The Victor's House - Crolon

[DMEntropy]

After delivering the white dragon corpse to Ibraham at the College Arcane, you make your way to the Temple of Alyhndro. You are quickly ushered into the chambers of the High Priest and are joined almost immediately by the commander of the temple garrison.

The High Priest welcomes you and offers goblets of wine to each of you. He has an expectant air about him. After the commander arrives he asks, "What news do you have of the dagger?"

 

[RJKrik]

Azeem Razuddi

"Well, sir, we believe we have found the dagger that we were sent to find. It was in the hands of the leader of a clan of orcs. The Bloody Talon Orcs to be precise. They had gotten it out of the cave where it had been and were probably using it to rally the orcs for an attack. We went in at night and were able to take down the dozen or so orcs that were at the campsite, and reclaim the dagger from their leader. A few escaped, and there were some 30 riders that had been sent out the day before we attacked, so if we can get word to the milita about those that would be great. Lorimar has the dagger and I'm sure is ready to give it to you as it burns him to even touch it." The bard relates the story in a somewhat summarized fashion, then motions for Lorimar to hand over the foul dagger.

 

[DMEntropy]

Looks of concern cross the faces of the Commander and High Priest. You can tell that the Commander has questions to ask, but is waiting for the appropriate time.

The High Priest turns to Lorimar, "You have the dagger, Lorimar? Please show me what you have found."

 

[DMEntropy]

Lorimar Himo


Lorimar pulls the wrapped dagger from his pack. As he does so it slips free of the cloth holding it and falls to the floor. It lands point down and sticks in Lorimar's boot. He shudders briefly and then sags in his chair, unconcious. Reacting with the reflexes of a veteran, the Commander seizes the dagger and tosses it across the room trailing Lorimar's blood. A dark blue light is emanating from the dagger now that was not before. Glowing deep purple runes can be seen along the length of the blade as well.

The High Priest begins an incantation, then another, and yet another over Lorimar after he is laid upon a divan in the office. No obvious change occurs in his condition. The High Priest looks to all of you with a very worried expression on his face. "The dagger has wrought some ill effect over Lorimar's mind. I am unable to bring about Lorimar's control over his own thoughts at this time. We will move him to the infirmary where the healers can look into his condition." He picks up a small silver bell and sounds a clear note of summons that is quickly answered by an acolyte. Minutes later he is joined by others with a stretcher and Lorimar is borne out of the office.

Both the Commander and High Priest return to their seats and ask questions of you:

"What is the disposition of the orc forces and where did you encounter them? How many are there? What are their arms? What are the capabilities of their leaders?" the Commander asks.

"Please describe all that you found in the cave, every detail you can remember. How was the dagger itself found? Were the orcs using it, or did they just possess it?" the High Priest asks.

 

[DMEntropy]

...

 

[DMEntropy]

...

 

[RJKrik]

Azeem Razuddi

The bard looks from the High Priest to the commander then begins to tell the tale. "We were five days in the mountains, a valley about here... (takes out map and gives the general location of the Orc Valley)" "The Orcs had , as I saidd, sent out a group of cavalry before we attacked. There seemed to be about 30 orcs, though we did not get a very good look at them or their arms and equiptment. The orcs we fought were about a dozen in number. There were two leaders, one of which (he looks at the high priest while saying the next bit) was using the dagger though no one was hit with it. The two leaders both seemed capable of some kind of spellcasting, I don't know what they were doing but mainly it seemed to make Agates weaker. After we defeated the leader with the dagger the other leader escaped. We were all fairly well hurt and did not want to risk going after him. We collected what weapons we could find, which were numerous Falchions and Javelins, and left the valley behind us. The next few days of travel we heard the Orc horns, I can only assume the cavalry came back and the leader returned to set them after us. They did not catch us however." Azeem relates the story to the Commander.

"Now, the cave. The first thing we noticed was a downward pointing dagger etched into the stone at the mouth of the cave. There were many orc footprints leading into and out from the cave. We followed down a pasage that was blackened as if by some kind of explosions. Then there was a pile of rock, with two Falchions sticking out of it that seemed to have been melted, which ahd been cleared away from a doorway. Inside the chamber was where the dagger must have been kept. Some kind of box had held it, and some kind of spells though Mandrin or... well Lorimar, could tell you more about those. On the wall there was a mosaic of Aeddan Stronghand which was also marred by the downard pointing dagger. After finding all this, we headed out from the cave and followed the Orcs to the valley I allready spoke of." Following the long explanation Azeem waits for the two men to reply.

 

[DMEntropy]

The Commander receives Azeem's report with an attentive ear. He nods several times as Azeem seems to be confirming something already in the Commander's mind. Once Azeem finishes he replies, "A very good report. You would make a good observer if you are interested in such a position. I can speak with friends in the Militia for you if you would like. Just let me know."

He turns to the High Priest, "I must go and let this information be shared with the Militia commanders as well. It is good that the leadership of the orcs has been reduced by our agents' actions. There remains a spell casting orc leader to rally the remaining forces though. Thankfully, that evil artifact is under our lock and key now. No orc will be using it against loyal Kinrisari."

With that, the Commander bows to the High Priest and then to you and departs the office. The High Priest seems to be lost in thought for a moment then returns. "I am disturbed by what has happened to Lorimar. Hopefully, our healers will be able to find some remedy for what has taken place. I fear that some research into this dagger will be necessary to speed up progress along that avenue, however. The College Arcane has its own agenda at times and I don't fully trust them."

The High Priest takes a drink from his goblet of wine and looks to you. "I hope that I do not need to impress upon you the need for secrecy about this ancient weapon. News like this will only inflame the ignorant and incite the wicked." He seems to be working at avoiding Agates gaze while saying this. "Speak to no one of what you have accomplished here. I will keep you informed about Lorimar. Will you be reached at the Whispering Willow still?"

 

[RJKrik]

Azeem Razuddi

"Yes we shall be at the Whispering Willow. Please let us know how Lorimar is doing. We will of course remain silent about our mission, however, with your approval I would like to tell a tale of our battle against the Orcs to the people. Without any mention of the dagger or even where we were. It always brightens up their days to hear of a victory against the evils of the world, ecspecially here in Crolon. If you don't think this is wise I can stay my tounge of course, but I think I can make it generalized enough so that no one will be able to pin down the location or our reason for going." The bard says.

 

[Ezieer]

Keeping out of trouble

Ezieer says very little as usual... all this high fallooting talk disinterests him.

"Just say we took their stuff after beating them soundly.. all that needs to be said Azeem"