Chapter 13: A Ghostly Glow

[Jeff]

Larest has food sent up from the kitchens below for those who need it. It's more modest than what Rashade had served in his Shadowfell estate, but that could have been the elf's wealth, or perhaps the fact that real colorful, flavorful food in a tasteless and colorless world would seem richer.

Then the professor, gnome, half-elf girl, and minotaur all retire to their beds. Evidently their day had been exhausting, too, if not quite so filled with death spiders and wraiths as yours.

Histra waits for Belarin to choose a room. Fortunately, there are exactly enough beds for everyone—Adamant not requiring any.

---

Now passes the long rest until morning. Let me know if you're doing anything else. Otherwise we're moving on!

Everyone's at max hit points again! And you've each regained half your hit dice. For some of you, you've got them all back now. For others, you've got some now.

[Brian]

Ready to move on. Condign, in the morning, hopes to head to the bank with Streko, then maybe to the nearest Cannith enclave for a set of armor.

[Dave W.]

Adamant stands inert for four hours facing the entrance to the rooms.

Stirring, Adamant makes sure there is nothing flammable nearby. He picks up his new hammer and holds it in front of him. Focusing his will and with a prayer to his Lady, he whispers the word, "Syndra."

He continues to whisper to the flames that wrap the head of the weapon, "I can sense your presence. I feel your passion for violence. There will be violence, it is part of my purpose. But violence must serve a purpose. A purpose I choose, one that also brings glory to Dol Arrah."

"We will come to an understanding or I will see you destroyed. I swear this. Now sleep Syndra."

---

I'm assuming that all goes well...

I looked through DE Stats for Adamant, just a couple things.

• I'll need 3rd level spells to pick my loadout of spells.
• I think my spell DC is 15 not 14: 8 + your Charisma modifier (3) + your proficiency bonus (4)
• I also think my spell attack mod is +7 not +6: Charisma modifier (3) + your proficiency bonus (4)

Since Addy doesn't really sleep per se and only needs 4 hours, he'd obviously be available if someone wanted to talk of course.

But otherwise, yes, I'm ready to move on.

[Joe]

Streko partakes in the food Larest was kind enough to order, eating his fill before lying down in bed. Before he is aware of it, he is sound asleep.
_________________________________________________________

Moving on. I'm thinking I've got the spells I would like Streko to have prepared for our next outing, but I want to make sure with you first.

[Jeff]

Dave, sorry, I hadn't gotten to updating everything else. I have now, including Adamant's 3rd-level spell list. I'll work on getting the descriptions in place this week. For now, just use the book for reference on those. Note that he has Beacon of Hope (not normally a paladin spell) because of his Oath of Devotion and it's one of this auto-prepared spells. Now Adamant still can only prepare 7 spells per day, so choose wisely!

[Jeff]

Apr 23, 2016 21:57:57 GMT -4 Joe said:

Moving on. I'm thinking I've got the spells I would like Streko to have prepared for our next outing, but I want to make sure with you first.

Joe, oh, you already made your selections? You put the check marks in column for your spells? Note that you can prepare one more spell now at 9th level, so a total of 13. As before, the ones with the white checks in the black boxes are auto-prepared for you at all times. And I've added the 5th-level cleric spells on your list now. I'll add spell descriptions soon, so use the book for now. I strongly suggest you read through each one; some potent stuff there! Note that the Trickery domain has auto-prepped two wizardly spells normally not on the cleric list: Dominate Person and Modify Memory.

[Ken]

Belarin listens to the discussion and revelations. "Excellent job, all of you," he says. "I may need to chat with this Mazrath myself." There's little of Belarin's tell-tale mirth evident through his exhaustion.

He walks to his room and stands aside for Histra to enter first. "Good night, everyone."

[Jeff]

Morning dawns, and when it does those of you who needed sleep reep tremendous rewards. You awake with a sense of renewed power and purpose, if not in regards to the Eye but with the fate of the captive sphinxes. Your entire sojourn in Dolurrh feels for a moment just like a dark dream, because the morning is bright and colorful and it smells wonderful once you see the feast Larest has already ordered. You've barely seen the man sleep. An insomniac? 

Sem wakes late and sleepy-eyed, but he immediately returns to his notes. When enough of you have gathered around and eaten, he points to his updated list of rivals for the Eye. "I've used blue ink to indicate the Informed; remember, these are the ones who received clues from the sphinx. For all intents and purposes, assume each of those is ahead of us, for they've been on their scavenger hunt since the night of the gala. We didn't get started until later the following day, when Histra's family gave us their riddle."

He leaves out his list for any who wishes to see it.

---

	Pro	Con
Cannith	none, they're Cannith and we're not	cannot compete with their magical resources
Deneith	Kal is Deneith, has some level of trust with Deneith commander—is this still true?	much too strong to oppose; Kal is Deneith, conflict of interests
Kundarak	not as likely to travel out into the field	most influential house in city; most likely will ally with another house (maybe more than one)
Lyrandar	Morsha's fate unknown; has she any traction with house?	most mobile; possesses airships
Medani		detection is their trade (sneaky bastards)
Orien	some Orien heirs were attacked by Emerald Claw	house of PASSAGE, may have advantage on ground travel
Tharashk	Kal's girlfriend is Tharashk	house of FINDING
Vadalis		house handling, has beasts, may have advantage in dealings with sphinx; may have aerial beasts
Emerald Claw	Krez's judgement could be clouded by emotion?	most ruthless; most willing (and desiring) to kill us; vampire lord definitely does want to kill us, may try to use Lerrhana to track us
ir'Serells	not likely allied with anyone else; Histra is Belarin's lover	they're the ir'Serells!

---

Larest comes forward. "Tell me about the sphinx's mate. You know where she is?"

Starg listens in with interest.

Kal finds Rinti ready and attentive this morning, waiting like a squire to assist him.

[Darren]

Kal wakes up to find his arm strangely numb. Not fully awake, he rubs at it, trying to return sensation. Rolling over, he partially opens his eyes, then snaps them fully open and springs to an upright position, startling the sleeping Tangat at his feet. Kalarian stares in amazement at his forearm. Where once the blue dragonmark simply crawled up his forearm in a twisting pattern, he now finds that his entire forearm is covered in its intricate detail, the swirls extending up to his elbow. He turns his wrist back and forth, examining both sides of what used to be so familiar and is now so foreign, as if it weren't even his arm at all. There is so much I don't understand, even about myself, he thinks. Still, he smiles. The mark was a gift, and this cannot be a bad omen. He flexes his hand, already beginning to take comfort in the new design. As he dresses, he pushes his sleeves up in the familiar fashion of old, exposing the new mark to the world.

Returning to their shared room, Kal sits down and looks over Sem's list. He grimaces at the description of the half-orc from Tharashk, but otherwise nods in agreement with what the wizard has written. "Rinti, some breakfast? And then make sure you eat, as well."


"As I told you last night," Kal begins, "we did find Argushem's mate. She is being kept in a lighthouse here in Stormreach, and guarded by a medusa. She will not be easy to rescue, but we have already ventured through Dollurh to find her, so what's one more obstacle in our path?" Kal accepts the plate that Rinti brings him with an appreciative nod, then puts his feet up on the table and balances the plate on his lap. "As you say, Sem, we are behind in this hunt. Our one advantage may be the sphinxes. I think we should waste no time in freeing them."

[Jeff]

"Then that is what you must do first," Larest says. "The final part of our riddle, I think, we can handle. Sem and Starg and myself. Lady Histra, would you please join us as well?"

Histra looks conflicted. Belarin remembers that she is in the professor's employment for this expedition; it was in his service that Belarin first encountered—and battled—the necromancer.

Larest takes Kal aside when there is a pause and other conversations occupy the silence. "Lord Kalarian, will you take Rinti with you, or leave her elsewhere? We were fortunate she was kept from any real harm, but we are not especially equipped to protect one so fragile. I do not say that lightly, for I am no combatant. It is why I have arranged for other magic-users to surround me. They are not bodyguards but collectively we are a force to be reckoned with. Once we learn the location of the Eye, wherever it takes us, do you intend to bring the child?"

[Darren]

Kal thinks this through for a moment. "No," he says finally. "We are not an army. We are not equipped to have camp followers in our expedition. I believe the child must be left here in the city, as a retainer of House Deneith, and hopefully I will be able to return for her when we are through. If not, she will at least have food, shelter, and employment. I will speak with her about it before we leave. For now, she can remain here, in our rooms, until we leave the city."

[Brian]

Condign rolls his eyes. "Larest calls Histra 'lady' and no one says a word," he mutters. "I say it and everyone looks at me like I farted." He turns to Streko. "We have a trip to the bank to make, then to a shop where I can pick up a set of armor." He looks around. "Do we go as a group, or should Streko and I meet you back here?"

[Jeff]

Sem chuckles at Condign's comment. "When we're 'safely' on our way through the wilds of Xen'drik and we've got time to kill, I'll be happy to teach you Khorvairian etiquette. Histra is a lady of noble blood, you silly goose."

A thunderous boom outside and a sudden audible surge of rain reminds you that wherever you go, it's going to be very wet.

---

I'll let you guys discuss and sort out your actual plan for where the group goes next. I'm taking my cue from you all. Streko and Adamant need to choose their prepared spells for the day. You all have editing rights on the character sheets. I don't mind you touching that stuff at all. All I ask is that you let me track hit points, XP, and even spell slots expended so there's no risk of us overlapping these alterations.

So once you're clear on where you're going, and with whom, you tell me.

[Dave W.]

When the sun rises, Adamant moves to a window and quietly chants a welcome to his Lady's light.

As people gather he wishes them each a bright morning. "There is an errand I would like to run this morning if an hour can be spared. I would very much like to visit the Temple and thank the Host for our return and make a special request of my own. If that is not possible, I can write out instructions."

"While we are preparing for the day, may I ask if any of us can return stone to flesh? It would be a useful spell to carry in our battle today. I am going to carry a good deal of spells that add holy energy to our attacks. I also have been trusted my agents of my Lady with the power to bring one of us back from death, if it can be done quickly."

"Also I have examined this hammer. I know now how to draw it's power."

---

I think I have spells picked. I'm assuming remove curse won't fix being turned to stone...

[Dave B.]

Shorak fills a plate with food. His clothes are now clean and dry. His smile has returned to his face and his relaxed demeanor has been restored. The relief of being back in Stormreach is palpable. "If I might make a suggestion? Perhaps we should take care of individual errands, one being stocking up on some healing potions. I can take us to a vendor who supplies such items. Then meet here or somewhere else to venture forth to the harbor. I for one would like to investigate the fate of the Merrow Down before we try laying siege to the lighthouse." Shorak waits for the discussion and planning to commence as he starts stuffing his face with his usual relish.

[Ken]

Belarin emerges from the room with Histra. His clothes, hair, and posture suggest that he feels refreshed, but his pale complexion gives evidence to the contrary. It doesn't look like he slept particularly well.

As Sem goes over their information and Larest requests Histra's presence, Belarin turns to her and whispers, "It's all right. I'll meet you back here." He gives her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Addressing the group, he says, "I hope Nerrin's map has made it into the appropriate hands, or else my whole scheme was for naught. In any event, I agree that the Kundaraks won't move on their own. Based on my chats with them as Nerrin, they're very prudent -- they won't jump into this unless they have good information and a worthwhile ally.

"As for where to go, I agree with Shorak. We need to find out what happened to Morsha and the Merrow Down. Not only has Morsha been good to us, she's a rogue Lyrander," he continues. "I hate to sound, well, mercenary about this, but if Krez has gotten a hold of her... that's another powerful card in his already-impressive deck."

[Joe]

Streko rises, slowly and painfully reliving the excesses of the past few days, yet feeling whole of spirit. Olladra has granted him access to her divine wisdom again and he is ready to start the new day, after some breakfast and greetings to his loved ones.

After meeting each of his friends in turn and shaking their hands (including Tangat's), he quickly eats his fill and, ready to go, slips into his handy haversack. He walks over to Condign, a slight spring in his step, and smiles warmly at the Tiefling. "I shall also need to stop off at a supply store to pick up some components, if we may. Bank first, however. I dislike carrying so much loose change."
__________________________________________

Spells chosen. Ready to go with Condign.

[Jeff]

Adamant is unable to see the sunrise, or any sign of the sun. But unlike in Dolurrh, he can feel its presence in the east behind the stormclouds.

Larest, Sem, and Starg gather their supplies. You notice each of them has a new cloak, one that seems particularly designed to help keep water out. Larest clears his throat. "The rain isn't going to stop, so there's no point in waiting for it. Best to find this third clue. If we're fortunate, by the time you return from the Lighthouse we'll have more information."

Rinti gets herself ready, dagger tucked on her back. "I'm ready for adventure!"

---

One note, guys: ashlock.proboards.com/post/26222/thread

[Brian]

Condign nods to Streko. To the others, he says, "We will meet you back here as soon as possible."

With Streko in tow, he goes to leave the room, but stops at the door.

"Shorak," he says. "Where exactly is the bank?"

_____________________________________

Edited based on Jeff's comments in Chapter 13 Q&A

[Dave B.]

"Oh, Histra," Shorak calls to the necromancer, while pulling something from within the folds of his cloak. "Here. I pulled this off the body of the undead Sahaugin wizard after the battle on the beach." Shorak hands her the bracelet he found. "It is magical and may be of use to you. If not, I can always sell it." He finishes eating and readies himself. The cloak he wears is well suited to the often damp weather of Stormreach and looks like it will serve well enough, but possibly not as well in this storm.

Turning towards Condign, Shorak begins giving him instructions on how to find the bank and where he would best find a new suit of armor. "You may wish to do the armor first. It will have to be fitted, so you can go to the bank while they are making the adjustments."

Shorak walks over to Adamant. "I will go with you. I can easily lead you to the temple and purchase the potions while you pray and meditate."

I assume Shorak can use his letter of credit to purchase some healing potions or does he need to make a trip to the bank as well? I'm assuming that he can purchase healing potions from the temple or that there would be a vendor close enough to the temple.

[Jeff]

Histra accepts the bracelet, though warily. "I will examine it when I have a chance," she says with a terse smile, the closest thing to a "thank you" Shorak thinks he'll get from her.

Although very specific directions are hard to give in such a tangled and irregularly proportioned city, Shorak is able to direct Condign and Streko to two places:

• The Forgelight district, situated northwest of Cross (the district Dannel's Pride is in), the place to seek out arms and armor (most licensed by House Cannith to ensure fine quality) and mercenaries (the Deneith enclave is there as well). There they can ask directions to the easily-found Stormreach Forge, a seller of both weapons and armor.
• Marketplace, which is an adjacent district to Cross. While going to the district of Silverwall and the Kundarak enclave for banking is always the most sure, there is a Kundarak outpost within Marketplace that can handle banking needs, though typically in smaller amounts. Only the enclave has access to the magical vaults so the dwarves keep fewer funds at the outpost. Still, it is closer by. Shorak has also heard about a smithy within the Marketplace called Black Iron—run by a family of half-giants—who might also sell armor. Condign and Streko would have to ask for better directions once in the district.

---

Dave, which letter of credit do you mean?

[Ken]

Belarin shrugs and says, "If we're not going directly to the docks just yet, then I'll go with Streko and Condign. I wouldn't mind a visit to the bank, either. I still enjoy the novelty of putting things INTO a bank instead of taking them out."

[Brian]

Condign thanks Shorak. To Streko and Belarin, he says, "I would like to make for the marketplace district first, maybe find this half-giant smithy. Then we can visit the bank outpost. If neither place works out, we will make for Forgelight and the armory there. The main bank might have to come last."

"Be careful," he says to the others. "People here would still like to see us dead."

With a curt gesture, he leads Belarin and Streko out of the room.

[Darren]

Kal holds up a hand. "We should avoid splitting up too much. Remember, people are still out to kill us. Let us travel together, and when our errands are finished, we can scout the docks and the lighthouse before returning here to re-group and finalize our plan. Rinti, you may come with us to the bank, the armorer, and the temple. We will speak along the way."

Carefully, avoiding touching it directly, Kal removes the eye amulet from his pack. "Sem, when you have time, you might want to examine this. Be careful, though. I believe it may carry a curse."

_________________________
I assume the lighthouse in question would be somewhere near the docks where the Merrow Down is/was?

[Joe]

Apr 27, 2016 10:21:25 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal holds up a hand. "We should avoid splitting up too much. Remember, people are still out to kill us. Let us travel together, and when our errands are finished, we can scout the docks and the lighthouse before returning here to re-group and finalize our plan. Rinti, you may come with us to the bank, the armorer, and the temple. We will speak along the way."

"I agree with Kalarian. No more splitting up. Each time we have done so has brought about dire consequences. We shall travel together. This is good. Perhaps, Shorak, you can guide us to a place where we may find more weather-suitable clothing as well. When my robes get wet, I put on another five pounds it seems. Not to mention this chain armor. And my haversack. Gah!! Let's get on with this before I again find myself saddened and morose. Halflings are known for their good humor, not their sanguinity. Is that a word, Belarin?"

[Brian]

"Very well," says Condign. "We shall all go. It makes sense, given our recent run-ins with the Emerald Claw."

_______________________________________________

If no one objects, I say we get this thing moving.

[Jeff]

As your gather yourselves into one group, Larest, Sem, and Starg begin to ready themselves. You know that Sem carries a dagger and Larest a rapier, but somehow they look rather frail. Even Starg somehow; despite the fact that he towers over everyone, his age is apparent. Has his fur become even more white-flecked?

Perhaps it is your recent battles that makes you feel harder and better-equipped for conflict. Although all three of them are magic-users of some variety, as far as you know they're all scholars. Starg is a greater mystery. He still carries no obvious weapons. You've only seen him wield an orb and spatial magic.

"When you return," Larest says, "we may not be back yet. I don't regard our errand as particularly perilous—we're looking for a stone only in a pile of rocks, if Sem is correct—but there are many agencies out there right now in rivalry. We must all be careful. Good luck."

[Dave W.]

"Very well, we go as a group." Adamant shrugs his pack and shield to his back. He picks up the hammer and gives it a look as though searching for something hidden. He secures it in his belt.

"To the armorer first then?"

---

ready to step out when everyone else is...

[Jeff]

Carefully, avoiding touching it directly, Kal removes the eye amulet from his pack. "Sem, when you have time, you might want to examine this. Be careful, though. I believe it may carry a curse."

"Wonderful," the gnome answers. "I love curses." He makes a mock you're crazy face and stows the talisman away after receiving it and wrapping it in a handkerchief.

Rinti is obviously pleased to not be left behind. She pulls her hood on and stands beside Kal and Tangat.

[Brian]

"Everyone stay together." Condign gestures for Shorak to join him in the front, and he leads them out of the Inn and into the rain.