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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Herremann the Wise" data-source="post: 1822879" data-attributes="member: 11300">{4} The Gumbil's TurmHello to all,In addition to the update below, I have also altered the first post a little to make it a little more accessible. Thanks to all who are reading and enjoying.***Two Days Earlier…Nethendawe is a city with interesting features and history. The former capital of the Great Beltratian Empire stretching from Amborna in the East to Kortillne in the west, it now rests upon the Beltrates delta, a decadent shell of its former glory. The magnificent spires and domes remain but where as once, it was the height of civilization and technology; it now plays second fiddle to Peronsil in the new Reborn Empire: itself a simple ersatz domain of what once was. Its dominant architecture reflects its age, with a blending of styles and forms, elaborate bridges, bas-reliefs, and statues commemorating long-forgotten heroes. These features are sprinkled throughout the city.Also peppering the city are a large number of Inns and Taverns that hold historic links to the Nethendawe of yore. The faces and people may have changed over the years but the traditions of these prime public houses remain as if the culture was intrinsic to their very walls and structure. The Hammer and Anvil remains the stern seat of the labourer, a carefully brewed selection of ales, beers and lagers representing the solemn nature of those of the trade. The excesses of the Golden Drake characterize the extreme clientele that walk through its massive doors. Many an adventurer has become involved in a scrap or brawl only to be left drunkenly singing with the other combatants later in the evening. The Starwing Tavern symbolizes to a certain extent, the cosmopolitan nature of Nethendawe. Here, practised thieves would drink along side of merchants and dealers. An overall mood and atmosphere of competence and shady deals pervaded the place; status was prime. The Sword and Star catered to the local watch and constabulary where as the Queen of Kort remained a favourite for the small number of nobility that remained in Nethendawe.Perhaps the only inn belying this general trend of culture was Gumbil’s Turm. Where as once it had been an imperial army institution, it now played host to a variety of patrons whose interests ranged from the quaint to the perverse. It would be unfair to describe the ambiance as only dissolute or profligate, although certainly such was a part of the mystique of Gumbil’s Turm. On the whole though, most people would find something or someone of interest at the Turm, a most popular destination for secret rendezvous’, trysts or even simple conversation. At this moment in fact Lucifus Cray floated{1} through its open stone doorway to find a casual corner with which to wait for his contact and friend. Her name was Chess.The Turm’s mood at the moment was serene with the afternoon light shining through a handful of windows. The Beltrates lied beyond while numerous patrons wiled away the time sipping on wines, gentle spirits and even the occasional mug or flagon. Lucifus’s aerial entry had caused a small stir but to stare at someone of the arcane was normally considered slightly rude or course. As such, the decorous returned to their previous activity. A young woman however walked across the room and pulled up a chair on the other side of Lucifus’s position as she made her greetings, “Well hello once more. You certainly know how to make an entry.”Lucifus did not immediately recognise Chess as she had magically altered her semblance{2} to that of a human. However, a fillet confined her hair, which Lucifus divined as the magical source of her alteration. That velvety golden voice as well could also only belong to one person. Even without her slight elvish embellishments, she was still a perfect figure of beauty, her dark hair stunning{3}, her face exquisite.Lucifus dissembled “I heard you were in the vicinity when I arrived in Nethendawe and thought to reacquaint myself with your wonderful voice and form.”She looked him over, immediately sensing his intentions with a smile. “Thank you for the compliment. However, you have a job for me, I can sense. What is it to be this time?”“What is this? … I was trying to be cordial; I did not want this to appear as a summons. Perhaps in fact I merely wish to converse and exchange concepts with you?”To this she laughed: a most delightful sound. “I think not somehow. You’re up to something.” She looked at him with inquisitive intensity, trying to further divest Lucifus of his motives. “If I was foolish, I might even go along with your plans whatever they may be. In fact out of caprice and sheer perversity I still might. Lucifus, what is on your mind? I have little time and numerous preparations to make if the truth be told.”“Preparations? What do you intend?”“A performance for this evening…here at the Turm as a matter of fact. There will be a number of people in attendance, perhaps you would also like to be present.” Lucifus, somehow picking up on more than what was offered, “Whom in particular of those attending do you intend to beguile? I may be of assistance.”Chess laughed once more, surprised at the wily warlock. “No, this is a most secret endeavour. The person involved does not have a clue and I would wish to keep it so. Your offerings would surely invoke suspicion.”Lucifus sniffed, “quite so. However, I suppose there is a trifling I could get you to investigate if you can fit such probing into your busy schedule. [Lucifus looked sideways as he performed an incantation that would shield the exchange]. There is a group hereabouts who have murdered an acquaintance of mine: not that I was particularly fond of her; in fact she was decidedly repugnant in all aspects. Her one redeeming feature however was an article she possessed that may have since fallen into this group’s hands. It is an extremely powerful magical artifact titled a ‘Well of Many Worlds’. In actual fact, its properties go beyond that normally held possible. With study, I could divine these further properties and thus realise this item’s full potential. I need to know who possesses it as my own investigations and leads have led to nothing. I have a small ongoing project at the moment which may bare fruit but unfortunately nothing more.”To this, Chess simply nodded. She looked around before asking, “For the normal fee?”“And a little extra besides. This is in fact most important.” [Chess nodded her head once more] “Perhaps we could meet again after your performance and the dalliance you plan afterwards?”“It would be late but I suppose such things don’t bother you. Are you staying anywhere in particular?”“As a matter of fact no. Is there anywhere you can recommend?”“Here at the Turm is convenient… as well as for other reasons.”“Very well then, I shall procure my normal arrangements… and by the way, how is the wine range here?”“Quite limited at the moment all things considered… why…?” “Chess, it was very nice to make your acquaintance once more and I look forward to seeing you again soon. I am now about to create quite a scene so if you’ll excuse me…” And with this, Lucifus inclined his head to her before hovering over to the innkeeper behind the bar. Chess loved seeing Lucifus perform his mischief, and as she had guessed, what was to follow was to be quite spectacular.***{1} Of note to those with an interest in the arcane, Lucifus has procured the spell commonly known as ‘Greater Mark of Air’ [From Monte’s Book of Eldritch Might 3.0]. He casts this at the sixth bell in the morning and night and thus maintains his flying ability – although normally he prefers to utilise the ‘good’ manoeuvrability provided to simply hover about with legs crossed.The decision to go from 3.0 to 3.5 was pretty much universal from our group except for Dave who plays the stunningly chaotic Nemhan. The sorcerer was going to pretty much have his spell list torn apart and neutered with the change. As such Paul [Our DM] was excellent in allowing him to change his list around and keep his ‘Greater Mark of Air mark 3.0’ [a stunning piece of negotiation here from Dave as Paul is the ultimate stickler for the rules]. As such, Lucifus was also able to take advantage of Paul’s amazing concession.{2} Chess was in fact a half-elf of noble birth, born on the other side of the sheets. Her elven father was never found and her mother would not perform or divulge an admission. After the pregnancy her mother was shipped off to a mental facility of Astell where eventually she became a novitiate of little consequence. Chess however was catered for elsewhere.{3} Chess’ normal hair colouring was an extreme length of dusty blonde curls.</blockquote>

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