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

[Bannock]

"What of Shahalesti's war fleets? The Ragesians are spreading themselves thin. While Leska sends her warships to Sindaire, she leaves her Eastern shores vulnerable, yet we see only that Shahalesti sails here, to Seaquen," Bannock muses.

OOC: About the crossbow, we'll say that Bannock works on it in whatever spare time is available and record weekly progress. I'll make another roll when enough time elapses, or at the GM's cue.

 

[Gregor]

Lee ponders and then says: "That is a fair question Bannock, though I do not know what to make of the information we have. The War Council tomorrow will no doubt shed some light, or at least provide additional perspectives and information from the other headmasters of the Lyceum and the diplomatic envoys from abroad." He drains his cup and adds: "I'm happy to answer any of your other questions, but I do not have a great deal of time. I have much to do before the meeting tomorrow so I hope I do not offend if I only grant you a few more minutes."

GM: That sounds like a fine approach for the crafting. I'll keep a tally on the title of my posts that tells you all what day it is (right now its Day 3). Every 7 days just make a craft check and I'll leave you to track your progress.

 

[fromage67]

Lars feels overwhelmed by the setting for now. He is unused to dealing with lord and other powerful folk from regular society. He sips his drink, listening closely. He only reacts with an indrawn breath at the mention of the eventual fall of Gatepass.

 

[The Bashar]

Hrimr sighs as Lee speaks of the fall of Gatepass. He hopes the friends he made there are fine.

"Sad news about Gate Pass. But it was occupied before and they Ragesians were fought off then. Who says we can't do it again?"

 

[Gregor]

"Gate Pass has not fallen," says Torrent, "Lee said that only the first district fell. The whole city is split up into 14 districts in the canyon pass. Ragesia will have to topple each in order to hold it. If Shahalesti is assisting Gate Pass from the other direction, it can probably hold out even longer. At least I hope so. We need to get the council to see that Gate Pass is critical to the war effort and help needs to be sent to the resistance there."

"All this and more can be discussed tomorrow my friend." says Lee with a smile.

 

[funkmamagoat]

Kirio sits back, his head a little dizzy as he tries to digest all Lee has said. So much is happening so fast... "I am able to teleport small distances... I am happy I have not made use of this talent of late. My ex guild brothers must be fuming with frustration, pardon the pun" He looks over at Torrent "Torrent, do you not think that the boon we were granted in the fire forest may provide us with some protection against this apparent fire effect on teleportation?" He frowns and addresses Lee once more "Tell me, you mentioned you knew an envoy from Shahalesti is on its way. We have heard, from a reliable source that this is actually far more than an envoy. An entire war fleet is making its way here, led by the Princess no less..., do you not think such a forceful presence will be... imposing for lack of a better word?"

OOC: Knowledge checks coming before I continue, using Lore Master feat on one of them, Taking 20 on Knowledge Check arcana (total 28) for the Torch of the Burning Sky...

 

[Adjuntive]

Alric ponders Lee's words carefully as he speaks. The Ragesian strategy is not sitting well with him. Musing more to himself, but out loud as if speaking to the party:

"Leska may not be the brilliant military tactician Coaltongue was, but she has some of the greatest commanders Ragesian has to offer, we should assume there is shrewdness to her strategy. Tis true their current offense does not seem sustainable, but methinks they have a shaved bone in hand that we do not see currently. I hope the captured intelligence tells us so. If not, all efforts must be put to rebuff the Ragesian advance, lest we learn of their advantage the hard way."

 

[Gregor]

"I know not Kirio. We only know that an envoy is coming. It is news to me that the Princess is attending. This, along with the Ragesian strategy will be discussed." Lee stands up and clasps his hands. "My apologies friends, but I do have things to accomplish today. I will see you on the morrow at the Lyceum."

[sblock="for Kirio"]Kirio, the Ragesian generals are unknown to you.

As for the Torch of the Burning Sky, you know a fair amount of information about its use, function and the current effects on teleportation magic. The Torch of the Burning Sky is an artifact with teleportation powers, and so it is tied to the Astral Plane. Perhaps thematically or for some as of yet unknown purpose, it is also tied to the Elemental Plane of Fire. The current problem with teleportation magic is likely linked to the artifact, either due to its current unknown position, or perhaps because it is damaged. Its condition and location are conjecture, but you can infer that the nearby Astral Plane is being suffused with energy
from the plane of fire, which is having two effects:

First, things are getting colder here on the Material Plane. It is currently winter and there is no spring in sight for Ragesia and the lands bordering it. Druids are sensing that something is amiss, and the sky is filled
with flocks of confused birds trying to flee this unnatural winter.

Second, teleportation and other forms of astral travel are hot and dangerous. Long distance travel is suffused with intense flames and is likely fatal without some kind of magical protection.[/sblock]

Torrent thanks Lee for his time, makes sure she has the group's parchment invitation to the War Council and then leaves. You follow her out of the cave and head back along the docks. Torrent leans over and responds to Kirio's question: "I highly doubt Indomitability's boon will protect us against the dangers of teleportation. As you remember, we could not touch the flames, but were merely safe against intense levels of heat. From what Lee was saying, it seems that if one teleports they actually travel through fire. I don't really know though ... I don't want to try however!" she laughs and keeps walking.

Eventually you all head back to the Inn and warm yourselves by the fire. The remainder of the day is free to you.

GM: I'll assume you all either chill out, go shopping or do whatever. You're free to follow a quest link or do whatever you like. I'll advance the timeline this afternoon (to take you to the council) unless someone moves in a different direction.

 

[Adjuntive]

"Hm, much to think about. And time until the council meeting on the morrow." Alric checks his sword for a moment, as if paranoid it might have dissappeared in the past few moments. "I'm curious about this dwarf commander and his raising of an army for Seaquen. I will seek him out to pass the time and possibly contribute since soldiering is my only trade. If none of you will accompany, I will see you upon the morrow."

Alric leaves Lee's island home after giving a stiff bow, and then exits seeking out the camp of Xavious Foebane.

 

[funkmamagoat]

"I highly doubt Indomitability's boon will protect us against the dangers of teleportation. As you remember, we could not touch the flames, but were merely safe against intense levels of heat. From what Lee was saying, it seems that if one teleports they actually travel through fire. I don't really know though ... I don't want to try however!"

"hmmm, you're likely right. I actually know quite a bit about the lost artifact, the Torch of Burning Sky, and I'm convinced it is at the center of things. Powerful magics, way beyond my abilities. From what I understand, the torch is tied to the Astral Plane as it deals with teleportation powers. People being burned to cinders in long teleports suggest that, thematically or for some as of yet unknown purpose, it is also tied to the Elemental Plane of Fire. I am guessing, either by its disappearance or by it being damaged, that it is somehow allowing the nearby Astral Plane to be suffused with energy from the plane of fire." He looks at Hrmir "There is a greater problem, and you have likely noticed this as well friend Hrmir... this winter has been abnormally long, which is likely due to the torch as well. Things are getting colder here on the Material Plane. It is currently late winter and yet there is no spring in sight for Ragesia and the lands bordering it. Pay attentions to the skies and you may notice flocks of confused birds trying to flee this unnatural winter. There is much more at stake here than boarders, kingdoms and empires..."

Kirio thinks on the day ahead... "While Alric is off doing that, I thought it might be a good Idea to see if we can begin to sniff out Nelebekus, the Ragesian Spy Katrina told us about. Not quite sure how to go about it honestly, but Lars you are probably adept at this sort of thing, and it would not be unwise to have a ... broader member of the party accompany us as well. Is anyone interested?"