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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3182643" data-attributes="member: 40355">The Arrival at SuzailOn day 4 of Altriakin the Year of Wild Magic at about noon the party arrive at Suzail.  The weather is fine and clear. Outside the gates stands several Purple Dragon Knights.  They begin to walk towards the party as they approach.  "At last - home again" says Walter with a sigh. "Well. we made it Neighbours.  So much for a simple Escort.." replies Sparhawk with a smile. "Make sure we are all peace-bonded.. Here comes a reception team"  Sparhawk looks back at Feng and the wagon "Don't know what they will think about the Drow""Greetings knights" says Rizzit and bows "We are escorting this annoying merchant and his fair wench into your fine city".  Feng lounges in the wagon, affecting a bored mein while Limara hurriedly peace-bonds her weapons and rides forward to meet the purple knights "Greetings to you purple knights .... We are the Order of the Initiative. We have come to register ourselves ... and yes, we are escorting these merchants too.... we have a drow prisoner that we captured north east of here, we will be handing her into the appropriate authority for questioning..."The Purple Knights look over the party as they approach the gates.  They spot the Drow in the back of the wagon.  "HALT.  Drow are not permitted here.  She will be taken to secure residence..  The rest of you, please have a pleasant stay in Suzail"  The Purple Knights retrieve Kaellara and lead her away..  The party enter the city."6000gp for a raise dead !!!!  Let's just buy some shovels" says Rizzit in jest, adding more seriously "Do we have 12000gp between us?  Guys we have nowhere near enough money, we need to sell some of the magical party treasure, I suggest the spellbook and leather armour, the nature book and possibly the plate".One of the purple dragons approaches the party "When you have made yourselves comfortable and enjoyed the sights you are requested to an audience with Lord Hawlin.  He wishes to speak with you about the Drow prisoner you rode in with""That Drow was mine." Protests Feng "I Hadn't finished breaking it in. I won it fair and square in combat, and it is my property. When we see lord Hawlin, I will be expecting my property returned, or a sale price.  Rizzit. The plate stays, I can put it to very good use - I have no wish to go back to light infantry right, now, since I cannot afford my own retinue of surgeons to keep me on my feet in a fight. I'm tough, but even Feng benefits from a steel shell.  Why not sell that fag wand?""Look I got the wand the same time as you got your cloak for our little adventure on our own," Rizzit tells Feng "The plate is part of party loot and we need the cash to get our friends back". "Humph" is all the reply that Feng gives "I'll look around for a prze-fight, and I'll win us some money.  Yeah, lets stay at the Dragon Jaws - seems less tame than most of the places around here.""Stop whinging you two.... it wont cost us 12,000gp to get them raised" limara tells the two non-humans "I am sure I can get us a better price.... and  remember we are in town and our actions reflect on all of us.... don't be a 'Poacher' ... please behave and at least mimic being respectful to Lord Hawklin.  If we impress the right people it will enhance our reputation further....and we command greater rewards for our work..." she points out. "I am confident that my diplomatic skills and noble divinity will serve us well in our meeting with this man... if the meeting goes well it may help us get that discount we need... I will work hard to get it for us. ""To put it plainly" says Beltain addressing Feng and Rizzit "Let Limara do the negotiation and we will get a better deal with more cash left after our friends are raised for us all both to spend as we wish in this great city" he finishes with a smile.  Despite his words he seems ill at ease in the huge metropolis and even more so with the purple knights, his hand rests lightly on the hilt of his peace-bonded sword and his body is tense.  "Let us journey on to this inn" he suggests "Unless anyone knows better this place of Rizzit's sounds fine to me, I could do with good food, a bath and a warm bed for the night."He turns to their employer "Well Walter, our ways part here.  You have arrived safe and sound with many tales to tell your fellows.  In this place our pay will buy many delights, and perchance the use of your name may get fair prices at some merchants or perhaps," he pauses for effect "Even a discount. Maybe you could add your word to ours' when we look for assistance in raising our fellows who worked with us in guard duty on the road?" he asks"And don't forget to pay us" adds Rizzit rather spoiling the effect of Beltain's words. "Yes.. it has certainly been an interesting experience." Responds Walter cagily "I've learnt more about adventurers than I wish to know.  The money has been deposited into your bank accounts. I hope to meet again, with some of you..." He looks at Rizzit and Feng "And some I hope I never see again".  With that, he and Deirdre leave the party.A little while later a messenger from Lord Hawklin arrives and the party are escorted to a large stately home situated near the palace.  They are lead to a large room.  Two Purple Knights stand guard.  A servant enters the room with a tray of drinks for the party.  "Lord Hawklin will  see you now" says the servant.  They are lead to another room.  In the room is a stunningly handsome man.  Sophisticated and collected in his manner and bearing.  Tall, dark haired, dark eyed, smooth skin, and impeccably dressed in black, he is enough to make anyone believe some nobles really are better than everyone else.."Welcome" Lord Hawklin says with a smile "I call you here because it came to my attention that you rode into Suzail with a Drow prisoner.  A female priestess.  Now, at this juncture she isn't speaking to us, but I had hoped that she may have talked more freely with her original captors.  Any information you can pass onto us would be greatly appreciated"Beltain bows low to Lord Hawklin "My Lord, we are honoured to be invited to your company.  We were able, at some loss to ourselves to destroy a colony of drow in an outpost along the road from Immersea to the North.  The battle was long and hard and we were only able to emerge victorious due to the courage of all our fellows.  In the battle two of our company fell.  My Lady Limara," here he indicates Limara, with a bow and a smile, "Has no little skill in languages and was able to question the priestess in command of the nest of wickedness in the drow tongue.  She may be able to assist you and supply the information that you need"Despite the flowery words Beltain is ill-at-ease in the company of Lord Hawklin and the purple Knights.  He is deferential and respectful to this powerful noble but he is very aware of their different perspective on life and law.  After his speech he takes a step to the rear and watches the proceedings closely.Before Limara can respond Rizzit takes a deep breath then recants the story of our adventures in the mine, leaving nothing out and with the innocent (stupid) honesty he has.  "Is there anything to eat and drink?" he asks at the end of the story and eats the lit candle on the table "I don't think much to the canapés here" he whispers to Feng.Listens intently to Beltain and Rizzit recount their tale "Mmm.. interesting, a Drow colony near the Mithril Mines.  We had started to wonder why the dwarves at the mine had not been in contact."  He looks a little startled as he sees the kobold eat the candle "Please refrain from eating the fixtures and fittings.  Now, where were we.. ahh yes, you said something about fallen companions.  I will arrange for your friends to be brought back to life, free of charge, by a way of thank you for this information.  I may have some further work for you, should you be interested.  Firstly I encourage you to relax in Suzail a while...""Wahooo" shouts Rizzit and performs a back flip "Thank you so much Sir"The Lord contacts the Towers of Good Fortune and the cleric is instructed to raise the two dead adventurers.  The Wizard Nosnibor and the dwarven Rogue Bibabobalobalos awake.Rather late Limara offers her service to help question the drow "As well as speaking their language I also have some knowledge about drow politics and religious factions... if you would like to know more I would be pleased to discuss it with you" she adds.  Lord Hawklin says that he think over Limara's offer.Beltain is clearly delighted at Lord Hawklin's decision to have Nosni and Boge raised, he is very well disposed to the aristocrat and will be very interested in any commissions that Lord Hawklin may have to offer.The Wizard Nosnibor sits up and looks around "W-wh-where am I? What's is this? I feel ever so strange." The newly revived Wizard Nosnibor says in confusion.  "Oh no! I must be in a drow prison cell. Chaps! Chaps? I remember something about sitting watch I corpulent man hammering his fingers against a board with lots of little stones on it. The stones had letter. He was looking a a colourful box."Beltain pumps Nosni hand up and down, delighted to have the elf back in the party.  He fetches Pussy and hands her over to The Wizard "I think that you will find her well cared for" he tells his comrade "And she is sure to be pampered in Suzail" The Wizard Nosnibor looks more pleased tosee the cat than the other party members "PUSSY! Oh Pussy my love! I have missed you so. Long it seems that I have travelled the barren shore of strange lands without you my sweet sweet companions." So saying he sweeps Pussy into his arms and hugs him close as he open sobs with joy."I am so happy to be back amongst those who care for me."  The Wizard Nosnibor looks at each member of the party with his running nose and tears running down his face. "Thank you my friends. Thank you."Rizzit overcome gives Mr Nosnibor a nig hug"I need a drink," Feng exclaims "And someone to punch.  Hmm, nice to see both Nosi and Biba on their feet - for however long that lasts.  We need to find a grog shop, and then get tattooed."Bibabobalobalos sits up and looks about blankly for a few moments.  "Whh . . . Oh. I guess the fight with the spiders didn't go as well as I was expecting!" he thinks for a moment. Or, perhaps, it went exactly as expected!""Thank you good cleric." He says to the priest "It is good to be back in the world of the living. It was not much fun in purgatory, I can tell you." he stands and looks about for an exit. "Er. Which way did they go good cleric? The ones that brought me here."Beltain welcomes Biba back into the party.  "Now we can share our findings and celebrate" he says beaming at one and all but saving an especially warm smile for LimaraThe Wizard Nosnibor smiles "I am so glad that you fellows dealt with those foul demons, though I'm sure they were just misunderstood.""I still need more money" grumbles Rizzit "And as there is little to interest me in the loot I may pick on value, if someone wants to buy the item to use I will of course sell at below market value to the party.  Do we need money for this stupid party registration bollocks""If we are to be Adventures under the orders of the Lord Hawklin, then perhaps he may want to waive the fee on this occasion?" suggests Beltain "Now Rizzit, did you say that you knew of a good hotel for the night?"Beltain wanders round the Thayan market, looking at the goods on sale and chatting with the vendors and wizards.  He focuses on the skills and on construction methods/processes hoping to augment his ideas on magic item construction.  He then rejoins the main group and realises that Nosni and Biba are very low on hit points and casts spells to heal them."Nosi" asks Rizzit "Are you going to copy what you need from that spell book then we can sell it and split the money""I feel weakened and somehow drained" Biba says to anyone who will listen "But I want to get out and adventure as soon as possible. Are we to wait for the spell-people to do the magical thing? I'll need my share of treasure to rent a space in the common room and for some simple grub." He pauses while he thinks a moment. "If I have a share, that is?  Oh and thank you very much, Beltain, for the healing spell. It is very good of you to look after me so after my failure in the mine.""I need to shop then I am ready to go," says the kobold "Not sure if anyone needs training here.  I think we should spend a few days checking the Inns and bars for rumours though.  You can share with me if you want Bob""Good point, Rizzit" agrees the dwarf, "It is good to see you again, after the shadowy darkness.""Its good to have you back my brave friend" Rizzit respons "But may I suggest some anti-venom potions on your shopping list""Thank you, little fearless one. So where are you staying?" the dwarf continues."In the Dragons Jaws" the kobald answers immediately ""Obviously chaps I will point blank refuse to accept any treasure at all," says The Wizard "Whether you feel I should have any or not, you have all sacrificed greatly to bring me back and i feel it would be churlish to have any part in the loot. You have given me the gift of life and that is treasure enough for me. However if you find an item or scroll that you want me to use and hold for the party i will do so, though my thaumaturgic abilities are no doubt surpassed by the great Rizzit."The Wizard Nosnibor "Chaps. I hope you don't mind me learning some spells from that magic book before we sell it?" and he successfully learns Ray of enfeeblement, Mirror Image and See Invisible but fails to learn Scorching Ray."Ahh, see you are stepping into my area with scorching ray," quips the kobold "The gods obviously favour leaving me with wanton destruction thus preserving your soul""Indeed fair and learned Rizzit" agrees The Wizard "Though I will seldom use it, all knowledge gained is good."While he waits for the others Beltain will browse through the wares on sale at the Ring of Coins but finds little of interest.Limara spends the four days talking to the people at the church of tempus, passing information on to them and gathering rumours and information, but also spends some time training in a new ability she warmly greets Nosi and Bob back from the Fugue and asks if they went anywhere near the wall of lost souls... "..I have always wondered how haunting it must look...heh, did any baatezu try and tempt you to sell your soul ?" she asks.  She also makes a point of thanking Feng for behaving so honourably.  Then she goes out to shop and buy potions. Anyone paying any attention to Limara will have noticed how she seems completely at ease in this town, naturally fitting in with the rigid social structure and laws.  She also spends time talking to some of the purple knights to see if they have any information about recent threats to the capital or surrounding area.Beltain too questions the locals but with no end result he sighs but accepts that he will never have Limara's social graces "Thank you everyone for the coinage" says the dwarf delighted "It will come in most useful for potions and lotions!" He winks. "I will not take any of the other treasure, though, I have not earned it.""You took the same risk as anyone else in the group Biba, and you Nos....just because you fell early in battle means nothing....my view is that everyone has equal right to the treasure, its up to you what you do .... but 'at least' choose a potion!""Thank you Beltain and Limara but I will take nothing, not even the dregs!" says the dwarf obstinately.The Wizard Nosnibor "So chaps. Do you want me to make some scrolls? I'm sure they would help.""Yes Nosnibor," agrees the beautiful Limara "That would be a splendid idea. I'm not sure how many scrolls we need or indeed can afford to buy."Rizzit choses the +1 Platemail as his choice from the party treasure and immediately offers it to Feng "Would you be interested in buying the plate-mail from me?"Beltain selects the Fifth Wind Flute and asks if Coleridge is interested in buying it...."Why not make some scrolls of some of your 1st level spells Mr Nosnibor" suggests Rizzit.  "Yes, a pile of magic missiles wouldn't go amiss!" agrees Beltain.The Wizard Nosnibor takes to his room with a pen and a candle and gets to scribing."If there is going to be a party fund for cure spells I would gladly contribute." Says Biba "Are the holy men of the party willing to giveth of themselves for the party and recompense?""I think the idea is that we all stock on Cure Scrolls" says Beltain raising a quizzical eyebrow at Limara "For the clerics to cast when we get wounded.  They aren't quite as good as potions but they can hit the spot after a battle" says Beltain "I will be buying six!"Beltain bids the other goodbye and tells them he plans to go to the Ring of Coins to get an idea of the value of the Fifth Wind. "Beltain," protests Biba with a frown "I do not like the sound of this 'Ring of Coins'. It seems a little shady to me. Be careful."Beltain is taken aback, "If the Ring of Coins is too shady for a rogue, then should an upright cleric be seen in the place?" he asks himself.  He changes his mind and goes to talk to the Thayan wizards...Meanwhile the rest of the party await the summons from Lord Hawklin</blockquote>

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