The Fall of Arden Fair
Rystil Arden said:
"Well, now that we're safe, we need to think about the possible aftermath. Unfortunately, I fear that though we have saved this girl from destruction, we may have accomplished nothing else with regards to the Illuminated Minds due to our need to retreat. As I mentioned earlier, they can pretty easily write us off as random loony terrorists."
Bront said:
"Terrorists get people talking though, and may spark an investigation of some kind," Mel says. "I may even have a connection I can use to help with this as well, though to contact it may bring about other issues."
"
That was always the risk, but we have some propaganda we can put into affect now. We anticipated this happening, not today, but at least sometime soon. If nothing else, we have raised doubts in the minds of their followers. You were not scruffily dressed, you protested injustice instead of spouting slogans, and if violence occurred, it was curiosly isolated. Young people prone to introspection, such as Arden Fair's pupils, will recall this. We use his own techniques against him. It will not be easy, but we can continue to chip away at their edifice of supierority and respectability.
"
Mel, what connection did you speak of? Any help we could get would be more than useful. But despite what we might learn, it might not be a bad idea to get out of Sharn for a while. After we figure out our plans, you would be safer off away from here, where it would be harder for them to find you, at least until the disgrace leaves the forefront of their minds," Febratari says, her voice even, thoughtful, and deliberate. It's almost unnaturally calm for someone who was just running from possessing enemies.
D20Dazza said:
"Let's tend to Opal and hear her story before making any rash decisions" Bail says "And let's make sure Mel is OK as well" he continues his voice tinged with concern.
Shortly after the discussion, Opal awakens all at once, at first giving a strangled scream, then flinging herself at Shenystari, crying hysterically. She can calm the frightened girl after a few moments, and ask her of her story.
"
I was... I was preparing my mind like Arden taught me, reaching into the a mindscape of shapes, and then there was something above my consciousness, forcing me into the diamond. I thought that's where I was supposed to go, then everything fell apart! The gold and red was everywhere, it was chasing me, it wanted to kill me!" she half-sobbed.
~~~~
Something Fishy Grilling at the Drunk Duck!
stonegod said:
When the Big Owner Man comes in and mentions food, there is a loud *RUUMBLE* from Tondrek's stomach. He looks embarrased a moment, and says. "sorry. But I hungy and like to eat. Thank you much." Then looking at the collapsed chef, he adds, "Need construct cook. Never break. Rarely. Unless element break free, run amok, and destroy all humans. And half-orcs. And dwarfs. And..." Luckily, he trails off, continuing the list more silently to himself.
The man opens his mouth for a moment, then shuts it.
"Poor lad, must have taken a blow to the head..." the man says softly.
Someone said:
Harolk enjoys the kiss. "That I´m magnificent it´s barely news, dear. That´s like telling the sea ´You´re wet´"
"
Glory hound! Come on, I think I need to see that healer as soon as he gets here..." Querzana says, tugging him along to the private dining room.
The "private" room is actually where the gnome musicians were playing earlier, on top of the main cabin of the ship. A canopy is erected over the top, and the sides are drapped with insect netting. Torches dosed with insect-bane oil are set to burning on the corners of the room, and insect-bane candles, with their pleasent scent, are placed on a table wrestled up from below. The party is given a chance to clean themselves off, and by the time the last of the rugelt blood is off, a House Jorasco healer, a rather harried halfling man, has finally arrvied.
"
Heavens! You look terrible! Let me take care of that at once..." he says quickly, taking Querzana's arm in between his hands. In a matter of minutes, he's mended her arm, Harolk's ribs, and Hxaptos and Tondrek's bruises, then ducks below to look at the chef. The group of heroes are treated to excellent cold ale or red wine as the fancy takes them, along with bread and grilled vegetables as they're waiting for their steaks. It takes a while, considering the state they left the galley, but soon the savory scent of grilling meat fills the air. Eventually the innkeeper comes up bearing a large platter filled with grilled, white rugelt steaks, seasoned with lemons, pepper, garlic, and probably a whole host of other spices as well. The steaks are flavorful and tender, melting in the mouth, and the innkeeper loudly praises the party to others of his staff.