Six From Gate Pass - Chapter 3: Shelter From The Storm

[Gregor]

"Indeed Arnir," says Kiernan, "we are willing and able to provide instruction to any and all who desire to learn. The vast majority of our students learn the intricacies and mysteries of the weave, but we have instructors in the druidic arts, bardic magic and clerical magic as well. Normally our students pay tuition but given the services you are undertaking on behalf of the Lyceum and the resistance, these are obviously waved for you. Feel free to use our archives, libraries and instructors to further your own learning. There are also crafting rooms and alchemical laboratories if you wish to utilize some creation space. You can find myself of Headmaster Simeon by merely asking around - we keep our rooms and offices here in the academy."

Kiernan and Simeon begin to leave the room. Simeon pauses to add: "I want to thank you again for taking on these tasks. They are important and time is of the essence. If you have any questions or concerns, please find us and ask them. Also, keep your eye out for a messenger tomorrow morning who will lead you to your new house."

GM: At this point, anyone in the party can come and go to the Lyceum and interact with whomever you wish (there are specific instructors for all styles and sub schools of magic). You may use the work spaces in the Lyceum (there are even forges) and you can have magic items made for you here (mas 3000gp value). You may also purchase any spell included in the PHB (up to a max of 3000gp value) as the Lyceum has almost non-exhaustive archives. Those with ranks in knowledge skills can use the library to do research. Spending at least 2 hours in the library researching a specific issue grants you a +2 bonus on a knowledge check for that issue. Torrent is no longer in the party, though she obviously remains an ally. At this point in the campaign, you decide where to go and what to do. Your overall mission is complete (the intelligence), but there are a number of quests available to you (see the shared document which you are all free to edit accordingly).

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio returns to the Inn and secures a small pitcher of white wine as well as a sizable hunk of cheese, then relays what he has learned to the others before preparing for his evening performance

"We can find egg boy in a South Harbour Inn called the The Bronze Trident. He is apparently a "hunter looking" type, armed and nasty; he also has equally nasty friends that are also armed. The Inn and much of South Harbour is owned by a pair of potential nasties called Cernaban and Makung. Cernaban is a... hafling" Kirio sneers as he says the word, making it sound like an insult "A wealthy individual from Sindaire who recently arrived with three boats and has been buying up property. Makung is a ship captain from Ostalin whose small squadron of ships sits anchored in South Harbour. They were described as a couple of nasties whose buildings are good spots for whores, cheap drinks and selling or acquiring stolen goods.

He pauses and has a bit of wine and cheese. The cheese is lovely, sharp and pungent, goat milk if he is not mistaken; its lingering taste begging to be washed down by a dry crisp wine... he has a sip and smiles, but then quickly frowns a little. He hums a quick tune as he runs his finger up his glass. You notice a brief flash of light green, and condensation begins to form on the glass; he takes another sip, then smiles and nods in approval. "I'm open to suggestions as to next steps. Seems egg boy is in the middle of what is quickly becoming a bit of a black market. Cernaban and Makung seem to be running criminal activity here in Seaquen. We may want to tread lightly when and if we try and get the egg; they (Cernaban and Makung) may object if we start roughing up people in their establishments. The question is do we try and acquire it before we talk to the Dragon? I believe we should. I don't know about you, but I do not really feel like "paying" Lowduke for the egg... Thoughts?"

 

[The Bashar]

Hrimr sits with Kirio and listen to what he has to say about the Dragon Egg. He takes a few mouthfuls of ale and decides to try some of the cheese that Kirio is eating.

"I think we should talk to Dragon before trying to aquire the egg. We may be able to get the Lyre by doing some other favour for the dragon. However, I think we should aquire the decanter first. The druid is close by in the swamp and getting a source of fresh water will be a huge step in improving the lives of the refugees. Dealing with Dragons and criminal organizations may require a lot more work."

 

[funkmamagoat]

"Good cheese no? How is it with that ale? I'm not wedded to either mission being first; but we have a clear lead into the dragon issue, where as we have no idea why this druid, Dubovir Marshwalker was it, has not delivered the decanter of endless water yet. Could be just as complicated/dangerous... Happy to take on either first though."

 

[fromage67]

Lars takes a hunk of cheese along with some bread and some wine. He takes a sip, frowns, and recalls what Kirio has just done. He then concentrates for a moment, mutters a few words and achieves the same effect. His next sip elicits a glowing smile.

Lars replies to Kirio and Hrimr, "Well, I tend to agree with Hrimr, let's go and talk with that druid and see if he will help us, and what is his price. Much less risky than talking to a dragon."

Lars chews thoughtfully on some cheese, and then says, "How about the following: I will disguise myself and attempt to get more information about the Dragon's egg at the Bronze Trident. Maybe even talk to Cernaban and Makung. They might be hiring, and I might learn useful things about the price of the egg. and maybe even how they obtained it, and what the dragon knows and thinks. We can also approach the druid, and learn more about what would be needed to get the Decanter. I would feel much better than just rushing into things. Besides, I also want to spend some time with Deacon Theal at the Lyceum."

When he finds an hour, Lars goes to the Lyceum and requests a private interview with Deacon Theal.

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio listens carefully to Lars and nods "hmmm, I like that. You certainly have an edge in these circles compared to us from what I can gather, and I'd like to know more before we go into the viper's nest as it were... I'm certainly in no rush to speak to a dragon. Not looking forward to going near that swamp again, but I suppose it cannot be helped..."

 

[Gregor]

********
Those at the Inn...

As the hours of the afternoon pass by and evening begins to set in, you begin to hear the gossip flow from the mouths of patrons who have come in for a drink and to hear Kirio's performance. "Shahalesti has declared war!" say some, "The elves mean to ally with Ragesia and split the spoils amongst themselves...", say others. The looming spectre of the Elven blockade appears to be common knowledge now.

Eventually the Innkeep flashes his usual glance at Kirio and nods towards the stage. The crowd is restless tonight though an increasing assortment of patrician-looking members of Seaquen society have returned for a follow-up show.

********
Lars...

Towards a drizzly dusk you walk back to the Lyceum. As you climb the hill you can see the Elven warships anchored beyond the harbour, their broad sails whipping in the wind. You are readmitted without and problem and spend perhaps half an hour trying to navigate the halls, offices and stairwells to locate Theal. Finally, a comely female student leads you to a small lecture room on a lower level and blushes as she leaves you at the threshold.

Inside you see a human man with vaguely bestial features: greyish skin, strange ears, larger yellowish eyes and big teeth. He is dressed in common clothing but also wears a dark green cape, leather bracers on his forearms and a golden sash for a belt. He leads a few young students through what appears to be simple cantrips you've seen Arnir, Kirio or even yourself use over the course of your journey. Some of them cause small items like tools or stones to shed light, or they spill pitchers of water and use their minor magic to clean up the mess. Eventually, looking tired, they file out and the instructor walks over to see you.

"What can I do for you son?" says the man in a low voice, "are you lost?"

 

[funkmamagoat]

Eventually the Innkeep flashes his usual glance at Kirio and nods towards the stage. The crowd is restless tonight though an increasing assortment of patrician-looking members of Seaquen society have returned for a follow-up show.

Kirio nods back at the innkeep, and makes his way to the stage humming to himself along the way and slowly his cape shifts from a deep blood red to a bright emerald green. He bows to the crowd and prepares to perform "Good evening to you, it is as always heartening to see a full crowd before me. The mood in town is dark, so let us try and find something to brighten the night yes..."

OOC: perform check coming...

 

[fromage67]

Kirio listens carefully to Lars and nods "hmmm, I like that. You certainly have an edge in these circles compared to us from what I can gather, and I'd like to know more before we go into the viper's nest as it were... I'm certainly in no rush to speak to a dragon. Not looking forward to going near that swamp again, but I suppose it cannot be helped..."

"Okay, tomorrow, I will disguise myself, or maybe later tonight. But now I must visit someone at the Lyceum. Sorry, gotta go."

"Inside you see a human man with vaguely bestial features: greyish skin, strange ears, larger yellowish eyes and big teeth... ...What can I do for you son?" says the man in a low voice, "are you lost?"

"No, not lost. Impressed, though." Lars smiles shily. "My name is Lars. I come to you because I have talents I would like to understand. Where they come from. You know, what they are, what am I becoming? Here's an example." Lars concentrates, hums a few words and brings to life a vision in the air between he and Theal. At first, there is only an impression of speed as dark tunnel walls sweep by to either side. And then the flight slows, great semi-transparent claws covered with yellowish scales are visible. The light becomes brighter and fades, ending the vision.


OOC: Silent image.

 

[Gregor]

*******
Lars....

The man smiles and says: "Ah...nice illusion Lars. You must be the lad from Gate Pass. Headmaster Simeon stopped by here a couple of hours ago and told me you may stop by to learn. I am Deacon Theal by the way, the Lyceum's instructor in sorcery." He sizes you up and down and thinks for a few moments before motioning you to come inside the room. "This may be a long discussion and none of it may be straightforward. Our abilities are not as easily understood as those of a conventional wizard. They have theories, calculations, a whole science to the access and utilization of the great weave that surrounds us. We draw our powers, or even have them forced upon us from more fundamental sources. It is through understanding these sources, recognizing them and accessing them appropriately that a sorcerer advances and grows in strength and focus. Tell me Lars, where do you think your ability to cast your illusion comes from?