Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Joe]

Team K

"Indeed?" the dragon says. The moment Streko holds it out, an unseen force lifts it from his hands and into the air. The dragon's claw descends and scoops it out of the air and he examines it closely.

"Someone well-informed has sent a human and a halfling to me this day. If it is the work of some scrawling of the Prophecy that I have not glimpsed, then I am inclined to aid you by whatever means I am given. You, Talentan, may also ask me a question. I will answer, if it is in my power to give it to you. You are marked, too, are you not? Your outcome may be bound to the Mark of Sentinel as well, or this human's may be bound to yours."

Streko clears his throat. "I fear, my Lord, that I am at a loss as to what I could possibly ask. My friend and I are both marked, as you surmised. We both have a destiny tied to the Great Draconic Prophecy, for why else would we be so touched by Three? However, my knowledge of the Prophecy, indeed of destiny in general, is limited at best. I am a humble servant of Olladra of the Sovereign Host and a member in good standing with House Jorasco. I am loyal to my friends. I was given the gift of a dream, once, that has led me to you. I wish I had an idea of what to ask, but the truth is, I have no desire to waste your time with trivial questions and my respect for you and your kind is such, that I will not pretend to know that which I do not."

He bows to the dragon.

"My friend and I are not students of the Prophecy. We only know that we were meant for something important. We were chosen. We only wish to know what we were chosen FOR. Perhaps, all we need is to be educated, for soon, I fear we shall face many great foes, some of whom, I believe, have been enemies of your kind for millenia. Perhaps, some information can be provided that might assist us in locating the object we were brought here to seek. We will humbly accept anything you offer us and use it to the best of our ability and, hopefully, discover our destiny at that time."

[Darren]

Team K

The corners of Kal's mouth turn down slightly, but he does not speak. He does nod slightly as he looks at Streko, then turns his focus to the dragon, awaiting its response.

[Jeff]

Team K

"Neither of you are ready for spoken answers, then," the dragon says, "although I am capable of providing many. If you have not the questions, you have little to learn. But from your words, Talentan, I understand now that you are both seeking the Eye of Azalar, along with many above and below the streets of this city." He gestures all around. "Whether that is wise or not...."

The dragon caresses the jade griffon figurine, then sets it gingerly to one side, down upon the bed of coins. In one clawed grip, he continues to grasp the bronze coins Kal brought.

Streko:

"Perhaps, some information can be provided that might assist us in locating the object we were brought here to seek. We will humbly accept anything you offer us and use it to the best of our ability and, hopefully, discover our destiny at that time."

"Here, then, is my advice, if you would seek it."

"Were the Eye lying at the end of a single trapped corridor in a single ruin at the edge of a jungle only a day's journey from this city, and you were the only one willing to risk your life to acquire it, it very well may be worth the risk. The object itself is said to be powerful, a relic from the Age of Giants that still functions properly. If the legends are true. But legends are clouded by the march of time, so none can say what is true. The lore even of my associates suggests that the Eye can perceive concepts, not merely physical objects. If I were to claim the Eye and say, 'Show me my destiny,' it might do simply that: lay bare what I was searching for."

"The quest for the Eye of Azalar is mired in competition, mostly between factions of the same lesser races. With so many in contention, the probability of someone succeeding is great. At the end of it all, the search for the Eye may simply be about preventing another from acquiring it. Perhaps even one of your own companions."

Looking at Kal specifically, the dragon pauses, then goes on. "Some are prophesied to do great deeds. And some are prophesied to prevent terrible deeds. You will perhaps not know which until the moment is upon you. Seek it. If you are here to search for the Eye, then do so. It is likely part of your path of predestination."

He swivels his golden eyes to Streko.

"If you are to have any chance at succeeding, you will need to find a way to be invited to the Palace of Lorsmarch by tomorrow's evening. The Coin Lords are hosting an event—a 'gala,' as you would call it, to celebrate the arrival of so many visitors to the city. Only the wealthy, the privileged, and the socially 'connected' have found invitations. You will need to find some ancillary method to attend. The Coin Lords, believing themselves the masters of the northern frontier of this continent (the fools!), have acquired something of considerable value.

"This will give them, and those who find favor with them, an...advantage in finding the Eye of Azalar. They wish to share such secrets with their privileged guests. It is a game to them, but it may require indulging them in their sport.

"It is distasteful business, what the Coin Lords are up to, but my advice is to humor them, find what answers you can, and discover the Eye before your enemies do. What you do with it if you find it will probably reveal the truth of your place in the Prophecy."

[Joe]

Team K

Streko bows low.

"Thank you, My Lord. We are honored with the opportunity to heed your advice. And sound advice it is. I hope that your mate enjoys her gift, My Lord. Again, our thanks."

He looks up at Kalarian. He nods his head and smiles at his friend.

"I can think of no greater challenge, and no better challenger, to face the Coin Lords, than you Kalarian. If ANYONE can get us invited to a party, it is you! However, if we are to succeed and be invited to this gala, we had best take our leave soon."

[Darren]

Team K

There is a clatter of coins as they splash away from Kalarian. He sweeps his foot again in a wide kick, sending a spray of coins flying through the air.

In the hall before the practice room, the door closes in front of the boy again. Tears of frustration fall down his face.

"Again I am told that I am not ready! That I do not ask the right questions! 'Seek out those who are wise,' I am told. And their wisdom is not worth the cloth on a beggar's hide!" Another furious kick sends more coins hurtling away from the angry sorcerer.

"Fine then, Lord Dragon," Kal says after taking a deep breath. "We will continue on our path as we were before we met you." Through clenched teeth, Kal adds, "Thank you for the advice. We will take it to heart."

Turning a circle, Kal says, "I suppose you must tell us the way out of here. Or must we find that for ourselves, as well?"

_______________
Probably not the best plan, but I don't know what else to say at this point.

[Jeff]

Team K

"If you are to have any chance at succeeding, you will need to find a way to be invited to the Palace of Lorsmarch by tomorrow's evening. The Coin Lords are hosting an event—a 'gala,' as you would call it, to celebrate the arrival of so many visitors to the city. Only the wealthy, the privileged, and the socially 'connected' have found invitations. You will need to find some ancillary method to attend. The Coin Lords, believing themselves the masters of the northern frontier of this continent (the fools!), have acquired something of considerable value.

"This will give them, and those who find favor with them, an...advantage in finding the Eye of Azalar. They wish to share such secrets with their privileged guests. It is a game to them, but it may require indulging them in their sport.

"It is distasteful business, what the Coin Lords are up to, but my advice is to humor them, find what answers you can, and discover the Eye before your enemies do. What you do with it if you find it will probably reveal the truth of your place in the Prophecy."

Streko:

"Thank you, My Lord. We are honored with the opportunity to heed your advice. And sound advice it is. I hope that your mate enjoys her gift, My Lord. Again, our thanks."

Kal:

"Again I am told that I am not ready! That I do not ask the right questions! 'Seek out those who are wise,' I am told. And their wisdom is not worth the cloth on a beggar's hide!" Another furious kick sends more coins hurtling away from the angry sorcerer.

"Fine then, Lord Dragon....We will continue on our path as we were before we met you....Thank you for the advice. We will take it to heart."

The dragon's body is utterly still, but his eyes seem to blaze with inner fire as they fix upon Kal. After a long silence, he speaks again, his softer but somehow louder. "Very well. I will show you to your destiny. The path of an impotent dragonmarked child in the Prophecy is short...and very, very dark."

With that, the dragon's body shifts into a combative position, and his foreclaws crackle with violet energy. He inhales swiftly and then expels again: a cloud of black smoke shot through with strands of the same violet light.

The black cloud washes over both Kal and Streko and starts to swallow up all their senses—leaving them gasping for air. They are left struggling for consciousness itself.

______________________________

Another post will be pending.

[Jeff]

Team K

Trapped in the cloud of black smoke which sparks with violet flashes, neither Kal nor Streko are able to see anything. Not even each other. The smoke conceals their sight, but it also seems to be paralyzing their minds.

● Dragon's "spell-breath" attack vs. Kal's Will defense: 37 (hit) / 19 psychic damage and Kal is immobilized (save ends).
● Dragon's "spell-breath" attack vs. Streko's Will defense: 25 (hit) / 19 psychic damage and Streko is immobilized (save ends).

When a creature is immobilized, it can’t move, unless it teleports or is pulled, pushed, or slid.

(But this doesn't mean they can't speak or try some other action that doesn't involve movement.)

[Jeff]

Team B

Moderately cleaned up, refreshed, and a little rested, Belarin, Shorak, and Adamant at least feel like they could survive another battle. Fortunately, cultists have not stormed the Black Wrack inn or tried to set fire to it. Yet.

But Shorak can't help but wonder if he was somehow followed, or if his enemies merely watched and waited at the tenement. He suspects the latter.

The party of the Silver Flame remains at their table. When you look in on the room, you see them in their own private discussions.

The enormous blue-furred hound is now sitting near the front door, tail swishing slowly, as "Brick" Handlon surveys his patron crowd, too.

[Jeff]

Condign

"I will give Kal and Streko a little more time. If they have not returned, I will have see what is keeping them. We do have other places to be today."

Rinti sits silently for a while, then throws a glance up at the main doors to the temple again. "I didn't realize my Lord Kalarian was so...religious," she eventually says to Condign.

Tangat wuffs suddenly. He seems upset by something and starts a low growl, looking around.

[Brian]

Condign

Condign glances down at Tangat. The hound is clearly upset at something, though there are no perils along the street that Condign could see. Then he recognizes that low growl; he had heard it once before, when he first ran into his friends and challenged Kal's rudeness--it was how the hound voiced its concern for his Kal's safety.

"He is not," Condign says to Rinti, and starts up the stairs. "Stay here until I return."

When he is through the temple doors, he walks purposefully up to the first person he sees and asks about his friends.

[Ken]

Team B

Belarin allows Adamant to take the lead as Nerrin's bodyguard, and he limps behind with Shorak following. He doesn't make any judgment about the other party's seeming lack of interest; if he were them, he wouldn't want to start a public discussion about the Eye in such a place, either.

Once he's out of earshot of that group, he says softly in Nerrin's voice, "I wouldn't be surprised if they had us followed, which is fine with me. So where to now...? We have the supplies we need. Certainly nowhere near your residence, Shorak, at least not until the need for our masquerade is over. Hmmm, I think Redoubt here needs a reward. Where we find a suitable place of worship? Respite?"

[Dave B.]

Team B

"Respite? Actually, the temple of the Sovereign Host is in Forgelight. That would also be the place to go for those repairs you wanted, Redoubt."

He smiles at Nerrin/Belarin. "You'll mostly find halflings in Respite."

[Ken]

Team B

"Well then, stop your dithering," says Nerrin in an annoyed tone, but with a sly smile. "Lead the way to Forgelight, Shorak."

[Dave W.]

Team B
"Respite, halflings, I approve. And it's never a mistake to take a moment to thank the gods." though Adamant tries to sound aloof about visiting a church but his excitement leaks trough.

Adamant stays near Nerrin, back in Bodygaurd mode.

[Darren]

The purple cloud surrounds Kal and his mind becomes as hazy as the air around him. His body becomes limp and he falls to the floor. Inside, a small part of him yells, 'Fight this!'

But he can't. The fight has gone out of him. A tear leaks out of his eye and rolls down his face. He is not afraid. Not worried. Kal simply...surrenders to his fate. 'I will miss Tangat, though....'

[Joe]

Streko feels the effects of the dragon's breath freeze his body, muddle his mind. Why can't I move? The smoke billows and coalesces around him. He is blinded and his world is the toxic air.

"It can't end like...I can speak. I can SPEAK!"

Streko calls out to Olladra, unfortunately, his words become preludes to coughing fits. He tries not to inhale the smoke, but it's impossible not to.

He calls out to Olladra again, calling out Kalarian's name as well, hoping, beyond reasonable hope, that even if HE can't break through this, perhaps his friend can, with a little help from his beloved Goddess.

He feels as if he's about to pass out, but his legs won't buckle and fold beneath him. He wonders why death has to be so uncomfortable, then feels the smoke finally overwhelm him.
____________________________________________________

Streko tried to save vs spell-breath attack and rolled a 1.

Tried to cast Beacon of Hope (minor action) and rolled this: 1d20+7=13

Then cast Healing Word on Kal as minor action.

That is all. I will come back and repost some Streko flavor when I'm not so annoyed with myself.

[Dave B.]

Team B

May 15, 2012 22:39:06 GMT -4 Ken said:

Team B

"Well then, stop your dithering," says Nerrin in an annoyed tone, but with a sly smile. "Lead the way to Forgelight, Shorak."

"Yes, Master Nerrin." Shorak bows slightly towards Nerrin/Belarin and turns to lead them along towards the Forgelight district.

[Jeff]

Condign

Condign enters the temple and sees the same things his companions saw earlier.

He sees no sign of Kal, nor of Streko, when he goes inside the temple. But the corridors are numerous, the shrines opulent, and the spaces expansive.

The first person he sees is a wealthy-looking merchant in fine clothing with gold trim. The man gives Condign a distasteful look, but seems polite enough. "I've not seen these friends you describe," he answers. "But then I am here to pay respects to Kol Korran. Which shrine would they be likely to visit?"

[Dave W.]

Team B
As they walk through the city, Adamant waves at an impossibly constructed or perhaps destructed building, "Your city is fascinating, Shorak. I should like to see it more leisurely sometime." 

Cautiously, the warforged adds, "Master Nerrin, you know who else might like to see the architecture here? That friend of yours, Matheu; you introduced us back in Sharn. Do you suppose we will run into him again sometime?"

[Jeff]

Team K

Unable to flee the constricting black cloud and the purple energy that pervades it, Kal and Streko continue to feel their minds grow slack. They can't even feel despair anymore...

At one point, Kal garners just enough strength to move. He reaches out for Streko, takes hold of the halfling, and tries to pull both of them away. But by then the darkness has overcome them both. They don't even feel the coins cushion them as they collapse.

-------------------------------------

● Kal's saving throw (1d20=9)
● Streko's saving throw: 1
● Dragon's "spell-breath" vs. Kal's Will defense: 36 (hit) / 12 psychic damage to Kal
● Dragon's "spell-breath" vs. Streko's Will defense: 32 (hit) / 12 psychic damage to Streko

● Kal's saving throw (1d20=10) (success)
● Streko's saving throw (1d20=2)
● Dragon's "spell-breath" vs. Kal's Will defense: 37 (hit) / 17 psychic damage to Kal
● Dragon's "spell-breath" vs. Streko's Will defense: 27 (hit) / 17 psychic damage to Streko

[Brian]

The first person he sees is a wealthy-looking merchant in fine clothing with gold trim. The man gives Condign a distasteful look, but seems polite enough. "I've not seen these friends you describe," he answers. "But then I am here to pay respects to Kol Korran. Which shrine would they be likely to visit?"

"I am sorry, my lord," Condign says with a slight bow. "I am unsure which deity to which they would pay homage, though Olladra could certainly be one. However, I believe they were seeking information about dragons, but I see many are depicted here." He gives a frustrated shake of his head. "Perhaps I should speak to a priest. I thank you, my lord, for your time."

Condign turns from the merchant and looks about for a priest. Or any indication of commotion in the temple.

[Darren]

As Kal sinks into unconsciousness, he smiles. Or, at least, he thinks he does. It's hard to tell whether or not his body is still obeying his commands. He hopes that perhaps some vision will come to him. Or maybe he will see Varna again. Either way, he feels no fear.

[Jeff]

Everyone

It takes a while for Condign to find a priest. When one does appear, the tiefling discovers that he's an elf, agreeable, if a little grim of demeanor (elves usually are, Condign has found). When he asks about his friends, the elf nods. "Two men of this description came here, seeking answers. I do not know if they found what they were looking for, but they were granted counsel with...a servant of the Wyrms Ascendant. I will see if I can locate them for you, sir."

With that, the elf disappears through a shadowed doorway, then returns a good ten minutes later. He looks a little paler. "Yes, I...can tell you precisely where to find them." He pauses, a little awkwardly. "The Jorasco Enclave, the house of healing. In Respite. They are well, I am told." He has no other answers to offer. He gestures toward the east, as if aware that Condign isn't from this city.

When Condign heads back outside to figure out what next, he sees the massive shape of Adamant approaching from the crowds. The warforged is wearing a tabard he didn't have before, but it looks a bit tattered. Just behind him is Belarin and Shorak. Both look a little bit of a mess.

In turn, Adamant, Belarin, and Shorak at last approach the Temple of the Sovereign Host. Outside, Rinti and a very agitated looking Tangat are lingering. Then Condign steps out of the entry.

Tangat instantly bolts toward them, barking. But he doesn't sound particularly merry. He looks upset.

[Dave W.]

Adamant tries to keep up the alert bodyguard pose, but is clearly impressed with the temple they're approaching.

When he sees Condign, his eye gems brighten and he almost calls to his sword-friend. Wait, no, I am Redoubt, does Redoubt know Condign? Hmmm, it would odd to ask Belarin… I mean Nerrin. Why is there a child petting Tangat?

When the dog bounds and barks towards them, Adamant looks to Condign, "Sir, could you control your animal? I do not know what he dislikes about my client… well, in truth I could suggest a quality or two… but in any case, we would like to approach the church unmolested."

[Ken]

Belarin looks up in surprise at the sight of Tangat and Condign. Tangat... without Kal? Not a good sign.

"Yes, indeed," says Belarin in Nerrin's nasal voice after Adamant speaks. "We don't need more problems." He limps up the stairs. Condign may notice that Nerrin's limp seems slightly more pronounced than it did when Belarin left the Merrow Down that morning. "As you might tell, we've already had a trying day. But YOU have also seen some difficulties, I suspect, judging from the look on your face. Does something trouble you?"

[Dave B.]

Shorak stays close to Nerrin/Belarin. Leaning in towards him, he says, "I believe the Lord we have an appointment with later travels with a dog and a Tiefling. Coincidence?"

He looks over at the girl. She seems familiar, but he has paid a number of street kids over the years. Her neat attire and clean face makes it difficult to tell right off if she is one of those he's done business with before.

[Brian]

Condign puts a hand on Tangat's head, trying to calm the hound. It takes him several seconds to bring the animal's behavior under control. After which, he looks carefully at the friends. They certainly look the worse for wear, and he senses a story behind their appearance. But for now, there are other priorities.

"My lords," he says respectfully. "I am afraid I do not have time for idle banter. Do any of you happen to know where the House Jorasco enclave is located. It appears my companions have been taken there, though I have been told they are well." Condign grimaces. "Which implies they were not at one point. If it is not too much trouble, could you lead me there? I would be most grateful."

[Ken]

"That does sound... worrisome," says Belarin/Nerrin, followed by a whispered "dammit." He turns to his companions, "Shorak, lead the way to the Jorasco enclave and let us reunite this fellow with his friends. Certainly, if we are talking about our prospective business partner, I would like to confirm his health."

[Dave B.]

"Yes Master Nerrin." Shorak turns to Condign. "If you will my Lord, I will guide you to the Jorasco enclave." He bows slightly and turns towards Respite. "Sorry, Redoubt. We'll have to come back later for your repairs."

[Dave W.]

"Don't worry on my account, Shorak, I'll just creak along."

"I've heard it said 'taint nothing but trouble trifling with tieflings. But it's been hours now since we've gotten ourselves in trouble so why not."

"I am called Redoubt, master tiefling as you've heard. I am master Nerrin's guard."

Redoubt tries to stay within arm's reach of Nerrin.