Chapter 14: A Cloud of Fear

[Brian]

Hearing Adamant's comments and noticing his too obvious efforts at hanging back, Melethos moves to stand next to the warforged.

"Remember," the tiefling says, keeping his voice low. "No going off on your own. We will attend to the sword after we are finished here." He pauses. "I understand your mission is important to you, and we will see it completed. But we will do it together. Are we clear on this?"

[Ken]

Belarin looks around in wonder. Although this area is indeed very different than the fields of his training as a warlock, there's a naturalness to it that triggers many memories of his time with the fey, mostly good ones.

"Call me Belarin," he says to Kruthor, bowing his head and gently flourishing his fey cloak. "Thank you for receiving us." He introduces the rest of the party, although he realizes in the middle that he doesn't know the names of the two Blademarks. He's sure he heard their names, but visions of Histra, wine, muffins, death, bloody red caps, and Histra were competing for his attention at the time. He wraps up his introductions with "...and these two fine Blademarks, currently in Kalarian's service and acting as bodyguards. These are troubling times, as you know, sir."

[Dave B.]

Shorak looks mockingly askance at Kal. "Secrets? Why, you only need to ask. I may not divulge much about myself, but then, none of you have really shown much curiosity about me."

Shorak regards the half-elf, "Shorak." He says, correcting him and offering a casual, but friendly salute. "Tallis, isn't it? You were the life of the gala, if memory serves correctly."

When introduced to Kruthor, Shorak bows slightly and offers one of the more respectful greetings his father taught him, for addressing an elder of the Giants.

[Jeff]

Aug 19, 2017 22:11:21 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

Shorak looks mockingly askance at Kal. "Secrets? Why, you only need to ask. I may not divulge much about myself, but then, none of you have really shown much curiosity about me."

Shorak regards the half-elf, "Shorak." He says, correcting him and offering a casual, but friendly salute. "Tallis, isn't it? You were the life of the gala, if memory serves correctly."

"I sure hope only your memory serves, Shorak," Tallis answers. "But if you ask me, that grandstanding party already had too much life already. I daresay it may even have had some additional unlife that, well, needed addressing. I only regret I couldn't have stayed longer, and done more damage." He shrugs, but he reaches out and clasps Shorak's hand as a warrior might. "I am glad you left unscathed, Shorak. But I didn't realize you were...freelancing?...for House Deneith?" The half-elf's expressions darkens some as he eyes Kal and the Blademarks.

Aug 18, 2017 16:03:28 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal spreads his arms wide and nods his head deeply, not quite a bow but definitely a show of respect, to Kruthor. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kruthor. Llash-Tava sends her regards and speaks highly of you. It will no doubt bring you joy to know that she is well, and by now I have no doubt that she and Argushem are reunited. I am Kalarian d'Deneith." Kalarian waits to see how Kruthor receives the information about Llash-Tava before continuing.

Aug 19, 2017 17:36:46 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Call me Belarin," he says to Kruthor, bowing his head and gently flourishing his fey cloak. "Thank you for receiving us." He introduces the rest of the party, although he realizes in the middle that he doesn't know the names of the two Blademarks. He's sure he heard their names, but visions of Histra, wine, muffins, death, bloody red caps, and Histra were competing for his attention at the time. He wraps up his introductions with "...and these two fine Blademarks, currently in Kalarian's service and acting as bodyguards. These are troubling times, as you know, sir."

As Belarin introduces each person, you can see Tallis mouthing the names, as though trying to commit them to memory. The grizzled man beside him has no reaction, however, except his omnipresent vigilant one. There's no question in your mind that this man was a career soldier. Tallis is a bit harder to classify. He looks relaxed and easygoing.

Aug 19, 2017 22:11:21 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

When introduced to Kruthor, Shorak bows slightly and offers one of the more respectful greetings his father taught him, for addressing an elder of the Giants.

Kruthor bows his head in turn. And when Belarin has finished speaking, the old hill giant looks back to Kal. "There is no need to speak to me like a statesman, Kalarian. Llash-Tava said none of those things to you, except to seek me out, yes? Please, speak plainly here, and simply, and I shall do the same." His words come out slowly and evenly, as though he think through each word first. "What else do you seek?"

[Dave W.]

Aug 19, 2017 10:07:54 GMT -4 Brian said:

Hearing Adamant's comments and noticing his too obvious efforts at hanging back, Melethos moves to stand next to the warforged.

"Remember," the tiefling says, keeping his voice low. "No going off on your own. We will attend to the sword after we are finished here." He pauses. "I understand your mission is important to you, and we will see it completed. But we will do it together. Are we clear on this?"

"It isn't that... or not entirely. Returning the sword is important. And I am sorry for deceiving you yesterday."

"But other teams are setting out. And fighting over transportation. I'm afraid we are falling behind and the... the item... can't fall into the wrong hands."

"I am suddenly impatient."

[Brian]

Melethos gazes into Adamant's gentle eyes, if brittle gems could be considered gentle. The warforged--a creation of man and not god, someone the tielfing had loathed when they had first met, back when he had been known as Condign--displayed more courage than most men Melethos had encountered. A man, he now realizes, who is more an embodiment of honor than he.

Melethos plucks a bit of lint from the warforged's plated armor. "Know this, my friend. As one, we will see your task completed. I understand you chaff at the delay--we are all of us impatient, at times--but events must happen in due course. Your god, I am sure, would understand. Greshnazza would understand. Be patient, and we will see your task done." He reaches out a hand. "Come, let us introduce ourselves. Brothers in arms; brothers in honor."

Melethos guides Adamant to the front of the group. "My lord," he says to Kruthor, "my name is Melethos. And this fine fellow is my friend. His name is Adamant. A more noble person, you will not find."

Th battle master bows at the waist, and will an encouraging push, sends Adamant forward.

[Jeff]

Tallis watches the exchange between Melethos and Adamant with some curiosity. When the tiefling reintroduces himself and Adamant to Kruthor, the half-elf winces but it ends with a faint smile. Then Tallis gestures towards the as-yet unnamed human beside him.

"My talkative compatriot here is called Thul," he says. "A more stalwart person, you will not find. But please, for all our sake's, please do not call him 'lord,' nor I. We are men of action, but of lowly blood indeed." At this point, it's clear to Belarin, Streko, and Kal that Tallis bears a slight Karrnathi accent.

Thul looks to your group as a whole and merely nods his greeting.

Then Tallis looks to Kruthor and Kal.

---

Kruthor awaits Kal's response to his question.

[Dave B.]

Shorak actually laughs out loud at Tallis' comment. "No, I do not work for Kal. Although we have fought side by side, so I do have much respect for him, despite his noble bearing." He throws a wink Kal's way.

[Darren]

Kal smiles and even chuckles at Kruthor's straightforward response. His posture relaxes. "It is so good to hear you say that, Kruthor," he exhales. "Truly. We have been from one nightmare to the next and it is nice to be in a place where it doesn't feel like someone is going to poison us, or stick a knife in our backs, or just drop us in a deep hole and forget we ever existed. It's..." Kal searches for the word, then decides on, "refreshing."

With a questioning glance at Kruthor, Kal gestures to a nearby rock, and when the giant nods, Kal takes a seat. "No," he continues, "Llash-Tava did not say those words exactly, but she did say that she knows you by name and that you, alone, are one that she trusts. I would say that is high praise coming from someone like her, wouldn't you?" Kal smiles. "So, the point then." Kal pauses and glances behind him, then turning back to Kruthor he says, "Ah, would you give me one moment?" Rising, Kal turns and moves close to the two Blademarks. "Would you gentlemen mind waiting just over there?" he asks, pointing to a spot further from the clearing, out of easy earshot of their conversation. Although he asks it as a question, it is clear that it is meant as an order, and once the two soldiers obey (I'm assuming they will), Kal takes his seat back in front of Kruthor. "Apologies, my friend, but despite what you say, statescraft never quite leaves us. While I am proud of my House, I would not have our conversation reach Lord Greigur before I wish it to be so." Kal gives a meaningful look at Kruthor as well as the men on either side of him, certain that they take his meaning. "Now, as you say, we are here because we seek the Eye of Azalar, just like every other highborn tw@t and low-life piece of shit in this city. The difference is," Kal leans forward with a grin, "we stopped to rescue a sphinx on our way to do it. Went all the damn way to Dollurh to find her. Hell and back, gentlemen, I shit you not. I'd say that makes us a bit different than all the rest of them. Puts our priorities in a different light, if you know what I mean?"


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Ha! ProBoards keeps changing the word above to "thingy" instead of allowing me to type it. They're funny....

[Jeff]

The Blademarks obey Kal's request and move well beyond the clearing's edge, idling watchfully.

Kruthor listens to the dragonmarked heir patiently, though his comprehension of the Common tongue seems strained when Kal uses certain colorful words. Then after the hill giant contemplates in silence, he clears his throat and speaks again. "I understand what you forwent in releasing her. I do not need to hear what reasons brought you to this city and its maddening race. Though the quest for the Eye of Azalar will carry many men into the grave." He shakes his head slowly, sadly. One of the birds on his staff springs off its perch and flits away.

"An unfettered Llash-Tava sent you to me," he says to your party, "and that is enough for me."

"As is the honor of the one who sent you here." Kruthor turns and places a massive hand lightly on Tallis's shoulder, and it weighs down on him a bit. The half-elf grins and weathers the friendly gesture before the elder hill giant removes it again.

Addressing all, Kruthor goes on. "Therefore through me the good will of Ahra-Thura shall aid you. That is to say, the Dragon Between, as the diminutive people call her. Eberron herself. A common sacrifice unites you. Though you seek the Eye for different purposes, you would destroy it before you would surrender it to malevolence, or to the many who serve—whether they know it or not—the wills of Ahra-Turash. The Dragon Below."

"Is this so?" he then asks, seeking confirmation from all.

"You are correct, Kruthor," Tallis says quite seriously.

Thul nods gravely, saying nothing.

Starg bows his head and says, "That is so."

[Brian]

"Yes, that is so," Melethos says with a respectful bow.

[Darren]

Again, Kal casts a glance over his shoulder, making sure the distant Blademarks cannot hear. "Without question," he replies to Kruthor.

[Jeff]

At around this time, in his head, Kal hears the telepathic voice of Larest speaking to him through the ring he wears.

Take caution, Lord Kalarian. The Stormreach Guard are out in force in the city streets, as is the Iron Watch. I do not think they ever venture out to the Tents. But I suspect the Coin Lords are searching for you. Sem Darlesh and I do not seem to be drawing any attention. We have safely reached the Citadel of the Twelve. Assure Adamant that our first stop will be the House Thuranni office.

[Dave W.]

Just going to put in a bit of color here going back to Brian's post...

Aug 20, 2017 20:54:49 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos guides Adamant to the front of the group. "My lord," he says to Kruthor, "my name is Melethos. And this fine fellow is my friend. His name is Adamant. A more noble person, you will not find."

Th battle master bows at the waist, and will an encouraging push, sends Adamant forward.

Adamant doesn't resist the tiefling's guiding hand. "Oh, you give me too much credit, my friend." Adamant says with a bow. "A simple warrior in the service of Dol Arrah, but yes, I am Adamant."

The warforged bows at the prompting of his friend, "A pleasure to meet you all."

Adamant turns as though to retreat back to the rear of the group, but catches Melethos' eye and stops. He moves forward to stand between the two campfires and forces himself to appear relaxed.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled program, already in progress...

[Joe]

Streko listens as Tallis speaks, then Kal and Kruthor discuss recent history, followed by the Hill Giant's proclamations and questions regarding, in Streko's mind, character.

He quietly steps up to Kalarian and speaks softly. "Tallis speaks with a Karnathi flavor. I wonder if he is friend or foe? Kruthor's question makes such a determination even more difficult, but perhaps crucial to know." He slowly slips away from Kal, having imparted the information he wished to, and shuffles over to Melethos. Again, Streko speaks softly, hoping the helf-elf can't hear him, or is even attempting to.

"Our half-elf adversary, Tallis, is either from Karnath or spent much time there. I'm not sure how that helps us, if at all, but perhaps we should determine if he is someone whom we can trust, versus someone we must treat negatively."

[Dave B.]

"Oh, most definitely so!" Shorak says in Drow/Giant. Nodding his agreement for emphasis.

[Jeff]

Kruthor looks at Streko, tracking his movements. "Does what I say not apply to you, little one? Have I hoped wrongly?"

Kal also has a slight Karrnathi accent, though it is tempered by his dragonmarked, aristocratic upbringing. ...

[Jeff]

Belarin, Adamant, and Streko have yet to reply to Kruthor. That's all I'm waiting on.

Aug 21, 2017 8:51:55 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Addressing all, Kruthor goes on. "Therefore through me the good will of Ahra-Thura shall aid you. That is to say, the Dragon Between, as the diminutive people call her. Eberron herself. A common sacrifice unites you. Though you seek the Eye for different purposes, you would destroy it before you would surrender it to malevolence, or to the many who serve—whether they know it or not—the wills of Ahra-Turash. The Dragon Below."

"Is this so?" he then asks, seeking confirmation from all.

[Dave W.]

When Kruthor calls out Streko for an answer, Adamant also replies, "My apologies, I did not realize you needed a reply from each of us. You are correct, I seek the Eye and I would wish it destroyed. It is too powerful a thing for any mortal hands, including these." The warforged raises his thick three-fingered hands.

[Ken]

"Absolutely," says Belarin. "This plane has enough insanity on it already. I don't wish to see anyone using the Eye to add to the madness. It's better off destroyed."

[Joe]

"I, too, was unsure as to whether you wanted an answer from each of us, or if you were only directing your question to Kalarian. As an answer, let me say that I have advocated for the Eye's destruction from the moment I heard of its existence. Such a thing must not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. At any cost. There is far too much danger posed by this device. So, yes, I agree with my fellow companions and with you, Kruthor. The Dragon Below, and its numerous servants, either knowing or unknowing, must not be allowed to obtain the Eye."

[Jeff]

Kruthor nods. "That is good to hear. The ones who sent you to me"—he looks at Tallis first, then at Kal—"speak to your character."

The hill giant raises his arms toward the swirling, stormy sky, lifting his staff, and the remaining birds at the top of the beech trunk that is his implement take immediate flight. "The Eye is very much real, and it has never been in greater danger than now from theft—for one has returned to Stormreach who wants it to be found and knows where it is."

"Her name is Nephelee. She is the heir to a broken empire of cloud giants, and she has tried in vain to reestablish the glory of elder days. Days that have passed. Days that have rightfully passed. The might of my ancestors, and those of all giant-kind, should never arise again." Kruthor says these words gravely. "But not all agree. Indeed, not enough of the giants that live now do."

Shorak recalls all too well the fire giants that the Sulatar drow allied with. Those most hostile to the smaller races are those who still believe themselves superior and would dominate the world again if they could.

"Nephelee is all that remains of her cruel family. And when they were defeated centuries ago, she was exiled. She and the royal keep she refused to abandon were...discorporated." Kruthor gestures again toward the sky, and vapor gathered around his staff, forming a small cloud. "But it returns from time to time, ever in a different place—like Gerhest, which was once the seat of her family's empire. Nephelee cannot escape her prison by her own power, but she wants the Eye of Azalar to be found. It was her people's greatest treasure. Therefore all who can reach her in her cloud-keep she will aid. The more she sends on their way, the sooner the Eye will surface again. I think she believes she will reclaim it eventually, but it must be freed from Gerhest first."

Tallis blows out a whistle. "So that's the source of this relentless storm? A cloud giantess and her castle?"

"Yes," Kruthor says. "I do not know how long it will endure. But I do know a way to disperse it again. It cannot be done from down here. And so I will have six of you, maybe as many as seven, carried up to her." The hill giant smiles. "To speak with Nephelee, to learn what you can, and then to end this storm before this city is overrun by those that would see it drowned. Will you do this?"

Again he is addressing all of you.

Tallis and his companion, Thul, immediately exchange a look you can't quite interpret. "Yes, absolutely," the half-elf says. "I ask only that my friend, Thul, be one of the six. Or seven."

Thul opens his mouth in protest, but Tallis holds up a hand to silence his companion. "Just a moment, Kruthor, if you will." The two Karrns—for Thul must be Karrnathi as well—walk a few paces away and speak quietly with one another.

---

A bit of meta speak on my part now: Now that you've followed Llash-Tava's advice to seek out Kruthor and are being presented with another quest hook, the last bit of Llash-Tava-based XP will drop. See other upcoming posts in other threads about that. If you guys accept Kruthor's quest, there will still be a short wait period first here at the Tents of Rushemé in which you can take a short rest, benefit from the XP, and you'll even be able to follow Adamant's mini-quest of seeking out Greshnaza's sister (you'll see) first.

[Brian]

Seeing Tallis and Thul move away from the party, Melethos gestures to the others. "We will take a moment," he says to Kruthor. "This needs to be discussed before we give answer."

Melethos leads them a short distance away but well out of ear shot. "It looks like we have another choice to make. For me, I say we go. This city cannot withstand more of the storm, and if we can stop it, many would be saved who would otherwise perish. What do each of you say?" He glances at Aven. "I know you wish to stay in Stormreach. I would not ask you to make this journey."

[Jeff]

Aven looks to Melethos, then to Adamant. "I should not be counted in this. I do not think it is where I should be, especially with a limited number at hand. Besides, I am very heavy."

In his mind, Kal feels the link between himself and Tangat plucked by some sort of anxiety on the dog's part. But he doesn't think Tangat is in danger; there is a measure of play in the dog's mood. And mischief. It's hard to tell what he's up to.

[Darren]

"Terrific," Kal says silently to Larest. "Be careful. And thanks for the warning."

Kal moves away with the rest when Melethos motions for them to do so. "Larest says we're being sought out," he tells the group. "It might be best for us to get away from the city as quickly as possible. As far as this," he waves towards Kruthor, "I have concerns. This does not appear to be new information. So many of our foes are already in the skies, so it is likely that they already know of this Nephelee. Meanwhile, we are asked to take on another quest which will put us further behind in the search." Kal shakes his head. "I don't know my friends. What good is it to save Stormreach if the rest of the world falls because someone else finds the Eye before us?"

[Dave W.]

"I disagree Kal," Adamant replies, "Ignore the good we will do for the city. It doesn't matter who before us has the information. We need to see this Nephelee and get the location for ourselves. That is clear."

"If we can dis-corpo... de-corp... dispell her by the means Kruthor will provide, we remove her as a source of information for those that are behind us. That alone would be useful."

"If she is plotting somehow for the Quest to end with the Eye in her hands we may also remove that unpleasant outcome entirely."

"In any event do we have another way to move forward? One that requires less time than this? Time is a weight on me like I have never experienced before."

"I would certainly want to go, if that is the consensus... though the thought is terrifying."

Turning to Aven, Adamant grips his shoulder, "You have gone further already than we have any right to ask. Will you be here when we return?"

[Jeff]

As you discuss things, you see the two Karrns finish their own brief discussion. The human, Thul, just looks on with arms crossed, waiting sternly. Tallis idles near Kruthor, making small talk, but looks like he intents to speak with your party again.

[Ken]

"Kal," says Belarin, "we're already behind in this race... assuming we run it the same way that most of our rivals are. Everything we've done lately has been to find a shortcut - it's the only way to win at this point." He shrugs. "The location of Gerhest is unknown. That hasn't changed. I say we tackle our giant rainmaker. I know you don't think much of my opinion these days - understandably - but there it is."

[Joe]

Streko nods his head and then chuckles. "It seems we are forever doomed to tempt fate, but then, isn't that our calling? I do not know which journey will be quicker, but I do know that we will have to use trickery, legerdemain and outright lie if we are to get the information from the Storm Giantess. She wants the eye for herself. If she gives us the information, we will have to eliminate her eventually as well. Do we have any other way of obtaining the information? We are hunted within the city and we have no other clue as to which direction to take in order to find the eye. Llash-Tava knew this and sent us here. It seems only right that we continue this path and see it to its end...much as I dislike heights. I say we continue, unless someone knows something that I don't."

[Darren]

Kal listens stone-faced. "And you, Melethos? I would hear your mind on this."