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Story Hour
Tokiwong's Story Hour... aka Big trouble in little Cormyr
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<blockquote data-quote="Aust Meliamne" data-source="post: 895" data-attributes="member: 95"><p>Well here we go another session posted, I feel like I accomplished something here. Maybe not but I feel good anyways. Well enjoy. </p><p> </p><p></p><p>North of Quell in the Mountains… in search of the Citadel of Honin Tau:</p><p></p><p>Talindra braced for the attack drawing her bow and preparing an arrow, while Kyoko screamed for her dear life. Talindra let an arrow fly, stinging the brown bear as it roared charging forward. Kyoko drew her rapier and prepared to do battle as the large humanoid stalked forward both blades ready to draw blood.</p><p></p><p>The brown bear was within striking range as Talindra dropped her bow and drew her shortsword and Midnight, her magical longsword. Kyoko kept her attention on the bear, the ogre just in sight out of the corner of her eye. Talindra struck first her blades singing as she missed with her shortsword, but hit home with Midnight. The bear roared as it tried to paw Talindra, she evaded the blow, though Kyoko was not so lucky. The bear struck her with an offhand blow, ripping into her shoulder.</p><p></p><p>In the meanwhile the rest of the group was preparing to move forward when Rhea spotted another brown bear charging towards her, trying to flank her on the right side. She turned drawing Dancer, her masterwork bastard-sword and began preparing True Strike spell. Thev charged on ahead to aid Kyoko and Talindra, while Aust stayed back with Rhea to face the second bear. </p><p></p><p>Aust was the quickest and struck a vicious blow with his blade ripping into the bear with a gusto, blood spraying across the snow, steaming. Rhea was busy chanting her spell, and the brown bear turned on Aust but was unable to connect with any of natural weaponry. Aust followed up with another smashing blow and Rhea struck home easily her hand guided by divine power. The bear ripped into Rhea with a fury and mauled the poor drow into unconsciousness, her blood warming the cold snow.</p><p></p><p>Xenon prepared a spell and cast a Flaming Sphere at the ogre as it moved into melee with Kyoko, luckily Thev had arrived just in time. The ogre was too slow to avoid the flaming sphere and roared with pain. Talindra focused her assault on the brown bear ripping into it with both blades amazingly, the roars becoming yelps of pain. Kyoko confused at whom to attack struck at the bear clumsily, her attack missing the mark. Thev swung his greatsword at the ogre and cut a swath of blood across the brute’s chest. The ogre growled nonsensical curses at the heroes.</p><p></p><p>Talindra continued her assault against the brown bear, amidst pain from an errant paw slash she was able to bring the bear down and turn her attentions to the ogre. Kyoko focused her rapier against the ogre keeping it off guard, while it tried to cleave Thev in half. Thev evaded the blow and prepared his own strike. Xenon used his arcane skills to launch a flurry of Magic Missiles at the brute, combining the effect with the still present flaming sphere. The combined effect as able to drop the ogre just as Aust finished off the bear he was facing. The group slowly recovered from the vicious melee and started licking their wounds. Thev quickly moved to Rhea’s side and tried to stabilize her by laying his hands upon her. Xenon and Kyoko checked the ogre over and searched the scene for any clues about the attack.</p><p></p><p>Tom, the talking badger, came out from his hiding spot and proceeded over to Rhea. He gently nudged Thev aside and laid his head on Rhea’s chest. He looked surprised and then proceeded to lay his paws on her heart, a light glow covered her and she opened her eyes, surprised. Her vicious wounds were gone and she was whole once more.</p><p></p><p>Tom sat up, “Well, well, I was surprised to find that you carry two souls inside you Rhea, very interesting.”</p><p></p><p>Rhea sat up, “Two souls,” she shook her head, “I don’t understand what you are talking about.”</p><p></p><p>Tom shrugged, “When I felt your spirit, I felt two intertwined spirits, where there should only be one.”</p><p></p><p>Tom turned and waddled off to lay down and rest, he was done with the conversation it seemed. Rhea stood slowly, with Thev’s help. The rest of the party searched the scene and found a few items of note. The ogre carried a satchel of gold and silver coins; he also carried a masterwork greatsword and a well-crafted longsword with a black hilt and a sharp edge. Kyoko was intrigued by the blade and began to look it over quizzically.</p><p></p><p>She muttered aloud, “I wonder if this blade is magical?”</p><p></p><p>“Well of course I am, miss, and I thank you for freeing me from the hands of that beast,” the blade replied with a sharp male voice.</p><p></p><p>Kyoko nearly dropped the longsword; “You can talk?”</p><p></p><p>“Of course I can, and I thank you for your assistance, how may I be of service?” the blade replied.</p><p></p><p>Kyoko turned to Aust, “Yes I think it is magical, and I think you can benefit more then I can, Aust,” she handed the blade off to Aust.</p><p></p><p>Aust held the blade with wonderment, “A talking sword, this is amazing. Do you have a name?”</p><p></p><p>“I am Blak-Fang, and what is your name lord?”</p><p></p><p>“I am Aust Melliamne, pleased to meet you Blak-Fang,” Aust felt quite strange to be speaking with an inanimate object.</p><p></p><p>Kyoko perked up at the name, “Did you say Blak-Fang,” she paused, thinking upon her extensive bardic knowledge, “I have heard that name before. A knight named Jander Hansil once used a blade called Blak-Fang against a dragon, but the name escapes me. It is said Jander was never heard from again though.”</p><p></p><p>“Vorgrimm, a shadow dragon dwelling in deepest Aunarauch. I was created to best him, but Jander failed. I will not fail a second time. When do we leave for the Dragon, Aust?” Blak-Fang replied with earnest.</p><p></p><p>Aust blinked, “Well I am currently involved in a quest as it is, Blak-Fang to find a citadel occupied by forces of shadow.”</p><p></p><p>“I see, well that sounds like an honorable quest, I will aid you as best as I can Lord Meliamne, but hopefully we may return to destroy Vorgrimm once and for all.”</p><p></p><p>Aust nodded to the blade and carefully placed it in his sheath. The rest of the group gathered their things and returned to their horses. The bodies were buried, with much protest by Xenon. He wanted to leave them as a symbol to any pursuers, but Thev vehemently declined. The group continued along the trail through the snowy mountains for the next two days without any event and arrived at the small village of Cormonth, finally a warm bed and a home cooked meal could be had if they could find hospice.</p><p></p><p>The party decided to rest their laurels at the Sleeping Bear inn, a quaint little inn, with a small staff and one large community sleeping room. Thev, Rhea, and Aust decided to take a rest in the back while the others stayed up front in the ‘lobby’ and rested by the fire. </p><p></p><p>Kyoko decided to go to the back room to rest, the long days of travel were bothersome and had done a number on her hair. She proceeded to prune herself in the back and make herself presentable while Thev sat silently thinking. Rhea looked over at him curiously, “Thev are you well?”</p><p></p><p>Thev sighed, “I am fine,” although he obviously wasn’t.</p><p></p><p>Kyoko perked up, “Listen Stone-face, it is obvious you have a problem, might as well spill the beans.”</p><p></p><p>Rhea nodded in agreement; “I am listening Thev if you want to speak.”</p><p></p><p>Thev nodded, “I have just been thinking about the events that have been happening, from that first time we met till now. All this time I have searched for those men that ambushed my companions and I. It seems that every closer I get, the farther away my goal seems. I just get the feeling I have not made a difference in making peace with the spirits of my fallen comrades.”</p><p>Rhea sighed, “Thev you have been a stalwart companion and a good friend, do not doubt yourself, we will see this through to the end. I am sure your allies and friends are proud of the path you have chosen.”</p><p></p><p>“It isn’t like you are a failure Stone-face, just need to lighten up some, smile every century or so, “ Kyoko added.</p><p></p><p>Thev shook his head, “I understand that, but I have been thinking about other things, the attack on the courthouse, the assassin. Things in my mind, some of the pieces do not fit right. It just seemed like maybe the assassin was sent to kill me.”</p><p></p><p>Rhea shook her head, “Why would they want you dead? I mean it was pretty obvious that I was an easy scapegoat.”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko blinked, “Well think about it Rhea, you were most likely to be sentenced to death, why kill you. If you were a scapegoat then why even bother, I have to agree with Thev in that happenstance. Thev you said something about an ambush, can you tell me about it?”</p><p></p><p>Thev nodded, “I do not remember much, it all happened so fast. I was travelling with my sword-brothers on our way to Quell to assist with the goblin raids and put an end to their depredations, and hopefully get the turquoise trade flowing once more. We were about a day’s ride north of Franick, where I met Rhea, when the ambush hit us. It was fast, the goblins moved quickly, backed by magic. Magical webbing entangled my brethren arrows flew quickly, it was madness.”</p><p></p><p>Rhea nodded, “Yes the scene was quite grisly when I went to inspect it several hours later.”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko nodded, “Do you remember anything else?”</p><p></p><p>“There was so much going on, I took an arrow in the chest and tried to aid Sir Lanholm, my mentor but he bade me to get to safety and to seek help. It is our code not to abandon our brothers, unless ordered, but it was a tough command to comply with,” he pauses thinking, “there were men as well, I fled at that point. They were dark men, well armed but I remember something, a crescent moon, a blood tear…” he growled trying to draw out the repressed memories.</p><p></p><p>Kyoko was startled, “The symbol of Lathos, the Crescent moon with the Blood teardrop. Rhea I think the assassin was after Thev, but why, why would they kill your comrades and try to finish you off as well?”</p><p></p><p>Rhea could only shake her head and comfort her distraught friend; the night would be long indeed.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Meanwhile out in the lobby the rest of the heroes rested enjoying quiet conversation with the innkeeper and amongst themselves. The night was passing along slowly when a stranger entered the inn, covered in snow and grime from travel. From his bearing he appeared to be a knight, a warrior. He was an older man, yet his hair had not yet grayed. He wore a black cloak over black chainmail, with a white shirt over the chest. The white shirt bore the symbol of the Black Horn, the same knightly order as that of Thev.</p><p></p><p>Talindra blinked curiously at the knight as his careful gaze swept the room. She turned to Aust and whispered in his ear, “Isn’t that the same symbol that Thev has, for the Knights f the Black Horn.”</p><p></p><p>Aust nodded in agreement not sure what to make of this stranger; he glanced warily at Xenon who was busying himself with some research by the fire. Aust glanced back at the knight and decided to excuse himself to go speak with Thev.</p><p></p><p>The knight gave a curt nod to Talindra, “Tis a bad evening to be out and about, the snow has come early this year, milady.”</p><p></p><p>Talindra replied, “I can agree,” slightly nervous, “but that is a traveler’s lot to brave the elements.”</p><p>The man nodded, “Well met milady, I am Josiah second scion of the Knights of the Black Horn. I apologize for my appearance, but I have been traveling many long days and nights in search of my wayward brethren.”</p><p></p><p>Talindra nodded, “Pleased to meet you sir, I am Talindra,” she waved to Xenon, “and that is my companion Xenon.”</p><p></p><p>Xenon perked up at the mention of his name, but only sighed settling back into his research.</p><p></p><p>“I am pleased to meet both of you, I am hoping you have crossed paths with any my brethren, the Knights of the Black Horn? We had sent an envoy to Quell quite some time ago and they have yet to return or send word of the whereabouts,” he took a seat with a welcome sigh of relief.</p><p></p><p>Talindra looked curious, “Well one of our companions is a Knight of the Black Horn, by the name of Thev, maybe he can assist you?”</p><p></p><p>Josiah sat up with surprise, “Thev, Thev Blackmoon, is he here?”</p><p></p><p>Talindra nodded, “Yes he is, just a moment and we should be able to get him for you,” she took a seat as well slightly relieved.</p><p></p><p>Aust returned with Thev, followed by both Kyoko and Rhea. Thev was shocked to see Josiah and immediately fell to one knee; “Lord, Sir Thev Blackmoon fourth scion of the Black Horn, I am at your service milord.”</p><p></p><p>Josiah stood languidly, “I am pleased to have found you Thev, what is the word from your mentor Sir Lanholm?”</p><p></p><p>Thev looked up slowly, “Sir Lanholm is dead milord, killed in an ambush, I have taken it upon my self to avenge my sword-brethren. And bring their murderers to justice, as in accordance with the Code milord.”</p><p></p><p>Josiah nodded, “You have done well, but the Order has pressing need of us, you are to proceed with me at once Sir Blackmoon. The times are dark and I grieve for Sir Lanholm, but we must focus on the moment.”</p><p></p><p>Thev nodded, “Yes milord, but my task at hand, must I break my oath to my fallen comrades, is it so pressing that I may not investigate the purpose of the ambush, and to bring the murderers to justice.”</p><p></p><p>“I understand your concern, squire, but you do not need to concern yourself with that triviality, the order will see to making good on your oath, for Sir Lanholm. Were there any other survivors of the ambush, Thev?”</p><p></p><p>Thev shook his head, “No milord, I am the only one, regretfully.”</p><p></p><p>Josiah nodded, “I see, well I grieve for them as well. Sir Lanholm was a good friend and a stalwart supporter of the Code, he will be missed along with the others.”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko piped up, “Yes Sir Thanwick and Sir Galtan will both be missed, I suspect, sir knight, I trust they will be given the proper respect for their passing,” a distrustful look in her eye. The names startled Thev; he was confused and was about to speak when Josiah cut him off.</p><p></p><p>Josiah replied, “Yes of course, and they too will be given the proper respect, they will not have died in vain I suppose. Thev gather your things we must be going, now,” his tone demanding.</p><p></p><p>Thev looked up and shook his head slowly, “Sir with all due respect I must demand that I stay and by right of the Code avenge the spirits of my allies, of which Sir Thanwick and Sir Galtan were not among.” He stood, “And now I must wonder just what you intend for me, milord.”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko smiled inwardly, her woman’s intuition had seen a chink in the honest knight’s armor. She was not sure why but she did not trust him, not one bit. She watched as Thev took a step away from Josiah, as everyone else began to focus on the conversation even more intently.</p><p></p><p>Josiah grimaced, seeing his mistake; he gave Kyoko a dirty look before composing himself, “I see that you are all quite bothersome enemies. It seems there is no stopping you, and why? For good, for a better tomorrow, you have no idea how deluded you are.”</p><p></p><p>Thev growled, “Traitor! You have spoken nothing but venomous lies! Why, how have you become so corrupt?”</p><p></p><p>Rhea placed a restraining hand on Thev, “You best speak quickly,” towards Josiah.</p><p></p><p>Josiah smirked and took a seat, “What does it matter, what you think, you have been laboring a false pretense that you are capable of stopping us. It is laughable, but I commend you, each and every one of you. But you all show promise.”</p><p></p><p>Thev growled, “You traitor to the Black Horn! Death is the crime for treachery to the Code, you have befouled the name of the Black Horn, your very presence sickens me.” </p><p></p><p>“Traitor, hardly squire. The Black Horn serves a greater good, now. Though were some that were abit too defiant to the internal changes, and of course they were educated or removed. Sir Lanholm was among those too resistant to change and I sense you are as well, like him. It is a pity, you could have served well, and the Shadis Masin will bring a New World of which we cannot fathom. An age of Beautiful Sorrow, the Age of Twilight. He was too resistant to the Golden Path and was dealt with, a pity that you survived, because you have become a vicious liability. I do not pity your fate,” Josiah sat content in his words.</p><p></p><p>Thev blinked in shock, he had no words with which to retort. He simply turned and went to the common room, before his rage overcame him. </p><p></p><p>Rhea gripped Dancer in her hands, “Now ye listen here coward, I am not quite sure what to believe but ye have stepped into something that ye will not walk away from.”</p><p></p><p>Josiah, “I am a man of honor, if you see it as an honest trade I can provide you with information for my life.”</p><p></p><p>Aust looked to Talindra, as the whole group exchanged glances quizzically. They finally agreed to allow him to live if he provided answers to their question.</p><p></p><p>Kyoko spoke first, “What is the Shadis Masin?” her hand on her rapier’s hilt.</p><p></p><p>“The Shadis Masin is the focus, the source of enlightenment, they are one and many, it is the Shadis Masin that leads the Golden Path, “ he paused, “the Shadis Masin is greater then you.”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko sneered, “Greater, but not much smarter.”</p><p></p><p>Xenon added, “Tell us about the Eye?”</p><p></p><p>“Humph, so it is true you have the Eye. The Eye is the key; it will open the first steps of the Golden Path, to paradise. The Golden Path will burn the evil of the world, and there will be only oneness. Surely you have no qualms with such a noble goal.”</p><p></p><p>Xenon shrugged, “A religious fanatic, I am not quite sure how much of this rubbish to believe.”</p><p></p><p>“What reason do I have to lie?” Josiah smiled, “the Golden Path will not be stopped.”</p><p>Aust glanced at the rest of the party and decided to go check on Thev while they continued this interrogation. Rhea was at her boiling point, her rage just scarcely beneath the surface of her dark skin. Josiah shifted in his chair and sat quietly, waiting.</p><p></p><p>Rhea growled, “Enough of ye double talk zealot, ye deserve to die for yer treachery to your order and the Code,” her hand clenching around Dancer.</p><p></p><p>Josiah nodded, “I have given you information, I only wish to keep my life, surely you have enough honor to do that.”</p><p></p><p>Rhea shook her head no, “I am not quite sure if we should let you go, you would simply return to kill us.”</p><p></p><p>“Well that is a funny though, but honestly do you think I came here alone, like I said before your reputations have made you all out to be quite dangerous. I would be foolish to come here alone, wouldn’t I?” he said with a gentle smile.</p><p></p><p>Rhea looked wary and took a peak through the window, her dark-vision revealing nothing of the ordinary. She motioned for Talindra to look out of another window while she looked out the door. As Rhea opened the door and peeked outside, she was hit quickly with an arrow in her shoulder. The wound was slight but she quickly slammed the door shut as more arrows pounded into the door.</p><p></p><p></p><p>In the meanwhile Thev and Aust were discussing Thev’s growing lack of faith. His world had been smashed everything he had believed in, was becoming a lie. The Black Horn Code had become nothing, what was his purpose then? If not for the careful words of Aust, Thev may have done something rash, but he decided to cling onto that little bit of faith left in his heart.</p><p></p><p>Just as they had finished their chatting, Aust noticed a figure creeping by the window, then a second. He turned to Thev, who in turn moved to the window and grabbed the second thug through the window. Thev turned to Aust, “Get to the others, quickly!”</p><p></p><p>Aust arrived just as Rhea slammed the door shut. She ripped the arrow from her shoulder and snarled at Josiah, who could not help but expose a smile. Kyoko and Talindra both drew their weapons, while Xenon prepared some spells. </p><p></p><p>Rhea yelled at Josiah, “You had best git now, lest I choose to finish ye here and now!”</p><p></p><p>Josiah stood, “I hope you all,” he never finished as Rhea opened the door and shoved him out the door, quickly shutting it. In the briefest moments after the door closed, the sound of arrows hitting flesh and a loud thump outside was heard. Soon arrows began to smash through the windows and slam into the door. Rhea grabbed a table and put it up to the door. The poor little inn was under attack.</p><p></p><p>Thev arrived and dropped the lifeless thug on the ground; “We need to get out of here fast!”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko turned to the innkeeper, first asking about a back entrance then an axe when the first question was not answered satisfactorily. She handed the axe off to Thev whom in turn used to cut and smash away out of the back as the arrow flurry continued. Aust ran to the back room to grab what supplies he could. Rhea continued to hold up the table until she heard a thump then smelled smoke and burning wood. She dropped the table, as it lit up in flames, more flaming arrows punched through the windows and into the wooden walls. </p><p></p><p>Thev cleared an entrance; “We need to go now!”</p><p></p><p>Kyoko followed him, while both Talindra and Rhea went to grab the rest of their supplies and to check on Aust. The smoke was heavy and fire was growing. They entered the room just in time to see Aust engaged in combat with one of their assailants. Before the others could react Aust took the thug’s head with Blak-Fang and quickly grabbed their remaining items. The trio raced through the burning inn and leapt out the back as it began to collapse in on itself. Rhea turned to the stunned innkeeper and handed him 100 gold pieces then raced off to the stable to get their horses.</p><p></p><p>In the meanwhile, just as Thev and Kyoko had arrived they saw three thugs fleeing from the stables screaming about a monster. Once they were inside they saw two mangled and crushed bodies with the plucky, lecherous badger Tom sitting by innocently. Before they had a chance to react, Kyoko was struck with two arrows, both minor wounds thanks to her armor, but hurtful none the less. Thev growled as an arrow slipped through his chainmail, piercing his right arm. He pointed a hand at the stable entrance and created a globe of inky darkness, using his inherent tiefling abilities. The rest of the party made it into the stable, and after some quick words, made haste into the night, away from Cormonthor into the surrounding mountains. The night had certainly been eventful.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Aust Meliamne, post: 895, member: 95"] Well here we go another session posted, I feel like I accomplished something here. Maybe not but I feel good anyways. Well enjoy. North of Quell in the Mountains… in search of the Citadel of Honin Tau: Talindra braced for the attack drawing her bow and preparing an arrow, while Kyoko screamed for her dear life. Talindra let an arrow fly, stinging the brown bear as it roared charging forward. Kyoko drew her rapier and prepared to do battle as the large humanoid stalked forward both blades ready to draw blood. The brown bear was within striking range as Talindra dropped her bow and drew her shortsword and Midnight, her magical longsword. Kyoko kept her attention on the bear, the ogre just in sight out of the corner of her eye. Talindra struck first her blades singing as she missed with her shortsword, but hit home with Midnight. The bear roared as it tried to paw Talindra, she evaded the blow, though Kyoko was not so lucky. The bear struck her with an offhand blow, ripping into her shoulder. In the meanwhile the rest of the group was preparing to move forward when Rhea spotted another brown bear charging towards her, trying to flank her on the right side. She turned drawing Dancer, her masterwork bastard-sword and began preparing True Strike spell. Thev charged on ahead to aid Kyoko and Talindra, while Aust stayed back with Rhea to face the second bear. Aust was the quickest and struck a vicious blow with his blade ripping into the bear with a gusto, blood spraying across the snow, steaming. Rhea was busy chanting her spell, and the brown bear turned on Aust but was unable to connect with any of natural weaponry. Aust followed up with another smashing blow and Rhea struck home easily her hand guided by divine power. The bear ripped into Rhea with a fury and mauled the poor drow into unconsciousness, her blood warming the cold snow. Xenon prepared a spell and cast a Flaming Sphere at the ogre as it moved into melee with Kyoko, luckily Thev had arrived just in time. The ogre was too slow to avoid the flaming sphere and roared with pain. Talindra focused her assault on the brown bear ripping into it with both blades amazingly, the roars becoming yelps of pain. Kyoko confused at whom to attack struck at the bear clumsily, her attack missing the mark. Thev swung his greatsword at the ogre and cut a swath of blood across the brute’s chest. The ogre growled nonsensical curses at the heroes. Talindra continued her assault against the brown bear, amidst pain from an errant paw slash she was able to bring the bear down and turn her attentions to the ogre. Kyoko focused her rapier against the ogre keeping it off guard, while it tried to cleave Thev in half. Thev evaded the blow and prepared his own strike. Xenon used his arcane skills to launch a flurry of Magic Missiles at the brute, combining the effect with the still present flaming sphere. The combined effect as able to drop the ogre just as Aust finished off the bear he was facing. The group slowly recovered from the vicious melee and started licking their wounds. Thev quickly moved to Rhea’s side and tried to stabilize her by laying his hands upon her. Xenon and Kyoko checked the ogre over and searched the scene for any clues about the attack. Tom, the talking badger, came out from his hiding spot and proceeded over to Rhea. He gently nudged Thev aside and laid his head on Rhea’s chest. He looked surprised and then proceeded to lay his paws on her heart, a light glow covered her and she opened her eyes, surprised. Her vicious wounds were gone and she was whole once more. Tom sat up, “Well, well, I was surprised to find that you carry two souls inside you Rhea, very interesting.” Rhea sat up, “Two souls,” she shook her head, “I don’t understand what you are talking about.” Tom shrugged, “When I felt your spirit, I felt two intertwined spirits, where there should only be one.” Tom turned and waddled off to lay down and rest, he was done with the conversation it seemed. Rhea stood slowly, with Thev’s help. The rest of the party searched the scene and found a few items of note. The ogre carried a satchel of gold and silver coins; he also carried a masterwork greatsword and a well-crafted longsword with a black hilt and a sharp edge. Kyoko was intrigued by the blade and began to look it over quizzically. She muttered aloud, “I wonder if this blade is magical?” “Well of course I am, miss, and I thank you for freeing me from the hands of that beast,” the blade replied with a sharp male voice. Kyoko nearly dropped the longsword; “You can talk?” “Of course I can, and I thank you for your assistance, how may I be of service?” the blade replied. Kyoko turned to Aust, “Yes I think it is magical, and I think you can benefit more then I can, Aust,” she handed the blade off to Aust. Aust held the blade with wonderment, “A talking sword, this is amazing. Do you have a name?” “I am Blak-Fang, and what is your name lord?” “I am Aust Melliamne, pleased to meet you Blak-Fang,” Aust felt quite strange to be speaking with an inanimate object. Kyoko perked up at the name, “Did you say Blak-Fang,” she paused, thinking upon her extensive bardic knowledge, “I have heard that name before. A knight named Jander Hansil once used a blade called Blak-Fang against a dragon, but the name escapes me. It is said Jander was never heard from again though.” “Vorgrimm, a shadow dragon dwelling in deepest Aunarauch. I was created to best him, but Jander failed. I will not fail a second time. When do we leave for the Dragon, Aust?” Blak-Fang replied with earnest. Aust blinked, “Well I am currently involved in a quest as it is, Blak-Fang to find a citadel occupied by forces of shadow.” “I see, well that sounds like an honorable quest, I will aid you as best as I can Lord Meliamne, but hopefully we may return to destroy Vorgrimm once and for all.” Aust nodded to the blade and carefully placed it in his sheath. The rest of the group gathered their things and returned to their horses. The bodies were buried, with much protest by Xenon. He wanted to leave them as a symbol to any pursuers, but Thev vehemently declined. The group continued along the trail through the snowy mountains for the next two days without any event and arrived at the small village of Cormonth, finally a warm bed and a home cooked meal could be had if they could find hospice. The party decided to rest their laurels at the Sleeping Bear inn, a quaint little inn, with a small staff and one large community sleeping room. Thev, Rhea, and Aust decided to take a rest in the back while the others stayed up front in the ‘lobby’ and rested by the fire. Kyoko decided to go to the back room to rest, the long days of travel were bothersome and had done a number on her hair. She proceeded to prune herself in the back and make herself presentable while Thev sat silently thinking. Rhea looked over at him curiously, “Thev are you well?” Thev sighed, “I am fine,” although he obviously wasn’t. Kyoko perked up, “Listen Stone-face, it is obvious you have a problem, might as well spill the beans.” Rhea nodded in agreement; “I am listening Thev if you want to speak.” Thev nodded, “I have just been thinking about the events that have been happening, from that first time we met till now. All this time I have searched for those men that ambushed my companions and I. It seems that every closer I get, the farther away my goal seems. I just get the feeling I have not made a difference in making peace with the spirits of my fallen comrades.” Rhea sighed, “Thev you have been a stalwart companion and a good friend, do not doubt yourself, we will see this through to the end. I am sure your allies and friends are proud of the path you have chosen.” “It isn’t like you are a failure Stone-face, just need to lighten up some, smile every century or so, “ Kyoko added. Thev shook his head, “I understand that, but I have been thinking about other things, the attack on the courthouse, the assassin. Things in my mind, some of the pieces do not fit right. It just seemed like maybe the assassin was sent to kill me.” Rhea shook her head, “Why would they want you dead? I mean it was pretty obvious that I was an easy scapegoat.” Kyoko blinked, “Well think about it Rhea, you were most likely to be sentenced to death, why kill you. If you were a scapegoat then why even bother, I have to agree with Thev in that happenstance. Thev you said something about an ambush, can you tell me about it?” Thev nodded, “I do not remember much, it all happened so fast. I was travelling with my sword-brothers on our way to Quell to assist with the goblin raids and put an end to their depredations, and hopefully get the turquoise trade flowing once more. We were about a day’s ride north of Franick, where I met Rhea, when the ambush hit us. It was fast, the goblins moved quickly, backed by magic. Magical webbing entangled my brethren arrows flew quickly, it was madness.” Rhea nodded, “Yes the scene was quite grisly when I went to inspect it several hours later.” Kyoko nodded, “Do you remember anything else?” “There was so much going on, I took an arrow in the chest and tried to aid Sir Lanholm, my mentor but he bade me to get to safety and to seek help. It is our code not to abandon our brothers, unless ordered, but it was a tough command to comply with,” he pauses thinking, “there were men as well, I fled at that point. They were dark men, well armed but I remember something, a crescent moon, a blood tear…” he growled trying to draw out the repressed memories. Kyoko was startled, “The symbol of Lathos, the Crescent moon with the Blood teardrop. Rhea I think the assassin was after Thev, but why, why would they kill your comrades and try to finish you off as well?” Rhea could only shake her head and comfort her distraught friend; the night would be long indeed. Meanwhile out in the lobby the rest of the heroes rested enjoying quiet conversation with the innkeeper and amongst themselves. The night was passing along slowly when a stranger entered the inn, covered in snow and grime from travel. From his bearing he appeared to be a knight, a warrior. He was an older man, yet his hair had not yet grayed. He wore a black cloak over black chainmail, with a white shirt over the chest. The white shirt bore the symbol of the Black Horn, the same knightly order as that of Thev. Talindra blinked curiously at the knight as his careful gaze swept the room. She turned to Aust and whispered in his ear, “Isn’t that the same symbol that Thev has, for the Knights f the Black Horn.” Aust nodded in agreement not sure what to make of this stranger; he glanced warily at Xenon who was busying himself with some research by the fire. Aust glanced back at the knight and decided to excuse himself to go speak with Thev. The knight gave a curt nod to Talindra, “Tis a bad evening to be out and about, the snow has come early this year, milady.” Talindra replied, “I can agree,” slightly nervous, “but that is a traveler’s lot to brave the elements.” The man nodded, “Well met milady, I am Josiah second scion of the Knights of the Black Horn. I apologize for my appearance, but I have been traveling many long days and nights in search of my wayward brethren.” Talindra nodded, “Pleased to meet you sir, I am Talindra,” she waved to Xenon, “and that is my companion Xenon.” Xenon perked up at the mention of his name, but only sighed settling back into his research. “I am pleased to meet both of you, I am hoping you have crossed paths with any my brethren, the Knights of the Black Horn? We had sent an envoy to Quell quite some time ago and they have yet to return or send word of the whereabouts,” he took a seat with a welcome sigh of relief. Talindra looked curious, “Well one of our companions is a Knight of the Black Horn, by the name of Thev, maybe he can assist you?” Josiah sat up with surprise, “Thev, Thev Blackmoon, is he here?” Talindra nodded, “Yes he is, just a moment and we should be able to get him for you,” she took a seat as well slightly relieved. Aust returned with Thev, followed by both Kyoko and Rhea. Thev was shocked to see Josiah and immediately fell to one knee; “Lord, Sir Thev Blackmoon fourth scion of the Black Horn, I am at your service milord.” Josiah stood languidly, “I am pleased to have found you Thev, what is the word from your mentor Sir Lanholm?” Thev looked up slowly, “Sir Lanholm is dead milord, killed in an ambush, I have taken it upon my self to avenge my sword-brethren. And bring their murderers to justice, as in accordance with the Code milord.” Josiah nodded, “You have done well, but the Order has pressing need of us, you are to proceed with me at once Sir Blackmoon. The times are dark and I grieve for Sir Lanholm, but we must focus on the moment.” Thev nodded, “Yes milord, but my task at hand, must I break my oath to my fallen comrades, is it so pressing that I may not investigate the purpose of the ambush, and to bring the murderers to justice.” “I understand your concern, squire, but you do not need to concern yourself with that triviality, the order will see to making good on your oath, for Sir Lanholm. Were there any other survivors of the ambush, Thev?” Thev shook his head, “No milord, I am the only one, regretfully.” Josiah nodded, “I see, well I grieve for them as well. Sir Lanholm was a good friend and a stalwart supporter of the Code, he will be missed along with the others.” Kyoko piped up, “Yes Sir Thanwick and Sir Galtan will both be missed, I suspect, sir knight, I trust they will be given the proper respect for their passing,” a distrustful look in her eye. The names startled Thev; he was confused and was about to speak when Josiah cut him off. Josiah replied, “Yes of course, and they too will be given the proper respect, they will not have died in vain I suppose. Thev gather your things we must be going, now,” his tone demanding. Thev looked up and shook his head slowly, “Sir with all due respect I must demand that I stay and by right of the Code avenge the spirits of my allies, of which Sir Thanwick and Sir Galtan were not among.” He stood, “And now I must wonder just what you intend for me, milord.” Kyoko smiled inwardly, her woman’s intuition had seen a chink in the honest knight’s armor. She was not sure why but she did not trust him, not one bit. She watched as Thev took a step away from Josiah, as everyone else began to focus on the conversation even more intently. Josiah grimaced, seeing his mistake; he gave Kyoko a dirty look before composing himself, “I see that you are all quite bothersome enemies. It seems there is no stopping you, and why? For good, for a better tomorrow, you have no idea how deluded you are.” Thev growled, “Traitor! You have spoken nothing but venomous lies! Why, how have you become so corrupt?” Rhea placed a restraining hand on Thev, “You best speak quickly,” towards Josiah. Josiah smirked and took a seat, “What does it matter, what you think, you have been laboring a false pretense that you are capable of stopping us. It is laughable, but I commend you, each and every one of you. But you all show promise.” Thev growled, “You traitor to the Black Horn! Death is the crime for treachery to the Code, you have befouled the name of the Black Horn, your very presence sickens me.” “Traitor, hardly squire. The Black Horn serves a greater good, now. Though were some that were abit too defiant to the internal changes, and of course they were educated or removed. Sir Lanholm was among those too resistant to change and I sense you are as well, like him. It is a pity, you could have served well, and the Shadis Masin will bring a New World of which we cannot fathom. An age of Beautiful Sorrow, the Age of Twilight. He was too resistant to the Golden Path and was dealt with, a pity that you survived, because you have become a vicious liability. I do not pity your fate,” Josiah sat content in his words. Thev blinked in shock, he had no words with which to retort. He simply turned and went to the common room, before his rage overcame him. Rhea gripped Dancer in her hands, “Now ye listen here coward, I am not quite sure what to believe but ye have stepped into something that ye will not walk away from.” Josiah, “I am a man of honor, if you see it as an honest trade I can provide you with information for my life.” Aust looked to Talindra, as the whole group exchanged glances quizzically. They finally agreed to allow him to live if he provided answers to their question. Kyoko spoke first, “What is the Shadis Masin?” her hand on her rapier’s hilt. “The Shadis Masin is the focus, the source of enlightenment, they are one and many, it is the Shadis Masin that leads the Golden Path, “ he paused, “the Shadis Masin is greater then you.” Kyoko sneered, “Greater, but not much smarter.” Xenon added, “Tell us about the Eye?” “Humph, so it is true you have the Eye. The Eye is the key; it will open the first steps of the Golden Path, to paradise. The Golden Path will burn the evil of the world, and there will be only oneness. Surely you have no qualms with such a noble goal.” Xenon shrugged, “A religious fanatic, I am not quite sure how much of this rubbish to believe.” “What reason do I have to lie?” Josiah smiled, “the Golden Path will not be stopped.” Aust glanced at the rest of the party and decided to go check on Thev while they continued this interrogation. Rhea was at her boiling point, her rage just scarcely beneath the surface of her dark skin. Josiah shifted in his chair and sat quietly, waiting. Rhea growled, “Enough of ye double talk zealot, ye deserve to die for yer treachery to your order and the Code,” her hand clenching around Dancer. Josiah nodded, “I have given you information, I only wish to keep my life, surely you have enough honor to do that.” Rhea shook her head no, “I am not quite sure if we should let you go, you would simply return to kill us.” “Well that is a funny though, but honestly do you think I came here alone, like I said before your reputations have made you all out to be quite dangerous. I would be foolish to come here alone, wouldn’t I?” he said with a gentle smile. Rhea looked wary and took a peak through the window, her dark-vision revealing nothing of the ordinary. She motioned for Talindra to look out of another window while she looked out the door. As Rhea opened the door and peeked outside, she was hit quickly with an arrow in her shoulder. The wound was slight but she quickly slammed the door shut as more arrows pounded into the door. In the meanwhile Thev and Aust were discussing Thev’s growing lack of faith. His world had been smashed everything he had believed in, was becoming a lie. The Black Horn Code had become nothing, what was his purpose then? If not for the careful words of Aust, Thev may have done something rash, but he decided to cling onto that little bit of faith left in his heart. Just as they had finished their chatting, Aust noticed a figure creeping by the window, then a second. He turned to Thev, who in turn moved to the window and grabbed the second thug through the window. Thev turned to Aust, “Get to the others, quickly!” Aust arrived just as Rhea slammed the door shut. She ripped the arrow from her shoulder and snarled at Josiah, who could not help but expose a smile. Kyoko and Talindra both drew their weapons, while Xenon prepared some spells. Rhea yelled at Josiah, “You had best git now, lest I choose to finish ye here and now!” Josiah stood, “I hope you all,” he never finished as Rhea opened the door and shoved him out the door, quickly shutting it. In the briefest moments after the door closed, the sound of arrows hitting flesh and a loud thump outside was heard. Soon arrows began to smash through the windows and slam into the door. Rhea grabbed a table and put it up to the door. The poor little inn was under attack. Thev arrived and dropped the lifeless thug on the ground; “We need to get out of here fast!” Kyoko turned to the innkeeper, first asking about a back entrance then an axe when the first question was not answered satisfactorily. She handed the axe off to Thev whom in turn used to cut and smash away out of the back as the arrow flurry continued. Aust ran to the back room to grab what supplies he could. Rhea continued to hold up the table until she heard a thump then smelled smoke and burning wood. She dropped the table, as it lit up in flames, more flaming arrows punched through the windows and into the wooden walls. Thev cleared an entrance; “We need to go now!” Kyoko followed him, while both Talindra and Rhea went to grab the rest of their supplies and to check on Aust. The smoke was heavy and fire was growing. They entered the room just in time to see Aust engaged in combat with one of their assailants. Before the others could react Aust took the thug’s head with Blak-Fang and quickly grabbed their remaining items. The trio raced through the burning inn and leapt out the back as it began to collapse in on itself. Rhea turned to the stunned innkeeper and handed him 100 gold pieces then raced off to the stable to get their horses. In the meanwhile, just as Thev and Kyoko had arrived they saw three thugs fleeing from the stables screaming about a monster. Once they were inside they saw two mangled and crushed bodies with the plucky, lecherous badger Tom sitting by innocently. Before they had a chance to react, Kyoko was struck with two arrows, both minor wounds thanks to her armor, but hurtful none the less. Thev growled as an arrow slipped through his chainmail, piercing his right arm. He pointed a hand at the stable entrance and created a globe of inky darkness, using his inherent tiefling abilities. The rest of the party made it into the stable, and after some quick words, made haste into the night, away from Cormonthor into the surrounding mountains. The night had certainly been eventful. [/QUOTE]
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Tokiwong's Story Hour... aka Big trouble in little Cormyr
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