree's men should not trouble us, for he felt that Kamaree had issued his challenge because his men would not fight us. The efreet had expected them to have tested us, and the fact that they did not brought shame to his military unit. Because he had failed to best Liadan, they would not take his honor by besting a foe that he could not.</p><p></p><p>As we departed the courtyard we observed the salamander we had previously encountered watching us. The other denizens of the palace looked at us strangely as we passed, some of them obviously startled to see Liadan for they had expected her to be involved in the duel still. Others appeared to be making some thoughtful assessment of our party, as though we had now become worthy of their notice. </p><p></p><p>Liadan summoned Lathander's healing aura and her wounds knitted in an instant, leaving her almost as tidy as if the contest had never taken place. When we arrived at Halashahn's quarters another of his aids magically mended her clothing and removed the minor stains, making her truly appear as she had before. We were extended an invitation to remain until Halashahn's return, though it might take some time for him to conclude his business for the day. </p><p></p><p>Then Baran asked if we might have a tour of the palace, obviously desiring to make our presence further known in the wake of the duel and its unanticipated result. To this the aide agreed and we departed the ambassador's quarters. </p><p></p><p>We found that in some areas of the palace even the company of the ambassador's aide was not sufficient to give us access. We could only see the White Fire Gardens from a distance. I suspect that though we could see many different colors of flame in the fires, we were not capable of perceiving the garden's nuances as the denizens of the city could.</p><p></p><p>Among other sights we came upon aside from the gardens were sculpture gardens filled with shapes of molten brass. Numerous unusual creatures of fire could be seen following the paths about the palace structures, which are themselves impressive in their immense scale. At one point we came upon several efreeti escorting a being whose flesh seemed to be made of flames, clothing a skeleton of gold or brass. We also found a menagerie of fire creatures, and another of beasts that to the fiery folk must have seemed quite exotic, coming from climes where fire and heat were not the natural state. </p><p></p><p>In time the quantity of impressive sights became too much for our senses to bear and we grew weary. As we turned our path back toward Halashahn's quarters, we found ourselves faced once more by the same salamander we had encountered outside the Court of Sunless Souls. He greeted us with a curious phrase, "Greetings of the terrestrial day to you". </p><p></p><p>Halashahn's aide withdrew a short distance while we conversed with the salamander. When Liadan remarked that the palace was impressive, the salamander commented that he had seen much greater in the true City of Brass, which lies in the Plane of Fire. Nekaya-Re then said, "Somehow I think that we would be even less welcome in the Plane of Fire than we are here", to which the salamander answered, "Not if you had the proper contacts."</p><p></p><p>Five other salamanders, some of them smaller in stature than the one who spoke with us, approached as we conversed. One of them was particularly elegantly attired, which led me to suspect that this was the envoy of whom we had heard.</p><p></p><p>Nekaya-Re then stated that to her knowledge the Plane of Fire would be inimical to our existence. The salamander replied that his people are able to care for those they invite to their realm. To this Nekaya-Re said, "I believe that we have other paths to tread that will not lead us to the realm of Fire." </p><p></p><p>"It is not my place to invite you," said the salamander. "But should you find yourself there or find a reason to go, I would highly recommend it." He then pardoned himself and departed. </p><p></p><p>Our attention was drawn to the salamander leading the group that approached us. He spoke to Liadan, telling her that never in his memory had a general of the Caliph's army yielded so quickly during a duel. He asked us to walk with him, though of course such a creature does not walk. </p><p></p><p>As we began to move again he introduced himself as Lord Fwaash, and included some honorific in his own tongue that none of us could understand. Lord Fwaash then questioned Liadan regarding our reasons for visiting the Caliph's palace. He had heard rumor of our desire to have audience with one of the Caliph's prisoners. He then told us that he sought assistance in a conflict in his home plane, requiring a force of some size or agents of some power. Liadan wished him luck in this endeavor. </p><p></p><p>Lord Fwaash then began to comment on the size of the Caliph's army and how long the Caliph had been preparing. He asked us what the outside world knew of the Caliph's army and the threat it posed, to which Liadan replied that her homeland is far away, and Nekaya-Re explained that her people are consumed by warfare of their own. I offered my own opinion that humans are most often concerned with threats they perceive as immediate, and because the Caliph's army had attacked no one yet it was not seen as such a threat. </p><p></p><p>To this Lord Fwaash then suggested that the leaders of our homelands might be interested in what we could tell them of the Caliph's army. What quantity of warriors, he wanted to know, would constitute a threat to the peoples of other lands? </p><p></p><p>Liadan and Nekaya-Re answered that it was not so much the number of soldiers he could field as his actions that would seem threatening. Lord Fwaash wanted to know if the leaders of Calimshan would be interested in what we had seen there. We explained to him that the leaders of that country would have little reason to listen to us, for we are not people of importance as such things are judged in Calimshan. </p><p></p><p>He seemed surprised that we felt we would not be taken seriously by those in power. Despite his alien origins the salamander appears to be a shrewd judge of character, for he recognized that our goals are not selfish. He then sought information regarding our purpose in desiring to speak with Osaze Mumbai. I spoke then and told him that we merely wished to convey some information to Osaze in which he would be interested, and afterward we intended to contact another acquaintance of Liadan's father - by which of course I meant the dragon, though I did not say so. </p><p></p><p>He asked us then if we would be interested in an opportunity to travel to exotic places. Liadan told him that our own affairs would not lead us to that path, and I added that we felt some sense of urgency in conducting those affairs. When he stated that he hoped soon to depart with an army, Nekaya-Re told him that we also hoped he would do so. To this Lord Fwaash commented that it was unfortunate he must deal with the current Caliph, Phereteim, for he had reason to believe that Phereteim's successor would be more amenable to lending the salamander his army and they would then depart the Material Plane for many generations of human lives.</p><p></p><p>Our conversation turned to our desire to meet with Osaze, and we explained to him as we have to others that we only wish to speak with Osaze, not to meet with the Caliph; nor do we desire to carry Osaze away from the City of Brass. Lord Fwaash then took his leave of us with the wish that we would soon see enlightenment in the matters of which he had spoken previously.</p><p></p><p>When we had taken our leave of the salamander lord, we were met by a page who informed us that Prince Jafar had invited us to meet him on the following evening. </p><p></p><p>We returned to Halashahn's quarters to find that a package had been left for us, a box of bronze sent by Lord Fwaash. We asked our hosts what meaning a gift from a salamander might have. We were told that salamanders do not ordinarily give gifts and were merely imitating the customs of other lands. The gift was evidently meant to gain our goodwill. Liadan opened the box to find that it was filled with red sand, on which lay two very large and handsome rubies and a ring of rare red gold. Erim determined that the ring radiated a strong magical aura, imparting to the wearer the ability to withstand the heat of flames.</p><p>____________________________</p><p><strong>Quips & Quotes:</strong></p><p>Jubilee: "I'm not gonna stop and chat with the salamander. He makes the room all stuffy."</p><p></p><p>sniffles: "She shall taunt him (<em>Kamaree</em>) until he behaves foolishly!"</p><p>Jubilee: "I think he's already behaving foolishly."</p><p></p><p>Devo: "If you want to keep using 3.5 broken spells, that's fine." </p><p>Jubilee: "At least until 4.0 comes out. Then you can only use 4.0 broken spells."</p><p></p><p>Jubilee: "You want us to have a tour of the palace when Zora & patv aren't here?" <em>(both players were unable to attend this session)</em></p><p>Devo: "Yeah, you don't see anything of interest."</p><p></p><p>Jubilee: "I'm trying to figure out how to gain the Caliph's respect so he'd grant us an audience, but I can't really figure out how. Maybe if we killed and ate some puppies."</p><p>sniffles: "Maybe if we killed and ate some djanni or something. I don't really want to eat djanni, though. They'd be too hot."</p><p></p><p>Jubilee: "I'm not going to start fights with people just over being evil."</p><p>sniffles: "You're not playing your paladin right!"</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="sniffles, post: 3770178, member: 30035"] [b]An Unexpected Outcome[/b] [B][I]Note: I've started recording these sessions instead of keeping handwritten notes. It seems this has caused my character journal to become much more detailed![/I][/B] :D ___________________________ My thoughts turned aside from concerns over moral issues as Re-Horakhty's fiery barque rose over the City of Brass on the following day. Liadan spend the morning praying fervently to Lathander, arming herself with his blessings against the might of the efreet captain she would duel. I had said my own prayers for her safety to Corellon at moonrise. When the sun stood high overhead we made our way from Halashahn's quarters to the Court of Sunless Souls. The palace grounds were more populous than on the previous day. It seemed that word of Kamaree's challenge had spread, for many of his folk roamed about, staring openly at our little band as we passed them by. We did not return their stares, not wishing to be waylaid in our progress toward the courtyard. Halashahn had not been able to accompany us, fearing that his presence might undermine the delicate negotiations he undertook, but he had courteously sent one of his aides to accompany us. This may have assisted us in proceeding through the palace grounds without impediment. As we neared our destination, we saw that innumerable efreeti-kind were flying above the courtyard. Other creatures of fiery nature had also made their presence known. One such approached us near the courtyard entrance, a being with the torso of a man clad in metallic garments and a serpentine tail. We had fought with one of his ilk on our way toward the city. Standing near him was like unto entering a fiery forge. This creature, a salamander from the Plane of Fire so I am told, bowed courteously to Liadan and greeted her in a hissing voice like water cast on a white-hot bar of iron. He remarked to her that his master - presumably the envoy from the Plane of Fire who had come to hire the services of the Caliph's army - was most interested in the outcome of her combat. He then wished her an interesting fight. To this Liadan replied, "Some might consider that a curse." The salamander answered, "And some might not," then bowed and sinuously withdrew. Kamaree awaited Liadan impatiently within the courtyard. He was arrayed for battle in finely crafted armor and wielded a handsome if somewhat ostentatious sword. Halashahn had told us that this sword had a reputation for slaying Kamaree's enemies, and also that the efreet captain was known to prefer hand-to-hand combat rather than using his innate ability to fly to attack his enemies at range. He attempted to push Liadan into combat at once, trying to goad her with his disdainful attitude. He continued to insist that she must 'pay' for dishonoring his family by blinding his brother, and ignored her words when she again attempted to convince him that she had merely bested his sibling in equal combat. But she would not be perturbed by his aggression. She calmly stepped to one side and began to summon Lathander's blessings to herself, murmuring prayers over her mace and shield. Though she had permitted Erim to ward her against the extreme heat on route to the courtyard, she had asked him to dismiss the spell's effect and to examine her for any hostile magics before entering the area. She did not rise to Kamaree's baiting but continued to concentrate on her connection to her deity. Kamaree stood close by and stared intently at her, trying to determine what effects Lathander's blessings were extending to her. At that moment I think that Baran, Nekaya-Re and myself all realized at once that Kamaree had an advantage in that he had not yet declared his readiness to proceed. He could continue to delay the beginning of the duel, thus causing Liadan's spells to lose their effectiveness. Nekaya-Re quickly remarked on this to Liadan, and then turned to Kamaree and asked him if he was ready to begin. The efreet disregarded her words and addressed himself to Liadan. Nekaya-Re then demanded again to know whether Kamaree was ready, to which he responded, "The next time I hear your tongue wag, woman, it will be as my slave!" Nekaya-Re laughed, and I nearly did so myself. Liadan then pressed him to declare whether he was ready. He seemed irritated by her awareness of his attempted subterfuge. At last he stated that if she would come to the center of the courtyard, she might complete her divine preparations and then three breaths later they would employ potions, after which the duel would begin. Liadan had been overshadowed by the efreet's not-inconsiderable stature, but she now enlarged herself so that while she was not of equal height to Kamaree, he at least did not tower over her. Her mace and shield glowed with an energy I can only describe as positive. In her shining armor she was nearly as bright as the fiery beings that looked on. When she had completed her preparations, Kamaree then drew two potions from his belt pouch. They did not resemble the type of potion Halashahn had described as commonly used by duelists here. Liadan did not consume any potions of her own. She was already equipped with all of the magical accessories we could provide her, including two enchanted stones circling her head, one of her own and one courtesy of Nekaya-Re, and my ring that would permit her to avoid being grappled should Kamaree attempt to pinion her. Once both potions had been consumed, Kamaree announced that he was ready and Liadan replied in kind. Kamaree lunged toward Liadan, brandishing his ornate blade. But Liadan was the swifter of the two. She surrounded herself with the warm brilliance of Lathander's aura, then sent a blast of radiance at the efreet that visibly wounded him. Kamaree then produced another vial of liquid and splashed it on Liadan. I saw no visible effect, and the efreet appeared dismayed that nothing obvious had occurred. Liadan then surged forward, swinging her mace. It met the efreet's flesh with a bright flash of Lathander's radiance. Kamaree was staggered by the force of her blow. Kamaree rose up from the ground slightly and struck Liadan with his scimitar, but his first blow failed to meet her. His next attacks did not miss their mark, however. He was obviously a skilled warrior. Flares of flame accompanied his strikes, though the flames seemed to wash over Liadan without scorching her. Kamaree's expression turned to a scowl. Liadan plied her mace again twice more and followed by slamming her shield against her foe. This time her weapons did not flare with light, but lightning sparked from her shield. Kamaree was obviously dismayed by having failed to adequately assess the strength of his opponent. He drew back from Liadan, and stated, "I forfeit. Do you accept?" Liadan accepted his forfeit, and the efreet swep rapidly out of the courtyard, rushing past Liadan to reach the gate. I pressed myself back against the wall, seeing no good to antagonizing him by blocking his path as he exited. I had little doubt that he would send his underlings against us in an attempt to regain the honor he perceived that he had lost. The other efreeti watching above let a collective gasp of startlement at his defeat. More efreeti appeared still to be arriving, having expected the contest to continue for a greater period of time. There was a great sense of confusion. Liadan reduced her size to its normal proportion and received congratulations from Halashahn's aide, who also appeared quite impressed by her victory. He invited us to return to the ambassador's quarters for refreshments, though Halashahn might be unable to attend us for some time. As we departed, he assured us that Kamaree's men should not trouble us, for he felt that Kamaree had issued his challenge because his men would not fight us. The efreet had expected them to have tested us, and the fact that they did not brought shame to his military unit. Because he had failed to best Liadan, they would not take his honor by besting a foe that he could not. As we departed the courtyard we observed the salamander we had previously encountered watching us. The other denizens of the palace looked at us strangely as we passed, some of them obviously startled to see Liadan for they had expected her to be involved in the duel still. Others appeared to be making some thoughtful assessment of our party, as though we had now become worthy of their notice. Liadan summoned Lathander's healing aura and her wounds knitted in an instant, leaving her almost as tidy as if the contest had never taken place. When we arrived at Halashahn's quarters another of his aids magically mended her clothing and removed the minor stains, making her truly appear as she had before. We were extended an invitation to remain until Halashahn's return, though it might take some time for him to conclude his business for the day. Then Baran asked if we might have a tour of the palace, obviously desiring to make our presence further known in the wake of the duel and its unanticipated result. To this the aide agreed and we departed the ambassador's quarters. We found that in some areas of the palace even the company of the ambassador's aide was not sufficient to give us access. We could only see the White Fire Gardens from a distance. I suspect that though we could see many different colors of flame in the fires, we were not capable of perceiving the garden's nuances as the denizens of the city could. Among other sights we came upon aside from the gardens were sculpture gardens filled with shapes of molten brass. Numerous unusual creatures of fire could be seen following the paths about the palace structures, which are themselves impressive in their immense scale. At one point we came upon several efreeti escorting a being whose flesh seemed to be made of flames, clothing a skeleton of gold or brass. We also found a menagerie of fire creatures, and another of beasts that to the fiery folk must have seemed quite exotic, coming from climes where fire and heat were not the natural state. In time the quantity of impressive sights became too much for our senses to bear and we grew weary. As we turned our path back toward Halashahn's quarters, we found ourselves faced once more by the same salamander we had encountered outside the Court of Sunless Souls. He greeted us with a curious phrase, "Greetings of the terrestrial day to you". Halashahn's aide withdrew a short distance while we conversed with the salamander. When Liadan remarked that the palace was impressive, the salamander commented that he had seen much greater in the true City of Brass, which lies in the Plane of Fire. Nekaya-Re then said, "Somehow I think that we would be even less welcome in the Plane of Fire than we are here", to which the salamander answered, "Not if you had the proper contacts." Five other salamanders, some of them smaller in stature than the one who spoke with us, approached as we conversed. One of them was particularly elegantly attired, which led me to suspect that this was the envoy of whom we had heard. Nekaya-Re then stated that to her knowledge the Plane of Fire would be inimical to our existence. The salamander replied that his people are able to care for those they invite to their realm. To this Nekaya-Re said, "I believe that we have other paths to tread that will not lead us to the realm of Fire." "It is not my place to invite you," said the salamander. "But should you find yourself there or find a reason to go, I would highly recommend it." He then pardoned himself and departed. Our attention was drawn to the salamander leading the group that approached us. He spoke to Liadan, telling her that never in his memory had a general of the Caliph's army yielded so quickly during a duel. He asked us to walk with him, though of course such a creature does not walk. As we began to move again he introduced himself as Lord Fwaash, and included some honorific in his own tongue that none of us could understand. Lord Fwaash then questioned Liadan regarding our reasons for visiting the Caliph's palace. He had heard rumor of our desire to have audience with one of the Caliph's prisoners. He then told us that he sought assistance in a conflict in his home plane, requiring a force of some size or agents of some power. Liadan wished him luck in this endeavor. Lord Fwaash then began to comment on the size of the Caliph's army and how long the Caliph had been preparing. He asked us what the outside world knew of the Caliph's army and the threat it posed, to which Liadan replied that her homeland is far away, and Nekaya-Re explained that her people are consumed by warfare of their own. I offered my own opinion that humans are most often concerned with threats they perceive as immediate, and because the Caliph's army had attacked no one yet it was not seen as such a threat. To this Lord Fwaash then suggested that the leaders of our homelands might be interested in what we could tell them of the Caliph's army. What quantity of warriors, he wanted to know, would constitute a threat to the peoples of other lands? Liadan and Nekaya-Re answered that it was not so much the number of soldiers he could field as his actions that would seem threatening. Lord Fwaash wanted to know if the leaders of Calimshan would be interested in what we had seen there. We explained to him that the leaders of that country would have little reason to listen to us, for we are not people of importance as such things are judged in Calimshan. He seemed surprised that we felt we would not be taken seriously by those in power. Despite his alien origins the salamander appears to be a shrewd judge of character, for he recognized that our goals are not selfish. He then sought information regarding our purpose in desiring to speak with Osaze Mumbai. I spoke then and told him that we merely wished to convey some information to Osaze in which he would be interested, and afterward we intended to contact another acquaintance of Liadan's father - by which of course I meant the dragon, though I did not say so. He asked us then if we would be interested in an opportunity to travel to exotic places. Liadan told him that our own affairs would not lead us to that path, and I added that we felt some sense of urgency in conducting those affairs. When he stated that he hoped soon to depart with an army, Nekaya-Re told him that we also hoped he would do so. To this Lord Fwaash commented that it was unfortunate he must deal with the current Caliph, Phereteim, for he had reason to believe that Phereteim's successor would be more amenable to lending the salamander his army and they would then depart the Material Plane for many generations of human lives. Our conversation turned to our desire to meet with Osaze, and we explained to him as we have to others that we only wish to speak with Osaze, not to meet with the Caliph; nor do we desire to carry Osaze away from the City of Brass. Lord Fwaash then took his leave of us with the wish that we would soon see enlightenment in the matters of which he had spoken previously. When we had taken our leave of the salamander lord, we were met by a page who informed us that Prince Jafar had invited us to meet him on the following evening. We returned to Halashahn's quarters to find that a package had been left for us, a box of bronze sent by Lord Fwaash. We asked our hosts what meaning a gift from a salamander might have. We were told that salamanders do not ordinarily give gifts and were merely imitating the customs of other lands. The gift was evidently meant to gain our goodwill. Liadan opened the box to find that it was filled with red sand, on which lay two very large and handsome rubies and a ring of rare red gold. Erim determined that the ring radiated a strong magical aura, imparting to the wearer the ability to withstand the heat of flames. ____________________________ [B]Quips & Quotes:[/B] Jubilee: "I'm not gonna stop and chat with the salamander. He makes the room all stuffy." sniffles: "She shall taunt him ([I]Kamaree[/I]) until he behaves foolishly!" Jubilee: "I think he's already behaving foolishly." Devo: "If you want to keep using 3.5 broken spells, that's fine." Jubilee: "At least until 4.0 comes out. Then you can only use 4.0 broken spells." Jubilee: "You want us to have a tour of the palace when Zora & patv aren't here?" [I](both players were unable to attend this session)[/I] Devo: "Yeah, you don't see anything of interest." Jubilee: "I'm trying to figure out how to gain the Caliph's respect so he'd grant us an audience, but I can't really figure out how. Maybe if we killed and ate some puppies." sniffles: "Maybe if we killed and ate some djanni or something. I don't really want to eat djanni, though. They'd be too hot." Jubilee: "I'm not going to start fights with people just over being evil." sniffles: "You're not playing your paladin right!" [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Shadows of Greatness, a Forgotten Realms campaign UPDATED February 1, 2008
Top