The Psionicle, Part V

[GnomeWorks]

Jansson
You head down to Tristam's shop, checking the gun over. It seems to be in decent shape, almost as good as when the dwarf gave it to you. There are a few dings and scratches in it, especially from that last climb, but other than that there isn't anything serious on it.

You are met at the door entering the warehouse by a young human girl, who couldn't be more than 15 years old.

"Hello there, can I help you?" She asks in a melodic voice.

 

[Jarval]

Jansson does his best to polish out any scratches in the gun as he walks.

Looking up at the girl, Jansson says "I'm here to see Tristam. I'm returning the gun he kindly loaned to me."

 

[GnomeWorks]

Jarval
"Oh, it's you," She says softly. "Yes, please, come in. Tristam is expecting you."

She leads you inside, to the dwarf's office. It is much the same as you saw it before.

"Greetings, halfling." Tristam greets you. "Thank you for returning my gun to me. I expect that you took good care of it." He says, taking it out of your hands. He places it lovingly in it's cloth, folds it up, and places it on a shelf.

"Tori'shel, you may go." He says, and the young girl smiles and leaves, closing the door to Tristam's office behind her.

"Now, halfling." Tristam says, an intense seriousness coming into his voice. "I require something of you. I need your help. As I mentioned before in the Council's tower, the situation in the Coldlands Territory is growing tense. There is rumor that Ashk will be attacking us."

The dwarf looks up in disgust. "Oh, but of course, you don't know what Ashk is. Well, let me put it this way - Ashk is a world-spanning empire. It is said that the sun never sets on the Ashkian Empire, and that is almost true. They own pieces of almost every single continent and island. Their navy is... huge. Their magic is great. Their allies are numerous. And, once they set their sights on something... they never stop until they have it."

"If Ashk gets a hold of us, if they take the Coldlands Territory, then the force of Technology will succumb to that of Magic. Ashk will become that much stronger. True, none of the forces can mix - but Ashk is home to some of the most powerful wizards in the world. The Coldlands is home to some of the most ingenious technological innovators this world has ever seen. If Ashk could take that, then the balance would be destroyed. They would come after Kahasal next, using both mighty magic and powerful technology. Psionics cannot stand up against both of the other forces - especially without the Psionicle. Without that, Psionics is beginning to fade, even now. Do you think that your force could possibly stand up to the others when it isn't even at full strength?"

"What you have accomplished today... was very difficult. That is why I ask you, to join the cause of the Coldlands Territory. If you join us, not only can you help to save the Coldlands, but you can also save Kahasal. Balance will be maintained."

His stare becomes intense. "What do you say? My ship arrives in Cara'nor in several hours. I must leave within the hour. Again, I ask - what do you say?"

 

[dkoz]

Desimus heads to the inn, looking for food for himself and his familiar, after the discussion with the council ends.

 

[GnomeWorks]

Desimus
You head to the Ace of Diamonds, an inn that you saw on your way in to town. A small staircase leads up to a single door.

Once inside, you can see that the interior of the building is much more pleasant than the outside. The doorway leads into a large room, full of tables and chairs, although there is little else in the way of furnishings.

"Ah, greetings!" The innkeep's voice projects loudly as you enter the inn. "What services can the Ace provide for you this fine afternoon?"

 

[Zhure]

Osius

Osius, too, remembers the Ace of Diamonds and tiredly trudges there to seek a meal and a room. He waves at those going about differing tasks... "Come see me if you have problems, else I'll see all of you in the morn."

 

[Jarval]

Jansson listens carefully to Tristam, waiting until the dwarf has finished before he replies.

"I would be willing to help, but I would need to talk with my friends. The Great Council wishes for us to negotiate with a tribe of yuan-ti to the south. However, it sounds as if you may have a greater need of our help."

"Could you delay your ship for a few hours, to give me time to discuss this matter? I would be little help on my own, and I am reluctant to go against the wishes of my friends. I know you are busy, but could you come with me to the tavern where we are staying? Your words on this may carry more weight than mine."

"Why would the Council not help you? It sounds to me as if your aims and theirs are the same in this matter."

 

[Creamsteak]

Animus is making an untrained gather information check. Looking for hints to any of the following leads:

Sister
Kidnapper
Slave Trade
Missing Persons

Animus will also pay for room and board (need to check gold... not sure how much I have).

 

[Dalamar]

Syld leaves the council room and heads out to have a little walk for himself before getting something to eat.
He walks around the town and watches al there and goes in as he sees the Ace of Diamonds.

Entering, he sees some of his fellows already gathered and goes to talk to them, ordering on his way.
"Innkeep! Get me something that makes a travellers feet feel better after a long travel!"
He then turns to his friends.
"I have to congratulate us for a job well done. What do you think then, should we go to the mission the Council has for us? Or perhaps we should follow Tristram?"

 

[GnomeWorks]

Jansson
Tristam slowly shakes his head.

"No, I'm sorry, I cannot delay my departure. There is no way to communicate with my ship from here, save by rider - and that would take as long as I would getting there."

"As for having a greater need of your help - that depends upon where you stand. And the Council... well, they would if they could. I had believed when I came here that each of the Lesser Councils controlled some sort of militia or army of some sort. Evidently, this is not so. I could go speak with the Great Council, but with my ship departing soon..."

The dwarf sighs.

"I'm afraid that I cannot go with you to the inn you speak of, either. I have a few last-minute things to take care of here. However, I can send a representative who is aware of everything that is happening... Tori'shel!"

The young human girl you saw earlier rushes into the room. "Yes?"

"Accompany the halfling back to the inn he is staying at, and explain to his friends our predicament. Try to get them to join us. I will be here - return here immediately when they have chosen and tell me what they are going to do."

"Yes, sir." She says. Tori'shel then looks to you. "After you."

---

Osius, Syld
The innkeep remembers you, and smiles as you enter.

"Good afternoon! Our rooms have freed up since last night due to the ambassador leaving town. Rooms are the same fare as last night, five silver apiece. As for your meals, we still have a few of the birds left, if you are interested in having that again."

---

Animus
You wander around the city for awhile, attempting to pick up on any conversations pertaining to things that interest you.

OOC:

OOC: *rollroll*

You don't find anything pertaining to what you were looking for.