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
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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="steeldragons" data-source="post: 6152321" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p>Other than Duor and Jovias, who both got obliderated-drunk, the rest of the companions were of a heavy heart throughout the night. Alaria retired not long ater Rhea returned to the party with news that her attempts to probe the mind of their new “guest” had met with failure and somehow he had committed suicide in his cell before more powerful magics to interrogate him were possible.</p><p></p><p>The following day, mid-morning, the party was summoned to the Lordmage’s council. This meeting was, again, held in the great hall of the keep, but the magical building had been cleared and rearranged. A great “U” shaped table facing the dias and thrones where the Lordmage sat. His sons, Montor and Malac stood to the right of the dias. Celerion and the Wyrish ambassador, Zhiranth, stood to the left.</p><p></p><p>The party was seated to one of the sides, as far from the dias as possible. The others in attendance around the table included [from left to right]: Rhea; Londar, still fully armored with his blue-plumed helm set on the table before him; the elflord Silran; Captain Burgus, Seneschal of the North March; and Captain Rynthis, Seneschal of the South March.</p><p></p><p>Then the party. Alaria sat next to the Bridgetower captain, learning with great sorrow that the Captain Daeror who had been killed in the previous night’s attack was the Lady Dauphinne’s husband. Elhianne, understandably was with her mourning sister. Then Braddok, Haelan, Duor and Fen. Pyrnion book-ended the other side of the companions. </p><p></p><p>To Pyrnion’s right was the high-priestess of Gilea, Matron Uma; Endrom the Witch-Priest, ambassador of the temple of Manat in Zacha; three of Daenfrii’s court mages which Alaria could tell by their stoles included an Abjurist, Diviner and Transmutation specialist; and nearest the dais, the high-priest of Astar in Daenfrii, a rather stiff man in his fifties Alaria had been introduced to the night before, named Denlap.</p><p></p><p>All around the outskirts of the table were various underlings, lieutenants, attendant acolytes, and a team of scribes. The satyr bard Jovias sat on a simple wooden stool behind where Duor sat. He eagerly sketched the scene playing out before him. </p><p></p><p>Arganor sat upon the thrown, his head in his hand. All of the assembled council were tiring of Endorm's recounting of the passed three months of meetings that had continued for the better part of an hour.</p><p></p><p>“...and we <em>told </em>you this would happen! The Repahlentim belonged in the Temple of the Blue Star under <em>Her</em> protection! I can not <em>believe</em>...” the blue star tattoo-masked Witch-priest ranted.</p><p></p><p>“That will be more than enough, Endrom!” Celerion said forcefully. “Keep you mind, as well as your tongue, and remember to whom you speak.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course. Apologies, my lord." The cowed ambassador sat in a huff and scowled at the party.</p><p></p><p>“It is well, Endorm. It is upsetting news to be sure.” Arganor said with a noted tone of the patience that comes with exhaustion. His tone, however, seemed to rise with the swelling though understated tide of anger.</p><p></p><p>“So, to be clear. A team of spies and assassins entered my keep, slew a dozen of my guards and one of my captains...and the only one we managed to capture, thanks to these adventurers, committed suicide in our custody.”</p><p></p><p>“That is correct, my lord.” Celerion said humbly.</p><p></p><p>“And these invaders were <em>ShiDaeiri</em>? You are certain?” Arganor questioned.</p><p></p><p>“Quite certain, my lord.” Celerion answered stoically.</p><p></p><p>“And they stole the Ihs Repahl right out of one of my own towers...and got away!” the Lordmage’s voice now rumbled like through the massive stone hall.</p><p></p><p>“Quite correct, my lord.” Celerion said, again stoic.</p><p></p><p>“Can he not be raised? Spoken to?! Return him to life and get us answers!” Arganor thundered. His gaze came to rest on the aged Gilean Matron.</p><p></p><p>Uma said calmly from her seat, “The Merciful Mother has no sway in this matter, my lord. The poison which slew him was most thorough. Our Daughters’ attempts to return him from death have failed. The White Rose seems to have no interest in renewing this life. She does not suffer evil, as you well know.”</p><p></p><p>“If the goddess of <em>Life </em>has no interest, then consort with the goddess of <em>Death</em>! Summon the Shaalir!” Arganor roared.</p><p></p><p>“Already done, my lord. They have been inspecting the matter with care since before dawn.” Celerion answered.</p><p></p><p>”Where are they then. Bring them here!” Arganor commanded.</p><p></p><p>With a nod from Celerion, a page at the periphery of the meeting trotted out of the hall.</p><p></p><p>“And you, Lady Rhea, could learn nothing?” the Lordmage asked the emerald robed woman.</p><p></p><p>“Alas no, my lord. Its mind was thoroughly as slippery and quick as their movements and skills seemed to be. I was unable to glean anything before it administered the poison.” Rhea answered with humility.</p><p></p><p>“Divinus!” Arganor’s gaze turned to the courtly mage with the white stole of the Sanctemus Divinus, the school of divination magic in R’Hath.</p><p></p><p>“Alas my lord, the invaders seem completely hidden to any arcane attempts to find them.” the elderly white-bearded man said in defeat. </p><p></p><p>“My lord, if I may?” Alaria spoke up to the other companions’ surprise. She prudently waited for a nod from Lordmage before continuing. “Our attempts to locate the lair of the dark wizard Tresahd with magic were equally thwarted. I fear that these <em>dark </em>elves are in league with the wizard who we also believe to be the dragon Desaarthal in disguise.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, Stormrider, we have been made aware of your assertions. But misdirecting divinations is hardly a singular ability.” Arganor replied.</p><p></p><p>“My Lord Arganor,” Silran now stood and spoke. “My sister and the half-blood druid uncovered proof in the goblin army camp that connects the ShiDaeiri to this ‘Tresahd.’”</p><p></p><p>“What is this proof?” Arganor asked, obviously intrigued.</p><p></p><p>“A communicative device and letters passed back and forth from Tresahd to some agent in Nor Tyrilith. Our sages determined the communications were in both draconic and ShiDaeiri tongues. There can be little room for doubt they are in league.” the golden haired elf prince concluded and sat.</p><p></p><p>“This is troubling indeed.”</p><p></p><p>“We have this too.” Duor now spoke as he pulled the dull black metal knife he had liberated fro mErevan some time before his death. “Matches the funny metal of the ShiDaeiri’s weapons and armor.”</p><p></p><p>“Zhiranth.” Arganor said plainly.</p><p></p><p>The knife flew from the dwarf’s open palm and floated across the chamber to the waiting hand of the ambassador from the Tower of Wyr. The middle-aged looking man with golden brown hair and beard examined it closely. After a moment, he made his ruling to the Lordmage.</p><p></p><p>“It is <em>ens </em>metal, my lord. The same as the prisoner's weapons and traditionally attributed to the ShiDaeiri.”</p><p></p><p>“And this I just got last night off the one that got away.” Pyrnion stood and spoke, producing the palm sized piece of finely meshed armor that had been cut from the ShiDaeiri as it escaped.</p><p></p><p>Zhiranth again held his hand out and the swatch began to float toward the ambassador upon the dais.</p><p></p><p>This time, it floated through a thick beam of sunlight from the hall’s tall windows, emitting light from somewhere lost among the arched and pillars, high along the chamber walls. Even as it continued en route to Zhiranth, the pieces began to disintegrate in front of all assembled until there was nothing left by the time it reached the counsellor’s waiting hand.</p><p></p><p>A murmur of concern rolled through the hall.</p><p></p><p>“Definitely <em>ens </em>metal, my lord.” Celerion said with a scowl.</p><p></p><p>Before Alaria could ask Rynthis what ens metal was, the page returned with a grey robed shaalir in tow. He was human, with pitch black hair pulled tightly back into a thick ponytail. Alaria recognized him, but it was Haelan who said aloud to Braddok, “It’s Dolorn! He was the head shaalir at Bridgetower who kept you...er...um...your body intact while you were...ya know...away.” he explained.</p><p></p><p>“Hail Dolorn!” Haelan waved with a broad smile.</p><p></p><p>Duor now put his head in his hand as the rest of the party cringed at the inapprorpiate casual greeting.</p><p></p><p>The death-priest looked surprised and then grinned a slight grin and nod toward the daelvar.</p><p></p><p>“Shaalir Dolorn, what news? What killed the creature and what can you learn of it?” Arganor demanded.</p><p></p><p>“Hail Lord Arganor.” Dolorn bowed deeply. “After careful examination, there is frustratingly little to tell. The agent used to slay the creature was incredibly thorough. A poison and an acid all at once. The body was thoroughly disintegrated shortly after its demise. The bulk of the armor and cloak, anything upon its body, made worthless. Its weapons survived.”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t care what equpiment survived! Its <em>life</em>, man! Its <em>spirit</em>! We need answers!” Arganor’s voice again thundered with anger.</p><p></p><p>Completely unphased by the lordmage’s outburst, the Desriite answered. “I have nothing to tell you on that front, my lord. All attempts to summon the creature’s spirit or consult with Desri’s powers regarding it have failed.”</p><p></p><p>Observing the obvious dissatisfaction on Arganor‘s face, Dolorn continued, “The Grey Lady holds no sway over <em>immortal </em>spirits, my lord. They are free to do as they will. Whether taken immediately by the creature Djarthoon they are purported to worship or simply transform into spectre or demon or traverse the planes elsewhere entirely, there is no way to say. <em>She</em> can not command or impede them.” Dolorn replied stonefaced. </p><p></p><p>Manat’s Star! Alaria thought. All of their abilities and skills she saw last night and they’re immortal! </p><p></p><p>“I’m sorry,” Braddok interjected as if reading Alaria’s mind, “are you saying those things are <em>immortal!?</em>”</p><p></p><p>This brought raised eyebrows from many on the dais. Arganor turned to Celerion.</p><p></p><p>“Just so, I am afraid, Braddok Kar Barforth.” the venerable elf answered. “As are all of the Firstborn of elfinkind. The ShiStaliiri, the ShiCynallae and the ShiDaeiri, all birthed in the eon before Men from the blood of the gods themselves. Not subject to aging beyond their maturity nor debility of mind or body...lest they meet with tragedy. They can be slain, of course. But they do not die, naturally, as mortal creations do.”</p><p></p><p>Braddok looked at the elderly elf in abject surprise. Apparently this elf was not one of these “firstborn” elves, aged so far beyond "maturity". The swordsman’s gaze went to Silran and he found the elflord returning the stare. He wondered if Silran, or any Miralostae, was immortal. Receiving no answer in his eyes, the elvin prince returned his attention to the dais.</p><p></p><p>“Can I have my knife back now?” Duor said bluntly breaking the silence.</p><p></p><p>Zhiranth floated the blade back to the dwarf, sure to avoid any of the shafts of sunlight that streamed into the chamber.</p><p></p><p>“Our thanks, Shaalir Dolorn. Take this gift with our respects to Raven Elektra for your efforts.” Arganor reached out a hand toward one of the servants to the side of the dais who trotted forward with a small chest. Dolorn took the chest, bowed deeply and left the great hall.</p><p></p><p>The council shifted in their seats while the lordmage apparently deliberated inwardly.</p><p></p><p>“Father, we must reclaim the Ihs Repahl before this dark wizard can use it to his..or her...ends.” Montor asserted.</p><p></p><p>“Yes! Let the Steel Dragons go to Nor Gorthok and put an end to this once and for all!” the red-cloaked warrior Malac joined in.</p><p></p><p>“Just a beard-shavin’ minute here, now. The dragon’s treasure is ours! We’re goign back to Nor Gorthok and get yor magic ball!” Duor now piped up, jumping from his seat at the idea of someone else claiming his treasure.</p><p></p><p>“You band of misfits has done more than enough, I say.” Endorm scoffed.</p><p></p><p>“That is unfair, Endorm. It is because of the Stormriders, that we had the Ihs Repahl in the first place.” Rhea now stood to defend the company.</p><p></p><p>“And we’ve got lots of information for you too.” Haelan chirped in.</p><p></p><p>“And defended this realm of yours. Where’s <em>your</em> champions witch-priest?” Duor mocked.</p><p></p><p>“Here now.” Celerion attempted to interject.</p><p></p><p>“My lord,” Londar’s baritone boomed through the rest, “It would be my honor to serve Daenfrii in retreiving this orb. But it seems it is the Stormriders to claim.”</p><p></p><p>“<em>They lost it in the first place!</em> Their claim lost with it. It belongs in the keeping of the Blue Star...where it would have remained safe!” Endorm now stood and slammed his hand upon the stone table. He had heard enough from these upstarts.</p><p></p><p>“This mediocre sorceress and her collection of would-be heroes...” he began to rant.</p><p></p><p>“I say! Hear now...” Haelan objected quietly.</p><p></p><p>“Mediocre?!" Alaria blurted unintentionally in her incredulity.</p><p></p><p>Braddok stood and placed a hand upon his pommel. ”You will apologize to the Magess Alaria, now wrech, or priest or no, we shall settle this outside.”</p><p></p><p>Alaria placed a hand upon Braddok‘s swordarm attempting to calm him.</p><p></p><p>“We have faced Tresahd, defended Bridgetower...” Fen now stood and argued.</p><p></p><p>”They slew the Bulgruch and saved Miralosta” Rhea attempted to reason with the ranting witch-priest.</p><p></p><p>“For which we’ve seen no recompense, mind you!” Duor interjected.</p><p></p><p>“ENOUGH!” A boom of thunder cracked through the chamber as Celerion slammed the butt of his staff upon the floor.</p><p></p><p>All standing became immediately silent. </p><p></p><p>“You exceed your station, ambassador.” the old elf’s gaze bit into the Witch-priest until he retook his seat.</p><p></p><p>“Master Braddok. If you please...” Celerion’s gaze then turned on the Grinlian.</p><p></p><p>Braddok removed his hand from his weapon and sat, never taking his eyes from the blue-masked mage.</p><p></p><p>“Father?” Montor prodded gently.</p><p></p><p>“I am sorry, my sons. You can not undertake the journey. Things are too unsure at this time and you are needed here. Gather your Steel Dragons and Woodsmaster Kriton. Go to the Giant’s Thumb and scour the pixie wood. Be sure there are no more ShiDaeiri in this realm.” Arganor said.</p><p></p><p>The princes knew the tone of their father well enough to know what was fatherly and what was the will of the Lordmage.</p><p></p><p>”Yes, sire.” both young men said in tandem.</p><p></p><p>”Londar.” Arganor said.</p><p></p><p>“My lord?" The knightly tall warrior stood to attention. </p><p></p><p>“I regret I can not permit your return to Resahd. I am in need of a Captain-at-arms for the moment. You must remain here.”</p><p></p><p>“As you wish, my lord.” Londar bowed and retook his seat.</p><p></p><p>“Burgus and Rynthis return to your stations. It seems our borders will continue to require your watchful care.” the lordmage said kindly.</p><p></p><p>Both captains nodded in their seats. </p><p></p><p>“What are we supposed to do?” Haelan whispered, or so he thought, to Braddok.</p><p></p><p>“You, Master Hilltender, and such of your band as will, may remain here for the time being or may take on the now vacant role of envoy to the Duchess of Resahd.” Arganor replied.</p><p></p><p>“My lord? But the Ihs Repahl...” Alaria began to assert.</p><p></p><p>“Is no longer your concern.” Endorm growled from the deths of his indigo hood.</p><p></p><p>“Be STILL, Endorm!” Arganor now turned to ambassador.</p><p></p><p>"I will no longer, with respect, my lord. This theft has been an egregious and easily avoidable breach of our affairs. Furthermore..." Endorm did not have a chance to finish his next thought.</p><p></p><p>“Your services are no longer required. You can trust I shall be in touch with Corandralla for the details of why. You are dismissed.” Arganor said and waved a hand in the witch-priest’s direction. </p><p></p><p>Even as he rose from his seat to voice objections, a shower of sapphire blue sparks fell upon his form and in a twinkling of light, the Ambassador Endorm was no longer in the hall.</p><p></p><p>“Heh heh. Dipspit.” Duor chuckled under his beard.</p><p></p><p>“My lord, I implore you to reconsider. Give us some time to marshall our resources and then permit us to return to our original undertaking. We must see an end to the threat of Tresahd and the return of the Ihs Repahl. It is, I mean no offense to say...but it is mine and I would have it back.” Alaria presented as diplomatically as she could. </p><p></p><p> “Since it appears, Magess, that the ShiDaeiri are again active in the world beneath the sky, I can not allow you to take on this mission.”</p><p></p><p>“But if they’re in Nor Tyrilith and not Nor Gorthok, then we should be fine.” Haealn tried to innocently disagree.</p><p></p><p>“You are welcome to remain here or take on my seal as representatives in Resahd. Those are my offers.” Arganor said staunchly. He turned, then, to the mages and priests and began giving orders for continuing attempts to scry the ShiDaeiri and learn what they could of Tresahd, Desaarthal, Nor Gorthok, and all of this business.</p><p></p><p>“Ehm, yer lordly mageness, sir. What about some recompense for risking our lives to defend your castle during this invasion. <em>We </em>caught one of ‘em, not any of your guards or fancy spell-slingers.” Duor said in his trademark “diplomatic” stance.</p><p></p><p>The lordmage looked at the dwarf with mild amusement. “Am I to understand, master dwarf, that my protection and hospitality,<em> in my own house</em>, are not sufficient ‘recompense’?”</p><p></p><p>“Duuuuorrrr...” Haelan said quietly and tugged at the back of Duor’s grey cloak.</p><p></p><p>“Well, I mean, sure. The magicky digs are nice an all...you throw a helluva party, I’ll give yeh that...” Duor continued.</p><p></p><p>“Are you still <em>drunk</em>?!” Fen said aghast.</p><p></p><p>“What?! He gave the bloody death-priest a chest of gold to tell him ‘I got nothing.‘ We killed a demon. Two! And you and Pyrnion saved his stinkin’ pixies!” Duor objected to the companions on either side who were now trying to tug him back into his seat.</p><p></p><p>“That’s enough Duor.” Alaria said in obvious annoyance.</p><p></p><p> “So I did.” Arganor said with a bemused smirk. A wave of his hand caused a small sack to appear in front of the dwarf. Duor opened it to see silver and gold coins and a few gemstones glittering.</p><p></p><p>“That’s more like it.” Duor grinned.</p><p></p><p>“I’m glad you approve. Your service has been appreciated.” Arganor said with another wave of his hand.</p><p></p><p>Duor saw a shower of blue and white sparkles fill his vision. An instant later they cleared from view and Duor stood in the middle of a dirt road staring at the front door and hanging sign of The Wyvern’s Wing inn.</p><p></p><p>Two farmers driving an ox-drawn cart blinked blankly at the dwarf, mouths agape.</p><p></p><p>“Aw crap.” Duor grumbled. He looked at the sack of coin in his hand. Looked at the tavern door. His mind turned to the prospect of ample ale and whiskey as the scent of baking mutton pasties wafted through the air. The dwarvish rogue shrugged and entered the The Wyvern's Wing.</p><p></p><p>********** </p><p></p><p>Back in the great hall of the Keep of the Dragonmage the companions were assured of Duor’s location and safety. Rhea and Montor chastised the Lordmage, good-naturedly, for his unnecessary eviction. The council was ended and the companions returned to their quarters to discuss their futures.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 6152321, member: 92511"] Other than Duor and Jovias, who both got obliderated-drunk, the rest of the companions were of a heavy heart throughout the night. Alaria retired not long ater Rhea returned to the party with news that her attempts to probe the mind of their new “guest” had met with failure and somehow he had committed suicide in his cell before more powerful magics to interrogate him were possible. The following day, mid-morning, the party was summoned to the Lordmage’s council. This meeting was, again, held in the great hall of the keep, but the magical building had been cleared and rearranged. A great “U” shaped table facing the dias and thrones where the Lordmage sat. His sons, Montor and Malac stood to the right of the dias. Celerion and the Wyrish ambassador, Zhiranth, stood to the left. The party was seated to one of the sides, as far from the dias as possible. The others in attendance around the table included [from left to right]: Rhea; Londar, still fully armored with his blue-plumed helm set on the table before him; the elflord Silran; Captain Burgus, Seneschal of the North March; and Captain Rynthis, Seneschal of the South March. Then the party. Alaria sat next to the Bridgetower captain, learning with great sorrow that the Captain Daeror who had been killed in the previous night’s attack was the Lady Dauphinne’s husband. Elhianne, understandably was with her mourning sister. Then Braddok, Haelan, Duor and Fen. Pyrnion book-ended the other side of the companions. To Pyrnion’s right was the high-priestess of Gilea, Matron Uma; Endrom the Witch-Priest, ambassador of the temple of Manat in Zacha; three of Daenfrii’s court mages which Alaria could tell by their stoles included an Abjurist, Diviner and Transmutation specialist; and nearest the dais, the high-priest of Astar in Daenfrii, a rather stiff man in his fifties Alaria had been introduced to the night before, named Denlap. All around the outskirts of the table were various underlings, lieutenants, attendant acolytes, and a team of scribes. The satyr bard Jovias sat on a simple wooden stool behind where Duor sat. He eagerly sketched the scene playing out before him. Arganor sat upon the thrown, his head in his hand. All of the assembled council were tiring of Endorm's recounting of the passed three months of meetings that had continued for the better part of an hour. “...and we [I]told [/I]you this would happen! The Repahlentim belonged in the Temple of the Blue Star under [I]Her[/I] protection! I can not [I]believe[/I]...” the blue star tattoo-masked Witch-priest ranted. “That will be more than enough, Endrom!” Celerion said forcefully. “Keep you mind, as well as your tongue, and remember to whom you speak.” “Of course. Apologies, my lord." The cowed ambassador sat in a huff and scowled at the party. “It is well, Endorm. It is upsetting news to be sure.” Arganor said with a noted tone of the patience that comes with exhaustion. His tone, however, seemed to rise with the swelling though understated tide of anger. “So, to be clear. A team of spies and assassins entered my keep, slew a dozen of my guards and one of my captains...and the only one we managed to capture, thanks to these adventurers, committed suicide in our custody.” “That is correct, my lord.” Celerion said humbly. “And these invaders were [I]ShiDaeiri[/I]? You are certain?” Arganor questioned. “Quite certain, my lord.” Celerion answered stoically. “And they stole the Ihs Repahl right out of one of my own towers...and got away!” the Lordmage’s voice now rumbled like through the massive stone hall. “Quite correct, my lord.” Celerion said, again stoic. “Can he not be raised? Spoken to?! Return him to life and get us answers!” Arganor thundered. His gaze came to rest on the aged Gilean Matron. Uma said calmly from her seat, “The Merciful Mother has no sway in this matter, my lord. The poison which slew him was most thorough. Our Daughters’ attempts to return him from death have failed. The White Rose seems to have no interest in renewing this life. She does not suffer evil, as you well know.” “If the goddess of [I]Life [/I]has no interest, then consort with the goddess of [I]Death[/I]! Summon the Shaalir!” Arganor roared. “Already done, my lord. They have been inspecting the matter with care since before dawn.” Celerion answered. ”Where are they then. Bring them here!” Arganor commanded. With a nod from Celerion, a page at the periphery of the meeting trotted out of the hall. “And you, Lady Rhea, could learn nothing?” the Lordmage asked the emerald robed woman. “Alas no, my lord. Its mind was thoroughly as slippery and quick as their movements and skills seemed to be. I was unable to glean anything before it administered the poison.” Rhea answered with humility. “Divinus!” Arganor’s gaze turned to the courtly mage with the white stole of the Sanctemus Divinus, the school of divination magic in R’Hath. “Alas my lord, the invaders seem completely hidden to any arcane attempts to find them.” the elderly white-bearded man said in defeat. “My lord, if I may?” Alaria spoke up to the other companions’ surprise. She prudently waited for a nod from Lordmage before continuing. “Our attempts to locate the lair of the dark wizard Tresahd with magic were equally thwarted. I fear that these [I]dark [/I]elves are in league with the wizard who we also believe to be the dragon Desaarthal in disguise.” “Yes, Stormrider, we have been made aware of your assertions. But misdirecting divinations is hardly a singular ability.” Arganor replied. “My Lord Arganor,” Silran now stood and spoke. “My sister and the half-blood druid uncovered proof in the goblin army camp that connects the ShiDaeiri to this ‘Tresahd.’” “What is this proof?” Arganor asked, obviously intrigued. “A communicative device and letters passed back and forth from Tresahd to some agent in Nor Tyrilith. Our sages determined the communications were in both draconic and ShiDaeiri tongues. There can be little room for doubt they are in league.” the golden haired elf prince concluded and sat. “This is troubling indeed.” “We have this too.” Duor now spoke as he pulled the dull black metal knife he had liberated fro mErevan some time before his death. “Matches the funny metal of the ShiDaeiri’s weapons and armor.” “Zhiranth.” Arganor said plainly. The knife flew from the dwarf’s open palm and floated across the chamber to the waiting hand of the ambassador from the Tower of Wyr. The middle-aged looking man with golden brown hair and beard examined it closely. After a moment, he made his ruling to the Lordmage. “It is [I]ens [/I]metal, my lord. The same as the prisoner's weapons and traditionally attributed to the ShiDaeiri.” “And this I just got last night off the one that got away.” Pyrnion stood and spoke, producing the palm sized piece of finely meshed armor that had been cut from the ShiDaeiri as it escaped. Zhiranth again held his hand out and the swatch began to float toward the ambassador upon the dais. This time, it floated through a thick beam of sunlight from the hall’s tall windows, emitting light from somewhere lost among the arched and pillars, high along the chamber walls. Even as it continued en route to Zhiranth, the pieces began to disintegrate in front of all assembled until there was nothing left by the time it reached the counsellor’s waiting hand. A murmur of concern rolled through the hall. “Definitely [I]ens [/I]metal, my lord.” Celerion said with a scowl. Before Alaria could ask Rynthis what ens metal was, the page returned with a grey robed shaalir in tow. He was human, with pitch black hair pulled tightly back into a thick ponytail. Alaria recognized him, but it was Haelan who said aloud to Braddok, “It’s Dolorn! He was the head shaalir at Bridgetower who kept you...er...um...your body intact while you were...ya know...away.” he explained. “Hail Dolorn!” Haelan waved with a broad smile. Duor now put his head in his hand as the rest of the party cringed at the inapprorpiate casual greeting. The death-priest looked surprised and then grinned a slight grin and nod toward the daelvar. “Shaalir Dolorn, what news? What killed the creature and what can you learn of it?” Arganor demanded. “Hail Lord Arganor.” Dolorn bowed deeply. “After careful examination, there is frustratingly little to tell. The agent used to slay the creature was incredibly thorough. A poison and an acid all at once. The body was thoroughly disintegrated shortly after its demise. The bulk of the armor and cloak, anything upon its body, made worthless. Its weapons survived.” “I don’t care what equpiment survived! Its [I]life[/I], man! Its [I]spirit[/I]! We need answers!” Arganor’s voice again thundered with anger. Completely unphased by the lordmage’s outburst, the Desriite answered. “I have nothing to tell you on that front, my lord. All attempts to summon the creature’s spirit or consult with Desri’s powers regarding it have failed.” Observing the obvious dissatisfaction on Arganor‘s face, Dolorn continued, “The Grey Lady holds no sway over [I]immortal [/I]spirits, my lord. They are free to do as they will. Whether taken immediately by the creature Djarthoon they are purported to worship or simply transform into spectre or demon or traverse the planes elsewhere entirely, there is no way to say. [I]She[/I] can not command or impede them.” Dolorn replied stonefaced. Manat’s Star! Alaria thought. All of their abilities and skills she saw last night and they’re immortal! “I’m sorry,” Braddok interjected as if reading Alaria’s mind, “are you saying those things are [I]immortal!?[/I]” This brought raised eyebrows from many on the dais. Arganor turned to Celerion. “Just so, I am afraid, Braddok Kar Barforth.” the venerable elf answered. “As are all of the Firstborn of elfinkind. The ShiStaliiri, the ShiCynallae and the ShiDaeiri, all birthed in the eon before Men from the blood of the gods themselves. Not subject to aging beyond their maturity nor debility of mind or body...lest they meet with tragedy. They can be slain, of course. But they do not die, naturally, as mortal creations do.” Braddok looked at the elderly elf in abject surprise. Apparently this elf was not one of these “firstborn” elves, aged so far beyond "maturity". The swordsman’s gaze went to Silran and he found the elflord returning the stare. He wondered if Silran, or any Miralostae, was immortal. Receiving no answer in his eyes, the elvin prince returned his attention to the dais. “Can I have my knife back now?” Duor said bluntly breaking the silence. Zhiranth floated the blade back to the dwarf, sure to avoid any of the shafts of sunlight that streamed into the chamber. “Our thanks, Shaalir Dolorn. Take this gift with our respects to Raven Elektra for your efforts.” Arganor reached out a hand toward one of the servants to the side of the dais who trotted forward with a small chest. Dolorn took the chest, bowed deeply and left the great hall. The council shifted in their seats while the lordmage apparently deliberated inwardly. “Father, we must reclaim the Ihs Repahl before this dark wizard can use it to his..or her...ends.” Montor asserted. “Yes! Let the Steel Dragons go to Nor Gorthok and put an end to this once and for all!” the red-cloaked warrior Malac joined in. “Just a beard-shavin’ minute here, now. The dragon’s treasure is ours! We’re goign back to Nor Gorthok and get yor magic ball!” Duor now piped up, jumping from his seat at the idea of someone else claiming his treasure. “You band of misfits has done more than enough, I say.” Endorm scoffed. “That is unfair, Endorm. It is because of the Stormriders, that we had the Ihs Repahl in the first place.” Rhea now stood to defend the company. “And we’ve got lots of information for you too.” Haelan chirped in. “And defended this realm of yours. Where’s [I]your[/I] champions witch-priest?” Duor mocked. “Here now.” Celerion attempted to interject. “My lord,” Londar’s baritone boomed through the rest, “It would be my honor to serve Daenfrii in retreiving this orb. But it seems it is the Stormriders to claim.” “[I]They lost it in the first place![/I] Their claim lost with it. It belongs in the keeping of the Blue Star...where it would have remained safe!” Endorm now stood and slammed his hand upon the stone table. He had heard enough from these upstarts. “This mediocre sorceress and her collection of would-be heroes...” he began to rant. “I say! Hear now...” Haelan objected quietly. “Mediocre?!" Alaria blurted unintentionally in her incredulity. Braddok stood and placed a hand upon his pommel. ”You will apologize to the Magess Alaria, now wrech, or priest or no, we shall settle this outside.” Alaria placed a hand upon Braddok‘s swordarm attempting to calm him. “We have faced Tresahd, defended Bridgetower...” Fen now stood and argued. ”They slew the Bulgruch and saved Miralosta” Rhea attempted to reason with the ranting witch-priest. “For which we’ve seen no recompense, mind you!” Duor interjected. “ENOUGH!” A boom of thunder cracked through the chamber as Celerion slammed the butt of his staff upon the floor. All standing became immediately silent. “You exceed your station, ambassador.” the old elf’s gaze bit into the Witch-priest until he retook his seat. “Master Braddok. If you please...” Celerion’s gaze then turned on the Grinlian. Braddok removed his hand from his weapon and sat, never taking his eyes from the blue-masked mage. “Father?” Montor prodded gently. “I am sorry, my sons. You can not undertake the journey. Things are too unsure at this time and you are needed here. Gather your Steel Dragons and Woodsmaster Kriton. Go to the Giant’s Thumb and scour the pixie wood. Be sure there are no more ShiDaeiri in this realm.” Arganor said. The princes knew the tone of their father well enough to know what was fatherly and what was the will of the Lordmage. ”Yes, sire.” both young men said in tandem. ”Londar.” Arganor said. “My lord?" The knightly tall warrior stood to attention. “I regret I can not permit your return to Resahd. I am in need of a Captain-at-arms for the moment. You must remain here.” “As you wish, my lord.” Londar bowed and retook his seat. “Burgus and Rynthis return to your stations. It seems our borders will continue to require your watchful care.” the lordmage said kindly. Both captains nodded in their seats. “What are we supposed to do?” Haelan whispered, or so he thought, to Braddok. “You, Master Hilltender, and such of your band as will, may remain here for the time being or may take on the now vacant role of envoy to the Duchess of Resahd.” Arganor replied. “My lord? But the Ihs Repahl...” Alaria began to assert. “Is no longer your concern.” Endorm growled from the deths of his indigo hood. “Be STILL, Endorm!” Arganor now turned to ambassador. "I will no longer, with respect, my lord. This theft has been an egregious and easily avoidable breach of our affairs. Furthermore..." Endorm did not have a chance to finish his next thought. “Your services are no longer required. You can trust I shall be in touch with Corandralla for the details of why. You are dismissed.” Arganor said and waved a hand in the witch-priest’s direction. Even as he rose from his seat to voice objections, a shower of sapphire blue sparks fell upon his form and in a twinkling of light, the Ambassador Endorm was no longer in the hall. “Heh heh. Dipspit.” Duor chuckled under his beard. “My lord, I implore you to reconsider. Give us some time to marshall our resources and then permit us to return to our original undertaking. We must see an end to the threat of Tresahd and the return of the Ihs Repahl. It is, I mean no offense to say...but it is mine and I would have it back.” Alaria presented as diplomatically as she could. “Since it appears, Magess, that the ShiDaeiri are again active in the world beneath the sky, I can not allow you to take on this mission.” “But if they’re in Nor Tyrilith and not Nor Gorthok, then we should be fine.” Haealn tried to innocently disagree. “You are welcome to remain here or take on my seal as representatives in Resahd. Those are my offers.” Arganor said staunchly. He turned, then, to the mages and priests and began giving orders for continuing attempts to scry the ShiDaeiri and learn what they could of Tresahd, Desaarthal, Nor Gorthok, and all of this business. “Ehm, yer lordly mageness, sir. What about some recompense for risking our lives to defend your castle during this invasion. [I]We [/I]caught one of ‘em, not any of your guards or fancy spell-slingers.” Duor said in his trademark “diplomatic” stance. The lordmage looked at the dwarf with mild amusement. “Am I to understand, master dwarf, that my protection and hospitality,[I] in my own house[/I], are not sufficient ‘recompense’?” “Duuuuorrrr...” Haelan said quietly and tugged at the back of Duor’s grey cloak. “Well, I mean, sure. The magicky digs are nice an all...you throw a helluva party, I’ll give yeh that...” Duor continued. “Are you still [I]drunk[/I]?!” Fen said aghast. “What?! He gave the bloody death-priest a chest of gold to tell him ‘I got nothing.‘ We killed a demon. Two! And you and Pyrnion saved his stinkin’ pixies!” Duor objected to the companions on either side who were now trying to tug him back into his seat. “That’s enough Duor.” Alaria said in obvious annoyance. “So I did.” Arganor said with a bemused smirk. A wave of his hand caused a small sack to appear in front of the dwarf. Duor opened it to see silver and gold coins and a few gemstones glittering. “That’s more like it.” Duor grinned. “I’m glad you approve. Your service has been appreciated.” Arganor said with another wave of his hand. Duor saw a shower of blue and white sparkles fill his vision. An instant later they cleared from view and Duor stood in the middle of a dirt road staring at the front door and hanging sign of The Wyvern’s Wing inn. Two farmers driving an ox-drawn cart blinked blankly at the dwarf, mouths agape. “Aw crap.” Duor grumbled. He looked at the sack of coin in his hand. Looked at the tavern door. His mind turned to the prospect of ample ale and whiskey as the scent of baking mutton pasties wafted through the air. The dwarvish rogue shrugged and entered the The Wyvern's Wing. ********** Back in the great hall of the Keep of the Dragonmage the companions were assured of Duor’s location and safety. Rhea and Montor chastised the Lordmage, good-naturedly, for his unnecessary eviction. The council was ended and the companions returned to their quarters to discuss their futures. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
Top