The Dance of Souls

[SlagMortar]

Hope I've been helpful enough (and you are smart enough) that you'll stay away from that crazed keep.

"Well, sir, you've convinced me. I'll do my best to dissuade my companions."

Upon exiting, and seeing Banion's irritation with the half-man comment, Beamer apologizes. "Sorry about the half-man comment. I was trying to be self-deprecating in order to convince him that we are not going to the keep. I don't know if I succeeded, but hopefully if anyone asks, he'll say we are headed back to Fallon."

Assuming they are away from prying eyes and ears:

What do you guys think about what we were just told

"I think the the Talon is using the Keep of Bloodstained Dreams, or possibly one of the other mountain keeps east of here to hold the Dance of Souls. The Keep of Bloodstained Dreams may even have housed one or more pieces of the Dance of Souls for a long time and this might be what drives people mad. It appears the legends of Keep are at least partially true. Perhaps we should travel during the night. During the day we can camp hidden off the road and whoever is on watch can keep an eye out for a narrow wagon. The Talon observer said they would not leave Lathirn until they found us so we should be ahead of them. If we do not encounter the wagon on the road, perhaps we can wait a couple days near the keep to see if the wagon arrives. I'd rather not go in the keep unless we know for sure the Dance of Souls is inside."

OOC: Feel free to break up this speech with comments.

 

[Patlin]

Banion nods gravely as Beamer lays out the plan.

"I will follow where you lead, my friend. The plan seems sound to me."

 

[Xaov]

I agree with you beamer. Lets try to make it a point to get a good night sleep when we draw nearer to the keep. We don't want any of us to go insane.

after riding for a bit (unless something happens)

Amazing I couldn't imagine having to live without any family like Taras. It seems like it would be quite a sad existence.

Heh I know in my personal experience, my father has always been happiest when he is with my mom. Heh I have many fond memories of attending festivals with them. All the fireworks and good food. Such good times.

Beamer, Banion, Gur? What can you tell me about your families?

 

[Patlin]

Beamer, Banion, Gur? What can you tell me about your families?

Banion studies his horse's kneck for a moment before answering.

"We're a large group, and fairly tight. Brothers, sisters, cousins, second cousins, all living close together and growing up together. I'm the only one in the familly with such strange abilities, though."

 

[Xaov]

Good to hear you had a good relationship with your family.

Like your family, the survivng VanHaydrens are usually closely knit and hold family in the highest esteem, *Azaroth will pause and look down at the ground* unfortunately though our numbers have been kept to a minimum due to a supposed curse that plagues my family, causing all but a few members of it to die at a young age.

In the end though the surviving members of the family, give a companionship to all those who enter into it. Giving a great sensation of support to those in the family who need it.

 

[SlagMortar]

"My family? I have no brothers or sisters. I lived in a villiage with my cousins and second cousins, but I have not seen them in a long time." He pauses for a minute, assessing how well he knows his companions. He had spilled the blood of others for them and had his own blood spilled on their behalf. Their blood had been spilled for him. If Beamer could not trust these, who could he trust. And there was the matter of the Keep. He says, "If we are going to- to this keep it seems we should have no secrets. From Taras story, it seems secrets will destroy us. When I was younger, several years ago, I came down with a fever. It was when the magic came to me, but I did not know what was happening. My nurse was struck by the very spell I used against the thieves in Lanthirn, though much more powerful. We was horribly weakened for hours, unable to even stand." Beamer's face shows a pleading look and his voice takes a tone which begs understanding, "I didn't know what was happening. My villiage, my family, did not understand. Everyone looked at me in fear of what I would do. If I were stronger, I could have shown my control, shown what I could do for them with my magic, but I knew just enough to be dangerous, not enough to be useful. So I left, to learn more of the magic and escape the glares." Beamer stares into the distance and a wry smiled slowly develops on his lips, "I guess I had the opposite problem of your father, Azaroth. Ironic really."

 

[Xaov]

Heh you are right that is ironic. While my father lacked any magical capability in a line of spell casters, you gained magical capability when other family members did not. Heh very ironic.

 

[SlagMortar]

OOC: I am going to be gone for most of the next week. I may be able to post once in awhile, but don't count on it. If Beamer gets in a fight, he will use ray of enfeeblment and acid splash on heavily armored targets and his crossbow on lightly armored targets. He will cast mage armor at the first sign of potential trouble even if there is a chance of wasting it. Remaining spells slots are no good when dead.

 

[Patlin]

As the party travels towards the Keep of Bloodstained Dreams, Banion will look to see if they are being followed (Spot +5) and will also frequently look for possible ambushes ahead. He will also keep his ears open for any sign of trouble. (Listen +7.)

 

[Xaov]

Riding along next to Banion Azaroth will note Banion's looking around and say

You know Banion while I understand doing it in a city full of the corrupt. What makes you think we are being followed out here in the wilderness?, Most of the Ashen Talon still probably think we are still back in town.