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<blockquote data-quote="Delemental" data-source="post: 1357598" data-attributes="member: 5203">Early on in the renovations, Ehput-Ki took a trip into Waterdeep to visit the temple of Horus-Re.&nbsp; He found the priests packing the temples’ belongings into crates.&nbsp; The head priest, Akmar, approached Ehput-Ki.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Greetings, friend,” said Ahmad.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “What is happening?” Ehput-Ki asked.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Akmar shook his head.&nbsp; “I’m afraid that the Thayans have decided to reclaim the property.&nbsp; We are still looking for a place to relocate.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Akmar,” Ehput-Ki said after thinking for a moment, “my companions and I have purchased an estate outside the city.&nbsp; I would be honored to offer it for your use, if you wish.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “An estate?&nbsp; You are most fortunate, Ehput-Ki.”&nbsp; Akmar bent his head in thought.&nbsp; “I must bring this to the other priests for consideration.&nbsp; Tell me where your lands are, and I will send a messenger.” He smiled, and clapped the paladin on the back.&nbsp; “Your generosity will not go unnoticed by Horus-Re, my son.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I desire no reward, only to help the cause of my god,” Ehput-Ki stated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Several days passed before Ehput-Ki heard back.&nbsp; The message was scrolled on simple papyrus in the Mulhorandi tongue.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; We thank you for your generous offer to host the temple of Horus-Re.&nbsp; However, we must decline at this time.&nbsp; Your location outside of the city walls would make it difficult for us to spread the work of our god to the people of Waterdeep, and we would gain few converts to our faith.&nbsp; We have negotiated with a local merchant to house our temple good in a warehouse until a more permanent location for our new temple can be found.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; May the Blessings of the Sun God Shine Upon You,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; High Priest Akmar&nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alia found she was having trouble sleeping.&nbsp; It wasn’t the newness of her surroundings; if anything, the feeling of living in a large house was a familiar state for her, even though it had been years.&nbsp; It was her own mind that wouldn’t let her rest, churning the same two problems over and over again.&nbsp; Finally, two days before Midsummer, she decided it was time to do something about both.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The next day, the party was gathered around their dining table, eating a simple meal of stew and hard bread.&nbsp; During a lull in the conversation, Alia cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I wanted to talk to you about our problems with combat…” she began.&nbsp; Her statement was met with an immediate chorus of groans.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Not another night practice,” complained Niles.&nbsp; “I spent all morning finishing the south wall, and the afternoon resurfacing the roof of the smithy.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Think of the people in our charge,” Ehput-Ki added.&nbsp; “They’ve worked hard for days – the last thing they need is to act as stand-in monsters again.&nbsp; I don’t think a day or two to rest is unreasonable.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I’m not talking about another practice,” snapped Alia.&nbsp; “I’m talking about attitudes.”&nbsp; She stood up and began pacing the length of the dining hall.&nbsp; “We’ve made progress, I’ll give you that.&nbsp; But we seem stuck at a certain point.&nbsp; I think the problem is that we’re each set in our combat style, we’re unwilling to be flexible for the benefit of the larger group.&nbsp; I include myself in that criticism.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “We’re most effective when we play to our strengths,” commented Myoo.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, I know, Myoo.&nbsp; I’m not saying I expect you to start wearing plate armor and swinging a greatsword.&nbsp; But for instance, have you ever considered that by the third or fourth time you try to take over the mind of an enemy and fail, it might be time to consider a different tactic?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Myoo shrugged.&nbsp; “It’s the way I fight; I try to dominate my enemies, and failing that, I run.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, but why limit yourself to those two options?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Niles looked back and forth between the two of them.&nbsp; “Well,” he interjected, “I suppose that Myoo and I could put more effort into casting protective spells on the party.&nbsp; I know I’ve focused a little too much on wide-area offensive spells lately.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “See?” Alia said, “that’s what I’m talking about.&nbsp; Remembering that even if you can’t harm the enemy, you can help one of us.”&nbsp; She grinned at Niles.&nbsp; “But don’t give up on those fireballs entirely.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, just make sure we’re not in the way when you throw them,” Ehput-Ki said.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I have a request,” said Tantu.&nbsp; “Sometimes I get involved in a battle, and I can’t keep track of everyone.&nbsp; Please, let me know if you need healing before you’re actually dead.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “That’s a good point,” said Alia, “but on top of that, I think that we need to invest our next bit of cash in some healing potions.&nbsp; If we don’t have to rely exclusively on Tantu for healing, he can use his spells in other ways instead.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I, too, have the ability to heal wounds,” Ehput-Ki stated.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yes, but your talents are more limited than Tantu’s.&nbsp; Besides, as our front-line fighter, it may be best to save your healing powers for your own use.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “What about you, Alia?” asked Niles.&nbsp; “You tend to jump into the middle of things right away.&nbsp; I know you’ve spoiled more than one spell for me by wading in recklessly.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I know,” said Alia.&nbsp; “I got carried away.&nbsp; I’m trying to hold back more, fight smarter.&nbsp; As part of that, I’ve recently learned how to manipulate magical items, to get them to work when they shouldn’t work for me.&nbsp; I’m hoping to get a hold of a few wands or scrolls to increase my combat versatility.”&nbsp; She turned her attention to Kiy.&nbsp; “Speaking of fighting smarter, Kiy, I’ve noticed that for an archer you seem to get awfully close to your opponents.&nbsp; I mean, you were five feet away from that white dragon we fought.&nbsp; Last I checked, longbows have a longer range than that.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The wild elf looked slightly annoyed.&nbsp; “I do not chooseto approach my enemies, they approach me.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alia sighed.&nbsp; “Okay, so, we need to do better screening our long-range artillery – that includes Niles and Myoo as well as Kiy.&nbsp; Though taking a couple of steps backward wouldn’t hurt once in a while.&nbsp; In fact, we all need to work on movement in battle.&nbsp; We tend to stand in one place too much.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I have an issue that needs to be resolved,” Ehput-Ki said quietly.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Good!&nbsp; I’m glad we’re talking about this.&nbsp; Go ahead.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Ehput-Ki turned to look at Myoo.&nbsp; “You need to stop disparaging me and my god.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Myoo regarded the paladin coldly.&nbsp; “I thought this was a discussion on combat effectiveness.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “It is, and&nbsp; part of that is group cohesion and trust.&nbsp; I find it difficult to bring myself to offer you aid when I hear nothing but insults directed toward myself and Tantu.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I need no aid from a slave to a deity,” Myoo sneered.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Noted.&nbsp; However, as none of us have witnessed from you any word or deed that could be seen as anything but self-serving, I would think that you would wish to apply more diplomacy in your dealings with people you claim as your companions.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “But if we are merely means to an end for you,” interjected Tantu, “especially if its an end that most of us would disagree with, then may I suggest that some of us would be willing to buy out your share of the estate at the first opportunity.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; There was a long moment of tense silence, until Myoo finally spoke.&nbsp; “Very well.&nbsp; I will hold my comments, in the interest of unity.”&nbsp; He then smiled strangely.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Unknown to the others, Niles had sent Myoo a telepathic message.&nbsp; Just letting you know, any ‘comments’ you want to make privately to me, I won’t say a word.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; There seemed to be little else to say at the moment, so Alia sat back down.&nbsp; “This was a good start.&nbsp; I think there’s still stuff to hash out, but we’ll work those out over time.&nbsp; Let’s retire for the evening.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; As they started to rise from their seats, Myoo motioned for attention.&nbsp; “Question, Alia.&nbsp; Who, exactly, put you in charge?”&nbsp; As dark looks began to float his way, he threw up his hands.&nbsp; “It’s not a complaint, I just wondered.&nbsp; After all, it was never discussed.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I took charge because nobody else was doing it,” Alia replied.&nbsp; “Whether or not I stay in charge doesn’t matter to me.&nbsp; Perhaps that’s one of the things that we need to hash out later.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Myoo seemed to accept this answer, and turned to talk to Niles.&nbsp; Well, there’s one, thought Alia to herself.&nbsp; Now for number two.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Tantu,” called out Alia, as the cleric was about to leave the room, “can I speak to you privately?&nbsp; Perhaps in your treehouse in an hour?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Sure,” beamed the cleric, watching Alia as she left the room before hurrying out himself.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Niles watched the two of them leave.&nbsp; “What do you think they’re up to?” he asked Myoo.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Myoo smiled his strange smile again.&nbsp; “I think that my opinion on that falls in the category of things I’m no longer allowed to say.”*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Midsummer dawn broke over a clear sky, and in only a few hours the day was warm and inviting.&nbsp; The streets of Waterdeep were especially packed, as merry-makers from all across Faerun made their way into the City of Splendors.&nbsp; There was a buzz of excitement in the air, above and beyond that which was normally felt dring this festival day.&nbsp; The reason was evident, of course; this was a Shieldmeet year, and today’s Midsummer celebrations would blend smoothly into tomorrow’s Shieldmeet events.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alia moved slowly through the crowd, unable to keep a smile off her face.&nbsp; Her talk with Tantu last night had gone well, and she anticipated their rendezvous tonight would be even better.&nbsp; She held a bundle under one arm, a new dress she’d just purchased.&nbsp; It had been literally years since she’d bought clothes for herself besides her functional black bodysuit; of course, it had been years since she’d had a place to put any clothes besides her backpack.&nbsp; Now she was crossing town to a cosmetics shop the tailor had recommended.&nbsp; As she moved through the throngs of people, she spotted a familiar sign off to the right.&nbsp; On a whim, she turned off the main road.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She walked into the Wailing Boar, finding it packed full as she expected.&nbsp; Looking around, she realized that seeing the Boar through the eyes of a thirsty customer instead of a resident made the place seem much more cheerful.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She approached the bar, catching the barkeep’s attention.&nbsp; Immediately, a heavy-set man leaned up next to her, grinning.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Hey beautiful,” he said, “need a date for the festival?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alia couldn’t help herself.&nbsp; “Buy me a drink, and I’ll think about it,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes and leaning in slightly.&nbsp; When the barkeep came by, she pointed at the large man behind her. “Thunder Peaks Stout.&nbsp; He’s buying.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The barkeep came back a minute later with her ale, but paused before he turned away.&nbsp; “Wait a minute,” he said, “weren’t you staying here a few weeks ago?”&nbsp; When Alia nodded, he continued.&nbsp; “Thought so.&nbsp; Glad you stopped by; you missed your friends.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Friends?” asked Alia.&nbsp; As far as she knew, none of her companions had been in town yesterday.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Yeah, three of ‘em.&nbsp; They were asking if a woman of your description had been here.&nbsp; I figured you knew them, because they had the same Sembian accent I remembered you having.&nbsp; They looked like tough devils, too, like those other folks you were hanging out with.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; For the first time that day, Alia’s smile faded.&nbsp; “What’d you tell them?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He shrugged.&nbsp; “What I knew.&nbsp; You were staying here with a bunch of other fellows, but you’d left about two months ago.&nbsp; I didn’t know where you’d gone.&nbsp; Say, you want me to give them a message in case they come back?”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alia shook her head.&nbsp; “No, I’m leaving town soon.&nbsp; Tell you what.&nbsp; Tell me what they looked like, and I’ll keep an eye out.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; After getting a description from the barkeep, Alia drank her entire ale in one draw, slamming the empty mug down before turning to leave.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “Wait a minute,” said the large man, reaching out to put an arm around her, “we haven’t had our date yet.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Alia looked down at the arm encircling her, hand resting on her midriff.&nbsp; She reached down and grasped the middle finger on his hand, bending it back until she heard a satisfying pop.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; “I said I’d think about it for a drink,” she said.&nbsp; “My thought was ‘no’.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; She walked out of the Wailing Boar, leaving the man whimpering as he cradled his broken finger.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Damn, she thought to herself, continuing on her way to the cosmetics shop, now much more wary of her surroundings.&nbsp; Not now.&nbsp; Of all times, not now.&nbsp;*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; *&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Bitterness. The sunset was gorgeous, especially as it was setting behind the city from where he stood, and all he felt was bitterness. He had a place to build a new tower, and he would, but all he could wish for was to regain the home he had lost. These new acquaintances of his were bound to be useful, but he could not help but to nettle the two godspawns. How could they be so blind? He had had much the same devotion from his followers in Calimshan, but he had never made pretenses at being all-powerful or godlike. He was merely Myoo, and that sufficed.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; And now he was here. Waterdeep, the largest of mankind’s cities so far as he knew, and a disgusting melting pot of followers of gods. Well, perhaps this would work out better. There certainly wasn't as much chance of the local clerics leading the downtrodden into a battle against he and his followers here. He looked at his collection of rocks that were to form the base of his tower. He was up to seven now. This time, he was not going to base himself in a farming style community. This time, it would be defensible. He would never lose his followers like that again. Ever. He should have died the first time, but for that cursed magic that dragged him into contact with Alia, Tantu, and their new found &quot;friends&quot;. He considered carefully their roles and attitudes, as he was now tied to them. The gnome was humorous, and mostly dependable, but an obvious drug abuser. The elf was almost openly hostile, but that could be the almost palpable discomfort he had with someone who could read his mind--as if there could be something interesting in the back of his skull. It bore consideration. The paladin was fool, and a most disturbing example of the way the gods could dominate someone. He was, it was true, a fine example of humanity. He had all of the traits that made humanity worth saving--honesty, dependability, the ability to give of himself to others--such that Myoo could not help but admire him, but there was that damned dependence on the god Horus-Re to contend with. Myoo barely recognized the name of the god, but it was obvious that he was one with a good portfolio. The same could be said for Tantu as well. Sharing traits with Ehput-Ki, but also that bloody dependence on deities. They could be friends someday, but they could also be enemies. He couldn't remember--had he gone on one of his rants about the eventual destruction of the gods at his hands? Hmmph. He would have to be careful about that, especially since that &quot;discussion&quot; Alia had started after they purchased the land. He had obviously gotten to the godspawns, but it would not serve to have them actively trying to kill him. Ehput-Ki already had enough problems with Ignuus Fatuus, his familiar. The eyeball was too close to evil for a paladin to be comfortable with, but that was his problem, not Myoo's. And Alia...there was a conundrum. An attractive young woman, obviously tied to the cleric, but fighting it all the way, and oddly familiar. He could swear he had seen those features somewhere in his youth, but he just could not lay a finger on it. He found her refreshing in this group--the only one besides the gnome that wasn't hostile in some form or another, and an acrobat besides. Yet, she was taking on a leadership role--not something common to the roguish types--and doing a fine job of it. One of her first comments had been how they needed to take better care of the casters, and that was fine by him. Her ties to the cleric might prove a problem in time though--he would have to watch that situation carefully. But why did those two ring such a familiarity to him? He could swear sometimes that he heard his wife when the cleric laughed? Why would he tie those two together? They were similar of feature, but then most Cali<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)"&nbsp; data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)"&nbsp; data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)"&nbsp; data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /><img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile&nbsp; &nbsp; :)"&nbsp; data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />es were...wait, that hair! That red hair! That was not common in Calimshan. Could it be they were related?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot;My lord?&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Myoo jumped and his familiar hissed at the intruder, who shrunk back from the irate eyeball.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; How did he sneak up on us, Iggy?Sorry, boss. Too busy listening to you thinking.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot;What is it, my child?&quot; Myoo spoke warmly and comfortingly to the young boy who had come upon him unawares. The young man swallowed uncomfortably.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot;I was just lookin' for ye, my lord. It be the time that you says for all of us youngers to be at the hall for lessons, but you were nowhere to be found, and I got chose to find ye.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Myoo sighed. He had forgotten his own tasks in his contemplation of the sunset and his life's turns. He was on to something though...he would have to return to it later. Gods or no gods, he would not have vassals lacking an education. The uneducated were easily turned to worship of the gods, because they understood nothing of how they were unnecessary. And his education would not lead them to &quot;faith&quot;, as the paladin's would. He did have to admit however, that the paladin was an effective teacher when it came to warfare.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &quot; I will be right down, young one.&quot; He enchanted a stone with his aasimar abilities. &quot;Take this, so you do not fall. The dark is almost fully upon us. Tell everyone we are starting the tables of multiplication today--everyone has done well in addition and subtraction, and it is time to move forward.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He watched the light bob and weave away, giving it time enough that it would no longer interfere with his darkvision. He may not be a cleric, but these people were his people now, and he would not fail them the way he had the others. These would not be taken away from him in the primes of their lives. &quot;Never again,&quot; he thought. &quot;Never again.&quot;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He began the long walk to the villa, as Iggy chased a rabbit frightened from the bushes by the young boy's running descent. His children awaited him, and they would form a core for his next step in freeing humanity from the terror that was the rule of the gods.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Delemental, post: 1357598, member: 5203"] Early on in the renovations, Ehput-Ki took a trip into Waterdeep to visit the temple of Horus-Re. He found the priests packing the temples’ belongings into crates. The head priest, Akmar, approached Ehput-Ki. “Greetings, friend,” said Ahmad. “What is happening?” Ehput-Ki asked. Akmar shook his head. “I’m afraid that the Thayans have decided to reclaim the property. We are still looking for a place to relocate.” “Akmar,” Ehput-Ki said after thinking for a moment, “my companions and I have purchased an estate outside the city. I would be honored to offer it for your use, if you wish.” “An estate? You are most fortunate, Ehput-Ki.” Akmar bent his head in thought. “I must bring this to the other priests for consideration. Tell me where your lands are, and I will send a messenger.” He smiled, and clapped the paladin on the back. “Your generosity will not go unnoticed by Horus-Re, my son.” “I desire no reward, only to help the cause of my god,” Ehput-Ki stated. Several days passed before Ehput-Ki heard back. The message was scrolled on simple papyrus in the Mulhorandi tongue. [I][COLOR=SeaGreen] We thank you for your generous offer to host the temple of Horus-Re. However, we must decline at this time. Your location outside of the city walls would make it difficult for us to spread the work of our god to the people of Waterdeep, and we would gain few converts to our faith. We have negotiated with a local merchant to house our temple good in a warehouse until a more permanent location for our new temple can be found. May the Blessings of the Sun God Shine Upon You, High Priest Akmar[/COLOR][/I] [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] Alia found she was having trouble sleeping. It wasn’t the newness of her surroundings; if anything, the feeling of living in a large house was a familiar state for her, even though it had been years. It was her own mind that wouldn’t let her rest, churning the same two problems over and over again. Finally, two days before Midsummer, she decided it was time to do something about both. The next day, the party was gathered around their dining table, eating a simple meal of stew and hard bread. During a lull in the conversation, Alia cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention. “I wanted to talk to you about our problems with combat…” she began. Her statement was met with an immediate chorus of groans. “Not another night practice,” complained Niles. “I spent all morning finishing the south wall, and the afternoon resurfacing the roof of the smithy.” “Think of the people in our charge,” Ehput-Ki added. “They’ve worked hard for days – the last thing they need is to act as stand-in monsters again. I don’t think a day or two to rest is unreasonable.” “I’m not talking about another practice,” snapped Alia. “I’m talking about attitudes.” She stood up and began pacing the length of the dining hall. “We’ve made progress, I’ll give you that. But we seem stuck at a certain point. I think the problem is that we’re each set in our combat style, we’re unwilling to be flexible for the benefit of the larger group. I include myself in that criticism.” “We’re most effective when we play to our strengths,” commented Myoo. “Yes, I know, Myoo. I’m not saying I expect you to start wearing plate armor and swinging a greatsword. But for instance, have you ever considered that by the third or fourth time you try to take over the mind of an enemy and fail, it might be time to consider a different tactic?” Myoo shrugged. “It’s the way I fight; I try to dominate my enemies, and failing that, I run.” “Yes, but why limit yourself to those two options?” Niles looked back and forth between the two of them. “Well,” he interjected, “I suppose that Myoo and I could put more effort into casting protective spells on the party. I know I’ve focused a little too much on wide-area offensive spells lately.” “See?” Alia said, “that’s what I’m talking about. Remembering that even if you can’t harm the enemy, you can help one of us.” She grinned at Niles. “But don’t give up on those fireballs entirely.” “Yes, just make sure we’re not in the way when you throw them,” Ehput-Ki said. “I have a request,” said Tantu. “Sometimes I get involved in a battle, and I can’t keep track of everyone. Please, let me know if you need healing before you’re actually dead.” “That’s a good point,” said Alia, “but on top of that, I think that we need to invest our next bit of cash in some healing potions. If we don’t have to rely exclusively on Tantu for healing, he can use his spells in other ways instead.” “I, too, have the ability to heal wounds,” Ehput-Ki stated. “Yes, but your talents are more limited than Tantu’s. Besides, as our front-line fighter, it may be best to save your healing powers for your own use.” “What about you, Alia?” asked Niles. “You tend to jump into the middle of things right away. I know you’ve spoiled more than one spell for me by wading in recklessly.” “I know,” said Alia. “I got carried away. I’m trying to hold back more, fight smarter. As part of that, I’ve recently learned how to manipulate magical items, to get them to work when they shouldn’t work for me. I’m hoping to get a hold of a few wands or scrolls to increase my combat versatility.” She turned her attention to Kiy. “Speaking of fighting smarter, Kiy, I’ve noticed that for an archer you seem to get awfully close to your opponents. I mean, you were five feet away from that white dragon we fought. Last I checked, longbows have a longer range than that.” The wild elf looked slightly annoyed. “I do not chooseto approach my enemies, they approach me.” Alia sighed. “Okay, so, we need to do better screening our long-range artillery – that includes Niles and Myoo as well as Kiy. Though taking a couple of steps backward wouldn’t hurt once in a while. In fact, we all need to work on movement in battle. We tend to stand in one place too much.” “I have an issue that needs to be resolved,” Ehput-Ki said quietly. “Good! I’m glad we’re talking about this. Go ahead.” Ehput-Ki turned to look at Myoo. “You need to stop disparaging me and my god.” Myoo regarded the paladin coldly. “I thought this was a discussion on combat effectiveness.” “It is, and part of that is group cohesion and trust. I find it difficult to bring myself to offer you aid when I hear nothing but insults directed toward myself and Tantu.” “I need no aid from a slave to a deity,” Myoo sneered. “Noted. However, as none of us have witnessed from you any word or deed that could be seen as anything but self-serving, I would think that you would wish to apply more diplomacy in your dealings with people you claim as your companions.” “But if we are merely means to an end for you,” interjected Tantu, “especially if its an end that most of us would disagree with, then may I suggest that some of us would be willing to buy out your share of the estate at the first opportunity.” There was a long moment of tense silence, until Myoo finally spoke. “Very well. I will hold my comments, in the interest of unity.” He then smiled strangely. Unknown to the others, Niles had sent Myoo a telepathic message. [I]Just letting you know, any ‘comments’ you want to make privately to me, I won’t say a word[/I]. There seemed to be little else to say at the moment, so Alia sat back down. “This was a good start. I think there’s still stuff to hash out, but we’ll work those out over time. Let’s retire for the evening.” As they started to rise from their seats, Myoo motioned for attention. “Question, Alia. Who, exactly, put you in charge?” As dark looks began to float his way, he threw up his hands. “It’s not a complaint, I just wondered. After all, it was never discussed.” “I took charge because nobody else was doing it,” Alia replied. “Whether or not I stay in charge doesn’t matter to me. Perhaps that’s one of the things that we need to hash out later.” Myoo seemed to accept this answer, and turned to talk to Niles. [I]Well, there’s one,[/I] thought Alia to herself. [I]Now for number two.[/I] “Tantu,” called out Alia, as the cleric was about to leave the room, “can I speak to you privately? Perhaps in your treehouse in an hour?” “Sure,” beamed the cleric, watching Alia as she left the room before hurrying out himself. Niles watched the two of them leave. “What do you think they’re up to?” he asked Myoo. Myoo smiled his strange smile again. “I think that my opinion on that falls in the category of things I’m no longer allowed to say.” [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] The Midsummer dawn broke over a clear sky, and in only a few hours the day was warm and inviting. The streets of Waterdeep were especially packed, as merry-makers from all across Faerun made their way into the City of Splendors. There was a buzz of excitement in the air, above and beyond that which was normally felt dring this festival day. The reason was evident, of course; this was a Shieldmeet year, and today’s Midsummer celebrations would blend smoothly into tomorrow’s Shieldmeet events. Alia moved slowly through the crowd, unable to keep a smile off her face. Her talk with Tantu last night had gone well, and she anticipated their rendezvous tonight would be even better. She held a bundle under one arm, a new dress she’d just purchased. It had been literally years since she’d bought clothes for herself besides her functional black bodysuit; of course, it had been years since she’d had a place to put any clothes besides her backpack. Now she was crossing town to a cosmetics shop the tailor had recommended. As she moved through the throngs of people, she spotted a familiar sign off to the right. On a whim, she turned off the main road. She walked into the Wailing Boar, finding it packed full as she expected. Looking around, she realized that seeing the Boar through the eyes of a thirsty customer instead of a resident made the place seem much more cheerful. She approached the bar, catching the barkeep’s attention. Immediately, a heavy-set man leaned up next to her, grinning. “Hey beautiful,” he said, “need a date for the festival?” Alia couldn’t help herself. “Buy me a drink, and I’ll think about it,” she said, fluttering her eyelashes and leaning in slightly. When the barkeep came by, she pointed at the large man behind her. “Thunder Peaks Stout. He’s buying.” The barkeep came back a minute later with her ale, but paused before he turned away. “Wait a minute,” he said, “weren’t you staying here a few weeks ago?” When Alia nodded, he continued. “Thought so. Glad you stopped by; you missed your friends.” “Friends?” asked Alia. As far as she knew, none of her companions had been in town yesterday. “Yeah, three of ‘em. They were asking if a woman of your description had been here. I figured you knew them, because they had the same Sembian accent I remembered you having. They looked like tough devils, too, like those other folks you were hanging out with.” For the first time that day, Alia’s smile faded. “What’d you tell them?” He shrugged. “What I knew. You were staying here with a bunch of other fellows, but you’d left about two months ago. I didn’t know where you’d gone. Say, you want me to give them a message in case they come back?” Alia shook her head. “No, I’m leaving town soon. Tell you what. Tell me what they looked like, and I’ll keep an eye out.” After getting a description from the barkeep, Alia drank her entire ale in one draw, slamming the empty mug down before turning to leave. “Wait a minute,” said the large man, reaching out to put an arm around her, “we haven’t had our date yet.” Alia looked down at the arm encircling her, hand resting on her midriff. She reached down and grasped the middle finger on his hand, bending it back until she heard a satisfying pop. “I said I’d think about it for a drink,” she said. “My thought was ‘no’.” She walked out of the Wailing Boar, leaving the man whimpering as he cradled his broken finger. [I]Damn,[/I] she thought to herself, continuing on her way to the cosmetics shop, now much more wary of her surroundings. [I]Not now. Of all times, not now.[/I] [CENTER]* * *[/CENTER] Bitterness. The sunset was gorgeous, especially as it was setting behind the city from where he stood, and all he felt was bitterness. He had a place to build a new tower, and he would, but all he could wish for was to regain the home he had lost. These new acquaintances of his were bound to be useful, but he could not help but to nettle the two godspawns. How could they be so blind? He had had much the same devotion from his followers in Calimshan, but he had never made pretenses at being all-powerful or godlike. He was merely Myoo, and that sufficed. And now he was here. Waterdeep, the largest of mankind’s cities so far as he knew, and a disgusting melting pot of followers of gods. Well, perhaps this would work out better. There certainly wasn't as much chance of the local clerics leading the downtrodden into a battle against he and his followers here. He looked at his collection of rocks that were to form the base of his tower. He was up to seven now. This time, he was not going to base himself in a farming style community. This time, it would be defensible. He would never lose his followers like that again. Ever. He should have died the first time, but for that cursed magic that dragged him into contact with Alia, Tantu, and their new found "friends". He considered carefully their roles and attitudes, as he was now tied to them. The gnome was humorous, and mostly dependable, but an obvious drug abuser. The elf was almost openly hostile, but that could be the almost palpable discomfort he had with someone who could read his mind--as if there could be something interesting in the back of his skull. It bore consideration. The paladin was fool, and a most disturbing example of the way the gods could dominate someone. He was, it was true, a fine example of humanity. He had all of the traits that made humanity worth saving--honesty, dependability, the ability to give of himself to others--such that Myoo could not help but admire him, but there was that damned dependence on the god Horus-Re to contend with. Myoo barely recognized the name of the god, but it was obvious that he was one with a good portfolio. The same could be said for Tantu as well. Sharing traits with Ehput-Ki, but also that bloody dependence on deities. They could be friends someday, but they could also be enemies. He couldn't remember--had he gone on one of his rants about the eventual destruction of the gods at his hands? Hmmph. He would have to be careful about that, especially since that "discussion" Alia had started after they purchased the land. He had obviously gotten to the godspawns, but it would not serve to have them actively trying to kill him. Ehput-Ki already had enough problems with Ignuus Fatuus, his familiar. The eyeball was too close to evil for a paladin to be comfortable with, but that was his problem, not Myoo's. And Alia...there was a conundrum. An attractive young woman, obviously tied to the cleric, but fighting it all the way, and oddly familiar. He could swear he had seen those features somewhere in his youth, but he just could not lay a finger on it. He found her refreshing in this group--the only one besides the gnome that wasn't hostile in some form or another, and an acrobat besides. Yet, she was taking on a leadership role--not something common to the roguish types--and doing a fine job of it. One of her first comments had been how they needed to take better care of the casters, and that was fine by him. Her ties to the cleric might prove a problem in time though--he would have to watch that situation carefully. But why did those two ring such a familiarity to him? He could swear sometimes that he heard his wife when the cleric laughed? Why would he tie those two together? They were similar of feature, but then most Cali:):):):)es were...wait, that hair! That red hair! That was not common in Calimshan. Could it be they were related? "My lord?" Myoo jumped and his familiar hissed at the intruder, who shrunk back from the irate eyeball. [I]How did he sneak up on us, Iggy? Sorry, boss. Too busy listening to you thinking.[/I] "What is it, my child?" Myoo spoke warmly and comfortingly to the young boy who had come upon him unawares. The young man swallowed uncomfortably. "I was just lookin' for ye, my lord. It be the time that you says for all of us youngers to be at the hall for lessons, but you were nowhere to be found, and I got chose to find ye." Myoo sighed. He had forgotten his own tasks in his contemplation of the sunset and his life's turns. He was on to something though...he would have to return to it later. Gods or no gods, he would not have vassals lacking an education. The uneducated were easily turned to worship of the gods, because they understood nothing of how they were unnecessary. And his education would not lead them to "faith", as the paladin's would. He did have to admit however, that the paladin was an effective teacher when it came to warfare. " I will be right down, young one." He enchanted a stone with his aasimar abilities. "Take this, so you do not fall. The dark is almost fully upon us. Tell everyone we are starting the tables of multiplication today--everyone has done well in addition and subtraction, and it is time to move forward." He watched the light bob and weave away, giving it time enough that it would no longer interfere with his darkvision. He may not be a cleric, but these people were his people now, and he would not fail them the way he had the others. These would not be taken away from him in the primes of their lives. "[I]Never again[/I]," he thought. "[I][U]Never[/U] again[/I]." He began the long walk to the villa, as Iggy chased a rabbit frightened from the bushes by the young boy's running descent. His children awaited him, and they would form a core for his next step in freeing humanity from the terror that was the rule of the gods. [/QUOTE]

Verification