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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:39:30 GMT -5
D'nar speaks
"Bertram, Andric, well, since we are stuck together in this cell for the night, perhaps we can do something useful while we pass the night while hoping the two of you don't turn into anything... unnatural. Erm, more unnatural" (looking at the elf) "Should we tell the brothers about the Namorin curse and the curse on the town and our grusome discoveries in the tomb underneath and Bertram's excellent observations on its possible effect on the water source and his efforts to purify the water? Perhaps the brothers may have some thoughts on this matter and steps we could take to further cleanse any taint. "Perhaps there are other questions we could pose to the brothers about the history of that place and our findings there that may aid us? Also, I propose we ask the brothers to identify certain items for us. At the least perhaps the finely wrought chain shirt and the silver dagger I carry."
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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:40:38 GMT -5
Andric Speaks
"D'nar, I agree with your recommendations. If their recent ministrations on our sickness is any indication, as long as we continue to be genuine in our intentions to these good human priests, I feel confident that they will recognize our honesty and sincerity, and continue to respond with generosity.
"If the town of Hexham shares its origin with neighboring Nemoren, both being carved from elven lands, then perhaps they have more information regarding the elvenware that we carry. Also, perhaps they can be engaged in helping us resolve the issue of the hoofprints branded into the carpet...if some thing was summoned, are we three strong enough to fight it, much less defeat it? I recommend we present these two additional issues to the priests in the morrow."
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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:43:05 GMT -5
(the three see) A large brother the three don't know opens the door, a heavy cudgel at his side. They see brother Petrus behind him.
After D'nar and Andric speak, the brothers seem to relax and believe the curse is truly gone.
As St. Cuthbert said "foolishness can be beaten".
In response to some the querries:
"It is terrible to hear of these sorts of activities, the Coven has been active in this area for many years. Perhaps father Thomas can tell you more, and more about the items you carry, he has a gift for these things. Perhaps on the morrow".
"eldar friend, we know that Man has inhabited these Islands long before the Saxons or even the Romans, for many centuries Gaelic speakers lived here, ruled by kings descended from ancient Troy. Of course, yours are the people from beyond the Garden, and we cannot speak of how long they may have dwelled in these lands"
"As for the shirt of a metal that is not even the finest steel, it may very well be an elven shirt of mithril, or it matches what I have heard of these things. In that case, it will be lighter and less restrictive, practically like wearing a shirt of wool"
"Brother Betram, your confessions shall be heard, but be not so wretched. For you are the heirs to the all that you have found."
and speaking of which....after a while the brother stops, but he is waiting for something...
(technical note: Identify is not a normal (martial) cleric spell. BUT, it is a "studious cleric" spell, thanks to the Player's Guide)
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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:45:49 GMT -5
After D’nar offers to pay the donation to the abbey…<br> Andric Speaks
My dear D'nar, there is no need for you to fund our entire excursion into Hexham and the abbey; I will contribute my entire 10L to D'nar's 10L, so we give the abbey 20L total. D'nar, this way you can keep the mail shirt and your residual swag. I feel a sense of karmic justice knowing that my payment to human priests will be partially repaid by another human priest (Bertram). Bertram can repay us both 3.33L each, when he is able."
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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:47:41 GMT -5
Brother Petrus seems RELIEVED at the gold donation (though perhaps Bertram is now blushing).
"So, would you like to see Father Thomas, as I noted for the items he will need time to prepare, and doing such is quite an ordeal.."
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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:48:24 GMT -5
D'nar speaks
Yes, brother Petrus, now that our debt to you is settled, we would be very grateful to be able to see father Thomas briefly. We have some items with some unusual properties that we are hoping to learn more about."
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Post by TerraDave on May 4, 2005 12:50:52 GMT -5
Early in the vault, the party found a ring made of a strange metal called "elvish brass"...
The following day, the mystery of the elvish brass ring is solved:
It grants the immunities of the elves:
-Immune to ghoul paralysis -Immunity to magic sleep effects, -a +2 "racial" saving throw bonus against enchantment spells or effects.
It gives the wearer an "elven" aura, though the Father was less sure on interpreting this. And of course the ring hums in certain light.
On some of the issues raised:
"The gated demon could have made a bargain with the witch and left, it is unlikely she had the power to bind it. But of course you must be wary."
"From what you have said, it seems like there is a good chance that the source of the curse has been adressed. But I wonder of this other girl you speak...it seems like some mysteries remain"
And with that, and another 140s from D'nar, the three are guided to the gate, given their weapons, and as the gate closes behind them, they hear "may God be with you".
They then leave Hexham, and after a day of travel past the old Pict Wall, arrive in the evening at Stonehaugh, a little hamlet which is becoming all to familiar.
They wake up in Stonehaugh on the morning of May 9 .
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Post by TerraDave on May 5, 2005 12:42:05 GMT -5
The three return to Weston to be greeted by Lord Lewiston, an agent of the king.
They learn that succession for the Barony is disputed by Lord Rothbury, brother of the Earl, and that the king is anxious to resolve the matter. There is also the question of back taxes…which may be passed on to the heirs.
Spurred by various clues in the vault, the three begin an investigation and discover the long lost bride of the baron magically entrapped in a local cave! They free her, but keep something else trapped in a vial, presumably put there by the same evil coven that had entrapped Amelia. They also solve some of the other lingering mysteries of the vault…<br> With Amelia freed, and a bit more negotiation with the Lord, the issue of taxes is resolved, and Amelia is declared the new Baroness. She invites the heirs to return a few months in the future…<br>
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Post by TerraDave on May 5, 2005 12:48:22 GMT -5
Bertie Speaks: My friends, now that the accursed wretches affecting the Vault and town have been dispatched, along with the NeMoran curse, I find myself again free to resume my duties as in keeping with God's law. In particular the evils we have defeated leave me eager to return to Worcester and there to take on Holy Orders, that is, to be ordained a priest. I think the good that we have together accomplished will stand for time to come as a testimony to the Glory of God, and Wonder of his creations, both man and elf, for our role in righting the wrongs. However, now I suspect that the life that lies ahead for me holds little interest to you both, and although I wish you both well, the time has come for us to part. If we could divide up some of the wealth so that a suitable offering might be made by me to the Church, I would be most grateful. Other than that then, God's Blessing on you both, and may you both continue to stand as an obstacle to evil.
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Post by TerraDave on May 5, 2005 12:52:30 GMT -5
Bertram sees the way D'nar looks at him and continues speaking: "My friends, altlow me to clarify things. It is my great wish to become ordained a priest, that is a fully recognized cleric, able to administer the Holy Sacrament, and Celebrate the Mass. Before I can do so I must be recognized by the Bishop, so I must start my journey back to Worcester, where I originally took my vows, and there present myself to the Bishop (or his assistant). After presenting myself and my intent, a time which can be variable in length will pass during which my candidacy will be reviewed, and ultimately decided on by the Bishop. This waiting period can take days, weeks, or even months. Assuming I am accepted for ordination, I may be asked to wait further for the ordination ceremony. They tend to happen at set times during the year, although a Bishop at his discretion may dispense with the formal ceremony and hold a small one in the Cathedral. The ceremony may even be held in yet a different part of the country, so I may be required to travel further. All the while, waiting, prayer, contemplation and training will be my tasks. Finally, following my ordination, the Bishop may ask me to travel to a certain area, perform a certain duty, or task, or he may simply ask me to follow a certain route with an "eye out" for matters concerning the Church. Sometimes others are "asked" to go overseas, or to the Holy Land. All in all, after ordination, my next destination may be pre-chosen for me. For all of these reasons, I suspect that this is farewell. However if any of you are headed South, we may still travel a while together.
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Post by TerraDave on May 5, 2005 12:55:04 GMT -5
D'nar replies
Bertram - I will gladly accompany you to the South! You have proven yourself a fine, able companion and I am trusting that fate has thrust us together for a reason. But, if not, hopefully you will lead us to adventure, wine, debauchery, and song - so long as there is an inn with a game of dice nearby, I shall journey with you to the ends of the world. Lead on!
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Post by TerraDave on May 5, 2005 12:59:34 GMT -5
1) Goblinbane Bertram would be pleased to accept this sword as part of his share of the magic treasure, knowing that he will likely soon be able to use it, otherwise trade or sell it for something more useful. Neither Bertram nor Andric object to Andric having the Elven Boots, Elven Cloak, and the Mitril Mail nor do we object to D'nar with the Tome of Charisma, the Ring of Protection and the SIlver Dagger, nor to Bertram with the Ring of Elvenkind, Ring of Sustenance and Goblinbane. 2) Other magic. A little shuffling here, but mostly to give D'nar some potions. To Andric: Potion which makes you feel more limber and Potion which makes your armor feel looser and tightens you down To Bertram: Potion of Strength To D'nar: Potion of Stealth 3) Non magic vials and such To D'nar One vial of Acid To Andric One vial of Acid To Bertram One vial of antitoxin 4) Money and such Let's divide the elven brass 3 ways (since we are not sure of the worth) Andric 6 elven brass coins Bertram 7 elven brass coins D'nar 7 elven brass coins
Andric: Diamond Earrings (1500) Bertram: Signet Ring (800) Three Pearls (300) 350 shillings (350) 400 pence (33) D'nar: Necklace (1000) Three Pearls (300) 150 shillings (150) 400 pence (33) And Andric has given the Statuette to Bertram and D'nar to sell and split the money 50:50
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Post by TerraDave on May 5, 2005 13:26:59 GMT -5
On May 18, 716 AI the three leave the little thorp of Weston, already begining to recover from the long dark curse that hung over it.
Andric sets off on his own to Alnwick, the seat of the local Earl, and hence a town of decent size with a notable castle. He uses his skills and items to keep his profile low, but not low enough to prevent him from selling the diamond earrings, his masterwork studded leather, and his long bow, gaining 1675 shillings. He then slips out and returns home to Faedrin.
Bertram heads south to Hexham, carrying the strange vial to keep with the brothers there. He also has a few questions to ask them…<br> D’nar joins Bertram traveling to Hexham, but feels the urge to find somewhere more interesting. He heads off to Alnwick, thinking the elf might still be there, but finds no sign of him. He does find opportunities for gambling and other things in the little town with the big castle.
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Post by Andric on May 8, 2005 3:09:28 GMT -5
Andric returns home to Faedrin
As he marches homeward, Andric hearkens to his inner voice, "Humans, how intriguing these creatures be. And my new colleagues, dare I call them 'friends'? Will our paths ever cross again? D'nar, still an apprentice in the arcane arts, a mere pup when compared to many of my race who wield magic, and a mere fleck compared to my elder brother..." Andric pauses, having accidentally tripped over an old memory. Then, after a long silence, "...and brother Bertram, another human, whose mysterious piety both terrifies and fascinates me. How is he faring now in Hexham and points south? Have Bertram and D'nar provided entertaining company for each other? We three have endured great trials during the past few months, how many bizarre creatures have we encountered, such unearthly human aberrations, such ferocious intrigue..."
Soon, the forest takes on a familiar shape. The trees part to reveal the ancient ruins on the border of the once-mighty enclave of Dol Runeth, now mostly reclaimed by nature and by time. Then, as new green growth sprouts from a fallen tree, Faedrin opens into view, alongside and among the decrepit ruins of the old.
"Welcome home, dear son!", Andric's mother Dahliana cries out to Andric, who rushes into his mother's waiting arms. Dahliana's fondness for her second son is apparent; she is proud of Andric, though she is hesitant to reveal such feelings openly; a mother's love, if overabundant, will fracture the fragile sensibilities of even the most stalwart of children. So Dahliana, queen of the enclave, struggles to contain her affections, in a timeworn but still honorable act of quiet, selfless devotion towards her son. The hug concludes.
"Come! Heel woman! Clean these clothes and accoutrements," Andric barks as he undresses haphazardly before his mother. "And fetch the Captain of the Guard! I require martial training immediately! Why have you not drawn up a bath for me? Did the guards not announce my arrival as I entered the gates of the enclave? Would you have me greet Father carrying the stench of the road on me? Such incompetence! Oh nevermind, I will tend to my own person, if I must! And speaking of grooming, have you not cleaned your teeth today? Your breath reminds me the human commoners whose company I recently parted! And that dress..."
Dahliana's handmaidens silently appear in the room, quickly picking up Andric's clothes, tending to his needs, wincing at every unkind word he flings at his mother. Dahliana's brow furrows into stone, and she asks, unblinkingly in monotone, "Dear Andric when will you be departing?" As Andric ignores her and continues the harangue, Dahliana retreats from the room, slamming the door closed behind her. And her handmaidens? They resign themselves to their fate.
Several weeks pass as Andric settles into his enclave. His self-imposed desire for martial training occupies every waking moment. From dawn to dusk, its the jogging through the royal garden, the practicing of swordplay in the crystal room, the showing up to meals filthy from the workouts. Fortunately, his trepidation in the ways of social grace offer him extra time to practice his training. Instead of attending the many social functions and festivals that surround him, he wrests even more agility from his body than he thought possible. Time and again, he competes with his father's soldiers in tests of archery, stealth, and dexterity, earning the nickname "Andric the Agile". He learns to ride a horse without falling and to swim without drowning. Even to the most contentious combatants, he earns their grudging respect.
Andric has grown up a great deal during his first foray into the wider world, but he realizes his adolescence is far from complete. He sojourns to make amends with the queen of the enclave, his mother, who grants him an audience. Their reconciliation is chilled, then heated, then even humorous in the end, "What shall we do with you, dear Andric?"
In a moment of reflection, Andric wonders aloud, "Mother, I am surrounded by an entire enclave who loves me, if only from a distance. It's good to be home again."
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Post by TerraDave on May 9, 2005 8:14:03 GMT -5
Are Andric's musings truth or pure delusion...
in this case somewhere in between, for his father is not trully a "king" and his mother no queen, though they are prominant...and the captain of the guard does not report to his father.
But his father does does serve on the ruling council...in any case these are small elaborations, perhaps to make things easier for non-elves to understand...
and neither parent is that joyed to see him until he shows his willingness to engage in some focused training and it becomes clear that he has learned a thing or two with the humans.
Over the next two months he continues his training: the guards are happy to accept his kind "donations" to the defense of the enclave...
[Andric gains a level in fighter, +1 Dex and an additional 1000XP. He spends 1200 s]
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